By now, you’ve probably surmised that we test-drive a lot of beauty products here at Who What Wear HQ. From nail polish and makeup to hair and skincare, we’re eyebrow-deep in all things new, exciting, and wish list–worthy. That said, due to the number of products we come in contact with, we’ve also transformed into the nitpickiest of beauty consumers. Within seconds, we can tell if a new hair oil is too heavy, and we’re quick to ignore a serum that yields disappointing results.
The good news? We’re far more often impressed than unimpressed after trying out a new product, and usually, we simply can’t wait to spread the word to all of our fellow beauty lovers (also known as you!). Therefore, we’ve decided gushing over our latest fave products should become a monthly ritual, and every 30 days or so, you can expect a full report detailing the highlighters, hair wands, and overnight skincare saviors we’ve quickly fallen head over heels for.
For the most part, we’ll be covering buzzworthy launches, as those typically take up most of the action atop our product-filled desks, but we won’t dismiss new-to-us products, either. Sometimes, our best discoveries are found on a friend’s vanity or on someone’s face at the bar (true story). Ahead are the best beauty products we tried in November! Grab your game face and wallet—you’ll be needing both.
TikTok has made InnBeauty Project’s Glaze Lip Oils famous, and they really are annoyingly perfect. They’re hydrating, silky—not sticky, and the shades and scents are so fun. Most recently, I can’t stop swiping the newest iteration—a festive merlot—across my lips for the best wine-stained finish.
Teeming with seawater, papaya enzymes, licorice root, seaberry oil, and persimmon extract, this multitasking new beauty water from mastermind esthetician and creator, Charlotte Cho, might just change your life this winter (or at least your skin). You can use it as a toner, a makeup remover, or as the second step after using an oil-based cleanser. I can’t get over how bright, bouncy, and plush my skin looks and feels since it became a regular in my evening wind-down. Charlotte, you’ve outdone yourself with this one!
Call me corny, but “shine bright like a diamond” is all I can think of whenever I apply this new *ever so slightly* shimmery body cream from RiRi. It transforms the driest, crankiest skin into velvety butter (the name gets it right), it smells like a tropical vacation, and it makes your skin glisten like no other. I’d say I’m hooked, but that doesn’t even do my infatuation justice.
Hair perfumes are so underrated. All of Gisou’s honey-injected products are divine, but I can’t stop using this limited edition version of the brand’s signature hair perfume. Ginger, blackberry leaf, lavender, honey, and a touch of extra shine and hydration? It’s the ultimate antidote for starved winter strands.
Like everyone else on the planet right now, I can’t stop wearing claw clips. Emi Jay is my favorite destination for all things hair accessories full stop, and this pretty, ice-blue butterfly clip from the brand’s holiday drop is quite literally my favorite thing right now.
I’m basically the bouncer of an underage clubgoer’s worst nightmare when it comes to adding new hair products into my routine. But when I was freshly bleached and in Arizona recently, I started using this aloe vera and Mexican chia seed–enriched oil on the mid-lengths and ends of my hair (almost like a treatment or mask) and the results were pretty unbelievable. It was like Rumpelstiltskin had spun my tragic, straw-like strands into gold. Plus, it smells absolutely heavenly—like that ultra-expensive vacation you’ve been dying to book.
My fellow editor Katie Berohn got me into the Orchid line from Tom Ford (Black Orchid is the original rendition and it’s equally as delicious). I’ve been absolutely obsessed with this sweeter version lately—it has crisp notes of honey and vanilla that smell divine and adds exactly what the formula was missing for me. I typically like gourmand fragrances that have a hint of fruitiness to them, but this one is musky, sweet, and honestly just velvety. It’s a must-buy and I’ll be wearing it all winter (and beyond).
I’m obsessed with Ziip’s conductivity gels and, of course, my Ziip device. This one, in particular, gives you such an incredible glow when you use it! Most conductivity gels dry out too quickly and you have to reapply it every few minutes, but not with this one. I can do multiple treatments for 20–30 minutes and it still has so much slip. It also doesn’t irritate my sensitive, reactive skin which is major. I’m completely in love and will probably only use Ziip gels exclusively from now on!
This is such an amazing and potent vitamin C serum! My skin is prone to things like acne and hyperpigmentation—this serum helps both in a big way. I’ve only been using it for a few weeks but I’ve noticed an incredible difference in the dark spots around my chin area (thanks, hormonal breakouts). It also just gives your skin this otherworldly glow! It’s definitely a new staple in my routine.
A more concentrated version of DedCool’s beloved Milk fragrance, Xtra Milk smells insanely good and lasts all day long. I cycle through a lot of perfume, so I’m constantly wearing new scents, but my co-workers can vouch for this one. When I showed up to the office wearing it, everyone asked what it was.
Now is the time of year for red lipsticks, and this extremely opulent one from Bobbi Brown passes every test. It has hydrating ingredients so your lips don’t get dry, but it also doesn’t smudge or smear. Plus, this fire-engine red looks good on everyone.
What can I say? I love holiday candles. This one smells like ginger, vanilla, and cinnamon, so you can always feel like you’re baking cookies.
I love how chic this candle looks in my living room, but I also love the white floral scent that it gives off. It’s fresh, clean, and subtle.
One last candle! Otherland’s holiday collection can only be described as lavish. The brand’s sultry holiday scents will turn any space into a major mood, and this one, filled with palo santo, cypress bark, and crimson incense, might be the most tantalizing.
If you’re going to give a candle set as a holiday gift, it should be this one. There’s really nothing like Homecourt’s signature fragrances of steeped rose, cipres mint, cece, and neroli leaf. These votives are small but mighty, with scents so good that my neighbor knocked on my door to ask what candles I was burning.
This isn’t Naturium’s newest product on the market, but it is new to my collection as my dry skin was in desperate need. I can’t be convinced to spend more than $20 on a hyaluronic acid serum, but I swear this feels even more luxurious than the expensive options on the market. My skin is thanking me.
Again, not the newest fragrance from D.S. & Durga, but now that I’ve discovered it, I’ll never be without it. Woody scents are my go-to, so these notes of sandalwood, coco, and iris are a complete dream. Radio Bombay is up to par with other cult-favorite scents like Santal 33 and Maison Marie Louis No. 4, so it’s time to give this perfume the recognition it deserves.
I’m obsessed with this new blush from Chantecaille’s holiday Lotus Collection. It’s neutral but with the prettiest subtle sparkle. You could definitely wear it on its own, but I’ve been wearing it over my other blushes to add a pretty glow.
I’m an Alastin fan for life and always jump at the chance to try its new releases. While I don’t have a ton of hyperpigmentation, I’ve found this new brightening serum to significantly improve my redness and give my skin a nice glow. It also protects against future damage and contains antioxidants, both of which I’m here for. It’s light enough to wear under my sunscreen and makeup during the day, which I’ve been doing in place of moisturizer. It also has a bit of luminescence to it, which I enjoy.
I’ve been in love with Hourglass’s Phantom balms for many months now, and this set contains the prettiest shades. Slip is great for every day and Rouge leaves a subtle berry tint that’s very easy to wear, especially if you shy away from dark lip colors like I do.
Ourself Lip Filler is an innovative new launch in the lip-plumping arena with the difference being that it actually makes your lips fuller over time instead of just temporarily. Hyaluronic acid penetrates your lips to plump and restore them and vitamin B3 restores your natural lip color. So far, I’m very impressed with the results. I highly advise ordering this set because the Lip Conditioner is also incredible. It instantly hydrates and stays on for yours.
As someone who has struggled with dark spots and hyperpigmentation for years, I’ve tested several products that target these skin concerns. But nothing has worked as effectively or as quickly as Eadem’s serum. My spots have lightened significantly and I’ve only been using the product for a couple of weeks. I’m wildly impressed and can’t recommend it enough.
Despite having naturally full lips, I live for a plumping gloss. This one has a glossy finish but applies like a balm and feels super light on the lips. Most plumping glosses tingle or burn for the first 5–10 minutes, but this one doesn’t come with any pain or funny feelings—just high shine and moisture.
Having only experienced Maison Francis Krukdjian’s best-selling fragrances through others, I was beyond excited to finally get my hands on one of the brand’s eau de parfums and try it out for myself. I’m usually quite partial to fresh and floral scents (leaning more towards woodsy once I enter the winter months). The newly released 724 fragrance offers everything I like with key notes of vibrant white sandalwood, fresh white flowers, jasmine, and just a hint of musk. It has the perfect balance of freshness and warmth.
TikTok convinced me to take a chance on this ultra-hydrating serum. I have combination skin but always noticed dryness along my nose, chin, and forehead once the cold season hits. Summer Fridays’ Dream Oasis Deep Hydration Serum has rescued my skin this year by sealing in moisture and making my skin look and feel extremely healthy. This is one serum I know I’ll be using for a long time!
My skin is super prone to dehydration and redness, so I’m serious about using only the best moisturizers (especially in the winter). This one has an airy, whipped texture that soaks into the skin. It’s incredibly hydrating, and it makes my skin feel soft, smooth, and calm. I like to layer it under a face oil to seal in all that much-needed and much-appreciated hydration.
I’m late to the game, but I finally tried this fragrance, and I’m not being dramatic when I say I’m in love. It has a subtle sweetness that envelops my skin and makes it smell like me but better. It’s all thanks to notes of skin musk, bergamot nectar, and blonde wood. I can’t stop wearing it and pray that it never gets discontinued or reformulated.
Honestly, just seeing the Barney’s name makes me happy. But now, my skin is thrilled too because this rich cream has brought it back to life. My skin has been feeling unbelievably dry, more than I’m used to this time of year. This cream is super luxe—it’s rich, but absorbs quickly into the skin. I’ve noticed a big improvement in my complexion since using it at night. It not only has helped brighten my complexion, but it also looks more even, and obviously, more hydrated.
Dr. Whitney Bowe went viral on TikTok and I’m so happy she did because otherwise who knows if I’d know about her product line. This microbiome-nourishing cream is everything. It’s made with squalene, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and a blend of prebiotics and postbiotics. It’s hydrating, leaves a subtle glow, and helps balance the microbiome.
I’m not a big eyeliner person, but when I do use it, I want it to be creamy and I want it to glide seamlessly across my lid. I hate when pencils are too rough. This is perfect and I’m very into the emerald green color right now. I used it for a night out, and I have to say, I was impressed that it wasn’t smudged by the end of the evening.
I ran out of my usual cleanser and had this on hand and I’m so happy I gave it a try. There’s nothing mind-blowing about it, it’s just a really solid gel cleanser. It does a great job of removing makeup, dirt, and oil, but doesn’t strip skin of its moisture.
I’m so not a matte-lipstick person, but I’ve become completely obsessed with this. It’s made with rich emollients, so when it’s applied to lips, it just glides on. There’s no dryness or flakiness. My lips don’t look like a crackly mess. The finish is lovely and the mauve-brown color is even better.
I bought Rhode’s lip treatment simply because I was curious, and it’s officially become my favorite lip product. The applicator is easy and it keeps my lips nourished throughout the day. I apply it in the morning and also like to layer it over lipstick as a gloss as well. I just repurchased it because it’s miraculously in stock in my favorite scent, Watermelon Slice. Run, because I’m not sure how long that will last.
I had been using Olaplex’s No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo for quite some time, but after a recent visit to the hairdresser, I learned that I should give the brand’s clarifying shampoo a try. I have so much hair that it’s been a struggle to get it completely clean, but this helps get the job done easily which I love. I’m so glad I gave it a try!
I was never really a bronzer person until I discovered the power this Rare Beauty product holds. The brand can do no wrong in my eyes, and this product is proof of that. The way it perfectly contours my face and gives me an effortless glow has completely won me over.
There’s nothing I love more than a lightweight moisturizer, and this product had been sitting on my shelf for some time without use. My friend came over and fangirled over it a little bit, so I finally gave it a try. It’s currently my favorite moisturizer to put on at the end of any day because it’s so lightweight and hydrating.
I love this hair and scalp oil by Ceremonia. I have dandruff and I hate using harsh products to try to ease the itching. This oil is incredibly moisturizing and helps my scalp’s flakiness without drying out my hair. Plus, it smells like a tropical heaven—a win-win in my book.
