23 Hair, Makeup, and Skincare Products We're Swapping in for Spring

Our beauty product needs naturally change from season to season—and especially once winter ends and spring begins. The weather plays a huge part in our skin, hair, and makeup needs (think: rain, humidity, sun, and the like). So, we've begun to think about the products we'll be retiring now that spring has begun and winter is a distant memory (can we all let out a collective sigh of relief?). For the most part, we use thicker moisturizers during the cold weather, due to the dryness in the hair, and the same goes for haircare as well. Everything is a bit more nourishing, protective, and hydrating. Then, once spring rolls around, we need lighter options that keep sweat and sun damage in mind. And, with makeup, it's always a time when we start to feel more in the mood for brights, pinks, and natural-looking options. 

With that in mind, I asked the other Byrdie editors to sound off on the products they're coveting for spring. It's a mixture of good things—hair sprays, highlighters, hydrating creams, and many other gems you're going to want to try. There are new launches, a few old favorites, and reasons for why we're loving each one.

Karli Bendlin, senior editor 

These Tiger Grass Camo drops are nothing short of magical. I apply a few drops as the last step in my skincare routine, and it just immediately neutralizes the rosacea-induced redness on the face. I also love the Dr. Jart+ Color Correcting Treatment, but it's a little heavier and more mattifying than the drops, which leave more of a dewy finish. I'll be using them all spring and summer—they're amazing both under makeup and on their own. Honestly, since I started using the camo drops, there are days when I'll skip concealer altogether.

I want to keep everything—the makeup, the effort, the vibes—light in the spring. This clear brow pomade from the e.l.f. xx Jen Atkin collab makes my brows look tamed but still natural like they're just permanently brushed up. It also takes me literally less than 10 seconds to apply it, which is always a win in my book. 

I recently started using Klorane's classic dry shampoo again, and now I can't believe I ever went without it. While a lot of dry shampoos sit on top of your hair, this one feels like it's actually absorbed into your scalp—so it's cleaning your roots rather than just hiding the oil. I'll be stocking up for spring and summer when I'd much rather spend my time outside than indoors with my blow dryer. 

Madeline Hirsch, news editor

I'm a hair minimalist, so any product that serves more than one function and actually works gets an immediate spot on my shelf. My hair is on the thicker side, with just a little bit of wave, and very dry. So generally, I like to just let it do its thing with an air dry, avoiding too much heat or product, as that leads to pretty immediate damage for me. But, in the warmer months, the constant change in humidity and temperature means I never know what kind of hair I'll wake up with. This texturizer from Oribe helps give my hair the immediate body I'm looking for when my roots decide to have a sad day. Think of this as a two-in-one dry shampoo/hairspray: two pumps for volume without that crunchy hairspray feeling. Who doesn't love some instant gratification? 

This is a holy grail (albeit pricey) oil cleanser/makeup remover. I re-upped my stash recently, as warm weather and vaccine optimism have me wearing more makeup these days. This balm smells amazing and leaves my skin feeling hydrated and fancy. With a muslin, dual-action cleansing cloth and luxurious texture, this is a treat-your-self product that will make the annoying process of removing makeup feel like a luxurious moment of self-care. In case you can't tell, I'm sort of addicted.

Something about the sun in the springtime makes me want to turn up the dew about four notches. Come May; I'll be literally gleaming, having gone from "freshly-glazed donut" to full-on "glitter fairy" courtesy of this liquid highlighter. If you're looking for a subtle shine, stop reading right now. But if like me, you prefer your skin to potentially blind onlookers, this highlighter is for you. When it comes to glow, subtlety is vastly overrated. 

Kathryn Vandervalk, editorial and strategy director

I've sung the praises of Luxe Botanics' Kigelia Serum before, which calms, hydrates, and purifies my acne-prone skin. But as the temperatures have started to climb, I've found myself ditching my heavy morning skincare routine and getting my dose of Kigelia from their gel moisturizer instead. This is the perfect warm-weather moisturizer for anyone suspicious of moisturizer or anyone prone to redness, acne, or oil. It's feather-light, there's a cooling effect when I put it on my skin, and it absorbs immediately. I seal in the moisture with a dry oil (lately, I've been loving Saint Jane's Luxury Beauty Serum), and I have non-greasy hydration that lasts all day, plus no acne flare-ups.

I've always been nervous about using bronzer. Don't get me wrong, I've used my trusty Benefit Hoola Powder for years, but only on special occasions when I carved out the time to contour and blend, blend, blend. But it was never a part of my routine since I was always afraid of winding up like an Oompa Loompa or with dirty streaks on my face. Maybe it's the promise of summer, of dinners on patios, of seeing friends in sunlight, but lately, I've been seeking that bronze glow. I first found it in Halsey's About-Face Light Lock Highlight Fluid in Sunstruck, a new hero product for me and permanent addition to my makeup arsenal.

But on days when I'm not interested in doing a full face of makeup, mixing some D-Bronzi Drops into Drunk Elephant's Umbra Tinte Sunscreen literally makes my skin look alive. Sure, it's technically skincare, but this is my new no-makeup makeup routine. The D-Bronzi Drops make me look like I've been hanging in the sun, while the UV protection prevents actual sun damage.

During Eco month, I've tried to clean up my beauty routine and experiment with new sustainable products. When I heard about Susteau's waterless haircare line, I was curious: Would it work? Could I tap some powder onto my hands in the shower, rub them together, and get an effective shampoo?

I'm happy to report that the answer was yes. The trick, I've discovered, is to make sure my hair is really wet before I apply, so the water can help spread the product around. I also should say I have an oily scalp, and I'm mega-picky about sulfate-free shampoos—the wrong brand can leave me a greasy mess sometimes, even before my hair is done drying. I haven't had these issues with Susteau, only a fresh, clean feeling.

Don't be fooled by the high price tag—one $29 bottle of powder equates to about four bottles of regular, liquid shampoo and conditioner, one of the best eco-friendly aspects of their line.

Tiana Crispino, visual editor 

I recently discovered Araceli, a Latinx-owned beauty business based out of California that aims to make beauty products that represent our community and have been loving their products. I specifically have been using their liquid eyeliner. It's the perfect thin brush great for an everyday look or a bolder cat-eye. On a personal note, the brand also has the same name as my grandmother, who loved makeup and recently passed, so it already has a special place in my heart.

Holly Rhue, editor

I'm a serious stickler about sunscreen, so I really mean it when I say this is a top-shelf formula. Somehow this product mattifies the shinier areas of my face without making me look completely flat. It leaves the subtlest non-shiny, lit-from-within glow that makes me genuinely excited to re-apply my sunscreen. 

I've been loving this scent—it's springy, joyful, and doesn't take itself too seriously. It smells like the kind of sophisticated cocktail you'd only order on a luxe island vacation, and you truly just need one spritz. That, and it looks so lovely on my vanity—like a little glass suncatcher reflecting rays around the room. 

Lindsey Metrus, editorial project director

I absolutely dread having to shave—not only do my legs become inexplicably itchy and irritated afterward, but I'm always left with ingrown hairs and razor burn despite having tried dozens of razors that claim to do the opposite. But recently, I tried this innovative new launch from Gillette that hosts a cartridge filled with Olay moisturizer to help deliver the smoothest shave ever, and it's changed my relationship with shaving. You click the cartridge into place and press a button to release the cream onto the razor head. No additional shaving cream necessary. Afterward, I couldn't believe how smooth my underarms and legs felt—usually I always have a bit of stubble, even after having just shaved (so annoying), but this left me feeling baby's-butt soft. 

My hair has gotten super dry and damaged after recently coloring it, so I've been turning to trusted formulas that both nourish my hair and protect my new balayage at the same time. Olaplex, ever the beauty-editor favorite and magical haircare line, recently launched this lightweight mask that brings my hair back to life every time. I'm always amazed at how silky and healthy it feels after working it through my strands.

After spending the past year in isolation without too many excuses to wear fun makeup, I can't wait to break out this brightly colored kit from one of my fave makeup brands, Nudestix. On top of 90s-kid nostalgic eyeshadow shades, there's a blush stick in the mix called Bohemian Rose that I'm obsessed with. It's creamy, the perfect purple-pink hue, and lasts all day long.

Cristina Cianci, visual editor

This spring, for hair care, I've been loving Ceremonia's new Shampoo & Conditioner. It's helped soothe my itchy scalp overnight. 

For makeup, I just switched to a powder foundation and have been using bareMinerals Performance Wear Foundation Powder. I haven't used a powder since high school but haven't looked back. It leaves me and my skin looking and feeling put together for much longer. 

For skincare, I've recently switched to Cerave's Moisturizing Cream. It's helped fix my dry, cracked winter skin with its perfect cocktail of ingredients."

Olivia Hancock, associate editor 

Throughout the day, I like to refresh my skin with a facial spray. I've been using this one from Keys Soulcare for a while now and absolutely love it. It's infused with the rose of Jericho and witch hazel. Together, these ingredients calm and renew my often dehydrated skin. A few spritzes of this mist always leaves me with a dewy, healthy glow. 

I'm always testing out new products on wash days. And I've recently added a few from Sienna Naturals into my routine, including the H.A.P.I Shampoo. I tend to have a lot of buildup on my scalp and hair, so I need a shampoo that will thoroughly remove all of the gunk without stripping my hair of its natural oils. This one does that, and then some. After I lather the shampoo on and rinse it out, my curls feel completely cleansed and hydrated. 

Whenever I'm doing my makeup, I love creating dewy and glowy looks. Lately, Danessa Myricks' Dew Wet Balm in the shade "Morning Dew" has helped me achieve that. The balm offers a lightweight, translucent highlight. Plus, it hydrates as it sits on your skin thanks to the infusion of jojoba oil. Bottom line: I love how it creates a beautiful multidimensional glow on any area you place it on. I consider it to be one of my spring and summer essentials.

Star Donaldson, social editor

My lips are super dry all year round, but in the spring I like to swap for less product to do the job. This Image Ormedic Sheer Pink Lip Enhancement is really a dream. I've been a fan of the original iteration for years and didn't realize it could get better. This Sheer Pink version works to naturally plump lips while protecting them from oxidative stress (like pollution etc). It has a natural finish that isn't too pink and keeps my lips hydrated for hours. It's more elevated than a lip ointment which makes it easy to layer and wear in place of gloss.

When I went in for a facial recently my esthetician told me that I have some milia which is likely due to using products that were too rich for my skin. In the colder months I tend to reach for products that are super hydrating and this was my sign to switch from a rich cream cleanser to a gel one. This FaceGym Electro-lite energizing + brightening cleanser is part of the brands first venture into at-home skincare and wow. It's lightly exfoliating, and also made with magnesium and calcium Electrolytes to help rebalance the skin. It's gentle enough to use everyday and I can really feel the difference in how clean and even skin looks and feels.