Psst: 49 Beauty Products We Told Everyone in Our Circle to Buy This Month
By now, you've probably surmised that we test-drive a lot of beauty products here at Who What Wear HQ. From nail polish and makeup to hair and skincare, we're eyebrow deep in all things new, exciting, and wish list–worthy. That said, due to the number of products we come in contact with, we've also transformed into the nitpickiest of beauty consumers. Within seconds, we can tell if a new hair oil is too heavy, and we're quick to ignore a serum that yields disappointing results.
The good news? We're far more often impressed than unimpressed after trying out a new product, and usually, we simply can't wait to spread the word to all of our fellow beauty lovers (also known as you!). Therefore, we've decided gushing over our latest fave products should become a monthly ritual, and every 30 days or so, you can expect a full report detailing the highlighters, hair wands, and overnight skincare saviors we've quickly fallen head over heels for.
For the most part, we'll be covering buzzworthy launches, as those typically take up most of the action atop our product-filled desks, but we won't dismiss new-to-us products, either. Sometimes, our best discoveries are found on a friend's vanity or on someone's face at the bar (true story). Ahead are the best beauty products we tried in March! Grab your game face and wallet—you'll be needing both.
Erin Jahns, Senior Beauty Editor
For everyone out there who's intimidated by or who's had to quit retinol and retinoids due to sensitivity, dryness, the full gambit, this delicious-beyond-delicious new face cream from Klur is for you. First and foremost, it's a decadent, supremely natural, and anti-inflammatory overnight cream designed to reboot even the most tired, lackluster skin. However, it contains an extra key ingredient that makes it even more special: 1% retinol. It has a light, ultra-velvety consistency that feels like a true treat before bedtime, and the aforementioned 1% retinol tag-teams with other strategic ingredients like functional peptides and 19 anti-inflammatory botanical actives to address common signs of aging (like inflammation, wrinkles, etc.) head-on. Start by using it a few times a week for a couple of weeks, and you'll likely start noticing a significant shift in the health and appearance of your skin by week six. I'm obsessed with everything Klur comes out with, and this new launch did not disappoint.
Color correctors are one of the oldest tricks in the beauty book and have been around a long, long, long time. That said, like so many other social media–induced revivals, the product category has come into the limelight again recently, and Exa (Credo's in-house beauty brand) just launched an impeccable (super-clean!) six-shade color range to suit every skin tone and need. I've been reaching for the yellow, as it's the best one to help camouflage redness on lighter skin tones, but I'm also keeping the pink (for darkness) and green (for when I'm really red or pink) on hand. Pat your tube of choice on before you go in with your normal concealer and foundation, and I guarantee you'll need a fraction of the amount of product. I can't live without them now!
I'm telling you now that you absolutely positively need to add this brand-new bonding serum from Olaplex to your cart. I love anything and everything Olaplex makes, but dare I say this is my favorite formula yet? I'm a minimalist when it comes to hair products, but this lightweight serum has officially edged itself into the deepest valves of my heart. I apply a nickel-size amount to my damp hair pre-oil and any other styling products, and once my hair dries, it's impeccably soft, smooth, shiny, and healthy-feeling. If you like instant and long-term gratification when it comes to the look and feel of your strands, you'll flip for this.
I just don't do body scrubs. I just don't! They always end up gloopy, all over the floor of my shower, and I feel like more scrub goes down the drain than on top of my actual skin. Plus—hate to say it—most formulas just don't really work that well for me. Instead, I always reach for a great exfoliating bar, and recently, I've become completely obsessed with Mutha's new model. Guys, it's dreamy. In fact, it's like an all-in-one body product! It instantly unclogs and paves bumpy skin thanks to 100% biodegradable, renewable wood pulp microfoliants while replenishing hydrators like cupuaçu seed butter and jojoba oil help moisturize and lend a helping hand of smoothness. (Trust me—you, and anyone around you, won't be able to stop touching your skin post-shower.)
This mighty little bar also houses vitamins B3, B5, and E to support the skin’s natural moisture barrier, and it smells positively divine—think white grapefruit, litsea, and green foliage. It's like having an enchanted forest that magically smooths your skin in the palm of your hand whilst you shower. And who doesn't want that? Especially now that we're entering spring and summer.
Would I even be me if I didn't include some kind of magical lip elixir? Meet my newest obsession from U Beauty, The Plasma Lip Compound. First things first, this stuff makes your lips look effing fantastic. And I mean fantastic. Pillowy! Plump! Shiny! It's everything I want in a plumping lip treatment and then some. (Hot tip: Wear it over and under your lip products, and most definitely wear it while you sleep.) It has a unique 3D cushion effect that lends hydration, softness, and a noticeable lessening of fine lines and wrinkles. I love a product that delivers instantaneous results like this one, but I also appreciate that the more you wear it, the more your natural lips will benefit and look perenially plump and more volumized. You gotta get a tube of this!
Caitie Schlisserman, Beauty Director, Branded Content
I’m low-key obsessed with this. After cleansing at night, I’ve been using this, and it makes my skin feel extra clean. It’s always so shocking to see how much more dirt and makeup is lifted away even after cleansing.
When I think of hair health, I don’t necessarily think of my scalp. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that a healthy scalp is really the foundation to healthy hair. I wouldn’t say I have irritation, itching, or redness right now, but I want to keep it that way, which is why I started using this. It’s lightweight and formulated with a powerful blend of Mirsalehi honey and bee garden oil blend in addition to five natural scalp-targeting actives that deeply nourish, soothe, and help replenish, balance, and protect irritated, dry, and/or oily scalps.
If I’m being totally honest, I’ve never found an eye product that I’ve stuck with. But maybe that’s because I’ve just been waiting for the new Double Serum Eye. It’s inspired by the cult-favorite Double Serum, which, if you haven’t tried, is a must. This formula is honestly heaven—it’s full of ingredients like turmeric, which is great for reducing inflammation, and organic wild chervil. It also protects against blue light, which is a huge plus given that I’m staring at a computer most of the day. And Clarins is known for having unique application methods that focus on lymphatic drainage, so every time I use it, I do feel like I’m taking extra-good care of myself (and my skin). I’ve been using it for almost a month and have noticed a visible difference in my under-eye area. It gets a 20/10 from me.
I haven’t met a SkinCeuticals product I haven’t liked, so I’m not surprised I’m obsessed with this. It’s a lightweight moisturizer that targets uneven tone and texture and soothes visible redness. It uses next-generation brightening technology and helps improve dullness, rough texture, and redness without also causing inflammation. Coming from someone who has a naturally rosy complexion, I have noticed that my skin looks not only brighter but also more even.
I'm really, really into this lip stain. It’s super lightweight and very buildable, and it doesn’t dry out my lips. For $6, I think it’s worth adding multiple tubes to your collection.
I’m a huge face-mist person. I’m known to have multiple out at a time because they’re the perfect afternoon pick-me-up, but this one has been my latest obsession and not just because I’m very into the packaging. It’s great to use as a toner, but I find myself reaching for it throughout the day when I want a skin refresh. It’s made with the brand’s tri-ceramide complex and a blend of allantoin and probiotic ferment to help strengthen the skin’s microbiome. Basically, if you boost your skin barrier, you’ll have better skin.
Clarins sneakily launched this new day cream, and I’m so happy it came to my attention. I’ve been using it every single morning, and it has really helped inject some much-needed radiance into my skin. It’s made with persimmon extract and is a very pretty lavender color, which helps combat yellow tones in the skin. The best part is that it works well under my makeup.
Katie Berohn, Associate Beauty Editor
I have always been a big fan of Kiehl's eye creams, so when I heard about its newest launch, I was automatically excited. I've been using it for the last couple of weeks, and it's exceeded expectations so far. The skin around my eyes looks brighter, less puffy, and smoother.
I have such dry skin. Body butters are one of my favorite ways to keep my skin moisturized. This one is super rich, makes my skin feel insanely soft, and smells like fresh grapes. It also absorbs a lot more quickly than many body butters.
I love self-tanning, but I'm miserably bad at it, so I usually end up resembling Colby-Jack cheese. Last weekend, I wanted to partake in the miniskirt trend that we're seeing everywhere, but I realized my legs were literally the color of a sheet of paper—nothing wrong with that, but I just wanted to make them a bit more sun-kissed. I used this oil mist in a rush before leaving my apartment, and I braced for the worst, expecting my legs to become blotchier and blotchier as the night went on. Instead, I got a dreamy, allover wash of tan with no splotches. This will definitely be my summertime go-to.
I love the Saie Dew Blushes, so when I found out the brand was launching new shades, I jumped at the chance to try them. This shade really surprised me. In the tube, I thought it would definitely be too dark for me—it's a warm, terra-cotta color, and I am extremely pale. In reality, it looks so, so good on—it blends out so well, and the color ends up looking like a natural flush.
I'm really picky when it comes to brow pencils because I hate when my eyebrows look unnatural or too filled in. Ever since I started using this one, I've been reaching for it on repeat. It makes my brows look naturally defined, and I love the detachable spoolie brush on the end.
Extremely hot take incoming: I hate natural deodorant. I went through a phase where I tried just about every natural deodorant there is, and while there are some I like more than others, it just doesn't do anything for me, particularly once it starts to warm up and get more humid. I'm honestly not picky about deodorant—just give me something that stops sweat and makes me smell good, and I'm happy. I really like this one because it doesn't transfer to clothes, and it keeps my underarms dry all day long. It also smells really good.
Sierra Mayhew, Fashion Editor
A lot of products shook up my routine this month, and this was definitely one of them. I've been pushing aside a few of my favorite $100+ night creams for this one because it just feels so good. The color and texture add something special to my evening skincare routine, and I fall asleep feeling majorly hydrated.
I love seeing the results of an exfoliant, but most of the ones that I've tried are not too pleasant. This one totally changed that for me and made exfoliation feel like a special treat. It doesn't sting, burn, or involve any tedious rubbing. I just rub it on and make a cup of tea as a bit of a break in my skincare routine.
I don't think I've ever gone through a product so quickly. My shower routine revolves around this product, and I've loved seeing my skin brighten from head to toe since I started using it. While skincare products are constantly all over my face, there are times that I have totally neglected the rest of my body. Now that I've tried this serum though, I'm never going back.
Cleansing and hydrating at the same time is rare—so naturally, I'm always on a hunt for a product that can do that. I love taking the day off when I use this milky micellar water that totally refreshes my skin.
Michaela Bushkin, Senior Fashion Editor, Branded Content
After seeing people rave about this face oil all over Instagram, I finally decided to try it myself. I was initially deterred by the $98 price tag, but this product is honestly worth every penny and then some. It feels really luxurious, melting right into the skin for an immediate hydrating effect. I'm also excited about the oil's other benefits, which include fighting blemishes, calming redness, and reducing fine lines. My skin errs on the drier side, but my sister who has an oily complexion is equally as impressed with this product.
I recently discovered a sustainable skincare line (it also happens to be vegan and cruelty-free) called Rawkanvas, and I couldn't be more impressed with its products. I love this resurfacing treatment because it leaves my skin super soft and is way gentler than other AHA and BHA products I've used in the past.
I've also been loving its ultra-hydrating Moisturizing Restoring Cream for days when my skin feels really dry or flaky. I like it as a night cream because it's on the thicker side.
Yusra Siddiqui, Assistant Market Editor
I saw a lot of videos of this online, and I was shocked when I tried this out for myself. When people say it makes it look like you got filler, they're not joking. It not only makes your lip feel plumped, but it also adds a sheen like no other. I get the hype now and want to know the sorcery that went into creating this product.
I'm very picky with cleansers—I don't like when it feels like they do absolutely nothing to your face, and I don't like when it strips your face completely. This cleanser changed the game for me, truly. It not only makes my face feel smooth and clean after, but I actually saw a difference after a few weeks in my texture and hormonal acne.
I know I've talked about this blush probably a million times on WWW, but this month, I've been using it as a tint on my lips, and I seriously like how it looks. It doesn't dry out my lips and has good color payoff. Plus, who doesn't want a two-in-one product?
I love Supergoop!'s Unseen, but lately, my combo skin has been drier than usual, so I've been reaching for the Glowscreen more than ever. Also, I like how it's slightly tinted so when I wear no makeup, it creates a slight blurring effect on my skin.
Eliza Huber, Fashion Editor
I've been bleaching my hair for about eight years now, and only this year did I really start to notice how damaged it was becoming. I keep putting off getting a haircut, so my ends are really dry and broken, resulting in any styling just not looking right. It wasn't until I started using this unreal hair oil that my ends started to look and feel moisturized and hydrated. It also smells amazing.
I don't really wear makeup at all, but this product is the exception. This is the only brow product I use that really feels like it holds them in place. Tip: Since the ABH brow utensil is a bit pricey, I bought one from the drug store instead, and it works just as well.
Most of The Ordinary's products are a bit too strong for my sensitive skin, but not this one. The hyaluronic acid goes on super thick and nice, making my skin feel hydrated all day long.
I've been using Chanel's Sublimage La Crème Yeux eye cream for over a year now, and I will be heartbroken when it runs out (which is going to happen very soon). The smallest amount goes a long way, and it's one of the few eye creams I've tried that actually feel like they're doing something.
Allyson Payer, Senior Fashion Editor
I usually kind of hate loose powder because it's bulky and messy, but this one is really compact, and the finish is so glowy. When you look at it, you'll notice small pieces of shimmery particles, but everything blends right in on the skin, so it doesn't look like you're applying highlighter all over your face.
Don't let the words "glitter eye shadow" scare you. These are subtler than glitter, and there's no flaky fallout. Simply put, they're beautiful, and I love them so much that I've bought three colors (Smoke, Ray, and Rapture).
There are several good peel-pad systems on the market, but this might be my favorite. The first exfoliating step is intense, but the second hydrating step instantly soothed and cooled my skin like no other I've tried. I followed up with a little more moisturizer, and the following morning, I looked dewy, bright, and rested.
I love tinted moisturizers but not when they're so sheer that they don't even out my skin tone or anything. This new one feels as light as a typical skin tint, but the coverage is more light-to-medium than super sheer. It practically melts into your skin and stays put all day. You really won't regret buying it.
I was on the hunt for a good hyaluronic acid product, so this came just in time. I’m a huge Alastin fan, so I knew its new HA Immerse Serum would be supreme. Sure enough, it is. It sinks right in and makes my skin look smoother and plumper. It’s super lightweight, so I’ll be wearing it during the warmer months as well. My skin has been pretty dry lately, and this cleared up the flaky patches after just one use. It’s truly a miracle product.
This might be my favorite Summer Fridays product yet (and that’s saying a lot). I noticed that the reviews on Sephora for it are wildly good, and now I see why. It’s really soothing and helps with redness, and it sinks right in, sans greasiness.
Shawna Hudson, Associate Beauty Editor
Although this isn't quite a new product, it is new to me, and I am absolutely obsessed. I've expressed my love for Dr. Sturm's Darker Skin Tones range in general, but I have to give the face cream and her legendary Hyaluronic Serum ($300) a big shout-out since they've become a regular part of my routine now. This face cream is SO hydrating and gives me this lit-from-within glow, yet it is completely noncomedogenic. It also contains niacinamide, which is great for darker skin tones. I'll admit some noncomedogenic moisturizers leave you wanting more, and I don't feel hydrated enough when I use them, but this is not the case with Sturm's face cream. It's so well balanced, and I can't say enough good things about it. It's (dare I say) my favorite moisturizer of all time.
I'm really loving this face oil from Supernal lately! Although this also isn't super new, I finally got around to trying it and can't get enough. It goes on so smoothly and absorbs really quickly, which I appreciate in a face oil. Some of them can just sit on top of your skin, creating an uncomfortable film, but not the case here!
I just got this serum and have been completely obsessed with it. If you have acne-prone skin, this serum will be your new holy grail. I love that it doesn't contain any of the traditional harsh acne fighters but instead uses soothing ingredients like tea tree oil, willow bark, and walnut leaf to gently exfoliate. It leaves my skin looking so radiant, fresh, and clear. It's helped clear up my skin in the short amount of time I've been using it. Can't recommend enough!
Bobby Schuessler, Market Director
I love Aēsop's range of products and am especially into this recently launched eye serum. It's super hydrating and lightweight to put on. It's now part of my daily regimen.
Kat Collings, Editor in Chief
As I'm getting older, my skin is getting drier. Moisturizers that used to work great no longer cut the mustard. So fun! I've struggled to find my new sweet spot between lightweight creams (aka ones that somehow make my skin feel tighter and drier after applying) and the super-heavy-duty ones that are only good before bed. That is until I met Dieux's Instant Angel. I've been using it for a few weeks, and my dryness has completely disappeared. Just like it promises, I feel like my skin barrier is stronger and healthier using this moisturizer. I also love the metal-tube look (chic!) and that it comes with a tool to get every last drop out.
Anneliese Dominguez, Fashion Editor, Branded Content
A cute bottle, an affordable price, and a powerhouse of a product—what’s not to like? I just finished my first round of this, and I only have good things to say. My skin is bright and dewy and looks extra firm. Oh, and it feels incredibly soothing on my skin.
I have struggled with shaving for as long as I can remember. With super-coarse, curly hair, I could never find a razor that actually gave me a close enough shave to leave my skin feeling dolphin smooth. (You know what I mean.) That is until I started using the Oui the People razor. My god, my legs feel so soft. The single blade does the best job at getting the closest shave possible. I’ve even noticed my ingrown hair count going down tremedously. Sure, it’s an investment, but the results are so worth it.
Throw this on after shaving and thank me later.
Think of that clean, neutral-aesthetic apartment of your dreams. This is the candle that would be burning in it—I’m positive.
Up next, I'm a Hard-to-Impress Beauty Editor, But I'm Losing My Mind Over These 18 Finds
Erin has been writing a mix of beauty and wellness content for Who What Wear for over four years. Prior to that, she spent two and half years writing for Byrdie. She now calls Santa Monica home but grew up in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and studied writing, rhetoric, and communication at University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. She studied abroad in Galway, Ireland, and spent a summer in L.A. interning with the Byrdie and Who What Wear family. After graduating from UW, she spent one year in San Francisco, where she worked as a writer for Pottery Barn Kids and PBteen before moving down to L.A. to begin her career as a beauty editor. She considers her day-to-day beauty aesthetic very low-maintenance and relies on staples like clear brow serum (from Kimiko!), Lawless's Lip Plumping Mask in Cherry Vanilla, and an eyelash curler. For special occasions or days when she's taking more meetings or has an event, she'll wear anything and everything from Charlotte Tilbury (the foundations are game-changing), some shimmer on her lids (Stila and Róen do it best), and a few coats of the best mascara-type product on earth, Surratt's Noir Lash Tint.