From a new body wash designed with active types in mind, to a sleep-supporting elixir and a coffee-spiked scent, our editors share every product they’ll be adding to their beauty and wellness routines in 2026.
It’s a blessing and a curse to know about all the exciting launches in
beauty land well in advance.
The downside? The patience required while you wait for products to land in-store.
But good things come to those who wait, and here the Viva team share the 12 products they’re adding to their wish lists this year – some available now, some coming soon.
Sneak a glimpse into their beauty and wellness routines, below.
I’m a big fan of skincare first foundations and can’t stand the feel of heavy or cakey foundation. This one from VB beauty contains Augustinus Bader’s skin cell-rejuvenating TFC8 and is meant to be game changing for those who want their foundation to do more and still give a flawless finish. —Jenni Mortimer, chief lifestyle and entertainment reporter
I exercise a lot, which means I sweat and shower a lot too – conditions that exacerbate the bumps of keratosis pilaris on my arms. As a fan of the kit: Wellness Wash, I’ve got high hopes for their new Workout Wash – a body cleanser formulated with active exfoliants and fruit acids to help unclog pores and botanicals to soothe flushed skin and rinse away sweat and smells. —Tyson Beckett, journalist
My word for 2026 is “balance” and with that comes the side quest to clean up my sleep hygiene. Early nights are a good start, but I’m also planning on adding in certain supplements into my wind-down routine like the new BYRÉ After Dark Coco. This sleep support elixir sees hero ingredient cacao combined with adaptogens, medicinal mushrooms and superfoods to promote a deep, restorative sleep. A hot chocolate that tastes great and has you waking up feeling replenished and energised? How’s that for beauty sleep. —Ashleigh Cometti, beauty editor
Historically, I’ve treated fragrance as an afterthought. But this year I’m looking to create some more sensorial grounding in my everyday – small things, like putting bare feet into grass, taking my headphones out on the bus and scratching at the surface of citrus peels whenever they’re in hand. A good scent feels like an extension of this intention. I love the sound of this Abel one: intense, smoky, notes of black coffee. —Madeleine Crutchley, journalist
This year I’m planning a big chop and getting the always trending long bob. I have incredibly straight hair so most stylers struggle to keep a curl in my hair for long. But I’ve been hearing great things about Dyson’s Chitosan pre-style cream which is meant to help waves stay in place. —JM
Nude By Nature Lacquer Lip Serum, $25
I’ve always been a huge fan of multi-tasking lipcare, and the new Nude By Nature Lacquer Lip Serum has caught my attention for this very reason. The skincare-infused lipstick delivers both colour and nourishment in every swipe thanks to its blend of hyaluronic acid, plant-based oils and vitamin E. I’m slowly transitioning all my lip products to those with cool undertones, and the shade 01 Soft Rosette is the perfect cool-toned pink. —AC
Available from Chemist Warehouse and Farmers from March 16.
I want to inject more colour into my everyday ensembles and polish feels like an accessible entry point. In the past, I’ve played around with contrasting colourways, so I might pick up a couple of shades. For now, I’m really interested in this sky blue nail polish by Manucurist (but the brick red and dark pansy also catch my eye). —MC
There’s only so much fibremaxxing a digestively challenged lass can stomach before taking things into her own hands, or more accurately, the hands of a trained masseuse. I’ve read a couple of studies that suggest lymphatic massage could offer a non-invasive complementary solution to managing IBS and I’m putting myself forward as a case study. —TB
Heat, salt, chlorine and minimal hair care left my summer locks in quite a state for the beginning of 2026. I’m not upset. Split ends, dryness and sun-bleached colour are characteristics to celebrate after a summer well-lived. But as I’m settling back into routine, and switching sea swims for pool lanes, I am looking for something to nourish a fresh haircut on a more regular basis. Seasoned swimmers will know that submerging with hair that is already wet, under a cap, can provide some protection. I’d like to go the extra step and apply a leave-in conditioner before my swims. This one from Philip Kingsley is designed specifically for this purpose. —MC
Body brushing, and all its amazing benefits around circulation and skin texture, have been calling to me for a while. But after a recent massage at East Day Spa, where they used a dry body brush on me, I realised it’s a must. It felt incredible and is also amazing for leg circulation for those of us who sit in office chairs all day. —JM
A former beauty buyer at Smith & Caughey’s first introduced me to Montale’s Intense Cafe five years ago, and it’s been one of my top-rated fragrances ever since. Sweet but not cloying, the juice highlights notes of rose and coffee, with vanilla, amber and white musk lending a comforting scent trail. I’ve lost count of how many “what fragrance are you wearing?” questions I’ve had fired my way while wearing this scent. —AC
Touch-ups are not so easy on a smartphone camera – skin texture is blurred, colours are muddy and definition is lacking. With the advent of a new haircut that demands plenty of attention (fringe!), I’ve gravitated to a makeup compact that allows more precision. However, I’d like an on-the-go mirror that doesn’t risk spilling product over clean clothes. I’ll try to thrift one second-hand, but I have pinned this sweet compact to my bookmarks bar. I like the deep red hue and the tactile texture. —MC