I Test Beauty Products For A Living - Here's What I'm Already Loving in 2026
Francesca is the Beauty Editor at Adore Beauty. With a background in glossy mags and bylines in publications like Marie Claire, ELLE and BODY+SOUL, Francesca has turned her love of beauty into a career. Whether she's decoding buzzy ingredients or road testing lip glosses (so. many. glosses.), her approach to beauty is equal parts glamour and highly-considered.
Key Highlights You Should Know
- Choose Laneige Lip Glowy Balm 10g for a buttery, non-sticky daytime tint with a curved applicator
- Buy Mediheal Vitamide Brightening Pads (100 pads) to boost radiance, under $40 and under $1.50 a day
- Wella Ultimate Repair Miracle Rescue 95ml revives damaged hair as a leave-in with visible results after one use
- Pick elf Glossy Lip Stain ($12) for buildable, glossy colour that survives coffee and light rubbing
We're a quarter ways through 2026 so far, and I must say - I've had a great year so far.
We've seen just about every cult foundation have an upgrade (thanks to tightening ingredient restrictions in the EU).
As a beauty editor, I’m fortunate to get my hands on lots of cool stuff to try.
So we know what's more style than substance, and what's actually worth the hype (and your hard-earned dollars).
Let the record show - I'm already onto my second bottle of the updated Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation. It launched in February.
It's quickly become a go to - . And honestly
Biodance Rejuvenating Caviar PDRN Real Deep Mask
I've been touting these cult overnight masks as the quickest to a glow up overnight. And I'm pleased to report this new PDRN and Caviar Water dosed iteration is just as glow-getting.
s advanced mask helps replenish nutrients while supporting the skin’s natural renewal process. The result is skin that feels deeply hydrated, smoother and visibly plumper, with a healthy glow that lasts beyond the treatment.
Key Benefits
- Intensely hydrates and nourishes skin
- Helps strengthen the skin barrier
- Supports natural skin renewal
- Leaves skin plump, smooth and radiant
- Hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin
Bolstered with a lush Caviar Complex (600,000 ppm Caviar Water and Extract) – Rich in proteins and essential nutrients that help strengthen the skin barrier and support plumper, more radiant skin.
- PDRN – Helps revitalise skin and support its natural regeneration process.
- Salmon Egg Extract – Provides nourishing nutrients to help maintain healthy-looking skin.
Dermalogica Pro-Collagen Banking Water Cream.
1. Laneige Lip Glowy Balm.
Starting strong with a new lip balm from our friends behind the coveted Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask.
On the tin, the Laneige Lip Glowy Balm is described as “A lightweight, moisture-rich lip balm with Shea and Murumuru Seed Butters for extra soft, hydrated, kissable lips throughout the day.”
To me, it’s essentially a pocket-sized, daytime version of their beloved sleeping mask—perfect for on-the-go, with an added pop of colour.
Given the cult status of the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, it’s no surprise their new balm caught the eye of beauty lovers worldwide.
But it was mega-influencer Alix Earle’s “Get Ready with Me” Tikok that truly catapulted it into the spotlight, racking up over nine million views.
@alixearle Hardest part of my routine is choosing which @laneige_us Lip Glowy Balm flavor to use … whats your favorite?? #laneige_partner ♬ original sound - Alix Earle
So, does it live up to the hype? In a word: Yes.
I’m obsessed with my OG Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, but let’s be real: I’m losing its applicator within minutes of opening the box. Between my cat and my clumsiness, these tiny spatulas don’t stand a chance.
So, I appreciate that this new balm doesn’t require digging into a pot. Plus, the curved applicator feels super comfortable gliding over my lips.
I went for the shade Berry, a warm coral pink that’s perfect for everyday wear. It has a buttery texture that’s nourishing without being sticky. The pigment is subtle but can be amped up by layering a lip liner underneath.
My go-to lip combo? MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Color Pencil in Wherever Walnut.
2. Mediheal Vitamide Brightening Pad.
Mediheal is a relatively new K-beauty brand at Adore, renowned for offering premium yet affordable products designed to address various skincare needs.
I’ve already yapped about how much I love the Mediheal Pantenolips Sleeping Mask (it’s seriously that good), but this time I want to talk about their pre-soaked facial treatment pads.
With almost 30 million related TikTok videos to date, the toner pads have made their mark as a quick and easy way to incorporate targeted treatments into skincare routines.
There are several versions of the treatment pads on offer depending on your skin type and concerns including hydration, age management, irritation, pigmentation and more.
As an eternal glow-chaser, I picked up the Mediheal Vitamide Brightening Pad, enriched with vitamin C and niacinamide to improve my skin tone and luminosity.
I was initially a tad nervous at the thought of leaving the toner pads on my dry skin for the full 15 minutes, but am pleased to report I've experienced no irritation or dryness when using them once daily.
In fact, quite the opposite: soft, supple, shiny skin.
With 100 pads in each box, I don’t see myself running out of the Mediheal Brightening Pads anytime soon.
Even if I used them to their full potential, three pads (across my cheeks and forehead) morning and night, they’d still last me over four weeks–and at less than $40, that’s under $1.50 a day.
The applicator tongs are worth a mention too!
Super cute and cleverly packaged on the underside of the lid for safe, hygienic keeping. Would we expect anything else from the innovative world of K-beauty?
4. L'Oreal Paris Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer.
ICYMI, I recently reviewed L’Oreal Lumi Glotion for Beauty IQ which you can find here. You can also see how this all-in-one glow enhancer looks across different skin types and tones.
But given how obsessed I’ve become with it, I thought I’d be cheeky and include it here too.
To quote me,
“This lightweight lotion feels more like skincare than makeup, spreading smoothly across your skin and leaving behind a dewy, expensive-looking sheen.
I’ve been loving it as a base product, squeezing a pea-sized amount onto each cheek and my forehead before applying foundation. A little extra goes on my nose, cheekbones, cupid’s bow, and brow bones for that extra pop.
For a natural finish, I prefer using my fingers on my face, while a fluffy brush is perfect for dusting my chest with a bit of a fairy-like glow.
I’m patiently awaiting warmer days so I can slather this sparkly concoction all over me. Until then, I’ll settle for my face, shoulders and decolletage.
If you’re one of the lucky ones jetting off on a dreamy European summer—this baby is a must-pack. There’s no better match for delicious cocktails than skin that shimmers in the sun.”
What:
Laneige Water Bank Aqua Facial.
BIODERMA Photoderm Suncare Serum SPF50+ Dewy Glow Face Sunscreen.
Would it be an Adore Beauty skin roundup without an SPF, now would it?! We covered Bioderma's full range new SPF range in a recent article (read here).
The texture of this one is a standout - and one I'll be incorporating into my routine.
9. Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum.
Curious what other beauty goodies have caught our eye? Check out these Beauty IQ Articles next:
