Our Favorite Beauty Products of February 2021
Refresh your skincare regimen with HYPEBAE editors’ new picks.
Between game-changing skincare treatments and exciting new makeup launches, at HYPEBAE, our editors test out a bunch of products every month to find and share with you our latest beauty favorites. To keep our spirits up at the tail end of winter, this February, we’ve been taking extra steps to not only care for our skin, but also rediscover the pleasure of experimenting with color cosmetics. From an acne-fighting serum and a K-beauty face mist, to a brow-perfecting pen and a showstopping eyeshadow palette, these are the products that have kept us feeling excited about doing our skincare and makeup despite staying at home all day. Continue reading for our top picks of the month.
CLE Cosmetics Lip Care Trio
Yeeun Kim/Hypebae
CLE Cosmetics’ Lip Care Trio ($48 USD) is for those who are all about efficiency. The three-in-one product comes with a Lip Peel, Lip Oil and Lip Gloss that will guide you through the three essential steps for an effortless, everyday look. All you have to do is exfoliate dead skin for a smoother surface, moisturize using the avocado and jojoba seed-infused oil, and gloss for a subtle touch of shine. The mirror hidden on the inside of the lid is a bonus feature to love. – YeEun Kim, Associate Editor
COSRX Comfort Ceramide Cream Mist
Yeeun Kim/Hypebae
I can be quite picky when it comes to face mists. There are three key components I’ll pay attention to when choosing a product: it can’t be too fragrant, has to be non-sticky yet hydrating, and needs to be delivered in a fine mist. COSRX’s Comfort Ceramide Cream Mist ($20 USD) ticks all the boxes. The formula works great on the skin in the morning, and is ideal as a midday pick-me-up to keep the skin nourished and moisturized. – YeEun Kim, Associate Editor
Drunk Elephant Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream
Tora Northman/Hypebae
I have really sensitive armpits. Every single time I shave, I get itchy no matter what razor I use or shaving cream – it just happens. I’ve been very loyal to my Helena Rubinstein deodorant for years, but recently it’s been giving me the same itch and discomfort that most other deodorants do, which is why I decided to try out the Drunk Elephant Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream ($16 USD). The product is super gentle, and smells mildly like almonds, and can also be applied using your hands if you find the plastic too harsh on your skin. I’ve nearly finished the first stick, and I think it is safe to say I won’t be going back to other products anytime soon. – Tora Northman, Editor
Byredo Prismic Palette
Tora Northman/Hypebae
This palette is expensive. Not only does it retail at $96 USD, but it also makes you feel expensive. The 18-shade palette is part of Byredo’s ongoing collaboration with Isamaya Ffrench, who has developed a line of incredible makeup with pigments that are out of this world. Since I’ve been spending so much time without makeup, wearing sweatpants in my sofa, this palette has really inspired me to try out more makeup looks – and the pink shade is also the most gorgeous blush. – Tora Northman, Editor
Alper Oils The Infinite Oil
Teresa Lam/Hypebae
Body oils can be intimidating to first-timers, but once you learn about their wonderful skincare benefits, you’ll probably want to pick up a bottle for yourself. From Montréal-based Alper Oils, the Infinite Oil ($41 CAD, approx. $32 USD) is a multi-use formula designed to deeply hydrate the skin. I’ve been using the product a few times a week post-shower. In addition to quenching my dry, sensitive skin, the oil has also helped effectively calm rashes and irritation that tend to emerge during winter months. – Teresa Lam, Features Editor
Avène Thermal Spring Water
Teresa Lam/Hypebae
Are face mists necessary in your skincare regimen? Maybe not. But since receiving Avène‘s famous Thermal Spring Water ($9 USD) as a free gift on a recent drugstore run, I’ve been loving using the spray to refresh my skin every morning. Considering that half of my skincare arsenal is already made up of products from the French pharmacy brand, the mist is a nice added touch, offering a soothing effect to complete my routine. – Teresa Lam, Features Editor
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Pauline De Leon/Hypebae
When this product blew up on TikTok last year, I had to find out what the hype was about. I’ve never really been adventurous when it comes to serums, but when I finally tried The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% ($5.90 USD), it did wonders for my skin. Around mid-2020, I had major acne problems, especially around my forehead. After a few weeks of incorporating the Niacinamide into my morning and evening skincare routine, I noticed that my pimples started to subside. Within two to three months, my skin cleared and I haven’t stopped using the serum since. – Pauline De Leon, Associate Editor
Kevyn Aucoin True Feather Brow Marker Gel Duo
Alexandra Pauly/Hypebae
A recent release from Kevyn Aucoin, the brand’s True Feather Brow Marker Gel Duo ($28 USD) is a two-in-one solution for precisely shaped eyebrows. One side of the pen is a fine-tipped marker for filling in brows with natural-looking hair strokes. The other end houses clear gel and a spoolie for sculpting hairs and setting them in place. – Alexandra Pauly, Associate Editor
iNNBEAUTY Face Glaze
Alexandra Pauly/Hypebae
iNNBEAUTY’s Face Glaze ($24 USD) is a moisturizing highlighter that can also be used as a glowy primer under concealer and foundation. Imparting an iridescent sheen without the use of glitter, the Face Glaze is formulated with hyaluronic acid and squalane to improve skin’s appearance over time. For a natural, dewy glow, I apply a small amount underneath foundation and then layer it onto the cheekbones and nose for a subtle highlight. – Alexandra Pauly, Associate Editor
