These celebrity beauty products are actually worth the hype

When it comes to beauty, “some people want it all…” and Alicia Keys’ skincare and cosmetics line, Keys Soulcare, checks a lot of my boxes. On the surface, the deep purple glass packaging looks gorgeous on my vanity, but since we all know it’s what’s inside that counts, I’m happy to say the formulations do not disappoint (and smell heavenly). I have yet to use a product from this skin-soothing, mantra-laden line that my combination, Gen X-aged skin didn’t love, but if I had to pick just three, the Golden Cleanser, Reviving Aura Mist and Skin Transformation Cream are must-haves — though the versatile Comforting Balm has also become a staple in my soft-lip regimen!  — Maiysha Kai, Lifestyle editor

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Admittedly, this is one of those product lines I didn’t see coming and certainly didn’t expect to fall in love with. That said, curly girls are missing out if they don’t give Tia Mowry’s 4U line a try. Touted as “your natural journey, made simpler,” the packaging and formulations are straightforward and thoughtfully crafted, and do exactly what they say they will, which is make the best of your natural curls. As for my personal faves, I get instant slippage with 4U’s Moisturizing Shampoo, which I switch up every few washes with the surprisingly gentle Clarifying Shampoo, and always finish with the surprisingly effective Lightweight Conditioner. The best part? Every product in the line is less than $13 and is available at Walmart. — Maiysha Kai, Lifestyle editor

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There’s plenty to love about Tracee Ellis Ross — and about Pattern Beauty, her acclaimed haircare line, especially the fact that it caters to 3B through 4C textures, and locs, too. But one product stole my heart, and clearly, I’m not alone, since it remains Pattern’s #1 bestseller. The brand’s Leave-In Conditioner was an absolute game-changer for my 3B/3C tresses; so much so that I now always have a three-ounce tube on hand when traveling. Since beautiful curls are sometimes helped with a little heat, the brand’s display-worthy, “curl-conscious” Heat Collection also deserves honorable mention. — Maiysha Kai, Lifestyle editor

My hair could be dryer than the desert or expanding out of any style I’m trying to force it into, but when I add a little, and I mean just a teensy-tiny amount, of Pattern’s Leave-In Conditioner, my hair behaves. It also stays hydrated for more than eight hours! So often, styling creams and leave-ins evaporate before the day is over, and can also lack so much consistency from application to application, but not Pattern’s tried-and-true Leave-In. — Kay Wicker, staff writer

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Fenty Skin’s Butta Dropz body cream is one of the few scented body products that doesn’t irritate my eczema-prone skin. Due to their rich textures and gourmand scents (particularly the seasonal warm cinnamon and vanilla cream scents), I recommend these products for the winter, but if you’re looking for a deliciously scented yet subtle body moisturizer and shimmer, I highly recommend them any time of the year! — Haniyah Philogene, staff writer 

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Great hair starts with healthy tresses, so La La Anthony deserves a nod for getting to the root of it all — literally. Her Inala line draws on ancient haircare practices to make its strand-fortifying Rice Water Complex available to the masses, much to the delight of those of us prone to breakage or experiencing thinning. Plus, the brand’s luxe-level offerings are easily used in tandem with other products, making them an excellent addition to an existing routine. Not ready to splurge on the whole collection? I recommend starting with Inala’s award-winning Power Potion Rice Water Drops. — Maiysha Kai, Lifestyle editor

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When it comes to lip products, Fenty’s Gloss Bombs really changed the game for me; they’re pretty much all I use when I want a really made-up look. However, I have to give the Plush Puddin’ Intensive Recovery Lip Mask a giant shout-out. I could have no makeup, no concealer, nothing on my face; but when I use that lip mask, similar in texture to lip balm or Chapstick, there’s just enough of a slight something — a tint or maybe just the essence of a tint — to give my natural face an elevated look. The second I run out, I run to replace it!  — Kay Wicker, staff writer

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I have extremely sensitive, acne-prone skin, and Humanrace’s Rice Powder Cleanser and Humidifying Face Cream are holy grails in my skincare routine. So much so that I can feel and see the difference in my skin when I use other facial cleansers and moisturizers. The cleanser’s gentle powder-to-foam formula allows users to control the level of exfoliation they want simply by adding more or less water. Plus, the moisturizer is perfect for normal-to-combination skin — and, in my experience, is lightweight and moisturizing enough to use in both the coldest and warmest months. — Haniyah Philogene, staff writer

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If you think Tabitha Brown is sugar, spice and everything nice, you’ll be delighted to know that her Donna’s Recipe haircare line, named for the social media star’s beloved afro, is too. The products in the brand’s inaugural Sweet Potato Pie Collection are clean, vegan, and yes, actually include sweet potatoes, cinnamon, and vanilla, all of which have hair- and skin-enriching properties. The results don’t lie; even after just using the Sweet Potato Pie Extra Creamy Shampoo, my hair felt deliciously soft — and everything in the line is reasonably priced, with even better deals on bundles. — Maiysha Kai, Lifestyle editor

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Since I’m a lover of sweeter scents, Beyoncé’s Cé Noir has quickly become one of the go-to’s in my perfume collection. In addition to the unique aromatic experience enhanced by its notes of clementine, golden honey, rose absolute and jasmine, I was impressed by its staying power; it is easily one of my most complimented scents and is long-lasting … kind of like Beyoncé herself. — Haniyah Philogene, staff writer

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I know men (and Haniyah) may prefer Beyoncé’s Cé Noir to Fenty Eau De Parfum by Fenty Beauty, but that only confirms my love of RiRi’s scent more, I think. This fragrance is so unexpected — feminine yet savory. Like its creator, it’s a great personality-packed scent, and perfect for the colder months. — Kay Wicker, staff writer

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At the risk of Fenty overload, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the product that became my instant fave when Rihanna’s beauty brand launched in 2017 — and no, it wasn’t the famed 40 (now 57) shades of Pro Filt’r foundation. Nope, Fenty Beauty’s Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored is still the red lipstick I reach for when I want to make an impact. Living up to its promise of being a true, long-wearing, universally flattering red, it’s no wonder this shade remains a bestseller. Plus, the packaging is so sexy, it looks as good being applied as it does on — which is probably why I always have a tube on hand. — Maiysha Kai, Lifestyle editor

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