Our Favorite Beauty Launches Of 2018 So Far

In a world where a single click pulls up millions of lipsticks, eye creams, and shampoos (on Google alone, the numbers before those zeros read 67, 18.5, and 60, respectively), landing on the “best” beauty product of the moment can feel a lot like looking for a needle in a haystack. The most exciting launches to hit our desks so far this year, however, are a lot easier to spot.

We may only be 11 days into 2018, but the future is looking bright. The new year is already ripe with lip balms that belong at the MoMA, moisturizers that knock 20 minutes off your skin routine, breakout-busting cleansers, and more. Ahead, Refinery29 beauty editors break down exactly what you should be buying right now — because the only thing you’ll be getting from all that online scrolling is carpal tunnel.

“It’s been approximately 13 months, two weeks, and 19 hours since Differin’s game-changing acne gel graced my skin with its magic — but, um, who’s counting? — and it’s been clearer, brighter, and better off ever since. Now the brand is back with a 5% benzoyl peroxide deep cleanser that somehow manages to ward off breakouts without freaking out my overreactive, sensitive skin. Let’s try to see David Blaine do that.” – Kelsey Castañon, beauty news editor

Differin Daily Deep Cleanser, $11.99, available at Amazon.

“All praise is due to Pat McGrath, the fairy godmother of makeup, for coming out with the chicest chapstick I’ve. Ever. Seen. The limited-edition Lip Fetish Lip Balm looks just like her MatteTrance line, except the bullet is white. And like her lipsticks, the formula goes on as smooth as butter and keeps my lips kissable all day (and night) long.” – Khalea Underwood, beauty writer

Pat McGrath Lip Fetish Lip Balm, $38, available at Pat McGrath.

“If my hair routine is best described as wash and go, then my skin-care regimen is the exact opposite. It’s more like wash, apply leave-on the exfoliating liquid, wait five minutes, apply vitamin C serum, wait two minutes, apply oil, wait five minutes, apply sunscreen, wait for however long it takes to sink in before I can put on makeup, then go, 15 minutes later than I should have — and that’s just in the mornings. But ever since I started using this nutrient-packed moisturizer, not only have I shaved about 20 minutes off my routine, but my skin has looked clearer and felt smoother than it has in years. I’ve never really been a ‘less is more’ kind of person, but this might just be as close as I’ll ever get.” – Rachel Krause, beauty writer

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream, $68, available at Drunk Elephant.

“In true Not Your Mother’s fashion, the first thing you’ll notice about this shampoo is how large it is — which makes the low price tag that much better. (I’m a big fan of its Clean Freak Dry Shampoo because it works and lasts forever!) As you might expect from the name, it smells like a tropical drink in the best way, and made my medium weight, slightly frizzy, straight hair air dry smooth overnight.” – Lexy Lesback, senior beauty editor

Not Your Mother’s Naturals Coconut Milk & African Marula Tree Oil High Moisture Shampoo, $8.99, available at Ulta Beauty.

“I already own more lipsticks than anyone would actually need in a lifetime, but after I tried these from Laura Mercier, I immediately added five more to my collection. These twist-up formulas go on super matte, but they won’t dry out your lips and are ridiculously easy to apply sans lip liner.” – Mi Anne Chan, beauty writer

Laura Mercier Velour Extreme Matte Lipstick in Dominate, $28, available at Sephora.

“As soon as I tested this mask on the back of my hand at the launch event, I cancelled my evening plans and went straight home to put this stuff all over my face. After one use, my skin looked significantly brighter and clearer. I honestly wish you were supposed to leave it on for longer than five minutes; the smooth texture and heavenly scent is worthy of an hours-long Crown binge.” – Cat Quinn, beauty director

Fresh Lotus Preserve Rescue Mask, $62, available at Fresh.

“I spent my winter vacation in L.A., and came back to the Bomb Cyclone in New York City. My skin did not react well to the change, and soon I had dry patches all around my nose, temples, and lips. After trying (and washing off) every moisturizer in my arsenal, this is the only one that didn’t burn my face and softened the dry areas overnight. It’s definitely a little thicker than my usual go-to, but it’s perfect for when my skin needs an extra hit of hydration.” — Quinn

Dove Dermaseries Dry Skin Relief Face Cream SPF 15, $10.99, available at Target.

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