Cold girl makeup has been all over TikTok — but we’re here to tell you that January is about bold girl makeup. This month’s new launches will have you rethinking your neutral staples and reaching for something a bit more playful. Case in point: Byredo, Dior, r.e.m. beauty, and Bakeup all released colorful eye shadow palettes that range from rich browns and metallic plum tones to neon, rainbow hues.
Of course, it’s not all about the eyes… your lips can make a statement, too, with cheery pops of pigment from brands like Tower 28, About-Face, and Laura Mercier. When it comes to your nails, you can take it easy this month: Press-ons from both Glamnetic and Sally Hansen give you a polished manicure — without any drying time. If you still prefer a classic lacquer, though, Essie’s new rainbow of gemstone hues is sure to brighten your month.
Now, set aside your black mascara and sheer lip balm until further notice, and check out these colorful launches and more below.
Byredo First Emotions Collection
Makeup artist Lucia Pica, who curated this Byredo First Emotions collection, was inspired by the heady, beautiful experience of falling in love. The result is a warm-toned shadow palette of shades that hug your lids with a touch of shimmer, plus brown eyeliner and burgundy mascara. Two lipsticks (a nude called On the Fence and a berry-red called Transported) complete the look. The whole lineup will leave you with sparkling eyes, flushed cheeks, and bitten lips — even if you’re not in the first throes of a new relationship.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Glow Glide Face Architect Highlighter
Highlighters can be hit or miss. (We’re usually aiming for subtle incandescence… but sometimes end up with cheekbones strewn with glitter.) This finely milled formula from celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury is right on target. Pressed into the Hollywood Glow Glide Face Architect Highlighter powder are skin-loving ingredients (like hydrating squalane) to create a radiant finish that helps wake up skin just like a ring light. Six shades — from golds to bronzes — illuminate all skin tones seamlessly.
Dior Mitzah Collection
Mitzah Bricard was designer Christian Dior’s muse and she has had a lasting effect on the fashion house. To pay homage to her signature style, the packaging of the Dior Mitzah Collection is spotted in her signature leopard print and includes a 10-shade eye-shadow palette, a Rouge Dior lipstick (available in a matte, metallic, satin, or velvet finish), a cushion foundation compact, and travel-sized fragrances.
Bakeup Micro Palm Palettes
These are not watercolor paints… though we do recommend getting very creative with them. Celebrity makeup artist Jo Baker and singer-songwriter Grace Gaustad came together to develop this eclectic brand, which debuted last year with the dazzling Veiler Eye Adornment similar to a masquerade-like eye mask. The Bakeup Micro Palm Palettes are the line’s first traditional makeup and come in three colorways: primaries, pastels, and neons (there are eight eye shadows in each).
Essie Gel Couture Fashion Freedom Collection
If Stevie Nicks’ groovy style could be bottled as nail polish, it would look just like this. Available in six bold shades, the polishes in the Fashion Freedom Collection embody the carefree, yet cozy attitude of the ’70s. Their names — like Tassel Free (a soft gray), Cut Loose (a cornflower blue), Woven at Heart (a rustic clay), and In-vest In Style (a moody emerald) — are just as impressive as the way they gleam on your nails after two coats.
About-Face Cherry Pick Lip Color Butter
It’s the year of Viva Magenta — and we found the easiest (and perhaps also prettiest) way to wear it. Simply swipe on About-Face Cherry Pick Lip Color Butter in Berry Smash, an electric version of the purple-pink. One click of the pen applicator dispenses the perfect amount of color and leaves a reflective sheen.
Glamnetic Short and Sweet Press-on Nail Collection
If long talons aren’t for you, there is also a short and sweet approach to fake nails. This new collection of Glamnetic Press-On Nails includes almond and round shapes, plus a new super-short style that’s about to change the mind of everyone who ever said that press-ons were too dramatic or complicated.
Stila All About the Blur Blurring & Smoothing Primer
The Paris filter has been bottled. Smooth on the All About the Blur Primer for a soft-focus finish that leaves you looking practically poreless. And, if you decide to add makeup on top, it will also help prolong the wear of your foundation.
r.e.m. beauty Thank U, Next Collection
Inspired by — you guessed it — Ari’s “Thank U, Next,” comes another smash hit, this time from the music phenom’s makeup line. Recreate Ariana Grande’s signature look with a versatile shadow palette (with three neutral and three pink-toned shadows), an inky eyeliner marker, and bejeweled faux mink lashes to really make your eyes sparkle.
Sally Hansen Salon Effects Perfect Manicure Press-On Nails
Dream up a nail look… and chances are it’s right here in the Sally Hansen Salon Effects Perfect Manicure Press-On Nails. These budget-friendly press-ons are waiting for you right at the drugstore and give you some of the same options you’d get at a salon. There’s a selection of shapes (square, oval, almond, and coffin tips), colors (everything from neutrals to bolds), and designs (ombre, geometric lines, you name it).
Laura Mercier High Vibe Lip Color
Where’s the fun in playing it safe? That’s a rhetorical question. Each tube of the vividly pigmented Laura Mercier High Vibe Lip Color makes a statement and leaves behind a light-reflecting finish. There are 16 striking reds, pinks, and berries.