Bakuchiol Takes Center Stage
Bakuchiol, or "bio-retinol", gained a lot of traction this year as a gentle and natural retinol alternative. Its retinol-like skin-firming effects has scientific research to back it up and we have to say, we've been big fans of all the bakuchiol-containing products we've tried so far, especially Ole Henriksen Glow Cycle Retin-ALT Serum, $58, and Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum, $78.
Image via @olehenriksen
The Return of Body Shimmer
It's your favorite early 2000s trend, back for 2018 with a chic new update. Can we attribute this to the Fenty Effect once again? Rihanna launched the Fenty Beauty Body Lavas and the Fairy Bomb Shimmering Pom Pom, $42, this spring and many other brands followed. We also quite enjoyed Sol de Janeiro's Glow Oils, $35, and Hydropeptide's Nourishing Glow Shimmering Body Oil, $78.
Image via @badgalriri
Watermelon as Skin Care
Everyone's favorite summer fruit enjoyed a lot of time in the spotlight as a new skin care favorite. Glow Recipe launched its Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer in February, which touted the naturally anti-inflammatory effects of watermelon extract. Purlisse also came out with a couple watermelon-infused products, like its extra-soothing Watermelon Energizing Sheet Masks, $36 for six.
Image via @glowrecipe
Cacti Time
Like watermelon, cacti were quite popular in 2018. And for good reason — cactus extract is a great natural hydrator. And who can resist the summery scent of cactus flowers? Some of our cactus-themed favorites included Boscia Cactus Water Moisturizer, $38, Kiehl's Cactus Water and "Tibetan Ginseng" Hydrating Mist, $27, and, of course, the buzzy Proenza Schouler Arizona Eau de Parfum, $75.
Image via @kiehls
Soft Matte Lips
If 2017 was all about ultra-matte liquid lipsticks, 2018 saw a pivot towards a softer (and more comfy) matte finish. M.A.C.'s recently launched Powder Kiss Lipsticks, $19, were an instant hit and we also found ourselves gravitating to the easy-to-wear, just-blotted appeal of the Urban Decay Lo-Fi Lip Mousse, $19, as well as the new-and-improved Glossier Generation G, $18.
Image via @maccosmeticshk
