By now, you've probably surmised that we receive, test-drive, and review a lot of beauty products here at Who What Wear HQ. From nail polish and makeup to hair and skincare, we're eyebrow-deep in all things new, exciting, and, yes, wish list–worthy. That said, due to the number of products we come in contact with on a daily basis, we've also transformed into the nitpickiest beauty consumers. Within seconds, we can tell if a new hair oil is too heavy and greasy, and we're quick to ignore a serum or foundation that yields disappointing results (no matter how many hype emails it has sitting in our inboxes—sorry!).
The good news? We're far more often impressed than unimpressed after trying out a new product, and usually, we simply can't wait to spread the word to all of our fellow beauty junkies (aka you). Therefore, we've decided gushing over our latest fave products should become a monthly ritual, and every 30 days or so, you can expect a full report detailing the highlighters, hair wands, and overnight skincare saviors we've become quickly addicted to.
For the most part, we'll be covering new and buzz-worthy launches (as those typically take up most of the action atop our product-filled desks), but we won't dismiss the new-to-us products, either. Because hey, sometimes our best discoveries are found on an old friend's vanity or on someone's face at the bar—true story. Ahead, the 24 best beauty products we tried in April! Grab your game face and wallet. You'll be needing both.
"My skin's hydration levels have actually been pretty on point lately, and in part, I owe that to using nourishing all-natural oils like this one from Indie brand Vanderhoe, which contains a pronounceable ingredient list including organic lavender, neroli, and rosehip, instead of my regular gel moisturizer. As you might deduce, the serum also smells like absolute heaven."
"Knowing that I love me some colorful eye makeup, WWW's co-founder Hillary Kerr recently gifted me a few of these Japanese liquid liners (thanks HK!), which I'd actually tried before on a trip to Tokyo but only in black. I fell instantly in love with the yellow shade and receive effusive compliments every time I wear it. Yellow eyeliner might seem wacky, but I swear it's flattering, fun for spring, and way more forgiving to apply than darker colors."
"I tend to stay away from lip stains because even though they boast excellent staying power, I find most formulas drying and the colors kinda lame. The exception to this rule, Dior's lip tattoo in its new summer Sienna color surprised and charmed me. The earthy burnt orange color is lovely—unique and pretty but subtle—and the texture truly feels like nothing on the lips."
"Osea's cleansing milk isn't new, but after receiving one of the best facials of my life recently at the brand's oasis of a spa in Venice, California, it became an addition to my routine, and I love it. My skin has been breaking out and reddening lately, and this soothing formula packed with organic algae and water lily is just what it needs. I keep the sizeable bottle in the shower and use it almost every morning."
"Blurring makeup products have been having a big moment lately, and this luxurious new powder is my newest favorite in the category. A feather-light texture creates a filter-like finish over foundation and concealer while lightly mattifying and setting the products—without feeling cakey or risky flashback. I keep this chic silver compact in my bag and apply it at red lights on my way to work on days when I wake up late and just need to bur my entire life."
"This featherlight gloss-highlighter-gel-primer hybrid from Kevyn Aucoin is brand-new and might just be the most appropriately named beauty product I've ever tried. It comes in three different shades, but I'm especially partial to this prismatic rose hue. Not only does it make your face look porcelain-smooth and glowy, but it's also doing your complexion good thanks to omega-rich ingredients like passion fruit oil and marula oil. I've been wearing it on its own or beneath my foundation, primer-style."
"Dr. Barbara Sturm's skincare products could be some of the most covetable you can buy. They're expensive but worth the investment due to how high-quality they are, which is why I couldn't wait to get my hands on the brand's latest Clarifying Collection.
"The entire four-product roster is impressive (as someone with acne-prone skin I should know!), but this mask was the standout for me. Most clarifying products pretty much suck every ounce of moisture from my skin, but this special formula featuring balloon vine, viper's bugloss, sunflower, zinc, and kaolin manages to impart a hydrated, congestion-free glow as soon as you rinse it off."
"It doesn't get any more chic than La Mer, and I already know the brand's brand-new lip volumizer (which pairs beautifully with the cult-loved balm celebrities obsess over) will be one of my favorite beauty accessories this summer. It has a light, iridescent sheen, which makes it look pretty and natural no matter the occasion, but since it's inspired by serum technology and features the brand's signature hero ingredient, Miracle Broth, it simultaneously hydrates and delivers a surge of antioxidants for ultimate healing and plush softness."
"Summer is the ultimate season for dry shampoo, and this residue-free version from Fat Boy is my latest fave. It doesn't irritate my scalp, doesn't coat my fine strands in any kind of filmy ickiness, and actually zaps odor and grease almost instantaneously post-spritz."
"I'm much more of a pencil kind of gal when it comes to filling in my eyebrows, but I will say Beautycounter's brand-new eyebrow gel is the best I've ever tried. In fact, I love it so much (it deposits the perfect amount of product and the shades are on point!), I might actually add it to my daily beauty routine for good. Fair warning: The color options veer a wee dark, so bear that in mind if you decide to heed my advice and order this baby ASAP."
"This product isn't new, and I hate to admit it, but it sat in my car far longer than it should have. My skin is so finicky, and even though my previous skin-blessed editors at Byrdie absolutely raved about this acid-laced toner from Moon Juice, I thought it would be too harsh for my skin. But now, after finally giving it a whirl, all I can think is Damn—why didn't I try this sooner?!"
"My previous boss over at Byrdie Hallie Gould went as far as to compare it to Biologique Recherche's Lotion P50 (the most iconic toner of all time), and honestly, I have to agree. After just one or two uses, its tingly potion virtually erased the collection of blackheads around my nose and significantly reduced the appearance of my acne scars. Oh, and it also made my face look ridiculously bright and glowy. I haven't been this impressed with a skincare product in a long, long time."
"I've pretty much tried all of the best vitamin C serums in the business, but this dark horse from Allies of Skin is maybe the best I've ever had. Again, my skin is really sensitive and finicky, but there's something about the formulation and consistency of this serum that my skin absolutely loves, and I appreciate that it's oil-free, non-comedogenic, and hypo-allergenic. It boasts a waterless 35% vitamin C content and other super-charged antioxidants that make a visible difference in the health and appearance of your complexion."
"So here's a fun fact! Ilia's Tinted Lip Conditioners were the natural beauty brand's first-ever product release, and just in time for summer, it's added four new shades to the covetable lineup. I've been trying to make a better effort of cleaning up my makeup routine (especially with things I'm applying around my mouth!), and Europa is this delicious burst of cranberry that's easy to wear and subtle, with that 'your lips but better' vibe. I love any lip color that I can apply on the fly and without a mirror, and this one has been it for me ever since it landed on my desk."
"I'm not sure if it's necessarily good beauty editor etiquette to wear as much highlighter as one's face can possibly handle, but I can't help what I like, and pursuing dewy, luminous skin is pretty much my calling in life. Obviously, when Charlotte Tilbury (ahem, the queen of all things aglow), announced the launch of the new Glowglasm Collection, I pretty much freaked the f*ck out and proceeded to swatched my entire forearm with all of the new products as soon as they arrived at my desk. I've been experimenting for about a week now, and while I love everything, the beauty wand (especially Pinkgasm) is my top pick. Part highlight, part blush, it's easy to use and deposits the perfect proportions of shade and shine."
"I bought this because eyelid sun protection is something I've definitely pondered in the past, and this cream eye shadow definitely solves that conundrum. Not only that, it applies really smoothly and provides the prettiest wash of shimmer. (I chose the Golden Hour shade.)"
"I've been moving away from drugstore face washes recently, but this one may change that. It removes makeup so much more effectively than other cleansers I've tried, and even though it has a nice foam, my face never feels tight and dry after using it."
"I've been using this offshoot of Tatcha's cult favorite Dewy Skin Mist once or twice a week, and it definitely lives up to its name. My skin looks considerably more plump and dewy the mornings after I use it. It's nice and rich (but not heavy), so I'll probably use it more in the winter or while traveling, when my skin is drier."
"Louis Vuitton released a new range of fragrances and this Afternoon Sun"= scent is exactly what I want to wear all summer long. It has a fresh feel with layers of crisp Mandarin orange, so it's perfect for anyone who loves a perfume with citrus notes."
"I recently started using Mario Badescu's seaweed night cream and I am in love. The creamy texture feels so refreshing after a long day, and in the morning, my skin feels like silk."
"I recently discovered Circumference NYC skincare and I'm smitten. I've been using the pure balancing botanical face oil and active botanical refining toner for a couple of weeks now and I've already seen such a visible difference on my tired mom skin! Moreover, it's ethical and toxin-free. The products feel so luxurious and soothing, and keep my skin super hydrated."
"I started using this Skin Laundry face wash and I'm addicted because it's gentle and doesn't dry out my skin."
"On days when I swap out my daily foundation with this tinted face oil, my skin is noticeably more glowy and dewy and people actually go out of their way to comment on it. Everyone needs this product."
"I just recently got my hands on the new Glossier eye cream, but it's already trumped all the other little vials of eye cream sitting on my bathroom shelf. Unlike the others I've tried, Bubblewrap's lightweight formula immediately sinks into the skin and keeps it hydrated the entire day, so wearing makeup on top is a no-brainer."
Want more of our favorite beauty picks? Check out the 25 new beauty products we were obsessed with in March!
