As far as things that make me happy go, trying new beauty products is pretty high on my list. Truth be told, I love a shiny new release so much that I'm not really all that loyal to many products. I suppose the change in the seasons is to thank (it's when beauty brands often release fresh products) because lately, I've gotten my hands on tons of new things for skin, body, and hair, and I've been itching to share my favorites.
I'm turning 38 in a couple of months, and my beauty-product focus is on plumping products, fun yet sophisticated makeup that offers moderate coverage and color, and anything else that makes me look fresh-faced. And since summer is coming, I've been stocking up on lightweight moisturizers, cream blushes, long-lasting lip gloss, and sun protection. Keep scrolling for mini reviews of the best new products I've tried, and shop them for yourself if any happen to catch your attention like they did mine.
If I were to manifest the perfect summer moisturizer, it would be this. It's lightweight and sinks right in, yet it magically softens and plumps without any stickiness. I've been wearing it under my sunscreen all the time lately.
I'm a longtime fan of Shani Darden's products, this new exfoliating serum being the latest. The thing that I love most about her products is that they're powerful and effective, but they don't stress out sensitive skin. This one, in particular, makes my skin so smooth and glowy, but I have zero redness or irritation after using it. Just be sure to skip retinol on nights that you use it.
One of the products I'm pretty loyal to is my Nars concealer, but this one is good enough to make me want to alternate them. The range of shades is incredible, and it blends so beautifully. It covers up my constant dark circles, and somehow, it doesn't crease. Just trust me, and get it.
I'm going through a plumping-lip-product phase (that may never end), and this is my latest obsession. I have several colors and found each very easy to wear, as they're sheer and buildable. They make your lips look so plump and juicy, which is always the goal, right? They're brand-new, so tell all your friends.
I will very gladly try anything Alastin creates because it's one of the most effective skincare brands in the market (ask any derm). The latest dream product is this hydrating serum that you apply as the first step to your skincare routine. It honestly rescued my skin this winter. It's usually constantly flaky and parched, but it was the total opposite this year thanks to this serum.
I don't find highlighter all that easy to apply, but this one is completely foolproof. I've been mixing the Sheen shade with my foundation for added glow and on my cheekbones as the last step. Unlike some highlighters, it doesn't remove the rest of my makeup when I tap it on.
Many retinol eye creams can be a bit harsh, as the under-eye skin is quite delicate, but not so with this one. It balances out the retinol with moisturizing ceramides and olive oil, which makes a huge difference. The skin under my eyes has gotten smoother, and I truly look more awake the day after using it. No wonder the reviews for it are so epic.
So this isn't a beauty product, per se, but it's one of my new favorite candles from one of my new favorite vegan candle brands. It's sweet but also a little smoky, and the vessel works with any décor style.
After a bit of a hiatus, I've been getting back into lip gloss, and this one is a new favorite. It's substantial and long-lasting but not in a stick way. The color Wild Child was my first purchase (for summer, obviously), and next up is New Romantic.
Speaking of lip gloss, this is one of my new favorites. If you prefer a plumping effect without the intense tingling, I highly recommend this one. My favorite shade is Orchid Ranch but I've tried several and you honestly can't go wrong.
As a U Beauty fan from the beginning, I eagerly anticipate each launch. This is one of the latest, and it has to be one of my favorites. It has transformed my lackluster post-winter skin into a plumper, glowier situation, making it worth every penny.
In all honesty, I was always a bit confused by what this does, so I decided to find out for myself. I don't have acne, but I was intrigued by the brightening and anti-aging benefits of the serum. I can confirm that the claims are true, and my skin looks brighter, tighter, and more refreshed.
Another new Hourglass launch, this eyeliner is the best I've tried in recent memory (and I'm really picky about eyeliner). I have it in three shades, and they're all excellent. I've been using Solstice along my lower lash line and Cave or Obsidian along my upper waterline. They stay put all day without running and they're also really pigmented yet easy to blend.
U Beauty's newest product is sold out almost everywhere and now that I've tried it, I can see why. It does many things—among them, plumping lips by boosting collagen, gently exfoliating them for softness and smoothness, and diminishing fine lines and helping prevent volume loss. It's basically filler without having to get (and pay for) filler. Buy it before it's completely out of stock—trust me.
Blush is probably my favorite makeup product. I won't leave the house without it on, so every new formula I come across is pretty irresistible to me. This is the dewiest, longest-lasting blush I've ever tried, and the new Chilly color is especially dreamy and beautifully brightens up the face.
This is my other new cream-blush obsession, and it's destined to become as legendary as Laura Mercier's cult-favorite tinted moisturizer. It's hydrating and buildable and stays put all day. If you want something a little less dewy than the previous cream blush, try this one (or try them both because they're both excellent). I love the Corsica shade for summer, but I'd gladly wear any one of them.
The latest in Sunday Riley's brightening C.E.O. lineup, Afterglow delivers a high dose of vitamin C. It's a non-greasy gel formula that soaks right in, making it the perfect summer moisturizer that helps achieve that coveted glow.
I love a good plumping face mask, but this was my first experience with a plumping hair mask. I have pretty thick hair, but it's not particularly voluminous, and this dramatically helps with that. My hair was bouncy until the next wash after using this, in addition to being smooth and hydrated.
I've been a fan of Dior Addict Lip Glow for ages, and I was instantly intrigued by its new Brick Red shade, as I'm slightly intimidated by opaque red lipstick. This is the perfect blurred red tint for summer (and year-round, really), and I've been wearing it for daytime and nights out.
