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 SkinCeuticals' new serum that's great for GLP-1 users to K18's first-of-its-kind heat protectant, we’ve got the inside scoop on all the newness.
The Best New Beauty Products This Month
Peach & Lily MiniProtein Exosome Bioactive Ampoule ($53)
If your biggest aesthetic concern is the lack of that youthful bounce (you know the second it starts to fade), this is the product to try. Addressing the look of collagen loss with the brand's proprietary, super-concentrated MicroMimic Tri-Signal Concentrate—a mix of biomimetic miniproteins, exosomes and phyto growth factors—it helps visibly smooth and firm the skin. Plus, you get an instant glow. “Growing up in Korea and spending so much time there for research and product development, I’ve been deeply inspired by the rapid evolution in skin-care tech and the powerful results we see from in-office treatments," says founder and aesthetician Alicia Yoon. "We challenged ourselves to recreate that level of transformation—in a bottle. And after years of collaborating with world-class labs, dermatologists, biotech scientists and cell biologists, we developed something truly next-level.”
K18 HeatBounce ($48)
The brand’s biggest launch since its cult-favorite Molecular Repair Mask hit the market in 2020, this innovative cream-to-mist formula provides heat protection using a first-of-its-kind biotech molecule called ResiliCore. Use it on damp or dry hair (it works on all textures) before drying/styling to defend your hair against heat from tools and UV exposure, while also preventing breakage at the hair's cortex (not just on the surface).
“From day one, we’ve been guided by one belief: Biology knows best," says Suveen Sahib, cofounder and CEO of K18. "Our work isn’t cosmetic; it's molecular. With K18PEPTIDE, we repaired broken keratin chains. With HeatBounce and ResiliCore, we’re helping prevent that damage from happening in the first place. This is the first intelligent heat protection system in hair care. It’s proactive. It’s responsive. And it’s built on years of research into how nature defends itself from heat. At the same time providing the added benefit of weightless conditioning and detangling without stylists or consumers having to reach out to another product. For us, this is not a line extension, it’s a leap forward, marking a new era in proactive, biotech-powered styling.”
Bubble Skincare Talk Back Lip Serum ($12)
Loaded with soothing and hydrating ingredients like avocado oil, shea butter, squalane, and sunflower and pomegranate seed oils, this new lip serum manages to deeply nourish dry lips while also imparting a pretty, glossy look. It's also super cute and we love the ergonomic packaging. If you want a pink tint, go for the shade Watermelon (and it does taste like watermelon!), and if you prefer clear, opt for the other option called Loud & Clear. “I was lucky enough to test Talk Back Lip Serum pre-launch in my kit—it's a must on set," says celebrity makeup artist Todd Harris. "Whether I'm prepping a model for a shoot or touching up a celeb before they hit the red carpet, it gives the perfect glossy finish without ever feeling sticky. It’s instantly hydrating, creating the perfect level of hydration on the lips. I use Loud & Clear when I want a natural, healthy shine, and Watermelon for that subtle tint that photographs beautifully. I use it on its own or layer it effortlessly over lip lipstick, which makes it incredibly versatile for touch-ups throughout the day.”
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum ($185)
This breakthrough serum is part of a whole new category of skin care addressing the common side effects of glycation (the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin), or skin/facial changes after rapid GLP-1 weight loss, aka "Ozempic face." Powered by patented skin-lifting ingredients (rhamnose and gentiana lutea root extract) and a 34.6-percent concentration of L'Oréal's proprietary, wrinkle-smoothing Flavo-Proxylane, it helps visibly lift and firm the jawline, cheeks, forehead and neck where elastin and collagen are depleted. It also hydrates and helps strengthen the skin barrier.
Though GLP-1 patients can greatly benefit from using this serum (it was clinically tested on them as well), it's a great option for anyone experiencing these signs of aging, and is recommended for all skin types and tones. "Glycation and collagen loss in the skin lead to visible signs of aging, such as skin laxity and wrinkles," says Dallas dermatologist DiAnne Davis, MD. "I recommend this serum to my patients looking for an elevated lifting result in key facial areas to pair with ultrasound and other tightening procedures.”
Burt's Bees Boosted Body Moisturizing Melt ($13)
You know Burt's Bees' beloved lip balm and its sensitive skin–friendly facial products, but now the brand is entering a new category: body care. Our top pick from the collection is this Moisturizing Melt, a cream-to-oil formula designed to seal in moisture on wet or dry skin without leaving behind a residue. It's infused with ceramides and peptides that nourish the skin barrier, and it smells so good thanks to naturally derived blend of guava, melon, and grapefruit. “What makes the Burt Bees Boosted Body line so special is that it brings a skin care–first approach to body care, treating your body with the same intention and nourishment you’d give your face, which is something consumers are increasingly seeking," says Mariela Goldesten, the brand's marketing director. "Powered by nature and backed by science, each formula is thoughtfully designed to deliver visible results with naturally derived, effective ingredients. The Moisturizing Melt is a perfect example: it’s rich yet fast-absorbing, deeply hydrating without feeling heavy, and leaves your skin feeling resilient and cared for without a greasy residue."
Kosas Soulgazer Mascara ($28)
Brand founder Sheena Zadeh calls her new mascara a "lash serum disguised as a lengthening mascara," and we couldn't agree more. It lifts and lengthens to give lashes that really pretty fluttery effect, while also strengthening them with peptides over time. In fact, the brand says users can expect visible lash growth in six to eight weeks. We also love the exclusive curvilinear brush, which grabs every lash—even the tiny ones on the inner corners—and separates them for maximum impact. "I’ve always thought eyes are more than just a feature—they’re kind of like little portals into who we are," says Zadeh. "One glance can say so much. That’s what inspired Soulgazer Mascara. I wanted to create something that really brings out that connection we feel through the eyes and express it outward with defined and beautiful lashes. After years of testing and tweaking, we finally landed on a formula I’m so proud of. It’s super lengthening, buildable and infused with a highly effective peptide that can actually help support lash growth over time. I didn’t want to stop until we had a product that could perform beautifully as a mascara, support lashes like a serum, and tell a story that emanates from the inside out.”
Joico Dream Blowout Glass ($28)
For all the frizzy girlies, especially this time of year, this floral-scented glass hair treatment will be your new best friend. Spritz the heat-activated formula (be generous; less is not more with this product) on damp hair before styling to lock in major shine, humidity protection and frizz-free bliss for up to three days. It also acts as a heat protectant (up to 400 degrees) and a detangler, leaving you with silky-smooth strands. Key ingredients include shine-boosting sea kelp and the brand's unique liposome delivery system called SmartRelease, which continuously releases rosehip oil, arginine and vegan protein into the hair cuticle for repairing and strengthening benefits.
Oak Essentials Refining Mask ($68)
This bouncy, blue, botanical-powered mask is a 10-minute fix for lackluster skin. The mix of clarifying blue tansy, soothing mineral-rich deep-sea water from France, and barrier-strengthening ceramides, plus the calming, chamomile-infused scent, makes this a skin-care must-have topping our list right now. "I've always wanted a mask specifically for mornings—something that easily fits with the rest of my routine," says founder Jenni Kayne. "In the 10 minutes it takes to minimize my pores, smooth texture and give this incredible airbrushed effect, I can sip my greens or wake up the kids."
Mane Temp Check Heat Protector ($26)
One of our favorite products among the brand's new collection of styling products (we're big fans of the cult-favorite hot tools), this lightweight dry spray protects against heat damage (up to 450 degrees)—no more sizzle when you're styling—frizz and humidity. Infused with panthenol, oat peptide and the brand's signature, fruity-floral scent called Pinky Promise, it's a formula you'll find yourself reaching for before every styling sesh. "When we started asking our community what they really needed from a hair brand, they wanted damage control," says founder and celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin. "They wanted to understand and take care of their hair the way they understand and take care of their skin. That’s why we created Temp Check, a way to protect your hair while heat styling, to *temp check* your existing—and future—hair damage, and to smooth and add shine, all while smelling amazing."
bareMinerals Original Talc-Free Pressed Powder Foundation Mineral SPF 15 ($39)
It's hard to believe it's been 30 years since the brand launched its original—and very iconic—Matte Loose Powder Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15. Those little black jars were in everyone's makeup bag. But, they can get a bit messy, making them less travel-friendly than some other powder options. Hence, this new addition, which gives fans the same beloved talc-free formula and shade range in a pressed compact with an included puff applicator in the bottom. The powder foundation is dermatologist-tested, non-acnegenic, non-comedogenic and so easy to use. "This product is amazing because it's mineral-based and contains minimal ingredients that work to instantly improve skin texture and clarity while reducing redness," says makeup artist David Birdwell, executive director of global education and artistry at the brand. "Each bareMinerals product is created with the belief that makeup can actually be good for your skin."
L'Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic + Gloss High Shine Leave-In Serum ($8)
A total steal at just $8, this silky serum brings a skin-care ingredient we know and love—glycolic acid—into hair care for a serious smoothing effect. "This serum works so well because of its star ingredient, a Glycolic Acid Complex," says celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos. "It makes hair 14 times smoother [when used with the shampoo and conditioner from the same collection] for an extra boost of shine and next-level gloss. The serum can be used on both damp and dry hair and is suitable for all hair types."
Kopari Ceramide Grinding Cleansing Balm ($36)
No more sticking your fingers into cleansing balm jars because, 1.) let's face it, you probably lost the little scooper, and 2.) Kopari's new one has genius packaging. (Yes, I love tubes too, but I often squeeze out too much or not enough.) This fruity-scented, buttery-soft formula is housed in a tub that uses a grinder applicator to dispense fresh product in a perfect amount each time. Key ingredients include ceramides that support and nourish the skin barrier, along with antioxidant-rich sea buckthorn oil, vitamin E and botanical oils. Together, they remove your most stubborn waterproof mascara, sunscreen and everything else without leaving your skin feeling dry or stripped.
Dermalogica NeuroTouch Symmetry Serum ($138)
Lacking connection with your significant other? Powered by neuroscience, this first-of-its-kind serum is actually meant to be applied to your skin by someone else, but of course you can apply it yourself, too. (The brand recommends using its own sculpting massage technique as well.) Harnessing the healing power of touch, it improves emotional well-being as it also works to sculpt lax facial contours and restore facial symmetry. "In an era defined by digital overwhelm and increasing disconnection, this serum offers something radically human," says Dr. Heather Hickman, vice president of education at Dermalogica. "It’s not just skin care; it’s skin therapy that brings people closer together. Whether it's used by a professional or shared between loved ones, it turns the simple act of application into a moment of connection. The combination of biomimetic ingredients, mood-elevating aromachology and sculpting techniques makes this one of the first products to intentionally address the loneliness epidemic through the skin, our most emotionally intelligent organ."
Being Frenshe Lip Balm ($13)
Part of the brand's new Lip Wellness line, this buttery lip balm is enriched with peptides and cupuacu butter to keep dry lips quenched and nourished. Available in four of Being Frenshe's mood-boosting scents—Cashmere Vanilla, Solar Fleur, Moon Milk and Lavender Cloud—the vegan balms apply clear with a subtle hint of color and a glossy finish. "The skin on your lips is delicate, which is why they need a little extra attention," says founder and actress Ashley Tisdale. "We took the mood-boosting scents at the heart of our brand and created a ritual that fits into your pocket, but is impactful enough to help you feel good."
Neutrogena Collagen Bank Pure 15% Vitamin C Serum ($26)
Vitamin C serums don't need to break the bank. This fragrance-free one comes in at less than $30 packs a potent punch. Formulated with 15-percent pure ascorbic acid and the brand's patented, collagen-boosting micro-peptide technology, it helps increase firmness, even out skin tone and minimize the appearance of discoloration for a noticeable glow. Another key ingredient is 2-percent polyhydroxy acid, which gently exfoliates the skin, allowing the vitamin C to penetrate further. Due to the potency of the vitamin C, consider a patch test first if you have sensitive skin.
Shu Uemura Art of Hair Izumi Tonic Strengthening Gloss ($63)
Inspired by the ancient Japanese secret to glass hair (Yu-Su-Ru), this clear glossing liquid is infused with sustainably sourced Japanese rice water to add serious shine and softness, while also helping to strengthen strands and reduce breakage. After just one use, the brand says it leaves hair 2.8 times shinier and 97-percent stronger. Swap it in place of conditioner in your regular shower routine, leave it in for a few minutes and then rinse it out.
“This is skincare for your hair," says Whitney VerMeer, pro artistic partner for Shu Uemura Art of Hair. "It's weightless but powerful. The rice water strengthens, the gloss brings serious shine, and together they leave your hair looking smooth, glassy and healthy.”
Parëva Beauty C35.5 Firming Glow Serum ($74)
The first step in founder and scientist Smitha Rao's three-step system for better skin, this patent-pending serum is a powerhouse for boosting skin firmness and brightness. "I wanted to create the very best firm and glow serum, and this one is clinically crafted for skin longevity," says Rao. "The C is for vitamin C–THD, an oil-soluble form of vitamin C—and the 35.5 is for the 35.5 percent bioactives like ceramides, turmeric and resveratrol. One drop is all you need, twice per day." Another key element of this silky formula is the brand's proprietary Molecur 3, a biotech-derived ingredient from plant stem cells. "I went after plant stem cells because this is a very clean area and I wanted plant-based technologies for longevity biomarkers, exosomes and NAD+," Rao adds. "The technology addresses biological aging, external stress and inflammation."
amika aura hair + body mist ($28)
One of hair care's most iconic scents now comes in a hair and body mist, which was the brand's most popular customer request of all time. We can't say we were surprised either, as the mist category has skyrocketed over the past year and this makes perfect sense for amika. The signature scent—a mix of "juicy apricot, bright pink grapefruit, and a warm wrap of vanilla and sandalwood"—can finally be yours all day, every day without having to touch your hair. "Each spritz transports you to a mood-lifting moment that’s fresh, warm and seeped in your sweetest memories," the brand says.
MakeUp Eraser Cloud Clean XL Eco Towels ($8)
Made from 100-percent eucalyptus fiber, these dermatologist-tested, biodegradable towels are great for drying your skin after cleansing, versus using the same dirty wash cloth night after night. This makes them especially great for anyone with acne-prone skin. They're great to throw in your gym bag or carry-on as well, and I also love them for removing face masks. Each box includes 30 disposable towels.
“We wanted to give beauty lovers a sustainable, skin-friendly alternative to traditional towels, and being at Walmart ensures everyone can experience this innovation with ease and convenience," says Neena Marie Argeroplos, senior director of brand and marketing. "They're a total game changer for anyone who cares about both their skin and the planet!”
