There's just something about January that makes us want to cleanse, exhale and start fresh — this extends to the contents of our vanity. Whether it's a new scent, a holy grail foundation or a skincare product that actually works, there's nothing like the thrill of new beauty to get you excited about 2024.
Fortunately, this month has seen a stack of worthy launches hit shelves. There's the viral Laura Mercier foundation (see this convincing TikTok for reference), a sweet juice from Tom Ford, Gucci gloss and a very, very good lash serum. You'll find all this plus everything else we love right now listed below.
Laura Mercier Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Foundation
If you've scrolled TikTok in the last few days, there's a high chance you've come across this viral foundation. It boasts medium to full coverage, a radiant finish and 12 hours of wear. Try it with a flat foundation brush to even out tone and boost radiance.
NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush
You know any NARS blush is going to be good, but this liquid formula exceeds all expectations. Despite the high colour payoff, it has a watery consistency that blends seamlessly into the skin. Great for a flushed, faux-sunburn look.
Tom Ford Vanilla Sex
Leave it to Tom Ford to release an eau de parfum called Vanilla Sex. Creamy and warm, this wraps you up in amber, sandalwood and a vanilla tincture developed exclusively for the brand. It's sweet, but in a sensual way — not a dessert way.
Gucci Gloss A Levres Plumping Lip Gloss
Go high shine with this gloss from Gucci Beauty. The finish is glassy but hydrating, plus there's menthol, ginger and cayenne pepper inside to give you a subtle plumping effect.
Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Dry Shampoo Powder
Dry shampoo can be chalky, messy or dulling. But this formula from Oribe gets it right. It has starch and kaolin clay inside to mop up greasy roots, but the powder is silky and weightless, so actually disappears into the hair without residue. The packaging means you can sprinkle it into areas of concern as opposed to spraying all over, as well.
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Glow Concealer
If you want real coverage that doesn't feel heavy or mask-like, this is the concealer you should be reaching for. It's creamy and hydrating, so sits beautifully without creasing or separating. But it's buildable and pigmented with a radiant finish, so conceals things like dark circles and scarring with ease. It's great for highlighting, too.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Barrier Balm
If we were asked to describe this balm in a word, we'd say genius. It contains a bunch of occlusive ingredients (think ceramides and wax) alongside squalane and niacinamide to essentially reinforce your barrier with a single swipe. If you're dry, impaired or a frequent flyer, it's a must-have.
Jo Malone Rose Blush Cologne
Have you ever seen anything so beautiful? This Jo Malone London scent marries sweet lychee with rose, jelly, musk and basil — think feminine, more-ish and delicate.
Benefit Whoop Lash
Lash serums aren't for everyone, but maximalists will love this new formula from Benefit. It contains plant ingredients as well as biotin and provitamin B5 to nourish and soften the lashes, in turn supporting growth. 2024 is shaping up to be the year of no mascara, so it might be lash serum's time in the sun.
