The Best New Beauty Products Actually Worth Trying, According to Vogue’s Beauty Editor

In the world of cosmetics, there’s always a handful of new beauty products to unearth. With reformulated classics, just-discovered ingredients, and high-tech tools released each month, understanding what to stock your vanity with can feel confusing. To help inform your buy, here, we take a look at the new beauty arrivals worth knowing—and shopping.

Happy New Year Vogue beauty readers! I’m delighted to continue gabbing about the most buzzworthy moments in cosmetics and wellness. But, before we deep dive into 2024, I want to address 2023 first. So last year, I know. The reason being, there were a handful of launches that will help many of us achieve our beauty goals easier.

2023 focused a lot on skin—specifically, how to get (and maintain) a fresh, glowing complexion. Many efficacious serums and skin care-makeup hybrids hit the Vogue beauty closet, but last month, there weren’t many, aside from Peace Out Skincare’s new Acne Dots—delivering a fresh approach to spot treating breakouts. If this list is any indication, the lip craze will continue into the foreseeable future—Topicals Slick Salve glossy balm is already making headlines and Vacation’s SPF-infused lip oil is providing UV protection way before the sunny season commences. What we are seeing is an influx of hair care solutions but instead of leave-in treatments and masks, brands are introducing washday salves. See new arrivals by Briogeo, Ouai, and Living Proof below. And we can’t forget hair perfume; Balmain Hair’s latest collection proves that great smelling tresses are all the rage this year. Ahead, read everything you need to know about the best new beauty products actually worth trying.

Our Top Picks

• For Breakouts: Peace Out Skincare Early Stage Acne Dots, $19
• For Shinier Hair: Ouai Hair Gloss, $34
• For Stronger Hair: Briogeo Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Scalp and Hair Oil, $32
• For Moisturized Lips: Topicals Slick Salve Mint Lip Balm, $16
• For Great-Smelling Hair: Balmain Hair Ginger 1974 Hair Perfume, $177

Briogeo Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Scalp and Hair Oil

Courtesy of Briogeo

• Why We Love It: We’re big rosemary oil fans here; the ingredient rose to prominence in 2023 for its ability to boost circulation, improve hair health, and promote growth. So, it’s no surprise Briogeo decided to lead its new moisturizing treatment with the restorative ingredient.
• The Results: Briogeo likens this oil as slugging for your hair—locking in moisture to the scalp and strands. At night, or before shampoo, lather this lightweight blend of rosemary oil, castor oil, biotin, and bisabolol from root to tip to strengthen the hair follicle, soothe irritated scalps, and replenish moisture to the hair shaft.
• My Experience: As someone with dry hair, I’ve developed quite a penchant for pre-wash treatments. Oils provide a protective layer to my hair before shampooing so my hair isn’t stripped of its natural nutrients. After removing my braids, let’s just say I was very eager to try this. As instructed, I put my hair into sections and applied directly to my scalp. The nozzle applicator is genius here; and because the oil is virtually weightless, the formula comes out quite easily. (Even better, you actually have to squeeze the bottle for the product to disperse, meaning it does not leak everywhere while holding it upside down.) My hair felt soft immediately after massaging it on, and somehow even softer after washing it out. The biggest benefit in my opinion is my hair detangled with ease, meaning I also had less breakage that I usually do following protective styling. I’m genuinely hooked!
• Key Ingredients: Rosemary oil, castor oil, biotin, bisabolol, grape seed oil, coconut oil, ceramides
• Who It’s For: I’d go as far as saying this Briogeo oil is for anyone, considering any hair type would benefit from a soothed scalp and strong strands. Plus, it’s a rinse out treatment so there’s no cautions around it weighing your hair down.
• How to Use: Emphasis on the “pre-wash” callout—apply this oil directly to your scalp and work from roots to ends. After a gentle scalp massage, leave on for ten minutes then wash and condition your hair as normal.

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Living Proof Clarifying Detox Shampoo

Photo: Courtesy of Living Proof

• Why We Love It: Clarifying shampoo is not like your regular shampoo; it’s sort of like a hair reset—formulated with powerful surfactants to lift away dirt, oil, and impurities from the hair shaft and scalp. As you can imagine, a successful wash sets the stage for healthier, fortified hair.
• The Results: Living Proof’s new intelligent formula uses magnetic polymers to attract buildup (like a magnet!); surfactants and chelating agents to remove traces of pollution, oils, and minerals, alongside activated charcoal for a deep clean.
• My Experience: Part of my post-protective style regimen is removing all the excess gunk with a clarifying shampoo. Truly, the Living Proof Clarifying Detox Shampoo could not have arrived at a better time. Following my trial of the aforementioned Briogeo oil, I lathered a generous amount of this Living Proof shampoo to my mane—working it into soapy suds easily. Typically, I find that a general clarifying shampoo requires two passes to remove all the product buildup but this left my hair squeaky clean after one wash. I’m still shocked that I didn’t need to follow it with my regular shampoo. Plus, my hair still felt soft even before conditioning. This is likely due in part to the Briogeo pre-wash, but more so because this is a creamy formula that does well for hair’s moisture levels.
• Key Ingredients: Activated charcoal, magnetic polymer, a gentle surfactant blend, a naturally-derived chelating agent
• Who It’s For: This shampoo is for anyone who wants squeaky clean hair—especially to remove any excess product buildup following heavy styling or protective styles.
• How to Use: Living Proof recommends using this in place of your regular shampoo. Once lathered, let the product sit on the hair for 1-2 minutes before rinsing. Follow with a conditioner or mask.

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Peace Out Skincare Early Stage Acne Dots

Courtesy of Peace Out Skincare

• Why We Love It: Putting a pimple patch on a zit at night to remove it in the morning with no improvement in the pimple’s size is such a bummer! I’m sure we all can relate to that. What I’ve realized, and perhaps I am simply late to this knowledge, but traditional pimple patches only work when a zit is more formed (think: a white head or black head has already reared its ugly head). So, when I was introduced to Peace Out Skincare’s Early Stage Acne Dots, I was intrigued. But what does that even mean? Here’s how the brand describes it: “An acne-fighting pimple patch designed to tackle early-stage breakouts.”
• How It Works: The set features eight acne dots—likely larger in size than you’d expect. Each hydrocolloid dot features 430 self-dissolving microneedles that deliver acne-fighting ingredients. There is 2% salicylic acid—an ingredient renowned for its ability to dig deep into pores. Then, there’s succinic acid that also helps unclog pores, but works to limit excess oils overall. These are bolstered by niacinamide which helps strengthen the skin barrier and fade dark spots.
• My Experience: Actually using the dots is simple; though, I was surprised to sort of feel the microneedles pressing into my skin. Not painful by any means, but an interesting sensation to put that sort of pressure on an active breakout. The dots do not budge once in place, even when I applied my skin care products around it. I’ve been getting a lot of forehead breakouts lately which typically have a four day life cycle from start to finish; but when I used this, that timeline was cut in half. Say I felt a pimple arising on Monday, I’d apply it at night and by Wednesday AM, the zit would be gone. Pretty impressive if you ask me. I have one acne dot left, and I will 100% be stocking up on these this year.
• Key Ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, niacinamide, succinic acid, mandelic acid
• Who It’s For: Anyone with acne will love these dots, truly.
• How to Use: Use these dots similarly to a traditional pimple patch—placing it directly atop a zit. Remember: having clean, dry skin is key. For this one, press the dot on your breakout and hold down for 20 seconds to activate the treatment and ensure it stays in place. Peace Out recommends wearing the patch for at least 6 hours, and repeat every two days or so until the bump goes away.

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Balmain Hair Hair Perfume

Courtesy of Balmain Hair

• Why We Love It: Is hair perfume the next big thing? Hair care treatments and tools have been on the rise for a bit now; just think about it: nearly everyone you know is somehow on a quest to have healthier, thicker, shinier hair these days—or at least hoping to achieve a bouncier blowout. Speaking of, thanks to innovations in hot tools—heat styling is more integral in our routines than ever. That said, whether to stave off that tell-tale “heat” smell or just a subtle finishing touch to the hair you’ve been working so hard on, we are not surprised searches for “hair perfume” are up 49% versus last year. The latest—and arguably, the most luxurious is this trio of perfumes by Balmain Hair.
• The Inspiration: Crafted by perfumer Cécile Zarokianunder, these scents join the label’s Heritage 1974 collection in celebration of Balmain Hair’s 50th anniversary. The idea? “What distinguishes Hair Perfumes is their distinctive formulation—non-greasy, suitable for all hair types, and a departure from heavy, sticky sprays,” Balmain Hair says in a press release. “They offer enduring, long-lasting scents, while simultaneously enriching the hair with natural ingredients like Silk Protein and Argan Elixir for a soft, healthy feel and look.”
• The Scents: First is Ginger 1974, a warm and complex scent brought to life through notes of spicy ginger, bergamot, fir balsam, gourmand, suede, and white musk—inspired by Balmain’s signature, powerful silhouette. Second is Cardamom 1974 which the label describes as mysterious and sensual, blending warm and sweet notes of cardamom, bergamot, blackcurrant, rose, vanilla, and lemon; the most energizing of the bunch. Last is Vetiver 1974. Think of this as bright, fresh, and almost masculine. Woody notes of vetiver, cedarwood, and balsam opposes orange, black pepper, vanilla, amber, and Lily of the valley to create a scent representative of the Balmain ethos.
• Who It’s For: Someone who wants a lasting fragrance, a perfume lover, or that person who just wants to get ahead of the trends (expect to see a lot of hair perfumes this year!).
• How to Use: Like any perfume or cologne, there is not a science to applying. Spray directly onto the hair as you see fit; feel free to brush through to work the scent across your entire mane. The scents are rather rich, so you’ll likely only need two to three sprays to leave a lasting impression.

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Topicals Slick Salve Mint Lip Balm

Courtesy of Topicals

• Why We Love It: If you’ve been reading this beauty new arrivals column for a while now you’ve probably noticed there’s been lip balm (for what it’s worth, I use the term “balm” inclusive of glosses, tints, and oils) in every iteration of this series. And it’s not just because I’m a huge lip gloss fan, but because there are so many formulas hitting the market these days. I only say that to one, emphasize that I am a sort of lip balm connoisseur and two, that I know what takes a balm from good to great. That’s why, I’m delighted to introduce you to Topicals Slick Salve.
• The Results: What makes a great lip balm you ask? It should at the very least provide adequate hydration—quelling dryness, flakiness, and cracks instantly and in the long term. (By this, I mean that some lip products seem to be good upon first application; but with consistent use, you’ll find that your lips seem to become more dry following—creating a vicious cycle that does your pout more harm than good.How annoying!) By a restorative and protective blend of peptides, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, Slick Salve addresses chronic dryness and creates a protective shield to the lips on each wear. The other tenants of a great lip balm are aesthetic. The finish is subjective, but whether you prefer a glossy shine or cushiony slip, it should instantly improve the look of your lips and last all day.
• My Experience: Though Slick Salve is a sheer formula, it manages to enhance the natural color of your lips instantly—a win for minimal makeup days or paired with a lip liner. The balm imparts a succulent, juicy non-sticky shine I’m obsessed with. Better yet, it literally lasts for hours. One time, I applied it at 9 a.m. on my way into the office and did not need to reapply until I had made it back home at the end of the workday. How it managed to stay on through breakfast and lunch is beyond me but hey, I’m not complaining.
• Key Ingredients: Peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, rice bran wax
• Who It’s For: This is for anyone who can appreciate a damn good high-shine lip balm. Or, who wants to avoid chapped lips.
• How to Use: Apply to your lips as needed.

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Ouai Hair Gloss

Courtesy of Ouai

• Why We Love It: Safe to say, shiny, silky hair is in—not to say it was ever out but walk with me here. Though the idea is rather simple, lush locks can be hard to achieve—particularly for those of us with dry, brittle, damaged, or color-treated strands. Enter: the Ouai Hair Gloss.
• The Results: This gloss’s promise to deliver “immediate shine while providing the healthy hair benefits like protecting against color fading, helping treat damage and providing heat protection (up to 450° Fahrenheit)” is an alluring premise. With a restorative blend of sugar beets, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and rosemary leaf extract, the elixir makes hair instantly shinier, smoother, and more vibrant. The added bonus? This features Ouai’s North Bondi fragrance that smells of florals, musk, and Italian lemon.
• Our Experience: As I had braids for all of December, I passed the Gloss off to Vogue video producer Ana to test. She found that this improved her bleached hair’s silkiness and slip, and “added shine by locking in moisture in the strands.” That said, a little bit of product goes a long way; stick to the directions (just a pea sized amount per section of hair!). Looking at the video she recorded of her test, I’d say her hair looked vibrant and shiny as ever.
• Key Ingredients: Sugar beet, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, rice seed water, rosemary leaf extract, castor oil, sunflower extract, panthenol
• Who It’s For: Anyone with damaged, color-treated, or dry hair.
• How to Use: Generally speaking, put your hair in sections then work a pea-sized amount from root to ends. Comb through, let sit for five minutes, then rinse. While those with dry hair should apply conditioner then this gloss, those with oily or fine hair types should use this in place of their conditioner. Curly peeps, on the other hand, should use this as a supplemental step for a shine boost.

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Vacation Chardonnay Lip Oil SPF 30

Courtesy of Vacation

• Why We Love It: At Vogue, we love a sexy sunscreen launch. What we mean by this is, a sunscreen that is fun, innovative, and actually effective at blocking UV rays. Vacation Chardonnay Lip Oil SPF 30 does all this and more!
• The Results: A lip oil at its core, this product is formulated to cushion the lips with nourishing hydration through a host of moisturizing agents—chardonnay grape seed oil, sweet cherry oil, and shea butter. There is also hyaluronic acid and peptides to boost lip’s plumpness. Aesthetically, this leaves a glossy, non-sticky sheen. And of course, there is broad-spectrum SPF 30 for a protective layer against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
• My Experience: One would never know this was actually sunscreen because it wears like a traditional makeup product, and I mean that as a good thing. Aside from its delightful gourmand smell, I love its lightweight, velvety feel.
• Key Ingredients: Chardonnay grape seed oil, sweet cherry oil, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C, vitamin E, chemical SPF (avobenzone 2.9%, homosalate 5%, octisalate 4.9%, octocrylene 8%)
• Who It’s For: Anyone keen on prioritizing sun care will love this lip oil.
• How to Use: No nuanced instructions here. Just apply as you would any other lip product. You can wear it alone or over a makeup product (read: lip liner or lipstick) for UV protection atop any look.

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Want to learn about more new beauty products? Read last month’s picks below.

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Dyson Airwrap Multi-styler Complete Long Diffuse

• The Inspiration: The Dyson Airwrap needs no introduction. So while I am not highlighting it here as a brand-new Dyson hot tool to know, I am showcasing the launch of a new version specifically for my curly and coily peeps. “The original Airwrap can be effective for various hair types, including curly/coily hair, but the long diffuser is more specialized,” explains Irinel de León, celebrity stylist and global Dyson ambassador. “Its extended shape and specific airflow pattern cater better to longer and curly/coily hair textures, providing enhanced results compared to the standard attachments of the original Airwrap.” So what exactly is new about the Airwap Complete Long Diffuse? Simply put: The attachments differ; this set features two new ones. The first is a wide-tooth comb designed to help detangle and lengthen wavy, curly, and coily hair types while drying. The second and perhaps most exciting addition is the diffuser. “The diffuser attachment aims to evenly disperse air to dry curls, coils, or waves while minimizing frizz and maintaining hair health, specifically for those with longer hair lengths,” de León says.
• The Results: Generally speaking most people don’t want frizzy hair, but this is especially true to achieve defined curls and coils. So the diffuser is designed for even air distribution—to dry hair without disrupting the natural curl pattern—which minimizes heat damage, preserves hair’s moisture levels, and reduces frizz. Same goes for the wide-tooth comb, which I find funnels Dyson’s powerful airflow, smoothing the hair shaft as you work through. Of course, the set also features other well-loved attachments, like the volumizing round brush, firm brush, smoothing dryer, and long barrel.
• My Experience: As a curly girl, I was admittedly already a fan of the Dyson Airwrap even before this model was launched. (Go ahead and read my full review here.) It’s honestly an investment-worthy hot tool that I do not hesitate to recommend time and time again. All to say I was delighted to hear that Dyson was introducing a set featuring a diffuser and wide-tooth comb—two attachments I love most about my Dyson Supersonic hair dryer. Now I can pretty much rely on my Airwrap exclusively, which is particularly exciting for travel! While I’d previously have to dry and lengthen my coils with the Supersonic wide-tooth comb then style with the Airwrap, I can do my entire styling routine with just the latter.
• Who It’s for: This level of customization is just not something you get with traditional hair tools. Dyson continues to prove that it’s designing tools with every hair type in mind, so I’d say there’s genuinely something for everyone. For the second year in a row, it’s one of my top gifts of 2023.
• How to Use: Using the Dyson Airwrap is not a one-fits-all approach; outlining all its uses could be a full tutorial at minimum. But I asked de León for a bit of guidance. “Understanding how your hair responds to the Airwrap’s attachments will help achieve the best results for each desired style,” she says. “Adjust heat and airflow settings according to your hair’s thickness and texture to prevent excessive heat exposure and maintain hair health.” For frizz-free, defined curls, she recommends applying a curl-defining product then using the diffuser attachment on a low-to-medium heat setting. “Once dry, switch to the cool-shot setting to set the curls and reduce frizz further,” she notes. For a voluminous blowout, on the other hand, start with straight hair (via the wide-tooth comb and/or smoothing brush), and work with the round brush in sections, “wrapping hair around the barrel while simultaneously lifting at the roots for volume.”

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Violette_Fr Petal Bouche Matte

Photo: Courtesy of Violette_FR

• The Inspiration: French-born makeup artist Violette is the epitome of the effortless, cool-girl French style we all desire—and sometimes, maybe, try too hard to achieve. Thankfully, between her social media community and beauty line Violette_Fr, it’s easier than ever to put your own spin on la beauté française. “Cerise désir means ‘cherry desire,’” says Violette of the new shade of her acclaimed Petal Bouche Matte lipstick. “It’s dangerous, mysterious, but most of all, the definition of chic irreverence.” If you’re anything like me, you think of a red lip when you think of Parisian beauty. While everything else about their style is minimal, that pop of rogue makes all the statement. While the inaugural shade, Amour Fou, is Violette’s signature, she’s now introducing a rich burgundy hue that leans less holiday red, more deep merlot. “Let Cerise Désir dress you—that’s all you need,” she muses. “That’s your outfit.”
• My Experience: To be clear, my personal quest for the best red lipstick is only just beginning, but I do know exactly what I’m looking for. The lipstick should, of course, stay in place for hours, not transfer, and not dry my lips out. As for the shade, I need something that will complement my golden undertones. I’m not partial to a bright crimson by any means, so the richer the better. I was delighted that Cerise Désir checked all my boxes.
• The Results: The velvet texture of Petal Bouche Matte is unmatched. The first swatch goes on creamy, but it diffuses into a velvet, soft matte finish once you start blending (or rubbing your lips together). That being said, a little goes a long way; the more product you apply, the richer the hue. The Cerise Désir shade has bluish undertones, which are great for a rich nighttime look. As I do with any lip, I was sure to pair it with a deep brown lip liner to adequately define my pout and give added fullness.
• Finish: Matte
• About the Shades: There are three shades total: Cerise Désir, Amour Fou (a fiery red), and Cœur Infidèle (a vibrant pink).
• Who It’s for: Anyone in search of a sultry, kissable matte red lip.
• How to Use: According to Violette_Fr, apply a stroke of the lipstick to your bottom lip and then top lip. Add a little extra to the outer corners for an ombré effect, or gently soften the edges with your fingertips for that French-girl look.

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Chanel Sublimage L’Extrait de Nuit Ultimate Repair Night Concentrate

Photo: Courtesy of Chanel

• The Inspiration: Through Sublimage L’Extrait de Nuit, Chanel Beauty is looking to maximize your beauty sleep. While many of us focus our beauty regimens during the daylight hours, Chanel has long been privy to the power of the nighttime routine, studying since 2001 how our body’s circadian rhythm impacts the skin. “Free from the stresses of the day, it is able to activate its cellular-repair mechanisms and eliminate toxins for improved rejuvenation and strength,” Chanel writes in a press release. “It undergoes a true rebirth.” However, our biological clock is altered when irregular sleep patterns get in the way, ultimately leading to skin looking duller prematurely.
• The Results: Vanilla is at the heart of Chanel’s Sublimage collection, so it should come as no surprise that the ingredient leads the Ultimate Repair Night Concentrate. There is vanilla from Madagascar and polyfractioned vanilla planifolia. The benefits of vanilla, you ask? It protects against free-radical damage and helps promote youthful, effective skin cells. Composed of 91% natural ingredients, the concentrate is also infused with Himalayan swertia extract (according to Chanel, this “limits the spread of skin cells that are responsible for signs of aging, then promotes cell rejuvenation”) and a chronopeptide (which also works to repair damaged skin cells). Simply put, this promotes brighter, firmer, plumper skin over time. Not to mention it’s housed in impeccable refillable glass packaging.
• My Experience: Using Sublimage L’Extrait de Nuit is truly a treat from start to finish. The treatment instantly revitalizes my complexion, emitting a luminous glow arguably not worthy of bedtime. In determining what I love most about it, I find it hard not to mention its sensorial properties. How a product feels on the skin makes all the difference, and I looked forward to my night skin care ritual simply so I could apply it. Plus, doing the facial massage recommended to accompany the serum gave me a spa-like experience I otherwise would not have achieved. With my blood flowing and my visage depuffed, I went to bed knowing my cells beneath the surface were in for a little treat. Come morning, my skin appeared firm and somehow camera-ready—an odd thing to say after eight hours of rest.
• Key Ingredients: Vanilla planifolia, Swertia extract, chronopeptide
• Who It’s for: This is for anyone looking to treat signs of aging overnight; it has a luxurious, silky texture that sinks right into the skin, making it suitable for all skin types. Also, because there are no harsh actives (like BHAs or retinol) in the formula, sensitive skin types can delight in the treatment too. Still want to keep up your retinol usage? Cycle between the vitamin A and this concentrate every other night.
• How to Use: Chanel explains that Sublimage L’Extrait de Nuit is best applied with the proper technique. Apply a small amount of the serum to the face, neck, and décolletage. With hands flat against the skin, massage upward from the T-zone to the hairline. Then, massage from the center of the face outward with circular motions. Repeat both of these motions three times each evening, followed by a face cream, preferably Sublimage L’Extrait de Creme.

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Le Labo Lavande 31 Eau de Parfum

Photo: Courtesy of Le Labo

• The Inspiration: Le Labo Lavande 31 is by no means your everyday lavender fragrance. On its product page, the brand writes an interesting anecdote that while the scent might conjure images of “your grandmother’s wall-papered bathroom” or “an old-fashioned barbershop,” Lavande 31 was designed to “knock all preconceived notions of lavender on its head.”
• My Experience: I will say when I first smelled Lavande 31, I did not think of it as a lavender perfume at all actually. I guess you could say I was the target audience for its apt description. I have never been into anything lavender—not for personal scents, home fragrances, or relaxing pillow mists. I always found it rather stuffy, even dated. This, however, works as intended. It’s a modern lavender in the sense that it delivers a sophisticated twang that, upon first whiff, smells aromatic, a little musky, and rather citrusy—thanks to top notes of bergamot and neroli. Only as the perfume laid on my skin did I pick up the floral notes, grounded by amber, musk, and tonka. Le Labo calls it “both clean and dirty, recognizable yet truly unique.”
• The Results: When I wore it around the office, I received plenty of compliments, and when I revealed the scent in question, every person was pleasantly shocked. Some iteration of “I can’t believe that’s a lavender perfume” was the common sentiment but a welcome one. Lavande 31 has an alluring softness that makes you want to come back for more just to experience it again. Its uniqueness makes it hard to describe, but perhaps that’s what makes Lavande 31 so special.
• Key Notes: Lavender, bergamot, neroli, amber, musk, and tonka
• Who It’s for: This is for any fragrance connoisseur or anyone partial to a floral, aromatic scent.
• How to Use: Use as you would any perfume. I like to spray it on each wrist and gently tap it on my temples. I am also partial to a bedtime scent and recommend this as one.

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Glossier Candle

Photo: Courtesy of Glossier

• The Inspiration: It’s widely known that community is a central tenet of Glossier’s ethos, so it’s no surprise that its candle was born out of fan requests. The brand tells Vogue that devotees of Glossier You, the label’s acclaimed perfume, kept asking for a candle version of the skin-enhancing scent—which prompted the team to launch mini candles as a holiday exclusive last year in You and orange-blossom-neroli scents. This month Glossier debuts a new candle in another cult-favorite scent. Introducing Sandstone, a scent first introduced with the Glossier deodorant launch earlier this year.
• What Does It Smell Like? “This scent was inspired by Big Sur,” the Glossier team tells me over email. “It smells both fresh and homey. Some describe it as a California getaway!” I would agree. Of all the scents the brand has released, it is by far the most refreshing. It skews light, almost aquatic, like waves crashing along the coast. It’s grounded by a sort of woodiness, a warmth that lingers.
• Key Notes: Sandalwood, clary sage, and fig leaf. Also worth noting, this candle is created with a vegan, non-paraffin blend of soy and coconut.
• The Results: With its coziness in mind, it’s become a fall-winter staple in my house. I first burned this in my bedroom and found that the aroma filled the space quickly; if I walked past it, I smelled a whiff then too—a quality that takes a candle from good to great, in my opinion. Arguably more important for me is that this didn’t create excess smokiness while burning (or when I blew the candle out). And it lasts! Glossier notes that the candle has a 45-hour burn time. I’m also really into the glass vessel it’s housed in, which I plan to use as a makeup-brush holder once I’m through with it.
• Who It’s for: If any of my friends or family members are reading this, I will be accepting the Glossier Candle in Sandstone as a gift through 2024! Whether someone likes an invigorating, natural aroma or just loves a little objet as decor, this candle is really for anyone.
• How to Use: Strike a match and inhale!

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