Once upon a time, I rarely faced any skincare consequences for my not-so-healthy habits. It was an era when I could go out until 3AM on a Wednesday night, then roll into the office at 9:30AM, fresh-faced. Then I turned 26. As I settled into my mid-twenties, late nights with minimal hours of sleep began to leave their mark on my face in the form of dark circles. Prior to this moment, I initially believed that eye creams were a scam, a way for brands to trick you into buying something you didn’t really need. “Why couldn’t you just use the same moisturizer or serum you used on the rest of your face?” I asked, naively. Well, it turns out the skin underneath your eye is actually different from elsewhere on your face—it’s more sensitive and thinner. Unless you’re using a product specifically formulated for your eye area, the active ingredients are typically too large to actually penetrate and have an impact. Now that I’m older and (slightly) wiser, I’ve become somewhat of an eye cream connoisseur. For other eye cream aficionados, you’re in luck because two of my new favorite products launched just last month. Ahead, all of the new January beauty launches worth your time (and money).
Rejuvenating Eye + SPF 15
Inside this sleek jar, you’ll find mineral sunscreen to protect your eye area from UV rays (don’t worry—it won’t leave behind a white cast), with collagen-boosting peptides, and brightening vitamin C. The formula’s texture plays well with other skincare products, and it sinks into your skin without a trace.
Full Orbit
My favorite thing about this eye cream is the applicator—it makes it so easy to get an exact, pea-sized amount of product onto your finger before dabbing it onto your eye area. The formula is filled with ingredients that hydrate, depuff, and brighten—think: hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, niacinamide, and jasmine flower. I like to tap this on before applying makeup; it makes concealer go on so much smoother.
Base Face Milk Essence
Aestheticians love to tell me that my skin is dehydrated; it happens (almost) every time I get a facial. So, to prevent future disapproving comments and, of course, to keep my skin plump and hydrated, I’ve started incorporating this new launch from Ilia into my routine. After cleansing, I press the lightweight formula into my skin to flood it with hyaluronic acid, lipids, and microalgae, to name a few ingredients. The results are basically instant; my skin looks less dull and feels more supple.
Brow Freeze Gel
There’s nothing more annoying than spending significant time in the morning filling in your brows only for them to come off by lunchtime. Enter: this new brow gel from Anastasia Beverly Hills. It lives up to its name—the clear formula helps shape and lock in brows, sans flakes, without leaving a gray film of residue behind.
Dew Blush Blendable Liquid Blush
This liquid blush is an absolute dream, and it’s now available in three new shades. It’s easy to apply—shout out to the big, soft applicator—and it blends out seamlessly. It’s super pigmented, too; I usually dab a dot onto my cheekbones before buffing it out with a brush. The finished look is a slightly dewy, natural-looking flush.
Dream Lip Oil in Pink Cloud
You can never have too many lip products—I currently have five in my work tote—and my latest obsession is this new lip oil from Summer Fridays. It’s hydrating and creamy—not sticky—and it smells good. You can apply it over lipstick for a mirror-like finish or wear it on its own for a subtle hint of color.
The Matcha Cleanse Daily Clarifying Gel Cleanser
This cleanser is formulated for those with oily skin, but it’s also great for people with combination skin (read: me). It lathers up nicely, giving you a luxe sensorial experience, plus a blend of antioxidants and plant extracts work to unclog pores and soothe irritation, all while being gentle and hydrating.