Ad – contains affiliate links and press samples – all views are my own
Being a shorter month, I wouldn’t blame you for thinking there may be fewer beauty launches in February – but you’d be dead wrong. In fact, I’ve struggled to keep up as brands have launched new products and formats, while others have entered new territories entirely.
This month, I’ve swiped, sniffed and swatched my way through more than 20 new products released from mid-January onwards, including antioxidant-led serums, gorgeously gourmand perfumes and a seriously stunning lipstick formula that I’m going to need in every single shade.
It’ll come as no surprise that barrier care is still huge – as are Korean formulas. And when it comes to high street beauty, it’s well and truly thriving, which is something I am totally here for. Here’s everything I’ve been testing this month.
Boots’ K-Beauty-inspired skincare range – under £9
Boots has completely dominated my bathroom shelf in February. In late January, the health and beauty retailer launched a selection of affordable, Korean inspired formulas, all of which come in under £9. The Cica Cream (£6.50) is among the highlights, for me. I’ve been using it pre-makeup application and before bed and it is, quite simply, a brilliant budget moisturiser. The cica is great for soothing any irritation while supporting a healthy skin barrier.
The Pore Pads (£8) have already sold out, which tells you everything you need to know. They feature a blend of exfoliating acids that smooth and decongest without stinging. I’ve been using them two to three times a week and noticed clearer pores around my nose and less overall congestion. These are absolutely something I’d repurchase.
PDRN is the ingredient of the moment, and Boots have got their finger on the pulse with the new Hydrating PDRN Serum (£8). Affordable PDRN isn’t something we’ve seen much of yet, and this delivers. It’s properly hydrating, gives that subtle bounce to the skin, and layers effortlessly under moisturiser.
The Cleansing Oil (£8.50) is incredibly lightweight and quite liquidy in comparison to others in my rotation. It melts makeup down quickly and emulsifies beautifully without leaving that heavy residue some budget oils can. The fragrance is perhaps a little unnecessary and may put some shoppers off, but I think it performs well and for the price, is an easy, everyday first cleanse.
The only one that didn’t fully land for me was the Overnight Wrapping Mask (£7.50). I’m not big on the ‘morning shed’ trend, and while the film-forming texture is interesting and very satisfying to peel off, the application is a little messy and the removal can feel a little tedious ensuring every last bit is off. If you like that ‘sealed in’ feeling overnight, you’ll probably enjoy it more than I did.
New Habi by Boots launches – under £8
Sticking with new in at Boots, their Gen-Z coded HABI collection has expanded and it’s extremely nostalgic. The HABI Barrier Boost Milky Toner (£8) taps into the milky toner trend perfectly. With cica and squalane, it sinks in quickly and leaves skin lightly cushioned and dewy without stickiness. It’s also worth noting that it shares 25 ingredients with the No7 Skin Sip Moisture Milk which comes in at £14.95. While the formulas will be different in terms of quantities used, the HABI toner features 25 ingredients, which are the same as those found in No7’s, which has an additional two on the inkey list. I love them both, but at almost half the price for a strikingly similar formula, I know which I’d be adding to my basket.
Similarly, the new HABI Bouncy Glow Jelly Face Mask (£7.50) shares 21 ingredients with the No7 Good Intent Bouncy Jelly Mask – there are four additional, different ingredients in each which make them unique from one another. What I also really like about HABI is that it’s tested on teen skin, making it ideal for younger skincare fans. It’s hydrating, softening and glow-boosting without heaviness.
Finally, the £5 Strawberry Overnight Lip Mask is giving Y2K vibes. It smells deliciously nostalgic and I’ve been waking up with genuinely softer lips, which is all I really ask for from a lip mask.
Lush launches new solid perfumes – £12
If January hinted at it, February confirmed it: gourmands are not going anywhere, and I’m not mad about it one bit. The new solid perfume launches from Lush are completely addictive and frankly, good enough to eat.
Super Milk is my number one with notes of citrus, tonka and vanilla for a comforting, biscuity but slightly zesty scent – like a lemon cheesecake. I have long adored the hair primer and I treasure the limited edition eau de parfum I got a little while back. The solid format makes it softer, more intimate, almost slow-release on the skin, and allows me to layer up for a more intense hit when I need to.
Sticky Dates is another winner with vanilla, sandalwood and rich sticky toffee notes. I loved their body wash in this scent and the new perfume is quite literally dessert in fragrance form. Meanwhile, Let The Good Times Roll was a new one for me, boasting a buttery popcorn and caramel aroma. At £12 they’re really budget-friendly and tap directly into the cosy, edible scent trend that’s dominating right now.
Naturium’s Multi-Bright Duo – £19 and £26
Ingredient-led skincare brand Naturium has released not one, but two new products as part of their ever-growing skincare range – the Multi-Bright Milky Toner to gently exfoliate, and the Multi-Bright Advanced Serum to boost radiance and improve skin tone. Together, they work to deliver deep hydration and a smoother and brighter complexion.
Cementing milky toners as a major 2026 trend, their £19 offering uses an azelaic acid derivative alongside fermented grape extract to gently resurface and even tone, while a rice milk blend and liquorice root extract adds hydration. It’s everything I love about a milky toner (and comes out easily without requiring vigorous shaking, like other brands).
Slightly more expensive at £26 is the serum, which combines lactic and glycolic acids with soothing ingredients like allantoin and bisabolol. It targets dull skin and promotes glowier, more even complexion which is what my skin has been craving throughout the winter months. I’ve been alternating them in the evenings and my skin definitely looks brighter and smoother, but crucially, not stripped or tight.
Liz Earle Superskin Duo launches – £51/£52
Liz Earle has been a staple in skincare cupboards for generations – and for good reason, too. Their botanical-inspired formulas are a dream to use, and they’ve recently expanded their best-selling Superskin Advance range with not one, but two new formulas.
The Liz Earle Superskin Advanced Lift & Define Serum (£52) has been crafted with a naturally sourced, firming ingredient blend including Acacia Tree extract – a plant-based alternative to collagen – plus firming, antioxidant-rich Pomegranate extract. Great for mature skin and those looking to slow the signs of aging, it also features plant-based niacinamide to help reduce the appearance of uneven pigmentation. It’s got a beautiful scent which makes it feel indulgent to use, though I know some people may prefer a fragrance-free version.
Of the two newcomers, the Firming Serum-in-Moisturiser SPF 20 is my favourite. I love Liz Earle moisturisers so I have to say I slathered this on without reading the packaging and immediately knew it had SPF in it. It delivers a tell-tale glow I’ve found with many SPF moisturisers, which helps foundation or any other makeup applied on top look radiant. It’s so thick and rich, working to intensely plump skin with moisture whilst offering broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It’d be tricky to use enough moisturiser for sufficient daily coverage, but it’s a great ‘top up’ product that adds an additional layer of protection alongside a dedicated SPF.
Rehab enters the skincare category – from £16
After the success of their haircare range, REHAB branched out into bath and body – now, they’re entering another completely new category, marking a major milestone for the brand. Dedicated skincare is something REHAB customers have been crying out for, and it’s finally here.
I already adored the brand’s hydrating caffeine-infused undereye patches, which are some of the very few that don’t end up halfway down your face 10 minutes after application. So, it’s safe to say that I had high hopes for the rest of the collection.
Their Collagen Sheet Masks (£16 for three) are ideal pre-event or post-late night. The innovative honeycomb hydrogel hugs the face like a second skin, while vegan collagen and a targeted peptide promote the appearance of smoother, firmer looking skin. Fermented probiotic complex supports the skin barrier and helps to calm stress, while plant based proteins, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid work to boost moisture, restoring the look of brightness, bounce and vitality.
The Whipped Face Cream, (£25) is formulated in Korea, so you know it’s going to be good. It’s a thick, gel-cream consistency infused with triple-weight hyaluronic acid and ceramides which feel like a big glass of water for your skin. Suitable for all skin types, it can be used morning and evening to lock in moisture, brighten tone and protect from environmental stressors.
The Sculpting 2-in-1 Face Tool feels a little pricey at £20, and perhaps a little unnecessary if you already have a facial roller and/or gua sha. But it is great for de-puffing and working the new Dose Face Oil (£26), into the skin. The capsules contain just the right amount of oil required and can be mixed with moisturiser or foundation to boost hydration and glow. Formulated with fatty acids, vitamins and glow-boosting vitamin c, it works to visibly brighten and refine tone. I’m so looking forward to seeing what this brand has up their sleeve next.
Dr.Jart+ Cryo Rubber Brightening Mask – £14
Face masks continue to be extremely popular with this being the fourth new launch of the month, and another Korean product, no less. Dr.Jart+ products never fail to impress and their new Cryo Rubber Brightening Mask is no exception.
Their rubber masks are one of the most satisfying formats out there, but at £14 for a single mask, they don’t necessarily come cheap. That said, they’re undeniably impressive. The vitamin C and niacinamide ampoule paired with the rubber overlay gives an instant luminosity boost, perfect for dull, tired skin days. It’s certainly a treat worth splurging on every once in a while.
Cetaphil Advanced Defence Serum AM – £26.50
With renovation dust constantly floating around my house at the moment, barrier-protective skincare has been non-negotiable. The Advanced Defence Serum AM from Cetaphil honestly couldn’t have launched at a better time for me. It’s a daily antioxidant serum built around a Gallic Acid + Vitamin E complex, alongside triple-weight hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
It feels hydrating immediately, calms any signs of sensitivity, and layers seamlessly under SPF. My skin has felt more resilient since introducing it – less reactive, less tight. If you live in a city, commute daily, or (like me) are inhaling renovation debris against your will, this is worth a look.
Merit’s Signature Lip Blush – £25
I’ve worn MAC’s Velvet Teddy almost exclusively for over a decade and never has a lip formula come close to competing – until I tried the Signature Lip Blush from Merit. As many of you will know, this brand has been quietly taking over my makeup bag for the last 12 months, and their latest launch might be my all time favourite.
Their £25 formula is a sheer matte formula with a balm-like feel for comfortable all-day wear. One swipe offers that chic Parisian soft, blurred finish, but it’s buildable enough to deliver more impact if required.
I’ve been wearing September, which is a stunning brick red that’s versatile enough for both everyday and more glamorous occasions. I fear I’m going to need every shade from this range (or Vendôme and Andie at the very least).
Aromatherapy Associates Warming De-Stress Muscle Gel – £46
I have to admit I put Aromatherapy Associates on a bit of a pedestal this month after their Breathe Support Shower Mist basically cured me of a horrific cold overnight. Now, their new Warming De-Stress Muscle Gel is helping me melt away tension and soothe achy muscles.
The gel is infused with a 100% natural essential oil blend of Lavender, Rosemary, Ginger and Black Pepper, so it smells phenomenal. It delivers a warming sensation thanks to the addition of Capsicum, while Arnica works to ease tightness.
After spending hours filling the gaps between floorboards, stripping stubborn wallpaper and knocking plaster off walls, it’s safe to say that this has been a very welcome addition to my bodycare collection. Even my parents have been stealing it for post-gym recovery.
Phlur’s Berry Matcha Body Mist Duo – £68
Last but not least, body mists are back on the menu, but they’re more elevated than we remember thanks to Phlur, who has fast become one of my favourite fragrance brands in recent years. This month, they launched two new sprays: Matcha Milk and Berry Cream, both of which are available in one handy set that smells like my favourite coffee shop order.
The Matcha Milk fragrance features notes of black tea, bergamot, matcha and musk, while the Berry Cream scent has notes of strawberry, violet milk, raspberry and amber. They can be worn separately, or layered to create a sweet-but-earthy combination that feels playful but still grown up. Consider me hooked.
Garnier Vitamin C Fresh & Bright Hydrating Sorbet Cream – £7.50
Mrs Hinch sold out this product within 24 hours of its launch this month. It was restocked on Amazon today for under £5, but it’s expected to be extremely popular. The formula features 4% Vitamin C and niacinamide, and is clinically proven to brighten, reduce the appearance of dark spots and provide all-day oil control.
According to Boots, “Chemistry of Joy” is set to be a big trend, with shoppers seeking accessible, micro-hits of happiness through mood-boosting products, and this moisturiser definitely leans into that. The reimagined moisturiser boasts an unique sorbet texture which melts effortlessly into the skin and feels so refreshing. I anticipate I’ll be reaching for this a lot when the weather warms up.
