As the New Year dawns, it's the perfect moment to declutter and revitalise, not just your habits but also your beauty collection. Out with the old, unused items lurking in your makeup bag, and in with a curated selection of high-performing, elevated essentials. The year 2026 presents a gorgeous fresh slate to upgrade your basics and invest in pieces that truly work for you.
The Cult-Favourite Starter Kit
If you're chasing a quick, glowy, and uncomplicated five-minute face routine, the answer lies with Merit. This brand has achieved cult status for its long-lasting, dewy formulas. For those yet to try it, The Intro Set at $187 is the ideal starting point.
This comprehensive kit includes a Bronze Balm, a Blending Brush, a best-selling Flush Balm, and a Complexion Stick. It provides everything needed to create a natural yet polished look from home. The Flush Balm, with its light, balmy finish and enduring glow, is a particular standout, perfect for creating anything from a barely-there look to something more striking.
The New Gold Standard in Foundation
Making significant waves in the beauty world is one of Victoria Beckham's latest innovations: the Foundation Drops with TFC8, priced at $110. Hailed as a new gold standard for skin-first foundation, it offers breathable, serum-light coverage with a buildable, natural finish.
The secret lies in the inclusion of famed skin therapist Augustinus Bader's TFC8, a breakthrough complex known for rejuvenating skin cells. This minimalist formula melts effortlessly into the skin, providing instant perfection while its proprietary skincare actives work to improve your complexion over time. With over 1,000 glowing reviews, devotees praise it as both skincare and makeup, ideal for days when you desire light yet long-lasting coverage.
The Ultimate On-The-Go Multitasker
For a harmonious, put-together look with minimal effort, Trinny London's Trinity is a standout do-it-all product. Priced at $68, this clever stick is the ultimate multitasker for lips, cheeks, and eyes.
Its dual-ended design features one side with a glow finish and the other with a creamy matte finish. Both provide blendable, buildable, and silky-soft formulas. It's the perfect item to toss in your handbag for touch-ups on the go. With several wear-everywhere shades available, you can find your perfect match via the Trinny London website, which recommends products based on your hair, eye, and skin colour.
Investing in these refined essentials means spending your hard-earned cash on products that deliver performance and simplify your routine. As we step into 2026, it's time to embrace a curated, effective approach to beauty.
