Hundreds of products come across our editors’ desks every month, but not all of them deliver on their claims or live up to the hype. (Not everything that goes viral on TikTok is a miracle worker.) This is our exclusive curation of the best-in-class beauty products receiving rave reviews from our team and hitting shelves right now. From Lady Gaga‘s new blush balm to Brooke Shields’s new hair serum, we’ve got the scoop on all the newness.
Our Favorite New Beauty Products This Month
Rhode Pocket Blush ($24)
We’re not surprised that the Rhode website crashed when these bitty blushes launched. Founder Hailey Bieber has done it again with another winning formula, and this time it’s housed in a pocket-sized package that’s perfect for the girl on the go. Who doesn’t love cute, tiny things?
The long-wearing, glowy cream blush comes in six shades: Piggy (baby pink), Freckle (neutral peach), Spicy Marg (bright coral), Sleepy Girl (soft mauve), Juice Box (hot pink), and Toasted Teddy (bronze terracotta). (Hailey is wearing Piggy in the picture here.) Use them on your cheeks (build it up for a more dramatic look), or wear them on your lips and top them with Peptide Lip Tint for a glossy vibe.
Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Mineral Cream SPF 30, Umbra Sheer Mineral Cream SPF 30 and Umbra Cocoa Mineral Cream SPF 30 ($36 each)
“We started this project back in 2018: the goal of updating and improving the texture,” says Tiffany Masterson, founder and chief creative officer. “Umbra was one of my first formulas, launched back in 2013, and since then, there have been some incredible advances in mineral sunscreen actives.”
The new formulas also feature an increase in broad-spectrum quality, earning a high UVA protection rating (hence the new PA+++ on the label). “We also added Cocoa, a color that can easily be worn on darker skin tones and also be added to the two other colors to offer a customizable option.”
Fenty Hair The Homecurl Curl-Defining Cream ($28)
The highly anticipated hair collection from Rihanna’s Fenty empire is finally here. One of our favorites from the nine-piece lineup is this silicone-free gel-cream. Best for wavy, curly, coily and tightly textured hair, it helps shape and define curls while keeping them touchably soft. The formula also contains the brand’s proprietary Replenicore-5 complex, which combines amino acids, proteins and antioxidants to repair hair damage and seal split ends.
“Creating products that were easy to use, no matter your hair type or texture, and that included repair in every step and could keep up with me, was crucial,” says founder Rihanna. In a clinical study on all hair types, 100 percent of participants agreed that the curl cream made their curls feel hydrated, didn’t weigh their hair down, and didn’t make their hair feel crunchy or leave behind flakes.
ORTEGA Ethereal Glow Balm ($28)
If you’ve been wondering which dewy highlighter was responsible for Lana Del Rey’s ethereal glow at The Met Gala and Coachella, we can finally reveal it is this new launch from makeup artist Etienne Ortega’s new brand. And, Del Rey isn’t the only A-lister who’s been test-driving the formula over the past several months: Ortega’s other clients, including Demi Lovato, Christina Aguilera and Kris Jenner, are also fans.
You can use the balm on your eyes, lips and cheeks (I love it on the collarbone, too), and the texture is so dreamy. The formula is infused with hydrating blue agave and vitamin E, allowing it to glide on effortlessly. There are four celestial shades: Sunset Bliss (my personal favorite so far), Ice Queen, Rose Quartz and Golden Hour.
Kopari Hair and Body Fragrance Mist ($29)
Kopari just expanded into a new category with its first-ever fragrance collection that it’s calling “Paradise Found.” According to the brand, this new hair and body mist was the number-one most-requested product from customers and has been two-and-a-half years in the making. It comes in four scents, including Kaanapali Coast (the brand’s signature coconut-vanilla scent and most requested for this product), vanilla-musk Seychelles Sands, tropical Malibu Peach and floral Marbella Bloom.
The mists are allergy- and dermatologist-tested, made with responsibly sourced, upcycled ingredients and housed in sustainable bottles. Spray them in your hair or anywhere on your body, and reapply as often as you want, or layer a couple different ones to create your own scent.
BondiBoost Everlast Airstyler ($188)
This all-in-one styler uses air for less damage as you style. “The ceramic-coated attachments are your secret weapon and heat up evenly to help set your style and keep it there for long-lasting looks,” says BondiBoost hairstylist Olivia Thomas. “That’s how we came to name the Everlast: You can achieve everlasting looks as you take your hair from wet to styled with the six different attachments. It’s super versatile, suitable for all hair, and adds shine and reduces frizz as you style. We believe the affordable price point will make this accessible for anyone wanting an easy-to-use multitool.”
The six attachments include a Smoothing Dryer Concentrator, an Angled Dryer Concentrator, two Ceramic Curlers, a Ceramic 32mm Round Brush and a Ceramic 58mm Volumizing Round Brush. It’s everything you need for more defined waves or a big, bouncy blowout.
Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Color Fuse Glassy Blush Balm ($34)
Infused with more than 70-percent skin-care actives (something the brand has become known for), this serum-balm is a summer staple for glowy skin. There are eight gorgeous shades that boast a glossy, translucent finish for a glass-skin effect. The brand says it “performs like a luxurious serum balm without any sticky or tacky residue.”
“This hydrating blush balm isn’t just for your cheeks—it’s a super versatile lip product, too!” says Sarah Tanno, the brand’s global artistry director. “Swipe it directly onto your lips for a full-coverage rush of color, or simply dab it on with your finger for a more diffused flush. Top with a layer of Phd Hybrid Lip Oil in Universal Clear to amplify the glassy effect even further.”
Isle of Paradise Beautifully Balanced Body Oil Cleanser ($22)
Swap out your cream-based body wash for this oil-based one, which is great at removing sunscreen and doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue on the skin. We also love the light, woody-amber scent, which has a hint of lavender.
“Our new Body Oil Wash is truly a DREAM!” says founder Jules von Hep. “The formulation starts out as an oil and then turns into a creamy, lathering cleanser that gently washes away the day’s grime without leaving skin feeling stripped. It’s also packed with some serious skin-loving ingredients. We’re talking ceramides, panthenol, oat oil, sweet almond oil, and squalane. They all work together to cleanse and hydrate skin while keeping that natural moisture locked in. But here’s the best part: it’s not just about the immediate results. This wash is designed for the long haul, helping to keep your skin soft, smooth and nourished day after day.”
Milk Makeup KUSH High Roll Defining + Volumizing Brow Tint ($24)
You’ve probably heard of tubing mascara (if not, click here), but this is the first tubing brow product we’ve ever seen. So smart! The tinted gel—it comes in eight shades—goes on like any other tinted brow gel, but like tubing mascara, stays smudge-proof all day and comes off so easily without scrubbing. (You only need warm water; no makeup remover is necessary, though of course you can use it if you want.)
The formula contains creamy vegan waxes—carnauba and jojoba—and three conditioning oils: hemp seed, castor and sunflower seed. This allows the gel to nourish brows as it volumizes and defines them, but without the dreaded crunchy feel or flaky residue.
La Prairie Skin Caviar The Mist ($185)
A first for the brand, this limited-edition, Swiss caviar–infused mist is a summer must-have (get it before it’s gone!). Perfect for a long flight, your beach bag or an everyday staple (I prefer all of the above), this fine-mist formula contains micro-oil droplets in water base, providing hydration while sealing in moisture to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
The two key ingredients include the brand’s signature Caviar Hydroessence, which hydrates parched skin, and Caviar Micro-Nutrients, a potent blend of more than 300 different natural nutrients to energize the skin. It’s refreshing and a delight to use, and it leaves skin feeling nourished and smooth.
Patrick Ta Major Glow Crème & Powder Light Reflecting Highlighter Duo ($40)
“Glow has always been what made me, me,” says founder and celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta. “It’s been my artistic signature since the beginning of my career and since launching Patrick Ta Beauty in 2019. The evolution of my glow technique has led me to creating a brand-new way to glow with this new highlighter collection that makes you feel lit from within. The new collection offers so much versatility. The cream formula is intentionally translucent, or more sheer and wearable for everyday, while the powder formula is a bit more intense and can be diffused for a more glam look. It’s making revolutionary glow accessible to everyone.”
Apply either the powder or cream on the high points of your face, or sweep the powder all over for high-impact shimmer. This would also look beautiful on the collarbone, décolleté and shoulders for a date night or beach party. You can also use Ta’s signature glow technique, which is layering the cream over the powder for a multidimensional effect.
Commence Thickening Root Serum ($30)
Brooke Shields was blessed with thick, voluminus hair, but she’s acknowledged that its changed as she’s gotten older. She recognizes that there are more than 80 million women over the age of 40 this year, and they are seeking “intentional and powerful hair-care solutions.” Up for the challenge, she founded Commence. “When your hair looks good, you feel good, period…but things get different after 40,” the actress, founder and CEO says. “Commence creates harmony and strength between the root and strand, which ultimately gives you more freedom with your hair as your hair and scalp change.”
This multitasking root, scalp and hair serum helps calm down a stressed-out scalp while increasing hair density and thickness from root to tip. It does this with bioactive fermented minerals, antioxidant-rich water kefir PHA, and sulfur-rich peptides. Over time, hair becomes softer, smoother and stronger.
essence Call Me Queen Dramatic False Lash Mascara ($5)
First, let me just say that I can’t believe this mascara (and all of the other incredible essence mascaras I’ve tried) is only $5. What a steal! Though it took me several coats, the look I achieved was indeed comparable to that of the lash extensions I used to wear. It gave volume, length and that fanned-out effect everyone loves, all with no clumping.
“Call Me Queen mascara is a game changer for anyone looking to achieve an intense, dramatic and false lash–effect look with ease,” says Jill Krakowski, chief marketing officer for cosnova USA, essence’s parent company. “Thanks to its unique and innovative shaped elastomer brush, even the shortest lashes can be reached and coated perfectly. This mascara is incredibly easy to build, allowing you to create an effortlessly bold look with every use.”
Glo Skin Beauty BHA Clarifying Gel Moisturizer ($60)
Ideal for acne-prone skin (oily skin types will love it, too), this oil-free gel moisturizer delivers just enough hydration to keep the skin barrier happy (no pore clogging whatsoever). Vegan lactic acid and salicylic acid work together to refine and clarify skin, balancing oil production and eliminating shine without stripping away necessary moisture.
“This formula is the result of over two years of research on the skin’s microbiome and the special considerations an adult acne sufferer experiences,” says Anna De La Cruz, vice president of product development at Glo Skin Beauty. “If you are looking for a silky, water-light, gel moisturizer that melts into your skin and promotes a clear and balanced complexion while controlling shine throughout the day, get ready to fall in love with this. The clinically proven formula is packed with next-generation actives and microbiome-supporting botanicals, and leaves skin looking exceptionally refined.”
e.l.f. Soft Glam Satin Foundation ($8)
“This foundation [the brand’s first in seven years] hits the sweet spot between full beat and barely there with long-wearing, medium, buildable coverage,” says Nicole Faulkner, senior director of artistry and events at e.l.f. Beauty. “It feels fresh, even at the end of the day, because it’s noncomedogenic, breathable and infused with skin-nourishing ingredients that leave a smooth, satiny finish.”
Faulkner recommends dotting the foundation, which comes in 36 shades, in the center of your face. Then buff and blend it all over (including your neck) with a sponge. “For those areas where you may want some extra coverage, continue to build and blend the foundation as needed,” she adds.
Luna Daily The Nip + Lip Balm ($28)
Calling all breastfeeding mamas! This clinically tested gel-balm is perfect for dry, cracked nipples and lips. It absorbs fast, it’s nongreasy, and you don’t need to remove it before breastfeeding. Key ingredients include Lipex L’Sens, a vegan alternative to lanolin, Kahai Oil to soothe skin, and calendula to relieve dryness and itching.
“While researching the category, I found nipple balms on the market to be really underserving, sticky and greasy, which would ruin nursing bras,” says founder Katy Cottam. “They were clumsy and unhygienic to use—you needed two hands available, and often scooping out of a tub. Most were also not vegan, and made with lanolin from sheep’s wool. Our single-handed—it’s great if baby is in the other arm—silver-tipped balm was inspired by silver nipple caps friends swore by. It’s not only a convenient format, but it also instantly soothes as you apply. My top tip: Pop it in the fridge for an extra cooling sensation.”
L’Oréal Paris 3-Second Setting Mist ($14)
In a recent interview with Sofia Carson, she told me she loves this new mist, and when she wore it at the recent Cannes Film Festival, her “makeup did not move from 4 p.m. until 1 a.m., through photo shoots, video shoots and red carpets.” The microfine, aerosol mist dries instantly with a natural finish and keeps makeup in place for a whopping 36 hours!
“This setting spray is a dream product to lock in makeup looks to last for hours on end with no touch-ups needed!” says celebrity makeup artist Allan Avendano. “It’s also my secret weapon to lock in body makeup and prevent it from moving and transferring!”
Thrive Causemetics EmpowerMatte Precision Lipstick Crayon ($28)
A product dedicated to empowering and inspiring women, this new velvet-matte lip crayon is the brand’s biggest launch of the year. If you love the brand’s best-selling Brilliant Eye Brightener eyeshadow sticks, these glide on with the same ease and have a soft, very creamy feel. Available in 14 shades named after impactful and inspiring women in the community, the waterproof formula has a 12-hour wear time, doesn’t dry out the lips and contains moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil.
Plus, if you don’t already know this, the brand’s name being Thrive Causemetics is a reflection of its mission to support important causes. The brand recently released its 2023 Impact Report, and since its debut in 2015, it has donated over $150 million in funds and products to more than 600 of its nonprofit giving partners. For lip products specifically, Thrive has donated more than 1 million units! “Your unwavering support has made a lasting positive impact in communities around the world,” says Karissa Bodnar, founder and CEO.
Bali Body Self Tan Body Milk ($29)
“This unique milk-fluid formula allows for a truly luxurious application experience,” says Harriet Harvey, head of marketing at Bali Body. “Promising unparalleled hydration and reparative properties, this formulation has been enriched with over 93-percent skin-care ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, ceramides and vitamin C. Intense hydration and restoring the skin barrier ensures a longer-lasting, natural-looking self-tan.”
Harvey says the brand has found that applying the formula with your hands is the easiest and most effective way to control it. “The warmth of your hands will allow the product to seamlessly glide across all areas of your body and melt into denser areas, such as your elbows and knees.”
CHI 44 Iron Guard Botanical Bliss Thermal Protection Spray ($18.50)
This cult-classic styling aid hasn’t been touched since it launched in 2014—well, until now. The brand just debuted a major scent makeover (it also upgraded its beloved Infra Silk Infusion). You can expect the same efficacious formula that safeguards all hair types against heat damage, but with a new fragrance called Botanical Bliss.
“At CHI, we constantly strive to innovate and improve our products to meet the evolving needs and preferences of our customers,” says Dr. Farouk Shami, chairman and founder of Farouk Systems, Inc. “We’ve reimagined this spray to introduce a luxe, floral fragrance with notes of peony, honeysuckle, amber and violet. This change reflects our commitment to combining our award-winning formula with a natural, delightful fragrance for an even more enjoyable styling experience that protects hair from heat and breakage.”
