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The 29 Best Beauty Products Fashionista Editors Tried in April

Including a slew of new candles, a restorative scalp tonic and water-based lube without a hint of stickiness.

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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. 

April: a month full of wedding season preparations, press previews and indecisive weather. But amid all the busy schedules, team Fashionista remains focused on testing out new beauty products to join our continuously growing collection of skin-care, makeup, hair-care, fragrance and wellness favorites.

This month, we tried a gentle cleanser, a hooded-eye-friendly mascara and a pore-cleansing body wash with a lingering, irresistible scent. We also fell in love with a slew of scented candles to suit our team’s variety of olfactory tastes. 

Ahead, see (and shop!) our favorite beauty discoveries this month. 

Essie Hard to Resist Advanced Nail Strengthener, $11, available here: “A coat or two of this clear polish somehow makes my perennially weak, brittle nails unbreakable. It’s become a necessity for when I’m in between manicures.” —Dhani Mau, Editor-in-chief

Kosas DreamBeam SPF 40, $40, available here: “This ultra-glow-y fluid sunscreen has become my daily staple. It relies on a mineral-based UV filter — which I find tends to make me less prone to breakouts and rosacea flare-ups than chemical versions — to deliver SPF 40 protection and is also enhanced with plumping peptides, smoothing ceramides, hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing allantoin. The peachy tint livens up my complexion (but reportedly also works on all skin tones), and I love the Dewy-with-capital-D finish.” —Stephanie Saltzman, Beauty Director

Pattern Blow Dryer for Curly Hair, $189, available here: “I often use a blow-dryer with a diffuser to boost my mixed pattern, coily-curly hair, and Pattern’s version gives my wash-and-go more volume and shape than any other I’ve tried. The additional three attachments (a comb, brush and concentrator nozzle) make the tool ultra-versatile, and the chic color and matte feel give it a certain luxury I’ve rarely experienced in curl-specific blow dryers.” —Andrea Bossi, Staff Writer

One/Size Secure the Blur Makeup Magnet Primer, $34, available here: “Primer fell out of my makeup routine years ago since it never seemed that necessary. In my previous experience, formulas were either too matte or too dewy, but this one creates a smooth appearance without sacrificing skin’s inner glow. It also has a light, gel-like consistency.” —Brooke Frischer, Contributing Writer

Yina Bian Stone Gua Sha, $85, available here: “I recently got into gua sha and have been really loving this tool. The multiple ridges make it easy to try different movements along my face. The stone is also large enough to hold comfortably and its weight gives just the right amount of pressure when applying.” —Angela Wei, Staff Writer 

Oak Essentials Violet Santal Candle, $60, available here: “It makes total sense (scents?) that this candle from Jenni Kayne’s beauty brand is the olfactory embodiment of laid-back California cool, but with an elegant coziness, just like Kayne’s namesake brand. With notes of amber, violet and ‘California woods,’ it’s equal parts soothing and fresh. I also love that it’s made from a coconut- and soy-based wax.” —SS

Dove Amplified Textures Hydration Boost Scalp Tonic, $7, available here: “With my hair currently braided, I’ve been extra attentive, ensuring I’m keeping my scalp hydrated. The formula has a silky, liquid-y texture, so it’s extremely easy to use my fingertips to massage it into each section. With regular use over the span of just a week, my scalp has become significantly less dry and itchy.” —Janelle Sessoms, Editorial Intern

Victoria Beckham EyeWear Eyeshadow Stick in Macaron, $34, available here: “The pink-y lilac of this creamy, matte eye shadow stick really does it for me. It’s easy to apply and lasted me through multiple trips sweating on the subway without creasing or getting weird.” —Liza Sokol, Sr. Audience Development Manager

ZitSticka Killa Acne Extra Strength Patches, $18, available here: “I’ve tried plenty of pimple patches, but this is the only one I’ve ever used with results so immediate and impactful, it felt akin to getting a cortisone shot at my dermatologist’s office. The brand claims it’s ‘five times stronger than other like products’ and that it ‘starts working within two hours on deep, early-stage zits,’ vanquishing them overnight with 2% salicylic acid, peptides and niacinamide. I popped one of these on a deep cyst I could feel forming, and by the next morning, it had already advanced to that no-longer-inflamed healing stage. Truly incredible.” —SS

KS & Co Sheer Tinted Brow Gel, $36, available here: “I love how sheer and natural-looking this lightly tinted brow gel is. There’s no real risk of messy, uneven coverage or accidentally applying too much pigment, but it is buildable if you’re looking for a bolder look. On top of all that, it contains ingredients that strengthen brow hair and help it grow.” —DM

Nécessaire The Body Retinol Overnight Repair Treatment, $55, available here: “Faces get most of the attention when it comes to skin-care actives, but this new body treatment from Nécessaire aims to re-think that: A 1% encapsulated retinol blend provides the wrinkle-smoothing, radiance-giving benefits for which the ingredient is revered, while 5% concentrations each of mandelic and glycolic acids smooth and resurface skin. There’s also niacinamide for brightening and smoothness, as well as sea buckthorn oil, glycerin and hyaluronic acid for cushiony moisture.” —SS

Chanel Paris-Paris Les Eaux de Chanel, $142, available here: “This scent is floral and fun, but with the elevation you’d expect from a Chanel scent. Since it’s an eau de toilette, the formula is inherently less intense than you’d get with an eau de parfum, which makes it perfect for summer.” —AB

Olly Flawless Complexion Gummies, $14, available here: “As I wrote about here, these skin-care gummies spiked with zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E and selenium have played a huge role in keeping my skin acne-free and are now a crucial part of my daily routine.” —DM

MAC Macstack Mascara, $24 $28, available here: “I’m very loyal to my Rare Beauty mascara, as it’s been one of the few I’ve found that doesn’t instantly melt around my eyes. But this MAC product is another hooded-eye-friendly version I recently discovered. The micro brush’s tiny spikes help to prevent the volume-boosting formula from clumping lashes together, and the formula coats my lashes very evenly, without moving around.” —BF

Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, $35, available here: “This gel cleanser has a cushiony texture that feels ultra-soothing. Plus, it’s laced with marine peptides for an extra dose of hydration. “—AW

Ranavat Radiant Rani Brightening Saffron Serum, $135, available here: “I’m usually skeptical about these supposed cure-all face oils, but this is now one of my favorite products. If I’m feeling lazy, I’ll sometimes just wash my face, apply a few drops and call it a day. I’m obsessed with the smell and consistency, which is heavier than a serum, but less greasy than a typical oil. It doesn’t break me out and in fact seems to help breakouts disappear more quickly, in addition to leaving my skin looking brighter and healthier with each daily use. While it is pricey, a little goes a long way.” —DM

Snif x Long Wknd Body Butter Bar, $18, available here: “Part of fragrance brand Snif’s ‘secret menu’ launched in collaboration with Long Wknd body care, this solid moisturizer looks exactly like a (giant) pat of butter, despite being completely vegan. It melts on contact with skin, so you can become the croissant, slathering yourself in butter (and the intense moisture of the sea buckthorn, grapeseed and jojoba oils that happen to comprise this version). It also smells downright delectable, thanks to notes like a ‘croissant accord,’ berry jam, black currant, toasted vanilla, tonka bean and sandalwood.” —SS

Shani Darden Hydration Peptide Cream, $58, available here: “As someone with acne-prone skin that tends to lean more dry than oily, I’m always confused about what moisturizer to use. Not anymore: This recent launch by celeb facialist Shani Darden is oil-free and specifically designed to intensely hydrate without also causing congestion. I love it.” —DM

U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound, $68, available here: “Aquaphor has always been my go-to lip treatment — it’s simple and gets the job done. But since I was gifted this intensive lip ‘treatment,’ I’ve already noticed increased smoothness and a longer lasting sense of hydration after a few weeks of regular use.” —BF

Child Perfume Scented Candle, $65, available here: “I’m not a huge candle person, but if the fragrance hits just right, I’m all in. With a floral fragrance featuring notes of jasmine, tuberose, orange blossom and magnolia, this scent imbues my bedroom atmosphere with a much-needed sense of calm.” —JS

Henry Rose Dark Is Night Body Cream, $65, available here: “Summer is no time to be ashy, so I’ve been looking for my next favorite body lotion. This rich cream relies on shea butter, vitamins E and B5 to pack plenty of moisture and skin protection — and it also happens to smell sensual and delightful.” —AB

Hai Rose Quartz Smart Showerhead, $199, available here: “Not only does this showerhead come in pink (and five other colors), but it also tracks water usage, lets you know when the water has hit your desired temperature, offers great pressure and has a separate attachment that lets you infuse your shower with light essential oils to either ‘relax,’ ‘repair’ or ‘energize.'” —LS

D.S. & Durga Be Still Candle, $70, available here: “Your local yoga studio is going to love this one: Incense melds with multiple types of woods (Himalayan cedar, cypress) and other tree resins. It’s nice as hell.” —LS

Lush Happy Skin Enzyme Facial Exfoliator, $26, available here: “This is a powerhouse of an exfoliator, thanks to its dual use of chemical (via pineapple enzymes) and physical exfoliants (from bamboo and tagua nut powder). It’s is especially helpful for thoroughly removing sunscreen.” —AB

Violette FR Sérum Superlatif Skin Barrier Rescue, $46, available here: “I apply this skin-protecting serum both day and night, after my routine facial cleanse, and have noticed positive changes in texture and overall hydration.” —JS

Playground Mini Escape Coconut & Sandalwood Lubricant, $25, available here: “Yes, I love Christina Aguilera’s new lube brand. The combo of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E gives great slip without being sticky, the light scent isn’t overwhelming (although there’s also a fragrance-free one), it isn’t irritating at all, it’s water-based/safe with latex condoms and toys and it’s infused with ashwagandha, black cohosh, and horny goat weed to give it a much-appreciated oomph.” —LS

Vella Women’s Pleasure Serum, $65, available here: “While I’m on a sex-positive wave here, I also love this CBD-loaded serum. ‘Pre-play topical for arousal and orgasm’ is an apt description, even if you’re an SSRI girlie like me (which is to say, it doesn’t always get me there every time, but it certainly helps.)” —LS

Diptyque Paris Candle, $86, available here: “This Parisian-inspired candle makes my compact New York apartment smell like a comfortable, art deco home in the city of lights — at least that’s what I tell myself when I light it.” —AB

St. Ives Body Wash Tea Tree & Lemongrass, $4, available here: “Everything about this silky, gel-textured body wash has me ready for the summer season. Its fruity, citrus scent lingers on my body, long after I’m done showering.” —JS

In case you missed last month’s picks, you can find them here:

Roz The Foundation Duo Shampoo & Conditioner $72, available here: “I’ve been a longtime admirer of hairstylist Mara Roszak, who works with celebrities like Zoe Saldaña and Michelle Yeoh. The effort she put into developing her namesake hair-care brand is clear from the quality and performance of the formulas. I’m particularly obsessed with the ultra-gentle shampoo and conditioner, which rely on natural surfactants, peptides and ceramides to smooth and strengthen hair. Bonus: They work on all hair types and smell incredible — like an airy, sun-drenched flower-and-herb garden.” —Stephanie Saltzman, Beauty Director

View the 24 images of this gallery on the original article

Please note: Some of these products may have been gifted. Occasionally, we use affiliate links on our site. Neither affects our editorial decision-making.

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Source: Fashionista.com

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