Beauty Roundup: The Latest Holy Grails, Hits, and Surprises
Beauty is always evolving, and lately, it feels like the industry has been in overdrive. From Pat McGrath stepping into nail care to Revlon’s uncertain future and countless celebrity brands launching overnight, there’s a lot to unpack. Meanwhile, new products are landing on shelves—and in our routines—prompting that all-important question: what’s worth your money, and what should you skip? Let’s break down the newest must-tries and unexpected delights.
Skincare That Makes You Smile
Vacation Classic Whip SPF 30
Sunscreen doesn’t have to be boring. Vacation’s whipped SPF 30 is exactly the playful pick-me-up your routine might need. Think airy, mousse-like texture with a nostalgic, classic sunscreen scent. Water-resistant and housed in a retro-inspired bottle, it’s part sun protection, part conversation starter—a total win for anyone who likes their skincare with a side of fun.
Olehenriksen Banana Bright Face Primer
Banana Bright isn’t just for under eyes anymore. This primer brings the vitamin C-powered glow to your entire face. It smooths uneven patches and brightens dull complexions while creating the perfect canvas for makeup—or it works beautifully on its own. Lightweight yet creamy, it proves that primers can be more than glorified lotions—they can be transformative.
Dermalogica Daily Milkfoliant
For days when you need something gentler than a scrub but stronger than a cleanser, this exfoliant is a lifesaver. AHAs and BHAs polish away dull skin, while a lightly grainy texture buffs without overdoing it. It’s the perfect middle ground for anyone prone to enthusiastic over-exfoliation.
Cay Skin Deepwater Dew Body Serum
As the air dries out, a subtle glow becomes essential. Deepwater Dew provides hydration with a hint of bronzy radiance that layers effortlessly under lotion. No streaks, no shine overload—just soft, luminous skin.
Makeup That Delivers
Ami Cole Skin Enhancing Concealer
Concealer can be tricky, but Ami Cole’s fluid formula strikes the perfect balance: full coverage without the “cakey” look. It dries to a soft, dewy finish that masks unevenness while feeling weightless on skin. Finally, a concealer that works without announcing itself.
Glossier No. 1 Pencil
A modern eyeliner that glides on smoothly and doesn’t smudge? Basic. But Glossier’s No. 1 Pencil goes further. With a finish that’s neither chalky nor overly inky, this versatile pencil feels effortless for everyday use. Ten shades offer options from subtle neutrals to bold colors, all easy to swipe and correct before they set.
Tower28 Makewaves Mascara
Length, curl, definition—and zero tears. Tower28’s playful mascara is both effective and fun, the kind that even your niece might secretly envy.
Nail Game, Elevated
Chillhouse Chill Tips
For those who don’t have the patience—or time—for a salon, press-ons are making a serious comeback. Chillhouse’s nail sets are designed with precision, offering a snug fit and constantly refreshed designs. They’re sophisticated, seasonal, and far from the tacky options of decades past. Fake nails? Now officially cool.
Hair Essentials
Crown Affair Towel
Microfiber towels are standard for healthy hair, but Crown Affair’s waffle-knit version takes it up a notch. Fast-drying, gentle, and beautiful, it turns a mundane hair-drying step into a small luxury. Think of it as a coffee shot for your strands—energizing and effective.
Why It Matters
Beauty trends can feel overwhelming, but the best products stand out because they make routines easier, more enjoyable, or just a little more magical. From airy SPF mousses to dewy concealers and versatile eyeliners, the latest launches remind us that innovation in beauty doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to work. And whether you’re stocking up on hair and body essentials or experimenting with new makeup staples, this season’s crop has something for every kind of beauty enthusiast.
