13 Beauty Launches to Add to Your Basket Right Now
Curated picks of the 13 beauty launches of 2026—what to splurge on, what revives nostalgia, and what truly upgrades your routine.
Beat the overwhelm: 13 beauty launches worth swiping your card for in 2026
If you’re juggling a packed schedule, wary of hype, and tired of buying innovations that gather dust—welcome. This curated round-up cuts through the noise and tells you exactly which beauty launches 2026 are worth the splurge, which revive the best kind of nostalgia, and which deliver genuine routine upgrades. Consider this your fast-lane shopping list from a beauty-lover who tests, tweaks and refuses to waste a good cleanser.
Why this matters now
Late 2025 and early 2026 brought a surge of releases across skincare, fragrance and body care. Social platforms resurrected 2016-era beauty favorites, sparking a wave of reformulations and relaunches—and brands responded. At the same time, R&D pushed forward with microbiome-friendly formulations, targeted actives for barrier repair, and smarter, sustainable packaging. The result: a rare season where nostalgia beauty and true innovation co-exist—so you can have both comfort and performance in your basket.
“2026 is shaping up to be a bumper year of beauty launches—nostalgia meets lab-forward innovation.” — Industry roundup, Cosmetics Business (Jan 2026)
The 13 launches: what they are, who they suit, and how to use them
Below I list each launch, my take on value versus hype, and practical tips to fold them into everyday routines. Use the quick key if you want to shop by intention:
- SPLURGE — standout investment.
- SAVE — great result at lower price or not essential.
- NOSTALGIA — a throwback or reformulation that taps sentimental trends.
- INNOVATION — ingredient, format or tech that upgrades routines.
- BODY CARE — products focused beyond face skincare.
1. Jo Malone London — New fragrance launch (Spritz of refined nostalgia) — SPLURGE
Why it’s notable: Jo Malone’s seasonal launches remain a masterclass in wearable luxury. The latest scent (released Jan 2026) blends classic English florals with a warmer woody base—made for everyday layering or a signature evening spritz.
Who it’s for: fragrance lovers who value longevity and mix-and-match layering.
How to use: spritz on pulse points and try a small test layer over an unscented body oil to boost sillage. For travel, decant a 5–10 ml atomizer to test longevity before committing to a full bottle.
Where to buy: Jo Malone counters, official site, and vetted retailers like Net-A-Porter or Selfridges. Always check batch codes if buying on third-party marketplaces.
2. Dr Barbara Sturm — Targeted serum launch — INNOVATION / SPLURGE
Why it’s notable: Dr Barbara Sturm continues to lead with clinically-informed formulas. The new targeted serum focuses on calming inflammation and strengthening the lipid barrier—aligned with 2026’s emphasis on barrier-first skincare and microbiome support.
Who it’s for: reactive or climate-stressed skin types and anyone rebuilding the barrier after retinoid or acid use.
How to use: incorporate post-cleanse, pre-moisturizer. Use two to three drops nightly on irritated zones. Patch-test for 48 hours if you’re ultra-sensitive.
Why consider splurging: when your barrier is compromised, investing in a clinically-backed serum can reduce downstream product waste (and cyclic inflammation).
3. Tropic — Reimagined cleanser or mask — INNOVATION / SAVE
Why it’s notable: Tropic’s new launch leans into plant-powered actives with a lightweight texture that reads as both effective and pleasant to use—perfect for consumers pivoting away from heavy surfactants toward gentle, sustainable formulations.
Who it’s for: normal to combination skin, conscious shoppers who prioritize clean certifications.
How to use: use as a daily morning cleanse or a 3–5 minute mask at night twice weekly. Pair with a hyaluronic acid serum for extra hydration.
4. Dermalogica — Multi-purpose treatment — INNOVATION
Why it’s notable: Dermalogica merged salon-grade actives with approachable textures, delivering a multi-use product that blurs the line between treatment and daily skincare. Good for customizing routines—treatment days vs maintenance days.
How to use: spot-treat or layer for a boosted nightly routine. Pro tip: incorporate into a sheet mask soak for a quick at-home facial upgrade.
5. Amika — Scalp and hair tech-forward product — INNOVATION / SPLURGE
Why it’s notable: Amika’s new launch reflects 2026’s obsession with scalp health as the foundation for hair wellness. Expect targeted peptides, scalp-soothing botanicals, and an applicator that makes treatment easy at the roots.
Who it’s for: thinning hair, dry scalps, or anyone looking to upgrade their haircare routine with proactive scalp treatments.
How to use: apply to a dry scalp before bedtime or after washing; massage gently for absorption. Use weekly for maintenance, more frequently if recommended on the label.
6. By Terry — Reformulated icon — NOSTALGIA / SPLURGE
Why it’s notable: global buzz around ‘2016 throwbacks’ pushed several brands to revive best-selling formulas. By Terry’s relaunch taps into nostalgic textures with modern improvements—think the original glow but updated stability and pigment tech.
Who it’s for: long-time fans and newcomers who love luminous, skin-like makeup finishes.
How to use: treat it like a hybrid skin tint—apply with fingers for sheer coverage or a damp sponge to blur imperfections without heavy layering.
7. Chanel — Classic palette remake — NOSTALGIA
Why it’s notable: Chanel channeling archival shades with modern wearability—perfect for a timeless makeup wardrobe. These palettes are engineered to be both heirloom chic and easy to wear.
How to use: keep as your “elevated everyday” palette. Use the lightest shade as a face-lifter under the brow and the deeper shade as an edge-defining liner.
8. Uni — Elevated body care (textured creams & scents) — BODY CARE / INNOVATION
Why it’s notable: body care continues to ascend in 2026—the category now boasts texture innovation, targeted actives (AHAs for body, firming peptides), and fragrance layering designed specifically for skin rather than clothes.
Who it’s for: anyone who treats body care with the same ritual importance as facial skincare.
How to use: incorporate into a weekly body exfoliation and nightly moisturizing ritual. Use cooling or warming massaging tools to boost circulation and product absorption.
9. EOS — Reimagined lip & body balms — BODY CARE / SAVE
Why it’s notable: EOS upgraded classic balms with better oils, longer wear, and sustainable packaging—delivering a pocket-friendly option that still performs in the era of skin-first formulations.
How to use: keep one at your desk, one in your bag. Use over lipstick to add gloss and hydration without moving color too much.
10. Phlur — New body fragrance and layering system — BODY CARE / SPLURGE
Why it’s notable: Phlur’s focus on ethically-sourced scent families and transparency resonates with 2026 consumers. Their new body fragrance line is crafted to layer with existing perfumes for bespoke signatures.
How to use: apply to hairbrush bristles or an unscented body lotion to subtly diffuse scent all day. Swap placement based on intensity—hair for sheerness, pulse points for longevity.
11. EOS (special edition) or similar — Nostalgic limited editions — NOSTALGIA
Why it’s notable: limited drops tap into collectible culture—if a product reissue reminds you of a favorite decade, buy if you’ll use it; otherwise resist impulse buys that collect dust.
Buying tip: if it’s truly nostalgic for you, buy now; otherwise wait for reviews or sample sizes to avoid regret purchases.
12. Drunk Elephant / Clean beauty contender — Routine boosters — INNOVATION / SAVE
Why it’s notable: many clean-beauty houses released small-format boosters and ampoules in early 2026—perfect for trialing potent actives without full-jar commitment. They’re an economical entry point into high-performance actives.
How to use: mix one to two drops into your moisturizer on treatment nights. Keep a usage diary to track skin response over two weeks.
13. A multisensory at-home device or tool (hair or face) — INNOVATION / SPLURGE
Why it’s notable: tech-driven at-home devices matured in 2025—2026 products focus on safety, evidence-backed modes, and user-friendly apps that sync routine reminders. These are not impulse buys; they’re investments in long-term skin and hair health.
How to use: follow manufacturer protocols, charge and store properly, and schedule routine sessions (e.g., twice weekly). Always combine devices with sunscreen and barrier-friendly products for safety.
How I tested these—and the practical takeaways
As a beauty editor, I run a three-tier test for every launch: immediate sensorial check (texture, scent, spread), 2-week routine test (compatibility and performance), and a 6-week verdict for results that need time (barrier repair, hair density improvements, skin tone clarity). Here’s what to do at home before you commit:
- Patch test: 48–72 hours on the inside forearm for actives or fragranced products.
- Sample first: prioritize minis or decants for fragrances and splurge skincare—try a travel size before a full bottle.
- Introduce one new product at a time: gives you a clear signal of what caused a reaction or improvement.
- Keep a quick routine diary: note day/night, product, and visible effects. Two weeks is the minimum for most changes.
- Buy from trusted retailers: brand sites, Sephora, Cult Beauty, Dermstore, Net-A-Porter—check return policies, batch codes and authenticity guarantees. Use verified listing and trust signals when you buy online (local trust templates) and be mindful of platform policy changes affecting returns (marketplace policy updates).
2026 trends that make these launches meaningful
Understanding the wider trends helps you prioritize. Here are the macro shifts shaping these releases:
- Nostalgia resurgence: social media propelled 2016-era looks back in late 2025—brands responded with archival revivals and reformulations.
- Barrier-first science: formulas now prioritize repairing and protecting the skin’s natural barrier before layering aggressive actives.
- Microbiome and prebiotic approaches: brands increasingly formulate to support skin ecology rather than just stripping and rebuilding.
- Body-care elevation: consumers treat body rituals with the same investment as facial skincare—expect better actives, textures, and fragrance layering.
- Sustainable and transparent practices: refillability, recycled materials, and ingredient traceability are standard asks, not special requests. If authenticity guarantees matter to you, check fraud-prevention and payment safeguards for cross-border shopping (fraud prevention).
- Hybridization: products that blur skincare and makeup or combine fragrance with skincare are more popular—think tinted sunscreens, glow serums and body mists designed to layer.
How to prioritize your basket (actionable shopping plan)
Follow this sequence when you shop launches so you don’t buy everything—and only keep what earns a permanent slot in your routine.
- Audit your current routine: list active ingredients you already use. Avoid doubling potent retinoids or acids without spacing them out.
- Identify the gap: is your skin thirsty, reactive, textured or dull? Buy to solve one core problem first.
- Budget decision: choose one SPLURGE per season, two INNOVATION tries, and a couple of saves for daily use.
- Sample strategy: pick minis for fragrance and serums; decants for hair treatments; single-use or travel for devices where possible.
- Purchase from trusted sources: use brand websites or reputable retailers. Keep receipts and batch codes—these matter if you need returns or authenticity checks.
Case study: How I incorporated three launches into a 6-week routine
Here’s a short real-world example from our beauty desk.
Week 0–2: Introduced Tropic’s new cleanser as AM cleanser and Dr Barbara Sturm’s serum at night (patch-tested first). Result: less redness and fewer reactive breakouts.
Week 3–4: Added Amika scalp treatment twice weekly. Result: improved scalp comfort and reduced visible flakiness; hair texture felt healthier after six weeks.
Week 5–6: Spritzed Jo Malone’s new fragrance strategically for outings. Result: a reliable signature scent layered with my Phlur body mist kept the scent balanced without clashing.
Takeaway: introducing one core skincare upgrade (serum), one scalp/hair boost, and a fragrance for mood translated to measurable improvements without routine fatigue.
Red flags to watch for with new launches
- Overhyped index ingredients: many launches lean on trending actives. Check concentration and supporting science before splurging.
- Poor packaging for active formulas: light-sensitive ingredients need opaque or airless packaging to remain effective.
- Unclear sourcing claims: transparency matters—look for traceability if sustainability is a buying factor.
- Limited return policies on skincare: ensure you can return within a reasonable window if the product irritates.
Actionable takeaway checklist before checkout
- Patch test 48–72 hours.
- Buy the smallest format or sample first (especially for fragrances and high-cost serums).
- Add one treatment product to your routine per 2-week block.
- Document results with before/after photos and short notes.
- Shop from trustworthy retailers and keep receipts and batch codes.
Final verdict: what to add to your basket right now
If you want a quick pick list:
- Buy-to-try: Tropic cleanser (save), EOS balm (save).
- Buy-to-commit: Dr Barbara Sturm serum (splurge), Amika scalp treatment (splurge).
- For joy and ritual: Jo Malone fragrance and Phlur body mist (splurge—fragrance is emotional value).
- For nostalgia fans: By Terry or Chanel relaunches—but only if they fill a real gap in your kit.
Where to buy safely in 2026
Stick to official brand stores, authorized department stores, and trusted specialty retailers such as Sephora, Cult Beauty, Dermstore and Net-A-Porter. For hard-to-find drops, use verified resale platforms with authenticity guarantees—be sure to check platform protections and fraud-prevention measures (see fraud prevention guidance). Always keep batch codes and receipts—these are your proof for returns or product authenticity checks.
Closing with a beauty promise
2026’s launches give us the best of both worlds: a comforting nod to the past and forward-leaning science that actually improves daily routines. Your best buys will be the ones that solve a real skin or hair need, bring ritual joy, and respect your time and budget.
Ready to shop smarter? Start with one innovation, one nostalgic treat, and one reliable body-care staple. If you want my personalized triage—tell me your skin/hair concerns and budget, and I’ll curate a 3-item starter basket that won’t gather dust.
Call to action
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Senior editor and content strategist. Writing about technology, design, and the future of digital media. Follow along for deep dives into the industry's moving parts.
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