The 31 Best Beauty Products Fashionista Editors Tried in January

Well People Lush Lip Tinted Oil, $12, available here: “Well People’s entrant into the growing lip oil category boasts plant-derived ingredients and comes in four classic shades. To me, it’s perfectly subtle in every way: Even the deepest tint is quite sheer; it has almost no scent (which I prefer) and it doesn’t feel at all heavy or sticky — just soft and smooth.” —Dhani Mau, Editor-in-Chief

Medik8 Liquid Peptides 30% Complex Multi-Peptide Serum, $55, available here: “This transparent, lightweight serum kind of feels like nothing on skin — but it accomplishes a whole lot of something. The brand claims the hyaluronic- and peptide-packed formula can ‘reduce the appearance of expression lines and deep-set wrinkles in just one bottle,’ which sounds hyperbolic, but in my experience, absolutely isn’t. I’m only about halfway through my bottle so far, and after having used it morning and night for three weeks, I’ve already noticed a smoothing effect in the fine lines around my eyes and mouth and on my neck. I should also note that I’m overdue for Botox at the moment, making those results extra impressive.” —Stephanie Saltzman, Beauty Director

Kosas BB Burst Tinted Gel Creme, $38, available here: “I have my doubts when I hear about makeup/skin-care hybrids, but Kosas’ new tinted gel cream is the concealer and foundation alternative I’ve been needing all my life. It offers light, buildable coverage, has a natural finish and layers well beneath blush and highlighter.” —Janelle Sessoms, Staff Writer

Mermade Hair Jumbo No-Crease Clips, $12, available here: “I bought these jumbo creaseless clips after seeing Alix Earle wear them in a GRWM video, and they’re the best I’ve tried. Besides the size, which enables them to hold more hair in place, my favorite part is that the pads are made of silicone, hence they’re lighter than plastic or metal clips and have more grip, so they definitely won’t slide down my hair like others can.” —Savannah Sitton, Contributing Market Editor 

Tom Ford Vanilla Sex Eau de Parfum, $395, available here: “I won’t lie: At first I scoffed at a fragrance that seemed to be named after a subpar, forgettable fling. Then I tried it — and the powdery, elevated take on vanilla, with a subtle sandalwood undercurrent, made me forget all about the campy Tom Ford-ness of the name. There’s absolutely nothing subpar nor forgettable about it.” —Steph

Ami Colé Skin-Enhancing Tinted Moisturizer, $32, available here: “I was already a big fan of Ami Colé’s lip oil, but this tinted moisturizer absolutely blew me away. The silicone base creates a smooth, even layer, and the formula is also spiked with glycerin and vitamin E for moisture and skin protection. Where it really won me over, though, was with its buildable, ultra-blendable formula: It evens out my skin tone out without a cake-y finish, like some matte foundation formulas.” —Ana Colón, Deputy Editor

Shani Darden Moisture Boost Plumping Serum, $78, available here: “While the price may seem steep, Shani Darden’s excellent new launch does a lot; in addition to several hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, B5, Pentavitin and snow mushroom, it’s spiked with fruit-derived antioxidants, red algae and velvet flower to protect skin and strengthen its barrier. The texture is thicker than a basic hyaluronic acid serum but still lightweight and silky; it layers well with other products (but is also hydrating enough to wear alone under sunscreen) and effectively keeps my skin more hydrated throughout the day.” —Dhani

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna We’re Even Hydrating Longwear Concealer, $30, available here: “As far back as I can remember, I’ve always had intense undereye circles, so I’m always on the hunt for an effective concealer. This new Fenty formula doesn’t just hide my sleeplessness, but also has a peachy undertone that helps color correct the area and reduce gray flashback in photos.” —Andrea Bossi, Staff Writer

Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30, $54, available here: “Dr. Jart has expanded its Cicapair line into a wide range of products and they’re all great, but the tried-and-true Tiger Grass color corrector will always be my favorite. I didn’t realize how much redness my skin had until I used this product — it really is like applying a light layer of foundation, and the SPF 30 is the icing on to of the cake.” —Dhani

Tower28 Beauty SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray, $28, available here: “I’ve been hesitant to return to face mists after my younger self’s fixation on rosewater spray dried my skin out, but I picked up the mini size of this formula to see if it could soothe my acne-prone skin. It’s formulated with hypochlorous acid that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and I couldn’t believe how quickly it made a difference in my skin. I use the spray twice a day after cleanser, and I’ve noticed fewer stubborn pimples pop up and an increasingly even skin tone. I already went back to Sephora for the full size.” —Catie

Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil in Blush Dreams, $26, available here: “Where Summer Fridays’ beloved Lip Butter Balm is thick and cushiony, the brand’s new oil formula is light and serum-like; it’s glossy and glide-y, but not at all sticky, and it imparts moisture and smoothness along with the prettiest flush of color. (My favorite is Blush Dreams, a dusty beige rose.)” —Steph

ColourPop Heart Blending Sponge, $8, available here: “I’m a sucker for cute products, and it doesn’t get cuter than a heart-shaped color-changing makeup sponge. ColourPop sent me this sponge as part of its Valentine’s Day-themed Lost in Love collection, and I definitely felt mini animated hearts popping up over my head ‘Heartstopper’-style when I first saw it. But the heart-shaped sponge isn’t just adorable; it also seamlessly blends my makeup without soaking up too much product.” —Catie

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, $25, available here: “It took me too long to hop on the snail mucin train, but I’m finally here and happy to report that my dry winter skin has felt smoother and more hydrated since incorporating this essence into my nightly routine. I expected the texture to be super slimy (it’s 96% snail mucin, after all), but it is surprisingly lightweight and fast-absorbing.” —Catie

Chanel Boy de Chanel 3-in-1 Eye Pencil in 614 Brown, $38, available here: “This chunky, ultra-blendable matte pencil is the quickest, easiest route to beautiful, intentional-looking eye makeup: I trace the creamy, chocolate brown pigment gently along my lash line (pressing down harder will yield super intense payoff, but I prefer a more minimal effect), extend it a bit at the outer corners of my eyes and then blend it out with my fingertip. The whole process takes about seven seconds flat.” —Steph

Merit Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick in Baby, $26, available here: “I have always preferred lipstick shades that are a smidge darker than my natural lip color, and this one from Merit just so happens to be my perfect match. The formula only requires one swipe for full coverage and is intensely creamy, so my lips never feel dry at any point during its wear.” —Brooke

Rahua Enchanted Island Body Glow Serum, $85, available here: “I’m usually not a fan of body oils because of the sticky or greasy residue they can leave behind, but this formula is something else: Not only does it absorb into my skin relatively quickly without getting oil stains on clothes, but I enjoy its subtle, fruity smell. I chronically do not put lotion or oil on my skin until it visibly becomes a problem, but this serum is turning me into a new, far more moisturized person.” —Andrea

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Gel, $26, available here: “I’ve been a die-hard fan of Anastasia’s OG Brow Freeze for years, but it’s definitely the strong-hold hair gel of the brow world, and I know it can be a bit too intense for a lot of people. (Plus, it doesn’t really set, which can be annoying.) This lighter take on the formula delivers that same highly controlled laminating effect of the OG, but it comes with a comb applicator and sets after a few minutes. It was love at first swipe for my brows.” —Steph

Rabanne Beauty Eyephoria Colorshot Metallic Liquid Eyeshadow in Silver Metal, $25, available here: “This creamy paint-like formula is the perfect way to add a little pizazz to an otherwise neutral makeup look. I love swiping it over my eyelids for a quick and easy metal moment, then sweeping it under my waterline with a fluffy brush and a grey shadow for a smoky effect.” —Brooke

ESW Beauty White Pitaya Coconut Lip Treatment, $15, available here: “For only $15, this small but mighty lip treatment packs an intensely moisturizing formula of shea butter, white pitaya and hyaluronic acid. It lasts all day, makes my lips incredibly soft and has a pretty sheen even when worn on its own. But for the days I feel like wearing a little makeup, the balm works wonders as a base layer before applying a top coat of gloss.” —Janelle

Kate Somerville HydraKate Recharging Water Cream, $76, available here: “After two weeks of holiday travel, my skin was drier than usual and more prone to breakouts. I decided to introduce some new products to my routine, and my favorite has been this moisturizer, which is all about hydration and is spiked with a rosemary peptide complex. It’s so light, and a little goes a long way to address dullness and rough texture.” —Ana

Ctzn Cosmetics Lipstroke in Sizdah, $18, available here: “I can’t believe it took me this long to hop on the lip liner bandwagon, but I’m glad to have fixed my ways. This ultra-creamy pencil glides on smoothly, and needs no reapplication even after I’m done eating. I particularly favor this dark brown shade since I love achieving a quick ’90s-inspired ‘brownie-glazed lip.'” —Janelle

Urban Decay Naked Metal Mania Metallic Eyeshadow Palette, $59, available here: “Each pan in this palette packs a pigmented, metallic punch. I also love how well the gold and silver formulas blend, since texture tends to be hit or miss with sparkly shadows.” —Savannah

Initio Parfums Side Effect Eau De Parfum Spray, $360, available here: “From first spritz, this scent captivated me with its intoxicating mix of tobacco and vanilla. I love dousing myself in it because nothing else smells quite like it, which is confirmed by the many compliments I get.” —Andrea

Roz Root Lift Spray, $42, available here: “Many volumizing products are sticky and waxy, turning hair ‘crispy’ or creating buildup that ultimately weighs down my super-fine strands. Not this one. The buildable spray from hairstylist Mara Roszak (whose celebrity clients include Emma Stone, Zoe Saldana and Olivia Wilde) creates root lift, offers light hold, inhibits oil production and adds flexible body and texture.” —Steph

Maybelline Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner in Nude Whisperer, $8, available here: “This accessibly priced lip liner is one of the softest, most pigment-loaded formulas I’ve ever used. It prevents whatever I put on top of it from bleeding or feathering out – plus, it self-sharpens.” —Brooke

Ami Colé Loose Powder Brush, $20, available here: “When I downsize my makeup case for a trip, it’s often my huge powder brush that stops my little bag from closing. This fluffy brush feels like the perfect one for travel: It’s capable of doing all the jobs I need it to without making me feel like I have overpacked.” —Andrea

Christophe Robin Regenerating Serum with Prickly Pear Oil, $49, available here: “I’ve been using this hair serum for about a month now and can feel my hair becoming stronger and less fragile. I’ve been raking the thin, pudding-like product through my hair after a wash and wake up with air-dried hair that’s smoother than ever before.” —Brooke

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, $24, available here: “I’ve been wearing this lipstick non-stop since I bought it as an end-of-year gift to myself, and it’s a cult-favorite shade for a reason. The sheer formula glides on like a lip balm and leaves the perfect berry-colored flush. Thanks, me!” —Catie

Touchland Gentle Mist Ultra-Soothing Hand Sanitizer, $16, available here: “The frigidity of winter often leaves my hands cracked and my cuticles peeling, and frequent hand-washing exacerbates the issue. Enter, the perfect solve: Touchland’s new hand sanitizer spray, which is hypoallergenic and specifically made for sensitive skin. It’s spiked with skin-care ingredients like niacinamide and centella asiatica to soothe and moisturize as it cleans. Most importantly, I love the refreshing cucumber scent as an aromatic pick-me-up.” —Savannah

Bath and Body Works Eucalyptus Lavender Shower Steamer, $20, available here: “I’m always looking for ways to de-stress, and shower steamers are among the simplest methods. I love to pop this eucalyptus-scented one on the floor and breathe deeply as the water runs. While it can’t save me from chronic stress, it’s a nice addition to my daily routine. —Andrea

Ogee Beyond Clean Volumizing Mascara, $48, available here: “For daily wear, I don’t need my mascara to be super lengthening or thickening — I just want something that’ll subtly accentuate my lashes. That’s exactly what this formula does; the wand adds a light coat of color to my lashes (similar to kohl mascara), which helps keep each lash separated for a natural look. It’s also laced with jojoba oil and oat-derived proteins to condition and strengthen lashes. A mascara that helps my lashes grow and looks good simultaneously? Win.” —Savannah