The Best New Makeup at Sephora: Top 10 Editor-Tested Launches

A comprehensive, editor-curated roundup of the top 10 new makeup innovations at Sephora—personally tested for every beauty devotee.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach
Created on

Staying ahead of every new makeup launch at Sephora can be a beauty lover’s challenge. With so many innovative products hitting the shelves each week, Cosmo’s beauty editors curated, tested, and hand-selected the top 10 must-have makeup releases. From complexion-perfecting formulas to trendsetting lip innovations, these are the picks worthy of a place in your makeup bag—in fact, they’re the ones already living in ours. Below, discover why each one deserves your attention and how it stands out above the crowd in 2025.

Why Trust Cosmo Editors?

Our editors test hundreds of products as part of their job—from viral mascara launches to foundations promising flawless coverage. Each item in this list survived rigorous trials for performance, wear, ease of use, and that coveted can’t-stop-reaching-for-it factor. Only the best made the final cut.

1. Glossier Cloud Paint Gel-Cream Blush

Why it’s a standout: Glossier’s cult-favorite Cloud Paint was reformulated for 2025—and the results are impressive. The new gel-cream formula blends seamlessly, giving cheeks a soft, natural-looking flush without streaks or patchiness. Available in a renewed palette of shades, it’s more pigmented and longer-wearing than ever before.

  • Key Features: Buildable color, easily blendable, sheer but vibrant finish
  • Who it’s for: Anyone who loves a dewy, fresh-faced look or quick makeup routines
  • Editor’s Note: Works beautifully on bare skin or over complexion products, and a tiny dab goes a long way.

2. Rhode Peptide Lip Tint

Why it’s a standout: The much-hyped Peptide Lip Tint by Rhode delivers what it promises: genuinely cushiony moisture fused with a natural tint. The texture is plush, never sticky, and the formula is packed with nourishing peptides to plump and condition lips for hours.

  • Key Features: Peptides for smoothing, glassy shine, non-sticky comfort
  • Who it’s for: Lip gloss obsessives and anyone yearning for comfort plus subtle color
  • Editor’s Note: The shade range flatters all skin tones and leaves a healthy-looking kiss of color.

3. Make Up For Ever HD Skin Hydra Glow Foundation

Why it’s a standout: The updated HD Skin Hydra Glow foundation brings a radiant twist to Make Up For Ever’s pro-level base product. This formula offers medium-buildable coverage with a realistic, light-reflecting finish that photographs beautifully but still looks like skin.

  • Key Features: Broad shade range, hydrating formula, seamless blending
  • Who it’s for: Fans of luminous, non-cakey foundation; makeup artists and daily users alike
  • Editor’s Note: Lasts through long days without emphasizing dryness or texture.

4. Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

Why it’s a standout: Hourglass’s new mascara is a dream for those chasing fluttery length with zero clumps. The thin, flexible wand grabs every tiny lash, coating them in an ultra-black, lightweight formula that lifts and extends lashes for a fanned-out effect.

  • Key Features: Smudge-proof fibers, intense length, easy wash-off removal
  • Who it’s for: Short or straight lashes, and anyone wanting drama sans falsies
  • Editor’s Note: Won’t weigh down even the most delicate lashes thanks to a featherlight texture.

5. Makeup By Mario Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil

Why it’s a standout: This innovative blush from Makeup By Mario combines color payoff with a skincare twist: its formula actively plumps and hydrates while delivering a soft, diffused flush. The finish is neither sticky nor dry, making it the blush equivalent of glass skin.

  • Key Features: Plumping peptides, glassy glow, universally flattering hues
  • Who it’s for: Anyone looking for a skin-loving, glow-enhancing blush in a modern cream format
  • Editor’s Note: Blends over powder or cream base without disturbing foundation underneath.

6. Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush Stick

Why it’s a standout: This is Dior’s iconic Rosy Glow blush, reimagined in a portable stick. Its creamy texture melts into skin, adapting to individual pH for a made-for-you flush. The result: fresh, radiant cheeks in seconds—with a buildable, mistake-proof formula.

  • Key Features: pH-adapting pigment, blendable stick format, luminous finish
  • Who it’s for: On-the-go beauty lovers and blush beginners
  • Editor’s Note: Glides over bare or set skin and never looks powdery.

7. ONE/SIZE Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder

Why it’s a standout: Patrick Starrr’s ONE/SIZE brand brings a next-level setting powder formulated to blur pores, mattify shine, and set makeup for marathon days. The texture is ultra-fine and velvety—never chalky—delivering a soft-focus finish both under eyes and across the T-zone.

  • Key Features: Talc-free, no flashback, translucent to deep shades
  • Who it’s for: Oily skin types, beauty addicts looking for an airbrushed finish in person and in photos
  • Editor’s Note: A go-to for touch-ups and special events thanks to its blurring magic.

8. Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain

Why it’s a standout: Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty Poutsicle is not your average lip product. It delivers the cheerful, popsicle-stained effect of a tint with the moisture of a balm. The glossy finish lasts through hours of wear, dying down to a pretty stain (no patchiness included).

  • Key Features: Semi-gloss finish, non-drying formula, transfer-resistant
  • Who it’s for: Anyone who wants low-maintenance, all-day flush with a side of hydration
  • Editor’s Note: Survives iced coffees and late-night bites while keeping lips hydrated.

9. Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush

Why it’s a standout: Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty expands on fan-favorite blushes with a pressed powder formula that maintains luminosity without settling into pores. Each shade is thoughtfully curated, offering everything from subtle warms to bold brights without any chalkiness.

  • Key Features: Radiant finish, finely milled texture, seamless layering
  • Who it’s for: Matte-averse blush lovers and those seeking a radiant, non-sparkly flush
  • Editor’s Note: Can be layered over creams or worn alone and delivers a fresh-from-a-walk flush.

10. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

Why it’s a standout: This viral balm by Summer Fridays now comes in a rainbow of tints. It boasts rich butters and seed oils for serious moisture, leaving lips glossy and protected with just a swipe. Equally hydrating and glossy, it’s a staple for dry, flaky lips all year round.

  • Key Features: Vegan, deeply moisturizing, subtle tint range
  • Who it’s for: Dry lip sufferers and anyone who prefers more nourishment with color
  • Editor’s Note: Doubles as an overnight treatment and daytime gloss.

The Trends: What Sets 2025’s Makeup Apart?

  • Hybrid Formulas: Makeup and skincare are increasingly blended, with peptide-infused, hydrating textures taking center stage.
  • Easy, Mistake-Proof Application: Creams and sticks make quick, seamless application possible for all skill levels.
  • Minimal, Healthy Glow: Dewy, radiant, and flush finishes dominate, as trends shift away from heavy baking and matte looks.
  • Buildable, Customizable Coverage: Products layer easily, letting you adapt your look from sheer and natural to bold and dramatic.

Comparison Table: Sephora’s Top 2025 Makeup Launches

ProductMain BenefitFormatIdeal For
Glossier Cloud Paint Gel-CreamSeamless, natural blushGel-cream tubeAnyone who wants quick flush
Rhode Peptide Lip TintPlumping hydration + colorSqueeze tubeDry, thin lips
Make Up For Ever HD Hydra GlowLuminous coverageLiquid foundationNormal/dry skin, photo-ready looks
Hourglass Unlocked MascaraClump-free length & liftSlim wandShort or sparse lashes
Makeup By Mario Blush VeilHydrated, glassy glowCream compactDry or mature skin
Dior Rosy Glow Blush StickPersonalized flushCrayon stickOn-the-go routines
ONE/SIZE Blurring Setting PowderAirbrushed, matte finishLoose powderOily or combination skin
Fenty Beauty Poutsicle StainHydrating tintGloss tubeAll skin types
Rare Beauty Luminous Powder BlushRadiant, poreless flushPressed powderMatte-averse users
Summer Fridays Lip Butter BalmMoisturizing tinted balmTubeDry, sensitive lips

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How were these Sephora makeup products chosen?

A: All products were tested by Cosmo’s experienced beauty editors for criteria like innovation, performance, blendability, and true-to-claims results. Each item was compared against popular favorites and only included if it consistently impressed across categories.

Q: Can these new launches work for sensitive skin?

A: Most picks are formulated with sensitive skin in mind, avoiding aggressive fragrances or common irritants. Check each brand’s ingredient lists for allergens, but the blushes and lip products, in particular, are favored by testers with easily-irritated skin.

Q: What’s the best versatile product for quick makeup routines?

A: Multi-purpose picks like the Glossier Cloud Paint and Dior Rosy Glow Stick are standouts—dab on cheeks, and even lids or lips, for an effortless look on the move.

Q: How do I choose between a cream and powder blush?

A: Cream blushes—like those from Makeup By Mario—deliver dewy, hydrated finishes best for dry or mature skin, while powder blushes—such as Rare Beauty’s—offer longer wear and layering flexibility for oilier skin types.

Q: Are these launches worth the price compared to drugstore finds?

A: Editors noted that the performance, unique textures, and ingredient quality of these Sephora launches generally justify their price tags, especially for makeup fans seeking on-trend, skin-beneficial formulas and precise shade-fit.

Insider Tips for Shopping Sephora’s Newest Makeup

  • Check for Mini Sizes: Many brands now offer travel sizes, ideal for trial or on-the-go touch-ups.
  • Swatch at Home: Sephora’s flexible return policy allows you to test shades and formulas risk-free.
  • Look for Value Sets: Especially during Sephora sales, try bundled sets to get more favorites for less.
  • Prioritize Versatile Products: Invest in multi-use sticks or stains to streamline your beauty routine.

Why These Picks Stand Out in 2025

Innovation is moving fast in beauty, and these 10 launches represent the best new makeup at Sephora—editor-tested to deliver on their promises. Each item was selected for its unique approach, skin compatibility, and ease of use. Whether you’re a seasoned beauty enthusiast or looking for a few staples, these picks provide a fresh, modern perspective on what makeup can do.

Sneha Tete
Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete