Spa & Beauty Today's March 2023 Editors' Picks

[Photo by Manny Moreno]

One of our favorite things every month is going through all of the beauty and wellness pitches that we receive, then selecting the most innovative products to feature in our monthly Editors’ Picks. For the month of March, some highlights include:

• A reimagined facial toner that utilizes 5-HTP, a precursor to feel-good hormone serotonin

• Sustainable luggage made from recycled PET water bottles or recycled ABS plastic

• A new high-performance curl care collection from actress Tia Mowry

• A NASA-themed nail collection

• Plant-based milk chocolate bars

• Limited-edition soaps inspired by “The Mandalorian”

• Topical pain relief and daily muscle care solutions co-founded by tennis star Serena Williams

• A special collab between LoveShackFancy and imPRESS Press-On Manicure

• The latest launches from Alastin Skincare, Bath & Body Works, ColourPop, Dermalogica, Laura Mercier, Murad, OGX, OLEHENRIKSEN, R+Co, and many more…

Read on to discover and shop Spa & Beauty Today’s March 2023 Editors’ Picks. Let us know if you have any favorites and if there are any products we missed that you think should make the list!

4U By Tia Clarifying Shampoo ($9.99)

 Part of a new high-performance curl care line by actress Tia Mowry, this purifying shampoo promotes strong, shiny curls that are free of build-up without stripping essential moisture. Ingredients include the brand’s patented, award-winning ingredient Hemi15 (aka hemisqualane), a silicone alternative that is combined with other curl-friendly ingredients for healthy, shiny and defined curls.

"The 4U By Tia Clarifying Shampoo is a must if I'm taking my hair out of a protective style,” says founder and CEO Tia Mowry. “You can also use a scalp massage tool in the shower with it to help remove any impurities left behind from product build-up."

Alastin Skincare ReSURFACE Skin Polish ($62)

This dual-action exfoliating polish includes glycolic acid and gently helps remove buildup of dead skin cells and impurities without stripping or irritating skin. Skin instantly feels smoother and softer, and appears visibly brighter. Delivers the power of dual-action exfoliation through volcanic minerals and AHA in a hydrating formula that is suitable for most skin types including aging, dry, oily and combination.

Art of Tea Ginger Spice Chai Concentrate ($40)

A modern take on the classic chai recipe, Ginger Spice Chai concentrate brings together all of your favorite chai flavor notes. This tea powder concentrate is bold and delicious, with a ginger-forward kick that perfectly balances sweet and heat. Make the perfect iced or hot chai latte! Comes with four packets.

Athena Club Zit Delete Healing Dots ($12)

Powered by innovative microdart technology, these small but mighty pimple patches penetrate beneath the skin to deliver targeted acne-fighting ingredients to clear up the most stubborn of spots. Wear overnight for best results. Ideal for early-stage deep-set blemishes, cystic acne and zits with no visible head. Comes with 6 healing dots and a storage pouch.

Bath & Body Works Coco Paradise Eau de Parfum ($44.95)

Featuring fragrance notes of salted coconut monoi, sugared neroli and bronzed sandalwood, this long-lasting scent will instantly transport you to paradise. It’s formulated with a higher concentration of fragrance oils, is dermatologist tested and made without parabens. The stunning bottle will enhance any vanity, shelf or counter space!

Bath & Body Works Neutrals Home System ($7.95+ each)

This new collection makes it easier than ever to create your best home fragrance experience in four easy steps! Create your new home fragrance ritual with a Wallflowers + Scent Control Plug for an adjustable fragrance; wash hands with Gentle & Clean Hand Soap; fill your room with a beautiful fragrance with a 3-Wick Candle; and give any space an instant refresh with Concentrated Room Spray. Available in five incredible scents including Palo Santo & Sage, Vanilla & Musk, Bergamot & Birch, Rose & Lychee, and Yuzu & White Pineapple.

BeeSpa Honey Lips ($22.99)

This restorative lip treatment addresses chapping and dryness with 7% beeswax and natural oils. The nourishing formula provides intense hydration and protection to delicate lip skin, which is especially important during colder and dryer months.

Borghese Advanced Fango Delicato Moisturizing Mud Mask ($50)

This gentle yet effective mask cleans and purifies even the most fragile, delicate skin, providing intense moisturization to help address signs of premature aging. Features kaolin clay to rid pores of dirt, oils and impurities; white honey extract to deliver intense moisture; aloe and chamomile extract to soothe and moisturize dry skin; olive fruit extract to fight free radical famage; and a blend of hydrolyzed collagen and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and smooth skin.

caliray endless sunset palette ($48)

This talc-free, long-wear, multi-purpose eye and cheek compact goes everywhere and can be used to create a variety of looks. The shades are blendable and infused with magnesium myristate, amino-acid and rice extract. The palette comes in a compostable bamboo compact and the shades are refillable so you can extend the longevity of your palette. 

CAP Beauty Serotoner ($58)

This reimagined version of a toner doesn’t strip skin—instead, it soothes, nourishes and calms. Inspired by highly adaptive desert botanicals and their resilience, this mist draws on succulents, shrubs, flowers and cacti to promote a calm and hydrated complexion. Utilizing aloe, agave and prickly pear, it was created specifically for sensitive, dry and reactive skin types. It also contains revolutionary ingredient griffonia, which contains a natural precursor to serotonin (the feel-good hormone) to encourage happier and healthier skin.

Chillhouse Steam Room Mist ($38)

This deeply hydrating and illuminating face and body mist puts you in a relaxed and chill tone with ingredients like green tea, vitamin E, sodium hyaluronate and aloe vera. Fragrance notes of coconut, cedarwood and citrus will instantly transport you on a mental vacation.

ColourPop Pressed Powder Blush, Bronzer and Highlighter ($12 each)

ColourPop has launched a new collection of Pressed Powder Blushes, Bronzers and Highlighters to enhance and liven up complexions. Collection includes:

• Pressed Powder Blush (20 shades): Get blushin’ with the perfect touch of colour in a soft-matte finish that can be applied for a subtle, natural look or an ultra-glam statement. Its silky, finely-milled powder effortlessly blends onto the cheeks for a gorgeous flush. 

• Pressed Powder Highlighter (6 shades): Get glowing with this silky, buttery soft highlighter that effortlessly blends onto the skin for a radiant glow. This superfine formula glides on like a dream to illuminate your cheeks with a lit-from-within glow. 

• Pressed Powder Bronzer (8 shades): This light-as-air pressed powder formula instantly adds warmth, depth and dimension to your complexion with a natural matte finish. Its lightweight, silky formula helps blur imperfections, giving you the perfect sun-kissed look without harsh lines or splotchy patches. Dermatologist tested and long-lasting, it features an amino acid derivative to stay moisturized and never look or feel chalky.

Common Heir Ceramide Barrier Boost Serum ($88)

Soothing heritage desert botanicals meet vitamin-packed seaweed in a ceramide-loaded serum that quenches dehydrated skin. Fortify natural ceramides to relieve inflammation and revive skin’s firmness and elasticity. Provides instant hydration to lock in moisture to preserve your glow all day. Also provides antioxidant-rich relief that smoothes and soothes skin while shielding from skin stressors. Clinically tested on all skin tones and types.

Dermalogica Phyto Nature Oxygen Cream ($125)

This lightweight liquid cream moisturizer utilizes oxygen-optimizing phytoactives to breathe new life into aging skin. The revitalizing daily cream firms, lifts, plumps and hydrates skin. Featuring a botanical extract from Ligustrum Lucidum Seed together with glycogen and Nasturtium flower helps to oxygenate skin’s surface by hydrating its upper layers for a smooth, energized appearance. Skin looks firmer and more lifted after just one week. 

Dr. Squatch The Mandalorian Natural Soap Bundle Collection ($14)

Embrace the lather with the way to a better shower. Feel the power of Beskar Tar, Dr. Squatch’s Pine Tar bar in a limited-edition Mandalorian™-inspired box. Harness the power of freshness with Force Fresh, their Cool Fresh Aloe bar in limited edition Grogu™-inspired packaging.

Ellis Brooklyn 100ml Eau de Parfums ($155 each)

Ellis Brooklyn's best-selling fragrances are now available in a new 100 ml size so you can get even more of your favorite fragrance. Available in five scents (MYTH, BEE, SALT, SUN FRUIT, and SWEET).

Eminence Organic Skin Care Tropical Superfood Collection ($54-$60)

This brand-new luscious tropical collection from Eminence Organic Skin Care features three new formulas that work in harmony to visibly renew, brighten and smooth skin. Collection includes a Pineapple Refining Tonique ($54) with bromelain and PHA, Superfood Booster-Powder ($60) with Kakadu plum, and Yuzu Solid Body Oil ($56) for supple glowing skin.

Epicuren Microbiome Restorative All-In-One Serum ($140)

This lightweight serum is especially great for those with sensitive or problematic skin, a compromised barrier or uneven skin tone. It incorporates prebiotics, postbiotics and probiotic technology along with powerful antioxidants, skin brighteners and humectants to enhance the appearance of healthy, glowing and tighter-looking skin.

Goldfaden MD Body Surge Hydrating & Restoring Body Moisturizer ($65)

This creamy moisturizer increases hydration, boosts radiance and firms skin with each use. It quickly absorbs into skin, providing a sheen to enhance your natural glow in seconds. The plant-based body moisturizer is enriched with a nourishing blend of rosehip seed and watermelon seed oils, firming and tightening soap bark extract, balancing bergamot peel oil and a radiance-boosting Super Ox Complex.

Herbitual Atopic Skin Defense+ Skin Protectant Cream ($48)

From new skincare brand Herbitual, this intensely moisturizing skin cream is fortified with a proprietary blend of ancient botanicals and FDA-recognized skin science. The formula helps soothe and relieve the symptoms of atopic skin conditions, while protecting and fortifying the skin barrier. Free from harsh chemicals, their products are gentle enough to use on the most sensitive skin.

Holy Curls Hair Oil Serum ($45)

This lightweight, silky and moisturizing oil serum is free of silicone and preservatives. The 100% vegan formula features a unique blend of lipid-boosting ingredients and is a multitasking primer, refresher, sealant and scalp oil that enhances curls every day of the week. Ingredients include jojoba oil, hemisqualane, rosemary seed oil, baobab oil, marula oil and essential oils.

JOAH Beauty Crystal Glow Collection ($13.99-$17.99)

The Korean beauty-inspired brand recently relaunched their Crystal Glow Collection, which includes a Peptide-Infused Foundation, Refreshing Luminizer Skin Mist, and Tinted Luminizer Stick. These multi-purpose products boast 3% luminizing peptides to achieve visibly smoother and clearer skin in just six weeks. Collection includes:

• Peptide-Infused Foundation ($15.99): This dermatologist-tested formula provides a naturally radiant and glowy finish. Boasting blue light protection and a blurring primer effect, this luminous multitasker is available in 16 shades. 

• Refreshing Luminizer Skin Mist ($17.99): This refreshing mist will illuminate the skin for a dewy finish over makeup or on bare skin.

• Tinted Luminizer Stick ($13.99): To be used under makeup for a blurring effect, on top of makeup as a natural highlighter, or alone for a luminous glow, this multitasker is available in six shades.

Koala Eco Natural Glass Cleaner ($10.90)

This natural and non-toxic glass cleaner cuts through film and polishes windows, glass doors and mirrors for streak-free perfection while discouraging dust from resettling. It features native peppermint, which is also an effective insect deterrent. The biodegradable and eco-friendly, plant-based formula effortless cleans, removes bacteria and deodorizes without the need for toxic chemicals. Their other newly-launched product is a Natural Multi-Purpose Bathroom Cleaner.

Lanolips Glossybalms ($13.50 each)

This extra juicy, natural lanolin balm is infused with three-dimensional tint, shimmer and gloss. Enriched with all-natural, ultra-medical grade lanolin, the new balms seal in moisture and add a beautiful, glossy finish. The tubes are made out of 80% sugarcane bioplastic as part of the brand’s ongoing plan to improve their sustainability. Available in two sweet, all-natural flavors: Candy (fruity pink balm with added gold) and Berry (punchy berry-jam glaze).

Laura Mercier High Vibe Lip Color ($32)

Available in 16 energetic shades, this new lipstick offers supercharged pigments with light-reflecting vivid pearls with comfortable wear that lasts six hours. Guava oil ensures a smooth and effortless glide onto lips.

LILFOX PINK Celestial Salt Soak ($125)

This soothing and skin-beautifying bath soak hydrates and purifies skin with pink Himalayan salts while powdered coconut milk softens. Green cypress and rich vetiver leave your aura sparkling. Enjoy the divine aromatics of warm tonka, sparkling yuzu and restorative cedar.

Lip Lab Agave Nighttime Lip Therapy ($25)

This all-new agave therapeutic, balm-meets-intensive-mask is formulated to soothe and protect lips while you sleep or whenever you need a moisture boost. A decadent blend of jojoba, sunflower and safflower seed oils comes together in a cushiony balm-to-oil treatment that melts onto lips and wraps them in comforting hydration. Lip Lab’s other new launch is the Agave Weekly Lip Scrub, a scrub that exfoliates with fair-trade golden sugar and papaya enzymes.

LOVO Milk Chocolate Bars ($19.95/4-pack)

Reimagining the milk chocolate experience, LOVO debuts four ultra-creamy and delicious chocolate bars made entirely of vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO ingredients and backed by Swiss chocolate-making expertise. Available in four delicious flavors: Almond Milk, Hazelnut Milk, Oat Milk and Coconut Milk. Each bar wrapper and foil are fully recyclable and all products are Rainforest Alliance certified and myclimate certified.

LoveShackFancy x imPRESS Press-On Manicure ($5.99-$9.49)

Inspired by the New York Botanical Garden, these eight fanciful press-on manis feature the romantic hero prints LoveShackFancy's Spring 2023 Collection. The limited-edition collection includes six imPRESS Press-On Manicure nail designs and two "Mommy and Me" matching imPRESS Mini nail designs in signature romantic LoveShackFancy florals. PureFit Technology provides a seamless fit that looks and feels totally natural. Available in multiple styles and designs including Rosie Peach Sky (pictured).

LumiSpa ageLOC Rose Gold LumiSpa iO ($245)

ageLOC LumiSpa iO inputs smart skin care and outputs the skin of your dreams. Use it morning and night as your cleansing step. You’ll love your glow-boosting, instantly smoothed look—after just one use—the seven clinically proven skin benefits that amplify over time, and smart technology that helps you personalize your routine. Provides instant benefits, so skin feels softer and smoother after just one use. Gentle enough for twice-daily use on the face, neck, and décolleté. When used in the morning, LumiSpa iO energizes skin for a fresher, smoother, more rejuvenated looking complexion. When used at night, LumiSpa iO deeply cleanses and helps de-stress skin. 

Maria Nila Scalp Brush ($15)

The Swedish vegan haircare brand’s new scalp brush helps distribute and apply products to hair while also offering restorative effects on your body and well-being. In addition to exfoliating dead skin cells, it increases blood circulation, removes product residue, releases tension in scalp muscles, and boosts the release of oxytocin, a hormone that lowers heart rate, blood pressure and stress. Made from recycled plastic with wheat straw plant fibre and silicone brush teeth.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye ($53)

The beautifully lightweight yet nourishing cream is carefully crafted to deliver all-night moisture to the eye area, while remaining gentle on even the most sensitive of skins. Restore the appearance of youthful eyes with Medik8’s new all-in-one solution to nighttime eye care. Discover retinaldehyde optimized for the eye area, available in three strengths for progressive visible results that become more evident over time.

Mojave Desert Skin Shield Organic Calming Cleansing Oil ($56)

Featuring a synergistic combination of organic, antioxidant-rich clarifying oils, this calming cleansing oil improves a wide variety of skin issues. The clean and soothing formula effectively removes makeup and impurities without disturbing skin’s delicate bio-balance. Features vitamin C-rich coriander seed, sage for eliminating toxins and diminishing blemishes, and cedar wood to calm redness and breakouts.

Motif Abundance Plumping PhytoCeramide Cleanser ($65)

Motif is a new luxury, dermatologist-designed skincare brand that recently launched with its hero product, the Abundance Plumping Phytoceramide Cleanser. The creamy, non-foaming formula doubles as a brightening mask and includes high-performance ingredients like pineapple ceramides, white orchid, licorice root, fermented rice, monkey fruit wood, and luffa. The cleanser repairs and enhances skin’s primary function of preventing water loss while keeping pathogens and allergens out. It also maintains a slightly acidic, skin-ideal pH of 5.3 which helps preserve the skin biome.

Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment ($105)

This uniquely encapsulated retinal serum dramatically lifts and improves sagging, smoothes deep-set wrinkles and increases skin elasticity. Murad’s retinal is encapsulated n an exclusive delivery system for enhanced stability and targeted delivery deep within skin’s surface, allowing for 2.5x more effectiveness while still being gentle on skin. Kangaroo paw flower and olive leaf extracts help improve saggy appearance, smooth wrinkles and support resilience, while oat lipids and alpha glucan help replenish ceramides, increase moisture and soothe skin.

NUDESTIX Nudies Matte Bronzing Stick ($35)

This multi-tasking cream bronzer stick creates warm bronzing on your face, eyes, and lips for an easy and low-fuss look. Nudies Bronze is an all-over matte cream bronzer. These multi-tasking bronzer sticks will bring a subtle warmth and bronzing effect to your skin, enhancing the beauty of your face, eyes and lips. Features a dual-ended design with a bronzer stick on one end and a top-quality makeup brush on the other.

Oak Essentials Pure Gel Cleanser ($42)

This multi-tasking gel cleanser removes impurities to reveal a bright and clear complexion. Features key ingredients of aloe leaf juice (reduces redness and aids in regeneration), verbena officinalis extract (skin-conditioning emollient that soothes and softens) and glycerin (draws moisture from the environment and locks it in for naturally supple skin).

OGX Vibrant Color Vibes Shampoo ($10.49)

Protect and enhance strands for long-lasting color with this ultra-moisturizing and anti-fade formula that will help you extend hair color for up to four weeks. This shampoo and its conditioner counterpart are powered by bonding plex technology that strengthens weak strands, enhances hair color and helps prevent damage.

OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright+ Vitamin CC Sticks ($34)

These color-correcting eye cream sticks feature two forms of vitamin C and banana powder-inspired pigments to instantly neutralize dark circles, brighten and hydrate the under eye area. Also contains caffeine to visibly depuff the eye area. Available in three shades including Banana (purple dark circles), Apricot (blue/purple dark circles), and Pumpkin (blue dark circles). Designed to wear alone or layer seamlessly beneath concealer, reap the multitude of immediate and long-term benefits found following an 8-week clinical study on 37 people.

ORLY x NASA Collection ($11.99 to $96)

This out-of-this-world collection features four stunning nail lacquers and four nail wrap sets—perfect for space fanatics! The limited-edition collection celebrates NASA’s historic missions of the past, present and future including Artemis I, which will land the first woman and first person of color on the lunar surface. The gorgeous polishes include Spirit of Peace (50th anniversary topper), Perseverance (Red Rover shimmer), View from L2 (Black Holo Shimmer) and Golden Record (gold metallic). Nail wrap designs include Voyager, Hubble Space Telescope, Artemis I, and James Webb Space Telescope.

Pedestrian Project Purifying Foot Soak ($14)

From new foot care brand Pedestrian Project, this purifying foot soak is made with Himalayan salt, marula oil and meadowfoam and treats everything from soreness to softening calluses and detoxifying skin. The 100% vegan and cruelty-free formula leaves feet feeling and looking refreshed in just 10 minutes.

R+Co Teleport Flexible Control Hydra Gelee ($34)

This innovative go-to formula creates a range of looks, maintains styles and transitions cuts. Lightweight texture provides buildable hold, enhances natural waves, and adds smooth, subtle shine. Key ingredients include pineapply fruit acid, bamboo extract, potato starch, radish root and panthenol vitamin B5. Great for anyone looking for style creation for any length or cut with flexible movement and a natural finish.

Rebels Refinery Hydrating Face Mist ($18)

Help support the appearance of healthy, nourished and glowing skin with this 100% natural facial mist that features soothing rose hydrosol, balancing geranium, hydrating aloe and moisturizing glycerin. Comes in a gorgeous pineapple-shaped bottle that adds a nice touch to any vanity or nightstand, and it also conveniently fits into your purse.

Solo Re:cycled Luggage ($120.99+)

This recently launched line of Re:cycled Luggage pieces are ideal for travelers who care about the planet and sustainability. All of the bags are made from recycled PET water bottles or recycled ABS plastic from household appliances and automobile parts, making it one of the most sustainable luggage lines on the market. The pieces are also all very affordable and listed at below $200. Available in a variety of styles including carry-ons, overnight bags and more.

The Outset Purifying Blue Clay Mask ($46)

This mineral-rich mask unclogs and minimizes the look of pores with natural blue clay while salicylic acid reduces skin without over-drying skin. Can be used on the T-zone or all over to remove purities, minimize perfections and promote a more uniform skin tone. Cruelty-free, vegan, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist tested. Suitable for sensitive skin.

Thrive Natural Care Vitality Collection ($35.95 each)

Made with the brand’s unique, regenerative super plants in plastic-free packaging, Thrive Natural Care’s Vitality Line targets your most vulnerable areas to restore health, resilient and better-looking skin. The collection features three products that are clinically proven to minimize the aftermath of sun, stress and life. Includes a Revive Eye Stick to banish puffiness and dark circles; Spot-On Tone Balancing for vibrant, even-looking skin; and Renew Skin Firming, a serum booster for firmer, smoother skin.

Veracity Selfcare ($42+)

Founded by Allie Egan, Veracity is a line of self-care products that include skin care, supplements, and an at-home Skin + Health Test that delivers a personalized wellness routine including skincare and supplement recommendations tailored to hormones. The skincare products include Bioevolve Serum, a bioadaptive serum powered by biomimetic copper peptides and adaptogenic snow mushroom to energize and protect skin; Bioevolve Moisturizer, which nourishes and smoothes skin with biomimetic ceramides and Cherimoya extract, among others.

Will Perform Will Rest Nightly Muscle Recovery Lotion ($12.99)

Part of a collection of clean, cruelty-free topical pain relief and daily muscle care solutions co-founded by tennis star Serena Williams that are designed to redefine recovery and ritualize self-care, this nightly recovery lotion helps give muscles and mind the rest and relaxation they need overnight. Formulated with a serene blend of lavender and geranium to support your best sleep and fused with Epsom salts for recovery, this rich formula offers a soothing nightly recovery blend. Use on your shoulders and neck before bed.

YENSA Super Serum Silk Concealer ($32)

This serum concealer is supercharged with skin-loving peptides and an age-defying complex to help nourish your under eye area over time and deliver full, flawless coverage. Features ingredients such as vitamins C and E, ferulic acid and bakuchiol to brighten skin and boost collagen. Available in 11 different shades.

[Photos courtesy of brands]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk