Welcome to Refinery29 Loves, the monthly news bulletin where you’ll find the best things to shop and see in fashion and beauty right now.Spring is just around the corner, and we can feel it not just in the air, but in Refinery29 editors' fashion and beauty routines. Layers are being shed, whimsical sparkle worn just because, and comforting bath products are giving soft life vibes. Just as a butterfly sheds its cocoon, consider this our collective seasonal rebrand.
Every month, our professional online shoppers (yes, it’s a real job, and yes, we’re grateful) share the fashion and beauty treasures we genuinely can’t shut up about. In this month's edition of R29 Loves, we’re sharing our smart, stylish investment staples, joy-sparking affordable finds, and everything in between.
Ahead, shop the pieces that made it out of our virtual carts and into our everyday lives.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission. Byoma Bio-Collagen Radiance Mask
"This is the Elmer’s School Glue of face masks — hear me out. The thick, white formula dries down to a clear layer that you peel off after 20 to 30 minutes, just like PVA glue. But it’s not just a novelty. In true Byoma fashion, the mask is packed with hardworking ingredients: redness-reducing cica, hydrating bio-collagen (behind that glass-skin finish), and ceramides, which act like glue between skin cells to keep them soft and healthy. It’s not only fun to use, but it really does boost glow. I’ve been trialling it for a few weeks now, and the compliments have been coming in thick and fast."
— Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director Byoma Bio-Collagen Radiance Facial Mask, $, available at Ulta BeautyGap Low Rise '90s Loose Jean
"I could’ve never guessed that I’d be wearing low-rise jeans in the year 2026 (let alone thrilled about it!) but here we are — and it’s all thanks to Gap. Full disclosure, I was influenced by my twin sister (a fashion designer at Gap), who put me on to the Low Rise '90s Loose Jeans, and as always, her taste is impeccable. These aren’t the dramatically low-rise jeans of the early 2000s with an inch-long zipper; instead, the baggier fit allows for them to naturally hit right above the hips, with a looser fit throughout the leg. They are very true to size, and I love that I could even find my size in petite lengths, allowing them to fit like a dream right off the rack. Dare I say, I’m even eyeing a few more pairs in different washes? Who is she!"
— Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer Gap Low Rise '90s Loose Jeans, $, available at GapAthleta Elation Ultra High Rise Flare Pant
"Athleta’s bestselling Elation line expanded in January, and I got to try the new Elation
flare leggings live in action at a workout class. And let me tell you, I’ve tried many, many athletic leggings, and these really impressed me. They’re not constricting, but they
are super supportive. The biggest win, though, was that I didn’t need to hike up the leggings throughout the 45-minute workout, which is a rarity for me. The regular length was a bit too long for me, but I’m ordering the petite length that I know will become my go-to workout legging."
— Victoria Montalti, Fashion Shopping WriterAthleta Elation Ultra High Rise Flare Pant, $, available at AthletaZara ZW Collection Wide Leg Pants
"I saw these pants in Zara and instantly bought them. Unlike your average pair of pleated trousers, these come with two deep side creases that make them look couture-level cool. And if that wasn’t enough, the silhouette is a dramatic wide leg that adds a modern touch to the overall finish. I plan on wearing them nonstop. After all, a great pair of black pants is a necessity in every wardrobe, especially since the occasions to wear them are endless. On in-the-office days, they’ll pair well with a classic button-down shirt and kitten heels and during elevated weekend moments they’ll look great with a halter top and my favorite pair of sneakers. Now that I think about it, I probably should grab the khaki colorway, too, before it sells out."
— Alexis Bennett Parker, Director of Affiliate Partnerships Zara ZW COLLECTION WIDE LEG PANTS, $, available at ZaraMilk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Shimmer
"Glitter is my beauty signature — whether it’s a champagne sparkle for everyday or a full-on rainbow party for special occasions, I live for it. So naturally, when Milk Makeup released its Cooling Water Jelly Shimmer sticks, I squealed with excitement. However, lest you think this is a see-it-from-space statement look, think again. The sparkles are so fine and delicate that the effect is more subtle and fairy-like than
Euphoria extra. I’m partial to two shades, Fro Yo (a funfetti-like rainbow shimmer) and Bubbly, which combines gold and silver shimmer in the formula’s clear base. The stick feels so refreshing and glides smoothly as butter — and since it’s a solid formula and not a loose glitter, there’s no pesky fallout to worry about. Plus, it’s made with vegan collagen and aloe to lend a cooling boost of hydration that feels like heaven around the eyes and cheekbones."
— Karina Hoshikawa, Senior WriterMilk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly, $, available at SephoraAshley & Co Soothe Tube
"During the winter months, I go through hand cream like crazy. Most are just fine, some are a greasy mess, but only one delivers the long-lasting, non-oily moisture that keeps my hands looking and feeling their best — and it’s this one. I discovered Ashley & Co’s Soothe Tube on a recent trip to New Zealand (the brand’s home country!) and since then, I've been ruined for all other hand creams as a result. This buttery cream is so gentle and nourishing, but absorbs readily and doesn’t make my phone or laptop keyboard gross afterwards. It’s also lightly scented with all-natural fragrance oils from lily, ginger, sandalwood, and ylang ylang, making it a sensorial delight every time I reach for it. (This past Christmas, I gave tubes to my mom and sister, who both loved it just as much as I did.)"
— Karina Hoshikawa, Senior WriterAshley & Co SOOTHE TUBE HAND CREAM TUI & KAHILI, $, available at Ashley & CoDove’s Whipped Shower Foam
"Ever since I was shampooing with L’Oréal Kids, I’ve always loved making bathtime a fun, great-smelling part of my day. And while my bathtub may house fewer candy-colored bottles these days, that doesn’t mean my products are boring. Case in point: My latest body wash obsession, Dove’s Whipped Shower Foam. This soft, creamy lather is a joy to spray on your bod, and the fresh berry scent is light yet decadent. (This stuff also doubles as shaving cream, saving precious shelf space in your shower.) Even after my sweatiest workouts, this stuff leaves me feeling fresh and clean, but never dry and stripped."
— Karina Hoshikawa, Senior WriterDove Whipped Shower Foam - Rice Milk & Velvet Acai, $, available at TargetSaie SuperSuede Baked Powder Bronzer
"If you love the idea of bronzer but the ones you’ve tried have left your makeup looking streaky, muddy, or orange, look no further than Saie’s SuperSuede Baked Powder. It’s everything you want in a bronzer: silky (so it blends effortlessly), buildable without looking heavy, and infused with skin-loving ingredients like hydrating hyaluronic acid and nourishing squalane. It comes in six shades, spanning Fair to Light through to Dark to Deep."
— Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director Saie SuperSuede™ Radiant Talc-Free Baked Powder Bronzer, $, available at SephoraBottega Veneta Large Barbara Tote
"I’ve been looking for a perfect work bag: one that will hold my laptop and still look good with every outfit. Bottega Veneta read my mind and just released the new Barbara tote. It’s an IYKYK design that whispers chic — no loud logos and no unnecessary bells and whistles. One of my favorite parts is this undeniably chic espresso color. It’s dark enough to match everything in my closet, yet it subtly stands out just enough to add depth and interest to each look. I also love that it comes in an extra-large size that’s roomy enough for all the essentials, but I can also hug it tightly under my arm while I’m running around New York City to work appointments. If the spring 2026 runways taught us anything, it’s that we all need an oversized emotional support bag."
— Alexis Bennett Parker, Director of Affiliate Partnerships Bottega Veneta Large Barbara Tote, $, available at Bottega VenetaUniqlo Barrel Jeans
"Oh, do I love a Uniqlo staple. And after reviewing some spring newness, I got the opportunity to pick a pair of new jeans. I, of course, opted for barrel jeans in a dark wash. I loved the under-$50 price tag, how lightweight the denim felt (perfect for winter-to-spring transitional weather) and especially that I could get in-house alterations on the hems. I’m under 5'3'' tall so I usually have to buy petite pants (or suffer). But with Uniqlo’s free alteration service, I was able to get this pair hemmed to the perfect length."
— Victoria Montalti, Fashion Shopping WriterUniqlo Barrel Jeans, $, available at UniqloElm Biosciences A3O Elemental Night Cream
"If anyone could convince me to use a night cream, it’s Martha Stewart. I’ve been testing her latest launch for Elm Biosciences for over a month now, and it’s been the highlight of my nighttime skincare routine. It’s deeply hydrating but doesn’t feel greasy, and it hasn’t broken me out once. The cushiony, plush texture feels like such a treat for skin, especially in these colder, drier months. (I brought it with me to a recent ski trip in Japan, where my face was struggling with the dry, biting wind.) Powered by the brand’s hero A3O complex — which combines acetyl zingerone (an antioxidant derived from ginger), bakuchiol, and a fatty acid ester — this night cream left my face feeling brighter, softer, and less dehydrated. And the packaging feels so luxe, I smile just thinking it’s likely the only thing Martha and I have in common."
— Karina Hoshikawa, Senior WriterElm Biosciences A3O™ Elemental Night Cream, $, available at Elm Biosciences
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