It’s true that we all have our MVPs when it comes to products, but every now and then some new makeup, haircare or skincare item debuts that works so well, it gets rotated into a permanent position on the team. The products below tick a lot of boxes, including effectiveness, eco-conscious packaging, and ingredients, ease of use, or quite simply, how they make us look. If you didn’t catch the debut of these darlings, it’s time to acquaint yourself.
Benefit They’re Real Magnet Extreme Lengthening Mascara
Mascara is like a Starbucks order — you are willing to try something new or seasonal on occasion, but for the most part, you know what you like and are loyal to it. Well, let me tempt you with a new favorite. Benefit’s latest mascara offers amazing volume and length thanks to magnetic technology. For the sake of not getting overly complicated, basically, the mascara’s wand has a magnetic core. And the mascara’s formula has iron oxide particles. And you can see where we’re going — the two attract, and the brush drags the formula to extend beyond the lashes for super doe eyes. Many wearers report getting asked about their “fake lashes” when wearing this mascara because it has that dramatic effect without the maintenance of falsies.
Sunday Riley 5 Stars Eye Serum
Skincare companies can make all the claims in the world that something will work wonders, but sadly, many fail. Not here, folks. This nighttime eye serum is packed full of ingredients that don’t just target one eye area issue, but address the whole lot: Ceramides, shea butter, and olive oil provide super hydration for smoothness; retinoids stimulate collagen production to minimize wrinkles; red poppy seed extract reduces dark circles, and niacinamide brightens the area. A little squeeze of product — it’s lightweight but also feels substantial to the touch — onto the ceramic applicator tip, and then that amazingly cool, instantly soothing feeling hits your undereye. The serum absorbs quickly so you know it’s penetrating deeply to do its job. And it does it well. You’ll wake up with bright, revived eyes.
Sisley Hair Rituel La Creme 230
The subtle, heavenly floral scent is just the beginning. You can use this nourishing hair cream on wet hair before blow-drying or on dry locks before heat styling. Unlike most protectants that block heat from damaging hair strands, this one actually works with the heat to coat and repair. It’s super light and non-greasy. Plus, it multi-tasks as a detangler and frizz fighter. Women with a variety of hair types, from thin and straight to thick and wavy, rave about this product. Ok, yes, the price tag may be a bit hefty, but this will last a long time and your hair will look phenomenal and healthy, so there you are: Justified.
Beautyblender Bounce Always On Radiant Skin Tint
What’s to love about this product that lies somewhere between a tinted moisturizer and a foundation? The lightweight formula that gives light-to-medium coverage — enough to even out skin tone without a heavy, caked-on feel; the dewy finish; the skin-nourishing ingredients including niacinamide and hyaluronic acid; the 20 shade options.
Heretic Parfum Dirty Hinoki
If Heretic isn’t on your radar, get it on there now. Especially if you (or someone you live with) cringes at the smell of mainstream fragrances with their synthetic ingredients. Heretic fragrances are plant-based, and even super-sensitive people won’t flinch with a whiff of one of the brand’s unique unisex concoctions. In September, Hinoki debuted. (Hinoki is a type of cypress native to Japan.) If you could bottle forest bathing, this would be it. Refreshing top notes of lemon, cedar, nutmeg, thyme, and pine meld into a heart of hinoki and cypress, before the base of frankincense and woods like balsam and wormwood, give warmth and a subtle smokiness to finish off the balanced scent. The result is earthy, green, invigorating yet also calming. And it’s one of the most interesting, wearable fragrances to come out this year.
Victoria Beckham Cheeky Posh Cream Blush Stick
This clean blush, available in five shades, came to the market in October and has quickly amassed a cult following. Why? The velvety texture goes on easily, then a little dab dab with the fingertip to blend and bam, fresh flush for the day (yes, it has good staying power). It’s infused with plant botanicals like ginseng extract (known for collagen synthesis and anti-inflammatory properties) and jojoba esters (an alternative to silicone that gives longevity and also texture). Which of the shades is Mrs. Beckham’s go-to? Roller Skate, a punchy pinky-coral that was named in honor of daughter Harper, who would roller skate into product meetings.
Sunday Riley Light Hearted Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Fans of the brand have been asking for an SPF and in April, their wish was granted. One of the things they loved the most? The lightweight, non-oily, velvety finish. The formula is thin, which — hallelujah! — means a little goes a long way and spreads easily. This is something many parents love (as opposed to not loving children complaining about how long it takes to apply thick, gloppy blocks). It absorbs quickly and wears well under makeup. Plus, it’s a multi-tasker like no other: It has anti-aging properties to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and pores, and also acts as a blocker for blue-light and environmental pollutants. As with all Sunday Riley products, it’s cruelty-free and sustainable. All in all, this is just one more reason to look forward to sunny weather.
LolaVie Perfecting Leave-In
This year, Jennifer Aniston, she of beautiful, famous hair, launched a hair care line with a detangler in September, followed by the leave-in in October. Almost immediately, praise for the products began from women with all different hair types, from the likes of a 60-something-year-old with coarse grays to a teenager with thick curls and a 30-something with thin strands. Aside from this universality, here’s what’s to love about the line: It’s vegan, cruelty-free and ingredients are 99 percent natural. Most people use the leave-in on wet hair as a detangler, moisturizer, heat protectant and to prevent frizz. But it can also be used to style dry hair, as Aniston demonstrates on her makeup artist, Angela Levin. On dry hair, it moisturizes (but doesn’t leave strands greasy) and can give the hair texture. This is the type of styling product that prevents you from having to buy a cupboard full of potions, saving you time and money. Believe us, it’s the type of product secret you’ll share amongst Friends.
Ilia Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm
Some people are calling this the best balm they’ve ever tried. The first reason is the buttery texture and that it’s incredibly hydrating — both of those are thanks to shea butter and rosehip seed oil. It comes in eight shades, which go on pretty sheer with one swipe, but are buildable for a deeper hue if desired, though you won’t ever get anything as deep as a lipstick. The formula isn’t overly glossy, either, making it an everyday staple. Clean ingredients and recyclable packaging are icing on the cake.
Hermes Poudre d’Orfèvre
Sometimes you just need an opulent, gorgeous product to lift your spirits and this is the one to fulfill that need. Not only will it brighten your spirits, but it’ll also do wonders for your complexion. The beauty of this illuminating powder lies in its subtlety; It isn’t super shimmery or sparkly — just the right amount of luminescence. Apply it to the high points of your face and even the eyelids for that perfect touch of glow. There are two negatives to this product, however: Unfortunately it’s limited edition (why!?!), so get it while you can. And that embossed Hermes H in the powder can be very hard to plunge a brush into — it’s just so pretty.
We only recommend products we have independently researched, tested, and loved. If you purchase a product found through our links, Sunday Edit may earn an affiliate commission.
