Editors' Picks: The Best Beauty Products We Tried in November
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Including hair growth serums and brightening eye creams
People / Alli Waataja
At PEOPLE, we take beauty testing very seriously. We sift through hundreds — nay — thousands of pitches and products on a regular basis, carefully swatching, spritzing, and applying the latest and greatest offerings so that we can then share with you, dear readers, those that are worth your hard-earned money.
And we're keenly aware that beauty products are subjective, which is why we consult with experts like dermatologists, makeup artists, and hairstylists to determine what will best suit our specific skin and hair types. We also boast a large testing pool of varying beauty needs so that we're each giving the products a fair trial before writing them off. Sometimes, though, there are those especially shiny offerings that we feel the need to shout from the mountaintop of bottles, tubes, and compacts, which is why we publish this monthly series of our absolute favorite picks.
Below, we're rounding up the makeup, skincare, and hair products that made us do a double-take last month — and then reach for them again and again. From the skincare device Hailey Bieber uses for glowy skin to the scalp serum that celebrity hair stylists swear by, here are the products we tried and loved the most this month.
Gee Beauty Prime Skin
“My fellow beauty editor Heather Muir was recently raving about Gee Beauty, an under-the-radar brand (somehow even I've been sleeping on it!) that was started by a mom and her daughters. Knowing my penchant for natural-looking makeup, she recommended I try their skin tint, which apparently has quite a cult following. After getting my hands on a bottle, I can tell you this stuff is worth the hype. Despite having "prime" in its name, the tint gives you ample coverage so you don't need foundation, plus it has a blurring effect for a glowy, airbrushed look. I owe you, Heather!” — Andrea Lavinthal, style & beauty director
Price at time of publish: $58
Burgeon Gorgeous F**ing Hair Daily Ritual
“Yes, the product name is cheeky, but after meeting with Laini Reeves, who just launched her line Burgeon, I can attest that she's dead serious about her mission to help with hair loss. Reeves, a celeb hairstylist who works with Emily Blunt and Jane Fonda, spent years researching and collaborating with scientists, doctors, and wellness experts to develop a two-step daily system that includes a prebiotic/probiotic supplement to improve gut health (she believes that a healthy microbiome is key to absorption) and a plant-based scalp serum to encourage growth. I've only been using the combo for a few weeks, but if Reeves' seriously impressive before and afters are any prediction of my own results, I'm well on my way to having some gorgeous f**ing hair.” — Andrea Lavinthal
Price at time of publish: $150
InnBeauty Project 10+10 More-Sturizer
“Despite getting glam for early holiday parties and flashy outings, my beauty regimen was mainly focused on skincare this month. I know my complexion well enough to be able to pinpoint when and where I'm going to start developing dry spots on my skin, but ever since implementing the InnBeauty Project 10 + 10 Daily More-Sturizer into my routine, I haven't noticed a single patch of irritation despite the brisk winter weather. Its formula, infused with vitamin C, peptides, and ceramides, instantly hydrates and plumps my skin to the point that I find it hard to see pores — something I've only ever experienced with a primer before this moisturizer came into my life. Using this product morning and night has made my skin look so healthy that I've been shocked by how smoothly my makeup now lays and my lack of breakouts — seriously, I don't think my skin has ever looked better.” — Alyssa Brascia, staff shopping writer
Price at time of publish: $35
Maybelline New York Color Tattoo Up to 24H Longwear Cream Eyeshadow Makeup
“I picked up this budget-friendly eyeshadow pot at the drugstore on a whim, and the formula has exceeded all expectations. It glides on smoothly with a punch of pigment, and I love the gel consistency because I can use a small angled brush to apply it like an eyeliner. I've even used it to tight-line my waterline, which makes the green in my eyes pop.” — Cai Cramer, staff shopping writer
Price at time of publish: $6.99
Laneige Lip Glowy Balm
“I'm a sworn devotee to the berry Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, but it's not exactly purse-friendly — the jar and spatula setup are a bit more suited to my skincare vanity. So when I first tried the lip balm version of the traditional mask, which is packaged in a conveniently portable squeeze tube, I knew I'd found my new obsession. And as a lover of minty scents over fruity ones, this peppermint flavor, made specifically for the season, makes this product even more of a hit than it already was. Dry winter lips? I don’t know her.” — Alyssa Brascia
Price at time of publish: $18
Medicube Age-R Booster-H
“Yes, I bought this because it went viral on TikTok after Hailey Beiber used it in one of her videos. I had to try this device myself. Like many other skincare enthusiasts, I am obsessed with achieving glass skin and want to make the most of my skincare products. I love using this device during my nighttime skincare routine; it is compatible with any and all skincare, so it was a seamless addition to my routine. My skin looked glowy and plumper after just one use, and my skin felt less dry when I woke up in the morning.” — Dhara Patel, commerce project manager
Price at time of publish: $280 (orig. $330)
Patrick Ta Major Dimension III Matte Eyeshadow Palette
“This palette has become my 'take everywhere' palette. It is the best neutral palette I've ever tried; the eyeshadows are pigmented and blend easily. This palette includes two cream shades that are perfect as eyeliner or an eyeshadow base. It contains every neutral shade I’d want to reach for, and I even use it to fill in my eyebrows. This palette is a great staple for anyone who loves neutrals or is looking for an excellent, cohesive palette for travel.” — Dhara Patel
Price at time of publish: $70
Related: The 11 Best Eyeshadow Palettes, Tested and Reviewed
Solawave Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand
“I recently added Solawave to my beauty routine, and at age 31, my skin hasn't looked or felt better. I've been using it regularly for over a week now and have already noticed a difference in my skin's texture and dark spots — it just generally looks more alive. Not to mention just the physical routine of gliding the wand across your face feels like a mini facial massage. I can't wait to see the more long term results of using this 'magic' wand — it's simply the best thing I didn't know I needed!” — Erika Reals, senior shopping editor
Price at time of publish: $169
Olivier Midy Lait Midy Anti-Aging Oil-to-Milk Face Wash
“This Olivier Midy oil-to-milk cleanser makes washing your face an experience. I used to be fine with any ol’ gentle cleanser, but this one is gentle during application, refreshing during cleansing, and smooth coming off. Washing my face feels like a ‘moment’ for myself now. (And during this busy season, I will happily take any moment I can get.) One of the Olivier Midy founders comes from a long-line of French pharmacists, and any beauty connoisseur knows: French pharmacies are gold mines for great skincare products. I've been using this face wash and the other two products in this set, and honestly, I've never gotten so many compliments on my skin.” — Erin Johnson, senior shopping editor
Price at time of Publish: $93
K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
“TikTok made me try it. And the Google gift list. And celebrity hair stylists who swear by it. Basically, I felt like I was the only one left on the planet who hadn't tried the K18 hair mask, so I finally caved. I'll admit I was hesitant because you can't use conditioner before applying this mask, so I was convinced my hair would be left in a tangled mess. Turns out, it's popular for a reason. After leaving the mask on for a few minutes, my comb slipped through my hair more easily than ever before. I've used this mask consistently for a few weeks, and I can absolutely tell a difference in my hair's health. It's smooth, not as dry as before, and my color is vibrant.” — Erin Johnson
Price at time of publish: $75
Related: Rihanna’s Hairstylist Calls K18 Hair Products a 'Game Changer'
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.5
“When I asked my dermatologist for her retinol recommendation, she pointed me right to SkinMedica’s Age Defense Retinol Complex. I’m forever thankful. After years of trying different retinol serums, this is the one that has worked for the barely-there wrinkles I’m starting to notice as a woman in her thirties. It comes in three strengths: 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0. (You should pre-condition your skin and start with 0.25, and then work your way up to the subsequent strengths.) I’ve noticed a significant difference in my skin tone and texture, as well as a reduction in dark spots and hyperpigmentation. I’m never looking back — I’ve even recommended it to friends and family.” — Kayla Kitts, shopping editor
Price at time of publish: $64
Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream
See at Biossance.myshopify.com
“It took me a while to find a good eye cream, but after a friend recommended this one from Biossance, I’ve been hooked. I love to use it in the mornings with my Dieux Eye Masks to help brighten my under-eyes before applying makeup. It targets fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, and loss of firmness and elasticity — all valid concerns as I age. The paracress extract smooths and firms, while the pink marine algae visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles. The sugarcane-derived squalane locks in moisture to fix overnight dryness. The skin around my eyes appears firmer, and I’ve noticed an improvement in my dark circles. I’m obsessed!” — Kayla Kitts
Price at time of publish: $56
LANEIGE Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer
“Toner is one of the more disposable products in my routine, so for one to make my full-time rotation, it has to be something special. This Laniege Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer fits the bill. Its milky texture feels divine on my face, and it sinks in immediately with no sticky feeling, leaving behind perfectly plump, hydrated, and dewy skin.” — Karli Bendlin, associate director of content strategy
Price at time of publish: $36
Tarte Best Of Maracuja Juicy Lips Set
“I really love the colors that come in this Tarte set — the darker fig is a warm shade for winter while the rosy copper offers a cooler sparkle. The balms are quite hydrating with glossy effects and the creme shade creates a more shiny matte look. In winter, my lips need a little extra TLC, and this set has nourishing ingredients like maracuja, vitamin E, and a superfruit complex to brighten and moisturize my skin. These products do stay on for a while, but I reapply at least once on the days I wear any of them.” — Madison Yauger, senior commerce writer
Price at time of publish: $34
Lanolips 12-Hour Overnight Lip Mask
“Chapped lips are inevitable during the cold winter months, but I've been using this mask, infused with my favorite ingredient, hyaluronic acid, to make treating them a lot easier. I love applying a healthy amount at night so that I wake up the next day with soft and hydrated lips. That’s right, no flaking. And the dense balmy texture feels moisturizing and luxurious, which is very much welcomed after a long day. Not convinced yet? Perhaps its warm vanilla scent will make you think otherwise.” — Michelle Lee, editorial assistant
Price at time of publish: $17.95
Hourglass Phantom Voluminizing Glossy Balm Duo
“Another brand that's fed into my lip-product obsession is Hourglass. I first saw its glossy balms take over my TikTok feed and when I finally got to try the viral product myself, I immediately understood why it's beloved. It provides ultimate shine, delivers on dreamy pigments, and plumps lips (without the pain!). My favorite shades come wrapped up in Hourglass' new holiday duo, which includes two rosy hues that complement any makeup look, from everyday minimalism to glittery glam.” — Michelle Lee
Price at time of publish: $55
Related: The 24 Best Gift Ideas for All the Swifties in Your Life
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