This month I approached product testing with my 2023 mantra in mind. I’ve decided this is the year of measurable change. I don’t want to find a “new me." I’m not interested in succumbing to the false narrative that I will suddenly follow a completely updated routine or change all my habits over the course of 31 days. But what I am going to do is treat myself to a few minor adjustments; a little revamp, if you will. For example, switching up the lip gloss that will stay in my bag for the next year (just me?) or swapping in a few updated skincare formulas to update my current routine. As we reflect on all the buzzworthy launches that hit the market so far this year, we invite you to keep a similar ethos in mind. Ahead, explore the newest products our beauty team has been loving all month long.
Ama Kwarteng, Beauty Director
Photo Courtesy: Ama Kwarteng
SurrealSkin Liquid Foundation
All of the social media hype you’ve heard about this foundation is true—it really is that good. It gives me amazing coverage without feeling heavy, and lasts through the day without sliding off. The combination of grapeseed oil, squalane, and powders in the formula creates a stunning and glowy finish on the skin.
Blow Dryer
Because of poorly constructed tools of the past, heat is typically seen as something that is “off-limits” for keeping your hair healthy, especially for people with curls and coils. Tracee Ellis Ross decided to change that narrative. The Blow Dryer is Pattern’s newest launch and is specifically designed with curls in mind. The dryer comes with four different attachments to style your curls however you want, and the motor cuts down dry time significantly. The heat settings dried my hair pretty quickly without singing my curls—definitely a win.
Hydrabarrier Nourishing Face Oil
Formulated with a blend of Scandinavian berry oils and ceramides, this face oil locks in moisture, giving my skin a dewy look (without leaving behind a greasy film on my skin). After testing it nightly for a couple of weeks, I noticed my skin looked plumper and felt smoother and softer.
Adi Giesey, Beauty Contributor
Photo Courtesy: Adi Giesey
Ceramidin Cream-Infused Mask
I’ve never used a sheet mask like this one and I mean that in the best way possible. When I heard that Dr.Jart was revamping their Ceramidin line I was immediately curious—the collection has been in my rotation for years mostly because ceramides (the main ingredient) and my dry skin are a match made in heaven. The two-part sheet is doused in a thicker cream which your skin absorbs over 20 minutes. Unlike some single use masks the outer layer is dry which helps prevent it from slipping and sliding around your face during application (my biggest pet peeve). I used this before I went to bed and the next day I was pleasantly surprised with a glow that lasted for the days to come. File this under skincare to use before a big event.
Anti-Wrinkle Glowfector SPF 30
If you don’t have an SPF formula you love, it can be hard to remember to use sunscreen before makeup in the morning or in colder months when it isn’t top of mind. This new iIlluminating lotion with SPF 30 has completely changed that for me. I describe it as a primer meets highlighter meets sunscreen. It sits nicely under makeup, has hydrating ingredients like argan oil, and protects against UVA/UVB rays.
Rich Bitch Lip Balm
You know how everyone has that one product they are extra particular about? For some people it is finding a specific shade of blush or foundation finish, but for me it is finding the perfect lip balm. My lips have always been sensitive so it takes very little for a product to leave them dry, red, and cracked. But this new formula from Freck hits all my major requirements: A thick texture, a hydrating ingredient list, and a luxurious high shine finish. I am happy to say that I now keep a tube in every bag and can’t stop applying it. I even pair it with my favorite lip liner at night for a pop of color.
Carefree 90s Collection Blue Jeans Baby Candle
The new collection from Otherland is an ode to the founder’s childhood in the '90s and is complete with three nostalgic scents. I’ve always been the type of girl to reach for a cologne before a perfume so I am very particular about what wicks I have burning in my home. I can’t help but think Blue Jean Baby was made for me. It has notes of white musk, mimosa flower, and washed denim that's refreshing and clean. Let’s just say you don’t have to be a '90s baby to appreciate this one.