Launch List: The Best New Beauty Products in February

EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 ($52)

New from the derm-favorite brand is this green, zinc-based sunscreen, which is a great choice for those prone to redness and rosacea. You’ve probably seen green color-correcting products before, as green cancels out red. It’s formulated with a patented barrier repair technology including centella asiatica, amino acids and ceramides, and it’s safe for sensitive skin (even fragile, post-laser complexions).

In clinical studies, it reduced redness by 14 percent immediately and up to 52 percent over time. It also improved hydration by 72 percent. On me personally, it applies very smooth, feels lightweight and doesn’t pill when I add another layer.

Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Face Serum ($92)

If lines and wrinkles are a concern, this science-backed serum is the product to try. “What makes Liquid Peptides so exciting is the innovative space in which we’re formulating: in-between peptides and proteins,” says Daniel Isaacs, chief product officer and founding partner. “Our breakthrough Dual MiniProteins are highly powerful like a peptide and potent like a protein. But, the key is their shrunken size, which enables them to best penetrate the skin. Think of them as small but mighty in their ability to target cells that need them most to smooth and firm the skin for rapid wrinkle reduction.”

Clinical testing revealed the following impressive results: In 10 minutes, the serum reduced the appearance of expression lines. In eight weeks, it visibly reduced deep-set wrinkles. In fact, 100 percent of participants showed a clinical improvement in the look of their wrinkles. And, 86 percent agreed the look of their skin’s structure felt firmer.

Kristin Ess+ Peptide Restore Overnight Bond Revitalizing Dry Mask ($19)

For anyone who doesn’t have time to use a hair mask in the shower and add an extra 10 minutes to their routine, this dry mask is a must-try. Spray it on dry hair before bed (I prefer clean hair that isn’t loaded with styling products so it really penetrates) and wake up to smoother, softer strands.

Over time, they’ll have less breakage too, as it helps reinforce broken bonds. In clinical testing, it increased hair strength and repaired hair from heat, bleach, color, chemical and UV damage. Pro tip: Make sure to spray the aerosol about 8 inches away from your hair. If you’re too close, it won’t evenly distribute and can create a residue on your hair.

ONE/SIZE B12 Base Thinner Vitamin Pearl Serum ($36)

Mix this pearlescent serum (the luminosity comes from a blend of pink and gold vegan pearls) into your cream or liquid foundation to boost your glow in seconds. But, not only are the effects instant; they’re long-term, too. In clinical testing, the daily use of the noncomedogenic formula delivered “visibly brighter, smoother skin in as little as two weeks.” That’s the power of the vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and beta-glucan in the formula, and a great extra perk.

ANUA PDRN Hyaluronic Capsule 100 Serum ($28)

You’ve probably heard of PDRN (aka salmon sperm) or seen the videos all over TikTok, and this new serum combines it with 11 types of hyaluronic acid and collagen for major plumping benefits. In fact, the brand says you can see “a radiant, plumping effect within three seconds of application.”

There’s three ways to use it: Apply it by itself on clean skin; apply it in two or three layers instead of a mask at night; or add a couple drops to your foundation or any other makeup base for a glowy look.

Tula Barrier Balance Ceramide Body Moisturizer ($32)

Give your body the same barrier care you give your face with this new dreamy body cream from Tula, which obviously knows moisturizers well. Chock-full of hyaluronic acid, ceramides and a mix of shea, tucuma and murumuru butters, it’s clinically proven to hydrate skin all day. It also creates a shield to keep moisture from escaping.
 

Face Reality hydraRemedy Gel Serum ($45)

From the brand that knows what acne sufferers really need to feel confident in their skin comes this new hydrating gel-cream serum. But, though it’s light and comfy for blemish-prone and oily skin, it’s a great formula for all skin types, especially those with redness or stressed skin. This is thanks to the mix of hyaluronic acid, ceramides, beta-glucan and calming plant extracts. I love the texture and the way it feels on my skin, which is really dry this time of year. My husband loves it, too!

“Acne experts have been asking for more products that help with compromised skin barriers, irritation and hydration,” says CEO Jeremy Soine. “We heard them and developed this product to address all three concerns.”

Grande Cosmetics GrandeWRAP Tubing Mascara ($25)

Grande’s entering the tubing category with this new launch, which wraps each lash in anti-smudge tubing polymers to lengthen and define with a jet-black finish. And, true to founder Alicia Grande’s ethos, the formula is infused with conditioning ingredients to improve the health of your lashes as you wear it.

Of course the mascara rinses off with just water, which is the feature people love most about good tubing mascaras. And, it won’t flake or smudge throughout the day.

OUAI Detox Face Cleanser ($30)

The brand says “this is a detox you can do on the daily” because it’s designed to be gentle on skin (not stripping) even though it does contain some glycolic acid. That exfoliation, which is great for removing post-workout grime), is balanced by anti-inflammatory niacinamide and hydrating gluconolactone (polyhydroxy acid/PHA).

“You may be familiar with our Detox Shampoo—our best-selling clarifying shampoo for all hair types—but have you heard of our new Detox Face Cleanser? That’s right, we launched skin care and are bringing OUAI’s Detox equity to this new category,” says Nicole Solorzano, vice president of brand marketing. “This gentle cleanser is tough on sweat, oil and makeup. It leaves your skin feeling like you’ve rinsed the day a-OUAI, while retaining moisture and hydration.”

We also love the scent, which is called Capetown and features a blend of ginger, spearmint and green fig that’s light, fresh and spa-like. The pump packaging is great for the shower, too.

OMI Hair Growth Peptides ($79)

The next generation of hair supplements (though the brand prefers to call it a peptide) that’s gaining buzz among our derm network, this innovative hair helper comes in both capsule and gummy form to suit all preferences. Take two per day to let the high-performance peptide formula (it uses patented Intermediate Filament Peptides) work its magic, which is activating hair growth and strengthening the hair’s follicular bonds.

These claims are clinically proven on all hair types as well. In clinical testing, the “peptide” produced up to 12,000 more hairs and reduced shedding by 46 percent in 90 days. It also significantly improved hair strength, shine and thickness.

LANEIGE Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serum ($22)

Murad Superactive Moisturizer SPF 50: Mattifying Oil + Pore Control ($45)

The moisturizer you know and love just got a big upgrade. Emily Philen, senior manager of scientific affairs at Murad, tells me this SPF moisturizer is the brand’s highest SPF in its Acne Control collection, and has a complex of technologies to deliver shine control and improve the appearance of pores. “First, we have the precision-delivery salicylic acid,” she explains. “This is a modified version of salicylic acid, which keeps it concentrated on the surface of skin improving exfoliation efficiency. This helps to remove dead skin cells and excess oil from pores, which both influence pore visibility. The precision-delivery salicylic acid has also been shown in research to support skin’s resistance to UV-induced damage, which could be due to its antioxidant properties. This effect is not commonly seen with other exfoliating acids which makes it a perfect fit for an SPF.

The formula also contains a strategic blend of avocado extract and blurring and oil-absorbing microspheres that give a soft-touch, blurred look, and shine control throughout the day.”

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Concealer ($38)

This is the latest innovation in the brand’s iconic Double Wear franchise (the foundation has won multiple NewBeauty Awards) and comes in 30 water-resistant, full-coverage shades.

“Developed for 24-hour wear, all-day oil control and instant hydration, this new concealer achieves a flawless, soft-focus matte finish that seamlessly blurs imperfections,” says Orrea Light, vice president of global makeup product development for Estée Lauder. “The InvisiFlex technology allows the concealer to move effortlessly with your expressions while delivering weightless, comfortable wear that feels like your skin and stays fresh all day. The unique 3D Sculpting Wand was designed to give you precision and versatility, allowing for seamless concealing, highlighting, lowlighting and contouring.”

Laura Polko Ultimate Moisture Leave-In Conditioner ($7)

We are so excited to see one of our favorite celeb hairstylists, Laura Polko, launch her very own brand at Target this month. I love each of the three new formulas, but this leave-in has become a fast favorite. Powered by the brand’s PROHYDRA Replenishing System (a mix of hyaluronic acid, shea butter and other hair helpers), it hydrates, detangles, smooths and provides heat protection without weighing hair down.

“Always apply Leave-In Conditioner to lengths and ends to protect hair
before using heat tools,” says Polko. “This is also my secret weapon for taming frizz and adding shine when letting hair air-dry—the ultimate cool-girl look!”

Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen ($20)

The brand’s first 100-percent mineral-tinted sunscreen (it has a high concentration of zinc oxide at 20.9 percent), this SPF 40 formula does not disappoint, and comes in 12 flexible shades! Shake the product up before dispensing and expect more of a sheer, liquidy texture, which you probably gathered when you saw the packaging. This is the perfect pick for someone who embraces the no-makeup makeup look, which so many of us lean toward in the summer months.

The addition of olive lipids allows it to apply smoothly and comfortably, and I haven’t experienced any pilling when layering it on top of my other skin care. It dries down fast, and it also has some oil-control properties, but it’s not too dry or matte. It gives the skin a nice natural look.

eos Shea Better Cashmere Body Wash ($10)

It’s hard to believe this is the first body wash from eos when we’ve had the brand in our showers for years. It’s about time! Building off the success of its Shea Better Cashmere collection (we’re big fans of the Shave Oil), this pH-balanced, gynecologist-approved and sensitive skin–friendly formula is a delight in the shower.

You get a rich lather and a clean feel without stripping skin. In fact, you get quite the opposite: silky-smooth skin that feels moisturized. It also comes in four best-selling fragrances: Vanilla Cashmere, Fresh & Cozy, Coconut Waters, & Pink Champagne.

quip Ultra Next Generation Smart Sonic Electric Toothbrush ($100)

The future of at-home dental care, this new sonic toothbrush from quip boasts so many features we love. First, the seamless silicone design. You know how on most sonic toothbrushes there’s that tiny gap where the head detaches and yucky residue gets stuck? This solves that problem. Instead, just the bristle part of the brush head (the actual part that touches your teeth) is removable when it’s time to swap it out. According to the brand, this innovative design also allows for 70-percent less waste.

There’s also an LED touch bar that lets you choose from 10 different intensities, and app connectivity so you can track your habits. And, no matter which one you choose, the toothbrush is scientifically proven to remove up to 15 times more plaque between teeth compared to a manual toothbrush.

FWEE Lip & Cheek Glowy Jelly Pot ($20)

If you fell in love with the brand’s Blurry Pudding Pot like we did, then you’ll also love this formula, which gives you a shiny, juicy look versus a blurred one. Like the pudding texture that took social media by storm, this bouncy, jelly-like is also going viral. Blend it onto your cheeks and/or lips with your finger or use one of the brand’s silicone applicators, which you buy separately. (We love these and they make the application even more fun).

It comes in 19 shades across two categories, which the brand calls “moments.” The “Juicy Sweet Moment” is your go-to for more vibrant pops of color like bold reds and baby pinks, and “Guilty Creamy Moment” offers softer, subtler shades like mauves and nudes. There’s also a sparkly shade called Sugar Powder that you can use on its own or as a topper for any of the other shades. And, it comes with a keyring to house your jelly pot on the go.

Catrice Under Eye Brightener Setting Powder ($6)

Our audience has told us they love the Catrice Under Eye Brightener, and we’re not surprised, considering the TikTok universe feels the same way. “Our viral Catrice Under Eye Brightener has become a beauty staple for all ages, celebrated for its ability to instantly conceal dark circles and refresh tired eyes,” says Jill Krakowski, chief marketing officer at Cosnova Inc., Catrice’s parent company. “This complementary Under Eye Brightener Setting Powder enhances its iconic results while delivering a radiant, long-lasting finish to elevate any makeup routine.”

The finely milled powder comes in the same four shades as the Brightener, but can also be paired with any concealer or color corrector to lock everything in place. It gives a really nice, soft-focus, satin finish with a bit of blurring, which many of us want and need under our eyes.