So far there’s been Fenty Hair, makeup from Haus Labs and Huda Beauty, skincare from The Ordinary and Paula’s Choice, and even Sabrina Carpenter’s new perfume.
If you spend a lot of time on social media, like us at L360, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the amount of new beauty products seemingly launching all the time. In a bid to make sure your hard-earned money is well spent, each month the L360 team puts a lot of new beauty launches to the test. From lip oils and blushes (there’s been a lot of both already) to more releases from Rihanna’s beauty brands than we can count (hello, Fenty Hair!), here’s our pick of the best bits worth trying.
TOP JANUARY BEAUTY LAUNCHES
New from Fenty Beauty & Fenty Skin
Rihanna has been hard at work across her two brands. The most exciting of five launches in January was the addition of a second concealer to the Fenty Beauty range: We’re Even Hydrating Longwear Concealer (£25). We’re yet to try it and we’ve seen mixed reviews on social media. The second has to be Fenty Skin’s Lux Ultra-Hydrating Lip Balm, which was launched with rapper — and Rihanna’s significant other — ASAP Rocky leading the ad campaign (their marriage remains unconfirmed although he did call her his wife while on stage last year). Fenty Skin also had new launches, three in fact: Fenty Treatz Hydrating + Strengthening Lip Oil in Kalahari Melon (£21), Plush Puddin’ Intensive Recovery Lip Mask in Kalahari Melon (£19.50) and Cherry Dub Blah Bright 5% AHA Face Mask with Salicylic Acid + Vitamin C (£32).
Laura Mercier released the Real Flawless Concealer
Another concealer launch that had everyone (on social media) talking in January was the Real Flawless Concealer (£28.50) from Laura Mercier. It’s a ‘serum-infused’ concealer that claims to be 85% skincare ingredients and promises to improve skin over time, while brightening and concealing.
Rhode’s first cleanser came out
Hailey Bieber’s Rhode launched its first cleanser: Pineapple Refresh (£28), described as a refreshing, balm-to-lather cleanser with PGA (that’s polyglumatic acid, a skin-loving ingredient with apparent hydrating and anti-ageing effects), green tea extract and pineapple enzyme. The non-irritating formula is even suitable for those with sensitive skin, and leaves skin feeling soft, nourished and hydrated — perfect for pre-makeup prep. It’s also great for removing makeup at the end of the day and can be used as a double cleanser following an oil or balm first cleanse, without leaving the skin feeling tight or dry. As with the rest of the line, it’s vegan, cruelty-free and dermatologist-tested, too. It’s a win from us.
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The Dream Lip Oils by Summer Fridays hit the shelves
The perfect combination of shine, subtle colour and no stickiness, Summer Fridays’ new lip oils (£26) also promise to moisturise and hydrate with a blend of oils, vegan collagen and vitamin E. Choose from four colours including Pink Cloud (a soft pink), Blush Dreams (a rosy pink), Rosewood Nights (a brown-tinted mauve) and Soft Mauve (a pink-leaning mauve).
Nanogen launched a hair growth serum
Hair Growth Factor Treatment Serum (£29.95) is a supercharged scalp serum that’s been developed to encourage healthy hair growth, with increased thickness and volume over time. It’s non-oily so can be used morning or evening without making hair appear greasy.
Cloud Nine released the Airshot Pro
Promising to be quieter but more powerful than other hairdryers, the Airshot Pro (£299) has technology that will dry your hair quicker but cause less damage, with heat-adjusting technology that regulates temperature (although you do set it as well). The Airshot Pro also has a self-cleaning setting to prevent build-up, which often leads to hairdryers over-heating and turning off. It comes with two attachments, one for straight hair and a diffuser for curly.
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More CeraVe came to the UK
The Advanced Repair Ointment (£11) has launched in the UK after rave reviews coming out of the US. A petroleum-based product that contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides, this ointment will protect and help extremely dry skin – perfect for lips, irritation and so-called ‘slugging’ in your evening routine.
Sol de Janeiro added to their body creams
The famous Bum Bum cream has been joined by the DelÃcia Drench Body Butter (£48). A rich cream perfect for keeping dry skin at bay during the cold weather, it includes prebiotic hibiscus to help nourish the skin barrier and bacuri butter for conditioning and smoothing.
Maybelline released three new shades to its Sky High Mascara
Already available in black and brown, this popular mascara delivers both length and volume. Last month, three shades were added: Blue Mist, Burgundy Haze and Pink Air (all £12.99) — the latter looks no different to brown when applied, but the first two deliver a good pop of colour.
New cleanser arrived from dermatologist Dr David Jack
The Advanced Antioxidant Cleansing Gel (£45) works on all skin types — but it’s non-foaming, which you might not like if you have oily skin. It’s jam-packed full of skincare ingredients from hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to exfoliators like salicylic acid, lactic acid and azelaic acid, along with an array of antioxidants and prebiotics. Together, these gently cleanse while hydrating, brightening, soothing, reducing redness and giving much needed protection from free radical damage.
A new range from Ps… Body care
Primark launched a new body range aimed at ‘breaking beauty taboos’ and it’s actually a pretty impressive array of products. We’re most excited about the PS… Body 101 Anti-Chafe Body Balm Balm (£3.50), which comes packaged like a deodorant stick so you can rub it anywhere that rubs together. There’s also a serum for ingrown hairs, a foot deodorant spray and a spray for back acne.
FEBRUARY’S NEW BEAUTY PICKS
Paula’s Choice launched new exfoliating toner to rival its BHA
Anyone looking for a salicylic acid (BHA) toner to reduce oiliness, breakouts and congestion, will probably consider Paula’s Choice 2% BHA — a skincare cult favourite. Now, for those looking to reduce hyperpigmentation, brighten skin and slow ageing, there’s the 6% mandelic + 2% lactic acid AHA liquid exfoliant (£35). Mandelic acid is thought to be one of the gentlest forms of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), so a fantastic option for all skin tones and skin types.
Haus Labs created PHD Hybrid Lip Oil
You might not be happy to hear another lip oil has hit the market — but it’s gone straight to the top as a contender for best lip oil on the market. Haus Labs PHD Lip Oil is thick, so lasts long on the lips while also packing a good punch of colour, leaving us wondering why all the shades are called ‘sheer’. Regardless, it’s the perfect, low maintenance alternative to lipstick and well worth the money (£22). It comes in Sheer Orange, Sheer Berry, Sheer Pink, Sheer Cherry and Clear.
Prada released new matte red lipsticks
Prada now has three new shades in its hyper-matte lipstick range: Dragon, Blaze and Mahogany (£39). Promising all-day wear without drying the lip, a tricky feat for matte products, it’s also easy to apply thanks to thanks to its triangular shape.
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Resurfacing Pads from Mii Cosmetics hit the shelves
A trend we’re seeing across various skincare brands is exfoliating pads over toners or serums. The new Mii Cosmetics Resurfacing Pads (£26) promise to be biodegradable and tackle a range of skin concerns including dullness, fine lines, uneven skin texture and tone, enlarged pores and breakouts thanks to four exfoliating acids including glycolic, citric acid and BHA.
The new Irresistible Eau de Parfum Very Floral arrived from Givenchy
The first Irresistible by Givenchy launched in 2020, and now the brand has added the ‘Very Floral’ version (from £67 for 35ml). A reinterpretation of the original rose duo scent, it now includes centifolia rose absolute from Grasse with sunny notes of ylang-ylang heart and Indian sambac jasmine absolute.
A matte face moisturiser launched by Garnier
The most innovative of all new beauty products launched so far this year (in our humble opinion), Garnier’s new AHA+BHA Charcoal Daily Mattifying Air Cream (£9.99) is black but absorbs invisibly into the skin. With niacinamide (which supports the skin barrier and regulates oil production), AHA and BHA (chemical exfoliators), along with glycerine for hydration, it promises to reduce blackheads and breakouts while keeping oily skin shine-free all day long.
Primark Beauty released a serum for menopausal skin
The new PS… Skin Menopause Firming and Radiance Boosting Serum (£5) from Primark Beauty promises to tackle three of the most common skin side effects of the menopause: dry skin, acne and sagging. The serum contains niacinamide (great for both breakouts and dry skin), green tea (an antioxidant which is said to defend skin against external aggressors and photoageing) and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump.
Manuka Doctor created a new skincare nage
The new Manuka Doctor ceramide skincare range features three essential ceramides plus moisturising manuka honey to help keep the skin barrier healthy and protected — ideal for dry and sensitive skin. The range features a gentle foaming Ceramide Smoothing Cleanser (£15), a super-rich Ceramide Moisturising Cream (£15) and a Ceramide Moisturising Lotion SPF30 (£15) for the day.
BEST NEW BEAUTY PRODUCTS FROM MARCH
Erborian formulated a new Super BB Concealer Serum
The Super BB Concealer Serum from Erborian (£35) is a medium- to full-coverage concealer enriched with skin-loving ingredients such as niacinamide and white ginseng complex, as well as SPF25. It comes in five different shades, and is buildable and hydrating, so it won’t settle into fine lines. It also boasts a 12-hour wear time, so you’ll continue to see its brightening effects throughout the day.
YSL released Loveshine Lipstick, a lipstick balm and oil in one
Light, sweet and hydrating, YSL’s latest lipstick range arrives just in time for summer. While many lipsticks can mattify and dry out your lips, YSL’s Loveshine (£36) range does exactly the opposite, leaving lips feeling shiny and sheer, with no need for a gloss on top. Infused with fig extract and nourishing oils, these shades not only look lush, but smell delectable, and perfectly combine the long-lasting colour of a lipstick with the hydrating look of a lip oil. With a range of 16 shades to choose from, each in a decadent YSL case, they make a perfect pick for your summer beauty refresh.
Dior launched ‘skincare-makeup hybrid’ Forever Glow Star Filter
Luxury beauty brand Dior has recently released its own version of a complexion enhancer — the Dior Forever Glow Star Filter (£45), dubbed a hybrid between skincare and makeup. Available in a range of shades, this clever formula blurs imperfections and delivers a lit-from-within glow.
Primark served up new dupes with its PS… Pro makeup collection
Blush, bronzer and highlighter wands with sponge tips (much like Charlotte Tilbury) for just £4.50? Yes please. Other new launches in Primark’s PS… Pro range include blush and bronzing drops (£3.50), shimmer eyeshadow and highlighters (£2.50) and lip glazes (£2.50).
Evolve Organic Beauty added the Miracle Vitamin C Mask
Brightening, smoothing and plumping skin in as little as three minutes, the new Miracle Vitamin C Mask (£28) from Evolve Organic Beauty has fruit AHAs (exfoliators) promising to clear pores and renew skin cells, along with enzymes and vitamin C to brighten and peptides for anti-ageing benefits.
Pai Skincare created Fade Forward, a new hyperpigmentation treatment
This new serum promises to fade and prevent dark spots without exfoliators. Instead, Fade Forward (£59) uses a marine algae said to activate the proteins in skin that control pigmentation, along with vitamin C which also fades hyperpigmentation and restricts melanin synthesis.
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The Ordinary launched Retinal 02% Emulsion
This was immediately all over our social media, and we’re not surprised — retinal (a faster-working form of vitamin A than retinol, full name retinaldehyde) is becoming increasingly popular. The Ordinary’s Retinal 0.2% Emulsion has been shown to improve fine lines and wrinkles, skin roughness, skin tone and radiance. It might seem affordable, which is the norm for the brand, but at just 15ml (serums are usually 30ml) the £15.20 price tag isn’t as low as the rest of the range.
Isle of Paradise added Daily Self-Tan Lotions
The first gradual tanner from the brand, these Daily Self-Tan Lotions come in a light-medium and medium-dark for those who prefer a slow build to an all-out fake tan. With niacinamide, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, they promise to be super nourishing but also lightweight and non-greasy for just £9.99.
Rihanna released Demi’Glow Light-Diffusing Highlighter from Fenty Beauty
Available in nine different shades to make sure there’s something for every skin tone, the limited-edition Demi’Glow Light-Diffusing Highlighter (£32) gives a subtle glow suitable for daily wear — and perfect for soft matte makeup. March also saw the brand release a new shade of the Fenty Gloss Bomb — Fuscia Flex. An extreme pink with serious amounts of shimmer, it’s already gone viral on social media.
Tresemme launched the Lamellar Shine Cream
Sleek, shiny hair is making a comeback and Tresemme has a new product for that. The Lamellar Shine Cream (£7) is a leave-in treatment that delivers a high-shine finish which corrects imperfections and smooths strands. Simply apply two to four pumps to damp hair before styling for shine that lasts and lasts.
TOP APRIL BEAUTY LAUNCHES
Sol de Janeiro launched sunscreens with Sofia (Richie) Grainge
Famed for its Bum Bum Cream (pronounced boom boom), Sol de Janeiro added three sunscreens to its growing bodycare range. First up was the Rio Radiance Body Lotion (£40) — a mineral body sunscreen with SPF50 that leaves no white cast and absorbs easily, with niacinamide for skin health a subtle signature scent. Second was the Rio Radiance SPF50 Body Spray (£36) for easy reapplication (this one’s a chemical SPF) and finally, the Rio Radiance Oil SPF50 (£49) with the scents of vanilla, amber and ylang ylang.
Rihanna released new foundation with Fenty Beauty
Will we see new Fenty every month of 2024? It seems so. April marked the addition of the Fenty Beauty Soft’Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation (£34) and Natural Luminous Foundation Brush 145 (£29). Giving medium coverage and a natural glow (which is what makes it different to the original Soft Matte Foundation), the foundation features skin-enhancing ingredients like cyperus papyrus leaf cell extract and kakadu plum extract.
Primark added its Superfood collections (and we spy Glow Recipe dupes)
Another brand with more new beauty releases than we can keep up with, Primark’s PS… Superfood collection includes an Avocado Recovery Serum (£4) that’s awfully similar to this from Glow Recipe, as well as a Papaya Balm to Oil Cleanser (£5) which reminds us of this, also from Glow Recipe. The entire collection is vegan, made with 95% naturally derived ingredients and has Fairtrade accreditation.
The new and improved growth factor peptide serum from CellDerma
The new GF5 Next Gen serum (£156.75) from CellDerma follows the GF5 serum. Both offer growth factors that aim to slow and reverse skin damage and signs of ageing, but the new serum has the addition of a peptide (palmitoyl tripeptide-8) to reduce skin redness and sensitivity, copper peptides to support the skin barrier and wound healing, and a ceramide complex to boost moisture levels.
MAY’S NEW BEAUTY PICKS
Youth to the People created a serum inspired by vitamin IV drips
More superfood skincare, this time from cult brand Youth to the People. The idea for the new Superfood Skin Drip Smooth + Glow Serum (£41) came from vitamin IV drips, and it’s packed with ingredients to strengthen skin’s barrier function, even tone and replenish skin up to 10 surface layers deep for that lit-from-within dewy glow. Suitable for all skin types, this milky serum targets dryness and dullness in one fell swoop.
Laura Mercier added three primers to its makeup range
Surprisingly, makeup brand Laura Mercier didn’t have any primers, so in May it launched three (all £38), each promising to extend your makeup’s longevity as well as a few other offerings. The Pure Canvas Primer Blurring is designed to reduce the look of pores and imperfections with a matte finish, the Pure Canvas Primer Illuminating promises to brighten the complexion with a luminous finish, while the Pure Canvas Primer Hydrating claims to increase water levels in the skin instantly and continuously over time.
NEW BEAUTY IN JUNE
Rihanna bestowed us with Fenty Hair
The most exciting launch this month (this year, perhaps) had to be  . The new line joins Fenty Skin and Fenty Beauty and features nine products formulated for all curl types (from wavey through to 4C curl). It features shampoo, two conditioners and a repair treatment, a heat protector, curl cream, gel, edge control and edge brush tool, too, with prices ranging from £15 to £29. Unfortunately, we didn’t love The Richer One Moisture Repair Deep ConditioneR (£29) —(if you brush your hair while conditioning, this doesn’t make it easy — but we did love the Homecurl Curl-Defining Cream (£29) which was tested on type 3B curls.
Huda Beauty created liquid blushes like no other
There’s been a lot of new blushes launched this year, but we reckon Huda Beauty’s Blush Filter (£24) is the best of them all — in fact, L360 editor Mattie Lacey-Davidson says it’s the best she’s ever used. A liquid formula that’s extremely blendable, it promises to be demi-matte and gives a very natural (and very pretty) look.
Laura Mercier added a pressed powder, matte lipsticks and lip liner
Laura Mercier launched a pressed version of its famous loose setting powder in June. The Ultra Blur Translucent Pressed Setting Powder (£38.50) promises to extend makeup wear by 16 hours and is infused with amino acid powders and silica for weightless blurring. It comes in three ‘translucent’ shades to help better match all skin tones, with light-medium and medium-deep alongside a truly translucent colourless classic.
In the same month, Laura Mercier launched Caviar Smoothing Matte Lipstick (£36) and Caviar Perfecting Lip Liner (£24.50), promising 16 hours of comfortable wear that’s also smudge- and transfer-proof.
Primark released a super-affordable SPF range
More from Primark, which launched PS… Sun, an array of SPFs for the face, body and lips as well as aftersun and a sunscreen primer, with prices starting at just £1.50 and peaking at £7. Our faves are the SPF50+ Face Milk (£5), SPF50 Primer (£5) and SPF30 Lip Balm (£1.50).
Sabrina Carpenter launched her Sweet Tooth: Caramel Dream perfume
You may not have heard of Sabrina Carpenter in 2022, but that’s when she released her first fragrance, Sweet Tooth. Now she’s added Caramel Dream Eau de Parfum (£24.99 for 30ml or £39.95 for 75ml) and Body Mist (£19.99) with notes of caramelised amber, dark chocolate and sugared lemon.
BEST JULY BEAUTY LAUNCHES
Fenty Beauty released a cult favourite in a different form with its first lip liners
Rihanna is working hard this year, with two more launches. First up is the Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shine Gloss Stick (£23). The original Gloss Bomb is a gloss, whereas this solid lipstick promises high shine and high coverage colour, with squalane, kiwi oil, vitamin e and shea moisture to moisturise lips. The second launch is Fenty Beauty’s first lip liner: Trace’d Out Pencil Lip Liner (£19). The creamy formula promises to be longwearing, waterproof and transfer-resistant, with a velvet-matte finish that sets like liquid lipstick. It comes in 10 shades of neutrals, reds and berries, including colours we already know from the Icon Velvet Liquid Lipsticks, such as RIRI and The MVP.
Philip Kingsley created adds more haircare products to fight frizz
If you struggle with dry, frizzy hair that’s prone to breakage, Philip Kingsley’s new launch is for you. The Frizz Fighting Gloss (£25), a smoothing serum that recues frizz and adds moisture into the hair without weighing it down while also adding shine, and it has heat protection, too.
RMS Beauty released its first setting powder
Coming in three shades, this talc-free and ultra-fine powder can reduce the appearance of pores under makeup while also setting it and brightening skin. The Hydra Setting Powder (£40) is loaded with skincare ingredients too, such as vegetable squalane to moisturise, antioxidant-rich wildcrafted buriti and organic jojoba oil to nourish and defend against environmental stressors.
Grown Alchemist’s new shampoo that both hydrates and clarifies
Most clarifying shampoos (that work to remove build from your scalp and strands) can be a little drying. Grown Alchemist’s new Hydra-Restore shampoo (£24), however, removes impurities, dirt, and debris without stripping natural oils, with lots of hair care ingredients too to hydrate, soften and add shine. Naturally there’s a conditioner too (also £24), with a number of natural ingredients to improve softness, strength and manageability, suitable for all hair types and leaves hair detangled, smooth, and with renewed shine.
