These Are Allure Editors' Favorite New Beauty Products of February 2023

Want to shine bright? This highlighter will get you there. The compact includes four metallic shades (pale pink, bronze, champagne, and gold) that are all heavily pigmented. I prefer either Bee Sweet or Queen Bee’ing and, with a brush, glide the creamy powder right along my cheekbones for a full-on glazed finish. — Gabi Thorne, associate news editor

We love it so much, we added it to our February Allure Beauty Box lineup. You can score the Allure Beauty Box here for access to even more editor favorites — for just $23. Check out beauty's top subscription box on TikTok at @allurebeautybox.

I used to stray from putting any type of oil on my body because I dislike the sensation of being "greasy," but this new launch from NakedPoppy has changed my perspective. This blend of jojoba oil, sesame oil, and other essential oils practically melts into my skin rather than sitting on top of it and doesn't carry the powdery, floral scent that propels me from most other body oils. My only tip is that you must apply it post-shower for optimal results — your skin will be even softer and it'll give you something to do when you're in that laying-around-in-your-towel-because-you're-too-relaxed-to-change stage. — Nicola Dall’Asen, news editor

"Flyaways" is one word we don't like to say when it comes to styling our hair. Thankfully, I found a product that tames even the most stubborn hairs. On my thick, coarse hair, an allover spritz of the Matrix Builder Wax Spray is all I need to guarantee my Hailey Bieber-esque slicked-back bun stays pristine. It's as if a hairspray and pomade had a baby with both frizz control and hold — and zero residue. — Talia Gutierrez, associate special projects manager

Instead of a deep cleanse in the morning, I've been reaching for the no-rinse Living Sea Cleansing Tonic from Then I Met You to give my skin a lil' refresh. This watery toner adds hydration back into my skin so it's soft, balanced, and nicely prepped for the day. — Sarah Han, commerce editor

During my last haircut at the David Mallet salon, I asked my stylist Stephen Thevenot how I could achieve bedhead-esque waves on my stick-straight hair. He recommended this hot tool, which at first reminded me of the crimping irons I’d burn myself with back in 7th grade, but this actually creates results that are far more polished. The one-and-a-quarter-inch barrels add loose, sexy waves rather than a tight crimp. It is so simple to clamp down bit by bit for a consistent bend, and it was even easier to revive the style with a few strategic touch-ups in the days following. — Taylore Glynn, beauty and wellness editor

I'm a creature of habit when it comes to my makeup routine, so a product really has to sweep me off my feet to swap out a current go-to. But this bright-pink blush did just that. The name describes it perfectly: the bubblegum-pink powder smells like candy and its buttery formula creates a dreamy finish that looks soft and fresh the entire day. In fact, I like this Candy Clouds shade so much, I'm not going to give the other five velvety shades a try. — Talia Gutierrez, associate special projects manager

I'm always team body butter (over lotion or body oil) and this is hands-down one of the best formulas I've used. The vanilla-scented cream is my favorite, but it also comes in other yummy scents like lemon pound cake and salted caramel. A little bit goes a long way and as decadent as it sounds, it's not at all greasy. The blend of shea butter, almond oil, and coconut oil leaves my skin with a light sheen and deep moisture that lasts. — Annie Blay, associate beauty editor

I like my skin to look like skin (as opposed to skin with makeup on top of it), hence why I reach for this CC cream with its healthy, radiant finish. The buildable formula evens out my skin tone, concealing areas of hyperpigmentation, but never hiding the freckles I love on my lip and cheek. What's more: It helps protect my skin with SPF 40. — Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor

I visited the Violette_Fr offices last spring to witness the reveal of its new blushes, and I have never in my life been more charmed by a product. This three-shade range of marbled blush sticks is designed to give the same colors and finishes as the cheeks of the brand founder's babies (literally, I saw several pink fabric swatches lined up next to pictures of these doe-eyed, chubby-cheeked babies and nearly swooned). The formula itself is very light but buildable — it melts into the skin almost instantly and settles into a velvety-soft texture that does, indeed, look like a baby's natural flush. — Nicola Dall'Asen, news editor

I'm nostalgic for essentially nothing from my middle school years with a sole exception: the glossy, vanilla-scented glory that was MAC Lipglass. I'd test shade after shade at the brand's counter at my local mall, cobbling together the rogue dollar bills in my wristlet to eventually splurge on one precious tube (typically a pale, peachy pink that was entirely wrong for my skin tone but was trendy for Jersey Shore reasons.)

Spite, which I happened upon in the Allure beauty closet weeks ago, is the shade I should have been wearing all along: Its mauve-y brown tone complements my fair skin and it's got that familiar cushion and high-shine finish I remember. I've been layering it over lipsticks and liners and it's pigmented enough to wear solo, too. — Taylore Glynn, beauty and wellness editor

When it comes to adding new products to my skin-care routine, I'm fairly strict. Because I use so many prescription creams, I try not to overdo it with unnecessary additions — especially ones that are filled with active ingredients. However, I made an exception for the Mara Flower Acid Algae Serum, and wow, I am so glad I did! The potent serum uses a number of acids — lactic and polyhydroxy acids to name a few — to gently exfoliate and brighten, while plankton and algae hydrate simultaneously. It tingles a little when you first apply it but leaves a lovely glow come morning. After one use, I made it a permanent member of my regimen on days when I don't use retinol. It's the product I didn't realize I was missing. — Sarah Kinonen, associate digital beauty director

Lately, my interest in applying skin care is about as mercurial as a Love Island relationship. On the nights I'm not feeling multiple steps, I reach for Dior Capture Totale Le Sérum because it plumps and firms skin at the same time it helps even tone. It accomplishes the former by way of hyaluronic acid, but unlike some HA serums I've tried, this one sinks into my skin immediately. — Dianna Mazzone, associate features director

I can't say I like a product just because it smells good (besides a fragrance, of course). But this is exactly how my love story with Fekkai Clean Stylers Flexi Hold Hairspray began. After rolling my freshly washed and blown-out head of hair into Fekkai's extra-large rollers, my hairstylist misted a few sprays of this citrusy, fresh-scented styler across my hair to minimize frizz and keep as much bounce in my rolled-up curls as possible. But what really made me grab a bottle for myself was the rice protein that nourishes hair while adding shine and softness — not what you would necessarily think of when it comes to hairspray, but I'm thankful for it, regardless. — Talia Gutierrez, associate special projects manager

If there's one thing my hair is notably missing, it's volume. So, naturally, Rodan + Field's Volume+ Regimen caught my eye and it's what hairstylist Bridget Brager (who helped develop the line) picked out for me after examining my dry, lackluster hair. Ceramides and silk peptides are the stars of the shampoo and conditioner, which work together to add moisture and prevent moisture loss, treat damaged cuticles, amp up shine, and, of course, lend body to the hair. My hair truly feels softer and more lifted — so much so that I don't need to add leave-in conditioner after I step out of the shower (a first!). Did I mention it also smells divine? Hello, tropical vacation in a bottle. — Sarah Han, commerce editor

Just in time for winter weather-induced nail breakage and hangnails, Chillhouse released a kit that can, in the brand's words, "restore, repair, and reset" your nails. It contains a crystal nail file and a nourishing nail serum. (And the latter has now become a daily ritual for me.) I've been using the oil and vitamin E blend for a few weeks and my nails look and feel stronger than they have in quite a while. — Kara McGrath, deputy digital director

Beauty editors will unanimously agree that if there's one product you should use every single day, it's sunscreen. I went through a tube of this stuff not because I had to but because I wanted to. I truly enjoy using the mineral formula because it’s comfortable to wear, sits beautifully under makeup, and makes my skin extra-soft. The best part: It disappears onto my medium-tan skin — never leaving the white, gray, or pink cast that many other mineral SPFs do. — Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor

I've been swearing by this product because I don't have the greatest relationship with my brows and this pencil makes it more manageable. I don't often draw in brows, but when I do this pencil (in the shade 4.5) makes the process easier because the color blends really well with my natural brows. — Jennet Jusu, editorial assistant

I was originally introduced to this cleansing powder on TikTok and I'm already a fan of a few similar formulas, so I was more than happy to give it a try. Little did I know it would make my travel skin-care routine so much easier! Since it's a powder, I can pack the whole bottle in my carry-on and not have to worry about TSA liquid rules. I love how soft and foamy it gets with water and it leaves my skin feeling clean and supple. I also love that I get in a little exfoliation as well. — Annie Blay, associate beauty editor