Best New Beauty Launches of 2026, Tested by a Byrdie Editor

Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation has been beloved by makeup artists, celebrities, and Byrdie editors for years—but it recently got a facelift (i.e., a reformulation). As a fan of the original formula, I was of the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality. But it took only one application and wear to realize I like the new version even better. It’s now more lightweight and skin like than ever before; it gives me the glowy (but not greasy), smooth, even-looking complexion of my dreams. Plus, it’s buildable and wears beautifully with minimal fading, making it an excellent option for a wide range of skin types and makeup preferences.

Gourmand perfumes (fragrances with bold food notes) have been dominating the fragrance space for some time, and while I know gourmand fatigue is setting in for some, I urge you not to pass up on this delicious fragrance from The 7 Virtues. It combines the sweet identity of the gourmand craze with the fruity element predicted to be the next big thing in perfume. Pistachio, strawberry, and vanilla marshmallow blend to create a sophisticated strawberry shortcake scent with a noticeable nuttiness that adds depth. It’s among the most unique fragrances in my massive collection, and I think it’s perfect for springtime around the corner.

For a beauty tool to claim a recurring spot in my routine, it needs to be effective and simple to use—this new LED gua sha is both. The tool itself is a classic gua sha shape (though it’s a bit wider, which I find makes it comfortable to use), and it features LED infrared technology and a vibration feature. Think of this combination as a powerhouse depuffing trio. It helps reduce jaw tension and inflammation from fluid retention, and with continued use, smooths fine lines, boosts collagen, and improves skin elasticity. It’s rechargeable and features a button that turns on the tool and starts a 10-minute session that automatically shuts off when you’re finished. I’ve been using it while drinking my morning coffee, and it’s become a relaxing (and effective) part of my morning ritual.

This unusually cold winter in NYC has taken a toll on my skin, causing redness and severe dryness, which I’m not used to with my combo/oily skin type. During the mild seasons, I adore the original version of this skin protectant cream, but when I learned the brand was releasing a richer iteration a few weeks ago, it felt like an answered prayer. It’s formulated with a soothing and deeply moisturizing blend of colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, and allantoin, and since trying it for the first time three weeks ago, I’ve yet to go a day without it. It immediately quenches my parched skin without feeling greasy, and I appreciate that I can apply it generously to my face (and body) since it’s only $20 for a whopping 10 ounces of product.

Having frizzy hair and super oily roots means I wash and heat-style my hair constantly, so a heat protectant is a must-have. The best heat protectants ward off heat damage while also softening and adding shine, but formulas that check those boxes and also remain lightweight are even better. This one from Unove, a popular haircare brand in Korea that just debuted at Sephora, feels like a unicorn in the heat protection category. It guards against heat up to 455 degrees, adds shine without being greasy, and detangles so well I couldn’t believe how easily I brushed through my strands after applying a few spritzes. I don’t often find standouts in this not-so-glamorous category, but this one definitely stopped me in my tracks.

It’s been a while since I’ve worn eyeshadow. Maybe it’s because makeup trends over the last few years have put more of an emphasis on complexion and lips, or perhaps I’ve just gotten lazy. Regardless, when this minimal, cool-toned eyeshadow palette arrived at my doorstep, it made me excited to wear eyeshadow again. The five matte shades pair effortlessly, blend smoothly, and offer varying levels of saturation so you can add depth to your look. If you’re looking for a super easy eyeshadow palette for day and night (and you love cool tones), you can’t go wrong with this one.

Those looking for a do-it-all concealer should check out this new gem from Charlotte Tilbury. Available in 34 shades and offering buildable, full coverage, I was so impressed by how well it concealed my purple, dark circles, blemishes, and redness without looking cakey on the skin. While I want significant coverage under my eyes, I often find full-coverage concealers look really dry and unflattering there, which is why I was so pleased to see this one look smooth and last all day with minimal creasing or emphasizing texture.

This lip balm formula isn’t new, but Eadem dropped two brand-new shades: Château Rose and Sakura Shaved Ice—the baby pink, ballet-core shades of my dreams. The existing shades live in every one of my bags, on my makeup desk, and on my bedside table because the moisturizing and slightly exfoliating formula actually works to smooth and nourish my lips. Whenever the brand drops new colors, it doesn’t take much convincing for me to add them to my collection. Château Rose is a pale rose shade with a fine champagne pearl finish, and Sakura Shaved Ice is a milky neutral, pale pink—both fitting for spring and summer.

Those who want perked, separated, natural-looking lashes should seriously consider trying this new mascara from Well People. The curved brush hugs and lifts the lashes nicely, and the combination of short and longer bristles does a fantastic job of evenly coating each lash. The result is even, fluttery lashes that look elevated, but not super dramatic. Plus, I love that it wears well with very minimal smudging or flaking.