The 21 Best Beauty Products Fashionista Editors Tried in January

Nécessaire The Lip Balm, $25, available here: “Packed with a blend of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, omega fatty acids, centella asiatica extract and niacinamide, this luxurious lip balm offers a whole host of skin-care benefits in addition to moisturizing and soothing chapped lips. I love the cushiony, lightweight texture and slightly minty scent, which comes from mint essential oil.” —Steph Saltzman, Beauty + Style Director

Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating + De-puffing Concealer, $32, available here: “It’s rare for me to find an exact shade match, but Mother Monster’s concealer in Fair Rosy 03 balances a slightly pink undertone without branching into full-on peach territory, making it a seamless addition to my cool-toned base routine. Beyond securing my near-perfect match (after all, there are 31 shades to choose from), the buildable concealer is also formulated with fermented arnica for reducing the look of redness as well as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid complex for a boost of hydration. Major props to this concealer for making me look alive (and hydrated) even in the dead of winter.” —Catie Pusateri, Contributing Writer 

Saltair Salt Water Vanilla Trio Set, $40, available here: “I’ve been on a vanilla kick this winter, largely thanks to this extensive trio that includes an AHA-based serum deodorant, body oil and body wash. I was apprehensive about trying an aluminum-free deodorant, but this stuff really works to conceal BO while adding a small — not overpowering — note of vanilla bean that smells stronger when I sweat (cool!) and dries within seconds of application. The ‘dry’ oil absorbs practically instantly, so it doesn’t feel sticky against your clothes or sheets. And the body wash leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated. All in all, it’s rare to find a set with such equally fantastic products (and such a manageable price point).” —Savannah Sitton, Market & Branded Content Editor 

Is Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance Plus, $165, available here: “I started using this serum a few months ago after a dermatologist recommended it. With consistent use, I began to notice a significant difference this month in my skin’s texture, radiance and inflammation, thanks to the vitamin C and botanical blend. So much so that friends have pointed out how glow-y I look.” —Brooke Frischer, Staff Writer and Social Media Manager

Fenty Beauty You Mist Makeup-Extending Setting Spray, $32, available here: “The brand hosted an event featuring makeup application, followed by an intense pilates class, to put this makeup setting spray to the test. I was so impressed with how well it held up (even after dabbing away at my face with a towel), plus, I love that the mist is super-fine and doesn’t add any extra shine to a look.” —Steph

Eighth Day The Night Cream Treatment, $450, available here: “This peptide-rich overnight cream promises to target dark spots and fine lines, even and firm the skin and minimize the appearance of pores. And might I say, it certainly hasn’t disappointed me yet. The thick formula is loaded with Bakuchiol and the brand’s ‘Retinal XR’ (microencapsulated retinol that the brand claims ‘decongests the skin at 250% of the potency of standard retinol’) to prevent wrinkles and boost collagen production. It may come at a hefty price tag, but the results speak for themselves.” —Janelle Sessoms, Staff Writer

L’Oréal Infallible Up to 24H Brow Lamination, $15, available here: “I love the look of laminated brows, but sometimes I get lax when it comes to keeping up with my treatments. Whenever mine wears off, I fake it with this strong-hold brow gel. It’s thick and coaxes every single one of my stubborn brow hairs into place — and then it sets after a few seconds to lock them there, without turning crunchy or residue-laden.” —Steph

Cyklar Vanilla Verve Nutrient-Rich Body Cream, $29, available here: “Continuing my vanilla obsession, this gourmand-scented lotion has become a staple of my body-care routine. The airy, marshmallow-like formula is spiked with niacinamide, prickly pear water and squalane to hydrate and tone skin. In addition to the salty vanilla bean base, the heady scent also incorporates jasmine petals and bergamot for clean, woodsy undertones. It smells so good, my brain wants me to lick it off my fingers like frosting. If you, too, want to feel like a walking delicacy, I highly suggest applying from neck to toe.” —Savannah

Benefit BadGal Bounce Mascara, $29, available here: “I’m impressed by this mascara’s volumizing power, as well as the opaque pigment that makes for an impactful, full-lash look. But I’ve also been surprised to note how great my lashes feel after taking off my makeup: Because the formula is laced with castor seed oil, it makes my lashes feel softer after every use. Plus, the brush is dual-sided, making it easy to lift and separate the top lashes while lightly fluffing the lower ones — all without any clumping.” —Brooke

Shani Darden Rescue Serum With 10% Azelaic Acid Complex, $68, available here: “In my ongoing struggle with hormonal acne and irritation-prone skin, azelaic acid has become a go-to ingredient. Multiple experts have recommended I incorporate it into my regular routine, so this Shani Darden launch immediately piqued my attention. The 10% concentration of the ingredient — combined with oat kernel, aloe and licorice extracts — works to calm redness, fight breakouts, brighten dark spots, mitigate hyperpigmentation and create a more even texture. Plus, the serum has a lovely, lightweight gel-like texture.” —Steph

Jones Road Gel Liner, $30, available here: “I’ll admit that I’m a bit of an eyeliner snob. I need a formula that’s able to deliver a dangerously sharp and long-lasting wing, and I’ve only been able to achieve that level of precision with liquid formulas until I took Jones Road’s new gel liner for a spin. With a smooth and creamy texture, its chocolate brown hue can easily achieve a diffused liner look or a sleek cat eye with the help of the brand’s Precision Eyeliner Brush. Plus, it’s water- and transfer-proof for an all-day, smudge-free wear.” —Catie

Trinny London BFF All Day Foundation, $52, available here: “This year has already brought a lot of surprises (most of them bad), but me actively fawning over a matte foundation? The girls are gagged. This long-lasting, full-coverage foundation has become my go-to reach for a full glam look. I love that it’s not cake-y upon application (or after long wear) and even though it’s not a luminous finish, my skin still doesn’t look dull. It offers a breathable, buildable base and doesn’t budge under the cold, dry weather.” —Janelle

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Contour, $28, available here: “I have been waiting for Rare to release a contour since the brand first launched. Using the same applicator and easy-to-blend formula as its beloved Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, the brand’s take on a complexion sculptor did not disappoint. The finish is extremely natural and it has impressive staying power after it sets. As much as I love the product, I do hope the brand also releases contour shades in the same setting as its Cream Bronzer Stick (one of my favorites from the brand).” —Brooke 

Glossier Black Cherry Eyeliner, $18, available here: “Glossier did its big one with this Black Cherry collection. I especially love its eyeliner: Despite not having the steadiest hand, I’m able to glide the creamy pencil on smoothly and with ease, delivering a rich pop of color that never drags on my lids. It offers enough dry time to blend it out, but once it does set, I’ve had zero issues with rubs or smudges.” —Janelle

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Dewy SPF 30, $50, available here: “I nearly forgot I was wearing this tinted moisturizer throughout the day thanks to its lightweight, breathable formula and natural-looking dewy finish. Laura Mercier recently updated its formula to feature a longer 16-hour wear time claim, and also added skin-care ingredients, including raspberry leaf extract to promote hydration retention, upcycled black grape pomace to soften the appearance of fine lines and a prebiotic complex for a strong skin barrier. With SPF 30 and a boost of hydration in tow, this tinted moisturizer offers a smoothing finish perfect for my no-makeup days. (Just remember to still wear sunscreen underneath any SPF-enhanced makeup products to ensure adequate protection!)” —Catie

Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturizer, $49, available here: “As its name implies, this moisturizer’s gel-like formula is super lightweight, but leaves a dewy, cream-like feel on the skin that is supremely moisturizing. (The brand claims it offers up to 24-hour hydration!) It’s been getting me through these dry winter nights. I’ve been applying it after my serums but before my face cream as a lightweight moisturizer step and really notice a visible different in plumpness after application, specifically the fine lines around my eyes and mouth looked less pronounced, and the glossy gel leaves a dewy glass-skin effect that makes my complexion look flawless, which is why I use it both morning and night.” —Savannah

Saltair Salt Water Vanilla Skincare Deodorant, $10, available here: “It takes a lot for me to stray from my drugstore OG Secret deodorant, but I’ve recently found myself reaching for this sweet-scented one from Saltair over my typical go-to, so much so that it’s almost completely replaced the other in my routine. The scent is fragrant enough to conceal any odor, but light enough that it doesn’t trigger a headache like some standard deodorants do. Plus, instead of buying an entirely new stick when you run out, the brand sells a refill pod to click into your existing carton.” —Brooke

Tan Fan Self Tan Sleep Sac, $46, available here: “We all know the plight of self-tanning at home, between the horrid smell and staining, it can be quite the daunting task to marinate yourself in tanner, especially the overnight formulas that require hours of baking. Enter the smartest invention: a soft, cooling sleeping bag made of light, breathable 100% silk that never clung to my skin even when the formula was still sticky. This sleeping bag has thought of everything, just lay it over your bottom sheet, place your pillow in the built-in pillow protecting sleeve, and voila! You’re golden, and your sheets are not! There’s also optional peepholes for your feet, just in case.” —Savannah

Dr. Idriss x Canopy Portable Humidifier, $120, available here: “January’s cold, dry air has not only left my skin feeling dull and lifeless, but it’s also caused regular nosebleeds thanks to my dried-out nasal membranes (fun, right?). Heavy-duty creams can only help so much, so I confronted the dryness at its source with some extra spatial moisture: Dr. Shereene Idriss teamed up with Canopy on this TSA-friendly portable humidifier that aims to promote skin hydration while combatting sensitivity and the look of fine lines. I’ve been keeping it near my desk while I type away on my laptop every day, and so far I’ve noticed less skin irritation and an end to my seasonal nosebleeds. Also, the humidifier can be used with its accompanying soothing aromas: Bedtime Sesh (bergamot and honeysuckle), Calm-ish (white florals and anise) and SPF OTB (coconut and ylang ylang).” —Catie

Alpha Skin Care Jumbo Renewal Body Lotion 12% Glycolic AHA, $34, available here: “Although it looks and feels like a typical moisturizer, this body lotion is laced with a strong dose of glycolic acid for intense exfoliation and to promote faster cell turnover. I apply it mostly to my upper body at night — it’s a bit heavy, meaning it sticks to clothes, so I wore fitted pajamas on nights I used it — and noticed significantly softer skin in the morning.” —Savannah

Briogeo Style + Treat Dry Shampoo Puff, $28, available here: “My second-day hair can turn oily fast, so this dry shampoo puff has been my close companion for prolonging that fresh-hair feeling. I absolutely love the precision and convenience of its puff applicator, which distributes the translucent dry shampoo directly onto my scalp without leaving a cloud of product in its wake. It’s also so easy to pop in my bag and touch up my perpetually oily roots while I’m out and about for a quick refresh.” —Catie

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