Every week, our Beauty Director gets to try out tons of new products. (It’s a tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it!) In this monthly column, she rounds up the ones that stood out from the pack and actually earned a spot in her routine.

The serum slash primer that makes your makeup look incredible

Price: $52

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This product has been on heavy rotation in my routine ever since the weather turned. If you feel like your skin’s looking a little lackluster or your makeup’s not going on as well as it did in the warmer season, this stuff’s the answer. The bi-phase serum (give it a good shake before applying) gives a whole new meaning to the word dewy. Specially formulated to prep skin for makeup, it’s ultra-fluid and floods your face in the loveliest, most lightweight hydration. The most impressive part, though, is its ability to make anything you put on over top look infinitely better. Foundation, concealer, blush—you name it—suddenly seems fresher, glowier and just overall more skin-like. It’s all thanks to a trio of actives: moisturizing hyaluronic acid, brightening and smoothing niacinamide and plumping cacao seed extract, an ingredient known to stimulate blood flow. They come together to breathe new life into your complexion and even improve its appearance over time. I seriously can’t live without it.

The vacation glow in a tube

Price: $42

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Earlier this year, I fell in love with Saltyface’s Freckle Paint, a little tube that yields the most convincing (faux) freckles ever. I’ve taken to drawing a few across the bridge of my nose for a subtly sunkissed look. Now, this latest launch from the Vancouver-based brand has also won me over. It’s a liquid bronzer and it warms up your complexion in the most natural (read: non-orange-y) way. The concentrated tint can be mixed in with your moisturizer, foundation or SPF and applied all over, or buffed on with a brush to contour the cheeks, nose and forehead. It even works great as an eyeshadow. The formula pampers skin with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide and the colour is super buildable, making it suitable for a wide range of complexions. I like to blend a pea-sized amount into my sunscreen to instantly banish any sallow tones in my skin (I seem to turn a pale shade of chartreuse as soon the leaves fall). It doesn’t necessarily make me look tanned—although it totally could if I used more of it—but rather more rested and radiant, as though I’ve just returned from some fabulous holiday or gotten a hearty dose of fresh air.

The instant fix for split ends

Price: $75

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I am extremely picky when it comes to hair oils. So many of them leave my fine strands feeling greasy and weighed down, while others just don’t seem to do anything at all. This one gets everything right. It banks on plant-based proteins as well as niacinamide to deliver intense nourishment and hydration while making hair more resilient over time. I love that you can use it both on damp and dry hair. I like to apply a little after my shower to help seal any split ends and prevent future breakage. It makes my hair so much smoother and softer. It’s also great as the finishing touch to a blowout or waves, adding gloss as well as a more undone, lived-in texture. The third way I like to use it is on second- or third-day hair to revive drab-looking lengths. I just brush a drop or two through the bottom half of my mane and the product sinks right in, making my hair look healthy and freshly styled without that dreaded oily feeling. The price might seem steep but it’s such a brilliant multitasker and a little truly does go a long way, giving you great bang for your buck.

The glittery shadow that went viral

Price: $32.50

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I had kind of forgotten about this eyeshadow until it experienced a huge resurgence on TikTok. As much as I love a good no-makeup makeup look, there’s something to be said for a fun glitter moment. Case in point: A few weeks ago, my friends and I went out dancing, something we hadn’t done in ages. (We’re in our mid-thirties and I also happened to be seven months pregnant). There was this event going on where two female DJs played nothing but ’90s and early aughts hits all night long and it was a total blast. Before heading out, we all got ready together, just like we did in our club-going days. My friend Gen pulled out Urban Decay’s Moondust Eyeshadow from her bag in the iconic Space Cowboy shade—a champagne gold laced with silver shimmer—and proceeded to gild her gaze as Beyoncé serenaded us in the background. Let’s just say there’s a reason this shadow has amassed such a cult following: the effect is unreal. The micro-fine sparkles make your eyelids look glistening wet in the most gorgeous, sensual way. Honestly, glitter’s never looked chicer. (This recent look worn by Hailey Bieber is very much the vibe.) Even better, the formula is a charm to apply—you can even use your finger—doesn’t cause any fallout and stays put for up to 16 hours no matter how hard you go on the dancefloor. I stared at Gen’s twinkling lids all night (while everyone else stared at my big belly) and promptly ordered the shadow the next day. I plan on rocking it to every holiday shindig.

The body oil for people who think they hate body oil

Price: $27

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I’m someone who loves to slather themselves in a luscious oil from head to toe after showering and just marinate in a robe for a while. But I know a lot of people are not a fan of greasy textures. They might feel like they’re kind of messy or maybe they just hate having to wait around to get dressed. You’ve got things to do and places to be—I respect that. Which is why I’d like you to meet this newcomer from Bioderma. It’s a dry oil that really lives up to the “dry” part of its name, absorbing in seconds and leaving zero film or residue behind. The texture is light and slippery, making for a speedy application—no need to work to spread it on. In just a few seconds, your whole body is happily moisturized and you can put on your clothes without worrying about staining them. The formula is spiked with malic acid ester, an ingredient that banishes dead cells all while respecting skin’s pH. In fact it’s so gentle, it’s safe to use on the entire family. A blend of lipids—namely ceramides, squalane and vegetable oils—nourishes in depth and strengthens the moisture barrier. Studies showed it reduced roughness by 31 percent and kept skin hydrated for a full 24 hours. I’ve long been a fan of Bioderma’s truly excellent Atoderm cleansing body oil—I stock my shower with the big 1L-bottle to get me through the cold, dry months—and I feel like this is the perfect complement to that. The two-part combo is guaranteed to leave you silky and soft all over even in the depths of winter.

Read more:
Our Beauty Director Katherine Lalancette Has the Sweetest Gift Picks
Our Beauty Director’s Guide to Pregnancy-Safe Skincare
5 New Products Our Beauty Director Says Are Worth It