9 beauty products I actually used — and loved — in January

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As a shopping editor, I receive lots of beauty products to test and review. And while it may come as a surprise, there are some products that I genuinely don’t love. Plus, there are some products that I never even get around to trying.

That being said, I do my best to stay in the know (pun intended) on beauty releases, both new and old. Throughout this past month, I’ve been experimenting a lot and these nine products are just some of the things that I tried in January that left a major impression. 

Hair

1. Shop: Bounce Curl Ayurvedic Deep Conditioner & Turmeric Hair Detox Mask Kit, $45 (Orig. $54)

a photo of two bottles sitting side by side
Credit: Bounce Curl

Why I love it: I’m not gonna lie, as someone with type 4 hair, I can be a little ignorant when it comes to hair care brands that target curly hair. Fortunately, Bounce Curl exceeded my expectations and worked like a dream on my tight coils. I was nervous after using the brand’s turmeric detox mask because my hair felt super stripped. Once I applied the ayurvedic deep conditioner, though, my hair was astonishingly soft. Plus, my coils were more defined than I’ve ever seen them.

2. Shop: Sienna Naturals Dew Magic Leave-In Conditioner, $18

an image of a haircare bottle
Credit: Sienna Naturals

Why I love it: When I say this stuff hydrates textured hair, it’s like creamy water glazing your tresses. It left my hair super moisturized, even after my day three wash and go. I also really love that it smells like a rainforest. 

3. Shop: Nuele Hair Serum, $34

a photo of a glass bottle of hair oil
Credit: Credo Beauty

Why I love it: Hair care products that are multifunctional and work on multiple hair types are a win in my opinion. Lately, I’ve been using Nuele’s hair serum as a heat protectant, but it’s also great for adding shine. Anytime I put a blow-dryer (or any heat) to my head, this has been my go-to.

Skin

4. Shop: Kiramoon Hydra Serum, $36

a small pink bottle on top of a serum
Credit: Kiramoon

Why I love it: I love a good natural plumper for the skin and this hydra serum from Gen Z beauty brand Kiramoon is like a drink for your skin thanks to ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and glycolic acid. The natural fragrance from the banana fruit extract and melon fruit extract make it smell delicious.

5. Shop: Black Girl Sunscreen, $18.99

a black bottle of sunscreen
Credit: BeautyBeez

Why I love it: I’m so late to the magic that is Black Girl Sunscreen. Now, I use it literally every day. It’s super moisturizing, ideal for your face and body. Best of all, it doesn’t mess with the rest of your skincare products on your face. 

Makeup

6. Shop: NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil In Milk, $4.50

a large crayon-sized eyeline
Credit: Ulta Beauty

Why I love it: An oldie, but goodie, this NYX jumbo pencil has come in clutch lately for my ’60s inspired looks and even for my less glam looks. Honestly, as far as beauty releases go, it’s a staple gel eyeliner that always adds something extra to your day-to-day makeup routine.

7. Shop: WLDKAT Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin A + E Lip Gel Iin Forbidden Fruit, $16

a tube of lip balm
Credit: Credo Beauty

Why I love it: Winter is hitting my lips hard, but WLDKAT’s lip gel has kept my pout juicy all winter. I don’t own too many lip products with hyaluronic acid in them, but this is one of those top tier beauty releases you should invest in for the cold weather.

Nails

8. Shop: Olive & June Nail Primer, $10

a picture of a gold nail polish bottle
Credit: Olive & June

Why I love it: If you’re doing your nails at home these days, then you need Olive & June’s nail primer. It dehydrates your nails to leave you with a super smooth base for your polish. It really acts as a primer to help the polish join the nail better. 

9. Shop: Holo Taco Super Glossy Top Coat, $11

a photo of a top coat bottle
Credit: Holo Taco

Why I love it: It wasn’t until quarantine that I realized not all top coats are created equal. Hollow taco’s super glossy topcoat is one of the best I’ve ever used. Not only does it help you layer on a thick coat of protection for your polish, but it leaves your nails looking like glass. 

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