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Sometimes I feel bad asking my colleagues to name the best beauty products. Choosing one can often feel like picking a favorite child: impossible and largely unfair, but I like to think of it as a worthwhile exercise.
With springtime approaching, we’re reflecting on the beauty products that got us through the dead of winter. From nostalgic makeup products that blew up on TikTok and sustainable skin care innovations that reshaped our routines to buzzy launches, 2024 so far has been a playground for our beauty editors to rediscover old formulas—and fall in love with new ones.
Our Top Picks
- The Face Serum: Dermalogica Pro Collagen Banking Serum, $89
- The Modern Lipstick: Merit Signature Lip, $26
- The Leave-In Conditioner: Adwoa Beauty Melonberry Spray, $24
- The Liquid Blush: NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush, $32
- The Mascara: L’Oréal Voluminous Panorama Mascara, $16
- The Hair Removal Device: Braun i·expert Smart IPL Laser, $500
For starters, senior beauty editor Margaux Anbouba seemingly can’t get enough of Prada Beauty’s just-debuted foundation. European beauty and wellness director Jess Diner says she’s “seriously impressed” with the firming, plumping benefits of a Dermalogica serum. A trial run of Kiss’s false lashes garnered commerce writer Tracy Achonwa a bevy of compliments during fashion week. Then there’s beauty editor-at-large Arden Fanning Andrews, who has been relying on a BareMinerals powder to create soft-focus skin. Me, on the other hand, I’m finally ready to ditch my lip gloss obsession in favor of Merit’s grown-up lipstick.
Below, all these and more beauty finds (both new or old!) that have been truly game-changing for our Vogue beauty editors here in New York and in London. From high-tech gadgets to newfound signatures, read on to discover our picks.
Merit Signature Lip
I’ll admit that, when I first heard of Merit’s new lipstick, I was not immediately intrigued. I am a gloss girl through and through, so why should I be interested in a matte lip? But, when I saw makeup artist Yumi Lee paint model’s pouts backstage at Diotima’s latest show, I was impressed with how comfortable it looked. Not dry, patchy, or stiff like the matte lips I’d become accustomed too. Armed with samples of each shade, I took it for a go. I am shocked at how weightless this feels on, how modern the shades look, and how nourished my lips remain even after all-night wear. Merit, you’ve converted me! —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping writer
Adwoa Beauty Melonberry Spray Leave In Conditioner
Under my extensions, I’m all about protecting the length and strength of my natural coils. Adwoa Beauty’s milky spray is like an essence for scalp and strands, silky, nourishing, and easily spritzed on cornrows between wefts. What’s more, its blend of berry seed oils smells leaves your hair smelling incredible, and when you take down your braids, you’ll find super soft and detangled tresses. —Tracy Achonwa, commerce beauty and wellness writer
L’Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Panorama Mascara
L’Oreal’s latest mascara launch has one of those brushes that delivers well-defined eyelashes but allows you to load up on the formula, if you prefer your mascara on the chunkier front—like me! —Lauren Murdoch-Smith, senior beauty and wellness editor
Hair by Sam McKnight Love Me Do Nourishing Shine Oil
A featherlight dry hair oil, this new formula from hairstylist Sam McKnight ticks all my boxes. It’s not just the happy-making packaging I love, it’s also brilliant at taming flyaways, reducing frizz, and lending a subtle healthy shine on mid-lengths and ends. With argan, sunflower, and camellia seed oil, it also smells delicious. —Hannah Coates, beauty and wellness editor
Prada Beauty Reveal Skin-Optimizing Refillable Soft Matte Foundation
I didn’t think the world needed another foundation—even if it was in glamorous metallic packaging—but Prada’s high-performing formula had me make room in my makeup bag. It’s one of the lightest formulas I’ve ever used, which makes the coverage payoff (somewhere between light and medium) so incredibly impressive. And the stay-all-day effect, which controls my shiny forehead but always looks skin-like, means I look good from morning meeting to evening face wash. —Margaux Anbouba, senior beauty editor
Braun i·expert Smart IPL Laser Hair Removal Device
Like it or not, I’ve started to think about summer body prep and, in particular, trying at-home hair removal. Braun’s latest technology links the high-tech laser to an app and tracks and guides your at-home treatment—like you would if you were visiting a clinic. It also adapts its intensity according to your skin tone, so it’s a pretty smart machine. —Lauren Murdoch-Smith, senior beauty and wellness editor
Ilia Perfecting Buff Brush
There’s not much to say about this Ilia makeup brush except that it truly is perfect (excellent naming on Ilia’s part!). The Perfecting Buff Brush is a compact tool featuring soft densely packed packed bristles just fluffy enough to blend creams and liquids expertly into the skin. It’s my go-to for bronzer and blush. —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping writer
Dermalogica Pro-Collagen Banking Serum
I have been seriously impressed with the cumulative results of this serum. Having seen the results of the clinical trials at the launch (collagen preservation, firmer cheeks and jawline, a more hydrated, plumper-looking complexion), I committed to using this morning and night to see if it would work for me and, one month later, I would say I concur with all the aforementioned. If you’re looking for a new serum to switch up your spring skin care routine, you’re looking at it. —Jessica Diner, European beauty and wellness director
Haus Labs PhD Hybrid Lip Glaze
If at least 10 people give you a compliment on the product, I feel like it belongs on this list. That’s what happened to me the day I wore this lip gloss-oil hybrid in Macaron—it’s just good and I like it. Clearly, other people did too. Nothing else to say. —Margaux Anbouba, senior beauty editor
Dior Baby Bonne Étoile Scented Water
Not that I’m one to deprive my children, but, when it comes to Dior beauty, I’ll make an exception. With perfumer and Dior perfume creative director Francis Kurkdjian behind the Baby Dior’s scent, I’ve made sure I’ve kept hold of the scented water for myself. A gentle, soft smell that reminds me of newborn skin. —Lauren Murdoch-Smith, senior beauty and wellness editor
Bondi Boost HG Dry Shampoo
I’m picky about dry shampoo formulas—this one smells more fresh than sweet (in a good way) and doesn’t turn my hair into a powdered wig. —Arden Fanning Andrews, beauty editor at large
Summer Fridays Lip Butter in Birthday Cake
I’m a huge fan of Summer Fridays’s Lip Butters and their latest shade, Birthday Cake, is a celebration of the brand turning six. It’s the same hydrating, non-sticky formula in a very subtle, sugar icing pink tint. A new obsession. —Lauren Murdoch-Smith, senior beauty and wellness editor
Susanne Kaufmann Hayflower Bath Oil
Is there anything better than a bath at the end of the day? Personally, I don’t think so, and I’m currently obsessed with this essential-oil-infused bath oil by the Queen of them, Susanne Kaufmann. A blend of Alpine hayflower and natural antioxidant astaxanthin, it’s a quick ticket to calm—I finish by wrapping myself in one of Baina’s checkerboard robes. Peace personified. —Hannah Coates, beauty and wellness editor
Love Wellness Bye Bye Bloat Lymphatic Massage Roller
I've been dry brushing for a decade, so I'm always looking to branch out and try something new to get my body moving. This handheld device has cool (like, cold, but also cool-looking) cryo-balls on it that revolve as you roll it across your skin. You can really feel it stimulating your system, and it's a nice treat for your skin too—I actually like to do it once I have body oil on to help it absorb. —Margaux Anbouba, senior beauty editor
Kiss imPRESS Falsies Press-on False Lash Kit
Pressed for time but still want to look put together? Kiss’s imPress under-lashes are an absolute godsend. Because the clusters are self-adhesive, there is zero faffing or fiddling with tweezers and glue, and the natural set has become my go-to for a lifted feline eye. I’ve taken a tray with me on my travels throughout fashion month and the results have won me endless compliments everywhere I’ve been. Imperciptible and ultra comfortable, trust me when I say you won’t need to waste time with mascara ever again. —Tracy Achonwa, commerce beauty and wellness writer
BareMinerals Illuminating Mineral Veil
Believe me when I say this is the best soft-focus filter in my bag, I carry it everywhere, and it’s with me at Paris Fashion Week as we speak. —Arden Fanning Andrews, beauty editor at large
Nars Afterglow Liquid Blush
My blusher obsession knows no bounds, and this is my current favorite. A sheer, ever-so-slightly shimmery peach liquid in texture, it can be built up for the intensity of blush required, but it’s also the large doe-foot applicator that makes it a dream to apply. Consider this your spring flush in a tube. —Jessica Diner, European beauty and wellness director
Epi.logic Master Plan Collagen Renew Growth Factor Serum
Someone somewhere is tired of hearing me wax on about Epi.logic’s Master Plan serum. Over the last year or so, it’s become a skin care staple of mine for its refreshingly hydrating texture and skin barrier-boosting composition. The brand’s signature Cell Service complex of growth factors and peptides essentially boosts skin’s collagen and elastin production, while promoting firmer, bouncier skin. It’s also incredibly gentle (thanks, in part, to hyaluronic acid, sea kelp bio ferment, and snow mushroom); so much so, I relied on it to heal my skin following my last MOXI treatment. —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping writer
Dior Addict Lip Glow
I wrote in our March issue “Quick Change” story about how this product is one of my favorite of all time—I wore it to my wedding, I wear it all over my face! At their FW24 show, models wore the clear version on their lips and now I want that too, though… —Arden Fanning Andrews, beauty editor at large
I Don’t Know What DS & Durga Set
I have learned in my decade of beauty at Vogue that almost everyone, even people who think they don’t care about beauty, secretly wants a gorgeous matching set in their shower. This fragrance (they say it’s a cult hit) really is good for all genders, and the aluminum packaging is a nice touch! —Arden Fanning Andrews, beauty editor at large
Ouai Hair Gloss
Feeling like your hair has lost its luster or shine? Or are you due a haircut but just haven’t quite found the time to get around to it? Step in the Ouai Hair Gloss that in one pea-size drop (or two-pea size drops for thicker or textured hair) will smooth and add instant bounce and shine. Think of it like a weightless, undetectable top coat for your hair. —Jessica Diner, European beauty and wellness director
Byredo Liquid Lipstick Matte
I had forgotten about my love of lipstick until this Byredo number got delivered—now I’m obsessed all over again. If you’re after a formula that cocoons the lips, while still maintaining excellent pigment and staying power, this is it. The Marriage shade is sexy and vampy and looks great with a minimal complexion and mascara. Add to basket! —Hannah Coates, beauty and wellness editor
Chillhouse Chill Tips Press-On Manicure Kit
To know me is to know I love press-on nails! I am simply too impatient to get my nails done professionally, and oddly rough with my hands—meaning nail chipping and breaking is frequent. So, I’ve embraced press-ons fully and have gotten so good at them, people are shocked to hear they aren’t a full-on manicure. The Chillhouse Chill Tips have garnered me the most compliments. The designs are chic, they’re easy to apply, and the featured glue is strong, meaning one application can last weeks if you do it right. This week’s set is “Chill at the Disco”—a funky, glimmering silver I applied after seeing models grace the LaPointe runway sporting the design. —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping writer
Tom Ford Concealer Stick for Men
The men’s makeup category is home to some hidden gems, and Tom Ford’s concealer stick is a fine example. Super precise, the slim stick is the perfect diameter for snatching your under-eyes and sculpting the face, plus easy to slide in your purse for on-the-go touch-ups. What makes it a winner is the self-setting formula that seamlessly merges with skin for a natural finish that covers razor cuts and leaves your under-eyes impossibly smooth. —Tracy Achonwa, commerce beauty and wellness writer