Celebrity-backed brands have flooded the beauty landscape with seemingly nonstop launches from our favorite pop stars, supermodels or Marvel superheroes. The high volume of A-lister brands is enough to make you skeptical about the quality, efficacy and motivation behind these lines. But what we've found more often than not are high-performance products that easily made their way into our daily routines.
"Fenty Skin Butta Drop ($42) is a dreamy, pillowy cream for my dry skin! It’s thick, rich and whipped with butters, oils and glycerin so you get hydration and moisturization, and it’s refillable! Plus, the brand keeps dropping the most delicious limited-edition scents, so you can switch things up from season to season."
—Brittany Burhop Fallon, director of beauty
"I know the Brad Pitt–backed Le Domaine got a lot of flak when it launched (and I might get some flak for saying I like it), but I think it’s a really lovely line. Yes, it’s luxe, but it also has the most beautiful packaging and textures. And, Mr. Pitt must have gotten wind of any heat surrounding the products and now offers a sampler pack ($33).”
—Liz Ritter, executive editor
"I've professed my love for GXVE Beauty since I first swatched the Satin Lipstick ($26) and added it to my permanent lip rotation. The high-shine Bubble Pop Electric Lip Gloss ($20) is another winner taking a top spot in my makeup bag. When I think of Gwen Stefani's most iconic video and onstage looks, I think of sharp liner, bold lips and fresh, modern takes on old classics and GXVE Beauty really delivers on those rock star promises."
—Tatiana Bido, aesthetic content manager
"After meeting with Scarlett Johansson at The Outset headquarters and asking all the important questions, like why launch another celeb skin-care brand, I left feeling super confident about the products. I’ve since gotten a handful of friends and family who love simple, more consciously designed formulas hooked. This Ultralight Moisture-Boosting Oil ($44) is super lightweight while also hydrating, so it’s perfect for acne-prone people that don’t want to clog pores as well as rosacea-prone people like myself, who need that extra boost of moisture."
—Allie Hogan, associate beauty editor
"My esteem for Hailey Bieber is a well-documented one, but I won’t stop until my complexion somehow resembles hers. As someone with oily (sometimes combination) skin, the words Barrier Restore Cream ($29) and 'rich recovery' left me feeling apprehensive when I read about the RHODE launches, but once I tried the lineup, I was hooked. Nothing in the line is heavy or occlusive-feeling. Instead, each formula sinks right into the skin for an instant glow and bouncy finish.
There’s a Peptide Lip Treatment ($16) tube at the bottom of each of my bags to ensure I’m never without one. It’s lightweight, it’s super glossy and never sticky. It’s perfect to use before bed for a hydration layer or to stash away in your bag for a glossy topper to your favorite lipstick.”
—Danielle Fontana Dooley, associate director, digital content
“A whipped treatment shampoo scrub with exfoliating Himalayan pink salt, Gwyneth's Goop Beauty G.Tox Himalayan Salt Scalp Scrub Shampoo ($55) cleanses the hair and scalp of product buildup, dirt, and oil. From humid climates to dry air that require effort to get deep down clean, this product will take you there. This product has remained in my weekly treatment rotation with no intentions of change anytime soon.”
—Sarah Eggenberger, senior editor-at-large
"Honestly, I haven't tried a Haus Labs product I didn't love—and that's not just my Lady Gaga fanatic talking. One of my favorites is the Optic Intensity Eco Eyeliner in Teal Matte ($22). It creates such a vibrant, yet durable look and I get compliments every time I wear it."
—Isabelle Buneo, editorial intern
"The modern art–inspired packaging of the Simi Haze Beauty line drew me in and I quickly fell in love with the shades and quality of every product by 'It Girl" twins Simi and Haze Khadra. I love the combination of the Sun Flush All Over Face Tint ($35) with the Solar Tint Cream Blush Duo ($42). The cream and powder blush duo is versatile enough to give me fresh-from-vacation pink cheeks or the flush from the "I'm Cold" makeup trend. As I collect every product, I marvel at the uniqueness of the packaging and how each one is its own little work of art."
—Tatiana Bido, aesthetic content manager
"I do not have a skilled hand when it comes to eye makeup, but the Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liners ($30) are capable of making magic. They’re easy-to-use, easy-to-blend and can up any look in mere minutes."
—Liz Ritter, executive editor
“The now sold out Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush ($23) continues to be the best liquid blush I’ve tried. It’s super pigmented—a tiny dab with the doe foot applicator is all you need—and blends seamlessly into a powdery, satin finish. No long-winded blending required. It somehow masks the look of my large pores and, unlike many of its competitors, stays put all day."
—Danielle Fontana Dooley, associate director, digital content
"All the sink essentials courtesy of Courteney Cox! The Homecourt Tray Set ($100) elevates your countertop making it beautifully organized and clean. I love the sleek functional tray and the delicious scents. It turns a tedious chore into an olfactory experience but still leaves the dishes pristine. Dare I say, you might even enjoy the doing the dishes?"
—Sarah Eggenberger, senior editor-at-large
"Since WFH became a reality for many of us, I have been air-drying my hair all the time. It’s so much less-damaging, but my hair does not dry in a pretty way unless I use a soft styling cream like the JVN Complete Air Dry Cream ($26). I love the scent (a bit citrusy-floral) and the way it also helps quiet frizz."
—Brittany Burhop Fallon, director of beauty
"I have this lip oil from Ariana Grande’s R.e.m. ($16) in a few shades. I always have one next to me while I’m working because it’s the perfect thing to pop on right before a Zoom. The applicator is so unique and feels absolutely amazing going on. It’s perfect for when I just want my lips to look drenched without too much pigment. It’s also great for putting on top of lipstick for added flare."
—Allie Hogan, associate beauty editor
"I tried the JLO Beauty's Limitless Glow Sheet Mask ($48) on a day when my skin was so dry it was flaking. It not only left my skin feeling hydrated, but it really did have a beautiful and noticeable glow afterwards!"
—Amber Milt, senior director of video
