Launch List: The Best New Beauty Products in January

Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Clearing Serum ($94)

Developed over the past 10 years, this is the fourth iteration in Clinique’s Even Better Clinical Dark Spot franchise. Blending its proprietary UP302 molecule with two types of vitamin C (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbyl glucoside) and niacinamide, this version is the most advanced formula yet. If you’re someone looking for a way to lighten sunspots, age spots and/or post-acne marks without a laser, you’ll want to try this.

In clinical testing on all skin tones and types (even sensitive skin) after 12 weeks, the serum delivered up to a 49-percent reduction in dark spots from aging and the sun on lighter skin tones. On deeper skin tones, it provided up to a 56-percent reduction in PIH/post-acne mark intensity.

amika superfruit star lightweight hair styling oil ($32)

For those of you who have long been scared of hair oils, fear no more. This one, infused with the brand’s signature ingredient sea buckthorn berry, primes, protects against heat and perfects (bye-bye frizz) in one quick step without a greasy, heavy feel (I promise!). And, it’s clinically proven to make hair seven times stronger and two times smoother with 86-percent less breakage. That’s huge!

“This is a multitasking styler and treatment that strengthens, smooths and protects your hair. The beauty of this product is that it’s beneficial on both wet and dry hair. But, you have to use it the right way,” says hairstylist Matt Newman. “Before putting it on your hair, you need it to rub it on your palms to get it evenly distributed on all your hair strands. If you squirt your oil straight from the bottle onto your palms and then slap it onto your hair, you’re not going to get the maximum benefit. I’ve been a hairdresser for almost 15 years, and I always see people making this mistake. If you use this right, you’re gonna love it.”

Mother Science Molecular Genesis Barrier Repair Moisturizer ($68)

The brand that put the antioxidant malassezin on the map in 2023 with its Molecular Hero Serum launch for dark spots is introducing a new member of its family: a nongreasy, super hydrating moisturizer. But, of course they didn’t stop there. It also smooths and firms in just four weeks, with clinical studies to back up its claims.

“Further research into malassezin demonstrated its unparalleled power in skin barrier repair when paired with carefully selected supporting ingredients including growth factors, peptides, squalane and hyaluronic acid,” says Edna Coryell, cofounder and CEO. “The result was this innovative moisturizer that delivers immediate and long-term improvements to the skin’s barrier, appearance and protective capabilities.”

OPI RapiDry Nail Polish ($10)

Finally, we get a quick-dry polish from OPI, and it was worth the wait. The brand’s new collection includes 30 high-shine shades (more to come), plus a topcoat, and dries in 60 seconds. (On my nails, it only took about 45). As a busy mom, I have less time for salon appointments, and quick-dry nail color has saved me on more than one occasion.

“RapiDry is the answer to the nail DIYers who like to do their nails at home but hate the long wait time,” says Rebecca Fine, director of influencer marketing and PR for North America and global. “With RapiDry, nails are smudge-proof in 60 seconds thanks to the combo of built-in Drip Dry Drops and speedy solvents, and an innovative new Rush Brush featuring extra bristles and a unique fan for faster application. Plus, the collection welcomes all new shades to the OPI family!”

Tatcha The Brightening Serum ($89)

Tatcha fans are over the moon about this new brightening serum, which gets high marks for its formula and texture. A gentler option for those who usually forgo vitamin C, it’s made with 12-hour time-release ascorbic acid crafted in Japan, which the brand says equates to less irritation. It also contains ferulic acid and glutathione for additional antioxidant and brightening benefits.

The serum boasts firming properties as well (vitamin C helps stimulate collagen production), and it reduces hyperpigmentation, including post-acne marks. I love the lightweight but luxurious feeling on my skin—the sensorial component is definitely there with this serum.

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Slick Back Cream ($16)

“Elnett is an iconic brand, and for a very long time, we’ve had Elnett hairspray, but this Slick Back Cream is the first launch for Elnett in the United States 10 years,” says Patty Slattery, associate vice president of training and education and product evaluation for L’Oréal USA. “It took us a long time to come up with a formula that had flexible hold and was still brushable, but didn’t give you that ‘helmet head.’ It gives you a really polished, sleek look, but you can still brush your hair and get some body and memory.”

This styler is great for anyone who wants a slicked-back ponytail. The cream feels really silky and makes my hair shiny, not crunchy; it also doesn’t flake.”You can use it on dry or damp hair, and it has 24-hour anti-frizz properties, too,” adds Slattery. “It’s also vegan and smells delicious.”

Perricone MD High Potency Triple Retinol Renewal Serum ($135)

“In an oversaturated market of retinol-based products, this powerful serum stands apart,” says Jennifer Trovel, chief marketing officer. “It combines our next-generation triple retinol blend—encapsulated retinol, retinol ester and phyto-retinol—to accelerate skin’s natural renewal for visibly firmer, plumper and more even skin. Enhanced with coenzyme Q10 to protect against free-radical damage and stabilized by beta-carotene to reduce the look of redness and dullness, it’s potent yet gentle. It delivers dramatic results without irritation, allowing for faster, more effective renewal day and night.”

Though the brand says you can use it during the day too, which isn’t typically the case with retinol serums, I prefer nighttime application. If you do choose to use it in the morning, be sure to apply sunscreen on top, as retinol can increase skin’s sensitivity to UV light.

essie to the rescue UV gel damage repair ($12)

OK, I hate to admit it, but I am guilty of picking off my gel nail polish on more than one occasion. I’m sure some of you can relate. But when I see the state of my nails when all is said and done (and the dents that turn up after they grow out—damage to the nail from picking), I’m immediately regretful. Thankfully, this new treatment can help.

It harnesses a blend of three protein complexes, MSM and ceramides to seal, protect and thicken nails with signs of peeling, splitting and thinning. And, it’s proven to work in just five days. Brush two coats onto each damaged nail, and wear it alone or under nail polish.

Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Age Reversal Eye Creme ($210)

If social media scared you away from tear trough filler, but those dark grooves under your eyes could use a little help, this ultra-luxe formula is one to try. To get an in-depth understanding of the tear trough area, Estée Lauder Research partnered with a board-certified dermatologist to analyze the tear trough’s five key features: depth, length, crepiness, discoloration and shadowing.

The findings inspired a silky cream fueled by black diamond truffle extract (it’s harvested exclusively for this product in France) that moisturizes dry under-eyes while also restoring youthful radiance (aka less darkness, more firmness). In clinical testing on 54 women using the formula for 12 weeks, the cream improved the tear trough appearance by 29 percent overall.

göt2b Curl Defining Jelly ($8)

This one is for all the wavy, curly and coily girls who want some help in the moisture department, especially right now in the harsh winter weather. “We have long been known for our glued line, so we’re excited to bring the innovation behind our formulas into the curl space,” says Jennifer Ysabel, brand manager of göt2b color and styling. “This vegan gel provides 24-hour frizz control and is best for type 3-4 curls.” Not only that, but it also locks in serious moisture and shields against humidity for 72 hours.