Last Drop: January’s Best Beauty Launches
Welcome to Last Drop, where you can discover the newest and buzziest beauty launches hitting shelves near you.
The hallmarks of a good silk press go beyond hot tools and start with the first step: shampoo. The Doux’s Press Play Styling System arms you with every product needed—from shampoo and conditioner to heat protectant and hair polish—to achieve a salon-fresh, silky, smooth press from the comfort of your home.
111SKIN may be known for its incredible under-eye patches and face masks, but the brand is starting 2024 in a new category: retinol patches! Apply on dry skin and wear these patches overnight to allow the retinol to truly penetrate into your dermis and soften wrinkles. For those with sensitive skin, the addition of sodium hyaluronate (a derivative of hyaluronic acid), helps to keep your skin hydrated while reducing fine lines. “The clinical studies say that you will see a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles in one use and I was skeptical. However, I placed it over my smile lines, woke up the next day, and noticed an immediate difference,” says digital beauty director Danielle James. “I have been opposed to retinol because I have sensitive skin. Imagine how surprised I was to wake up and my skin wasn’t irritated!”
Despite the naysayers, aging is nothing to run from. However, it’s important to note that the skin gradually loses collagen as we age, which results in a loss of elasticity, dullness, and other troubles. Dermalogica’s newest launch is a serum armed with antioxidants that help preserve collagen and build a defense against aging.
Smoother, refined skin in just five days sounds a little too good to be true. However, allow Farmacy’s new resurfacing serum to change your mind. In this formula, AHAs and BHAs work overtime to correct rough texture and uneven tone, and gradually improve the appearance of fine lines. “You’ll see a difference in days, but the real magic happens with continued use,” says Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor. “I’ve had a cluster of breakouts pop up, and thanks to the exfoliating properties in this composition, I woke up to flatter bumps and an overall brighter appearance.”
Guerlain added artistry to their latest addition to the fragrance collection. Néroli Plein Sud is inspired by the Moroccan voyages of explorer and author Antoine de Saint Exupéry, who wrote The Little Prince. The traditional bright neroli scent gets a deeper aroma profile with a spicy addition of ginger and cinnamon. The scent is distinct and long lasting. Our digital beauty director, Danielle James, shares, “I sprayed this at lunch and the compliments would not stop—which, personally, is always an indicator of scents that will get a permanent spot in my collection. It’s sweet and spicy—I cannot wait to wear this on the next girl’s night out!”
If you thought the hype around AHAs was dying anytime soon, Paula’s Choice says think again. Paula’s Choice expanded its exfoliant range to give its cult-favorite BHA Liquid Exfoliant a gentler alternative. Packed with mandelic and lactic acid, this version encourages renewal while reducing sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles.
When you don’t feel like lighting a candle or revving up the diffuser that’s been collecting dust in the corner, reach for Diptyque’s Anti-Odor Spray. Infused with basil with hints of tomato and mint, this spray makes any room in your space smell like a walk through a dewy garden ripe with aromas you wouldn’t mind smelling every day.
Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music). She has a penchant for sneakers and nude lip glosses, and spends way too much time re-watching 90s sitcoms.