The best new skincare, makeup and fragrance launches of 2026 so far, tried and tested by our beauty desk. From a clinically proven dark spot corrector to a self-setting concealer that genuinely doesn’t crease to a collagen supplement worth the hype, and many more.
There is a particular shift that happens at this time of year. Winter’s damage-control approach, the heavy creams, the restorative oils starts to feel like too much, and skin wants something lighter, brighter and more considered. It is also, conveniently, when the industry delivers its most interesting launches. This year the edit feels especially strong. These are the new beauty products we are currently testing, pressing on to friends and adding to baskets without hesitation.
Best New Skincare Launches · Complexion & Glow
Chantecaille Blanc Peony Collection
Best for: brightening, dark spot correction, clean luxury skincare
The Chantecaille Blanc Peony Collection is a clinically proven brightening skincare range built around a Multi-Brightening Botanical Complex of Thiamidol and White Peony, the same active found in several prescription-strength dark spot treatments. The Face Cream is proven to reduce the appearance of dark spots by 72% after eight weeks; the overnight mask delivers visible radiance by morning. We have been reaching for this daily since it landed on our desk. Phthalate-free, synthetic fragrance-free, and the kind of investment skincare that earns back every penny. Named Best Splurge Skincare at the Allure US Best of Beauty Awards 2025.
ILIA Hydrating Skin Blur Serum Concealer
Best for: buildable coverage, no-crease wear, sensitive or acne-prone skin
The ILIA Skin Blur Serum Concealer is a self-setting, skin-first concealer now available at Space NK across 34 shades. The featherweight formula contains encapsulated caffeine to de-puff, Sea Fennel as a retinol alternative to firm, and Matrixyl 3000 peptides for long-term wrinkle reduction. It self-sets without powder and holds for 12 hours without creasing, which sounds like a claim until you actually wear it. We have been testing it for two weeks and it has not budged once. Vegan, non-comedogenic, safe for sensitive skin.
No7 Prime Forever Skincare Range
Best for: skin preservation in your 30s, daily SPF, antioxidant protection
No7 Prime Forever is the UK’s first dedicated skin preservation skincare range designed to protect skin from damage before it becomes visible, not treat it afterwards. The range (serum, SPF50 primer, gel-cream moisturiser and cleanser) is powered by a proprietary antioxidant and peptide blend proven to reduce oxidative stress by 7x. The SPF50 primer alone is remarkable: modelled over 50 years of UV exposure, daily use from age 30 could reduce UV-induced ageing to the equivalent of just six years. On its first day at Boots, one product sold every three seconds. Serious science, accessible price.
Best New Face Oils & Treatment Serums 2026
NIANCE Premium Glacier Facial Oil
Best for: stressed or barrier-compromised skin, winter recovery
The NIANCE Premium Glacier Facial Oil takes a clinical approach to a product category that is often more poetry than performance. Swiss-formulated to nourish deeply while actively strengthening skin resilience, it is rich without heaviness and genuinely effective on skin that has been through it. We have been using it on barrier-compromised skin this season and the difference is visible within days. One of the more considered facial oils currently available.
Best for: dehydrated skin, sensitive skin, sustainable British skincare
Ishga Hydra Oil is an organic, Soil Association certified face oil powered by sustainably hand-harvested Hebridean seaweed from the Outer Hebrides, extracted into mineral-rich Scottish spring water using a low-temperature process that preserves every active compound. The result is deep hydration, antioxidant protection and visible skin renewal without heaviness or greasiness. We recommend this to anyone who asks for a clean face oil that actually delivers results. Skin looks calmer and more radiant with consistent use. A quiet hero we keep returning to.
Best for: firming, fine lines, retinol-sensitive skin, pregnancy-safe skincare
The Ranavat Firming Bakuchi Serum is an Ayurvedic firming serum that uses Bakuchi Seed, widely regarded as nature’s retinol alternative alongside eight peptides, vegan growth factors and ceramides to target firmness, texture and fine lines. Unlike traditional retinoids, it causes no irritation, photosensitivity or dryness, and is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We are two weeks into testing and already noticing improved skin quality. The kind of serum that rewards patience and keeps delivering.
Curated Beauty London Twilight Zone Overnight Refining Serum
Best for: overnight skin renewal, midlife skin, UK indie skincare
Curated Beauty London is a UK indie skincare brand founded by three women over fifty with decades of beauty and retail expertise. Their Twilight Zone Overnight Refining Serum supports the skin’s natural nocturnal renewal processes, gentle exfoliation, hydration and barrier reinforcement working while you sleep. Made in the UK, no abrasives, no overclaiming. We have been using it as the final step of our evening routine and waking up to noticeably smoother, more refined skin. An indie find that holds its own against far bigger names.
Best New Fragrances 2026 UK
Ella K Myrrh-K Extrait de Parfum
Best for: niche fragrance lovers, long-lasting extrait, myrrh and warm oriental scents
Ella K Myrrh-K is a new 2026 niche extrait de parfum from French fragrance house Ella K Parfums, available at Harvey Nichols. Created by master perfumer Sonia Constant, it opens with bitter almond, saffron and Omani halva before settling into a warm, resinous myrrh heart with rose, Madagascar vanilla and tonka bean. The extrait concentration delivers exceptional longevity, a small amount lasts considerably longer than you expect. We have been wearing this on rotation since we first tried it and have yet to tire of it. The kind of fragrance that prompts questions wherever you go.
Laura Ashley Parfum Collection
Best for: heritage British fragrance, floral scents, accessible niche perfume
The Laura Ashley Parfum Collection is the brand’s debut fragrance line, four fine fragrances inspired by iconic Laura Ashley prints and the British countryside, blending heritage florals with contemporary sensibility. We have been spending time with the collection this week and the positioning feels exactly right: sensorial, romantic and distinctly British. For anyone looking for a fragrance with genuine character and provenance at an accessible price point, this is well worth discovering.
Best New Lip Products 2026
Best for: effortless lip definition, hydrating formula, minimalist makeup
The Merit Signature Lip Liner is a hydrating, gel-formula lip liner available in eight neutral shades, from cool pinks and figgy mauves to rich chocolate browns now with new shades added to the range. Unlike traditional wax pencils, it is retractable, sheer and buildable with a natural satin finish that makes lips look fuller rather than lined. It had a 6,000-person waitlist before launch, and having worn it most days since, we understand why. Pair it with Merit’s Shade Slick for one of the best low-effort lip combinations available right now. Now at Sephora UK.
Best New Hair Products 2026
Fudge Mirror Gloss At Superdrug
Best for: instant hair shine, dull or winter-damaged hair, at-home gloss treatment
Fudge Mirror Gloss is an at-home hair gloss treatment available at Superdrug that delivers instant mirror-flat shine on dull, winter-worn hair, no appointment needed. We picked it up on a whim and have since recommended it to several people. For hair that has taken a hit from months of central heating and cold air, this is the fastest and most satisfying reset we have found at this price point.
Best Beauty Supplements 2026
Best for: hair growth, skin elasticity, nail strength, daily collagen supplement UK
Glowwa Collagen Creamer is a daily beauty supplement for hair, skin and nails that uses patented bioactive collagen peptides, absorbed significantly faster than standard collagen to support hair thickness, skin elasticity and nail strength from within. We have been adding it to our morning coffee for two months: stronger nails and noticeably better skin texture are the results. Flavourless, free from dairy, gluten, sweeteners and preservatives. Widely recommended by salon professionals across the UK, and one of the most talked-about collagen supplements in the category right now.
“The best new beauty products of May 2026 share one thing: they do more than promised, ask less of your routine, and respect your intelligence as a consumer. These are not products chasing a trend. They are the ones we are actually reaching for and recommending without hesitation.”
