January always carries a curious duality—slow in pace yet gone in the blink of an eye. As the month closes, I’m preparing for the busy rhythm of teaching seven college classes this spring while also finding joy in exploring new beauty and wellness launches. On one particularly golden afternoon, I sat down to test and reflect on products that have impressed me so far this year—some brand new, others timeless staples. At the heart of it all sits the Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion Foundation, a thoughtful reinvention of a cult classic. Alongside it are skincare, fragrance, and makeup launches that deserve a closer look.
Skincare, Haircare & Fragrance Essentials
Parfums de Marly Delina La Rosée
The romantic spirit of Delina has been reimagined in this luminous new edition. Notes of pear, litchi, rose, musk, and vetiver create a fragrance that feels both fresh and sensual—a soft but confident companion, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion that calls for elegance.
Agent Nateur No.5 Deodorant
Among clean deodorants, this one has secured permanent status in my routine. With a fresh, earthy unisex scent, it performs beautifully while staying true to its natural ethos.
Serucell KFS Serum
Nearly a year into consistent use, this serum remains an anti-aging powerhouse. It lifts, firms, and refines texture, unveiling brighter, healthier-looking skin over time. It’s one of those rare products that delivers visible results with patience and dedication.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Part skincare, part makeup enhancer, this multitasking serum hydrates, improves discoloration, and leaves a lit-from-within sheen. It can also be tapped over foundation as a dewy highlighter—a testament to its versatility.
Raincry Travel Detangler
A surprisingly chic little brush that glides through knots effortlessly. Compact enough for a handbag, it has quickly become my everyday companion.
Supergoop! Glow Screen SPF 40
Even in winter, SPF is non-negotiable. This formula provides broad-spectrum protection with a soft radiance that doubles as a skin-perfecting primer.
Clé de Peau Beauté Precious Gold Vitality Mask
Luxury personified: a golden mask infused with antioxidants and amino acids. Beyond its gilded appearance, it rejuvenates and restores tired skin, leaving behind a smoother, more luminous canvas.
City Beauty Dermal Reset
A gentle exfoliating serum that encourages cell turnover without irritation. After a month of use, my complexion feels refreshed, clearer, and more even-toned.
Agent Nateur Holi (Body) Serum
Silken hydration for arms, legs, and décolleté. This body serum is rich without heaviness, leaving limbs with a subtle radiance that feels indulgent yet wearable.
La Mer The Mist
Part skincare, part ritual. A spritz of this hydrating mist not only refreshes makeup but also reinvigorates skin mid-day with a dewy boost.
Supplements for Balance & Energy
Alongside topical care, I’ve been weaving in new supplements that support calm, focus, and overall well-being:
- HUM Calm Sweet Calm – Ashwagandha and L-Theanine pair in gummy form to bring grounded calm without sedation.
- Hush & Hush Shield Up – A blend of vitamin C, turmeric, and adaptogens for immune and energy support.
- HerTime, HerPower & HerCrave – A trio of sugar-free drink powders tailored to different needs: hormone balance, sustained energy, and curbing cravings.
The Makeup Moment: Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion
As a longtime fan of the original Future Skin Foundation, my anticipation for the Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion was high—and it delivered.
I wear the shade Wheat, which seamlessly matches medium olive tones (around NC27–NC35). The texture is lightweight yet buildable, offering a natural satin finish that evens tone, minimizes pores, and keeps skin comfortable all day. Beyond coverage, it contains skincare benefits, making it as much treatment as makeup.
The compact is sleek, travel-friendly, and comes with a refill—a thoughtful touch that softens the luxury price point. Importantly, the formula is fragrance-free, keeping it suitable for sensitive skin types. If you’re seeking a foundation that feels like skin but better, this cushion might be the perfect fit.
Supporting Cast: The Full Face
When wearing a bold red lip, I prefer to keep the rest of the face fresh, glowing, and softly defined. Here’s how I built the look:
- Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter (4.5) – A radiance primer I reach for daily, lending depth and glow under any base.
- Laura Mercier Secret Concealer Duo (3N) – A creamy essential for brightening under-eyes without creasing.
- RMS Madeira Bronzer – A true tan shade that sculpts and warms with minimal effort.
- EM Cosmetics Divine Skies Palette (Magic Hour) – Buttery neutrals in matte and satin finishes for an easy, crease-proof eye.
- Tom Ford Fiber Brow Gel (Chestnut) – For softly full brows that frame without stiffness.
- Hourglass Unlocked Mascara – A tubing formula that adds length and volume, removes easily, and never smudges.
- MAC Lipliner (Cherry) – The iconic companion to every red lipstick in my collection.
- Westman Atelier Lip Suede Palette (Les Rouges) – A quartet of rich, creamy reds that can double as blush.
- LAWLESS Forget the Filler – A plush, hydrating gloss that smooths and plumps instantly without discomfort.
Final Thoughts
January’s launches have brought both indulgence and practicality into focus. From the glowing hydration of skincare serums to the confidence of a perfect red lip, these products remind me why beauty is as much about ritual as it is about results.
But the highlight, without question, is the Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion—a foundation that balances luxury and function, skincare and makeup, refinement and ease. It feels like the perfect metaphor for this moment: a new year, a fresh canvas, and the reminder that even in the busiest seasons, there’s always room to pause and glow.