Each month, Fashionista editors try a *lot* of beauty products. And while not every formula we test is a winner, we’re constantly unearthing new favorites. Here, we’ve rounded up our latest hair, skin, fragrance, wellness and makeup discoveries — whether fresh-to-market drops or merely recent additions to our personal routines.
What’s the old saying? New year, new beauty products? Team Fashionista certainly took that (made-up) adage to heart, even amid chaotic winter weather and a particularly busy start to 2023. Over the past few weeks, that didn’t stopped us from spritzing, swatching and blending a slew of new beauty and wellness formulas, seeking out the very best to add to our ever-growing collection of favorites.
In January, we discovered a hydrating eye cream that layers beautifully under makeup; serums and moisturizers that protect the skin barrier; a lustrous lip gloss in a fun new shade and fragrances that make floral (scents) seem truly groundbreaking. We also obsessed over moisture-locking face masks that helped our complexions take on even the coldest of temperatures and a gentle exfoliating cleanser to help ward off pesky breakouts.
Keep scrolling to see (and shop!) our favorite hair, beauty, body, fragrance and wellness picks.
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BeautyStat Universal Pro-Bio Moisture Boost Cream, $50, available here: “This has quickly become one of my favorite moisturizers ever. It feels ultra-hydrating, reparative and protective despite being surprisingly lightweight — perfect for my hormonal acne-prone skin.” —Dhani Mau, Editor in Chief
Vintner’s Daughter Active Renewal Cleanser, $98, available here: “I’ve been a huge fan of Vintner’s Daughter’s Serum for years, and I’ve become similarly obsessed with its creamy, gentle cleanser. At nearly $100 a bottle, it’s definitely one of the priciest face washes you can buy — but given that it removes makeup with ease, brightens and tones skin as it cleanses, leaves skin feeling refreshed (but not parched) and serves as a ritualistic, invigorating treatment, it has a whole lot to offer.” —Stephanie Saltzman, Beauty Director
Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter, $25, available here: “I swear everything Selena Gomez touches turns to gold, or in this case, a rosy bronze. The hype around this highlighter is very legit. It gives me a natural finish that’s satisfyingly subtle. I haven’t been able to put it down since Rare Beauty sent it my way.” —Brooke Frischer, Contributing Writer
By Rosie Jane Dulce Body Wash, $25, available here: “If you, like Britney Spears and me, love vanilla-scented anything, this is the body wash for you. Andrea wrote about the perfume and now the Dulce line has expanded, so I’ve been able to vanilla-fy my whole routine. The body wash is vegan and hydrating, as well.” —Liza Sokol, Sr. Audience Development Manager
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $34, available here: “This is such an effective exfoliator for reducing the appearance of pores and preventing acne. I’ve also noticed an improvement in my skin texture since I’ve started using it.” —Angela Wei, Staff Writer
Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser, $16, available here: “My skin has been breakout-prone lately, but this exfoliating cleanser is a life- (skin?)saver. It relies on AHA, a gentle exfoliating acid, to help even out bumpy texture (which it did for me within the first couple of uses). I also cleanse with it in the shower on my back and chest for those pesky body breakouts.” —India Roby, Staff Writer
Too Faced Fluff & Hold Laminating Brow Wax, $25, available here: “I’m always worried I’ll put on mascara or tinted brow gel, forget it’s there and then rub it off, creating smeared streaks of pigment all over my face. This clear, strong-hold gel shapes my eyebrows beautifully and locks them in place, without cause for concern, since it’s completely transparent.” —Andrea Bossi, Staff Writer
Phlur Missing Person Eau de Parfum, $96, available here: “Am I the last person on the planet to fall in love with Missing Person, the fragrance that went viral on TikTok? Possibly, but better late than never to douse myself in the gentle, floral scent every day. And I usually don’t even like floral scents!” —LS
Dior Capture Totale Le Sérum, $100, available here: “Everything about this lightweight, gel-like serum feels luxurious: the silky texture; the weighty, beautifully designed packaging — and the brighter, bouncier, hydrated results of using it.” —SS
Half Magic Beauty Face Pearls in Classic Iridescent, $12, available here: “These cute li’l face pearls stayed on my face even while I sweat through my shirt watching the hottest burlesque routine I have ever witnessed. They are also incredibly easy to put on, especially with the ergonomic Adornment Tweezers from the brand.” —LS
Jones Road Eye Cream, $34, available here: “I’ve been on the hunt for an eye cream, so when Jones Road sent me this one it was like it was meant to be. The consistency is just thick enough that my undereyes feel hydrated, but light enough that it doesn’t feel greasy under makeup.” —BF
Peace Out Acne Day Dots, $19, available here: “For those of us who haven’t quite built up the courage to go out with a neon star or Hello Kitty sticker on our faces, these super-thin patches are practically invisible and just as effective as thicker versions.” —DM
Scunci Hosiery Elastics, $3, available here: “I’ve been really trying to focus on minimizing the abuses I put my hair through, and these ultra-stretchy, soft hair ties have been a huge help with that goal. The aptly named ‘hosiery’ elastics are basically like cut-up tights, so they’re seamless and snag-free on strands; I’ve been tying my hair back in one every night while I sleep lately.” —SS
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask with 10.5% Squalane, $45, available here: “This mask is not here to mess around. Whether I’m visiting below-zero-temp Chicago or dealing with New York City’s winter weather of extremes, this rich cream keeps my skin barrier strong.” —AB
Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Melting Blush in Nearly Mauve, $22, available here: “While not as hyped as the brand’s ‘Soft Pinch’ blush, this easy-to-apply potted cream blush has become a favorite of mine for its natural look and gorgeous packaging.” —DM
KS & Co Sheer Tinted Brow Gel in Dark Brown, $36, available here: “Celebrity- and editor-revered brow expert Kristie Streicher — who is known for pioneering the ‘feathered brow’ look — just launched her own brand, specifically dedicated to overeye arch care. This lightly tinted gel goes on smoothly to lock hairs in place all day, without turning clumpy, flaking or appearing overly ‘done.’ It also contains conditioning ingredients to promote brow health.” —SS
Curology Large Custom Formula, $39.90, available here: “For months, my skin has been at its very worst, so I finally decided to go back to basics to revive it. My Curology formula comes with azelaic acid, clindamycin phosphate and niacinamide and let me say, that is bread and butter.” —IR
Pattern Beauty Heat Protectant, $20, available here: “While this lightweight protective mist, like all of Pattern’s products, was formulated with tightly textured and curly hair in mind, I’ve been loving it on my loosely wavy, fine hair nonetheless. It builds shine and prevents breakage without even the faintest suggestion of greasiness or buildup.” —SS
Klur Symmetry Fluid Anti-Pollution Serum, $70, available here: “Not only am I protecting my skin barrier when I wear this lightweight, fluid-like hydrating serum, but it also has made my makeup look extra seamless and glow-y, which I can’t complain about.” —BF
Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Moisturizer SPF 45 with Sea Moss and Niacinamide, $32, available here: “Sunscreen is an absolute skin-care essential, but it’s hard to find ones that don’t leave a white cast. Cay Skin’s formula not only blends beautifully into my skin, but also has a subtle shimmer to it that gives a hint of radiance.” —AB
Yield Palo Santo Candle, $28, available here: “This woodsy candle has a lovely palo santo scent that’s rounded out by pine and firewood, making it the perfect candle for wanting to go outside, but wanting to stay on the couch even more.” —LS
Rare Beauty Positive Light Under Eye Brightener, $24, available here: “I’m sorry, (but also not sorry?): I love everything Rare Beauty puts out. This product is perfect for a no-makeup day when you don’t want to layer concealer under your eyes, but still want to achieve a bit of brightness.” —BF
Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Cream Gloss, $25, available here: “I’ve been using Buxom lip glosses since 2017 and love trying new shades. I discovered Hot Toddy recently — it’s an oldie but a goodie. I love how the brand’s long-lasting and subtly plumping gloss looks in this soft pink color.” —AB
Benefit Goof Proof Waterproof Easy Shape and Fill Eyebrow Pencil, $25, available here: “I’m really picky when it comes to brow products, and I love how this pencil is thick, but still has a great angle for application. I haven’t strayed from this product in months!” —AW
Zeasea Shine Diamond Washable Colored Mascara $24, available here: “I love how expressive and unique this pearly, reflective mascara is. it gives my lashes a silvery lift that is super eye-catching.” —AW
Elorea Joy Hand Wash, $40, available here: “I desperately needed a hand soap for my bathroom, and I was lucky enough to receive this as a gift. It has such a refreshing scent of jeju oranges and grapefruit (but not in a nauseating, overly sweet way). And unlike other soaps that dry, this one keeps my handx feeling smooth post-drying.” —IR
We know it’s hard to find the right gifts for your loved ones, so we’ve compiled a ton of fashion and beauty-focused gift guides tailored to a range of interests and budgets. Check out our latest below and find more right here.
A candle may not immediately seem like the most creative holiday gift option — cue “Saturday Night Live”‘s peach candle song (a tragically under-appreciated sketch). But just because something is a bit cliché doesn’t mean it’s not also a classic and a crowd pleaser. It’s just about finding the right scent and vibe for the giftee.
Do your loved ones crave traditionally festive holiday scents — balsam firs! cloves! juniper berries! latkes! — this time of year? There’s a candle (or 12) for that. Or perhaps they prefer something a little more off-kilter and unexpected: That’s your opportunity to swoop in with a candle inspired by charred marshmallows, just-cut grass or a freshly popped can of tennis balls. If your goal is to show them just how well you know them, though, this is also your chance to wrap up a candle-ified version of their signature Glossier or Maison Francis Kurdjian perfume.
In the gallery below, we’ve rounded up 24 joy-sparking options that prove candles can make one hell of a holiday gift. And not one of them is peach scented, for the record.
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