By now, you've probably surmised that we test-drive 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 wish list–worthy. That said, due to the number of products we come in contact with, we've also transformed into the nitpickiest of beauty consumers. Within seconds, we can tell if a new hair oil is too heavy, and we're quick to ignore a serum that yields disappointing results.
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 lovers (also known as 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 quickly fallen head over heels for.
For the most part, we'll be covering buzzworthy launches, as those typically take up most of the action atop our product-filled desks, but we won't dismiss new-to-us products, either. Sometimes, our best discoveries are found on a friend's vanity or on someone's face at the bar (true story). Ahead are the best beauty products we tried in March! Grab your game face and wallet—you'll be needing both.
"I love a retro red lip, and while I'll only whip one out once in a while for special occasions (most recently, a press dinner at Mother Wolf in L.A. felt appropriate), no other products gives me quite the same high when it comes to makeup. This one from Chanel has my heart. Fair warning, it's not a bullet-proof formula, and it will smudge and leave your lips if you're not a little careful, but the plush formulation and hydrating shine is just unparalleled IMO."
"I rarely change up my day-to-day skincare routine, and while I love the vitamin C serum I've used religiously for the past few years, this new one from Yon-Ka Paris has officially dethroned it. First of all, it will make your skin look so incredibly healthy and glowy (but not like an oil slick), and second, it has the dreamiest consistency and cocktail of ingredients—think yummy organic apricot oil, Yon-Ka's iconic Quintessence, an exclusive complex of five essential oils, and a variety of plant cells for a potent boost of brightening antioxidants. I can't stop talking about it."
"Literally, who am I!? Not one but two new essential serums in my rotation? One of my best fried is an esthetician to the stars and she told me I absolutely needed to try this serum, comparing it to bottled botox. Again, I'm always so hesitant to add new serums into my skincare regiment due to how acne-prone and sensitive my skin is, but I could see a different in the tone and texture of my skin after just one application. You know that feeling when you wake up the morning after trying a new product and are like, holy shi*t, this actually works?! Yeah, this does that. It's hyper-repairative and a wunderkind formula for anyone looking for some help in the youth-preserving arena. The secret lies in the mix of regenerative peptides and exosomes which help support collagen products, skin elasticity, and cell regeneration, plus the extra hit of polysaccharides, terpenes, and a postbiotic to keep yours kin plump and hydrated."
"I love this new foundation from Laura Mercier so much I wrote an entire review about it. The formula is super lightweight (the consistency almost feels more like a serum), but the coverage is very satisfying and buildable. It blends like a buttery dream and gives your complexion the most natural and diffused radiance. I haven't wanted to touch any other foundations in my makeup collection since trying it!"
"I freaking love a great lip mask and was perfectly obsesseed with the one I'd been using up until I had a recent facial with Cosmedix and the estheticiian topped off my treatment with this plumping mask and a touch of the brand's best-selling Lumi Crystal Lip Hydrator—a truly game-changing combo you need in your life. I love that lip mask isn't stick at ALL. (Nothing is worse to me than slathering my lips with something before bed knowing full well it's about to end up all over my face and pillowcase) and it also keeps my lips conditioned, pillowy, and noticeably more voluminous. I can't get enough, and need a tube that's five times the size!"
"Belif's Moisturizing Eye Bomb is one of my favorite beauty products of all time, so I don't know why it took me so long to start using the body care version. Um, it's unreal. It glides and absorbs effortlessly into the skin while still leaving behind a pretty glassy sheen that will trick anyone into thinking you drink 100 ounces of water a day and subsist on a rainbow diet of fruits and vegetables. The magic is in the mix of niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and Lady's Mantle. Slather it all over right after you step out of the shower and thank me later."
"I recently tried this at an event for a few of Sun Bum's new launches and I've been obsessed since! It smells deliciously like summer (banana and coconut) and leaves my hair feeling so soft and smooth. It will definitely be a summer staple for me from now on."
"I can't believe I only recently started using this product. It's so good for anyone who struggles with cystic acne. I use it a couple times a day if I get a cystic pimple and it will be gone in a matter of days! It also doesn't dry your skin like some pimple patches or other acne medications can."
"Shiseido's new SPF formula now has vitamin C in it and it's easily one of my new favorite formulas. I love the texture of the product—it's silky and almost feels like an oil or gel going on but absorbs quickly and doesn't leave even a hint of a whitecast. The additional vitamin C in it also just gives me that extra glow I'm looking for during the day."
"Ask any of my friends, I haven't shut up all month about how good this new body duo is from Ouai. They both smell incredible. The body cleanser immediately transports you to a tropical vacation and is infused rosehip and jojoba oil to keep your skin hydrated. The body cream is equally as good. It applies like butter and my skin feels so soft after using it and the delicious smell lingers for hours. My only wish is that the body cleanser came in a bigger bottle!"
"Sisley's newest scents are all inspired by dreams from Sisley's creators, the d’Ornano family. They're all different and bright, but my favorite is d'Ikar, which smells truly unique from almost any other perfume I've smelled. It's earthy, sharp, and green, but it has floral and citrusy twists that make it truly one of a kind (and so wearable)."
"I can't stop wearing Summer Friday's newest lip balm flavor. It smells absolutely divine and gives your lips the perfect wash of cherry red."
"This new lightweight cream from Le Domaine is my perfect daytime moisturizer. It's lightweight and sinks in instantly, it's soothing thanks to grape water, and niacinamide and an Ayurvedic plant extract bring life to dull skin. It also works well under makeup."
"I love all things Saie does, so I was very excited to try their new foundation. It did not disappoint—packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and polyglutamic acid, this serum-based foundation keeps your skin super moisturized while also giving you an otherworldly glow. This is NOT for anyone who likes more matte coverage—it's a foundation made for everyone who wants their skin dewy and glassy."
"At this point, I think most people I work with know that I physically can't shut up about the new Haus Labs blushes. I love them. I think I'm extra enthused because I normally hate powder blush—give me a cream formula or nothing. This is powder to cream, so it blends in so seamlessly on skin and never looks cakey or powdery. And that color payoff?! It's insane."
"This color from Morgan Taylor's spring collection really surprised me. I don't normally opt for lilac-toned nails—I'm a red polish gal through and through. I recently tried this new color, however, and was completely taken aback by the results. On your fingers, this polish is more neutral than lilac. I'm pale with cool tones, which has always made it difficult for me to find the ultimate neutral nail. This might just be my ideal nude nail polish, and I couldn't be happier about it."
"I can't believe it took me so long to use this product because now I'm obsessed. I use it in one of two ways. I'll either use it as a deep treatment oil, soaking it in my mid-lengths and ends for a couple of hours before showering, or I'll apply a small amount just to my ends every day or so after heat styling to revive them and prevent split ends and breakage. My dry hair has been resurrected into something softer, smoother, and healthier. My hairstylist even told me she can see an improvement in the strength and luster of my hair. Success."
"This is the other hair damage-fighting hero I've been using. Both the shampoo and conditioner feel creamy and luxurious, cleaning and conditioning my hair effectively without leaving any residue behind. I love the way they smell. I love the way they hydrate. I love everything about them."
"I don't normally love powder foundations, but this one feels lightweight and silky on my skin. I don't apply it heavily; if anything, I apply it like I would a translucent powder, but it gives my skin just enough coverage a nice, cloud skin effect."
"I know this is expensive for a cleanser, but it's one of the most unique formulas I've ever used. The lightweight, milky texture melts off my skin, bringing sunscreen and makeup along with it. It never leaves my skin feeling too dry or tight, and the natural botanical scent feels like a spa experience. You can read all about why I love it so much, here."
"My skin, even at its most moisturized, often appears dry and textured beneath the tinted serums I use on an everyday basis. That was, until I was introduced to this ultra-light, water-based blush by Chanel. Once applied, it truly blends seamlessly into the skin (as opposed to sitting on top of the surface like other popular cream and powder products). It provides a buildable natural-looking flush that lasts me all day and keeps my skin looking hydrated and perfectly flushed. My favorite shade is Deep Apricot!"
"I have a number of go-to mascaras in my collection, but this one has quickly become one of my ultimate favorites. If the gorgeous couture packaging doesn't win you over alone, then the formula it houses certainly will. It adds pigmented color to the lashes with an oversized brush, lengthening and defining the lashes while also being long-lasting, clump free, and smudgeproof."
"When it comes to body care, I'm usually indifferent to bright, fruity fragrances. This one by Ouai left me questioning why I ever stopped reaching for more tropical fragrances. Bursting with vibrant notes of orange blossom, dragon fruit, baltic amber, and tuberose, the sugar scrub does an amazing job of cleansing and smoothing my skin."
"As a recovering unnatural blonde, my hair is (sadly) pretty fried near the ends of my hair. Since I'm not itching for a pixie cut right away, I've been using this ultra-hydrating hair mask in the shower and I promise it's worked wonders. The green tea is soothing and nourishing for my inflamed scalp while not being too heavy to use throughout my entire head. I usually apply it to wet hair from root to tip—making sure to keep it on for at least 10 minutes for optimal results."
"I'm partial to highlighters that provide optimal shine for the least amount of product on my skin. Enter Merit's highlighting stick. The formula is so lightweight and creamy, making it easy to wear on it's own or on top of a face full of makeup. No joke, I take it with me nearly everywhere I go now and have never gotten so many compliments in my life."
"While I love experimenting with colors in the spring when it comes to my outfits, I like to keep my makeup minimal and natural. For the days I need an extra oomph to my beauty routine, I've been layering on Half Magic's new potted glitter pigment into my lid and inner corners. While I've used the brand's fun green and blue high-powered pigments in the past, there's nothing like a pretty, shimmery nude shade that I can wear with everything. This one gets extra points for the fun packaging."
"I'm a liquid blush girl through and through, but I make an exception for a multistick like this one. I'm a huge fan of the Ami Cole lip glosses so I knew this product wouldn't disappoint. Unlike a lot of multisticks, my foundation doesn't rub off when I'm applying to my cheeks. It blends out so easily and adds the perfect flush. I like to go heavy on the blush application and I can do that with ease when using this one. I love the shade Flame on my skin tone, but it truly looks beautiful on all shades."
"Refy's known for its brow products, but this lip gloss is everything to me. I keep it in my purse, on my nightstand, and everywhere else because I need it with me at all times. I love pairing it with a dark brown liner for that 90s look. The metal applicator feels so cooling on the lips. I can't rave about this product enough."
"Highlighter is a product that I've recently added to my makeup routine because I've always been afraid of looking too shiny, but this one adds the perfect amount of glow to the dewy finish that I typically go for. A little definitely goes a long way so I like to apply with a brush to ensure that it blends in nicely with my blush. It gives me that golden hour glow at all points of the day, and honestly, what more could I ask for?"
"I'll admit it, I simply can't be loyal to fragrances. I love testing them out and adding them to my rotation based on how I'm feeling that day. This one has a strong vanilla base that is perfect for the springtime. It's strong but not overpowering. When I caught my mom spritzing it before we headed out for the day, I knew it was an absolute winner."
"During the week when I'm not barefaced or doing a full beat, I like to go for a lighter makeup look with a skin tint as my base. This one is buildable, lightweight, and so easy to blend. Most importantly, my skin looks like skin. It has a dewy formula without making me look super oily so I know this will remain a favorite all throughout the summer."
"I spent a lot of time in Florida this month, and I refused to leave the house without this sunscreen. There is absolutely no white cast, which is the ultimate test for me and my melanin-rich skin. Not to mention it has SPF 50. I soaked up the sun this month without any fear of damaging my skin or looking ghostly. My skin felt super radiant and protected."
"I'm finally getting into the bright under eye look that so many of my favorite content creators. I popped into a Sephora store and got matched with a shade that was two shades lighter than my normal shade so that I could really have that brightening effect. I apply this with a brush for a more precise application. I've been getting a lot of compliments on my base and I think it's because I added this product to the mix. No creases or patchiness, just the perfect amount of coverage."
"If you're a Black woman having any sort of problem with your hair, the first thing you do is phone a friend. Word of mouth so is so big for our community and when I was having irritation on my scalp I was desperate for answers. My friends all came through with amazing recommendations but this under $10 amazon order was better than every expensive product I tried. If you ever suffer from dry or itchy scalp, try this for instant relief."
"Usually, when I get a new skincare product it takes time before I get comfortable using it on daily. This one was absolutely love at first sight and I kept coming back for more. At first glance, I thought, "do I really need another cleanser?" but this one does so much more than anything else in my collection. It doubles as an exfoliating face mask that feels like an at-home spa experience. My favorite detail about the product is that the gentle exfoliation comes from Japanese-brewed fermented rice."
"I've tried so many natural deodorants but too many of them have a fragrance that conflicts with whichever perfume I've chosen for the day. I was looking for something new when I noticed that Corpus Naturals is in every LA girl starter pack meme so as a New Yorker I had to give it a try. My favorite fragrances are both floral and woody so they naturally get along well with this deodorant that smells like rose, violet, and cedar root."
"If you want a moisturizer that is lightweight yet ultra-hydrating this is the product for you. Lately, I've been putting this on every night before bed and I wake up with such a natural-looking glow that I love. I layer it with the Drunk Elephant Brightening Mask to help heal all of my dark spots."
"As I was perusing the Target beauty section (as one does on a Saturday morning), I stumbled across this Naturium Vitamin C Complex serum and thought I’d give it a try (my expensive alternative was running dangerously low). I’m a big fan of Susan Yara but had never actually used Naturium products and wow — now I understand what all the hype is about. This serum is so gentle and non-irritating, and my skin absolutely looks brighter. New morning routine staple."
"You know when no matter how many times you wash your hair, it still just feels gross? After one too many days of experiencing this horrible feeling, I started searching for a color-safe clarifying shampoo. Since I don’t use many hair products (I’ve never been a big dry shampoo or hairspray person), I thought I didn’t need to include a detoxifying element into my hair care routine. Well, I was wrong—the Ouai Detox Shampoo was exactly what I was missing, and leaves my hair feeling squeaky clean without feeling stripped."
"I am the world’s laziest person when it comes to styling my hair. Although my hair is quite thin and fine, I still can’t be bothered to blow dry it post-wash. However, nothing beats the look and feel of a blowout, and I tend to wash my hair less (a personal goal of mine) if I take the time to make it look good. That’s where the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer comes in. I tackle my roots with a regular blow dryer, then use this bad boy to achieve smoothness and volume."
"I'm a great eye cream tester because I do not sleep enough and I need something to combat the results of my terrible time management. I may be a little biased because I'm obsessed with literally everything that U Beauty makes, but its new eye cream is that good. I look so much more awake when I use it. A lot of eye creams tend to dry out my under-eye area but this one doesn't so that's a big plus. It's pricey but a little goes a long way."
"I'm usually a little afraid of clay masks because of my aforementioned dry skin, but this one miraculously didn't make my skin feel tight in the least. It contains glycerin and pansy extract for moisture, so that likely explains it. My skin has also been a bit red as of late and after removing the mask, the redness is replaced by a glow that wasn't there pre-mask."
"I don't use physical exfoliants much anymore but when I saw that Alastin (one of my favorite skincare brands) was launching one, I had to try it. Unlike other exfoliants, it's hydrating instead of harsh and very gently polishes away dead skin. It's formulated to work for all skin types. My complexion is significantly brighter after using it, and it contains glycolic acid to boost the anti-aging powers."
"I'm not a face wash loyalist by any means and will try any of them at least once. This classic cleanser is one of the few I've tried that completely removes my makeup (even waterproof eyeliner) without having to double cleanse. It's also pretty affordable, relatively speaking."
"For me, the scent of lilacs evokes nostalgia for spring and summer. When I smell the fresh, pure lilac and hyacinth in this candle, it makes me so happy and excited for the seasons ahead. I also just have to mention that the Otherland store in Soho is so cute–it’s a colorful, immersive experience into the world of their unique and refined scents. PS—If you want to learn more about the founder of Otherland, Abigail Cook Stone, I had the pleasure of chatting with her for our series, The Lineup."
"I’m a sucker for Soap and Glory’s luscious scents and vintage packaging. I was jumping for joy when I saw this limited edition Peach Please collection. Peach has always been one of my favorite fruity scents, and has also been my dad’s nickname for me since I was little. While I was anticipating an intensely sweet fragrance, it was much more subtle– think more Tom Ford Bitter Peach than sugar coated peach rings. Besides smelling divine, this body butter features all star hydrators like coconut oil, cocoa butter, and mango butters to give skin a hydrating boost."
"I’ve officially fallen back in love with body scrubs thanks to this invigorating lemon sugar scrub from Raw Sugar. Most of the body scrubs I’ve tried either dissolve too quickly or leave my skin feeling itchy and stripped. But, this scrub is the perfect thick texture to effectively exfoliate the skin, and the cold-pressed oils leave a light veil of moisture on my skin so it feels soft and hydrated after. I can’t wait to try the other delicious scents like Watermelon Mint, Coconut Mango, and Pineapple Maqui Berry."
"This brand is unique because it encourages you to follow your “skintuition,” and let me tell you, my dry skin has been craving this rich cream! I’m simply in love with the cloud-like texture, and it rivals creams that are triple the price. It contains nourishing botanical ingredients like bamboo leaf extract, baobab seed oil, and chia seed oil – all of which help to restore the moisture barrier and make my skin feel soft and supple."
"I live in Anine Bing, so you can imagine my excitement when she launched a new fragrance—Rose Wood. It's so delicious, combining some of my favorite notes like sandalwood and crisp florals. I'm going to be wearing the scent daily, but it also comes in a candle form, which I'm excited about as well."
"I feel like my lashes haven't truly lived until now. I was skeptical because formulas that claim to offer extreme length tend to clump and dry my lashes more easily, but I was able to add multiple coats of this without any clumps in sight. My lashes easily look four times longer when I use it and I’m totally here for it."
"This roll-on highlighter is genius. Not only does it make adding highlighter easy, but I love that it fits in my purse and I can use it anytime, anywhere without a brush."
"A lot of exfoliating cleansers make my skin feel really dry but this one doesn’t. The milky formula is jam packed with salicylic acid to help with breakouts, green tea to help keep redness and irritation at bay, and a handful of botanical ingredients to bring in some very-welcomed moisture. My skin always feels fresh, clean, and bright afterwards."
"This shade is so very me. It’s this perfect rosy pink with purple undertones and gives me the most natural flush. The silky, finely-milled formula effortlessly glides on skin and is extremely buildable."
"NGL, I’ve become slightly addicted to this scrub. It smells so good, kind of a mix of woods and fresh air? I honestly don’t know how to properly describe it but it’s relaxing. I’ve been using it once a week in the shower and my hair looks more voluminous and my scalp feels insanely clean."
"Sunday is my new favorite shower day because in addition to using the scalp scrub, I slather my hair in this afterwards. It’s made with hydrating tsubaki seed oil and yuzu fruit extract to smooth and strengthen hair, and I can honestly say my locks have never felt healthier."
"If you haven’t tried these eye shadows, do yourself a favor and go to Ulta Beauty right now. Each shade is more fun than the last, but I’ve become quite smitten with Ritz, a sheer nude with silver glitter. I was having a wild night at home cooking dinner and randomly put some on using my finger (the formula is super bouncy!) and was immediately sad I didn’t have a night out planned. It’s a creme to powder formula that’s very pigmented but easy to blend. I can see myself adding a bit of this to the center of my lid over a solid matte shadow for some sparkle, but would probably hold off on using it over my entire lid again, unless I had a specific occasion in mind for it because there was a lot of glitter."
