By now, you’ve probably surmised we test-drive a lot of beauty products here at Who What Wear. 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 become very nitpicky 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 can’t wait to spread the word to all of our fellow beauty lovers (that’s you!). Therefore, we’ve decided gushing over our latest fave products should become a monthly ritual. You can expect a full report every 30 days or so that details the highlighters, hair wands, and overnight skincare saviors we’ve 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 February! Grab your game face and wallet because you’ll need both.
Erin Jahns, Beauty Director
CHANEL
Chance Perfumed Hand Creams
“I’ve been splitting my time between Minnesota and L.A. for the past few months, and the second I land back in the former, my hands start to crack and flake. Not only are these mini hand creams chic and handy, but they also smell dreamy (duh, they represent Chanel’s three iterations of the designer’s cult-loved Chance scent), and they actually help heal and hydrate my depleted winter skin.”
“I’ll admit that this was sent to me, and I quickly swiped it on without giving it a second thought. (I try not to be a jaded beauty editor, but sometimes, I can’t help it.) Anyway, within seconds, my lips started to prickle in that classic lip plumper way that I love, and I re-reached for the electric-yellow tube I had thrown into my purse. Then, I quickly looked in the mirror. Not only did my lips feel instantaneously smooth and soft, but they also had the prettiest hint of shine and glimmer. And yes, they also looked plumper and a tad darker than their natural shade. I wasn’t expecting this to become my most-used beauty product of February, but here we are, and I can’t recommend it enough. If you’re in the market for a not-so-basic balm that ticks quite literally every box, go ahead and click order.”
EvolveTogether
Natural Deodorant in Havana
“I have flirted with natural deodorants for years, but ultimately, I can never make a freaking commitment. (Either they don’t deodorize—point blank—or my body somehow adapts and they stop working for me after a few months.) This one, however, has me in a monogamous relationship. A) It smells terrifyingly good—I have Havana, which smells like it could be a floral-woodsy $300+ perfume if it wanted to be. B) It glides onto your underarms with zero stickiness or chalky clumps. C) It actually keeps me smelling fresh, and, like I mentioned, expensive, for a full 24 hours—even through a workout.”
Shawna Hudson, Associate Beauty Editor
Lunik
Calendula Complete Deep Vegan Cleansing Oil
“I recently realized the cleansing oil I was using to remove my makeup contained some questionable ingredients (ugh), but this eight-ingredient formula I tried from Lunik is so similar and much more affordable. It’s so hydrating and has a lot of slip to it, so it removes sunscreen, makeup, and other grime so quickly. It also rinses off really easily for a cleansing oil and never leaves your face with a greasy residue.”
Skinbetter
Trio Luxe Moisture Treatment
“My aesthetician and I love Skinbetter Science products. Yes, they’re expensive, but Skinbetter is one of the only high-end brands I think is completely worth the money. Each formula is so thoughtfully crafted, and this new offering from the brand is so good! It’s loaded to the brim with super hydrators, making it great for dry, dehydrated, mature, and post-procedure skin. I won’t be using this as my everyday moisturizer, because it is intense, but it will seriously come in handy during the winter when I need something extra.”
Skinbetter
Alpharet Clearing Serum
“I had not one but two Skinbetter favorites this month! When I tell you this serum cleared up a good amount of my acne after one use, I’m not exaggerating! It is definitely strong, so if you have sensitive skin, be aware of that and start slowly, but the formula is perfect for anyone who wants a two-in-one product that incorporates both a retinoid and a BHA like salicylic acid.”
SkinCeuticals
Hydrating B5 Gel
“This hyaluronic acid serum from SkinCeuticals has been a miracle worker for my skin. It took me a long time to realize that my skin was dehydrated and needed water not extra moisturizer or oil. This serum provides great water-based hydration and has plumped and moisturized my skin like no other in a matter of a few weeks. It’s a great option if you’re dealing with breakouts and want something minimally formulated but still incredibly hydrating. The addition of vitamin B5 also helps speed up the process of acne healing.”
Youth To The People
Superberry Firm + Glow Dream Body Butter With Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid + Antioxidants
“This is, by far, my favorite bodycare launch of 2024! The accompanying body scrub and cleanser in the brand’s new trio are equally as good. The body butter is an absolute dream. It smells delicious (but not artificial in any way), leaves my skin so hydrated, and gives it a subtle glow.”
Lubriderm
Advanced Therapy Body Wash
“Honestly, I’ve tried so many bodywashes at this point, but nothing beats a good drugstore formula like Lubriderm’s. This new offering from the brand saved my dry winter skin. It’s hypoallergenic and contains super hydrators like ceramides, vitamin E, and vitamin B5. It leaves your skin so soft out of the shower.”
Natalie Gray Herder, Editor, Branded Content
Tower 28 Beauty
Lipsoftie Hydrating Tinted Lip Treatment Balm
“Tinted lip balms are seemingly everywhere these days, but this new one from Tower 28 has quickly become my favorite. It’s super hydrating and adds just the right amount of color. I throw it on when I’m headed to the gym or layer it up with my favorite liner for a night out.”
Mane
Power Bottom Base + Jumbo Hair Waver, Wand & Curling Iron
“I’m always looking for ways to add volume to my superfine hair, and this tool gives me the beach waves I dream of. This is another incredible launch from our favorite hair gal, Jen Atkin.”
T3
Singlepass Curl 1.5″ Ceramic Long Barrel Curling and Wave Iron
“Continuing on my hair journey, I’ve been testing out T3’s newest launch, and I think my photo speaks for itself. The blowout style curls held their shape overnight, and the wand was super easy to use for even a hair novice like me.”
Kaitlyn McLintock, Associate Beauty Editor
