Discover our latest picks from cult US makeup brand Merit, which has just landed in the UK, to Huda’s first-ever matte eyeshadow palette. There’s also newness from Drunk Elephant and a genius must-have SPF
All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.
For this month’s Glossy Picks, we've been busy trialling all the new beauty booty we could get our hands on - and these are the products that made the cut. Read on for the lowdown on a hot new makeup brand designed for 19 to 99-year-olds, a budget-friendly soothing night cream, a game-changing shampoo for swimmers and the new Nails Inc nail highlighter that might just transform your talons. Happy browsing.
The easy fluffy brow maker: Merit Brow 1980 in Blonde, £26
"If you’re unfamiliar with Merit, it is a huge makeup brand from the US (Cameron Diaz is a fan) that has just launched on our shores. The ethos behind the brand and products is to create a laidback, natural, relaxed look quickly and easily. All the products - and there are only 10 in the range - are either really easy to use on the go or to rub in with your fingers. This isn’t a brand that’s about bombarding you with loads of products you don't need, overdoing things or making makeup complicated.
"My favourite product so far? This creamy brow powder. It comes in a mascara wand-type applicator and adds colour to make brows look fuller whilst also fluffing and brushing them up for extra style. However, there is a waitlist for The Minimalist Complexion Stick, £40 so that seems to be the must-buy product. Last (slightly random) point: the outer packaging comes in a gorgeous grey-blue shade that I’m seriously considering colour matching to paint in my house." Sarah-Jane Corfield Smith, GTG Beauty Director
The rich day and night cream: Tula Skincare 24-7 Moisture Intense, £49
"While Tula probiotic Skincare makes America’s top-selling cleanser, for me it’s the moisturisers that stand out in this gastroenterologist-founded brand. This month, its cult Day and Night Cream has gained a richer big sister in the form of this ‘Moisture Intense’ cream, which dry skin adores and is perfect for colder weather, or if like me you lose moisture overnight. It has the gamut of hydrating and moisturising ingredients such as squalane, collagen and hyaluronic acid plus the brand’s trademark superfoods, prebiotics and probiotics (that’s the gut doctor's influence). If you have dry skin but don’t want anything heavy or greasy, this is a winner.” Victoria Woodhall, GTG Editorial Director
The blusher balms: Vieve Sunset Blush Balm, £21
"Liquid and cream blushers have exploded in the last few years and I am a big fan. I have been itching to try the new Sunset Blush Balms from Vieve as I’ve seen them all over my social media - and let me tell you I was not disappointed. There are currently four shades to choose from and I tried Cherub - a bright pink that makes it look like you’ve lightly pinched your cheeks. This blush is very pigmented so you only need to use a small amount and don’t be put off by how vibrant it looks on first squeeze as it sheers out. I like to use my fingers to pat and blend it in, but you could easily use a brush or sponge. It dries down to a slightly matte finish but also magically seems to look naturally dewy.
"For a more intense look, you can layer them with their coordinating powder Sunset Blush and the matching Lip Dew. You’ll be pleased to know the balm also contains hydrating and brightening skincare ingredients (vitamin C, vitamin E and bitter orange flower water) so your skin is getting extra nourishment as well as being instantly transformed." Amy Rostas, GTG Beauty and Social Media Assistant
To ace your base: Ren Skincare Perfect Canvas Smooth, Prep & Plump Essence, £43
"I have been trialling this new essence from sustainable British brand Ren since Christmas and I’m obsessed. If you’re anything like me you’ve probably thought what is a skin essence and is it actually useful? Let me tell you, when you find the right one it can work wonders! Inspired by Korean skincare, skin essences essentially work to strengthen your skins barrier and protect against environmental aggressors (e.g pollution). It’s a hybrid of a toner and a serum, I apply it twice a day after cleansing so the actives (including a nice dose of niacinamide) can help penetrate my skin. It essentially creates the perfect canvas, my skin has never looked so smooth, plump and supple and the glow it leaves my skin in unmatched. I’ve already re-purchased a second bottle for when I run out." Jemma Thompson, GTG Design and Social Media Manager
The matte shadow must-have: Huda Beauty Cool Matte Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette, £29
"When the powerhouse that is Huda Beauty launches something new, we know it’s going to be great. There have been images and hints circling social media for weeks and now the brand’s first all-matte eyeshadow palettes have officially been revealed and it may have gone straight into my best eyeshadow palette of all time. There are two nine-pan eyeshadow palettes, one is warm-toned and the other cool, featuring seven matte shades, two cream-to-powder base and liner shades. I am naturally cool-toned and love the soft pinks, mauves and browns. I’m still a novice when it comes to applying eyeshadow, with hooded eyes it can sometimes be quite tricky to get the look I’m going for but the shades blend well with no creasing, and they also complement every skin tone, and I’m here to say I APPROVE!" Christina Callaghan, GTG Commercial Director
The super serum: Reome Active Recovery Broth, £110
"Very pricey it is, but this is such a well-considered product that ticks so many boxes, it’s worth treating yourself. Created by an ex-beauty director turned master acupuncturist, it was designed to deliver healthier, better looking skin as well as a soothing, uplifting ‘self-care’ experience. I’m wary of that term as it is so often abused and misinterpreted, but the gentle scent (it doesn’t irritate my skin which is rare, so it has been carefully crafted) and lush fluid texture do invite you to stop and take a moment for yourself, which is something the creator passionately believes in. She also believes in active but responsibly sourced ingredients, whose use is carefully explained on the box. It’s a blend of fermented botanicals (making the actives in them more bio-available and therefore effective) and biomimetic ingredients (sourced from nature but copied in a lab to ease pressure on the natural world) that helps skin help itself, resulting in becoming brighter, plumper, more resilient and looking less stressed-out. And breathe." Ingeborg van Lotringen, Beauty editor
The nail saviour: Essie Hard To Resist Advanced Nail Strengthener, £10.99
"My new year’s resolution was to restore my nails after a run of ruinous gel manicures - and Essie’s new strengthener is a key part of my rehab programme. Now available in a clear formula (there’s also a pink version for a slight glow or purple to tone down discolouration), it conditions, adds shine and doubles as a base coat. I add a layer each day, take it all off after a few days and then start again. Bonus marks for the nice, fat brush for easy peasy application. And if you're looking to tap into the pierced nails trend then this would be a good product to have on standby. Safe to say, they’ve nailed it [gets coat]." Kerry Potter, GTG Contributing Editor
The night-time nourisher: RoC Multi Correxion Hydrate and Plump Capsules, £35.99
"If you are suffering from dry skin this winter try the Roc Hydrate and Plump serum capsules for an instant evening fix. Each one contains a perfectly measured dose of hyaluronic acid which glides on and vanishes in. Since using them at night, I have kissed goodbye to that horrible dehydrated, taut feeling which I often have in the morning. They work some kind of super magic during the night, making my face feel soft and satiated. I first discovered Roc skincare when on holiday in France and have been a long-time fan ever since. It’s a brilliant science led French skincare brand, and especially good if you have sensitive skin. These capsules are their clinically proven fastest-acting Hyaluronic Acid and have tests to show that 100% of women have visibly plumper skin afterwards. The product also contains jojoba seed oil and coconut oil and the capsules are biodegradable." Marie Louise Pumfrey, GTG contributor
The swimmer's shampoo: Paul Mitchell Scalp Therapy Shampoo, £20.95
"I’ve been a huge fan of Paul Mitchell products for years - their children’s detangler (Paul Mitchell Taming Spray, £10.75) is probably the best I’ve ever found. Their latest offering is a shampoo, conditioner and drops specifically targeted to calm and soothe irritated scalps. While I wouldn’t consider myself firmly in that category - this is great if you suffer from dandruff by the way - what I do have is a very oily scalp that gets quite itchy. Not only did this calm it down but it left my hair feeling really clean thanks to containing almost entirely natural ingredients and zero plastics that can coat the hair and make it feel greasy even straight after having washed it. It has a gorgeous scent which is like fresh laundry - exactly the type of scent you’d expect from this product. Also a great option for any swimmers out there who are looking for something to cleanse chlorine away gently and add some extra hydration to scalp and hair." SJCS
Buy now
For correcting and clarifying : Drunk Elephant Bouncy Brightfacial, £60
“Azeleic acid is one of those ingredients like niacinamide that most people can benefit from as it is a gentle acid that evens out skin tone, knocks back pigmentation, lightly exfoliates and (depending on what it’s formulated with) is generally suitable for sensitive skin. It’s a brightener that Drunk Elephant has placed centre stage here, with oil-busting salicylic acid. This is the brand’s third mask after the powerful Babyfacial 25 per cent glycolic acid mask and the hydrating F-Balm, both of which are nighttime only. Interestingly, this one you can use both day (with SPF) and night under moisturiser. It doesn’t feel thick in the slightest, in fact, it disappears leaving a matte finish and you can cocktail it with most other things from the Drunk Elephant range. If you have sun damage (me!) acne scarring or dullness this is your daily dose of glow.” VW
The heavy-weight hydrator: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Barrier Cream, £32
"This is the thicker, skin-barrier saviour version of the best-selling Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream and is a barrier-repairing cream ideal for those who have damaged, dry or sensitive skin. However, if you find your regular moisturiser just isn’t doing the job - especially when it’s cold outside - and you need something with more hydration clout, this is also for you. It contains colloidal oatmeal and beta-glucan molecules that both relieve irritated skin and help strengthen the barrier. I have been testing this new innovation day and night to help my dry, sensitive skin for the last few weeks and I’m very impressed. My skin feels more supple and less tight, and my dry patches are no more. Although this is a thick cream it absorbs quickly into the skin and can be used underneath makeup - no pilling here!" AR
The tinted SPF for all: HydroPeptide Solar Defense SPF 30 Tinted, £42
"Hydropeptide isn’t a new brand to the UK, but a brand I’ve recently discovered it and it’s one to keep your eye on. This tinted SPF really is a true multitasker. Firstly, it blends beautifully into the skin using colour-adjusting spheres (that leave no chalky residue btw) that reduce the appearance of minor imperfections. While I have described it as tinted it's a universal shade that seamlessly blends into most skin tones leaving skin looking healthier and more radiant. Then there's the fact that as well as being an SPF, it contains great skincare ingredients, such as hydrating hyaluronic acid and a unique blend of calendula, cucumber, and acai extracts which provide free radical protection and moisture replenishment. Certain skin types may find this is all they need to wear on top of their serum. The finish is slightly matte so I've swapped out my regular primer and have been using this as a primer under makeup, and all my products sit nicely on top, with no movement throughout the day. A little goes a long way and the 50ml tube should last you six months." CC
The brow-lash double-hitter: 19/99 Beauty Lash-Tint Mascara, £14
"Here’s another no-fuss, multipurpose, tightly edited new makeup range for grown-ups (well, people from 19 to 99), in the same vein as the recently launched Merit beauty. With that name, I hope the ghost of Prince will not try to sue them, but my attention has been caught. There are multicoloured pencils, a gloss and a single brush, all meant for all-over use (blue lips, beige eyeliner - why not?), plus a brow definer and, my favourite, this lash tint that doubles as a brow mascara. The brush is exceptionally fine which I like a lot for my brows (bigger wands always slop on too much product). It will also please those who want the subtlest and most precise definition for their lashes (ie those naturally blessed with a lush of them - not me) and comes in taupe, brown and black." IvL
The fine hair oil: Monpure Ultralight Healthy Hair Oil, £58
"I’m a sufferer of poker-straight, very fine hair. It’s shoulder length with long layers around my face. And is the sort of style that needs a professional blow-dry for the full, flicky swish. I’ve tried gazillions of hot-tools and products at home, but those wispy end at the front are stubborn as hell. Serums are tricky for me, as they are either too weighty or greasy and don’t work on fine hair. So when I heard about this new Ultralight Healthy Hair Oil on the block, I was keen to try. It’s by Monpure, the science-led hair care brand and has been formulated to hydrate the strands, enhance shine and nourish without weighing down. It contains vegan keratin to minimise frizz, wheat germ oil to repair damage, castor oil to nurture fragile follicles and argan oil to increase elasticity. I only need a tiny amount on the ends to achieve a more polished look and am thrilled with my new find. It comes in a generous 100ml bottle which thankfully will last a life-time!" MLP
The simple night cream: Aveeno Calm + Restore Re-hydrating Night Cream, £10.39
"On those nights when you just want something simple, gentle and soothing for your face, Aveeno’s new fuss-free, well-priced potion hits the spot. Packed with shea butter, extract of the medicinal plant feverfew (often used to treat headaches) and prebiotic oats, it expertly calms and nourishes the skin barrier. I used to just buy Aveeno products for my children’s skin but I’ve clearly been missing out." KP
The mermaid nail highlighter: Nails Inc Plant Power Vegan Nail Polish in Eco Glow, £9
"Nail highlighters are the product that you probably don’t realise you need, but trust me when I say you do. And Nails Inc has firmly led the way in providing them. Their original shade, Glowing Somewhere, £9, is the only nail polish I have ever finished and if you’re still rocking Hailey Bieber glazed donut nails then a great product to achieve that look. This is their newest shade and it has a hint more purple iridescence to it, creating a slight mermaid-tail effect on your nails but ultimately making them look really glowy and healthy even if the reality is they’re chipped and dehydrated underneath. I predict this will be the second nail polish I've ever finished." SJCS
Super sustainable skincare: Sbtract Vitamin C Booster bar and Bamboo Pot, £38
"Laying claim to being the world’s first solid vitamin C serum, Sbtract, the sustainable British solid skincare brand, has made this meltingly soft serum with vitamin C-rich rosehip oil) and lightweight squalane. It comes in completely plastic-free packaging and is a no-brainer eco swap to make. I love the bamboo pot, which you can clean between replacement bars but don’t have to as waterless products, as well as not needing preservatives and being pH neutral, don’t provide a welcome home for bacteria. Simply warm the product between your fingers and apply – you’ll get three months of daily use out of this antioxidant beauty.” VW
The sensitive skin must-have: Balance Me Ceramide Barrier Booster, £33
"Balance Me majors on feel-good aromatherapy scents in their skincare, making the products mostly unsuitable for my skin. So I’m really pleased to see their first fragrance-free franchise for sensitive skin which is, as so many products right now, all about supporting and repairing the skin barrier. There’s a lovely Manuka-enriched cream cleanser and this milky but weightless serum that you can apply under any other serum or cream, or use just by itself to give skin some time to recover from a flare-up or any stress you’ve put it through. A blend of ceramides, cholesterol and essential fatty acids (the Holy Trinity for barrier repair) alongside anti-inflammatory plant extracts and light hydrators, this works as a re-set button for irritated skins ." IvL
The hair hero: Jerome Russell Bstyled Blow Dry Balm, £6.99
"I know this has been around for a while but it’s a recent discovery for me. The brand’s ambassador Jason Collier (Mrs Beckham’s former stylist, no less) used this on my hair recently and I was sold. You run the delicately scented cream through mid lengths and ends before blow drying. It’s marketed as a heat protector but I’m sure there’s some styling capability in there somewhere too as my bleached, flyaway bob was much more manageable and less static than usual, and it added volume too. It’s now been stolen by my teenage daughter – it also works wonders calming her long curly hair." KP
The body cream that's your new subtle scent: Boucleme Nourishing Body Cream, £22
"Everything that Boucleme creates smells heavenly, but if you don't have curly hair you may have missed out on what this brand has to offer. Until now, that is as they’ve moved into body care with an aromatherapy body wash and a body lotion that are both hydrating and uplifting with rose geranium, pink grapefruit, and peppermint essential oils. In fact, someone asked me what perfume I was wearing the other day as it’s just a little bit unusual. Body care with intrigue – love it!” VW