Not to jinx it, but it does feel as though the first hints of warmer, sunnier days are beginning to creep in. With them comes the urge to recalibrate our beauty routines: a renewed focus on glowing, sun-kissed skin, lighter textures and fresher scents, and products that work hard, but feel effortless—much like a summer’s day.

This month’s edit captures that shift exactly. Complexion enhancers that deliver instant radiance, skincare that balances potency with skin-friendly formulations, and haircare that simplifies protection without sacrificing results.

These are the new beauty products that landed on our desks—and quickly made their way home with us.

For such a short month, February has the ability to really drag. It’s rained for what feels like forever, the sky has been a permanent shade of grey, and our complexions are matching the mood. This is usually the point where our beauty routines need to up the ante.

So this month, it’s all about the new beauty products that bring life back in. Glow-boosting skincare that makes you look less exhausted, make-up liveners that add warmth in seconds, and bodycare treats that add a sense of indulgence to everyday. They may be small upgrades, but they result in a big mood shift, which is exactly what this long, soggy stretch calls for. Enjoy.

January is traditionally a quieter month for beauty—but this year, the industry clearly didn’t get the memo. From skin-repairing heroes designed to reset compromised barriers to thoughtful, design-led makeup and fragrance launches worth clearing space for, this month’s Beauty Desk Drop spotlights the new arrivals that truly earned our attention—and a place in our routines. These are the new beauty products the team has tested, loved and can’t stop talking about, shaping the start of what promises to be a standout year in beauty.

Against a backdrop of constant launches and fleeting trends, only a select few new beauty products truly stood out—those distinguished by thoughtful formulation, intelligent innovation and consistent performance. These are not the releases that relied on hype or novelty, but the ones that earned our trust through repeated use and tangible results.

In this month's Beauty Desk Drop, the beauty team reflects on the launches of 2025 that made a lasting impression, from quiet breakthroughs in skincare science to makeup, fragrance, and haircare that raised the bar. Each has secured a permanent place in our routines—and, we suspect, will continue to do so well beyond the year itself.

There’s something special about the beauty launches that land on our desks in the lead-up to the festive season. Formulas we already love are dressed up in limited-edition packaging; classic scents return with a festive twist; and brands unveil one-off creations that feel designed to be treasured long after the decorations come down.

From jewel-toned hairbrushes and keepsake compacts to winter skincare saviours and the cosiest candles, these are the new beauty launches that the beauty team genuinely can’t stop talking about. Beautifully crafted, thoughtfully formulated and just that bit more special than the everyday versions, they’re the pieces we’ll gift, display and savour throughout the season.

1. Jo Malone London Bitter Orange & Chocolate Candle

Bvlgari Allegra Countdown Calendar

Hermes Rocabar Limited-Edition Silk Powder 

La Bonne Brosse N.03 The Essential Softness Brush in Emerald Green

Dior J’adore EDP - Christmas Limited Edition

Aesop Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen

Oribe Gold Lust Litre Duo

Wildsmith Mistletoe Bath Salts

Clé de Peau Beauté La Crème Limited Edition Night Cream

There’s a certain change in rhythm at this time of year—a quiet pause between the carefree fun of summer and the sparkle of the holidays. Our skincare routines start to feel more deliberate, our self-care a little more intentional.

This month’s Beauty Desk Drop celebrates that shift with formulas that restore, refine and look ahead to the festivities without fully giving in to them. Think comforting, enveloping skin creams, full-bodied fragrances, and nourishing lip tints that lend subtle warmth to winter complexions. Each one has earned its place on our desks for good reason: real results, beautiful textures, and a touch of everyday luxury.

The best new beauty products

Cosy season is here, bringing with it a wave of new beauty launches designed to see us through the chill. Think skincare that strengthens and shields against environmental aggressors, fragrances that wrap you in velvety warmth, and haircare heroes that carry you seamlessly into party season.

As the days grow shorter and the temperature dips, our routines inevitably shift. Skin needs more nourishment and protection, calling for antioxidant-rich mists and hydrating serums that guard against dryness and urban aggressors alike. Hair, too, requires a little extra care with clarifying yet conditioning formulas to keep hair fresh between washes.

Fragrance takes on a new resonance at this time of year, moving away from breezy florals and citrus bursts into something altogether richer, moodier and more enveloping. Woods, musks and resins feel like an olfactory cashmere blanket, transforming even the greyest morning into a cocooning ritual.

From indulgent body oils that invite pause to multitasking makeup essentials ready for the return of party season, September’s Beauty Desk Drop balances practicality with pleasure. Each one of these products is designed to elevate the everyday, carrying us stylishly—and luxuriously—into the months ahead.

As August comes to a close, the beauty arrivals landing on our desks at Marie Claire HQ nod to the season’s shift—hydrating formulas designed to cocoon and fortify the skin barrier, alongside balmy makeup launches that preserve summer’s glow well into autumn. And then, there’s fragrance—an exciting new perfume from one of the industry’s most celebrated perfumers, a creation that feels destined to become a defining scent of our era.

With that, here are the beauty team’s favourite product launches for this month's Beauty Desk Drop.

Beauty Desk Drop August 2025

If there was one word to sum up the new beauty launches that have dropped on our desks this month, it would be refined. Thoughtful textures, sophisticated scents and specialised formulations, each one of these products are guaranteed to elevate your beauty routine, turning even the most mundane act into an elegant ritual.

There’s a lightweight serum-in-mist, (all the freshness of a mist, powered by potent skincare science) and sun-drenched scents evocative of wild citrus fields, sheer washes of blush, intelligent sun protection formulas, transformative haircare solutions. They are the beauty upgrades that bring intention, and indulgence, to every step.

Here are nine of the best new beauty products the team instantly fell in love with in this month's Beauty Desk Drop...

N°1 De Chanel Serum-in-Mist

"From stuffy tube journeys to blazing sunshine to heavy, humid air, a mist is the easiest way to refresh yourself during the summer months, and I'm rarely without one (or three) in my handbag. Every spritz of this new serum-in-mist feels luxurious—it fits perfectly into the palm of your hand like a ultra-chic, calming pebble, and the ultra-fine mist instantly cools and revives. The formula itself is equally as impressive, featuring red camellia extract to protect against oxidative stress as well as camellia leaf buds, which contain a high concentration of a soothing amino acid as well as antioxidant-rich polyphenols, and works to instantly soothe the skin." - Lottie Winter, Beauty Director

Living Proof Leave-in Conditioning Spray

"It doesn't matter how much conditioner I apply in the shower, once I'm out and it's been towel-dried, my hair looks like a tumbleweed. Trying to get a brush through it has been, at times, a real battle. It wasn't until I started using leave-in conditioning sprays on my daughter's hair that I found my own solution to detangling. I've been using Living Proof's spray for around three months, and it has to be one of the best I've ever used. Crucially, it's lightweight, almost like a mist—you don't want anything too rich that weighs the hair down. I generously apply it to the areas that I need it, and my brush sails through with ease. Once dry, my hair feels soft and smooth." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

Jo Malone London Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense

"I am a sucker for amber fragrances. I find them comforting and alluring. Something about the smell draws me in. So it's unsurprising that Jo Malone London's newest Cologne Intense, Amber Labdanum, came home with me as soon as it landed on my desk. It's a power perfume, not for those who prefer the subtlety of a skin scent or the delicacy of a marine fragrance. It was inspired by the sun-drenched citrus fields of southern Spain, but when I wear it, I'm a little further south in Morocco, walking through the spice souks. The labdanum, a rich sap traditionally used for incense, is the note you can smell most, but the bitter orange at the top ensures that it never feels too heavy and brings a zestiness to the scent. It's not one I see myself wearing on my summer holiday, but as soon as the kids go back to school, this will be my evening scent come autumn." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash

"Victoria Beckham Beauty’s new liquid blush is the kind of product that earns its place in your routine on first swipe. A true watercolour for the skin, it melts in with a diffused flush that's sheer, weightless, and quietly radiant. The slow-setting formula gives you just enough time to blend (fingers work beautifully, as does a buffer brush), before locking in for impressive all-day wear. Infused with mineral-rich sea water, it hydrates as it stains—no dryness, no chalkiness, just a lit-from-within bloom that looks entirely your own skin." - Nessa Humayun, Beauty Editor

L’Objet Kérylos Hand + Body Soap

"Chic hand soaps (and their matching hand creams) are something that beauty editors will rarely give to their friends and families. They are just some of the products (alongside luxury candles and lip balms) that we stockpile. The most recent hand wash that I've added to my collection? L'Objet's Kérylos Hand + Body Soap. The brand's Kérylos scent brings together two iconic scents of the Mediterranean: the saltiness of the sea water and the juiciness of citrus fruit. A scent so glorious, devoted fans were calling for the brand to create the hand soap and cream duo. And so they did, and we are grateful." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

Jones Road Everyday Sunscreen SPF30

"It takes a lot to impress me when it comes to beauty products—but this new SPF genuinely made my jaw drop. It wasn’t just the way it absorbed instantly, blending in without a trace (despite being a fully mineral formula), which is thanks to colour-correcting pigments that cancel out any hint of a white cast. It was the way it made my skin look and feel. Like baby skin. Velvety-soft with a glowy bounce. I’ve honestly never seen my complexion look quite this good—and the fact that it's all from an SPF (not a foundation or even a tinted moisturiser) is quite astonishing." - Lottie Winter, Beauty Director

Hourglass Curator Eyeshadow Palette in Realist

"Hourglass’s Curator Palette is what happens when neutrals go nuanced. This is not your average beige. The six shades—soft peach, dusty rose and pearlescent bronze—shift elegantly between matte and shimmer, delivering just enough drama while staying firmly in elevated territory. Each powder blends like silk, wears like second skin, and builds with the kind of ease that makes a smoky eye feel less like a statement and more like a mood. Add to that: it’s vegan, talc-free, refillable, and almost too chic to touch." - Nessa Humayun, Beauty Editor

Modern Chemistry Glow 10% Vitamin C Serum With Ferulic Acid

Vitamin C remains a cornerstone of any well-rounded skincare routine, so finding a serum that’s both effective and affordable feels essential. Boots' new Modern Chemistry range delivers exactly that: proven, science-led formulas at accessible price points. Rooted in the brand’s legacy, each product is developed by an expert in-house team of cosmetic chemists and scientists. This particular serum rivals its far pricier counterparts—absorbing instantly and, after just three weeks, leaving my skin noticeably brighter. Bonus points for the packaging: all clean lines and modern apothecary charm." - Lottie Winter, Beauty Director

Glossier Hair & Body Spritz in Sandstone

"Glossier’s Sandstone Body Mist smells like golden hour in a bottle—warm, grounding, and just unexpected enough. The fig leaf adds a fresh green snap that lifts the creaminess of sandalwood, while clary sage lends a soft, herbal haze that lingers on skin and in hair. It’s the kind of scent that doesn’t overpower—it pulls you in. The mist itself is weightless, subtle, and ideal for mid-day resets or post-shower layering. Casual, but considered. Familiar, but intriguing. It’s fast becoming the one I reach for without thinking." - Nessa Humayun, Beauty Editor

With summer in full swing, Marie Claire HQ has been flooded with new beauty products masquerading as hot weather solutions, from multi-tasking dry shampoo able to ward off oily roots while actually caring for your scalp, to clever in-shower after sun body care (more on that later).

Alongside the (very welcome) wave of summer beauty products, there’s also been a strong show of impressive skincare innovation––think research-backed, clinically-proven formulas just making their debut as well as next-gen ingredient combinations and divine textures that demanded our attention.

In this month’s Beauty Desk Drop, we’ve hand-picked eight of our favourite launches––and trust us, this was no mean feat. Each of these products impressed us for their exceptional results, scientific rigour, creative genius––or, in some cases, all of the above. We hope you love them as much as we do.

Typebea G5 3-in-1 Dry Shampoo

"I feel like everyone has a dry shampoo they're loyal to, because once you've found one that works, why keep searching? Well, I'm not one of those people. I've never found one that feels weightless in the hair, that doesn't dust the roots with a white cast, that adds texture and volume without leaving behind a chalky residue. That was until I used the Typebea G5 3-in-1 Dry Shampoo. I'm not entirely sure what makes it a 3-in-1, but that's beside the point. This is the most effective hair wash-prolonger I have ever used. It absorbs sweat and oil from the root almost instantly (I always leave my dry shampoo for a few minutes before brushing through), it smells glorious, it adds texture and volume, but it won't leave behind that dreaded chalkiness (putting a bit of distance between your hairline and the bottle is crucial here, give yourself around 15/20cm). If you're concerned with thinning hair, it contains the brand's hero ingredient BaicaipilTM, which promotes scalp health to support growth and reduce loss." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

Skinceuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum

"I never thought any other Skinceuticals serum would steal my heart from C E Ferulic (the OG innovation that launched 20 years ago and yet is arguably still the gold standard Vitamin C serum). But then they launched the triple-patented A.G.E. Serum, completing the brand’s A.G.E. range, which also includes a dark circle-correctly eye cream and an anti-wrinkle cream. The new serum is powered by 15 years of glycation research (glycation being the natural process that accelerates visible ageing) and is packed with potent, proven ingredients to lift, firm and smooth skin.

I’ve been using one pipette, twice a day. The texture falls somewhere between a milky lotion and a watery serum and absorbs instantly leaving no tacky residue. In the morning, I follow with my beloved C E Ferulic and SPF. In the evening, I use it after cleansing, and complete my routine with my usual retinal serum. So far, my skin is loving it and it stays hydrated for longer. I’m looking forward to the proven lifting and firming action promised after 12 weeks' use. Watch this space!" - Lottie Winter, Beauty Director

Morphe ChromaPlus 6-Pan Eyeshadow Palette

"I have lost count of the number of eyeshadow palettes that I have. I have them in drawers, under my bed and in boxes in the attic. They have become collectors' items. Do I use these palettes? I do not. My eye make-up remains the same each day—bare lid during the days of daylight and a wash of pinky eyeshadow crayon in the evenings. So why do I take so many home? Because they are things of beauty. This Morphe ChromaPlus 6-Pan Eyeshadow Palette is simply stunning. I can't take my eyes off the iridescent finishes, the complementary shades and different textures. Whilst I'm aware I won't be using mine, I road-tested the palette the other day and can confirm that it wears beautifully on the eye. Like I said, simply stunning." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

Fara Homidi Essential Lip Compact

"If you take a look at any of my handbags, you will find a veritable graveyard of lip products. I've tried them all, from lipsticks and lip liners to newer formulas like glosses and oils—so it's quite something when I'm blown away, and I certainly was by Fara Homidi's Essential Lip Compact. It's unlike anything I've ever used—the power to creme formula effortlessly diffuses for a blurred, "lived-in" look on the lips, and you can pat the balm on top for a hint of sheen. It's just gorgeous, and the compact is oh so chic too. I'd say it's already up there with my favourite releases of 2025." - Nessa Humayun, Beauty Editor

Kiko After Sun Shower Gel

"I’ve never come across an in-shower aftersun treatment, but it makes total sense. I mean, what could be more refreshing than a post-poolside rinse, complete with a skin-cooling, ultra-nourishing, cocooning formula that cleanses, comforts and helps to soothe any accidental sun exposure in one seamless step? Kiko’s After Sun Shower Gel delivers just that. Plus, it’s infused with a monoi scent that is so evocative of holidays, you might just skip the trip and save on the airfare altogether." - Lottie Winter, Beauty Director

Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Blush Healthy Glow Stick

"What’s better than juicy cheeks in the summer? I love the look of a sheeny, dewy glaze of colour across the cheeks, and I’ve quickly become obsessed with Charlotte Tilbury’s new Unreal Blush Healthy Glow Stick. Using “Colour Light Mapping Mesh Tech”, this buildable and long-lasting formula easily swipes across your cheeks to create a gorgeous veil of pink or coral. I also find it does a good job at blurring the skin’s appearance, so it looks smooth and healthy. I love it." - Nessa Humayun, Beauty Editor

Caudalie VinoHydra Moisturizing Cleansing Gel

"As someone who is both prone to breakouts and sensitivity, I’m always on the lookout for a cleanser that is thorough enough to remove all traces of pollution and makeup while also gentle enough to respect my skin barrier. Enter Caudalie’s new Vinohydra Cleanser. Harnessing the vitamin-packed power of grape water extract (a hydrating and soothing antioxidant with prebiotic action) as well as panthenol (a moisture-attracting humectant) and hyaluronic acid (a plumping, hydrating powerhouse), this cleanser has been thoughtfully designed with sensitive skin in mind. Oh, and it’s free from sulphates and soap, obviously. It effortlessly removes my makeup (yes, including my mascara), and leaves my skin looking fresh and feeling soft, without any tightness or dryness. It’s more than earned its place on my bathroom shelf." - Lottie Winter, Beauty Director

OUAI Thickening Spray

"Now, I may look like I have thick hair, but I don’t—I have fine hair, but lots of it. Thus, I am always on the hunt for something that will give my hair more volume and bounce, and that’s where the new Ouai Thickening Spray has changed my routine for the better. I’ve been using around four spritzes at the end of my styling routine, and it has delivered unparalelled lift and volume to the roots, and has even made the lacking ends of my (very) long hair look much more naturally full. It’s a winner, folks."- Nessa Humayun, Beauty Editor

We've said it before and we'll say it again: our beauty cupboard is bursting at the seams. It's safe to say that the month of May was no help, given it was jam packed with excellent, new releases. Summer is just a whisper away, and brands are well aware of how we might be changing our beautifying habits ahead of sweltering days and night—oh, and hopefully, a vacation or two.

Safe to say we were spoilt for choice in May when it came to beauty. From perfumes that conjure up the hallmarks of summer beautifully to game changing cleansers, these are the nine products that really deserve to be on your radar as you begin to switch up your routines. Ahead, only the crème de la crème of beauty releases for May's Beauty Desk Drop.

1. Killian Sunkissed Goddess Eau de Parfum

"I have often spoken about my relationship with fragrance being a tricky one. I know what I like and I know what I really don't like, there is no middle ground. I can tell you now that I really, really, like Killian Sunkissed Goddess. With iconic summery notes like coconut, ylang-ylang and tiare flower, this is an undeniable holiday scent. It's creamy, it's warm, it's slightly sweet, it smells like warm skin after a day of sun cream. I'm calling it: it's the scent of the summer." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

2. Hair by Sam McKnight Pure Genius Scalp Oil

"There's no better feeling than a clean scalp, and after a bumper few months of testing all kinds of hair products, I was in dire need of a deep cleanse, and TLC. I've long been a fan of basically anything from Sam McKnight's excellent range and this is no exception. This super fine clear oil is designed to be applied to your scalp for at least 10 minutes before washing, and safe to say, it's become an integral part of my routine over the last few weeks. It's faff free, and it leaves my scalp feeling super fresh, expertly sloughing away any product build-up and grime. After, my hair feels silky smooth and glossy." - Nessa Humayun, Beauty Editor

Orveda High-Cleansing Skinmulsion

"For some unknown reason, I took my foot off the cleansing routine gas at the start of this year and boy did my skin suffer. I vowed to never let that happen again and swiftly reintroduced a rigorous nightly regimen that includes this magnificent cleanser. In place of my normal balms, this non-foaming creamy cleanser helps to remove make-up and break down the day's grime. Not only that, but its INCI list reads like a high-performance serum—hyaluronic acid, ceramides and amino acids galore. Perfect for my dry skin, but gentle enough for sensitive skin too. It comes with a kabuki brush, which, when used in circular motions, helps to clear out the pores. I have to be honest, I could take or leave the brush; I much prefer using a muslin flannel. It's currently sold out on Harrods, such is its popularity, but keep an eye out, because this is a game-changing cleanser." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

Uni Golden Microalgae Body Oil

"One of my beauty goals this year was no more chalky limbs. I have very dry skin, and that extends to my body, especially my knees and elbows. It's so hard to remember to slather yourself with body butter post shower, but this super lightweight oil absorbs instantly. It takes no more than two minutes tops to slather it all over my body, and after just a few uses, my legs and arms are noticeably more nourished, and the skin looks healthy bare-legged in a skirt, which is the dream. It's also worth noting that this oil is not perfumed, and comes in a clear glass vessel, which looks very lovely indeed on my countertop. It's a keeper, folks." - Nessa Humayun, Beauty Editor

YSL Loveshine Candy Glow Tinted Butter Balm

"Tinted lip balms have become the new handbag essential. And I am totally on board. I used to wear red lipstick almost every day, but now I just don't have the time to perfect it in the morning, and the maintenance throughout the day is tiresome. Which is why I have joined the tinted balm brigade. This bullet looks like one of the best satin lipsticks, but when you swipe it over the lips, it hugs them like a rich balm would. Other products on the market lean heavily into nourishment, forgetting that what most of us want is impressive colour payoff too. This is exactly that, each shade coats the lips in a hydrating balm that leaves behind a beautiful wash of colour. YSL's Loveshine Candy Glow is tinted balm perfection." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

The Ordinary UV Filters SPF 45 Serum 

"Right now, it's another day, another SPF—but unlike many others, The Ordinary's UV Filters SPF 45 serum has truly blown my socks off. I'm always looking for a lightweight SPF that applies beautifully under make-up, and this more than delivers. It's super thin, leaves no white cast, and feels like a seamless step in my routine. As I've said many times, you forget about the best SPFs, and I forget about this one every day." - Nessa Humayun, Beauty Editor

Hermes Les Mains

"I have waxed lyrical about the Hermes Les Mains polishes before. I often wear the brand's base coat alone, because it creates the most beautiful naked manicure look, similar to the soap nails trend we saw earlier this year. However, for spring (and summer), I'm thrilled that their new collection features shades of pure joy. There's a delicious pearlescent white, a zingy yellow, a bright coral, a barely there turquoise (which always looks amazing with a tan) and this perfect pink, which isn't too bright, isn't too pale—it's just right." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

Three Warriors Hydrabronze Tan Drops

"The theme of my picks this month has clearly been ease, but I'm not mad about it—isn't that what summer is all about?! You want something easy and lightweight that you can easily integrate into your routine. Well, the Three Warriors Hydrabronze Tan Drops are the easiest tanning solution I've ever used. These are a doddle to use and blend effortlessly with moisturiser to deliver a perfectly bronzed complexion without drying out the skin. I have sensitive skin, and these weren't a problem at all. No steaks, a natural-looking tan, and no harsh chemicals, it's a dream. Plus, it's available in two different shades to suit your skin tone." - Nessa Humayun, Beauty Editor

Acqua di Parma La Terrazza Candle Trio

"Candles and summer aren't quite a match made in heaven, but I'm someone who will burn a candle even on the hottest day of the year. This trio is beyond chic—I'm obsessed with the candy coloured stripes, and while collections often compromise on throw and quality, these deliver. Each candle has enough potency to account for one full-sized candle, and I love how sweet these look around my home. They may be expensive, but they sure look good." - Nessa Humayun, Beauty Editor

At Marie Claire HQ our beauty cupboard is full to the brim with products—there isn't a shelf in there that isn't spilling over with pots and tubes. I won't lie to you, it can get a little manic and overcrowded in there. And yet each month, the beauty team sets aside time to go in there and trawl through what's been sent to us over the past month and find the ones that truly stand out. These products earn themselves a spot on their very own shelf. The Beauty Desk Drop shelf.

This month was a truly bumper month for new launches and we found ourselves spoilt for choice. But these nine truly deserve to be on your radar. Whether you're in the market for a new hair dryer or are interested in seeing which designer fragrance has piqued our interest most, these really were the best new beauty products in April 2025.

1. Benefit Hoola Wave Cream Bronzer

"I went to university in the 2010s so obviously I had a Benefit Hoola bronzer in my make-up bag the entire time. It was the complexion enhancer of the decade. As my make-up habits changed and I joined the industry, there have been countless bronzers that have taken its place and I don't think I've used a Hoola in quite some years. When I found out that the iconic bronzer had had a 2025 update, I was thrilled. Now more of a cream bronzer fan, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the new Hoola Wave Cream Bronzer. It as quite a unique texture, it's creamy in the pot, but goes onto the skin with a slight velvety feel and settles on the skin with a glowy finish. It's sunshine in a compact and I cannot wait to use it on my summer holidays." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

2. Dyson Supersonic r Hair Dryer

"I am yet to find a Dyson tool that I don't get on with, but I will admit that I wasn't sure whether there was a need for another Supersonic hair dryer when the others (original Supersonic and Supersonic Nural) are already so brilliant. I've known about the 'r' for a while now, as it originally launched last year for professionals only, which again slightly confused me as to where this one sits amongst the lineup. I've been testing it for almost a month now, and the thing that stands out is the speed at which I can dry my hair. I have long, fine hair, and a lot of it. Blow drying my hair typically takes so long that I have long been in the air-dry camp. But using the 'r' has made the process so quick that I would consider changing my allegiances. It's lightweight, comes with useful attachments and no longer makes drying my hair a chore." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

3. Celine Un Été Français Eau de Parfum

"The release of a new Celine perfume is always a big day in my beauty calendar, and their latest launch, UN ÉTÉ FRANÇAIS, has unequivocally become one of my favourite scents of the year—and we're only in April.

It might be the best time to launch a fragrance like this, though it screams summer holiday, and transported me to Saint-Moritz on opening spritz. You know the hallmarks of a beach vacation? Rolling waves, a saline sea breeze, and a hint of coconut on the skin? Well, that's what this scent manages to encapsulate perfectly; it's warm, sweet, just what I'd want to wear long into balmy summer evenings. The weighty glass bottle is also a thing of beauty, I reckon it will live on my vanity long after the perfume inside has finished." - Nessa Humayun, Junior Beauty Editor

4. Byoma Ultralight Face Fluid SPF 50

"'Tis the season of new SPF launches, and this one is a really good one. Not only is this hydrating, sits well under make-up and gives the most beautiful glowy finish, but it also contains a clever technology called 'Cerasun', which helps to reduce redness in the skin if you've been in the sun for a bit too long. As with all Byoma products, it contains barrier-protecting and boosting ingredients, so suits all skin types. Oh, and did I mention that it was only £15?" - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

5. Sunday Riley Aquamarine Melt Cleansing Gel-Balm

"I am incredibly loyal to the double cleanse. Unless I have had a very late night, I normally use a cream cleanser followed by something a bit more foamy. Safe to say, I was immediately impressed by the Sunday Riley Aquamarine Melt Hydrating Gel-Balm Cleanser, which just has the most unique texture. The bright blue gel transforms into a silky oil upon contact with water, and effortlessly washes away make-up and impurities. But thanks to the addition of evening primrose oil, cocoa butter, and a rinse-proof hyaluronic acid derivative, it leaves your face feeling nourished and not stripped, which is a must for me and my dry, dehydrated skin. It's become a staple on my countertop." - Nessa Humayun, Junior Beauty Editor

6. Trinny London Trinity Multitasker Make-up Stick

"Over the last few months, I have been very on the go, which means I've had to rely on multitasking products more than ever before. Previously, I'd been rather snooty about them, but recently, I've seen the value in a blush, say, that doubles as lip colour, and some of the formulations in this category are truly excellent. One product I haven't been without is Trinny London's Trinity 3-in-1 multitasker. It features one matte end and one dewy, and both blend effortlessly onto the cheeks, lids, cheekbones and lips. They offer buildable coverage, which is ideal for when you just want a wash of colour for the office, or something more pigmented for the weekend.

Personally, I'm a huge fan of the Mustique colourway, which has a bronze end, as well as a lovely petal pink that adds an effortless flush to the cheeks." - Nessa Humayun, Junior Beauty Editor

7. Aesop Eleos Nourishing Body Cleanser

"As mentioned, I have really dry skin, which means I have struggled when it comes to body washes. Most high-street options leave my skin feeling stripped, rather than nourished, and as a self-confessed lazy girl, I’m not the best when it comes to applying body lotions. But Aesop’s new Eleos Nourishing Body Cleanser is a revelation with its cream-to-lather formulation—it’s truly moisturising, and leaves my limbs feeling hydrated and supple. It features shea butter, jojoba seed and vitamin E to hydrate and soften the skin, as well as niacinamide and sodium PCA to ensure moisture retention. And like all Aesop products, it smells gorgeous too, with hints of patchouli and cedar atlas." - Nessa Humayun, Junior Beauty Editor

8. Diptyque Home Fragrance Diffuser

"Look, there are reed diffusers and then there's this. Having a Diptyque candle lit in your home adds a depth and elegance that I didn't think could be topped, but this beautiful glass vessel elevates things even further. Since taking its place on my sitting room shelf, I have received upwards of 15 comments on it from friends and house guests. Yes, you could opt for the sweet little 100ml one or the slightly larger 200ml, but if you have the means, I honestly do not think you would ever regret buying the 2L statement piece. It's an investment, but one that you could take from home to home to home for years to come. Simply stunning." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

9. Dior Overvolume Mascara

"Despite being super picky when it comes to mascara, I have fallen in love with the new Diorshow Overvolume Mascara. I’m not too fussed about lengthening my lashes, but I do like them to look super thick, and, well, volumised. This mascara more than fits the brief; the spindly brush coats each lash without clumping, and leaves me with a serious flutter. It’s also a true, rich black and dries down to my preferred satin-matte finish. It’s all I want in a mascara and more. Plus, like all Dior beauty products, it looks very pretty in my make-up bag." - Nessa Humayun, Junior Beauty Editor

When your job is to test beauty products for a living it is incredibly overwhelming. Now, don't come for us, in no way are we comparing our very fortunate jobs to rocket science or cardiology. However, when you are sent as many products as we are, from what is a very oversaturated market, it is a tough job sorting the wheat from the chaff.

How do we decide what makes the best mascara that everyone will want to try? Or the best hair oil that will resonate with today's market? We think about the products that we would go out and spend our own money on. You know you've got a good product in your hand if your beauty editor friends have it on their repeat purchase list.

And, so that's what this is. This list is the best products of the month that myself and Senior Beauty Writer, Lollie King, would go out and buy ourselves. (Yes, some of the more spenny ones will have to wait until pay day.)

1. Givenchy Désobéissant Eau de Parfums

"When it comes to fragrance, I am incredibly hard to please. So much so, that it's not often a topic I like to write about. I like so few perfumes that I find it challenging to write enthused copy about things I'm not keen on. When this new Givenchy perfume, one of the latest additions to the brand's La Collection Particulière Les Jardins Range, landed on my desk, it was the packaging that piqued my interest first. I love a thick-glassed, clean-lined bottle—oh so chic. I gave it a spray and knew there was something about it that I liked. It doesn't have my preferred heady jasmine or white floral notes, instead, it's a clean scent with an instantly fresh opening of citrussy and green notes that dries down on the skin, leaving it smelling spicy and warm. I've realised why I like it so much, it's a scent that I want to smell on my husband at the end of a long day." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

2. Nars Afterglow Tempting Eyeshadow Palette

"Trust me when I say, this is the only eyeshadow palette you'll need for spring and beyond. Nars palettes like this are almost a rite of passage for any beauty lover, but I foresee this being my go-to for a long time. It contains nine warm pink shades with three mattes, six glitter shades, and a mirror for on-the-go application. I like to use the terracotta brown shade Unwritten all over the lid, then accent it with the deeper hue Follow Me and even add a pop of Feeling It, if I'm really, well, feeling it.

The beauty of these shades is that they don't require total precision. Smudge with your fingers for a wash of sparkle or use the matte shades for more of a smokey base beneath the glitter. Spring sparkle complete." - Lottie King, Senior Beauty Writer

3. Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Hair Oil

"Last year I stopped using hair oils on damp hair, in favour of hair creams, and I found that my naturally wavy texture was all the better for it. However, my flyaways are still a problem, especially after blow drying. I didn't think I could love a Kérastase hair oil as much as I loved the iconic Elixir Ultime L’Huile Originale (which incidentally just won a Marie Claire Prix d'Excellence de la Beauté International award) but the brand's latest offering from its Gloss Absolu range is glorious. You can use it on wet or dry hair, but I prefer using it once I've dried it, and on the days following. It reduces frizz and leaves my lengths looking like liquid waves. Be careful, you don't need a lot, so start with a small amount to avoid looking greasy. I wouldn't apply it to the roots. It smells amazing too, nothing like your typical rose perfume." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

4. Jo Malone London Restore Body Oil

"Do I need to use a body oil every day? No, but as the weather is getting a little warmer, I'm leaning heavily into my body routine. I say, we should opt for indulgence, always, and this body oil is the epitome of that. It has the most divine spring fragrance of jasmine, neroli and rosehip essential oils. I use this immediately out of the shower and the super nourishing primrose and almond oils give me the silkiest and softest skin. If you want to elevate this body oil experience to new heights, Jo Malone London launches an exclusive treatment with AIRE Ancient Baths on the 1st April called the Restorative Ritual that uses the Restore Body Oil & Exfoliating Scrub." - Lollie King, Senior Beauty Writer

5. Sisley Paris Sensitive Skin Soothing Care

"I got sick at the beginning of January—you know, the thing that everyone had that made them take to their beds for almost a week. I got better and thought nothing more of it. That was until a few weeks later when my skin erupted with a rash across my chest, stomach and forehead. I was diagnosed with guttate psoriasis, my body's reaction to the illness, and was told that it could take two to three months to clear. I'm approaching the third month mark and the rash is still there. I've had to drastically change my routines and pare everything back. This heavenly lightweight moisturiser has been a tonic for my dry and irritate complexion. Designed specifically for sensitive skin with a compromised skin barrier, my dry, patchy and dehydrated skin is instantly soothed and when new patches appear, they come back less aggressively." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

6. UKLash UKSkin LED Dual Light Pro-Therapy Face Mask

"When it comes to beauty gadgets, as a mild technophobe, sometimes just the sight of them can put me off. But I'll be honest, I was intrigued by this and have been committed to using it ever since I was introduced to it. I've seen quite a few of the best LED face masks around at extortionate prices, so £199 feels like a steal, especially considering it does the same job as other masks double the price. If you're worried about skin conditions, including fine lines, wrinkles or pigmentation, this LED Dual Light Pro-Therapy Face Mask can help to improve their appearance. It uses both Red and near-infrared light to amplify the cellular renewal process, leaving your skin brighter and texture clearer. I use mine a few times a week while I'm making dinner or watching my latest Netflix obsession. It fits in with my routine, and yes, my skin is a whole lot brighter." - Lollie King, Senior Beauty Writer

7. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Beauty Soulmates Face Palette

"If you are a fan of Charlotte Tilbury's iconic Airbrush Flawless Finish then prepare to get excited. This new duo palette consists of the beloved powder, similar to the original but with colour correcting pigment technology, and a Pillow Talk Love Blush, in either pink or peach. Each powder formula blurs and smooths and gives the most beautiful velvet effect on the skin. I have to be honest, I haven't used a powder formula in years, my dry skin prefers cream and liquid textures, but this has become a firm fixture in my daily make-up routine. I love the way that the setting powder brightens my dark circles and tones down areas of redness. I've been wearing the peach blush every day and it adds a youthful pop of colour to the apples of my cheeks." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

8. Augustinus Bader The Sunscreen

I've said it before and I'll say it again: this is the best facial sunscreen I have ever used. And, no, I'm not being dramatic. As someone with dark skin, it it so difficult to find a sunscreen that doesn't leave me with a white cast. This is a quest that I have been on for most of my adult life. But this SPF is oh so different. This is the kind of SPF that makes you excited to use it.

I have oily/combination skin, and this glides over my skin, leaving me glowing but never shiny. There isn't so much as a whisper of white across my complexion, and regular use means that it helps to tackle fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation too. I've truly met my (SPF) match." - Lollie King, Senior Beauty Writer

Doesn't it suddenly feel like spring is upon us? Perhaps it has something to do with the sun sticking around for longer than a couple of hours or the very early signs of blossom on the trees? For myself and Nessa Humayun, Marie Claire's Junior Beauty Editor, we've been in the new season spirit all month thanks to the deliveries to the beauty cupboard.

Gone are the moisturising hair masks and rich creams, and in their place, we're seeing new SPF moisturiser launches and the latest bronzing drops innovations. We may not have dusted off our warm-weather wardrobes, but we're ready to embrace the exciting newness that this season brings. And we're doing that with the help of these eight fantastic products...

1. Saie SuperSuede Baked Powder Blush

"I'm going to be completely honest with you, I am a liquid blusher fan through and through. My dry skin typically cowers when I try to dust powder onto it. But this, my friends, is not your normal powder blusher. The brand describes it as 'buttery', but I disagree it's practically invisible to the touch—I cannot feel it on my skin. There's squalane in the formula, which is music to my ears as this means that it doesn't gather in my dry patches. What it does do, which again goes against everything I thought I knew about powder formulas, is pack a punch. The colour payoff is outstanding, and it lasts." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

2. Nuxe Very Rose Plumping Lip Serum

"Lip-plumping products have historically had a bad reputation. The first formulas delivered results, sure, but also had a sting so powerful it was borderline painful. Still, I was addicted to them as a teenager and have always been on the hunt for a version that gave me the OTT pout I so desired but didn't, well, hurt... Enter the Nuxe Very Rose Plumping Lip Serum. Once you get over the plasticky, bulky packaging, the product inside is truly excellent. Coming in a soft, almost translucent pink, it noticeably increases the plumpness and volume of my lips, delivering just enough gentle sting to feel like it's working. It also gives a dose of hydration to the lips, something that most lip-plumping glosses are bereft of. It's now a handbag staple for me." — Nessa Humayun, Junior Beauty Editor

3. Living Proof StyleLab Air-Dry Styler

"The sun has decided to make a very welcome appearance after what feels like an eternity and I am so glad. As someone who colours her hair every six weeks, I try to avoid further damage by air drying my hair. However, in the midst of winter, I always opt for hair damage over hypothermia and use the Ghd Duet Blowdry every time I wash my hair. But with the return of the sun, I am keen to get back to air drying and this is the product I'll be using for the rest of the year. This lightweight lotion is heaven for hair like mine. I apply it to towel-dried hair from roots to ends (I promise it won't leave your scalp looking or feeling greasy), then I scrunch my hair in my hands upwards so that my hair falls into its natural wavy state. The best thing about it is that it gives hair waver-effect hold. Genuinely, my waves look perfectly tousled even after brushing days after." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

4. Drunk Elephant Mello Marula Cream Cleanser

"I have dry skin, which has been extra sensitive of late; a perfect storm of office air, the cold weather, and likely, testing actives. Now, I'm trying to massively pare back my regimen to repair my moisture barrier, but I'm not prepared to stop wearing make-up. This is why this new Drunk Elephant Mello Marula Cream Cleanser has been such a saviour. It's a super gentle cream cleanser, which melts away make-up, grime and impurities effortlessly. This isn't a dedicated make-up remover, though, so if you're using it for this purpose, make sure you double cleanse. There's not much more to say, it just does what it says on the tin, excellently." — Nessa Humayun, Junior Beauty Editor

5. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum Intense Refillable Purse Spray

"I think I gave an audible squeal when I first saw this incredibly chic purse spray. I am firmly in Camp-Mademoiselle (despite my efforts to become a No5 woman) and this just cements it. The juice features some of my favourite notes—amber, patchouli, jasmine—so it's a joy to wear. But do you know what? Despite being a mother of two and owning my own home, wearing this makes me feel like a true grown-up. Plus, as a jewellery-obsessive, I love the pearl and gold chain detailing that can be worn on the wrist or left to dangle prettily out of a handbag. This is set to become my travel companion on all my upcoming trips." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

6. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dewy Flush

"I won't leave the house without blush, specifically a sweep of glowy pink across my cheekbones—it perks up my complexion, and I just feel naked without it. My favourite has always been Nars Orgasm, but in recent years, I've discovered a few more staples which fit within my strict criterion: a medium pink colour that delivers substantial dew but no glitter. That's why I was so excited when I heard that Glow Recipe was coming out with a blusher but in their signature, hydrating niacinamide formula. And it's gorgeous— so illuminating and dewy that I've been getting compliments on my skincare routine when wearing it. The blush also has that sunburn-esque look that everyone loved last summer. I can't wait to take it on a beach vacation; it would take any tan to the next level." — Nessa Humayun, Junior Beauty Editor

7. Tatcha The Brightening Eye Cream

"My relationship with eye creams is a funny one. I wouldn't dream of skipping the step in my skincare routine (day or night), but equally, I know that my dark circles are hereditary and it's my concealer that does most of the heavy lifting. However, what I love about Tatcha's is the luminosity that it adds. The almost pearlescent finish of the cream makes it act like an illuminating primer before I apply my concealer. Because it's Tatcha, the formula is impressive—12-hour time-release vitamin C for prolonged brightness, bioferments to help with puffiness, and encapsulated niacinamide that the brand has clinically proven reduces the shadows of three kinds of dark circles. I have certainly noticed a lovely brightening effect, whether that's the finish or the formula, time will tell. A brilliant eye cream, from a brilliant brand." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

8. K18 Astrolift Reparative Volume Spray

"I have long hair, which can tend to look lank if I don’t style it correctly—so, it’s safe to say that I know a lot about volumising products. K18 has been one of the breakout hair care brands over the past few years thanks to their super innovative formulations, and their new Astrolift Reparative Volume Spray is no different. Gone are the days of crunchy mousse; this product delivers buckets of volume without a trace. Its buildable and lightweight formula doesn’t weigh down the hair, and it really does add volume at the root and mid-lengths. I like to spray this on before I blow dry my hair, but it's not heat or tension-activated, meaning you can apply it on dry hair for a little boost. It launches on Monday, so be ready." — Nessa Humayun, Junior Beauty Editor

We're encouraged to 'start the year strong' and whilst that sentiment primarily focuses on taking stock, looking after yourself and moving more, we're beauty editors, and so for us that means out with the old and in with the new. And by new, we mean the latest and greatest in beauty products.

We've been completely spoiled this month, the cupboard is bursting at the seams with gentle skincare, elegant fragrances and super wearable make-up. January's offering proves that the beauty industry gets better and more exciting each year. And so enough of this waffling on, we bring you the eight best new beauty products of 2025 so far, which prove that we are off to a very good start...

1. Chanel Jeuz de Lumière Palette

"I don't know about you, but January isn't my finest skin month. The fallout from my December antics and the cold bite in the air means that my complexion looks dull and lacklustre. Whilst I look to my skincare routine to help matters, this beautiful palette has done me a great service over the past month. These velvet-like powder pigments can be worn swept across the eyelids (the pink coral looks beautiful with a slick of mascara) or across the high points of the face. Winter sun in a palette." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

2. The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum

"Repeat after me, I vow to protect my skin barrier. With the cold snap in the air, The Inkey List’s new serum protects your barrier and oh so much more. Containing 2% ectoin this provides hydration while also fighting signs of aging and inflammation. It glides onto your skin effortlessly after cleansing and absorbs beautifully without leaving behind a sticky texture. The multi-molecular hyaluronic acid means it injects your skin with hydration on several different levels. Perfect for tired winter skin. Your skin will be juicy, plump and glowing. Thank me later." - Lollie King, Senior Beauty Writer

3. Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Hair Mask 

"Much like my complexion, my hair is also crying out for TLC in the depths of winter. So this hair mask couldn't have dropped on my desk at a better time. Much like the brand's now iconic hair oil, this mask harnesses the power of honey to leave hair hydrated, soft and shiny. Housed inside a cute golden tub that looks like a honey pot, this gorgeous-smelling mask is a joy to use and effective at that. My one complaint is that you need a magnifying glass to read the instructions at the bottom. Not knowing how much to use or how long to leave it, I opted for a generous amount for about five minutes and the result was soft, manageable hair that swishes rather nicely." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

4. Tom Ford Rose Exposed Eau De Parfum

"Okay, the only perfume you need to know about this month is this fresher than fresh rose perfume by Tom Ford. Rose can be a bit hit or miss, sometimes smelling a little dated or even too sweet, but not this one. Imagine inhaling the scent of an actual rose—stem and all. It's slightly green, without so much as a whiff of artifice. The fragrance has deeper rose notes, which balance between traditional masculine tones of citrus and feminine powder. Simply divine and it lasts all day long." - Lollie King, Senior Beauty Writer

5. Refy Face Sculpt

"I know you're not meant to talk about the ageing process negatively, but I'm on the wrong side of 35 and the changes to my appearance are noticeable. There's a lack of definition and for some reason my cheeks are desperate to slip down to the floor. So when a product promises lift, I am more than game to try. Refy does make-up very, very well, so I had high expectations for the self-proclaimed 'sculpting moisturiser'. The innovative rollerball applicator is right up my street—it cools, depuffs and helps with lymphatic drainage. After using it for around four weeks, I can confirm that I feel slightly more snatched, although time will tell to see whether this holds up (pun intended). I also hold a lot of tension in my jaw and using this along my jawline has felt theraputic" - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

6. Sol de Janeiro Delicia Drench Shower Oil

"If this is your first introduction to Sol de Janeiro, you're in for a treat. Aside from the body sprays this is undoubtedly my favourite of its offerings. My shower routine is very sacred to me and this product has slotted right in. Fragranced with their Cheirosa 59 Fragrance, this leaves your skin silky soft and smelling expensive. For those not keen on body oils, a shower oil is a great alternative as you get moisturised skin, without the dreaded oil slip. This is affordable luxury at its best." - Lollie King, Senior Beauty Writer

7. Murad Heartleaf Soothing Body Cleanser

"I will admit right now that £39 is a lot to spend on a body wash. But here is why I think that it is worth every penny. I recently came out in a rather unsightly rash. Was it a reaction to something? Did I pick another viral infection from my children? Who knows?! All I know is that I was covered in little red, dry patches that left my skin feeling tender and tight. I was frightened to use any of my favourite products in case they exacerbated things. And then I remembered seeing this in the beauty cupboard. Designed to treat sensitive skin, it's fragrance-free and formulated with ceramides and lipids to hydrate and soothe discomfort. I've used this body cleanser every day in the shower and it has gently cleansed and calmed my skin. It won't rid me of my rash, but it was kind and sympathetic to it when it was at its most angry. It's not for everyone, but £39 is a small price to pay for those in need of comfort." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

8. Fenty Beauty You Mist

"One thing I will never do is leave the house without setting spray. It’s the final and often, most important step in my make-up routine. But not all setting sprays are created equal. Some can feel like hair spray, leaving your face frozen, whereas others lack holding power altogether. This Fenty Beauty You Mist setting spray is life-changing. It gives the perfect hold and keeps your make-up in place all day long, never drying your skin out. I committed the ultimate beauty editor sin and slept in my make-up recently (forgive me) and to my surprise, my face looked exactly as it did when I went to sleep. Not so much as an eyebrow hair out of place." - Lollie King, Senior Beauty Writer

This month, myself and fellow beauty editor Katie have dedicated every waking minute to researching, testing, trialling and reviewing the very best beauty gifts for Christmas. Everything from perfume and candles to eyeshadow and hand wash has passed by our desks and been tested scrupulously. As a result, we have a pretty clear idea of the very best new beauty products to gift your loved ones this year.

However, with our Christmas shopping lists already bulking out and Black Friday sales in full swing, we would be lying if we said we haven't been using this time as an excuse to treat ourselves to some treats, too. After all, some beauty products are simply too perfect, too beautiful and too hardworking to part with. So, without further ado, these are the 8 new beauty products that are so good, we're choosing to gift them to ourselves this November.

Shannon's Top New Beauty Gifts

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Trio Of Scented Candles

"The Maison Francis Kurkdjian Christmas candle trio is the launch I get most excited by every single year. I simply detest sweet, candied Christmas candles—I want my festive home fragrance to be luxurious, expensive-smelling and not so powerful that it makes my eyes water. Luckily, I know that I can count of Maison Francis Kurkdjian to deliver on all of the above. Every single candle in this trio is beautiful—and not just to look at. Mon Beau Sapin smells like snow-dusted Christmas trees, Baies des Forêts is reminiscent of juicy mistletoe and Baies des Lunes is one of the most comforting, creamy musk candles I have ever come across. If you want your home to smell expensive this Christmas, this is the product for you." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

Tom Ford Soleil Neige

"It's no secret that I'm somewhat of a fragrance connoisseur, so you can believe me when I say that Tom Ford Soleil Neige is the single best perfume for this time of year. It's so good, in fact, that I've had to lie to three friends when they have asked me if I have a bottle on my shelf that they can borrow. I do have a bottle, I just refuse to share it with anyone. Soleil Neige smells like shimmering snow on a sunny winter's day—it is bright, light and icy. If you wear Soleil Neige, expect to be batting of compliments all day long." – Shannon

NARS 24 Karat Collection

"Everyone who knows me will tell you I am not a make-up person. I test it all day, every day for work, so when it comes to my own daily routine, I just can't be bothered with the faff of it all. However, something has stirred in me recently, and I have suddenly found great joy in all things shimmery and pretty—and I think it's down to the new Nars 24 Karat Collection landing on my desk. For the first time in years, I have been allowing myself an extra 20 minutes in the morning to apply a full-face, and it has felt exceptionally good. This eyeshadow is, in my opinion, the star of the show, with the most beautiful, buttery gold effect. However, I have also thoroughly enjoyed using the glow-boosting powders in the Light Reflecting Sculpting Face Palette and swiping on a slick of Explicit Lipstick in Unauthorized—it's the most feel-good red I've encountered in a long time." – Shannon

Victoria Beckham Beauty Hand Cream Collection

"I know what you're thinking: £138 for hand creams?! But these aren't just any hand creams, they're Victoria Beckham hand creams. Yes, they're nourishing and leave hands silky soft without any greasiness, but frankly, the formulas could have been shoddy and I still probably would have found myself adding these to basket. I'm a shallow girl at heart, and these are, hands down, the most beautifully chic beauty products that have landed on my desk, potentially ever. Beyond that, each hand cream comes in one of the iconic Victoria Beckham Beauty fragrances—some of my most cherished. If you don't want to splurge quite so much money, you can also buy the hand creams individually, in your chosen scent, for £38 each. My favourite? Portofino 97 smells like hotel linen, warm sun rays and the gentle breezes of the Italian Riviera." – Shannon

Katie's Top New Beauty Gifts

Neom Christmas Wish 3 Wick Scented Candle

"There are two types of people in this world - those that go hell for leather with all things Christmas from the beginning of December and those that like to dip their toes in on the days that matter. I am the former. One of the ways that I get myself into the spirit is lighting multiple Christmas candles daily, from the end of November. There are a few favourites on my list, but Neom's Christmas Wish takes the top spot. This smells like what I imagine Santa's house smells like - heady, warm and spicy. You've got your classic cinnamon mixed with the zesty mandarin and creaminess of the tonka bean. It's pure festive gold. Not for the festive-averse." – Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

Dolce & Gabbana My Sculpt Satin Lip Stylo in 25.12 Christmas Day

"I am a huge fan of pomp and circumstance. Especially around Christmas time. I go all out - traditions, formalities and thinking about what I'm going to wear. I spend much of late November planning my festive outfits and make-up looks. There are lists galore and sometimes (please don't judge me too harshly) there are mood boards too. So you can imagine how thrilled I was to find Dolce & Gabbana's new Christmas Day red lipstick drop onto my desk earlier this month. I'll admit the shade surprised me when I first tried it - it wasn't the ruby rouge that I often associate with December festivities, but rather an orangey red. However, I love that it'll bring a modern twist to the day. It has a satin finish - my favourite, my dry lips don't agree with mattes - and I really like the slim bullet, which allows for precise application." – Katie

Westman Atelier Petite Brush Collection

"I will always add something to my Christmas list that I just wouldn't buy for myself. Something that feels special, that often has a high price point. This year Westman Atelier's Petit Brush Collection is that special addition. I am yet to find product this brand launches that isn't 100% a bit of me. Open up my make-up bag and it features heavily. I've used some of the make-up brushes before, but the whole set? That's one truly spoiling gift that I would love to open up on the big day." – Katie

Trudon The Scented Hand Soaps

"I'm in the midst of a renovation - the builders say they'll be done by Christmas, but it's too soon to tell if that's the truth. I am so looking forward to getting my home back and to start putting the final touches in place. We'll have a brand new kitchen and a brightly decorated downstairs loo. They deserve more than supermarket own-brand hand soap. Which is why in January, once the dust has settled, I want to be placing one of the new Trudon Scented Hand Soap next to each of my two new sinks. These are pure luxury - they're so beautifully scented (as you would expect) in the brand's iconic fresh woody scent, Vixi, and the zesty green Médie. The glass bottles are sure to elevate even the dingiest of sinks." – Katie

There are a few autumnal cliches that I try to avoid: pumpkin spiced lattes, Gilmore Girls and oversized scarves. However, when it comes to beauty I'm all in. I want the nourishing skincare, the enveloping scents, and the deeper shades of make-up.

And it turns out that Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor, feels exactly the same. We are like moths to an autumnal flame when it comes to choosing our beauty products around this time of year. So we sat down and looked at everything we had been sent in October and it was very clear to us that as we head into the colder months, these really are the only eight products you need by your side.

1. Nobody's Child Gaia Reed Diffuser 

"When it comes to my personal fragrance, I'm not a gourmand person at all. But as soon as I smelt the rich and welcoming scent of Nobody's Child Gaia I knew that I needed it in my life. This has a sweet fruitiness to it thanks to the apple, coconut and raspberry, but there's a woodiness too which means that it never ever smells sickly. Whilst I still don't think I could ever spritz it about my person, I have already gone through two candles at home and my reed diffuser is still going strong. My house has never smelt more like a home." – Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

2. Hermès Trait D'Hermès Eye & Lip Pencils

"I make it no secret that I hate applying my make-up—I'm a real lazy girl and don't find any enjoyment in such endeavours. The only thing I find that makes things more bearable is indulging in luxury make-up products that really work. So, it's needless to say I was overjoyed to hear that Hermès was releasing a collection of 40 new eye and lip pencils this month. The lip pencils (which are available in 16 shades) allow for super-precise application and make the already long-lasting wear of my favourite Hermès lipsticks even more brilliant. My personal favourite, however, is the eye pencil in shade Raisin—I simply smudge the warm brown hue into my lash line for an everyday eye look that tricks people into thinking I have spent longer on my face than I actually have—it has by far been my most used make-up product of the month." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

3. SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier Multi-Glycan

"Dehydration is one of my biggest skincare bugbears. There are times when I think I've got a handle on it and my skin is looking perky and glowy, but then there are those moments when I catch my reflection in the mirror and the tell-tale signs are back. I'm talking creases in my forehead and pronounced lines around my mouth. This time of year is prime for this. This Skinceuticals serum is the remedy. The formula, which reads like a whos who in the super hydrating world, is clever, really clever. I've been using it for about three weeks - day and night - and already those creases and lines are less visible and the perkiness, the glow and the bounce are back." – Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

4. Victoria Beckham Beauty 21:50 Rêverie

"I am not usually a fan of sweet, vanilla perfumes, but this new launch, that adds to the collection of existing Victoria Beckham Beauty fragrances, is exceptional. It has an autumnal warmth of soothing, comforting vanilla, but a sort that isn't sweet or sickly. Instead, it coddles you up with a skin-like, spicy bitterness that makes it unbelievably wearable. I have had countless people smell this one and am yet to find a soul who doesn't adore it. It's an absolute winner." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

5. Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Body Cream

"I feel like those of us who are loyal Ceramidin fans have been waiting very patiently for this body lotion. And boy was it worth the wait. I genuinely believe that this will be the best £22 you spend this season. It goes on like a lotion, but when you start rubbing it into your skin it gets richer, more like a thicker cream but it absorbs surprising quickly. Once it's on, it feels like velvet. It's honestly such a pleasure to use. The tube is big too, so it will last you a good while. It's unscented, which won't suit everyone, but I don' t mind that. To me this is exactly what a body lotion should be." – Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

6. Oskia Midnight Elixir Serum

"I know that this serum is grotesquely expensive, but trust me when I say that means it must really deserve its spot on this list. I gravitate towards skincare that feels special and spa-like to apply, and that is something Oskia does masterfully. However, I also really struggle with my skin (hormone-related cystic acne, hyperpigmentation, scarring and fine lines plague my face), so need my skincare products to really work their hardest. This overnight serum has become my new skincare best friend. With a whole concoction of high-tech skincare ingredients (and proven ones at that), it means that, despite my chin being covered in hormonal breakouts, my overall complexion is looking impeccably healthy—glowing, full of life, plump and happy. I adore it." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

7. Refy Plum Lip Collection

"Each year, around this time, Refy launches a duo lip kit that's perfect for A/W. Last year it was all about ruby red, 2024 is the year of the plum. The kit comes with one of its new Blur Liners, which plumps the lips making them look fuller, and its bestselling Tinted Lip Gloss - a non-sticky pigmented high shine glaze. The raisin shade is glorious. I will admit it's not my normal colour, but with a simple slick of mascara it has become my new go-to look." – Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

8. Tatcha The Indigo Cleansing Balm

"My aforementioned acne means I will never rely solely on a micellar water to remove my make-up (any lingering bacteria is always going to result in a breakout for me). Plus, I also want my skincare routine to spark relaxing joy—so cleansing balms are my go-tos. This new one from one of my favourite skincare brands, Tatcha, breaks down the day's dirt in a matter of seconds and leaves my skin almost unbelievably soft. I never want to be without it. My only complaint? The pot is too small—I want more, more, more." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

Last week, I flung open my windows in the morning and, for the first time in many months, there was a chill in the air. Yes, autumn is officially here. And as the weather turns cooler, myself and Senior Beauty Editor, Katie Thomas, have been embarking upon our annual rethink of our beauty products. Suddenly, we want moisturisers targeted at dry skin, we luxury candles and diffusers to make our homes a haven and we want nourishing body lotions to deliver a hearty hit of comfort. Truthfully, autumn beauty is all about indulging in products that make you feel good. They should solve problems related to the changing climes but do all of that while soothing mind, body and soul.

September is always the busiest month of the year for us when it comes to testing new products—because, let's face it, everyone wants to start switching up their beauty game at this time of year. So, over the past four weeks, we have put a lot of effort into testing every new beauty product that has come our way. And, it's confirmed, these are the 8 new products from September set to carry our autumn beauty routines.

1. Neom Wellbeing Pod Diffuser with Matcha Glass Cover

"All I want to do at this time of year is wrap myself up in a blanket on the sofa, with a hot cup of tea in hand, and watch back-to-back Nora Ephron movies. Come October, my home becomes my sanctuary. As somebody who puts a lot of energy into making my home smell great, I know a great diffuser when I test one—and this one from Neom is great. You simply pop in some water with your favourite essential oil and turn it on—it will kick out the most mind-soothing scents and create a spa-like environment at home. And while it does a great job at making my entire home smell divine, more than anything, it looks like a work of art. The hand-blown glass is unique, so every design is slightly different, and it just puts a smile on my face every time I walk into the room."– Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

2. Victoria Beckham The Concealer Pen with TFC8®

"Rejoice! There is finally a Victoria Beckham Beauty concealer and I am thrilled. This new launch sees the brand partner with skincare god Augustinus Bader once again. The concealer contains Bader's patented skin healing TFC8® complex, so in theory the more you use it to cover up dark circles and blemishes the less you'll need to use in the future. I can't quite comment on that yet as I haven't been using it long enough, but it sure does cover up tenacious dark circles. I was lucky enough to meet Francesca Abrahamovitch, VB's make-up artist and she told me that two clicks should do your entire face and she was right. I've also found that leaving it to set for a minute or two before blending helps to disguise the areas you want covered better." – Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

Jo Malone London Hinoki & Cedarwood Cologne Intense

"As a beauty editor who specialises in all the best perfumes, I'm going to say something that might upset people: it has been a long time since I was really impressed by a new Jo Malone London fragrance. It's not that I've disliked any of them at all, but the brand has set such a high standard for itself, it's more that none of the Jo Malone launches over the past few years have blown my socks off. This one, on the other hand, left my jaw on the floor. Hinoki & Cedarwood is a masterpiece. It is clean-smelling and possesses a water-like freshness, but that sense-clearing element sits on a bed of crisp bark-like wood. It is like the art of Japanese forest bathing."– Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

La Bonne Brosse The N.07 Intense Brush

"It's come to my attention recently that I don't look after my hair well enough. Because I colour my hair every six weeks, I avoid heat as much as possible to help prevent further damage. Which is all very well, but I very rarely brush my hair, which as a hair stylist recently told me is essential for hair health. So I am making some changes to my haircare routine. And what better way to start this new endeavour than with this absolutely beautiful hair brush. It's an investment, but when my skincare tools and heated styling tools, which I only use occasionally, are upwards of £200 why shouldn't I spend more on something that I will be using every single day. This particular brush is designed for those with thick, wavy, curly and coily hair and it detangles without disturbing the hair's natural shape." – Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

Glossier Crème de You

"I am a lover of all things body care—I consider my nightly bath and body routine a sort of emotional ritual. Having said that, I am also painfully fussy with my body creams. I despise any sort of greasy film left on the skin and prefer buttery, whipped creams that melt into the skin and nourish as they work. On top of that, I also require a great fragrance in my body products. I want them to feel luxurious and be enjoyable to use. This new body cream from Glossier possess the iconic Glossier You scent: creamy, skin-like, musky and subtly rosy. It leaves my skin silky-soft, healthy looking and generally fills my heart with joy. I have emptied the whole pot already and am ready to tuck into my second." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

Bare By Vogue Face Tanning Drops

"I consider tanning drops to be the first step of my make-up routine - the beginning of my base. I have been a loyal fan of the Isle of Paradise drops for over five years, but my allegiance has changed. I've been writing about tanning products for so long, I didn't think a product would be able to knock my socks off quite like these have. I have never had so many compliments about my skin and how luminous I look. I'm naturally fair skinned, but not in an English rose way, more of a walking dead way, so I always look much better with a bit of colour on my face. These develop so quickly that a mere two hours after using four or five drops in my moisturiser I am looking glowy and healthy. Somehow they seem to even out my skin tone too, as since I started using them I haven't needed to use my normal skin tint. I cannot think of a better product to rely on now that autumn is on the horizon." – Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

Susanne Kaufmann Ecotin Repair Serum

"I'll start by saying that I have never met a Susanne Kaufmann product I didn't like—it is, hands down, in my top three skin and body care brands. I'm pleased to announce that this facial serum is every bit as good as I had hoped. It champions ectoin, a skin-barrier-restoring hero ingredient that works to hydrate, take down redness and irritation ,and generally restores healthy-looking glow. If you're battling with the elements and your skin is feeling a bit dry, irritated, red and weather-beaten, this little bottle will sort it out in an instant." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

Lancaster Crème Princière Moisturiser 

"Whilst 2024 has undoubtedly been the year of blush, in my world it's been the year of moisturisers. I have spent much time searching for the perfect day cream after discovering that so many of my skin complaints were as a result of dehydration and an upset skin barrier. One of the contenders in the running is this one by legendary sun care brand Lancaster. This month saw it relaunch its Ligne Princière skincare range, which focuses on skin repair. Whilst my skin typically craves rich creams, this one has a lightweight, almost gel-like texture, that does the job of nourishing my skin without ever feeling heavy. It leaves my skin feeling like velvet and looking brighter and perkier. 75 years of serious research has gone into this and just as the brand continues to lead the way in sun care innovation, now is its time to shine within the skincare market." – Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

After a medal-winning summer, myself and Executive Beauty Editor, Shannon Lawlor, were inspired by the Olympics and Paralympics and thought it might be fun to highlight some of the beauty industry's gold medal winners that launched in August. From the best moisturiser to pair with your foundation, to one of the best new perfumes for women that turned one amber-doubter into an amber fragrance lover. And then how about a new Dyson product that will surprise even the most clued-up beauty lover?

It's been quite the month for the industry, so without further ado, here are the best new beauty products from August. Could all the winners take their places on the podiums please?

1. Merit Great Skin Priming Moisturiser

"I'm going to be completely honest with you, I really like it when a brand stays in its lane. I'm not crazy about skincare brands launching make-up and vice versa. I just can't understand why anyone would choose to use a vitamin C serum from a cosmetics brand over a derm-backed skincare brand. That's not to say that some brands don't nail it, but more often than not I feel like saying: "Just stick to what you know!" So it's quite rare for me to take home, try and love a moisturiser from a brand whose make-up already features heavily in my routine. But here's what makes Merit Beauty's new moisturiser different: it's designed to work with your complexion products as, essentially, the first step in your make-up routine. I find that my make-up lasts longer and my skin looks more radiant after using it. It also tackles a whole host of things that plague us as we age. There's time-release hydration in there (perfect for me as I have dry skin, prone to dehydration), it supports the skin barrier and, over time, firms. It's unscented, rich, but lightweight, and feels like velvet once absorbed." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

2. Aerin Amber Musk Santal EDP

"I'm not sure I have ever met an Aerin perfume I don't like, and this new drop is up there with my favourite ever. Even though I'm not a huge wearer of strong, amber scents, Amber Musk Santal has barely left my neck since it first arrived on my desk. It is warming, grounding and cosy, while the addition of sandalwood keeps things creamy and light on the nose. It is the sort of undeniably pleasant and magnetising perfume that could quickly become a signature daily wear." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

3. Dyson Chitosan Pre-Style Cream

"When I first found out that Dyson was launching a range of styling products, I won't lie I was sceptical. Earlier this year I was one of the first people to see the products up close, but it was so secretive that I wasn't allowed to take them home to test. Then a couple of weeks ago my very own set - for straight to wavy hair - arrived and I have to say that my scepticism was unjust. The Pre-Style cream (in the rich formula) does exactly what I need a product like this to do - it tames the lengths, so the flyaways are gone; it adds moisture, so my waves are defined and silky; and it makes my hair incredibly soft to the touch. There's a Post-style cream too, as well as an option for curly to coily (in both the light and rich formulas). As you'd expect from a brand that prides itself on bringing engineering and beauty together the packaging is incredibly pleasing and tactile. I was foolish to doubt." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

4. Givenchy Le Rouge Interdit Satin

"I don't make it a secret that I'm not a huge lover of lipstick. My lips are grotesquely dry by nature (I'm a mouth breather, sorry) so I typically prefer tinted lip balms and lip oils over drying lipsticks. This new formula from Givenchy, however, is absolutely divine. It has the colour payoff of a matte lipstick but also has a nourishing, balmy finish that leaves lips feeling comforted and hydrated. Beyond that, it offers some of the most beautiful autumn shades I have ever laid eyes upon." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

5. Lancôme Génifique Ultimate Serum

"I know this might expose some of my failings as a beauty editor, but I've actually never used the original Lancôme Génifique Serum. I know all about its ability to brighten a dull complexion, but I've just never used it myself. So when the reformulation arrived earlier this month, I thought I ought to give it a go. And now I understand the fuss. The shiny new version does exactly what the older one did but the updated formula is powered with beta-glucans, which has taken this multi-tasking serum to a whole new level. They're similar to hyaluronic acid in that they hydrate the skin, but they don't break down in the same way, so it stays hydrated for longer and your barrier is given an even better chance at working exactly as it's supposed to. I've been using it in the morning, alongside my vitamin C serum and in the evening, before and after my retinol and I have to say there is a clarity to my complexion that I can only attribute to this." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

6. Summer Fridays Jet Lag Skin Soothing Hydration Mist

"When I first heard Summer Fridays (which is up there with my favourite beauty brands) was launching a face mist in its Jet Lag collection, I was made up. I absolutely adore the Jet Lag products for their deeply nourishing, restoring, glow-boosting abilities. But then, when I was presented with this product by the PR ahead of launch, I couldn't help but laugh. Please tell me this is just a miniature size? I asked her as I picked up the diddy 50ml bottle. When she told me that the 50ml is, in fact, full size, I felt scammed and informed her I probably wouldn't be recommending it to anyone given the less-than-ideal value for money. But then I tried it. I have kept it in my handbag all summer long, giving my face a little spritz whenever I'm feeling worse for wear. Sadly, I love it. Is it a must have? Absolutely not—it's just a nice face mist, after all. Would I like to see it in a bigger size? Absolutely yes—I want a travel option and an at-home option. Will I restock when I've run out anyway? Probably." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

7. Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Mascara

"Next time you're off to a party ensure you take this mascara as your plus one. Charlotte Tilbury's new Exagger-Eyes isn't normally the type of mascara that I go for. I like my wands plastic and comb-like. But that's for my every day look. This mascara isn't for the every day - it's for a dramatic entrance, it's for a Saturday night smokey eye, it's for the party season. I know I'm getting ahead of myself, as we're only in August, but this mascara, which delivers big voluminous, curled lashes, will be my December essential." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

8. Dior Diorshow 5 Couleurs Plan de Paris Collection

"I'm an absolute sucker for limited-edition luxury launches, and the new Plan de Paris collection from Dior has totally won my heart. I'm a huge fan of Dior's 5 Couleurs eyeshadow palettes—five wearable shades in one small palette is the sort of low-maintenance, well edited situation I long for. These new additions don't just contain the perfect autumn/winter colour combinations but also come housed in a very chic Dior pouch. And if you're not a big eyeshadow wearer, may I turn your attention to this lipstick case." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

As a beauty editor duo, both myself and Katie are particularly bad when it comes to hoarding new beauty products. The Marie Claire UK desk is in a permanent state of overflow when it comes to new launches we 'set aside' with the intention of taking home to try. In fact, right now, our respective shelves are overflowing with cleansers, sun creams, body creams, summer perfumes and summer candles—you name it, we've got it. The problem? Despite our intentions, we very rarely do take these products home.

At the start of this month, we realised that our 'to test' pile had become a sort of new beauty product purgatory—full of products impressive-looking enough for us to not want anyone else to have them, but not enticing enough to convince us to lug them home from the office. Our solution? Every time one of us caught the other adding a new product to the pile, we intercepted. "Do you need that face cream, Katie?" I asked countless times. While she stopped me in my tracks often with comments such as, "Shannon, can you really see yourself carrying nine candles home?" and "Just stop—I know you won't use that." The result was, for the entire months of July, we put ourselves on an unofficial new-beauty-product ban. Of course, we broke it—the following eight were just too good to turn down. And, my goodness, I'm so pleased we didn't leave them on our shelves to gather dust. Behold—the absolute best new beauty products from July.

1. Victoria Beckham Beauty Portofino '97 Golden Shimmer Body Oil

"Look, I don't make it much of a secret that I like the finer things when it comes to my fragrance and body care, and this product isn't exactly one that could land on my desk unnoticed—I mean, just look at it?! Victoria Beckham Beauty perfumes are some of my absolute favourites. They're luxurious, expensive-smelling and embody everything luxe. And as for Portofino '97? It's my favourite. It smells like waking up in a 5-star hotel room on a summer holiday, throwing open the windows and rolling around in impossibly expensive bed linen—fresh, crisp, bright and uplifting. So, to see it launch as a shimmering body oil fills me with immense joy. It packs the same aromatic punch as the eau de parfum and leaves limbs beautifully silky with a fit-for-summer shimmery glow. Forget the shimmery body oils of yesteryear, this stuff is elite." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

2. ghd Duet Blowdry

"I'm not going to lie to you—initially, I thought, "Oh great, another blow-dry brush." And even when I used it for the first time, I wasn't impressed. However, that all changed the day I realised I had got it all wrong. One of the big mistakes I had made was not leaving the tool to heat up properly—this is key. The clever thing about the Duet Blowdry is that the plate that the bristles sit on is similar to that of its iconic straighteners, it heats up to 120°C to help smooth the hair as it dries. My other oversight was thinking that I would have a salon-worthy blow dry with just a couple of passes of the tool. You have to dry the hair first, and then when you go over the whole head again, that's when the magic happens. I will admit that I haven't quite cracked the big bouncy waves yet, but I've seen it in action and I know it's possible. I just need to practice more. If you blow dry your hair and follow it up with straighteners, this will transform your morning hair routine." – Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

3. Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blush

"It takes a lot for me to take a new make-up product home (with the exception of tinted lip balms, lip oils and mascaras—those I hoard). However, blusher is one of my most used beauty products of the moment. I wouldn't dream of leaving the house without a flush on my cheeks. And while I have been loyal to my go-to Rhode cream blushers of late, this liquid blusher from Hourglass has slowly creeped its way into my everyday look. The dropper is really satisfying to use, dispensing the perfect amount of product. It also blends effortlessly onto cheeks, providing a lived-in wash of colour that delivers an inside-out-esque glow." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

4. Nars Laguna Ultimate Face Palette

"Nars's Laguna bronzer has seen me through many a summer, but this year I've upgraded. The Laguna Ultimate Face Palette (available in three versions) has everything you could possibly need to create a complimentary warm bronze make-up look. There are matte, satin, shimmery and even subtle glittery finishes, all house inside a palette with a bloody great mirror. (Which, incidentally, has become one my non-negotiables for compacts and palettes—petition to bring back the mirrored compact please.) I like to cover my eyelid in the dusky pink, then using my fingers I press the rose gold all over, before popping a dot of the gold right in the middle. The satin rust shade looks beautiful on the lash lash line, when paired with a brown mascara. And then of course a mixture of the two Laguna shades on my cheekbones. Forget your passport, this is your summer holiday essential." – Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

5. Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche Les Dés De Chance

"Did I need to take home four mini soaps that come in at £75 for a set? No. Does anyone need to buy these soaps? Also no. But here's something to know about me: I never turn down Chanel. More specifically, I never turn down anything relating to Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche—it is, after all, up there with my favourite perfumes of all time. It is beautifully green, crisp and sense-clearing, but there is a ribbon of sparkling radiance running throughout that gives it that expensive-smelling, Chanel je ne sais quoi. These scented dice soaps are beyond my wildest silly little beauty dreams. A painfully chic Chanel gimmick? Check. The best Chanel scent ever made? Check. A luxurious bathroom product that should be admired but never touched? Check, check and check." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

6. Dolce & Gabbana Blue Jasmine

"With fragrance I know what I really like and I know exactly what I don't like. For me, if there's a white flower somewhere in the top or middle notes, and a woody base to tie it all together I'm all in. Enter: Dolce & Gabbana's new Dolce Blue Jasmine. It's described as a fruity floral, which is not typically my cup of tea, but the top note is fig, which is such a rich and green fruit that it works for me. This scent – with jasmine sambac at the middle and cedarwood at the base – is modern, feminine and a really beautiful summer holiday fragance." – Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

7. Aesop Eleos Aromatique Hand Balm

"2024 has been the year that I finally started taking my hand and nail care seriously. I have been trimming my cuticles, filing any nail breakages down, applying cuticle oil religiously and, most importantly, slathering on hand cream at every opportunity. And I'm really starting to see the fruits of my labour. I'm insanely picky when it comes to hand creams—any hint of greasiness or feeling of a coating on my skin needs to be washed off immediately. Plus, they need to smell good—as do all of my beauty products if they want to be used more than once. Honestly, it was the cute lilac appearance of this Aesop hand cream that made me take it home, but once I tried it I was hooked. It smells like fresh, comforting, herby goodness and leaves my hands suitably nourished without any upset." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

8. Skin Rocks The Antioxidant

"I am incredibly loyal to my SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum. As soon as one bottle finishes, I have about three unopened ones waiting in the wings to take over. It is hands down the best vitamin C serum I've ever tried. However, at £165 it's expensive, so I was really intrigued by the launch of the latest product from Caroline Hirons's Skin Rocks The Antioxidant and its clinical trial results. It promises to reduce the look of wrinkles, protect and defend against free radicals and external aggressors, illuminate and even out skin tone—all for £95 less. My dry skin is very appreciative of the milky, lotion-like texture. My complexion looks brighter, straight after using it. Plus, I even conducted my very own trial - I drank a lot of wine one evening and used this the morning after and it had no trouble waking up my very, very tired and dull-looking skin. Will it replace my beloved SkinCeuticals? Only time will tell, but so far so good." – Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

We're going to be completely honest with you - this has been an awfully quiet month for new beauty launches. But what has dropped has been excellent. After sifting our way through the countless number of sun creams, SPF moisturisers and fake tans that have made an appearance in the Marie Claire beauty cupboard (you can tell that the warmer weather has finally arrived) we found some truly outstanding products that will gear you up perfectly as we head into the new season.

From a lipstick that we feel could top any best lipstick list and a blusher that is surely the make-up product of the summer, to two fragrances that have stopped us in our tracks. One, for its happy-making notes, and the other for its considered approach to the market.

We're thrilled to introduce you to the best new beauty products from June 2024.

1. Slip Zodiac Eyemask

"I sleep with an eye mask every single night. If I can't find one before bed, I start to panic. Why? Because I sleep better with one on. Yes, it blocks out the light, but it's also the enveloping feeling it gives me. A bit like how a weighted blanket can calm the nervous system, I feel like an eye mask does the same. So over the years, I've built up quite the collection and none can compete with the Slip silk eye masks and the brand's newest Zodiac collection might just be its most beautiful yet. Made from 100% Mulberry Silk, it's beautiful and soft and glides over my eyes. What an addition to the collection." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

2. Akro Smile EDP

"There is a lot of talk around wellness perfumes right now and scents that lift your spirits. I would argue that this is potentially one of the most effective happiness-inducing perfumes ever made. True to its name, a single spritz plasters a huge smile over my face. It is fruity, juicy and tort, like the first zingy bite into a raspberry, but the inclusion of musk gives it a creamy element that has it melting into the skin and becoming one with the wearer. It is set to become one of my most worn summer perfumes." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

3. BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Blonzer

"There's no denying it - blusher is having quite the moment right now. Since it made an attention-seeking comeback on the Met Gala red carpet, Boyfriend Blush has blown up on TikTok and the underblush technique is the trend of the season. Traditionally in the summer, it's your bronzer that puts in the overtime, but not in 2024. This year, it's all about using blush to warm the skin. We've seen a spike in peach blusher searches and now BareMinerals has dropped its Blonzer. This is one of the most beautiful products I've tried this year. Part of the brand's Complexion Rescue range, the skincare make-up hybrid boosts hydration giving my skin an almost glossy finish. The gel-cream mimics the look of skin and makes it look healthy not 'done'. This part blush/part bronzer comes in five shades - my favourite is Kiss of Pink, which has single-handedly brought life to my skin this month." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

4. Byredo Lipstick Satin

"I know what you're thinking, £50 for a lipstick?! But just know that this is potentially one of the most sublime lipsticks I have ever encountered. It's no secret that I like the finer products when it comes to what I keep in my make-up bag, so the weighty, almost impossibly chic refillable cases for these lipsticks please me immensely. However, the luxury of the Byredo Lipstick Satin transcends far beyond just the packaging. The shades are wearable and carefully curated for optimum versatility, and as for the formula? Well, it's perfect. It glides onto the lips with the slip of a super-hydrating lip oil but the pigment of a sharpie. It takes a little while to set, but once it does the staying power is second-to-none." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

5. Clinique High Impact Mascara in Black Honey

"I shouldn't like this this - it goes against everything I've ever believed. For starters, I prefer my mascara brushes to be plastic and comb-like, because I find they coat my fair lashes better and give me the fluttery effect I'm after. This is a bristle brush. I am loyal to a black formula, I don't even dabble with brown mascara. This is burgundy - or more specifically the iconic Black Honey lipstick shade. So, as you can see, I shouldn't like this mascara, instead I absolutely love it. The small densely packed bristles work wonders at giving my lashes length, plus there are fibres in the formula that add volume - an added bonus. Then there's the berry hue that makes my blue eye pop. It may not have replaced my everyday mascara, but on days when I want, no need, to look more alive I'll be turning to this brilliant coloured mascara." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

6. Caudalie VinoHydra Collection

"I am a huge fan of Caudalie's skincare—it's fuss-free, hardworking and looks great on the shelf. When I saw that the brand was launching a new trio of moisturisers called the VinoHydra Collection, I was chomping at the bit to give them a go—and they didn't disappoint. There's a richer cream for dry skin types, a 'sorbet' cream for those who are prone to tightness and irritation, and finally, my favourite, this lightweight gel cream for those who have slightly oilier skin that doesn't require intense daily hydration. They all contain a plumping, hydrating blend of hyaluronic acid and grape water for that healthy-looking, dewy finish, but also contain other ingredients to deliver slightly different intensities of hydration for each skin type. I can't get enough." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

7. Joonbyrd Moon Swim Body Wash

"Dermatologist-owned brands are nothing new - the market is awash with them. What's different about Dr Alexis Granite's Joonbyrd is that it's a skincare line for the body, rather than the face. We've seen active body care everywhere over the past 12 months - retinol body lotions are the latest fixture in my routine - but very few of them have been scented nicely, if at all. Joonbyrd's fragrances are all designed to boost mood and spark joy. As you'd expect from a doctor brand, the products are effective - they do what they promise. But it's the combination of the science and the scent that makes this brand special. For example. Moon Swim Body Wash smells like rich caramel and leaves the skin soft and supple." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

8. Moroccanoil Purple Treatment

"My bleached hair is looking a bit worse for wear right now. Multiple trips abroad this summer have left my bleach looking dull and my strands dry, brittle and split—things are really quite dire. Or should I say they were quite dire until this purple-tinted oil came into my life. The mini bottle is perfect for throwing in my handbag and running through my lengths throughout the day. With Moroccanoil's iconic nourishing formula, it detangles, smooths and adds shine in seconds, while strengthening and protecting strands as it works. Beyond that, this new version also has a purple pigment to make blonde and grey tones more vibrant, eliminating any brassiness in its tracks. I'm a big fan—huge." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

9. Ffern Summer 24

"I have long-admired Ffern, the Somerset-based fragrance brand, from afar. I'm not entirely sure why it's taken me so long to engage, but I am so glad that I am now in the Ffern fan club - of which there are many members. If you're not familiar, the concept is completely brilliant. The brand creates four fragrances each year - one for each season - in small batches for its ledger of clients. If you're one of the lucky ones on the list, each scent is sent to you in recyclable, recycled, plastic-free packaging with a sample so that if you're not keen on it, you can send it back. How does one get on the ledger? Well, you sign up to a waiting list, when a space becomes available, you'll be offered the spot and you'll be sent the perfumes each season. I've just got my hands on Summer '24 and it's stunning. Inspired by the Tuscan hills - it's lush, heady and herby. At first, I smell the freshly squeezed blood orange, then the spicy fennel seed and pink peppercorn, before the creamy honey note which remains on the skin. That's the red champaca, which is from the magnolia family. There's no chance I'm sending this one back." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

The new beauty products of May 2024 have, frankly, been standout. Myself and fellow Marie Claire UK beauty editor, Katie, have both been very impressed with the calibre of product that has come our way over the past four weeks. From perfume and body lotion to cream blusher and luxury candles, there have been some truly stellar launches.

And that, our dear reader, has made selecting this month's Beauty Desk Drop products quite difficult. You see (and I hate to admit this), but the majority of beauty launches that come our way aren't all they're marketed to be. More often than not, we're let down with the results of any given product—and this is never truer than it is at this time of year in the run up to summer. When the industry is wanting to capitalise on our every beauty insecurity, it's all too common that we feel that products underdeliver. But these launches? These products are destined for longterm greatness.

1. Chanel Comète Les Exclusifs de Chanel

"I understand that most people consider Chanel perfumes to be great. But something I don't think everyone knows is that Chanel perfumes are widely accepted as the best within the perfume community. Yes, even the biggest and most esteemed experts in the industry will agree that Chanel perfumes are in a league of their own. So, when the house launches a new fragrance, I'm chomping at the bit to try it. Comète is, hands down, one of my favourite Chanel fragrances yet. I have been wearing it for the entire month and I can't even begin to tell you how amazing it makes me feel. It hugs the skin with its powdery, comforting, warming magic—like being swaddled in a soft cashmere shawl. Having said that, it's not a skin scent either—it possesses a punchy sort of subtlety that makes it obvious and noteworthy but delightfully soft on the nose. In short, I need to stock up on the 200ml, because I'm getting through the 75ml at a very impressive rate." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

2. Self Glow by James Read Break of Dawn Nourishing Glow Mask

"As someone who loves to add a bronze glow to my skin, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the new Self Glow by James Read range. I remember using Read's first product line religiously when I started out in my beauty career - it was the tanning brand to have in your kit. The new line is innovative - thanks in part to the plant-based DHA and the world's first natural cocoa colour guide - and the packaging is right up my street. This is my favourite product from the lineup - a nourishing mask that adds a subtle wash of warmth to the complexion in just 20 minutes. It feels quite thick at first when applying, but sinks in by the time I've washed my hands. I pop it on as soon as I wake up, then I feed the kids their breakfast, make myself a coffee and then it's time to remove it with warm water. Quick note: it does say to follow with your make-up or SPF, but I've found that my skin prefers it before my daily skincare, so I'll go in with my serum straight after." – Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

3. Reeson Beauty Blush

"I am, potentially, the biggest blusher fan in the entire world. I don’t wear make-up daily, and even when I do wear make-up I wear very little of it. But a blusher? It’s a daily must for me. I find that a little wash of blush over the cheeks and the bridge of my nose is all that’s needed to make me look alive and a bit more pulled together. This tiny but powerful pot is one of the most impressive cream blushers I have ever come across. The pigment is punchy, the texture is whipped, the finish is skin-like and the blendability is second-to-none. A quick swipe over the apples of my cheeks with my fingers makes it appear as though I have spent the day at the beach under the sun, living my best life." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

4. Oribe Hair Alchemy Heatless Styling Balm

"Okay, I'm going to try and remain calm when talking about this product, but I think it's so wonderful that I need you all to know about it. If, like me, you prefer to air dry your hair in the summer, you are going to want to add this to your next beauty shopping list. It's designed to be used on fine to medium hair to define natural hair texture, but I honestly think that wavy hair is where its talents truly lie. I apply this through my damp lengths and either let my hair dry naturally or pop my hair into a low bun at the nape of my neck. What unfolds once it's dry? Beautiful, soft and tousled waves that wouldn't look out of place on a beach or a catwalk (boho waves were back in a big way at the Met Gala). Honestly, this is my must-have product of the season." – Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

5. Dior Forever Natural Bronze Glow - Limited Edition

"If I find a bronzer I like, I stick with it until it's all gone. I wouldn't say I'm fussy with my bronzers, mind you. It is, along with blusher, one of the very few make-up products I wear most days. I like to look as though I have just stepped off a plane after a tropical holiday every single day. After a year of using up my Jones Road bronzer, this dropped on my desk. The compact itself is absolutely stunning, and frankly, even if the product inside was subpar I'd probably still use it for the aesthetic alone. Luckily, what's inside is every bit as beautiful as what's on the outside. It delivers a glowing sort of bronze that breathes life into my skin on its drabbest of days. I'm a girl obsessed." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

6. Escentric Molecule E01 Body Wash & Body Lotion

"I consider Escentric Molecules M01 to be the best perfume on the market. It is, in theory, a simple fragrance because it contains just one note: ISO E Super—a synthetic woody amber scent. To me, it is anything but simple; it smells completely different on everyone and I find it tricky to decipher exactly what I'm smelling—it's complex. I love it, but I am forgetful with my fragrance and often leave the house without applying it. The launch of the brand's body care range means by the time I've jumped out of the shower and moisturised my body I'm already beautifully scented. The body wash and lotion come in M01's sister fragrance E01, which alongside ISO E Super has citrus notes running through it, which makes the morning that little bit brighter." – Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

7. Carrière Frères Frangipani Candle

"I am often left feeling let down by luxury candles. I burn them all day, every day, and there are only a select few I'd actually recommend people fork out for. This new one from one of my go-to brands, Carrière Frères, is one of them. It smells like exotic flowers hanging off the most luscious beach-side greenery. It is, at its core, a white floral fragrance that packs a real punch, but it possesses a sweet, warming, sun-soaked element that oozes summer. It's the sort of candle that fills a room, even on a hot summer's day when every single window is wide open." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

8. Sarah Chapman A1 Vitamin A Power 1 Serum

"The overuse of skincare actives has been a widely discussed topic in recent months, especially surrounding teenage skin issues. However, compromised skin barriers are nothing new and back-to-back lockdowns in 2020 and 2021 saw a steep rise in the number of people experiencing adverse effects to the misuse of strong actives. Sarah Chapman has found that this issue is only getting worse. In response, she has launched three products - two serums and a moisturiser - that she hopes will help "deliver clinical active ingredients in effective formulas that are easy to use, safe, well-tolerated and results-driven." Take for example this vitamin A serum, which I have been using since it launched and have found my skin to be brighter and smoother, the focus on its efficacy comes from its performance and delivery rather than increased percentages. That's all down to the brand's new TTS3 technology, which combines clever textures, biomimetic encapsulation and cooperative ingredients." – Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

OK, so the weather this month has been dire - we can only hope that May delivers on the warm temperatures and blue skies that we were expecting to see in April - so we have had to seek other ways of bringing us joy. Thankfully, myself and Executive Beauty Editor, Shannon Lawlor, have discovered some absolutely cracking products that have lifted our moods immeasurably this month. 

From the best perfume that our fragrance expert Shannon has ever smelled and the pressed powder so good that it feels like magic, to the barely there nail shades that make you look healthy and polished simultaneously and the latest skincare technology that brings the unique communication between our brain and our skin to the heart of a new brand. 

We think we have you covered with our edit of happy-making beauty products. Here's hoping May's edition of Beauty Desk Drop will contain a plethora of sun care, bronzers and the alluring promise of warmer months ahead. 

1. The Inkey List PHA Exfoliating and Hydrating Body Cream Water 

"Ask anyone about their biggest grievance when using body creams or lotions and the majority of people would tell you that it's the time you have to wait after applying before you're able to put your clothes on. There is none of that with this body cream. I apply and get dressed straight away. Not only that but it cleverly exfoliates whilst it nourishes, which means that my often dry and flaky limbs are now happy and hydrated. Like all Inkey List products, it's pretty low frills so there's no scent to it, which will put some people off but I prefer it that way, as I like my perfume to do the talking." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

2. Acne Studios Par Frédéric Malle

"This perfume is, hands down, one of the best things I have ever smelled. The clean, crisp scent smacks you right in the face and is super powerful. I've previously described it as a lathered up bar of Imperial Leather, but don't be fooled into thinking it smells like anything else out there. It has an expensive edge that gives it a glassy, crystalline finish—clean-cut, soapy goodness." — Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

3. Hourglass Airbrush Pressed Powder 

"As someone with dry skin, you don't typically find powder in my make-up bag - I'm always after a dewy not matte finish. However, I currently have dehydrated skin, which means it's thirsty as hell. Whilst my skincare routine is working hard to rectify it, the fine lines on my forehead are often visible and so I rely on make-up to help too. That's where this truly fantastic powder comes in. I have never used a pressed powder quite like it. The creases on my forehead seem to disappear in one swipe. I don't like to use the word airbrushed, but I'm telling you it's the only one that can truly describe the blurring abilities of this powder from Hourglass." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

4. Tatcha The Kissu Lip Tint SPF25

"My chronically dry lips mean options are limited when it comes to adding a wash of colour—anything too pigmented just clings to dry patches. For that reason, I'm always on the look out for hydrating lip treatments that also carry a tint—they're my version of a lipstick. These new lip tints for Tatcha are every bit as beautiful as I expected them to be. They're hydrating enough to smooth out roughness, but pigmented enough to give me a pep in my step. Since landing on my desk, they haven't left my handbag." - Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

5. Neuraé

"I have been so excited to talk about these products. I first found out about them back in January, but had to hold my tongue until this month when they were finally revealed to the world. A new venture by the people behind Sisley Paris, Neuraé is a skincare brand with a difference. Inspired by neuroscience, it's all incredibly clever using its N|A3™ Technology, which combines neuro-ingredients, neuro-fragrances and neuro-textures to connect your emotions with your skin. The products are meant to counteract the negative effects things like sadness and stress can have on our skin. My favourite picks are the Joie cream, which is hands down one of the best moisturises for glowy skin I've tried, and the Énergie Emotion Booster which has seen me through some seriously lethargic afternoons." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

6. Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum

"I consider Mecca Cosmetica's under-the-radar To Save Face SPF50 Superscreen to be one of the (if not the) best facial sunscreens on the market. It behaves like a luxury moisturiser, delivering pure hydration without a hint of white cast or greasy moisture. My skin looks plumper and healthier for using it every day. However, it's also worth knowing my skin is oily and prone to congestion, so the slightly heavier lotion format doesn't work as well in the hotter months. So, when I saw the Australian brand was launching a lighter, serum version of the formula, I jumped for joy. This stuff is equally as hydrating and invisible on the skin, but it packs a bit more glow. I'm totally smitten with it, and I think you will be, too." - Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

7. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Big Lip Plumpgasm

"I have every single Pillow Talk product out there, I am a complete convert to the pinky nude hue. Whatever Charlotte Tilbury is selling, I'm buying. And here we are again - I've just added another product to my collection. What I love about this plumping lip gloss is that it does so much - it hydrates like the best lip balm, adds a high shine wash of my favourite shade and gives my thin, barely-there lips a boost without having to step foot in a cosmetic clinic." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

8. Manucurist Active Smooth

"I am all about the your-nails-but-better trend that is leading the way in 2024, and this new launch from Manucurist is the best way to achieve the look. Dubbed the first 'CC polish for nails', it acts as a colour corrector, blurring any pigment imperfections and smoothing any ridges. While BB cream nails have hit the big time on socials, this is the first polish of its kind I've seen available in the UK, and it's giving everything it promises." - Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

Spring has sprung, and we're feeling all of the positive vibes when it comes to our beauty routines. Over the past month, myself and Senior Beauty Editor, Katie Thomas, have been giving the Marie Claire UK beauty cupboard a major spring clean. It's out with heavy foundations and punchy perfumes and in with skin tints and lighter floral fragrances.

As a result of said spring clean, our shelves at home have been filled with new products to test. But just because it's the start of a new season doesn't mean you need to replace every beauty product you currently own with a new one—quite the contrary. We're strong advocates for only buying new products if they truly deliver something new to your routine. So, after lots of laborious testing, trust us when we say these 8 new beauty products are really worth your attention.

1. Summer Fridays Jet Lag Overnight Eye Serum

"I'm a huge fan of Summer Fridays products. In fact, I've never met one I don't like. The brand's cult Jet Lag Mask has become one of my mainstay skincare products—whenever my skin needs some extra nourishment, it's my first port of call. However, when I heard a Jet Lag eye serum was on the way, I wasn't convinced it was something I really needed in my routine. Wow, was I wrong. My dry, tired-looking eyes lap this formula up. It's lightweight, smoothing, brightening and delivers just the right amount of hydration. I'm loving every drop." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

2. Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint

"I'm fortunate enough to have a blemish-free complexion, so I don't need to rely on a foundation for my base. However, I do have areas of redness and I'm prone to dullness, because I have dry skin. That's why I'm well versed in the world of skin tints. I love how they even out areas of discolouration, whilst giving me a really natural looking glow. As you can imagine, I was eager to try Lisa Eldridge's newest complexion offering, the Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint, and I have not been disappointed. It's a beautiful lightweight formula that I buff into my skin with a fluffy flexible brush. It doesn't perfect my skin—nothing can, let's be real—but it does give the most beautiful soft-focus finish. I opted for one shade darker than my natural skin tone for that slightly warmer colour for spring." – Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

3. Serge Lutens La Fille Tour De Fer

"What I'm about to say might upset some people, but I truly believe those who claim to dislike rose perfumes are just too stubborn to find the right one for them. Rose doesn't have to be powdered or intense and it doesn't have to be overly floral either—and this new perfume proves it. La Fille Tour De Fer, the latest launch from niche perfume brand Serge Lutens, is easily one of the most stunning rose scents I have ever smelled. At first, it is sharp, juicy and biting, but it soon transforms into something softer, creamier and more skin like. It's the sort of perfume that makes you want to take on the world." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

4. Erborian Super BB Concealer 

"The Erborian BB Cream is iconic. And as you've read above, I am a sucker for a lightweight tinted base, so I've been a fan for years. So when the new BB Cream Concealer landed on my desk I jumped at the chance to try it. The brand has labelled it medium-full coverage, but I actually think it's more light-medium. If you have a particularly red and inflamed spot, I'm not sure this is going to do what you need. However, what this is incredible at is brightening the under eyes, which is exactly what I look for in my concealer. It has a slight luminosity to it, which works so well as an undereye brightener." – Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor 

5. Aesop Immaculate Facial Tonic

"In recent months, I have fallen back in love with toners. For years I wrote them off, with some experts telling me that, unless they were exfoliating, they didn't do a whole lot. But, truthfully, since adding them back into my daily routine the overall appearance of my skin has definitely improved. This new launch from Aesop has been a real standout. After swiping it over my face post-cleanse, my skin feels juicy, plump and full of moisture. It's a luxury I'm not sure I ever want to be without." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

6. Dior Forever Glow Maximizer Liquid Highlighter

"This is a beautiful spring/summer product that I am so excited to have in my make-up bag as the weather gets sunnier. Its a creamy highlighter that's a joy to apply to the skin. There are seven shades—from an iridescent pearl, all the way to a deep bronze—but my favourite is Peachy, which is somewhere between a blush and a bronzer. I've been dotting it onto the high points of my cheek bones, close to my hair line, and my skin looks nothing but luminous. I'm not going to any summer weddings this year (at my age, we're now approaching the era of first divorces—eek), but I can't think of a product that would suit a wedding guest beauty look more." – Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

7. Westman Atelier Lip Suede Matte Lipstick

"Anyone who knows me will attest to the fact that I'm not much of a lipstick person—particularly matte lipsticks. The state of my chronically dry lips is only worsened by a drying, matte formula. But that doesn't mean I don't adore the way they look. In fact, I have spent most of my career trying to find a matte red that doesn't cling to dry patches—and I've finally found it. These new lipsticks from Westman Atelier (a brand that can do no wrong, in my opinion) are some of the most luxurious and beautiful I have ever used. They glide on with ease, deliver really intense pigment and leave lips feeling flooded with oily hydration. I'm a woman obsessed." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

8. Estrid Body Care Collection

"Everybody's favourite subscription razor brand has launched a collection of body products that are going to look mighty fine in your bathroom. Estrid has already nailed the razors and now the brand has had a little refresh and with it comes The Essential Exfoliant, the Ultimate Shave Gel and the Everyday Body Lotion. All designed to be used in your shaving routine, each one contains skin loving ingredients to prep the skin ahead of, during and after hair removal. I really like the packaging, and I love the fact that the most expensive product is £7.95." – Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

We are back with the latest instalment of Beauty Desk Drop - a roundup of beauty products that have launched in the past month that the Marie Claire beauty team, comprised of myself and Executive Beauty Editor, Shannon Lawlor, has deemed the very best. 

Take it from us that we know how saturated this industry is and so we want to ensure you aren't wasting your money when it comes to investing in new products. So if you're in the market for a new mascara, hair oil. cleanser, bronzer, primer, bath salts, lipstick, moisturiser, luxury candle or fragrance, you've come to the right place. We promise to steer you in the right direction.

This month sees Beauty Desk Drop turn one. We have been guiding your beauty purchases for a whole year and will continue to do so well into the future.

So keep reading for the 10 best new beauty products that launched in February...

1. Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Primer

"The younger sibling of the cult Shiseido Revitalessence Glow Foundation, this primer gives good glow. I've been wearing this alone on top of my facial sunscreen and It's Shiseido, so of course the formula is rich in skin-loving ingredients, like niacinamide. It brightens, it blurs, and it's beautiful on the skin." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

2. Wildsmith Skin Bath Salts

"I have been awaiting this release for what feels like an eternity. I don't keep it a secret that Wildsmith Skin is probably one of my favourite beauty brands in existence. I also don't keep it a secret that bath soaks are one of my most well researched beauty products. So, naturally, these new bath salts are my favourite launch of the year so far. Not only do they smell divine (woodsy, spa-like and sense-clearing), they also soothe skin without leaving a slippery finish. I'm in love." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

3. Glossier Cloud Paint Bronzer

"Have we, or have we not, been waiting so patiently for this launch? Finally our beloved Cloud Paint now comes in five bronzer shades. The formula and finish is the exact same as the blushers - sheer, buildable and weightless on the skin. I've been using a mixture of three shades depending on the look I'm trying to achieve. Dune for everyday bronzing, Swept for sculpting and Coast for sunkissed glow." - Katie

4. Hair By Sam McKnight Love Me Do Nourishing Shine Oil

"My overly bleached hair is horrendously dry. While the roots are prone to greasiness, my lengths are parched and straw-like. Or at least they were until I started using this new hair oil from the best man in the hair business, Sam McKnight. Just the smallest amount makes my hair look almost impossibly sleek and glossy. I couldn't be more obsessed." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

5. Nars Powermatte High Intensity Lip Pencil

"I used to love lipstick - I wore it all the time. A bold red lip was my go-to daily look. And then one day, I just stopped. I don't even really know why. I'm sure the combination of the upkeep and my own laziness had something to do with it. But I miss it. Nothing distracts from tired eyes quite like a pop of colour lower down the face. And the new Nars Powermatte Lip Pencil might just be the thing that brings me back into the fold. I love how precise I can be with the nib, the formula is much more hydrating than the original Powermatte Lip Pigment that I used to use religiously, even though it's still a matte finish." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

6. Tatcha Matcha Cleanse

"My oil-prone skin means I'm a huge fan of a gel cleanser—and this new one from Tatcha is really pleasing me right now. In fact, I've never met a Tatcha cleanser I don't like. This one, however, is my favourite yet. It delivers a deep cleanse that really does help keep my oil production in check. Having said that, it doesn't strip or irritate the skin in the slightest—actually, I think it's impressively soothing." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

7. Simple Repairing Rich Cream

"This is such a fantastic face cream, especially if you have sensitive or dry skin. Utilising clever technology that kickstarts the skin's own ceramide production, this nourishing moisturiser helps rebuild a compromised skin barrier. My skin has taken a battering over the past month, thanks to cold weather and the flu, and using this day and night has brought my skin back to life. In other words, it's made it bouncier and relieved tightness." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

8. Loewe Mushroom Scented Candle

"Call me weird if you'd like, but the concept of mushroom as a fragrance actually really appeals to me—and I haven't been let down with the subtle, creamy earthiness of this Loewe candle. It freshens up any space with a super-delicate scent. However, I'm not going to butter it up: it's the vessel that really sells it. Being Loewe, it's expensive. The way I justify this expense to myself? The stunningly chic jar that will remain on my shelves for eternity." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

9. L'Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Panorama Mascara 

"I consider finding a new mascara as significant as finding a new pair of jeans. I have such high expectations of both and want very similar things from them. I want my jeans to make my bottom look lifted, with just the right amount of volume. Funnily enough, that's also all I ask for from my mascara - lift, with just the right amount of volume. I've found what I'm looking for in this L'Oréal Paris Panorama Mascara, but I'm still in search of the best jeans to give me the best bum." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

10. Aerin Mediterranean Honeysuckle Tiare Perfume

"The original Aerin Mediterranean Honeysuckle is easily one of my most worn perfumes come spring. The delicate, petal-like scent is potentially the prettiest and freshest florals I've ever smelled. This new limited-edition, Mediterranean Honeysuckle Tiare, is in my opinion, even better. It is drenched in sparkling lemon and sunshine, making it effervescent, punchy and totally attention grabbing." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

11. Sisley Phyto-Teint Perfection Foundation

"I don't condone spending £80 on a foundation. I want to make that very clear. However, having tried and tested this foundation for a number of weeks, I think it would be wrong not to admit it is absolutely the best foundation launch of the month—hell, maybe even the year. It delivers a super-fine veil of impressive matte coverage that feels undetectable on the skin but still leaves skin looking like skin. You can sheer it out and build it up to your heart's content." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

At the start of the year, myself and fellow beauty editor, Katie Thomas, bid farewell to the products that had been filling up the Marie Claire UK beauty cupboard for 12 months—we were ready to start afresh. On our first day back to work, we cleared the shelves and got ready to start afresh for Beauty Desk Drop 2024.

It is now exactly one month later and our beauty cupboard is bursting at the seams. It is chock-full of new beauty products—from cleansers and face creams to bath soaks and body washes. January 2024 proved an incredibly busy month for beauty launches. In fact, we've struggled to keep up with the countless products that have launched over the past month. Heaps of them were rubbish and the majority of them were largely fine. However, there were, in our opinion, 9 stand-out products that we believe are seriously good. So here goes, the 9 best new beauty products of 2024 so far...

1. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Winter Glow Primer

"My skin takes a downturn from the beginning of December—I blame late nights, chocolate and too many wines—until about mid-March when the warmer weather kicks in. My dry and dehydrated skin takes hold and in turn it can look dull and lifeless. However, Chanel's new Les Beiges Healthy Winter Glow Primer does exactly what the name suggests - it gives winter skin a jolly good healthy glow. Infused with skin nourishing jasmine and camellia seed oil, and hyaluronic acid, it can be used as just before make-up or I've found that it makes the most incredible base for paired-back days. The ultimate weekend skin enhancer. There are three shades to choose from - Frosty White, which has a bluey lilac base; Icy Beige, with peach tones; and my favourite Light Copper that adds just the right amount of warmth. Oh and in the same collection is one of the nicest eyeshadow palettes I've set eye on in years: Les Beiges Healthy Winter Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette. " — Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

2. Diptyque Baies and Roses Duo

"I mean, what do I really need to say about this duo? It speaks for itself. The cutest Valentine's duo you ever did see, this limited-edition pairing of Diptyque's most iconic scents—Roses and Baies—smells every bit as good as it looks. You buy them together, but it makes for the perfect gift—one for you, one for them. Think of it as a chic, luxurious two-piece heart necklace for candle lovers." — Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

3. CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment

"This isn't a sexy product—but then not everything in life is - but it's a seriously handy product. And every single member of my family has reaped the benefits of it. CeraVe's Advanced Repair Ointment is really rich and instantly soothes dry or cracked skin. My husband has been using it on his knuckles—why he won't use gloves I'll never know. I've been using it on my shins - for some strange reason that it the area of my body that's affected by the cold weather most - I'm talking dry, flaky, desert-like skin. My kids both have mild forms of dermatitis so this has worked a treat on any flare ups. — Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

4. Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil

"My lips are disgustingly dry, and I don't usually find that lip oils provide enough nourishment to keep them in check. However, I do love using tinted lip oils as a moisturising alternative to lipstick—and this new launch takes the title for the best tinted lip oil I've ever used. Since receiving it, it hasn't left my lips. It leaves them looking plump and feeling nourished, while delivering a wash of colour that delivers that pulled-together but barely-there make-up look I live for." — Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

5. The Inkey List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturiser

"Wow, have I found the best night cream in the entire world? Maybe. It wasn't developed just for the evening, but that's when I've been using it and I have genuinely seen a difference in my skin. I would like to say that - touch wood - fine lines and wrinkles are not my biggest bugbear, but this moisturiser is designed to tackle those with the help of bio-active ceramides that nourish and support the skin barrier and replump. I've seen the biggest change in how smooth, radiant and hydrated my skin is." — Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

6. L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hydra Pure Purifying Shampoo

"I think Elvive shampoos and conditioners are absolutely elite. Not only are they affordable, but I genuinely believe the formulas are next-level good. My favourite shampoo-and-conditioner duos of all time come courtesy of Elvive—and this one has just blown them all out of the water. If you have hair that is prone to greasiness but dry at the ends, promise me you'll try this new range. Switching to it is the best thing I have ever done for my hair, and I'm on my third set of bottles already." — Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

7. The Body Shop Peppermint Shower Gel

"Not enough is said about really good shower gels and I want to make a case for this one. The winter mornings are always tough—it's dark and cold and you'd much rather still be under your duvet. However, this zingy shower gel has made my morning showers so much easier. It's a beautiful fresh scent of peppermint—almost as if you've just cut a fresh bunch from the garden—and it almost clears the sinuses. — Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor 

8. Susanne Kaufmann Hayflower Bath Oil

"It's no secret that I love a bath. In fact, bath is my speciality—a bit like how Ken's is beach. Susanne Kaufmann bath and body products are the best in the game for luxurious bathing, and this new bath oil is every bit as delicious as I'd hoped it to be. It smells botanical but in a fresh, sense-clearing sort of way—like the mountain air of the Austrian Alps where the product is made. A few splashes under running water provides instant mental relief. My only gripe? The bright hue requires a bit of post-bath scrubbing—but it's too good for me to care about." — Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

9. Jo Malone London Red Hibiscus Cologne Intense

"It has been a couple of years since I've fallen for a Jo Malone London scent. I have two in my possession that I use on rotation—Jasmine Sambac & Marigold and  Vanilla & Anise—but none of the brands recent launches have struck a chord quite like them. Until now. Red Hibiscus is a rich and sweet fragrance with the rare and tropical flower at the heart. And what did I discover when I looked into the notes? Jasmine and vanilla—no wonder I have added to my collection." — Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

It is officially the last day of the year – we hope you had a brilliant Christmas and are suitably ready for tonight's festivities. What better way to celebrate the last 12 months than by revealing some of the Marie Claire beauty team's absolute favourite new beauty products of 2023.

Sharing news of upcoming product launches is nothing new to Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor, and Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor, but what makes this list a little different is that these are the products, from perfume to brow gel, they have used time and time again this year. The ones you'll find in their bathroom cabinets, that they've bought on repeat. Here's to a brilliant year in Beauty Desk Drops...

1. Hershesons Air Dry Spray

"My approach to hair styling could be described as lazy or low-maintenance. You see I do very little to my hair. I don't blow dry it, preferring to let it dry naturally. I don't straighten it, as I have learned to love my natural waves. I don't even brush it that often (this could potentially be improved on I'll admit). However, I would argue that my approach is smart. There are only two things I rely on: my colour appointment every six weeks (shout out to James at Hershesons who is in my opinion is an actual hair god) and this Air Dry Spray, which does all the styling leg work for me. It gives my hair movement and just the right amount of texture. It's not a bouncy glossy blow dry in the bottle, it's far cooler than that. It elevates natural texture in the most incredible way." – Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

2. NEOM Perfect Night's Sleep Magnesium Bath Milk

"It's no secret that I insist on a nightly soak before bed. Over the years I have become somewhat of a bath product connoisseur, and I will only use bath soaks that are great for my skin and senses alike. This one ticks all of the boxes. It smells unreal (thanks to calming lavender, soothing jasmine and grounding sandalwood), with a scent that fills the room, and it leaves my limbs silky-smooth afterwards. It's the ultimate pre-bed treat." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

3. Sculpted by Aimee HydraTint 

"I'm not really a foundation girl - I prefer my bases lightweight and sheer. Which is why Sculpted by Aimee's HydraTint ticks so many boxes for me. It's the perfect example of a skincare make-up hybrid - weightless on the skin, doesn't mask my complexion, but does give the most beautiful hydrating boost of glow. I'm so in love with it." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

4. Merit Beauty Flush Balm Cream Blush

"I am well known amongst my peers for not making a huge amount of effort with my make-up. Truth be told, I don't like the way it feels on my face—I find it all a bit of a faff and it makes me uncomfortable. The make-up I do wear has to be quick to apply and natural-looking but also make a big difference. This cream blusher has changed the game for me in 2023. You just swipe it onto your cheeks and blend it out with your fingers. It delivers the most beautiful flush of colour and natural-looking glow I've ever encountered—it's a little product with big impact." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

5. Jones Road The Brow Gel

"I am going to call it: this is the best brow gel on the market right now. I have spoken about it so much that I have actually been told it might be time to change the record. I'll just quickly say this: this product has given my brows a new lease of life. They are filled in, they are groomed and they are defined, all from the one product. I use the Blonde shade, which I think is important. Whilst I'm sure the clear gel is excellent, to really see this product in action you want to use the one that enhances your hair colour." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

6. Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid

"I didn't have high hopes for Rhode skincare products, I'll be honest. But this little peptide serum/lotion has actually become a mainstay in my routine. While I wouldn't use it as a skincare product alone, on days when I want to wear a base I mix it in with my foundation or apply it as a glow-boosting primer for cream products to melt into. Whenever I use it, I'm guaranteed compliments on my skin. It's an absolute winner." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

7. Elizabeth Arden Retinol and HPR Ceramide Rapid Skin Renewing Water Cream

"HPR (High Performance Retinol) is the latest vitamin A technology that you are going to see a lot next year. The magic of this ingredient is that it's 10x more potent than pure retinol but it's so much more gentle. Which is what makes this cream a complete gamechanger. Not only can you use it twice a day - which is pretty much never seen with retinol products - but it's highly unlikely that you will see any of the irritation usually associated with retinol. It also combines HPR with your traditional retinol for a very special reason - because HPR actually helps it work harder. In short - my skin is smoother, more even toned and has a clarity that I have become rather obsessed with." -  Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

8. Bibbi Ghost of Tom

"I really struggled to name my favourite perfume launch of the year, but ultimately this guy comes out on top. Bibbi is a newly launched brand, and while all of the perfumes in the line-up are absolutely exquisite (and enticingly wearable), Ghost of Tom is exceptionally special. It is powdered, warm and comforting, with notes of tea that have it lingering on skin all day long. I never want to be without it." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

9. Necessaire The Body Cream 

"Since I got my hands on a sample of this pot of pure nourishment I haven't used anything else on my body. Whilst I love how hydrated my skin is – even now in the middle of winter – the thing that I love the most is how quickly I am able to put my clothes on after I apply. Because despite being rich and luxurious in texture it is not sticky or tacky and absorbs quickly. Which as far as I'm concerned is the most important thing about a body cream." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

10. L'Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Molecular Leave-in Mask

"When I started thinking about the best products to have launched over the past 12 months, this was the first thing I thought of. It has totally transformed my hair. Unlike other bond-repairing products, it's totally low-fuss. You just slather it through lengths after washing and leave it in. The result? The strongest, best hair of your life. Everyone I have recommend it to has been blown away, so don't just take my word for it." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

Mariah has defrosted, the Coca-Cola advert is back on TV and our houses smell like fresh fir and pine thanks to the best winter candles—yep, the festive season is officially here. So, given that we're leaning into yuletide joy right now, we figured it's only right that that we make November's Beauty Desk Drop, featuring this month's best new beauty products, a special Christmas edition.

Right now, the Marie Claire UK beauty desk is piled high with all of the best Christmas beauty gifts around, and our editors, Senior Beauty Editor Katie Thomas and Executive Beauty Editor Shannon Lawlor, have spent most of November putting them to the test. From the best face serums to the best luxury gift sets, trust us when we say these are the 7 beauty gifts to add to your list this year.

1. Dior Make-up Clutch with Chain

“Reader, please note that this is oh so much more than your typical gift set. First of all the lipsticks are, as you would expect from Dior, divine. There’s the brand’s iconic 999 velvet red, which suits everyone, then three refills, two pinks (one bold, one more muted) and an everyday nude. But the most exciting thing about this set is that once the lipsticks have been removed you’re left with a chic Dior crossbody bag or clutch. I don’t know about you, but I don’t own too many (read: any) Dior bags and can’t think of a smarter clutch to take to parties with me.” — Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

2. Chanel No5 Body Oil

"Even if you're not a huge fan of Chanel's cult No5, I still think you'll love this. It has the same, expensive-smelling fragrance but without any of the headiness that risks it feeling overpowering. Instead, the silky oil nourishes wintery limbs (making them feel unbelievably soft) while melting into the skin to create an absolutely delicious skin-like scent that lasts for hours." — Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

3. Davines Dry Wax Finishing Spray

“This is a waxy hair product, but not as you know it. This incredible hair spray adds texture where there once was none. It feels weightless, not oily at all despite the name, and works best when used with your own hands to style. I like to think of it as the modern day sea salt spray—it gives long hair that beachy tousled look and shorter hair an injection of Parisian undone texture. I’m obsessed with this. It’s one of those products that I can just tell I’m going to recommend to everyone.” — Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

4. Chloé Atelier des Fleurs Hysope

"If you're buying for a floral-perfume lover, like myself, this is definitely the best new perfume I have come across all month. It's light, airy and delicate while maintaining decent longevity. In my opinion, it's not really a perfume that's possible to dislike—it's totally inoffensive in the most beautiful of ways. In fact, it's safe to say it will probably be my most worn perfume over the first few months of 2024." — Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

5. By Terry V.I.P. Expert Palette N°6 Opulent Star

“Day to day, my make-up look could easily be described as ‘pared-back’. I like to keep things minimal both for time management and laziness reasons. But come December 1st I suddenly get experimental, and like to take things to a whole new level with an eyeshadow palette just like this one from By Terry. The mixture of matte and shimmery finishes allows for a whole host of party looks. The warm shades of violet, chocolate brown and deep navy are the perfect accompaniment to the sequins, tartan and black satin that I plan on sporting this season.” — Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

6. Susanne Kaufmann Signature Serums Gift Set

"It's no secret that I live and breathe Susanne Kaufmann products. They're luxe, they're efficacious, they're extremely well formulated and they're also made with sustainability in mind—the perfect recipe for great skincare. This gift set contains two of my most beloved serums: a beautifully plumping hyaluronic acid which makes skin look dolphin-esque and an excellent vitamin C which helps to fend off antioxidant damage as well as boost glow. It's definitely an investment, but I never have been one to scrimp on skincare." — Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

7. Jo Malone London Ginger Biscuit Scented Candle

"My heart has broken in two. As I write this, I notice that this candle, which is definitely in my top three Christmas candles for 2023, has sold out online. However, if you happen to be passing a Jo Malone London store, I highly recommend stopping by and giving this a sniff. It's like freshly baked gingerbread and warming spices all rolled up into one very luxurious-smelling candle." — Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

If there is one thing I've learned in my many years working as a beauty editor, it's to not believe every review you see. In an age where social media drives beauty sales, it is very easy to get wrapped up in a world of instantaneous beauty buys through fear of missing out. One scroll on Instagram or Tiktok can make you feel as though you'd be a fool not to buy that one face serum everyone is talking about.

But as is the story with most beauty purchases that aren't adequately researched, we end up feeling let down with the results and are left to deal with an abundance of half-used products we don't want or need. And despite being a beauty editor and having access to all the best beauty products out there, even I can fall into this trap from time to time. But with the start of a new season, I have vowed to not buy into any more fads. I adopted the concept of a capsule wardrobe long ago in a bid to shop more consciously and prevent any hoarding, and now I have taken that mindset to my beauty routine.

It's out with the fads and in with high quality, timeless beauty products I know that I will continue to use. From perfumes to hair masks, these are the 6 new beauty launches I considered staple enough to add into my rotation this month.

1. L'Oréal Professionnel Serié Expert Absolut Repair Molecular Leave-in Mask

My hair is very long, very fine and very bleached—a perfect recipe for breakage and damage. I have spent a long time trying to find the perfect bond-repairing product for me. While I love the results of Olaplex No.3, I find the whole the application process a bit laborious. This new leave-in from L'Oréal Professionnel, however, has fully won me over. It's a simple leave-in product—just apply to damp hair after washing and blow dry. Not only does it leave my lengths feeling stronger and softer, it also provides heat protection and delivers a very healthy-looking gloss. I'm in love.

2. Sarah Chapman Intensive Hand Cream

Is this a necessity? No. However, over the past few years I have accumulated quite the collection of hand and nail products. I'm talking oils, balms, cuticle removers and creams. However, it's rare that I remember to apply them every day. A really hardworking hand cream, however, that I can throw into my handbag, is something I'll apply multiple times a day—and the health of my nails and the skin on my hands shows it. This impressive hand cream (which is sadly limited edition) contains a plethora of hard-hitting skincare ingredients, including UVA and UVB filters to protect and nourish the skin on your hands.

3. Jo Loves Amber Lime & Bergamot

I mean, the beauty of this perfume bottle speaks for itself, but the juice is, in my opinion, even more impressive. It has a citrusy, mouthwatering bite that melts into a deep, skin-like scent thanks to amber, cedarwood and suede. It's a little bit smoky, a little bit juicy and a whole lot special. Trust me, this one is impossible to dislike.

4. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Leopard

I have been a fan of these Hourglass palettes now for many, many years. I like to think of them as a one-stop powder shop—you have highlighters, luminisers, bronzers and blushers all in one. Every year, Hourglass releases a series of limited edition versions—and this one from this year's offering is elite. If you're fan of natural, healthy-looking make-up that is relatively effortless to achieve, you'll love this palette.

5. Neom Hibernate Scented Candle

I'm not going to lie, my candle collection is one in which I have very much struggled to whittle down. In my opinion, the more candles I own, the better. However, in a bid to keep things somewhat refined, my new mantra when it comes to new candles is that they must be a comforting scent that doesn't feel overwhelming. Hibernate from Neom is just that—it's warm and sweet, while a woody base makes it soft and reassuring. Plus, it's a three-wicker, meaning it lasts a very long time.

Autumn is officially here and this month's Beauty Desk Drop is an ode to that. The nights are drawing in, there's a slight chill in the air and I've already started my annual Gilmore Girls binge. And despite everyone telling me it's time to switch up my beauty routine for the colder months with the best new beauty products (a thicker night cream and intensive hair mask are widely deemed necessities), I'm going to be brutally honest with you—I never take the advice.

You see, I'm a creature of habit. While I do enjoy following the latest autumn hair trends and autumn nail trends, when it comes to my daily routine I like to keep things as is. If you think I'm going to stop using my cleanser or bath soak before I've even finished the bottle just because the seasons have changed, you'd better think again. 

However, over the past month or so I have received a record number of new beauty products—and only a handful have impressed me enough to make me park the products I'm currently using (of course, I'll still come back to them). Below, you'll find the best new beauty launches of the past month—and you can ignore all other recommendations.

1. Les Infusions de Prada Infusion de Figue

I'm a sucker for fig perfumes—they have a warming comfort that I just can't get enough of. This new launch from Prada had me weak at the knees from first sniff. I jotted down my initial impressions the first time I spritzed it: "At first, it's earthy, crunchy and green, but it dries down to a sweet, juicy, warm and creamy delight. It's like yanking a fig straight from its branch, tearing it in two, sprinkling it with sugar and then sucking the juice out." I've worn is almost every day since it first arrived on my desk.

2. Beauty Pie Youthbomb™ Breakthrough Repair Cream

Price shown is members' price.

Up until this year, I wasn't a moisturiser kind of girl. A hydrating serum or lotion alone has always proved enough for my oily skin. However, in recent months my skin shifted gears, and now it craves a hardworking cream. This new launch from Beauty Pie ticks all of the boxes. It's not too thick but nourishing enough for drier skin types. Plus, with a bunch of seriously high-tech and efficacious ingredients (I'm talking peptides, niacinamide, bakuchiol and polyglutamic acid), it does all of the plumping, firming, evening and brightening work of a serum in one simple step.

3. Dior Base Vernis

I have long been a fan of Dior's base coats. The brand's Base Abricot polishes weren't just great for applying under darker polishes, but they also looked stunning on their own as milky nudes. Last month, Dior reinvented its nail polishes entirely—with Peter Philips heading up a shade rethink and reformulation. 

This base coat isn't quite as pigmented as the original Base Abricot, meaning it doesn't delivery the same milky-nude finish (which, I'm not going to lie, I'm sad about). However, it's excellent for its intended use as a base coat. It perfects the look of bare nails and strengthens the nail itself—creating the ultimate base for salon-like results at home.

4. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Es Cap Scented Candle

Candle season is here. My burn of choice this autumn is this from luxury fragrance house Maison Francis Kurkdjian. I'm a big fan of Francis Kurkdjian as a perfumer (he really is one of the best in the world), and this candle lived up to every expectation I had. Its inspiration comes from a holiday home in Formentera—the blue sky, the summer sun, the light breeze and a fresh fig tree (no surprise it's made this list). To me, it's the epitome of quiet luxury in candle form. It's subtle and unimposing but undeniably chic.

5. Neom Real Luxury Magnesium Bath Milks

It's no secret that I'm a bath lover. I have an hour-long soak every night, without fail. This new bath milk from Neom has helped me welcome autumn in luxurious style. The lavender, jasmine and sandalwood aroma fills the whole house and invokes a sense of unparalleled calmness. Plus, the nourishing formula leaves limbs silky soft. If you're after a new bath soak this season, make it this one.

6. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M

If, like me, you've ever struggled with acne, chances are you will have heard of La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo. It is, without question, one of the best creams for acne-prone skin. This new iteration contains a new ingredient, Phylobioma, which tackles active breakouts, as well as reducing the overproduction of sebum—and is suitable for use on all skin tones. It's a feat.

7. Gisou Honey-Infused Hair Repair Serum Intense

My thin, fine hair isn't usually too hot on hair oils—although my super-long strands are prone to dryness and breakage, so need all the help they can get. This new serum from one of my favourite haircare brands, Gisou, is perfection. Formulated with pure, encapsulated honey, it helps to nourish and protect strands, while also strengthening split ends to prevent breakage. I can't get enough.

8. Nécessaire The Body Cream

I'll be honest, I didn't think the Nécessaire line-up was really missing this product. I love everything Nécessaire have ever produced, and the brand's body lotion is the ultimate daily body moisturiser. However, since trying this rich body cream, I'm willing to admit that I was wrong. While the lotion is still good enough for me to use year-round, this thick cream leaves limbs hydrated in a way that has them glowing with healthy radiance. My only gripe is that the glass jar is heavy, so I'd like to see a refillable option.

9. Rabanne Highly Pigmented Mini Eyeshadow Palette

I've got to be honest, I am so bored of new make-up launches. Unless it's a game-changing mascara or a new hydrating skin tint that I can use every day, I'm over it. Having said that, my social calendar is already starting to fill up, and for the first time in a long time, I've found myself dusting off old eyeshadow palettes. This mini duo from Rabanne's new make-up line is all I need to create an exceptional evening eye look.

You don't need me to tell you that summer has been truly terrible weather wise. The sun has barely shone for more than two hours a day and I haven't stepped foot outdoors in a swimming costume since my Italian holiday back in May. British Summertime did not deliver in 2023. And now that August is over, truthfully, I'm ready to start my autumn prep.

While I'm sure cold nights and crisp days are still a good few weeks away, I'm ready to start my mental prep for autumn, and with that comes a change to my beauty routine. Yep, it's time for my multi-step summer beauty routine to be put to bed and for a more refined autumn regimen to take centre stage. I'm talking hardworking cleansers, unctuous balms, easy-to-apply skin tints and comforting perfumes. 

You see, when autumn hits, I want to find joy in my beauty products more so than ever. I want a small handful of products that do exactly what they promise to in limited time, all while acting as a form of comforting joy while I use them. So, with that being said, there is only a small handful of new beauty products that landed on my desk this month which I'm taking into autumn with me—but, trust me, they're really good.

1. Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash

Chances are you will have already seen this on your social feeds—every beauty lover has something great to say about it. It is, in all honesty, a very simple body wash. It's a basic gel formula that doesn't have any notable fragrance. However, it's formulated with exfoliating salicylic acid, meaning it's great for dealing with rough, dry or bumpy skin (particularly keratosis pilaris). It's also great for dealing with and keeping on top of body breakouts. It's expensive but it's supersized, so it lasts a really long time. Plus, it looks exceptional on the shower shelf.

2. Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint

Hailey Bieber and Sofia Richie made this product go viral on TikTok, so I was already excited to try it before I even got my hands on it. Anything Hailey and Sofia do make-up wise, I want to do, too. As a foundation-hater, I love this. It's slightly thicker than other skin tints in my make-up bag, so it doesn't possess that watery, cooling sort of texture that summer skin tints tend to have. That being said, its creamy nature means it feels cushiony and hydrating on the skin, all while delivering an impressive amount of natural-looking coverage. If you're looking for a lightweight base that doesn't settle in fine lines, this one shouldn't be overlooked.

3. PHLUR Father Figure

This perfume is so good that it has actually sold out between me compiling this round-up and me writing it. If you like fresh, green perfumes that have a figgy creaminess to them that oozes expense, add it to your wish list right now. It is, without question, one of the best fig fragrances I have ever encountered. Plus, it has earned me a shed load of compliments.

4. Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Water Cream

Everyone has been asking me about this product for weeks, wanting to know my opinion. So here it goes: it's good. I'm not a fan of the original Magic Cream. My skin is combination/oily, and the rich, fragranced nature of the formula is not to my taste. Personally, I get my skincare kicks from specialised skincare brands which cater to my acne-prone complexion—and Charlotte Tilbury ain't that. However, this water cream is stunning. It has a lightweight, cooling consistency that still delivers noticeable plumpness and hydration, all while treating the skin with niacinamide to soothe and minimise the appearance of large pores. Not only is it a great make-up base, it's also just a great simple daily moisturiser. Will it become my most used moisturiser for 2023? Probably not—but I'm certainly going to be using every last drop of my existing pot.

5. Glossier Stretch Face Brush

When it comes to make-up application, I'm very much a slap-it-on-and-go kind of girl. I like to apply my base with my fingers for a natural-looking finish. However, I also hate getting my hands dirty. This new brush, from Glossier, has revolutionised my make-up routine. It is shaped in a way that gives you the same control in application as you get from using your finger. It gets into all of the corners it needs to while delivering a super-smooth finish. I use it for everything, and I love it.

6. Elemis Pro-Collagen Green Fig Cleansing Balm

Few beauty products fill me with more joy that this new limited-edition version of Elemis' cult Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. I live for a double cleanse in the evening, and it's no secret that Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is one of my go-tos for a first cleanse. In fact, I often cite it as my secret to glow. However, I must admit that the original formula has quite a potent scent that can leave my eyes stinging. This fig-scented version, however, is gentle and absolutely divine. It is, frankly, a spa in a jar. If you're looking for the perfect beauty gift for yourself or a loved one, it's this.

7. Merit Beauty Solo Shadow

Most days I can't be bothered with applying an eyeshadow. However, when I do, I want it to be a natural-looking taupe that is easy to apply and blends in a matter of seconds. These creamy eyeshadows from one of my favourite make-up brands, Merit Beauty, has replaced my old favourite Mac Paint Pot, which is disgustingly and ashamedly 8 years old. I smoosh my finger into the pot and swipe it over my lid for an impressively pulled-together eye look that takes circa five seconds to achieve.

I know I'm not the only person feeling fatigued by new beauty products right now. Personally, I'm putting it down to the drab weather. You see, typically at this time of year I'm dusting off my summer perfumes, pulling out the very best sunscreens and I'm at least half way through trying out the looks on my spring/summer nail trends inspo board. But this weather isn't giving summer, so my beauty inspiration is at an all-time low.

Because of this, any new beauty launches that have landed over my desk in the past month have, for the most part, been tossed aside. I simply don't have a place for anything new in my routine at the moment. I don't have the will to want to do my make-up every morning, I'm air drying my hair most days and my nails are grossly unmanicured. 

Having said that, there have been some great new beauty products come my way this month—and a small handful of them have been good enough to persuade me to find the joy in my routine again. Whether you're looking for a beauty-related gift or have a hole in your skincare routine you want filling, here are the nine new beauty products from July I think are actually worth spending money on.

1. Chanel Codes Coleur Nail File & Mirror

If you're currently on the look out for beauty gifts, may I please turn your attention to the new, limited-edition Codes Coleur collection from Chanel? Available in a variety of different colours (all as pretty as the next), there's a glass nail file, a plastic compact mirror and a leather make-up brush set available in each of the nine shades. In my opinion, there's nothing chicer. 

2. Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation

I have a feeling this is going to make it onto my list of the best foundations of all time. If you're after something lightweight, skin-like, hydrating and with a natural-looking coverage, it's going to be for you. When I attended the launch event a few weeks ago, there were audible gasps and murmurs in the audience as we all tried it on the backs of our hands. If you're in the market for a new foundation, don't sleep on this.

3. Beauty Pie Le Smash Santal Shimmering Body Moisture Crème

Price shown is members' price.

If the weather isn't going to provide the summer vibes, then I'm going to rely on this body cream to do it instead. Not only does it smell like a summer dream (think creamy sandalwood, light florals and white suede), but it also has a subtle shimmer which leaves limbs glowing. It's also, of course, beautifully hydrating.

4. Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist

If you know me, you'll know that my flat-as-a-pancake hair proves troublesome for me. As a result, I'm always on the lookout for the best volumising hair products. The problem is, I don't like the feeling of product in my hair, so I want something that gives my roots a lift without leaving them feeling gritty. This pre-blowdry mist from Olaplex does just that. I spritz it through the roots and mid-lengths, blowdry my hair upside down, let it cool, flip my head back over and, like magic, my hair is full of body and life.

5. Nars Afterglow Liquid Blush

I have been waiting for this launch for months, and it's finally here. These glowing liquid blushers are nothing short of perfection. They leave a subtle wash of colour on the cheeks, making cheekbones pop, and give skin a truly beautiful lit-from-within look.

6. Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Rapid Skin-Renewing Water Cream

Despite being a beauty editor, I have a tumultuous relationship with retinol. My skin is reactive and acne prone, and I'm yet to find the perfect retinol product for me that doesn't result in flare-ups—but this might just be it. I've been giving it a go for a couple of weeks, and I'm impressed. It utilises a new technology (HPR) which delivers retinol-like effects without the upset. Plus, when formulated alongside retinol as it is in this product, it lowers the chances of reaction. All in all, I like it very much.

7. Hershesons Air Dry Spray

Above, I mentioned that I've been air drying my hair a lot this summer. Although it's not super hot outside, it is humid, and the thought of turning on a hairdryer when I'm feeling sticky isn't appealing. To help my hair still look styled and pulled together, I've been turning to this. Just mist it through lengths, scrunch your hair a bit and let the air do its thing. The result is an undone look that has earned my hair many compliments.

8. Ultra Violette Fave Fluid SPF50+

I'm always on the look out for the next best SPF product, and this is it. It's lightweight and truly feels like nothing on the skin. I'll be honest, I haven't been as much of a fan of Ultra Violette's other sunscreens as other beauty editors have been, but this one ticks all of the boxes for me. It has a truly barely-there finish.

9. Rare Beauty All of the Above Weightless Eyeshadow Stick

My lazy-girl make-up routine has been loving these shimmering eyeshadow sticks. For days when I can't be bothered with an eyeshadow palette (which is most), I just scribble one of these creamy pencils over my lids and blend out with my finger. The wearable browns and nudes are easy to work with, and the shimmer gives a summer-ready look (now all we need is for the sun to come out).

I know I shouldn't admit this (I am a beauty editor, after all), but come summer, my desire to execute any sort of beauty routine dwindles. I'm not sure whether it's the clammy weather, the fact my skin is naturally sun-kissed or that I'm just out and about more, but I simply can't be bothered to partake in any laborious beauty chores.

My skincare routine, of course, remains, but when it comes to applying foundation, bronzer or even styling my sun-damaged hair, things tend to stagnate. And, as a result of such an unenthusiastic approach to my beauty routine, my interest in shopping for new beauty products also declines.

So, imagine my surprise when, recently, I've found myself more excited about beauty than ever. From fragrance to face serum, I've been loving every new beauty launch that has come my way. In fact, I'd say the most impressive beauty products of the year have launched in the past few weeks. And because I don't want anyone to miss out, if you're also feeling the beauty vibes right now, keep scrolling for the 9 new products I think are actually worth your time. 

1. & Other Stories Solar Essay

Unlike so many summer perfumes out there, this fragrance is in no way creamy, sticky or sweet smelling. Instead, it's fresh, zesty and floral, like a deep inhale of fresh air on a cool summer's day. And despite the fact it smells beautifully unique and actually quite expensive, it only costs £29.

2. Tom Ford Soleil de Feu Highlighter

Look, I'm not a highlighter kind of girl. In fact, I'm barely a make-up kind of girl. However, this product is so special, I just had to take it home with me when it landed on my desk a few weeks ago. For starters, the packaging is stunning—it's the sort of compact that just makes you feel a certain way. The powder itself is something else—it's velvety, melts into the skin with effortlessness and delivers a subtle shimmer that leaves a J Lo-like glow.

3. Neom Super Shower Power Body Polish

It's no secret that I am a bath girl. I can't imagine climbing into bed at the end of the day without a relaxing bath. This product, however, has really sold me on summer showers. It's minty and fresh in the most invigorating sort of way—one deep breath in my post-workout shower has me feeling good as new. On top of that, the creamy, vitamin-E packed formula moisturises while coffee grounds gently buff and exfoliate. What's more? It's created with upcycled ingredients, including coffee grounds, almond shells and olive pips.

4. L'Oréal Paris Elvive Full Resist Anti Hair-Fall Serum

You might have heard of this cult ingredient before. Aminexil is a L'Oréal-patented ingredient which is used in a number of 'anti-hair-fall' products in the conglomerate's more luxury brands (think Kérastase and L'Oréal Professionnel). Now, however, it is finally available on the high street in the form of L'Oréal Paris Elvive Full Resist Anti Hair-Fall Serum. 

In essence, Aminexil works to strengthen the hair from the root, which results in less hair fall from breakage. And as somebody with thin and fine hair that's prone to breakage, I'm seeing great success from the serum. Having said that, it's really important to note that this product can't make new hair grow (no product can), and if you're experiencing noticeable hair fall and loss, please book an appointment with your GP. 

5. Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum

Niacinamide is probably my favourite skincare ingredient, and Sunday Riley is one of my favourite skincare brands, so this new launch feels like it was made specifically for me. With 10% niacinamide in a beautifully hydrating and wearable formula, I can't think of a soul who wouldn't love this product. Not only does it hydrate the skin and help strengthen the skin barrier, it also helps those who (like me) have oily, acne-prone skin by minimising the appearance of pores and reducing red marks.

6. Nars Laguna Bronzing Powder

I know, I know—Nars Laguna Bronzing Powder is a classic, but this month it's had an update. The super-creamy, melts-like-butter bronzer is now available in 9 newly reformulated shades, meaning there's a Laguna out there for everyone. If you're after a matte bronzer that delivers a natural-looking glow, this is it.

7. Vieve Satin Slip Lipstick

I'm funny about lipsticks, but this one has seriously impressed me. You see, my lips are dry by nature, and lipstick only clings to dry patches and exacerbates the problem. This lipstick, however, isn't just a beautiful nude-like pink shade (which matches my natural lip colour almost perfectly), it is also silky and satiny, meaning my lips are actually left feeling nourished and pillowy soft.

8. Caudalie Soleil des Vignes Oil Elixir

Formulated with notes of coconut, orange blossom and jasmine, this hair and body oil is like summer in a bottle. Usually, I'm not a huge fan of oils—they leave my already oily skin feeling greasy and slippery. However, this stuff dries down almost instantly, simply leaving great-smelling, hydrated skin behind. Would I use it in my hair? Considering my strands are fine and thin, I would find it too heavy. However, if your hair is thicker and in need of some nourishment, I can imagine it would be beautiful.

9. Clé de Peau Beauté Cream Rouge Sparkles Lipstick

I'm not the sort of person to recommend anyone spends £44 on a lip gloss—or at least I wasn't until I tried this one. I love a luxury make-up buy, and this one is my pick of the month. It doesn't have a hint of stickiness to it and leaves a wet-look, shimmering finish that's so good, it hasn't left my handbag since I first got it. Does anybody need this product? Absolutely not. But I can absolutely say my make-up game is significantly improved for it.  

10. Kiko Disney The Little Mermaid Radiant Baked Blush

Trust me when I say I am not the sort of person who is drawn to Disney-themed beauty products. However (and that is a big however), this blusher has replaced my current favourite cream blusher. Come summer, I quite like a matte, sand-kissed look (think desert bronze)—and this blusher delivers just that. With a subtle sheen, it blurs my pores and leaves behind the most convincing of natural flushes. In short, I'm in love.

For the first time since I've been writing this Beauty Desk Drop column, I feel confident enough to say that summer is knocking. The days are getting warmer, the sun is out more than it's not and the Marie Claire UK beauty cupboard is brimming with the latest summer beauty products. The shelves are full of SPFs, fake tans, nourishing hair masks and glow-boosting bronzers—and I am ready to embrace summer beauty and all it has to offer.

As a result of the impending change of season, as a beauty editor, May is one of my busiest months. While the rest of the beauty world is slowly swapping out their go-to formulas for lightweight alternatives in preparation for the warmer months, I'm testing and trialling all the upcoming summer beauty launches so that I can ensure I'm only recommending you the best of the best.

I like to make sure that the Marie Claire UK beauty cupboard is cleared of old product by 1st June, ready to start fresh for the new season. This means every upcoming summer beauty launch has to be thoroughly tested before we decide whether it stays or goes (all of our beauty products get donated to good causes). It's for this reason that my beauty routine has been a little hectic over the past month. I've been testing new beauty products more than ever before.

In fact, I'd say I have tested nearly 100 beauty products this month. I've swiped everything from lipstick to body cream and blasted countless hairsprays and fake tans. While some were cult classics, most of the beauty products I tested were new (like I said, May is a busy month for beauty launches). And truthfully, out of all of the products I tested, there were only 11 I would actually part with my hard-earned cash for. So here they are—the best new beauty products that I tested in May...

1. Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina Libera

I'm a total sucker for summer perfumes and this new addition is up there with the best I've ever tried. It's juicy and sweet without smelling cheap or sickly. Instead, it's sparkling like a cool, fizzy lemonade but has a soft, floral nature that makes it feel undeniably expensive and luxe. It's the sort of perfume I've found myself reaching for when I'm heading out for late afternoon drinks while the sun is still shining—it oozes summertime joy.

2. Essie Love By Essie Nail Polish

I've never met an Essie nail polish I didn't like. Trust me, I've tried every nail polish out there and very few formulas compare to Essie's. This new vegan formula is 80% plant-based and I can safely say there is no sacrificing of results. The coverage is great, it's easy to apply and it has an impressively glossy finish. Plus, it comes in 20 summer-ready shades.

3. Olivanna London Sun Defence Drops SPF50

I don't say this lightly—this is easily my favourite facial sunscreen launch of the year so far. I take SPF seriously, and I'm never going to lie to you when I think a formula is too thick, too greasy or leaves a white cast. So let me first get the negatives of this product out of the way. If you have really oily skin and like a matte finish, this isn't for you. It's also worth noting that the mineral-based formula will leave a white cast at first (as all do)—although it does slowly dissipate. These points aside, it is a lightweight, glow-giving wonder. It floods the skin with moisture that gives glow for days. I couldn't love it more if I tried.

4. Beauty Pie + Kathy Phillips The Reboot Blend

Price shown is members' price.

Kathy Phillips isn't just a seasoned beauty journalist, she is also Founder of This Works—a trailblazing aromatherapy brand. So when this collection of bath and shower oils launched, created by Beauty Pie in collaboration with Kathy, it's safe to say I was more than just a little bit interested. I'll be frank: if you're not a Beauty Pie member, it's not worth the £80 the brand is charging. However, if you do have a membership, the £25 price tag feels like a steal. The formula is luxe and rich without leaving a greasy film on the skin. The best bit, however, is of course the scent. This particular blend is like a soothing tonic for mind, body and soul.

5. Davines Heart of Glass Instant Bonding Glow

As someone who has heavily bleached hair, I'm always looking for hair treatments which cater to blondes specifically. I want a product that promises to take away brassiness and condition my super-long lengths. Having said that, I find a lot of purple shampoos quite drying, so finding a product that does both is difficult. This product is unlike anything I've ever tried. Sitting somewhere between a conditioner and a serum, you squeeze the creamy formula directly onto lengths after shampooing and let it sit for a few minutes. It isn't colour-depositing, so don't expect any impressive toning effects. However, it leave strands feeling stronger and looking sleeker, while colour is noticeably more luminous. 

6. By Terry Brightening CC Luminizer

I'll admit, I'm probably By Terry's biggest fan. Having said that, I wasn't majorly excited about this product when I first saw it. I assumed it was going to be a highlight which would no doubt get stuck in the attached brush and leave my skin looking shimmery. How wrong I was. For those who don't know, By Terry Founder, Terry de Gunzberg, created YSL's iconic Touche Éclat—and this is same same but better. The formula is creamy and hydrating, while the light-reflecting pigments are far from chunky or glittery. Instead, it delivers the most beautifully convincing lit-from-within glow I've ever laid eyes upon.

7. Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Firmeza Oil

If you haven't experienced the joy of Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum cream, trust me when I say you're missing out. Like salted caramel, vanilla, pistachio and creamy piña colada all wrapped into one mouth-watering fragrance, it is in my opinion, the summer scent. Having said that, I'm not wild on the fact the iconic Bum Bum cream contains shimmer. I want the skin-nourishing goodness without the risk of shimmer transferring onto my clothes. Enter, Bum Bum Firmenza Oil. It smells every bit as delicious, leaves skin looking hydrated and happy and isn't uncomfortably greasy. I'm in love.

8. Victoria Beckham Beauty BabyBlade

The fact this product has made this list is truly extraordinary. You see, I don't use brow pencils. In fact, I really don't like them. My eyebrows are thick, very dark and unruly, and using brow pencil has, in the past, made them look a little too bold. This product, however, has really impressed me. The pencil is thin enough that it's almost impossible to go too hard with it, and I love the attached spoolie to help lift and shape. 

9. Slip Pure Silk Skinny Scrunchies in La Dolce Vita

If you've ever met me, you'll know that I'm never without a Slip Silk Skinny Scrunchie. Seriously, I don't use anything else in my hair (my strands are fine so I have to be super cautious of breakage). This limited-edition collection for summer fills me with unparalleled joy. I've been doing braids, buns and bubbled ponytails with these bright bands, and I'm in love.

10. ARKIVE The Body Hybrid Mousse

I am not a hair mousse person at all. I hate any sort of added weight when it comes to styling my super-fine, thin hair, and mousse adds serious weight. However, I'm also someone who is constantly wanting more hair volume, and I know that mousse is one of the best ways to achieve that. This product has changed the game for me. It boosts my roots in a way like no other, and although it does add a little weight and grit, it's malleable and doesn't leave things looking drab.

11. Susanne Kaufmann Lash & Brow Serum

I know what you're thinking. £65 for a lash and brow serum?! But I want you to hear me out. Yes, this product is expensive. However, as someone who has never stuck to using a lash and brow serum in her life, I'm proud to confirm I have used every last drop of this stuff. I got my first tube a few months ago and have been using it every single day ever since. My lashes and brows were thinning in a way I had never experienced before. My skin was dry and irritated and it didn't seem to want to hang onto any hairs in their follicles. Since using this, I've noticed a visible difference in how strong and abundant my lashes and brows are. So yes, if things started thinning again, I'd definitely repurchase. 

I'm going to be really honest with you, I have been feeling wildly overwhelmed with the number of new beauty launches recently. In fact, just the idea of compiling this month's instalment of Beauty Desk Drop tired me out. April has proved a seriously busy month for beauty product launches, from fake tans and sun creams to foundations and eye creams. And truthfully, it's making my head spin. 

As a beauty editor, it's my job to cut through the noise and recommend you only the very best products. With summer coming up, I understand that a lot of people (myself included) are looking to switch up their beauty routines—I'm swapping heavy foundations out for serum-based formulas, reaching for richer body creams and prepping my balayage for summer with purple shampoos. Annoyingly, beauty brands also know now is the time everyone's looking for beauty inspiration, which is why you might be finding the beauty space a bit saturated right now.

Last week, I took some time off work—away from the launches, away from the noise and away from the grinding machine of consumption. And I intentionally left writing this month's Beauty Desk Drop until now, so that I could embrace a fresh outlook on things. And wow has it worked. 

A quick look at my calendar for April shows well over 100 beauty products and/or ranges have launched in the past 30 days. While, here at Marie Claire UK, we work with local charities to donate, rehome or recycle all of the beauty products we receive to ensure nothing goes to waste, the sheer mass of product that came my way this month was, frankly, shocking.

So I'd like to take this opportunity to remind you, before you buy any new beauty products for the summer ahead ask yourself the following:

1. Do I already have something else similar to this that needs using up first? If yes, finish what you have.
2. Do these claims sound too good to be true? If yes, know it probably is too good to be true.
3. Will I actually use this product to the very last drop? If no, you don't need it.
4. If this product isn't quite right for me, is there someone I can give it to instead? If no, how can you avoid it ending up in the bin?

Out of the countless new beauty products that I tested throughout April, there were only eight that I felt fit the above criteria for me. So, here goes...

The Best New Beauty Products Of April 2023

1. Monday Muse The Powder

Monday Muse is a brand that takes conscious beauty seriously. Unlike so many other brands out there, Monday Muse doesn't disguise grotesque overproduction with 'green' packaging claims. Instead, with just five products in its offering, it only creates products its founder, Lune Martens, really sees a noticeable gap in the market for. This new launch from the brand is truly exceptional. A waterless formula, the exfoliant taps out of the bottle as a yellow powder (it contains turmeric for brightening properties). When mixed with water, it lathers into an exfoliating facial wash that helps unclog pores in the most soothing and gentle of ways.

2. Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm

Dr. Jart's BB cream was the first beauty product I remember buying off an influencer's recommendation. To me, it was that product that marked the start of the beauty era we now find ourselves in. Yet, BB creams and skin tints have come a long way since then, so I wasn't particularly excited when this new formulation came my way. But then I tried it—and it's stunning. It's moisturising, glow giving and natural looking without being in the least bit greasy or tacky. It is, in my opinion, the ultimate summer base. Having said that, with other skin tints and BB creams being offered in up to 12 shades, this stuff only comes in 4. And while that sounded terrible to me at first, after seeing the brand tested these shades against a wide spectrum of skin tones, I can see this product truly is stretchable.

3. Loewe Aire Anthesis

I go weak at the knees for a Loewe fragrance—it's something about the way they encapsulate the sense-clearing freshness of nature that does it for me. The newest addition to the brand's offering, Aire Anthesis is marine-based and salty in the freshest of ways. Unlike so many other sea-like scents, it isn't watery in the slightest (which seems like an odd thing to say, I know). Instead, it's deep, inviting and piques serious interest.

4. e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Blush Wand

Don't make me say *that* word. Here at Marie Claire UK, we hate it. Any beauty product that sets out to copy another isn't something we like to support. However, I don't think this product actually is a 'dupe' (I'm sorry) in the way TikTok would have you believe. Sure, the applicator is somewhat similar to the Charlotte Tilbury beauty wands, but the actual formula feels quite different. The pigment blends more smoothly, leaving behind a watercolour-like tint, instead of one that is a highly pigmented and creamy. For big nights out I'll still be using my go-to Charlotte Tilbury Pillowtalk wand, but for everyday, I'm loving this.

5. Naturium Bio-Lipid Restoring Body Lotion

If you don't already know, I'm a body care person. My criteria for body cream is that it should keep my skin feeling comfortable and looking glowing while not being in any way greasy, meaning the formula has to sink in quickly. This stuff is easily in the top three body lotions I've ever used. It does all of the above while just making skin feel healthy. Plus, I think it's really good value for money.

6. Kosas Revealer Concealer

I have been waiting years for this concealer to launch in the UK (Hailey Bieber is a big fan). It's always been available via the odd online retailer, but I wanted a decent shade match. Finally, this month Kosas launched in Space NK and I couldn't be more thrilled. This concealer is divine for the under-eye area. It's creamy and moisturising but matte enough to disguise dark circles and avoid any risk of skin looking sweaty. 

7. Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Shampoo

I want to make it clear that I am not recommending anyone spend £50 on a 250ml bottle of shampoo here. This stuff is wildly expensive, and you don't ever need to spend that much on a beauty product. However, Beauty Desk Drop is about shining a spotlight on products that are actually really good, whatever their price—and this is great. My hair is straight, fine and thin, making it prone to greasiness, but recently I've noticed it's also prone to itching and flaking. Unlike other shampoos for sensitive scalps, this doesn't leave a moisturising film (something I find exacerbates my greasiness). Instead, it soothes, controls oil and leaves my hair looking exceptional. It is an absolute joy to use.

8. Lancôme Rénergie H.P.N. 300-Peptide Cream

I must admit, I don't often use face creams. Mostly, I use hydrating serums and a cream SPF. However, this new product from Lancôme has made me switch up my whole routine, and I'm here for it. Containing 300 types of peptides, it works to improve elasticity, boost radiance and boost collagen production in the skin. In the short term, though, it's moisturising without being too rich and makes for a great base for make-up.

Welcome back to Beauty Desk Drop, where I talk you through some of the best things to have landed on my desk over the past month—from serums and cleansers to bath soaks and perfumes. The truth is, shopping for beauty products has never felt harder—there's opinion overload everywhere we look—but I hope that this monthly round up acts as some calm amongst the chaos.

This month saw the arrival of spring and, with it, a whole load of new beauty launches. So many new beauty products came my way, in fact, that I felt a bit overwhelmed. Don't get me wrong, the novelty of being privy to the best new beauty products is never lost on me (even after nearly a decade in the job), but something just felt off. 

Over the past few months, myself and the rest of the beauty team here at Marie Claire have been focusing on testing the best acne treatments, best eye creams and best foundations by the bucket load—all so that we can ensure we're only recommending you the very best products. The reason we're putting so much energy into our testing process is because we know just how much waste there is in our industry at the moment. We're fed up of wasting our money, wasting our time and sending wasteful products to landfill. Our mission is to make sure that you only ever need to buy one of something, sticking with it until every last drop is used up.

And the journey in which I've found myself on at work has caused a shift in the way in which I shop and, as a result, the relationship I have with the products landing on my desk day in, day out. You see, my at-home beauty collection is vast. But this month, I've embarked on a spring clean—it's out with what doesn't serve me. I have spent the past few weeks passing products onto friends and organising large donations to charity. Now, I only take home the products I know I'm going to use. 

And genuinely, it's been freeing. It has stopped me craving more of everything and helped me realise that the next best thing isn't always out there, sometimes the best thing is the one right in front of you. Above all of this, it's forced me to slow down and carefully consider every product I consume. With the start of spring, I urge you to also take a look at your beauty collection and identify the products you really love to use—these are the ones you should use to inform future shopping choices.

So, without further ado, out of the hundreds of products that came my way this month (which, by the way, team Marie Claire always donate to a good cause), these are the 11 I took home...

The Best New Beauty Products Of March 2023

1. L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Clinical Vitamin C UV Fluid SPF50+

It has been a really long time since a new daily SPF came my way that I fell head over heels for—let alone a relatively affordable one. If you've long struggled to find a facial sunscreen that doesn't break you out, leave your skin feeling greasy or just generally upset you, this might just be the formula for you. It's almost impossibly lightweight and dries down in a matter of seconds. Plus, it harnesses a special 'netlock' technology, meaning it doesn't budge or run into your eyes throughout the day. With vitamin C, it delivers antioxidant protection while also boosting glow—and there's vitamin E and hyaluronic acid in there, too for ample hydration. All in all, it's a winner.

2. Dermatica Caring Squalane Cream Cleanser

I'm a real believer that you should cleanse your face with a wash-off cleanser twice a day—morning and night. In order to do that without upsetting your skin barrier, you should look for a gentle, cream cleanser to use in the morning and as a first cleanse to remove the day's dirt in the evening. This cleanser is just that. It's no frill and no fuss, just a really great cream cleanser that takes it all off without leaving skin dry, tight or irritated. With squalane and glycerin to keep your complexion dewy and plump, the cream-to-oil-to-milk formula is a joy to use.

3. Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Rouge Cuir

When my nails aren't manicured in CND Shellac 'Bouquet' (it's my signature), they're usually bare. Why? Because I am terrible at painting my own nails. However, when this new polish landed on my desk, it called out to me. I was shocked. Not only am I not a polish-at-home kind of woman, I'm also not a colour kind of woman. My go-to mani of choice is milky, nude and barely-there. Regardless, something about this dusty, brick red spoke to me. Since bringing it home, I haven't booked in for a nail appointment (although my cuticles wish I would). What's more? I even find it easy to apply. It's so good, in fact, that someone asked after it when I was queuing for a coffee a couple of weeks ago.

4. Diptyque L'Eau Papier

I want to start by saying that Diptyque perfumes are my thing—there aren't many I don't like. The powdery and smoky Orphéon is my everyday go-to (I get compliments every time I wear it), and it was the last launch the brand conjured up. So, when I learned that a new Diptyque perfume was on the way, I was excited. L'Eau Papier lives up to my expectations. While Orphéon is still my go-to, L'Eau Papier has also proved a daily favourite—particularly for cosy weekends and laid-back affairs. It's warm, snuggly and skin-like in the most comforting of ways. It has a sweet freshness to it that merges with the skin of whoever is wearing it. While on me it's milky and wooly, on Marie Claire Editor, Sunil Makan, it's musky and a little deeper. A spritz of L'Eau Papier provides a calming sanctuary for a busy mind.

5. Susanne Kaufmann Body, Face & Scalp Wash

Typically, I like my body products to be scented—I'm all about the smellies. In fact, ask anyone who knows me and they'll tell you I am an oracle of wisdom when it comes to smellies. It's not the chic sort of beauty-editor niche I long for, but I'll take it. So when this unscented, 3-in-1 product landed on my desk from one of my favourite body care brands, it's needless to say I was a bit miffed. A body, face and scalp wash all in one?! Quelle horreur! But, I brought it home because I knew if I didn't get on with it, my fiancé certainly would. It's been a month now and he hasn't even had a look in. I'm a night-time bath person and this is when I do my full routine—filled with the most luxurious smellies. However, for my quick freshen-up shower in the mornings, this has proved tremendous. The fact it's unscented and full of skin-nourishing extracts means it doesn't disrupt the skin barrier in the slightest. If you have sensitive skin, this one is for you.

6. Living Proof No Frizz Smooth Styling Serum

I want to caveat this inclusion with the fact this product is not designed for me—but I took it home because I have a friend I thought might prove a good tester. Her hair is long, thick, coarse and has a natural wave. She has the sort of hair I long for. However, I also know she struggles with knotting and is always complaining of 'frizz' (her words, not mine). So when I got my hands on a sample of this a few weeks ago, I took it home with me to pass onto her. It contains a concoction of hydrating, humidity-repelling ingredients to keep hair smooth and free from knots. I checked in with her on it a few days ago and she told me she's already used the half the bottle and is quite set on never being without it—so I take that to be a win.

7. VIEVE Soul Shadows

I am not an eye shadow person. If you're lucky, I might bother to scribble a taupe cream pigment over my lids and smudge it out with my finger before I leave the house—but that's typically as good as it gets. As a result, I parted with 99% of my eye shadow palette collection this month. I just don't get the use out of 12-pan palettes. For special events and evenings out, however, I do often want to get creative with shadows—but I only want palettes that contain genuinely wearable shades. This new quad from VIEVE is just the ticket. With warm browns and pinky nudes, it has proved the ultimate quad for this unskilled eye shadow sceptic. 

8. TULA Skincare Triple-Hydra™ Complex Day & Night Serum

The cold winter has left my skin in quite a bad way. As a result, I've been turning to moisture-boosting, skin-plumping hyaluronic acid serums more than ever, and this one has delivered exceptional results. Not only does it contain hydrating hyaluronic acid, it also contains polyglutamic acid to supercharge those results, as well as squalane to deliver long-term nourishment and skin health. And if that wasn't enough, it is also formulated with pre and post-biotics to help maintain skin balance. All in all, it's cooling, refreshing, plumping and glow-boosting and proves an excellent base for make-up. I'm in awe.

9. Ouai St. Barts Body Creme

Enter, the smelly. If you've never experienced the joy of smelling Ouai hair products, you're missing out. The brand got so good at making great-smelling hair products, in fact, the clever people behind it (including celebrity hair stylist, Jen Atkin) decided to try their hand at making perfumes and body care—and boy am I glad they did. St Barts smells like a tropical paradise. With dragon fruit, orange oil, orange blossom, tuberose and musk, it's like lounging on the golden sands of the Caribbean, surrounded by flowering trees and fruit smoothies. It helps that the body creme itself is also deeply nourishing and not at all sticky. I've nearly finished the tub.

10. Chantecaille Wild Meadows Lip Chic

I adore Chantecaille's Lip Chics—always have, always will. If you have dry lips like I do then these moisturising, creamy lipsticks will please you greatly. They're expensive, yes, but they truly are good enough to convert the most lipstick-hating people out there. This particular rosy-coral shade has barely left my lips all month. I also adore the fact that buying a product from the Wild Meadows collection helps to support charities that protect wild spaces and natural landscapes in Romania.

11. Ren Everhydrate Marine Moisture-Replenish Cream

Last but by no means least, Ren Everhydrate Marine Moisture-Replenish Cream has proved a real skin saviour for me throughout March. As I mentioned, my skin has been upset—right now, it's dry, lacklustre and prone to irritation and breakouts. This cream has proved a welcome addition to my night-time routine in a bid to get things back on track. It contains algae that works to lock in moisture and tend to a damaged skin barrier. For my combination skin, it's too rich to use in the daytime, but since I've been using it in the evenings (as the last step in my routine), my skin has been less red and blotchy, plumper and far more glowing come morning. 

I would like to welcome you to our inaugural instalment of Beauty Desk Drop—a monthly round-up of all the best new beauty products to have landed on my desk. You see, as a beauty editor, I receive countless parcels of beauty products a day. Why? Essentially, it's so I can test them out and give you guys an honest opinion on whether or not they're worth your time, energy and, most importantly, cash.

From the best cleansers and night creams to the best foundations and mascaras, there aren't really any new beauty launches that pass me by. Over the years, I've tried every beauty product worth its weight in gold. In fact, I've spent the past eight years of my career switching up my routine every week so that I can be sure I'm giving you the best advice possible. Hundreds of beauty products come my way every month, so it takes something really special to catch my eye. Beauty Desk Drop is a place you'll only find products I consider to be the best of the best.

The reason I've decided to launch Beauty Desk Drop now? I've found that it has become near on impossible to open up Instagram or TikTok without being sold to. And here at Marie Claire, we know the dangers of over-consumption. With every day that passes, it's becoming easier and easier to impulse buy the latest beauty products—and, in my experience, no good beauty product was ever one bought on a whim without any research.

So, in a bid to help you cut through the noise of it all, I've decided to give you a detailed round up of the beauty launches that I deem most impressive. And I don't want you to feel as though this is a way to further fuel the seemingly never-ending cycle of beauty consumption we have found ourselves in. It's quite the contrary. I want this to be a safe space, where you can switch off for just a moment and relish in the things you love about beauty—the textures, the aesthetics and, most importantly, results that don't leave you feeling let down.

In short, Beauty Desk Drop is a space for you to take time over your beauty browsing. Whether you're looking for inspiration or you've had your eye on a new beauty launch for a while and want to know more, this is a place for you.

So here goes, these are the 10 best new beauty products to have dropped on the beauty desk throughout February. Welcome to Beauty Desk Drop...

The Best Beauty Products to launch in February 2023

1. Jo Malone London Rose Water & Vanilla Cologne

If you're a fan of delicate perfumes with a warm sweetness, this one's for you. To be honest, if you'd have asked me whether I'm a fan of vanilla scents this time last month, I probably would have said no—but this has changed my mind entirely. A far cry from a traditional, powdery rose perfume and nothing at all like the sickly sweet vanillas you might associate with your teenage years, Rose Water & Vanilla Cologne is totally wearable and entirely inoffensive. It's soft on the nose and swirls over skin in a comfortingly refreshing sort of way—like a field of fresh roses combined with the sweet creaminess of milk and sugar.

2. Olaplex No.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo

Look, I'm running out of things to say about this. I wrote a pretty in-depth review of Olaplex No.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo (catchy name, right?) when it launched, and I'm still super impressed with it. If, like me, you have thin and fine hair, chances are you'll love this product. If, however, you like your dry shampoos to come with some serious grit and texture, this isn't for you.

It's lightweight, invisible to the eye and just makes hair feel fresher. Does it feel like you've just freshly shampooed your hair? No. But then I'm not sure any dry shampoo will lead to those results. As far as I'm concerned, this is the best weightless dry shampoo I've ever used.

3. Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Marine Cream

It's spenny, I know, but this face cream really does feel like the pinnacle of luxury. I've been a big fan of Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream for many years, and this new rose version has impressed me even more. It contains all of the moisture-rich, skin-plumping goodness that the original cream offers, just with a delicate rose extract, which proves soothing for both mind and skin.

4. Dior Diorshow 10 Couleurs Mitzah Limited Edition

I promise not everything on Beauty Desk Drop has a tear-inducing price tag, it's just been a month of very expensive launches. Do you need this eye shadow palette? Absolutely not. Is it one of the best eye shadow palettes I've used in ages? Yep. But then again, it should be for £111. The shadows themselves are buttery, blendable and beautifully wearable. The pans are massive too, meaning I can see this palette being a life-long companion (I'm the worst at abiding by make-up expiry dates).

The biggest appeal though is obviously the packaging. In a fabric-wrapped, leopard-print case, this palette is easily the chicest make-up launch I've ever laid eyes upon.

5. Oskia Violet Water Clearing Cleanser

If you have oily skin that's prone to congestion, listen up. This is the best cleanser that has come my way in years. With salicylic acid to help decongest pores, minimise the appearance of blackheads and reduce excess oil production, it has proved a wonderful way to keep my oiliness in check. 

What makes it really special, however, is the general feeling of it. While most salicylic acid cleansers risk feeling a bit clinical and can leave skin feeling tight and dry, this stuff is a joy to use. Not only does it have a delicately clean scent, but the formula glides effortlessly over skin, working into a lightweight lather than leaves skin feeling deeply cleansed but not tight or dry.

6. Jones Road The Bronzer

I've been a bit fed up of fancy bronzer launches in recent years. I just find sticks and creams a bit of a faff sometimes—that's why this launch from Jones Road speaks to me. It's a bronzer in its truest and best sense. It's free from obvious shimmer and is sheer enough that you can be heavy handed without looking like a Wotsit. Everything about it is just spot on. Ideal for lazy girls just like me, I can dust it over my face with my eyes closed and still walk away looking (and feeling) better for it. 

7. Glossier Deodorant

Look, I am not a 'natural' deodorant person. I'm a sweaty person. I'm a Sure girl. If it's not Sure, I don't want it. Ask anyone in the Marie Claire office and they will confirm that one of my most spoken phrases is, "I stink". It's a permanent state of being for me. But, whenever I hear of a new natural deodorant, the curious journalist in me needs to give it a go.

I have been testing this deodorant for many weeks now, and I'm weirdly impressed. In fact, out of all the natural deodorants I've ever tried, I'd say I rate this one most highly. I've been testing out the Sandstone scent (it's a bit Le Labo—fresh and woody) and our Health Editor, Ally Head, has been giving the unscented version a go. We both agree, it does a stand-up job at preventing the usual armpit stench. It doesn't necessarily prevent sweating, we'll admit, but it keeps us smelling fresh all day.

8. Maybelline SuperStay 24H Hybrid Powder Foundation

If you haven't seen this on your TikTok feed, consider yourself in the minority. It's everywhere right now—and for good reason. It's not very often I find myself agreeing with beauty creators on TikTok, especially when it comes to rave reviews on a full-coverage powdered foundation, but here we are.

I'm not a foundation person. Most mornings I slather some concealer under my eyes and call it a day, but this product has changed that. Not only does it take a matter of seconds to apply (either with a brush or a sponge), but it also feels wonderfully comfortable on the skin. It's buildable enough to pack a hearty punch of coverage, but natural looking enough that I'm willing to wear it every day. It has, hands down, been my most used make-up product of the month.

9. BYOMA De-Puff + Brighten Eye Gel

I am always on the look out for the best new eye creams. Is this the fix-it-all eye cream I've been waiting for my whole life? No—but I'm not sure that's ever coming. What it is, however, is lightweight, hydrating, refreshing and an all-round treat to use. It's nice and cooling, so proves a welcome wake-up for my tired eyes in the morning. With ceramides to nourish, hyaluronic acid to plump and vitamin C to brighten and protect, it's generally just very impressive.

10. Nars Orgasm Four Play Blush Quad

For me to admit that I've taken to using highlighter on the reg is a pretty big deal. Most days I can't be bothered to brush my hair, let alone faff around with placing highlighting powders on my cheekbones. I'm not sure what first attracted to me to this palette but I think it was the pretty pink compact. I stayed for the formula, though. With four versatile, shimmering highlights in one, place, I've found ways to each work for my whole face. They're buttery, blendable and look impressively natural.