Refinery 29
All new editors at Refinery 29 for beauty products loved it in January
We may only be a month in 2021, but after the roller coaster ride that was last year, we are still proceeding with extreme caution. Although much of our stress results from things we cannot control, we are making a point of finding pleasure in the things we can. Our beauty routine is one of those things, and we have a wide range of recent releases to thank for keeping us comfortable and cute when life can seem the other way around. What kind of friends would we be if we didn’t put you in the good stuff? Go ahead, find the products we’ve been raving about in our group chats, in our heads and more. From a luxurious lip gloss to an almost imperceptible base and an exfoliator that will make dark spots disappear, these were our main options in January 2021. At Refinery29, we are here to help you navigate this oppressive world of things. All of our market choices are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something with a link on our website, Refinery29 can receive commission. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream “I like the OG Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb lip gloss, but I don’t love it – not because it’s not a great formula, but because I have less of a sparkly lip color like a girl. It’s because this was what I was super hype when the brand abandoned the cream version of the best-selling gloss. It’s the best of both worlds: sexy color and comfortable formula, without the shine. Fenty Glow, the milky pink-pink tone, is my go-to . “- Aimee Simeon, senior beauty writer Color Drip Lip Cream, $, available at Conair SmoothWrap Hair Dryer SephoraConair InfinitiPRO” Dry hair is cool and all, but my head full of coils takes a long time to dry. That’s why I love this new Conair dryer. I made the machine (with the diffuser) a regular part of my routine and dries my curls very quickly without causing frizz. It’s also very light, so my wrist doesn’t hurt when I finish dry my hair. “- SimeonConair InfinitiPRO by Conair SmoothWrap Hair Dryer, $, available at Ulta BeautyAnastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Styling Wax “Complete makeup is no longer part of my daily routine, but thick, polished and thin eyebrows are non-negotiable. Who knew that adding this product to my routine would give me that and more. I brush my hair with a spool coated with Brow Freeze and keep my bows perfectly sculpted and the perfect foundation for my eyebrow powder and pencil. “- SimeonAnastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Styling Wax, $, available at SephoraVictoria Beckham Beauty Future Lash Mascara” If your regular mascara wand is like a round eyelash brush, this is more like a fine comb: tiny and delicate, perfect to separate the lashes individually. The result is really the mascara of my dreams for everyday life, which leaves my eyelashes curved, defined and perennial. ”- Megan Decker, beauty editorVictoria Beckham Beauty Future Lash Mascara, $, available at Victoria Beckham BeautyFekkai Brilliant Gloss Shampoo “I love the idea of a soothing shampoo, but most of the time my hair gets heavy and sticky after using it. What’s great about this gloss shampoo is that it is formulated without silicones, or even any synthetics – just cold-pressed organic olive oil and prickly pear extract, which leaves my hair feeling clean and definitely helps to dry a little more shiny than normal. ”- DeckerFekkai Brilliant Gloss Shampoo, $, available in UltaBase Butter Radiate Face Jelly “This moisturizer gives me the shine I was looking for in other skin care products. Its mixture of aloe and shea butter has a watery consistency, but when rubbed in it leaves my skin smooth and soft. It feels so good that sometimes I apply it in layers, especially before bed. “- Sydney Clarke, beauty and entertainment writerBase Butter Radiate Face Jelly, $, available in ButterOle Base Henriksen Lemonade Smoothing Scrub” This physical and chemical scrub is new to my routine. I was nervous to use it because I thought it would also be strong for my skin, but I was pleasantly surprised. It helped to reduce my acne and smooth the acne scars on my forehead without leaving my face dry and irritated. It’s powerful, so do a patch test just for safety and don’t keep it for longer than recommended. “- ClarkeOLEHENRIKSEN Lemonade Smoothing Scrub, $, available at SephoraMutha Up All Night Eye Cream” I understand that this is not how time works, but I can’t help feeling like I have aged 10 years in the past 10 months. A dramatic superficial change occurred in the area under my eyes, which changed to a shade of purplish blue instantly recognizable as the mark of Very Tired. This new eye cream, which combines proven whitening ingredients like coffee seed and licorice root with a touch of pearl powder, is the only one I have tried that instantly adds a little bit of much needed shine while moisturizing and strengthening the famous thin skin with regular use. “- Rachel Krause, deputy beauty director MUTHA UP ALL NIGHT EYE CREAM, $, available at MUTHAMerit Beauty The Minimallist Complexion Stick” I can’t stop bragging about this not so basic, not so corrective situation that replaced all other complexion item in my daily routine. The formula is so light and the finish so skin-like and believable that I really forget it’s in place, and the twist stick shape means it couldn’t be easier to apply. I go where I need help – usually under my eyes, around my nose and chin – and mix it with my fingers or a small concealer brush, applying layers for additional coverage when needed. The 20-tone range is not the most extensive there is, but there seems to be positive reviews from across the skin tone spectrum, which is encouraging. “- KrauseMerit Beauty The Minimalist Complexion Stick, $, available at Merit BeautyILIA Beauty Lip Wrap Moisturizing Lip Mask” Of course, I could technically use a $ 1.99 Chapstick to stay hydrated during the dry season, but I swear it is a protector superlux lip that smells great and feels even better works wonders for my winter blues. This one has a very good texture that is neither too heavy nor too light, without the slightest hint of stickiness, and sinks to make my lips more comfortable instantly. Papaya extract is a good addition – exfoliates gently to cleanse dryness, so that moisturizing ingredients work even better. “- KrauseILIA Beauty Lip Wrap Moisturizing Lip Mask, $, available at SephoraHow do you see it? How about a little more R29 goodness, right here?