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New Year, New Me: Beauty & Self-Care Essentials We’ve Tried and Loved

8 MIN READ • 7th January 2026

From skincare to sleep tools – we've curated this wide-ranging roundup to help you look and feel your best in 2026

A new year is the perfect time to revisit your self-care routine, not just adding products for the sake of it but choosing things that genuinely make a difference. Over the past few weeks, we’ve tested a range of beauty and self-care products that elevate everyday routines, bring little moments of indulgence, and genuinely work. From skincare and haircare to oral hygiene and sleep tools, these are the products we kept reaching for again and again.

If you want to kickstart 2026 feeling nurtured, confident, and glowing, here’s what made our top list.

One Tribe – Day & Night Creams

One Tribe Day & Night Creams

We’ve been testing these creams for a few weeks, and they quickly became a staple in our routine. The Day Cream felt lightweight yet nourishing, absorbing smoothly into the skin and leaving it soft without any greasy residue. It’s perfect for layering under makeup or wearing on its own, and we noticed our skin felt more hydrated and even-toned after consistent use.

The Night Cream felt like a true treat, richer and more restorative; it gave a real sense of pampering at the end of a long day. We loved the ritual of applying it before bed; our skin felt calmer, plumper, and visibly smoother the next morning. What stood out most was how balanced the formulations are – effective without being heavy or irritating. Together, they’ve helped us feel more intentional about daily skincare and genuinely see results.

Best for: Hydration, nourishment, and soft, healthy-looking skin
Buy yours HERE

Longevity – Sleep Tape

Longevity Sleep Tape

Sleep is one of the most underrated parts of self-care, and this sleep tape became a surprisingly effective tool. Comfortable to wear and easy to apply, it helped us relax into a deeper, more restful sleep. We noticed mornings felt fresher and less groggy, which had a direct effect on mood, focus, and energy.

What impressed us most was how simple yet impactful it felt. It’s a small addition to a routine, but over time, the improvement in sleep quality was noticeable. For anyone wanting to support better nights without complicated gadgets or supplements, this tape is a subtle but effective solution.

Best for: Restful sleep and energised mornings
Buy yours HERE

XL Luxe Shower Wrap

XL Luxe Shower Wrap

We didn’t expect a shower wrap to make much of a difference, but the XL Luxe Shower Wrap genuinely changed how we manage styled hair at home. It’s surprisingly comfortable to wear, lightweight, and stays securely in place without feeling tight or pulling on the hair. During our tests, it kept our hair protected from steam and humidity, which meant less frizz and flatter roots than usual, something we noticed immediately after stepping out of the shower.

What impressed us most was how practical it feels for everyday use. It’s big enough to cover longer or thicker hair, which is often the problem with standard shower caps, and it’s easy to adjust so you can wear it without fuss. Over the course of a few weeks, it saved time on styling and reduced the number of hair washes we needed, which made mornings feel smoother and less stressful.

This wrap is now a permanent part of our bathroom routine. It’s a small change that delivers consistent results, perfect if you want to protect your hair and keep it looking fresh without extra effort.

Best for: Protecting styled hair and keeping it looking fresh
Buy yours HERE

Fussy Deodorant

Fussy Deodorant

Finding a deodorant that actually works, feels gentle, and doesn’t irritate your skin is harder than it should be, but Fussy Deodorant genuinely delivered on all fronts. We tested it over several weeks, across different temperatures and activity levels, and it consistently kept us feeling fresh without any sticky residue, white marks, or discomfort. The texture glides on smoothly, absorbs quickly, and feels soft on the skin, which instantly made mornings feel less of a hassle.

One of the standout features for us was the subscription model. Setting it up was straightforward, and we loved how convenient it is to have a fresh deodorant delivered right when you need it – no last-minute panic or running out. It’s also easy to adjust or pause, which makes it feel flexible for your routine.

The subtle, natural scent is another bonus: it’s never overpowering, just a quiet lift to your daily ritual. Over time, we noticed it kept odour at bay for longer than most deodorants we’ve tried, making it a reliable staple for everyday life. For anyone who wants effective, gentle protection with the added ease of a subscription, this is a product we’d happily keep on repeat.

Best for: Gentle, effective daily deodorant with subscription convenience
Buy yours HERE

Napiers – Lip Balm

Napiers Lip Balm

This lip balm quickly became one of those products we reach for multiple times a day. It’s neither sticky nor greasy but delivers serious moisture, making lips feel soft and protected even in colder, drier months. We particularly noticed how long-lasting it is, as you don’t have to keep reapplying every hour.

We kept one in our bag and one on our bedside table, and it became an automatic part of our routine, morning and night. The texture feels natural on the lips, providing comfort and hydration without interfering with lipstick or gloss. Over a few weeks of use, our lips felt noticeably smoother and healthier, which is exactly the kind of subtle, reliable product you want to incorporate into everyday life.

Best for: Everyday moisture and lip protection
Buy yours HERE

Ishga – Bath Salts

Ishga Bath Salts

These bath salts were a lovely addition to our self-care evenings. The moment we added them to a warm bath, the atmosphere instantly felt calmer. The texture dissolved well, and the scent was subtle enough to be relaxing without overwhelming the senses.

What really impressed us was the feeling they left afterwards. Our skin felt soft and nourished, and muscles that had felt tense during the day were visibly more relaxed. It transformed a regular bath into a mindful, intentional routine, helping us slow down and unwind properly.

We particularly loved the ritual aspect; it’s one of those products that encourages you to actually take time for yourself, rather than rushing through a shower or bath. A little goes a long way, and we kept finding reasons to reach for it, even on busy evenings.

Best for: Relaxation, muscle relief, and mindful evenings
Buy yours HERE

Whites Beaconsfield – Advanced Teeth Whitening Kit

Whites Beaconsfield Advanced Teeth Whitening Kit

We tried this whitening kit over a few sessions, and the results were genuinely noticeable. It felt comfortable to use at home, and we appreciated that it didn’t cause sensitivity, something that’s often a worry with at-home kits. Instantly, teeth looked brighter and fresher, which immediately boosted confidence and made our morning routine feel more satisfying.

The ease of use was a big factor for us. It doesn’t require complicated setups or long waiting periods, making it practical to fit into a busy schedule. Consistent use made teeth appear cleaner and more polished, without any discomfort or harshness. For anyone looking to give their smile a subtle lift and start the year feeling more confident, this kit is a reliable, straightforward option.

Best for: At-home smile brightening and confidence boost
Buy yours HERE

Whites Beaconsfield – Portable Water Flosser

Whites Beaconsfield Portable Water Flosser

Pairing this with the whitening kit transformed our oral care routine. We were initially sceptical about how much difference a water flosser could make, but within days we noticed cleaner, fresher gums and a genuine “just been to the dentist” feeling. It’s far easier to use consistently than string floss, which means we actually kept up with daily use, a big win for long-term oral health.

It’s adjustable, easy to handle, and the water pressure feels strong enough to be effective without being uncomfortable. For us, it turned a chore into something simple and even satisfying. If your goal this year is better oral hygiene that’s actually achievable, this tool is an excellent addition.

Best for: Effective, consistent oral care
Buy yours HERE

KEEO – Genius Pro+ Hair Straighteners

KEEO Genius Pro+ Hair Straighteners

These straighteners have quickly become our go-to for effortless, polished hair. They heat up quickly, glide smoothly through strands, and produce a sleek finish without excessive tugging or damage. Even on busy mornings, we felt like styling was faster and less stressful, which encourages actually keeping up with hair care.

We loved how even the thicker, stubborn sections of hair straightened efficiently, while finer strands stayed smooth and shiny. The heat settings felt precise and safe, reducing the worry of accidental damage. Your hair will look healthier and feel silkier – a noticeable difference compared to other straighteners we’ve tried. For anyone wanting consistently styled hair without hassle, these are a definite winner.

Best for: Effortless, smooth, and healthy-looking hair
Buy yours HERE

Remi Cachet – Dry Shampoo

Remi Cachet Dry Shampoo

We tested this dry shampoo during busy days and in between washes, and it instantly refreshed hair without leaving residue or a heavy feel. Roots looked lifted, hair felt cleaner, and the texture remained natural, which is exactly what you want in a dry shampoo.

It’s lightweight, easy to apply, and smells fresh without being overpowering. Over a few weeks, it became part of our routine for days when washing wasn’t convenient, and we appreciated how reliable it felt. A little goes a long way, and it genuinely extends the life of freshly washed hair without compromise.

You can even use it on your extensions!

Best for: Quick, effective hair refresh
Buy yours HERE

Gaia – Naturally Face Serum

Gaia Naturally Face Serum

This serum became a quiet favourite in our routine. The texture is silky but absorbs quickly, leaving skin feeling soft, nourished, and radiant. Over a few weeks of consistent use, we noticed smoother, more balanced skin that looked healthier overall.

It’s calming and lightweight, making it easy to layer under moisturisers or makeup. Even on days when skin felt stressed or tired, applying this serum gave a real boost and made our routine feel intentional. For anyone wanting glowing, nourished skin without fuss, this is a reliable, feel-good step in your daily routine.

Best for: Nourished, radiant, and balanced skin
Buy yours HERE

Final thoughts

From skincare and haircare to dental tools and bedtime essentials, these beauty and self-care products genuinely improved our daily routines. They helped us feel more intentional, relaxed, and confident, the perfect start for anyone embracing a New Year, New Me mindset.

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