With Valentine’s Day branding February as a month dedicated to love, I’d like to propose something: Rather than focusing primarily on your romantic relationships, why not celebrate the relationship you have with yourself? And yes, of course, that involves beauty products. So, why not treat yourself to some newly-launched formulas from this past month to spice up your beauty routine?
You don’t have to bend over backwards to find the next viral product that’s worth spending money on. Whenever I want to amp up my routine I look for two things. The first is good, science-backed skincare formulas that actually render results. And the second is makeup that is easy to apply and doesn’t fade throughout the day. Lucky for you, the noteworthy launches below fall into these categories. Here are the best new beauty products that caught our attention this month.
Ama Kwarteng, Beauty Director
Photo: Courtesy of Ama Kwarteng
Sculpt Sticks
Contouring can be a bit tricky on deeper skin tones—the wrong formula can leave your skin muddy and streaky. Thankfully, this latest launch from Milk Makeup glides on undetected. Infused with a thyme extract blend and sunflower seed oil, the creamy contour stick doesn’t tug against your skin and blends out completely. I swipe it along my temples and under my cheekbones to add instant definition to my face.
Micropoint XL for Blemishes
In the past, I’ve tried to place individual pimple patches on a cluster of zits, and inevitably, it doesn’t work out. Unfortunately, pimples aren’t evenly spaced from one another nor do they come in the same size and shape. So, Hero Cosmetics decided to create a solution by launching an XL patch for blemishes that arrive in clusters. Specially shaped to fit the jawline, cheeks, and chin, the patch’s micropoint technology, along with the salicylic acid in the formula, target acne at the root to help skin look clearer.
Refreshing Water Hydration Stick Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50
Applying sunscreen can be messy, to say the least. That’s why I’ve been reaching for this Coola Hydration Stick every morning these last few days. Not only does the solid stick offer a hands-free application and broad spectrum SPF 50 UVA/UVB protection, but it’s also formulated with hyaluronic acid, aloe, and coconut water to deliver an extra dose of hydration to your face during these drier months. I apply it to my face as the last step in my morning routine before blending it out with my fingers for an even finish.
Adi Giesey, Beauty Contributer
Photo:Courtesy of Adi Giesey
Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Foundation
Any formula that promises to be weightless gives me pause. Yes, it might feel light on the skin but I always know that it is there. That was always my belief—until I tested this new formula from Laura Mercier. The medium coverage foundation truly feels like there is nothing on my skin. It’s no surprise that this foundation quickly became a staple in my makeup bag. I’ve been pairing it with the brand’s illuminating primer and it gives me a glowy finish that I can’t get enough of.
The Return Eye Concentrate
If you are willing to spend a little extra money on skincare, U Beauty products never disappoint. Their latest launch is all about the eyes and targets puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles. The luxurious consistency is hydrating and doesn’t leave behind any residue (something I often struggle with when it comes to eye creams).
Sculptino Soft Matte Cream Contour + Bronzer
I’ve always been a fan of Tower 28 because their products are formulated with sensitive skin in mind. I love how blendable and easy this product is to use. I find that as my face warms up throughout the day, the tint melts into my skin resulting in a very natural finish. If you’re new to the art of contouring, this one is definitely beginner-friendly.