THE CREAM WINTER ESSENTIALS GUIDE 2026
The days look like getting shorter, the darkness setting in earliler, but winter needn’t mean dullness and dreariness this year. Our bumper winter essentials guide will see you through the chillier months, and includes cosy home and interior items, cool (but warm!) fashion statements, and a ton of beauty and wellbeing products to ensure that hibernation doesn’t lead to hedonism and instead to better and brighter health. Pour yourself a hot cuppa, snuggle up on the sofa, and read on.
Guide compiled by Lisa Andrews and Antonino Tati.
↑ WHAT: Ugg Boots. DESCRIPTION: What better must-have item to kick off a winter themed guide than a trusty pair of Ugg boots! Winter just wouldn’t be winter in Australia if you didn’t have a pair of Uggies in the wardrobe. Indeed, Australia has gifted the world with several fashionable items but one of the most sartorial gifts of all would have to be the Ugg – made of quality sheepskin, of course.
We ourselves have been wearing Uggies around the office since ‘Wear Your Uggs Day’ took place on the first of last month – because they’re that cosy and comfortable. And Ugg boots today aren’t your generic kind – there are plenty of styles to suit the fashionista in every Aussie, such as the Australian Shepherd Ugg Slippers (Daley), pictured left (RRP $99.00) which provide the ultimate in comfort for chilly mornings and frosty nights thanks to an incredibly soft inner lining. They look beaut for out-of-the-house wear, too, teamed with a pair of blue jeans and puffer jacket. Or for him, dress up the everyday outfit with a pair of black leather Chelsea casuals (Dralen style) which are crafted from premium Australian cowhide, pictured right (RRP $159.00).
Ugg boots have become a symbol of comfort, tradition and Australian identity worn by all generations. We’ll be sticking to traditions, style and comfort this season, that’s for sure. RRP: Prices vary, see examples above. AVAILABLE FROM: Quality footwear outlets and direct through uggexpress.com.au.
↑ WHAT: Ōura Ring 5. DESCRIPTION: Truly smart folks have already swapped their comparatively bulky Fitbits or smart watches for something even more discreet, more thorough, and certainly more stylish – the Ōura ring. Now there is an even slimmer, more compact and very stylish ring added to prestigious the collection: the Ōura Ring 5, dubbed the world’s smallest smart ring. The ring is noticeably slimmer and lighter on your finger and sits nicely amid other jewellery you may wear on your hand.
But just because it’s smaller doesn’t mean function has been sacrificed. In fact, a rebuilt sensor system provides more accurate tracking than before. And if you intend on wearing it on the track or at the gym, fear not for its tough titanium exterior is scratch-resistant, and the battery life is reliably long (get one week on a single charge!). We’ll be featuring the new, slimmer Ōura in our pages in the coming fortnight suffice to say that we’re happy just showing it off for now. And it looks simply beautiful next to our favourite Cartier. RRP: $799.00 for gold ring, pictured left. Available in various sizes and finishes including silver, brushed silver, black, and deep rose. AVAILABLE FROM: ouraring.com.
↑ WHAT: Crosley Voyager Bluetooth Record Player / Turntable. DESCRIPTION: There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about dropping a needle on a vinyl record, and the Crosley Voyager takes that retro vibe to the next level. Compact, suitcase-cute and portable, it’s built for bedrooms and cosy living rooms, but can also be taken to the next picnic or beach trip (when summer hits, of course). The three-speed belt-drive keeps your crate digging flexible, while Bluetooth in and out means you can stream or go fully wireless to play on bigger speakers when the mood escalates.
Fun fact: a ‘record player’ is a machine with built in speaker which you can plug in and instantly play; a ‘turntable’ can be played through an amplifier, mixer, or thrown via Bluetooth to alt speakers. The Crosley is both.
Sound-wise, the built-in stereo speakers are modest but warm—perfect for casual spins rather than audiophile deep dives. The cueing lever and RCA output add a welcome touch of control. Playful, stylish, and just the right amount of retro-romantic. RRP: $199.00. AVAILABLE FROM: West Coast Hi-Fi, Temple & Webster, David Jones, Harvey Norman and other select outlets. Note, limited colours available at each outlet, and even in patterns at some, such as the floral print, pictured left, from West Coast Hi-Fi.
↑ WHAT: Withings Body Scan / Scale Connected Health Station. DESCRIPTION: Remember those clumpy weighing scales you used to step on which would always be two or three kilos out of whack, keeping you wondering why the diet just wasn’t working? Well those have been replaced by digital devices that are more precise than analogue scales ever were. And you don’t get more precise than the Withings Body Scan Connected Health Station which, in fact, isn’t just a scale, but a revolutionary at-home health hub. Sleek and deceptively minimal, the Withings delivers a deep dive into your body’s story, from segmental composition to cardiovascular insights and nerve health. It’s the kind of data-rich experience that feels more clinic than bathroom, yet remains beautifully intuitive and intimate in detail.
During winter, when routines slip and movement dips, staying across your health statistics becomes essential.
The Body Scan offers gentle accountability – tracking changes that the colder months can quietly amplify, from weight fluctuations to circulation. This handsomely designed device doesn’t just measure you, it motivates you – subtly, smartly, and with a distinctly modern sense of care. Hop on, then, because the Withings also doesn’t judge. RRP: $799.00. AVAILABLE FROM: Trusted outlets including FitTrack, Officeworks, and The Good Guys.
↑ WHAT: Midea 3 Benchtop Mini Dishwasher Plus. DESCRIPTION: In winter, you dine in more, so the dishes tend to stack up. The solution? A mini dishwasher to clean up as you go! The Medea 3 Plus is a cute yet powerful addition to any sized kitchen, delivering high-quality clean in a compact, portable design. It can even keep the dishes clean on holidays and road trips thanks to its built-in 5L water tank. Intuitive touch-screen controls allow for effortless everyday use. The Mini Dishwasher cleans dishes efficiently while using minimal water and includes dedicated programs like a 58-minute quick wash, a 77-minute high-temperature self-clean cycle for hygiene, even a baby-care mode designed for extra sanitised washing. To top it off, a fan drying system and automatic door opening at the end each cycle ensures improved airflow, convenience, accessibility, and most importantly, better hygiene. RRP: $239.00. AVAILABLE FROM: Bing Lee (online and in-store), Electrical Discounters (in-store). For more information, visit midea.com/au.
↑ WHAT: Jean Paul Gaultier’s Scandal. DESCRIPTION: In cold weather, fragrances evaporate slower, thereby muting light scents. With this in mind, the best winter notes that provide depth and warmth, such as sandalwood and oud, are best at being muted. You’ll find both these notes in Jean Paul Gaultier’s Scandal fragrances, both for women (Scandal Absolute), and men (Scandal Pour Homme). The heavier notes thrive in the chill, ultimately projecting an inviting scent trail. RRP: $215.00 for Scandal Pour Homme Le Parfum, pictured above. AVAILABLE FROM: Quality fragrance outlets including Myer and David Jones.
↑ WHAT: MONDO by Defunc Headphones. DESCRIPTION: These on-ear freestyle headphones are easily paired to your listening device via Bluetooth and they truly are a symphony of Swedish sound engineering and cool retro style. When fully charged, they offer up to 22 hours of playtime, and boast a rich sound experience and plenty of hands-on functionality.
Easily rotating controls on each side put the power of sound at your fingertips, where you can change volume, skip tracks or go back to favourite ones.
For a fully customised listening experience, you just need to download the MONDO app, where you can adjust your EQ settings to personalise your listening experience. I like my audio with Dolby Atmos on, and let me tell you, the mind-trip these headphones take me on is one well worth writing home about, with the ‘phones delivering deep bass and brilliant reverb where needed. So compact and light, too, you’ll forget you’re wearing them. RRP: $99.00. AVAILABLE FROM: mondobydefunc.com.au.
↑ WHAT: A warm and cosy duvet that makes a cool statement. DESCRIPTION: Four good reasons why you’ll want a good duvet this winter. (01.) It traps body heat efficiently, creating a warm and insulated cocoon-like sleep. (02.) Unlike lighter blankets, a duvet distributes warmth evenly across your body, helping you stay comfortable even on the coldest nights. (03.) A consistent temperature overnight reduces tossing and turning, so you’re less likely to wake up from the cold. And (04.) You can change your duvet design to suit any bedroom. If you’re a film buff, the film poster print design, pictured, would be a dandy winter addition. Or something more subtle like the duvet, left, might do you good. With most duvets having a removable cover, they’re simple to clean and to switch seasonally, making them a practical and cosy winter essential. RRP: $158.00 (Queen), $169 (King). AVAILABLE FROM: This particualr design from redbubble.com.au.
↑ WHAT: The Beauty Chef’s Antioxidant Boost. DESCRIPTION: You can maintain energy with your power drinks, increase your electrolytes with your Hydralyte ices, and hope for just enough caffeine in your matcha tea to top up the body’s amino acids. But for a true boost to the immune system and something to really provide skin health, crack open a bottle of The Beauty Chef’s Antioxidant Boost. This ruby-hued elixir contains a hefty blend of bio-fermented berries and skin-loving botanicals that feels equal parts wellness tonic and beauty flex. It’s tart, earthy, and even tastes unmistakably good for you. This is the kind of drink that signals you’ve graduated from sugary shortcuts to something more intentional – and much more sustainable in these heavy-with-the-hibernating winter months. Several weeks into drinking this product and it’s like your mind has cleared, skin has exhaled, and tummy has just gotten a good comforting rub. RRP: $49.00 for 500ml bottle. AVAILABLE FROM: thebeautychef.com.
↑ WHAT: ‘The Cream’ and ‘The Eye Cream’ from Truff’elle Australia. DESCRIPTION: Recently, Cream was invited to partake in a truffle hunt in Manjimup, WA. Guided by Blue Heelers, you get to track down where truffles are at in the mud, and get to pick them fresh. Yep, it’s a thing. In a timely manner, we’ve also discovered that truffles make a great ingredient in beauty products, such as those created by Truff’elle Australia (See? It’s even in their name). Rich in vitamins B, C, D and E, as well as powerful natural antioxidants and amino acids, the confidently titled ‘The Cream’, and its partner in rhyme ‘The Eye Cream’ both help boost collagen, help firm skin, and leave the face and all-important eye area feeling firmer and looking more radiant. For best results, use both products morning and night. And don’t assume there’s going to be a funky fungi-like scent. Indeed, we’ve not sensed a more delicious aroma in beauty products than the scent of these Truff’elle creams. RRP: $570.00 for both products, representing the brand’s ‘Black Diamond Duo’. AVAILABLE FROM: truffelleaustralia.com.au.
↑ WHAT: Medik8 H.E.O. Mask Duo. DESCRIPTION: We love Medik8 products for the way they lean into skincare science without losing their indulgent, end-of-day ritual feels. And using this Medik8 H.E.O. Mask duo makes staying in for the night that much more special. Split into two steps (humectants first, emollients and occlusives to seal), both products are easy to apply as the last steps to your nightly skincare regime. The textures are plush but purposeful, and you’ll find you’ve woken up to results somewhere between subtle and striking: skin looks cushioned, calmer, convincingly restored rather than artificially glazed. These products are less about instant glow theatrics, and more about long-term resilience. RRP: $119.00 for both products, each 50ml. AVAILABLE FROM: medik8.com.au.
↑ WHAT: Omorfi Hydrating Hyaluronic 1% Serum and Skin Correcting Niacinamide Formula. DESCRIPTION: Although we stand by pretty much all the products in the Omorfi range, this pair of products does feel like the true low-key power couple, promising no hype, but providing plenty of results. The hyaluronic hits first: lightweight, almost watery, sinking in fast and leaving skin with that quietly plumped, post-facial bounce. It’s hydration without heaviness, more dewy morning-after rather than glass-skin theatrics. Then comes the niacinamide, the calmer, cooler partner. It works in the background, softening redness, dialling down shine, and nudging uneven texture into something smoother, more lived-in. The best part is there’s no overload and no stickiness, and the result is a clearer, more balanced complexion that looks like yours. RRP: $59.95 per 50ml. AVAILABLE: FROM: omorfi.com.au.
↑ WHAT: MS Skin Tumeric Vitamin C Clay Mask. DESCRIPTION: This magical product is like sun-drenched skin in a jar – a golden-hued blend that leans into the antioxidant buzz of turmeric and vitamin C, promising brightness with a side of detox. On application, it’s cool, earthy, and just gritty enough to feel like it’s doing something without tipping into sandpaper territory. After ten minutes, there’s that familiar clay-tightness but it rinses clean without the dreaded post-mask drought. Skin looks clearer, a touch more luminous – like you’ve swapped fluorescent lighting for golden hour. One of our favourite products in the MS Skin range that brightens and tightens skin, is Aussie owned, vegan-friendly, and cruelty-free. All boxes ticked, then. RRP: $59.99. AVAILABLE FROM: Quality beauty outlets and direct through msskin.com.au.
↑ WHAT: Napoleon Perdis x MODELROCK Lashes Collection. DESCRIPTION: Winter is great in that you get to stay in a lot and have time to contemplate/devise your next best look for when you venture out again. There’s that much time on your hands! This collaboration by Australian makeup authority Napoleon Perdis and cult favourite lash specialists, MODELROCK Lashes, is something to consider for the big night out. An exclusive capsule collection, it features seven premium lash styles, and is designed as a curated “lash wardrobe” to suit all outings – from subtle, everyday definition through to statement-making volume. Crafted from ultra-soft synthetic silk fibres, each lash delivers a lightweight, comfortable feel while being utterly vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. Nights out in winter are looking better already. RRP: $292.00. AVAILABLE FROM: Single products, starting at RRP $19.00 – and the full collection – are available exclusively at David Jones and online at napoleonperdis.com.
↑ WHAT: More than just pretty coffee table books! DESCRIPTION: Winter means being indoors a lot, and therefore spending a lot of time… thinking. Get some all-important reading in during those moments of contemplation and you’ll be thinking more wisely. If planing to beautify the garden is on the agenda, Flower Power by Jac Semmler is the perfect book to garner inspiration from. Alongside gorgeous photographs by Sarah Pannell are tips and tricks to turn your garden into a glorious array of colour and greenery by the start of Spring. Or at least see a few buds breaking if not swelling. The book not only helps you prepare your front and backyards for the best planting in any season, it goes on to talk about different ‘personalities’ of plants, scale and diversity, contrast and coherence and more. But if all you’ve got is a window sill tray of plants, this still makes a darn beautiful coffee table book.
If cooking up a storm is more your activity during the colder months, here are two beaut books to consider. You’re Welcome! by Raymond Tan with Audrey Payne is less a traditional cookbook and more an open invitation into a worldview where baking becomes celebration. Built around Tan’s signature Southeast Asian–inflected style, the book brings together playful recipes (matcha white chocolate cookies, pictured left, anyone?) with tradition-rich treats like mooncakes and Malaysian kueh. Gloriously photographed by Louise Hagger, you’ll want to do what Björk once sang about doing and that is eat the entire menu.
And rounding out this primary-coloured trio is Eat Like A Sardinian: Live To 100 by Francesco Mattana. It’s a little known fact that the people of Sardinia, off the coast of Italy, live to an extensive age on average – mostly due to their healthy diet. And a delicious diet it is. Mattana presents simple Sardinian staples, especially in the areas of aperitivi and antipasti (bruschetta, pizzette, etc), as well as more elaborate dishes such as Chiusoni con Ragu di Polpo (handmade pasta with octopus ragu); Paella Algherese (the Spanish influence coming from the Sardinian town of Alghero once under Spanish domination); and sweet treats such as apple cake, tiramisu, and almond and honey brittle. As they may say in Italy – tutto delicioso! RRP: Flower Power RRP $85.00 through Taschen; You’re Welcome! by Raymond Tan RRP $49.99 through Murdoch Books; Eat Like A Sardinian RRP $45.00 through Murdoch Books / Allen & Unwin.
↑ WHAT: Clarins Beauty Flash Balm. DESCRIPTION: When it comes to judging the quality of the product, the proof is in its longevity. Clarins has proven its worth as a fine cosmetics and skincare brand for decades now, but one particular product that finds itself on virtually every beauty editor’s must-have list is the Beauty Flash Balm. Launched in 1980, this magical product is as iconic as its beauty brand’s name. A legendary balm that can be used as an instant pick-me-up (applied in a thin layer) or as a generous mask, BFB instantly eliminates signs of fatigue, soothes skin, and boosts complexion radiance all at once. And remember, a little goes a very long way. RRP: $82.00, 50ml. AVAILABLE FROM: Quality beauty outlets and direct through clarins.com.au.
↑ WHAT: Rejuran Healing Pomata. DESCRIPTION: A rich, comforting cream designed for tired, stressed or sensitised skin. It contains Rejuran’s c-PDRN® technology – purified marine-based extract – along with ingredients including glycerin, cocoa seed butter, shea butter, panthenol, jojoba seed oil and Ceramide NP, making it a lovely handbag-sized winter skin saviour for areas needing extra care. Cream‘s founding editor swears by this brand, having tried various Rejuran products and confirming their benefits. So to see these results now coming out of the tiniest of tubes – it’s like finding the Holy Grail of beauty products. (Always read the label and follow the directions for use.) RRP: $39.00, 7g. AVAILABLE FROM: rejurancosmetics.com.au.
↑ WHAT: Youth Rx Renewal Oil Elixir. DESCRIPTION: There’s a certain quiet luxury to this product – the kind that doesn’t scream for attention but earns it with results. Silky without slipping into greasiness, this golden blend feels instantly comforting on the skin. Fine lines are softened, dullness lifts, and there’s a subtle glow that builds with each use.
This renewal oil layers beautifully, playing well with serums and creams, yet holds its own as a standalone saviour on rushed mornings.
And the scent? Delicate with an almost nostalgic aura – good reason than for the good elixer to be housed in a nice and heavy dark blue dropper bottle. RRP: Members’ price $59.00, 30ml. AVAILABLE FROM: youthlabdirect.com.au.
↑ WHAT: Epicutis Lipid Serum. DESCRIPTION: A lightweight, lipid-rich serum designed to support the skin barrier and help maintain skin comfort and hydration through the cooler months. It’s a beautiful winter option for skin that can feel dry, sensitive or compromised by seasonal changes. RRP: $380.00. AVAILABLE FROM: epicutis.com and select beauty outlets.
↑ WHAT: Ikou Baobab & Neroli Face Oil. DESCRIPTION: Silky and sensorial, this face oil from Australian skincare brand, Ikou, leans into ritual as much as results. Its golden blend hero ingredient – baobab oil – is loaded with vitamins and essential fatty acids that help hydrate, support elasticity and reinforce the skin barrier. Added camellia and jojoba plant extracts help soften and balance the skin without clogging pores. Rather than sit pretty, the oil melts into the skin to deliver a kind of ‘glow from within’ finish. But the real headline act is neroli – a softly floral, mood-calming note that works wonders on dry, stressed or sensitivity-prone skin. RRP: $68.00, 30ml. AVAILABLE FROM: ikou.com.au.
↑ WHAT: Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Balm Serum Boosted Skin Tint. DESCRIPTION: This beauty brand has come a long way since we initially heard it being regularly namedropped on RuPaul’s Drag Race. In fact, Anastasia Beverly Hills cosmetics are touted as some of the best by real women right across the globe. This skin tint aspect offers light, buildable coverage that blurs imperfections but never feels ‘cakey’. Thanks to it doubling up as a balm serum, the texture is balmy and never dries down to a matte state; instead the serum reaches into skin to leave a constant but not over-the-top sheen. The sun mightn’t be out much during winter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t glow a little. Available in various tints so best checked against your skin complexion at the beauty counter. RRP: $79.00. AVAILABLE FROM: Quality beauty outlets including Mecca, Sephora, and David Jones.
↑ WHAT: APSKIN Activated Phenolics Face Mist. DESCRIPTION: A quick spritz of this mist feels like a small act of winter self-preservation. Powered by antioxidant-rich phenolics derived from real apples, along with all-important niacinamide and soothing botanicals, the mist delivers a featherlight veil of hydration that calms redness and reinforces the skin barrier when cold air bites hardest. APSKIN is less about drama, more about quiet efficacy. Winter skin craves support, and this mist works best layere – its humectants draw in moisture while antioxidants shield against environmental stress. A refreshing pick-me-up and, when paired with moisturiser, it becomes a glow-boosting essential. RRP: $49.00. AVAILABLE FROM: renovatio.com.au.
↑ WHAT: Sea Shepherd Australia Classic Unisex Beanie. DESCRIPTION: This trusty beanie will keep you warm during the long winter days and nights. Made from certified organic cotton, it has been created using the highest possible environmental, social and ethical standards including 100% renewable energy from wind and solar power, and following Fair Trade practices. RRP: $40.00. AVAILABLE FROM: seashepherd.org.au.
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