As a Beauty Editor, I Test Over 100 New Products Monthly—Here Are the Standout Launches!

MY job means that I’m a human guinea pig, constantly testing as many beauty products as I can get my hands on in order to tell you what’s worth your time and money.

As we head into , new launches are coming thick and fast – from hard-working SPFs that make sun protection a treat rather than a chore, to multi-tasking tools and reformulated cult classic, these products have impressed me so much this month, they have earned a permanent space in my stash.

THE TIME SAVING HAIR STYLER

No matter what time I wake up or go to bed, it never feels like there are enough hours in the day.

So, I will try just about anything that promises to save me time – like Shark SilkiPro Straight Hair Straightener + Dryer In One Tool, £249.99.

With my naturally straight hair, I can count the times I’ve used a straightener in the last ten years on one hand, so it’s fair to say this hybrid wasn’t created for people like me.

Make wash day easier with this multi-styler that dries and straightens hair at the same timeCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk

Shark SilkiPro Straight Hair Straightener + Dryer In One Tool, £249.99

Will it change my routine on a daily basis? No, but is it going to be a saviour when travelling? Absolutely.

The dryer setting is more powerful than any hotel bathroom hairdryer I’ve encountered, and the ceramic straightening plates will keep frizz at bay.

If you’ve got curly or textured hair that you straighten regularly, this will revolutionise hair-wash day.

THE HAIR REPAIRING TREATMENT

It wasn’t just its time-saving claim that led me to try Olaplex No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment, £32, which now works in three minutes, as opposed to the recommended 10-15 minutes of the original formula – but it definitely helps.

I was never a huge fan of the old version, as I didn’t find the mask nourishing enough to warrant regular use, but the new version has added conditioning ingredients so that’s no longer an issue.

If you have damaged, hard to manage hair, you need to try this repair treatmentCredit: Olaplex

Olaplex No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment, £32

You feel a difference from the first wash, and the bond-repairing works at an even deeper level than before for stronger, healthier strands that can handle heat-styling and colour services without snapping off.

I’m definitely overdue a haircut – and by this point my ends normally turn into a knotty mess when wet – but so far, it’s staved off any sign of a bird’s nest and my hair is noticeably shinier.

THE CELEBRITY FACE CREAM

It’s not the only iconic product that’s entered a new era this month – Charlotte’s Magic Cream, £54, has had the same treatment.

It was one of the first products created by the brand, and 13 years later, the formula has been updated with a new peptide complex to reduce fine lines, dullness and uneven texture, as well as the barrier-boosting antioxidant ectoin.

The iconic magic cream has had a glow up, with added skincare ingredientsCredit: Charlotte Tilbury

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Cream, £54

The cult cream has the same rich consistency and sits just as perfectly on top, but rather than wash-off results, the new formula will help improve the look and feel of skin over time.

So, if you’re a die-hard fan worried about the reformulation, don’t be, it’s simply grown up with the customer.

THE WEIGHTLESS SPF

Ectoin is having a moment right now – you’ll also find it in Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen SPF50+, £49, which has become my go-to SPF and will likely remain top dog throughout the .

As I’m forever told by dermatologists, the best SPF is the one you enjoy using, as you’re more likely to wear it often and apply enough of it to get the advertised protection – and it’s something I’ve noticed with this sunscreen, as I can happily apply three to four pumps where I might have stuck to two in the past.

This SPF is perfect for anyone who find sunscreen greasyCredit: Tatcha

Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen SPF50+, £49

The formula is lightweight and silky-smooth, so you can apply it without feeling greasy, yet it leaves a beautiful glow and acts like a radiance-boosting primer.

In fact, the luminosity rivals any highlighter I’ve ever used.

THE FLAWLESS FOUNDATION

Make-up-wise, this month has been all about the base, with not one, but two new launches that have impressed me.

I knew I’d love Nars Natural Matte Longwear Foundation, £43.50, as soon as I heard about it late last year, but having now tried it, I’m head over heels.

It has a thin, almost ink-like consistency that’s easy to spread across my face, and one pump is enough for medium coverage.

Fans of a matte finish, or those with oily skin, will love this new formulaCredit: Nars

Nars Natural Matte Longwear Foundation, £43.50

Because of the fluid formula, it’s also easy to layer, without feeling heavy or cakey if you do want more coverage.

I’ve got very oily skin, but I only need to use setting powder on my T-zone to stop it separating, while the rest of my face stays put all day, thanks to the soft-matte finish, which also smooths texture and it doesn’t transfer

THE CREASELESS CONCEALER

Because I’ve been using higher-coverage foundation, concealer has been largely rendered redundant in my routine of late.

Yet, Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer, £30, has changed that.

Not because it offers more coverage – in fact, it offers less than some of the heavy-hitting foundations I’ve used this year – but the gel-like consistency is something I expect from , not make-up, and it feels almost like an eye cream which is great news for my sensitive under-eyes.

The gel-like consistency of this concealer means it feels like skincareCredit: Ilia

Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer, £30

It does a brilliant job of hiding dark circles and redness, while setting to look just like skin.

If you don’t like a lot of coverage, or want a product to pep up your complexion on no-make-up days, look no further.

Every time I’ve worn it, someone has commented on how good my skin looks – little do they know, it’s nothing to do with my skin!