April means a lot of things for beauty lovers. It’s Spring, which means brighter makeup colors and nail polishes become all the more popular. It’s warmer, so transitioning away from heavy creams and serums to lightweight formulas is top of mind. And, it marks the beginning of the Sephora Savings Event (VIB Rouge, at your service). That all said, it’s prime time to give your makeup bag, your vanity, or desk drawer filled with stale lipsticks a seasonal refresh. To help guide you along your shopping journey, the Marie Claire team has gathered together to test *dozens* of just-launched products and narrow ‘em down to the best of the best.
I for one fell in love with a hair serum that makes my split ends look non-existent and a moisturizer that finally satiates my perpetually dry skin. But others found themselves heels for sunscreens and bronzers that ooze summer energy. To get the full report on what we’re obsessing over, keep scrolling.
“I’m the first to admit that my hair is looking a little rough. My ends are split, my color is in desperate need of a refresh, and I haven’t had a haircut in probably seven months (whoops). My saving grace? This brand new Kersasilk serum, which as the brand’s global ambassador Harry Josh told me, is the best possible product to rehab my hair. It’s able to protect my strands from any more heat damage, helps restore my cuticle so it looks better in the short and long term, and creates the feeling of added thickness. It’s completely changed my hair routine—I don’t style my hair without it.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
“I love wearing SPF, but I hate everything that comes with wearing SPF—the white cast, the caky texture, and the dull finish. This mineral sunscreen from Kosas has none of that. It’s not tinted, but the slight pinkish hue gives you an even all-over glow that looks and feels like your skin but better. It works great under my foundation and concealer or on its own, and doesn’t leave me looking shiny at the end of the day.” — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor
“I love when a brand releases a haircare set, and, judging by my weather app’s upcoming forecasts, Balmain’s Riviera Moisture products are just what I need to prep for all my sunbathing as the weather warms. The formulas feature a UV filter, so I won’t have to worry about sun damage or color fading as I spend more time al fresco. And who am I to turn down a chic B&W scrunchie?” — Lucia Tonelli, Social Media Editor
“My idea of a Power Hour? Getting a manicure-pedicure while I get my lashes done at Eyelure Boutique in New York City. But when I can't make it to Soho for these simultaneous treatments, I turn to Glamnetic. Known for its magnetic faux lashes, Glamnetic is still aiming to nail the press-on category with the launch of The Modern Artista collection this month. In partnership with abstract artist Ann McFerran, the collection offers fresh takes on the french mani with options like the Limoncello (inspired by the artist's summer trip to Italy) and Little Miss Daisies (McFerran's favorite flowers). For those who can't make it to the nail salon, or simply can't sit still during a standard mani-pedi, Glamnetic's short to medium, natural-looking nails, along with the brush-on glue, might be a solution worth trying.” — Tanya Klich, Senior Editor
“I'm a big fan of blush, but I prefer a natural pink tint over a bright, attention-grabbing fuschia. Enter this new pigment line from Armani: It's formulated to create a natural, pink-tinted glow that will have you looking like you've just been to the beach.” — Gabrielle Ulubay, E-Commerce Writer
“My skin is definitely on the oily side, so it's tough for me to find a sunscreen that doesn't add to the oiliness. Well, I'm happy to report that this one does not. In fact, it actually contains niacinamide to help reduce oil along with a bunch of other skin-loving ingredients like squalane and vitamin E. What I really love about this sunscreen though is that it works as a pore-blurring primer and lays so well under makeup.” — Brooke Knappenberger, Editorial Fellow
“If this week’s abnormally warm weather should tell you anything, it’s that summer is rapidly approaching. While that means great, lovely things like beach days and sunshine are imminent, it unfortunately also means my impending war with the humidity is right around the corner. Enter: Adwoa’s newest launch, which is designed to stop puffiness and frizz in its tracks—even in extreme humidity. As an added bonus, it’s going to provide a nice shine and a boost of volume to natural curls.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
“Hello Kitty was one of my favorite characters when I was a little kid, so I was over the moon to learn that the Sanrio character would be featured on Starface's newest line of pimple patches. Not only do these hydrocolloid patches reduce redness when used on blemishes, but they also make skincare more fun.” — Gabrielle Ulubay, E-Commerce Writer
“I’ll forever and always reach for a rich and goopy eye cream before bed. But in the mornings, I prefer a lightweight option that layers well under concealer—and Drunk Elephant’s latest launch is my newest obsession. It’s packed with a trio of goodies: Vegan retinol, caffeine, and copper peptides. The result is a de-puffed, refreshed, and brighter looking under eye area that makes me look like I actually got eight hours of sleep.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
“After my Eyelure appointments I usually walk another two blocks to the Drybar at Bloomingdale's Soho for a blowout. But I can never quite recreate the salon magic at home. This spring and summer I really want to master the beachy-wave look, so I’m psyched about the launch of The Mane Triple Ripple Jumbo Barrel Waver. Celebrity stylist Jen Atkin launched her Mane by Mane Addicts brand earlier this year. Her latest tool promises loose, effortless-looking waves for all hair types and lengths in minutes. For easy storage, it features a removable handle. For safety, it features a light display with four temperature presets, and an auto shut-off after an hour. Last but not least, to celebrate Earth Month, Mane is launching a recycling and refurbishment program in partnership with PACT and Project Glimmer, which allows shoppers to send back any old or used hair tool from any brand, to be fully recycled or refurbished at no cost. Recycling is always worth raving (or waving?) about!” — Tanya Klich, Senior Editor
“I recommend Retinol Reform to literally everyone, and now, I’m adding the Peptide Cream to my referral list. As someone with wildly dry and easily irritated skin, I can confirm that this is gentle, moisturizing, and nourishing. Peptides are the star ingredient, but squalane and hydrosella provide great backup to ensure that skin stays balanced, plump, and happy for a grand total of 72 hours. It does have a richer texture (I’m all for it), but it’s also non-comedogenic so you don’t have to worry about it causing breakouts.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
“Not too long again, the TikTok girlies were obsessed with purple blush and I thought they were kinda crazy. That is until I tried this pretty shade for myself. This liquid blush is like a dream to apply—with an extra lightweight, gel-like formula that blends incredibly well. The color applies a tad on the sheer side but is so easy to build up if you're wanting a more high-impact result. I may or may not be using purple blush for the foreseeable future since trying this one out.” — Brooke Knappenberger, Editorial Fellow
“I’ve never really been a full coverage, matte foundation person. Like, ever. But Lancôme’s new and improved cult-favorite foundation just received a more lightweight, breathable upgrade. It lasts a full 24 hours on the skin, while still managing to have a barely-there feel. Plus, according to the brand’s new global ambassador (and Zendaya’s makeup artist!) Sheika Daley, if you mix in a glowy moisturizer with some of the foundation, you’ll be able to achieve a glowier finish.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
“Woman-owned, AAPI-owned brand Three Ships Beauty prioritizes natural, effective ingredients clinically tested with the help of board-certified dermatologists. As a result, I have a lot of confidence in their newest cleanser, which promises to remove makeup, pollution, and dirt completely without leaving skin dehydrated.” — Gabrielle Ulubay, E-Commerce Writer