I'm a beauty editor who tests hundreds of new beauty products – these are the best new launches this month from £16
EVERY day's a school day, as they say, and I've just learned something new about myself.
Normally, I have an aversion to hand cream - I understand why it's good, but the experience puts me off.
I hate the greasy residue, and how it leaves behind smeared fingerprints on everything I touch after applying.
But I've now found a cheat-code that makes me want to keep reapplying - cute packaging.
Like a child who won't eat veg, by hiding it in something pretty, it's suddenly palatable.
The product that brought me to this conclusion are Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Hand Cream, £52, which comes in three scents inspired by the brand's iconic perfumes - a fruity blackcurrant and lychee, a zesty mandarin and green tea, and a fresh cucumber and mint - housed in pretty pastel-coloured, hexagonal packaging that fits into the palm of my hand.
And then there's Dior Le Baume Toile de Jouy limited edition with Balm Holder, £68, which has a dedicated key chain and rubber case, practically making it a fashion accessory.
Both formulas are equally as brilliant as their packaging, with minimal stickiness after use and subtle scents that won't compete with your perfume.
Before you start - yes, I know they're ridiculously expensive, but I went cold turkey with gel manicures after Christmas, and have saved myself a small fortune by skipping the fortnightly salon appointments, so I can justify the cost (girl math!), especially as they last a lot longer than a manicure of the same price.
Dior Diorshow Overvolume Mascara, £35
It's a great month for Dior launches, as Dior Diorshow Overvolume Mascara, £35, has also wowed me - I'm a long-time fan of Dior mascaras.
The brand's Overcurl Mascara, £35, was one of the first luxe beauty products I bought over a decade ago, and I've loved pretty much every mascara since then, but when I saw the campaign imagery for the latest launch, I thought I'd hate it.
The main benefit is volume, and I often find volumising mascaras can leave lashes heavy and clumped together, so usually I'd steer clear.
To my surprise, the super-flexible brush combed through lashes, defining them while adding volume, so they didn't end up stuck together.
It doesn't flake or irritate my sensitive eyes, and it has stood up to my constant weeping thanks to hay fever.
I've been using it every day for almost a month, so it's safe to say it's got my seal of approval.
Clarins Double Serum Light Texture, £65
It's not the only new product I was eagerly anticipating this month.
When Clarins announced the launch of Clarins Double Serum Light Texture, £65 - a lightweight version of the brand's best-selling Double Serum, £65 - I practically jumped with joy.
I'm all for efficiency and love a serum that does it all, so the combination of brightening antioxidants to even my skin tone, hydrating squalane and glycerin, collagen boosting tri-peptides and soothing aloe, oat and turmeric to reduce redness and inflammation, is right up my street.
It absorbs quickly and feels weightless on my face - after just a few weeks, my skin looks and feels healthier, so I can't wait to see the results by the time I finish the bottle.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Roll-On, £26
Similarly, as soon as Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Roll-On, £26, came out, I immediately questioned why they'd not thought of housing the iconic oil (which has an incredible scent of magnolia, orange blossom and vanilla that's like sunshine in a bottle) in a roll-on sooner.
Much like the hand-cream issue, I tend to dislike applying body oil as it's messy and ends up everywhere, but the roll-on completely eliminates that - it's so faff-free, you can even apply it once you're dressed!
It's not often I praise an entire brand, especially new ones, but when I saw Tocobo in the new-in section on Boots.com, I had to try it all.
The fun packaging looks like something that belongs in the Barbie house, but the formulas inside are far more sophisticated.
I especially love Tocobo Multi Ceramide Cream, £21, which has a super-thick mousse-like texture that somehow manages to sink into skin quickly, so you get tonnes of hydration without having to wait hours for it to absorb, making it suitable for all skin types.
Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF50 PA++++, £16, is equally as impressive, thanks to the velvet finish I've never seen from a sunscreen before.
There's really no excuse not to wear SPF now!
Top beauty trends for 2025
Hayley Walker, Beauty Expert at Justmylook spoke exclusively to Fabulous about the big beauty trends for 2025.
Haircare
Hair gloss treatments are a must-have as beauty enthusiasts love the salon-quality shine and enhanced colour delivered by the trending treatment.
Hair glosses are multifunctional, as they nourish the hair while offering a vibrant, healthy-looking finish, combining 2025's core trends. This treatment is perfect for those seeking an affordable, at-home glow-up.
2025 will focus on skin repairing and texture-enhancing treatments.
Skincare
Rejuran treatment, a celebrity-endorsed procedure, will see a rise in demand this year as many seek to enhance their skin's appearance. The procedure entails injecting polynucleotides derived from salmon DNA to enhance skin texture and elasticity. 'Rejuvenation is expected to dominate 2025 skincare trends as many seek to achieve a flawless, youthful complexion.
Skincare will also include back-to-basic products for a simplified routine.
Ginseng cleansing oil and panthenol cream are among the trending products for 2025. The cleansing oil is excellent for dissolving make-up and impurities without clogging pores and is enriched with nourishing properties to leave the skin feeling and looking refreshed and radiant.
Make-up
Make-up trends will follow suit to achieve youthful and radiant looks. Under-eye brighteners will be sought-after products for delivering coverage while enhancing natural radiance. This beauty tool will complement natural beauty while improving and brightening dull skin.
Make-up looks will be bigger and bolder in 2025 with cluster lashes expected to surge this year. These lashes bring the glam to glamorous looks as they deliver dramatic volume to enhance everyday or special occasion looks.
Peel-off lip stains circulated the beauty industry in 2024 and are expected to dominate in 2025. The growing popularity of this product is due to its ability to provide long-lasting, transfer-proof colour to lips, enhancing a natural aesthetic. Additionally, cherry-coded aesthetics are expected to be everywhere this year as the deep, rich hue can be achieved using peel-off lip stains or bold lip looks for a dramatic effect.
Nails
2025 will be another year of countless, show-stopping nail trends. Goddess Nails and Aura Nails deserve an honourable mention as these designs channel an ethereal, celestial aesthetic for bold, self-expressing nails.
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