A new year means new beauty launches. The makeup market is back up and running and is going full speed ahead. Both high-end brands and drugstore ones have launched some innovative products lately.

Everything from face masks to serums, mascaras, and foundations are coming out, but what is worth a second look? This is such a crowded market. How can you tell what to skip and what to check out? Let us do the research and guide you in the right direction.

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution Pore Clearing Serum (Shop here)
The Ordinary is known for its affordable yet effective skincare. The brand has had some home run serums launch over the years, but this is the newest to date. This serum is ideal for those with stubborn acne and clogged pores. The ingredients work to exfoliate the skin and decongest pores. The brand previously sold a salicylic acid serum, but this is replacing that one with a more potent formula.

ELF Brow Lift (Shop here)
That laminated brow look is still in, and this is the affordable product you need to achieve it. This little pot of clear gel offers extreme hold in a wax texture. It won’t leave the brows crunchy or shiny but will hold them in a fluffy and feathered style. ELF even launched a unique tool to go with it, so be sure to pick up both if you try it.

ColourPop Pretty Fresh Pressed Face Powder (Shop here)
ColourPop constantly launched eyeshadow palettes, but it has been a hot minute since a new face product graced the website. This pressed powder foundation aligns with the existing Pretty Fresh collection. That means it will work perfectly alongside the tinted moisturizer or concealer. But, you can also wear it alone as it has buildable coverage.

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Nose Patches (Shop here)
Hydrocolloid patches are nothing new to the skincare world or to you if you have acne. Those little zit stickers suck all that junk out of your pores overnight, revealing a smooth and blemish-free face. Some brands have larger patches covering more surface area, but this new Hero Cosmetics patch is perfectly designed to wear on the nose. It won’t suck out blackheads but will pull all that oil to the surface.

Ilia Lip Wrap Reviving Balm (Shop here)
A lip balm is just a lip balm, right? Wrong. Not all lip balms are created equal. Some aren’t intense enough, while others are too heavy and thick or sticky. This one isn’t the cheapest, but it is worth the investment. If you have dry lips, chapped lips, or just want a luxurious lip sensation, this is what you need. It hydrates and protects the lips from further damage. It instantly gives you a softer, smoother, more plump appearance and even offers a glossy look without the feeling of gloss. This may sound like a standard balm, but the scent and packaging make this even better. The subtle fragrance of lavender and chamomile soothe while the ceramic applicator cools on contact.

COVERGIRL Exhibitionist Stretch & Strengthen Mascara (Shop here)
COVERGIRL has a lot of mascaras on its shelf, but this is the newest addition to the lineup. The Exhibitionist already exists, but this is the new and improved version. This version is a more traditional and straight brush, but it features ingredients that protect the lashes from breakage. Not only are you getting a killer lash look with tons of volume, but you are strengthening your lashes in the process. This is said to offer the look of lash extensions, so it is definitely worth checking out.