8 of the best beauty buys that launched in April, from Charlotte Tilbuty to Laneige

Daily Mirror

03-05-2025

We've pinned down all the new standout launches from last month, including Charlotte Tilbury's new kohl pencils
Somehow it's already May — how did that happen? As we swap chunky jackets for linen shirts and iced coffees, we can't help but feel a little nostalgic about April. It was the month that the sun finally came out and summer dresses made their long-awaited return.
April also brought a bunch of brilliant beauty launches — from haircare heroes to glowy skincare must-haves. This month, our beauty writers Lauren, Rachel and Tiffany have rounded up their favourite finds — including Philip Kingsley's latest hair treatment in a juicy nectar and peach scent (hello, summer hair) and ghd's brand-new tool for creating soft, beachy waves.
We've also pinned down the best skincare and makeup launches, from the likes of Charlotte Tilbury and Skin & Tan. Plus, Laneige has dropped a new Lip Sleeping Mask flavour and spoiler: it's green, fresh and you'll want to wear it all day (as well as the night).
Scroll down to see the best beauty buys you'll want to add to your shopping basket, stat.
Lauren's picks:
Skin & Tan Face Glow Advanced Hydrating SPF & Tan Cream - £20
Now that the sun's shining, I've started using fake tan again. I'm comfortable with my pale skin during winter, but a golden glow gives me an extra confidence boost when the weather warms up.
Skin & Tan has been on my list for some time (its setting mist is a real game-changer), so I was eager to try its latest product: the Glow Advanced Hydrating SPF & Tan Cream. This 3-in-1 multitasker is designed to fit seamlessly into your daily routine, serving as a daily moisturiser, providing essential sun protection, and delivering a gradual tan that looks natural and sun-kissed.
Admittedly, I had some reservations at first application — the formula is a bit thick — but it blended in surprisingly quickly, leaving no white residue. It did leave my skin feeling slightly sticky, but nothing too off-putting. It also smells like a gentle reminder of holidays (think subtle coconut and sunshine), and I noticed that my face felt more hydrated after use.
The tan itself took a few days to develop, but the results were worth the wait. It was a healthy, glowing, just-back-from-the-beach kind of colour that made me look instantly more refreshed.
Sure, it's not the lightest texture I've tried, but at £20, it's a solid budget-friendly choice if you're looking for an everyday SPF that delivers a gradual, healthy tan without fuss.
LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask Matcha Bubble Tea - £21
Rain or shine, winter winds or summer heatwaves, my lips are perpetually dry and chapped. It's a curse I've come to accept but one I never stop trying to fix.
So when Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask went viral, I had to see what the hype was about. I picked up the vanilla version first, and it's been a non-negotiable part of my bedtime routine ever since. A quick swipe before sleep, and I wake up to soft, hydrated lips — no peeling or flaking.
Laneige has since expanded its lineup with a range of delicious flavours, and the latest addition to the family is Matcha Bubble Tea. It smells like a creamy blend of earthy green tea and sweet milk — comforting and refreshing.
Like all the other versions, it's packed with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and murumuru butter to deeply moisturise overnight. And if you're as obsessed with the scent as I am, there's even a matching Glowy Lip Balm for daytime use.
ghd Wave - £159
Now the weather is officially warm, and I've been on the hunt for a way to get that effortless, beachy hair vibe without the need for an actual beach (the struggle of living in London). After much searching, I'm thrilled to report that GHD has just launched its first device designed for exactly that: the ghd Wave.
This clever new tool features three barrels and uses advanced PTC heat technology to maintain the optimal styling temperature of 185°C, ensuring a consistent, gentle heat that helps create loose, natural-looking waves. GHD also claims it delivers 30% more shine and up to twice less frizz — ideal for polished, off-duty waves.
Don't forget, though, to always apply a heat protector spray before you get styling to keep strands healthy and strong all summer long. My personal preference is Beauty Works 10 in 1 Miracle Heat Protect Spray (£8.50), which eliminates frizz, nourishes hair, and prevents potential damage.
Rachel's picks:
Nala's Baby Strawberry Springs Body Lotion - £5.55
Ever since Nala's Baby was launched in 2022, it's become something of a force to be reckoned with amongst parents and skincare fans alike. Because it's made for babies, it's incredibly kind on even the most sensitive of skin, and as a result, it's become a firm favourite amongst adults too.
I'm one of Nala's Baby's stalwart fans, and swears by it for soft and nourished skin without it having to cost the earth. So, I was excited to try the newest scent of the brand's body lotion — Strawberry Springs.
I've been using Vanilla Cloud f or a good while, and the scent is unrivalled, so a more exotic version of my favourite lotion sounded perfect for the upcoming summer months. My skin is sensitive, so this lotion is perfect for me. as it's packed with hydrating apricot oil and soothing shea butter to absorb effortlessly and deliver long-lasting moisture and protection against dryness.
It's infused with strawberry, raspberry leaf, and black currant extracts for a gorgeous smell that layers perfectly with some of my fruitier summer perfumes. I can't say I prefer it to Vanilla Cloud as that's the OG, but it's definitely something I'll be using throughout the warmer spring an summer months.
Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Therapy in Honey Nectar and Peach - £24
As someone who has thick, long and often dry hair, keeping it hydrated and in good condition is paramount. Following advice from a Dyson hairstylist a few years ago, I began to apply Philip Kingsley Elasticizer once a week for a deep condition, and it's seriously helped in the upkeep of healthy, shiny hair with less split ends than I was experiencing before.
Anyone who knows anything about haircare will know that Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Therapy is nothing new, and has been a cult staple amongst many beauty lovers for years. But what is new is a Honey Nectar and Peach version, which hit shelves at the back-end of last month.
Having used this several times now, I can vouch for it having the same restorative properties as the OG, with the added bonus of a delicious, summer scent that lasts for days after washing.
Used before shampooing, it's clinically proven to reduce breakage by up to 46% after just one wash. It also adds instant shine, and makes your hair feel super soft. The only downside is you do need to leave it on to work its magic for 10-20 minutes before washing, but if you can make the time, it's well worth it.
Tiffany's picks:
Belif The True Cream, Aqua Bomb - £34.53
The craze of Korean beauty skincare is showing no signs of slowing down. One of the 'OG' K-beauty brands that I encountered in Southeast Asia is Belif, which uses apothecary traditions and herbal ingredients to restore skin conditions. I was excited when I found out Belif has landed in the UK — but especially for its bestseller, The True Cream Aqua Bomb.
The gel-cream moisturiser is loved by makeup artists in Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, who use it as a makeup primer before applying foundation. A blend of hydrating botanical extracts, glycerin, and macadamia nut oil bind moisture to the skin, plumping up the skin, restoring elasticity, and creating a dewy glow.
The Aqua Bomb range also includes a pillow-proof Sleeping Mask (£51.73), a refreshing jelly-to-foam Jelly Cleanser (£22) and a hydrating Toner (£21).
The Outset Lip Oasis - £22
Scarlett Johansson knows a thing or two about keeping lips looking luscious. Her clean beauty brand, The Outset, recently developed the popular Lip Oasis, which delivers intense moisture and high shine without that sticky, greasy feeling.
The brand launched three tinted versions to give shoppers' lips a sheer hint of colour with fruit-flavoured scents — Mirage (blackberry), Sun Kiss (orange-red) and Dune (nude).
It nourishes the lips, and the Maxi-Lip technology is also proven to enhance volume and contour over time. Scarlett added: 'The pigment also helps to camouflage any lip discolouration — think of it like the gloss equivalent of concealer for your lips.'
Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'n' Kohl Kajal Eye Pencils - £25
Charlotte Tilbury has added new kohl pencils to its ever popular makeup range. The new Rock 'n' Kohl Kajal Eye Pencils are the perfect solution for those wanting 'effortless, sultry smokey eyes' in seconds.
The new addition is a major improvement to Charlotte's original Kohl eyeliners, which launched in 2013. The new Kajal Eye Pencils are highly pigmented, ultra-creamy, and waterproof. In a test, 33 participants said their eyeliner lasted up to 28 hours on the eyelid and 10 hours on the waterline.
The three matte shades are Bedroom Black, Barbarella Brown, and Fig Smoulder, and the metallic shades are Smokey Bronze, Hypnotic Peacock, and Sapphire Nights. While reviews have yet to come in, Charlotte gave tips to customers on using the new Kajal Eye Pencils: "Line, Smude, and Smoulder. Apply along the lash line and in your waterline, smudge it out using the built-in smudger brush, or create Charlotte's iconic feline flick."