Most New Beauty Products We Try Get a DNF—Here Are 31 Exceptions
By now, you've probably surmised we test-drive a lot of beauty products here at Who What Wear. From nail polish and makeup to hair and skincare, we're eyebrow-deep in all things new, exciting, and wish list–worthy. That said, due to the number of products we come in contact with, we've become very nitpicky beauty consumers. Within seconds, we can tell if a new hair oil is too heavy, and we're quick to ignore a serum that yields disappointing results.
The good news? We can't wait to spread the word to all of our fellow beauty lovers (that's you!) when we do stumble upon a product we love. Therefore, we've decided gushing over our latest fave products should become a monthly ritual. You can expect a full report every 30 days or so that details the highlighters, hair wands, and overnight skincare saviors we've fallen head over heels for.
For the most part, we'll be covering buzzworthy launches, as those typically take up most of the action atop our product-filled desks, but we won't dismiss new-to-us products, either. Sometimes, our best discoveries are found on a friend's vanity or on someone's face at the bar (true story). Ahead are the best beauty products we tried in March! Grab your game face and wallet because you'll need both.
Erin Jahns, Beauty Director
"I'm so picky when it comes to lip products. They can't be too sticky, but they can't be too slippery. They have to actually hydrate my lips, and if they plump away any lines or wrinkles, well, we're looking at brownie points. There has to be some pigment, but it has to be subtle enough so it's enhancing—not fighting—the natural tone of my lips. They also have to have excellent ingredients and admirable staying power. And, ladies and gents, these plumping Lip Glazes from Haus Labs not only fit but really exceed the bill. I'm currently using all of the colors on a regular basis. Although, I have a soft spot for Macaroon, a cool pink, which I'm wearing above."
"I used to completely rely on my nightly edible—a mix of CBN and THC—in order to fall asleep. Eventually, I switched up my supplements and sleep hygiene, so I could fall—and stay—asleep more easily each night sans gummy. So, when I was sent these brand-new hemp-infused gummy rings from Sweedies, I was a little bit reluctant. However, after having half of one (V cute) snack packet one night post-work (that equates to five rings and a total of 2.5 milligrams of THC and 2.5 milligrams of CBD), I quite literally felt the stress melt right off of me. Not only did I feel lighter mentally, but I also slept so much better that night.
"In addition to the mix of THC and CBD (5 milligrams of each per snack pack), the formula consists of adaptogens and actives like Schisandra, B5, B6, and L-theanine, so you're getting a well-rounded boost of feel-good warm fuzzies. I also have to mention the taste because unlike so many gummies I've tried, there is zero bitter or grassy aftertaste to these, and they truly are the best after-dinner (or whenever) treat. I'm officially obsessed and plan to opt in to the brand's subscription option."
"This clearing serum from beloved facialist Sofie Pavitt is quickly becoming that girl for anyone who's looking for dreamy, dewy, completely bump-free skin. (Every editor I know can't stop raving about it.) Seriously, the mix of mandelic acid, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid has managed to do what no other serum has been able to for my hormonal breakouts and sometimes bumpy skin texture. I'm super discerning with the skincare products that I actually allow into my lineup, and I don't remember the last time I tried something new that became an honest-to-god daily staple. Try it; you'll be obsessed."
Shawna Hudson, Associate Beauty Editor
"My aesthetician, Caroline Godsick, recommended this spot treatment to me recently, and I have to say it's one of the best I've used. I've tried a lot of spot treatments over the years, and to be honest, most of them did nothing for any of my bumps or didn't work very fast, but this one is fantastic. Obviously, since it has sulfur in it, it doesn't smell great, but if you can get past that, I think you'll be happy with the results it delivers."
"Another recommendation from Godsick because my skin has been so dehydrated. I absolutely love how lightweight this mask is—it just feels like an extra layer of moisturizer. You can pop this on over your regular skincare routine at night, and you wake up with super-soft, hydrated, and glowy skin."
"My good friend and fellow associate beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock recommended this humidifier to me, and I'm now fully obsessed. I have no idea what I was doing before I tried this, but it's now a nightly must for my dehydrated skin. I always wake up with the softest, most hydrated skin, and it never gets my phone wet or leaves anything misty."
"This delicious new scent from By Rosie Jane smells like a vacation to the Bahamas bottled. Notes of green mandarin, pineapple, and coconut give it this fresh, fruity, and sweet scent I seriously can't get enough of! Every time I've worn it out to an event, a friend has immediately asked what I'm wearing."
"Guerlain's entire L'Art & La Matière collection is so beautiful. This vanilla-rich fragrance literally blew me out of the water. I'm not usually one to gravitate toward a vanilla scent, but this one is so good that it just might be my new signature. Guerlain's vanilla is extra special—it's soaked for 21 days to give it a full and luscious aroma, but when combined with the other notes of amber, musk, and a hint of spice, it's positively feral. I know this is an incredibly pricey one, but if you have the means to splurge and love vanilla scents, I can't recommend this one enough!"
"Yes, most of my favorites this month were recommendations from my aesthetician, but she knows her stuff, so of course they're my new favorites! These pads are so gentle but contain a powerful blend of salicylic, lactic, and mandelic acids to clear up surface congestion. I also love that they contain calming ingredients like zinc, which my skin loves. They're also alcohol-free so they never sting or burn when applied."
Natalie Gray Herder, Editor, Branded Content
"I am so pleased to report I have finally found tanning drops that don't break me out, clog my pores, or stain everything I own orange. I add a few drops of this miracle product to my moisturizer, and a few hours later, I have the most natural-looking glow. From here on out, I will never be without this product."
"I'm a cream-blush girl through and through, but it takes me years to work my way through full-size products. This mini set has every shade I love for my skin tone, and the product doesn't dry out before I can use it up. Plus, they are perfect for travel."
Emma Walsh, Associate Beauty Editor, Branded Content
"I just found my new favorite deodorant. It's a clear stick that goes on super smooth, doesn't leave white marks, and even has skin-loving niacinamide. I love the Raspberry & Rose scent."
"This Rhode Kit is the answer to my skincare dreams. The formulas nourish my sensitive skin, give glazed-donut-level hydration, and make my complexion so dewy."
"One swipe of this brand-new tinted lip oil and I was head-over-heels obsessed. The texture is so silky smooth and not sticky at all. I love the shade Strawberry Sorbet. It's the perfect juicy strawberry-pink color."
"Everyone needs a red light mask, okay? This one is elite and is actually way more affordable than most other masks on the market."
"I've been using Boka products for a while now and love that they don't irritate my sensitive teeth. The whitening pen is my new favorite. It's perfect for on-the-go touch-ups and makes my pearly whites super bright."
"Behold: the ultimate summer fragrance. I love the tropical coconut and pineapple notes, and the addition of frangipani makes it feel so elevated. It smells like poolside nostalgia, and I can't get enough."
Emma Hughes, Associate Social Media Editor
"Ever since I incorporated this vitamin C serum into my morning skincare routine, I have received at least four compliments on my skin, including, 'Your skin looks even more glowy than it did last week, and I'm mad about it.' Some vitamin C serums have sensitized my skin in the past, but this one feels soothing and non-irritating."
"When I tell you I audibly gasped when I smelled this body butter for the first time, I am not exaggerating. The only way I can describe it is it's like an expensive, warm hug. The formula is also rich, whipped, and hydrating, yet light enough to sink quickly into the skin."
Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour, Fashion Editor
"This pencil literally turned me into an eye shadow person overnight. I love the color, and it's so easy to apply I feel like even I can't mess it up. It has seriously elevated my makeup routine beyond belief."
Anna LaPlaca, Senior Fashion Editor
"The blend of electrolytes and minerals in Moon Juice's Mini Dew is so hydrating that one glass of the stuff makes me feel like I just drank a Stanley Cup amount of water. I've tried so many electrolyte powders, and they're either way too sugary or taste too sweet, so I like that this has a clean formulation and a faint citrus flavor that's not too overpowering."
"Infused with vetiver and Douglas fir inspired by Flamingo Estate's sprawling seven-acre property in the hills of L.A., this body oil is as heavenly as it sounds. The color is a striking green that matches the earthy scent, and it sinks in beautifully without leaving you feeling greasy or too oily—just well-nourished."
Allyson Payer, Senior Editor
"I have extremely dry hands, and hardly anything helps, but this Theraplush is an exception. I was so glad to see that Soft Services was bringing it back, and it's even better than before. I love that it has retinol in it but isn't drying in the least. Plus, it doesn't get chicer than this case. It's definitely worthy of a bedside table."
"I love a glowy serum under makeup but not one that's going to look greasy after a few hours. This new one by Youth to the People is a dream that does just that. I even think it helped with my skin tone, which can get a little pink. A little goes a long way."
"There are many vitamin C serums on the market, but Alastin's products are supreme, so I was eager to try this. Knowing that it repairs collagen and protects against UV rays, blue light, and pollution, I don't want to leave the house during the daytime hours without it. And I'm shocked by how effectively it reduces redness."
"When I saw that Westman Atelier had a new matte lipstick, I immediately ordered two (Minx and Je Rêve). After trying it, I'm tempted to order the entire collection. It's one of the most moisturizing, easy-to-apply matte lipsticks I've ever encountered. And yes, the price is steep, but the beautiful case (which has a mirror in the cap!) and dreamy formula make it worth it."
"Fresh's new eye cream really lives up to its five-star rating on Sephora. It's light and bouncy and makes my eye area look smooth and bright. I just started using it, but I'm looking forward to seeing it get to work on my fine lines."
Kat Collings, Editor in Chief
"I didn't know I could love hand soap this much, but now that I know, there's no turning back to whatever pedestrian hand wash I was using before. Most millennial-marketed bodycare brands are starting to have similar scent profiles, but this combination of Roman chamomile, geranium, and hazelnut is totally unique. Thanks to aloe vera and avocado oil, it also lives up to its promise to leave hands moisturized post-wash."
"My hairstylist, Gregory Russell, who happens to be the genius behind Jennifer Lawrence's hair, turned me on to Udea supplements. He said the sourcing of the vitamins is super clean, and anything he recommends goes right into my shopping cart. Since I've been using them, I've found I have way less hair falling out in the shower and have earned a few hair compliments from friends, which is a category that's usually not something people comment on to me. I want to try the Mood Pill from the brand next."
"This tinted lip balm has become my go-to lip product. It is so easy to apply that I could do it in two seconds without a mirror. It provides a subtle wash of color that looks natural yet livens up my face a bit. Whenever I can't find my beloved balm before walking out the door (usually because I've left it in a random pocket or purse), I begrudgingly choose something else to give my lips some color and make a mental note to buy more Kjaer Weis tinted lip balm!"
Erin Fitzpatrick, Associate Director, Fashion News
"My hair has always been a struggle for me because it's dry and extremely prone to frizz. I'm always on the lookout for products that will help me tame my hair to make it more manageable, and that's where this new Briogeo shampoo concentrate comes in. It's designed to help strengthen hair and protect against future damage. I found that it made my hair feel softer and more hydrated—plus, it smells great too!"
Erin has been writing a mix of beauty and wellness content for Who What Wear for over four years. Prior to that, she spent two and half years writing for Byrdie. She now calls Santa Monica home but grew up in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and studied writing, rhetoric, and communication at University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. She studied abroad in Galway, Ireland, and spent a summer in L.A. interning with the Byrdie and Who What Wear family. After graduating from UW, she spent one year in San Francisco, where she worked as a writer for Pottery Barn Kids and PBteen before moving down to L.A. to begin her career as a beauty editor. She considers her day-to-day beauty aesthetic very low-maintenance and relies on staples like clear brow serum (from Kimiko!), Lawless's Lip Plumping Mask in Cherry Vanilla, and an eyelash curler. For special occasions or days when she's taking more meetings or has an event, she'll wear anything and everything from Charlotte Tilbury (the foundations are game-changing), some shimmer on her lids (Stila and Róen do it best), and a few coats of the best mascara-type product on earth, Surratt's Noir Lash Tint.