Best Beauty Products For April 2016 | Spring Shopping
29 Hot New Beauty Launches You Need to Try This Month
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
As we welcome April showers, we are also continuing our Spring cleaning to make room for new beauty products. This month, we tested everything from customizable foundation drops to fright-fighting hair coconut oil and the perhaps the fastest drying self-tanner on the planet. Keep reading to discover all of the latest launches you need now.
Tom Ford Radiant Moisture Soufflé
This Tom Ford Radiant Moisture Soufflé ($98) moisturizer is the perfect prep for makeup. It starts as a balm consistency but melts into a sheer cream that's luminous thanks to microscopic holden pearls. I love it on bare skin or under foundation to get a little glow. — Lauren Levinson, senior editor, Beauty
Battington Lashes
I love the look of a faux lash — the way it thickens up my lash line without the possibility of clumping things up. Although the drugstore kind I adore are fairly inexpensive, lately I have been digging Battington Lashes ($24-$26). You can reuse them up to 25 times, which is a major selling point. But unlike some high-end falsies, these are weightless — they essentially float on your lash line. My favorites are the Earhart and Harlow designs. — Kirbie Johnson, on-camera host and producer
Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick
I have strict standards for lipstick. To be deemed worthy of joining my stash, it has to be extremely pigmented and longwearing. Bite Beauty's newest formula ($26) not only achieves those requirements, but also hydrates and nourishes my pout with antioxidants, meaning Amuse Bouche lipsticks (and my lips!) feel as good as they look. — Emily Orofino, assistant editor, Beauty
La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Serum
The search for my next great antiaging product is currently on pause thanks to my newfound love for Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Serum ($320). I'm a longtime fan of hydrating serums, and La Prairie's newest formulation is among my favorite to date. It slides on without leaving too much of a sheen but allows my face to glow for hours afterward. — Allie Merriam, content director, Fashion, Beauty, and Latina
The Body Shop Shade Adjusting Drops
Finding a foundation that isn't too yellow or too red for my medium-brown skin is #thestruggle. Oftentimes my favorite formulas show up darker than the rest of my complexion, resulting in a not-so-glamorous finish (especially in photos!). But when I discovered the Shade Adjusting Drops ($20) from The Body Shop, my brown-girl prayers were answered. Simply add one drop of the white liquid to your favorite foundation and its strong yellow undertone will be instantly neutralized. After mixing with your fingers, you will be left with a new color that is nearly half a shade lighter than your original foundation. So now, I don't have to sacrifice my favorite formulas because the color isn't "just right". — Aimee Simeon, editorial assistant, Trending and Social
Clinique Sonic System Airbrushed Finish Liquid Foundation Applicator
As someone who really enjoys sleeping in, I usually end up in a big rush in the morning. My ordinary two-brush foundation routine takes up the majority of the time I have before I run to the train. I was relieved to try this Clinique Sonic System Airbrushed Finish Liquid Foundation Applicator ($89), which made my makeup application as easy as pressing a button and running the vibrating sponge all over my foundation-dotted face. It gave me a flawless and extremely natural complexion in half the time of my normal routine. — Sarah Siegel, editorial intern
Make Beauty Moonlight Primer
I've been using Make Beauty's Moonlight Primer ($55) for a couple of weeks now, and I can't get enough. It offers protection from harmful UV and HEV rays that normal sunscreens don't prevent, smoothes my skin for flawless makeup application, and — let's be real — looks totally gorgeous sitting on my makeup vanity. (What can I say? I'm a sucker for aesthetics!) — Brinton Parker, assistant editor, Trending and Viral Features
Kate Spade Live Color Fully Dry Body Oil Spray
The new way to wear perfume: as a body oil. Kate Spade jumped on board with its Live Color Fully Dry Body Oil Spray ($50). The lightweight oil dries instantly so you can wear the scent all over. It contains notes of mandarin, water lily, musk, and tahitian vanilla that feels deliciously feminine for Spring. Plus, the fragrance won't fade since it melts into skin. — LL
Glossier Generation G Matte Lipstick
It's a matte made in heaven! (Sorry, I couldn't help myself.) Recently, Glossier launched Phase 2 of its lip line, and the products are that good. It includes Generation G Matte Lipstick ($18), which is a hybrid of a lip balm and a stain. It's a sheer matte finish, meaning you get a wash of color without a ton of sheen, so your lips look naturally, effortlessly gorgeous. I'm still not a "cool girl" like Glossier's target shopper, but taking this out of my purse and applying it makes me feel like it! PS: try "Cake," shown here. — KJ
Yves Saint Laurent Limited Edition Touche Éclat
As if the brightening formula in this luxe highlighting pen didn't make the product lustworthy enough, Yves Saint Laurent has emblazoned the tube with three different limited-edition slogans ($42 each). My favorite is "I am not a morning person." But, when I dab a bit of this subtly shimmering cream in the inner corners of my eyes, no one can tell that I didn't get my nine hours of beauty sleep. — EO
The Organic Pharmacy Rose Diamond Face Cream
Many moons ago, no less a beauty expert than Tom Bachik told me that he likes to use face cream on the hands of his high-end clients. It's something I've remembered for a long time, and I've never encountered a cream that makes my hands look fresher than The Organic Pharmacy Women's Rose Diamond Face Cream ($435). Sure, it's decadent to put such an expensive cream — which is meant for the face — on the hands. But it's really fun, and I reccomend it. — AM
Davines My Hair Assistant Definition Mist
I am into any product that will keep my curly strands straight after a blowout. Oftentimes, heat protectants and curling irons aren't enough to keep my flyaways in place. So I've turned to the Davines Definition Mist ($34) to give my mane some extra staying power. While I was definitely concerned of being left with that "crunchy hair" feeling, the mist actually leaves my strands feeling light and feathery. A light spritz of this directly onto your mane or on your hair brush will leave your hair frizz-free, but won't take away its body and volume. — AS
Supergoop Shine On Lip Screen
Lips definitely can show signs of aging if you don't protect them from the sun. This sheer Supergoop Shine On Lip Screen gloss ($22) can be worn atop your favorite lip colors to offer a protective UV barrier of SPF 50. It also contains grape sunflower oil, which is rich in antioxidants. — LL
Mer-Sea & Co. Salt Scrub
In Summer, I love using any and all beach-scented products, especially if they have salty ocean notes — these fragrances remind me of childhood days spent on Long Island shores with loved ones. I'm hooked on Mer-Sea & Co.'s Salt Scrub in Saltaire ($28) from a capsule collection for Anthropologie. The blend of citrus, jasmine, and sweet wood magically come together to create a fresh ocean aroma. I'm stocking up so I can use it year-round as part of my pre-self-tanner ritual, but also so I can give a few away as chic housewarming gifts. — EO
Dollup Beauty Makeup Clutch
Organizing is my jam. (You can't tell by my desk — don't judge.) So when I heard about the Dollup Beauty Makeup Clutch ($52), I felt like the declutter gods had bestowed a golden ticket upon me. This is a game changer: much like a Z Palette, it allows you to depot your favorite products with a magnetized sheet. It also has elastic rings to keep your brushes, concealers, and lip products in place! This is all hidden under the disguise of a chic clutch, and there is a large mirror to help with application. Consider my stuff consolidtated. — KJ
Lilah B. Virtuous Veil Concealer
One of the most important relationships I have in my life is with my under-eye concealer. Therefore, it was a big deal when I brought a new product into rotation: Lilah B. Virtuous Veil Concealer ($44). My preffered hue, B.Bright (Light), manages to be a perfect match. The product offers excellent coverage and doesn't look caked on. I think this is going to be a longterm commitment. — AM
Fake Bake Coconut Tanning Serum
Anytime I apply Fake Bake's Coconut Tanning Serum ($31) before work, I get so many compliments from my co-workers on my faux glow. The lightweight serum dries instantly and leaves a stain. This means you need to work fast and wear the gloves that come with it (or you will stain your palms). The pros are that it leaves zero filmy residue on skin, and I was able to easily wear makeup and moisturizer on top of it. Plus, it's great for tontouring, since you can get exact placement on the cheekbones. — LL
Black Up Anti Shine Powder
My naturally oily skin often provides me with a natural shine — no illuminator required. However, my skin type also gives my T-zone an unwanted greasy glare throughout the day, so a mattifying powder is an essential part of my makeup routine. I've been obsessively touching up my nose with Black Up's Anti-Shine Powder ($32). The tiny compact comes with flesh-toned loose pigments, and it flawlessly blends with deeper complexions. Unlike other mattifying powders that leave behind a dry finish, this formula's silky texture absorbs oil instead of just masking it. This will definitely come in handy during warmer, sweaty weather. — AS
Stacked Skincare TCA Multi-Acid Body Peel
I used to be all in with exfoliants, until I noticed my skin was continously red. I was going HAM with peels and scrubs, and my skin was basically crying for help! So I cut back last year because I noticed such an amazing change to my skin tone once I stopped scrubbing the crud out of my mug.
Then I met Kerry Benjamin, an LA-based esthetician, who gave me a facial of a lifetime. It wasn't frou-frou — there was no steam. There was no facial massage. It was very direct and very exfoliant-based, which worried me initially. She started by dermaplaning my skin, getting rid of a layer of dead skin and peach fuzz. (I'm no stranger to shaving my face, so I loved this part.) Then she went in for the TCA peel, which dissolved any residual dead skin and left my skin glowing. After dermarolling my skin and applying — or stacking, rather — a few serums, I was on my way.
My skin flaked for a few days following the appointment, but the clarity of my skin improved immediately! She advised me not to use scrubs, which can be too aggressive for my skin, but a peel, even weekly, would do wonders. I've been testing out her new TCA Multi-Acid Body Peel ($195) and have been loving the results on my hands and décolletage. It's definitely a beauty investment, but it will cost you less than laser resurfacing at the med spa. — KJ
Westmore Beauty Red Carpet Lashes Mascara
I like thick, lush, and fluttery lashes and will test any formula on my quest for a fabulous fringe. The narrow brush in Westmore Beauty's mascara ($28 for two tubes) gets into the corners of the eyes to coat and define every lash with a glossy black finish. Feel free to layer it on — it won't clump or flake! — to boost the length and volume. The results will look as if you're rocking falsies. — EO
Tata Harper Purifying Mask
When it comes to skin care, I try to use the cleanest, most natural products possible. Tata Harper wins at this game, and her new Purifying Mask ($65)is the ultimate farm-to-table face remedy. The healing mask contains yogurt probiotics (provides healthy bacteria), broccoli extract (detoxifying properties), brown algae (adds firmness), prickly pear seed oil (source of antioxdidant-rich vitamin E), sandalwood seed oil (protects from environmental aggressors), and white clay (removes build-up). It also has turmeric, fennel, ginger, clove, and silver fir essential oils to rid your skin of impurities. The warm ginger scent is a mental relaxer after a long day. — LL
Fresh Sugar Sport Sunscreen SPF 30
I am the resident Fresh freak on the team. In my purse alone, I have two of the Sugar Lip Treatments and a Sugar Treatment Gloss, and my bathroom is filled with various sizes of the Soy Face Wash. So I've been thrilled with the newest launch, Fresh's Sugar Sport Sunscreen SPF 30 ($25). And yeah, maybe I am biased. But I do know this: it doesn't feel greasy when I apply it to my face, and I can put it under my eyes or on my lids and not worry about it running or burning. It makes my skin feel softer, all while providing SPF 30. — KJ
Dove Refresh+Care Detox & Purify Dry Shampoo
Because I hate blow-drying my hair, I rarely wash it and end up with limp, lifeless strands. Luckily, this new Dove Refresh+Care Detox & Purify Dry Shampoo ($4) added tons of volume to my normally flat locks and left no white residue (it sprays out clear!) on my dark hair. The best part is how fresh and clean it smells, making me feel even better about skipping a washing. — SS
Farmacy Skin Dew Hydrating Essence Mist & Setting Spray
I admit that I am predisposed to like a product if it contains natural ingredients, but it's likely I'd fall in love with Farmacy Skin Dew Hydrating Essence Mist & Setting Spray ($44) regardless. Farmacy, a brand that endeavors to incorporate oils and plant extracts, uses an antioxident called cichoric acid in this setting spray. The mist left my skin feeling tingly and refreshed; it's become a part of my daily routine. — AM
Garnier Whole Blends Smoothing Oil With Coconut Oil & Coco Butter Extract
Spring's balmy days means my curly hair starts to frizz, and the best way to combat oil is with oil. I am relying on Garnier Whole Blends Smoothing Oil With Coconut Oil & Coco Butter Extract ($7) to add shine and take down fuzzies. I apply it on both wet and dry strands for smoothness and the tropical scent. — LL
Plaque HD Toothpaste
It's your dentist's job to take good care of your teeth, but after your annual cleaning, it's up to you to make sure your chompers are in tip-top shape. Plaque HD ($15), a plaque-identifying toothpaste to help you do just that.
The idea is simple: the paste "stains" plaque-filled areas a blue shade, identifying the parts of the mouth you tend to accidently skip or avoid. It is similar to those pink tablets you used to chew up at the dentist and spit out, but it is in toothpaste form. I've been using it for over three months now, and it's gratifying washing away the blue from my mouth. I've also noticed my teeth look whiter. — KJ
StriVectin Eye Concentrate For Wrinkles
Not too long ago, it occurred to me that I am staring at some kind of screen (be it that of a computer, phone, tablet, or television) almost incessantly until I go to bed each night. Not only is this a likely source for my migraines, it's also contributing to the advancing signs of aging around my eyes. StriVectin's new eye cream ($65) contains encapsulated caffeine, which goes deep into the skin to erase dark circles and puffiness. It also has marine micro-organism extract, which smooths fine lines. Subtle light-diffusing micas make the entire area appear brighter and more well-rested. It even acts as an excellent primer for under-eye concealer! I keep it on my desk for a midday pick-me-up. — EO
Biossance Purifier Soothing Cleansing Oil
I am pretty lazy when it comes to taking off my makeup. So when the "double-cleansing” method began to surface, I thought it was just another extra step. However, the Winter chill has left my typically oily skin fairly dry so I decided to give it a try. The Purifier Oil from Biossance ($30) is a lightweight blend of exotic oils that I’ve been using to take off my face — and it turns out — double cleansing is a lot better than I thought. The silky mix is free of parabens, fragrances, and mineral oils, making it supergentle for sensitive skin. Massaging a small pump into your face goes a long way. In just seconds, all of my makeup (eyeliner and mascara included) glides right off my face, and my skin stays hydrated. — AS
Smith & Cult The Tainted Lip Stain in Linger Sigh
I've turned so many friends and complete strangers on to Smith & Cult. People ask me reguarly what shade of gloss I'm wearing, and chances are, it's Life in Photographs from their lip lacquer collection. But my latest go-to is the new launch from The Tainted Collection called Linger Sigh ($24). It's a lip stain that glides onto the lips transparently like butter then delivers long-lasting color once it develops. Linger Sigh goes from a barely there tint to a flushed pink. — KJ
