Each month, Fashionista editors try a *lot* of beauty products. And while not every formula we test is a winner, we’re constantly unearthing new favorites. Here, we’ve rounded up our latest hair, skin, fragrance, wellness and makeup discoveries — whether fresh-to-market drops or merely recent additions to our personal routines.
While slowly melting in the summer’s record-breaking heat, the Fashionista team fell back in love with luscious lipsticks (some with SPF!) and scents that stir memories of home and other beautiful places. We ignored the news about aliens (and the existential thoughts that come with it) and focused on spritzing a delicious eau de toilette from Brazil and lathering up with a density-enhancing shampoo.
We also discovered new favorite wellness and home-fragrance finds, like a banana pudding-scented candle, an elixir that promotes lash growth and an indigo extract-infused cleanser that can relax an inflamed visage.
Keep scrolling to see (and shop!) our newest favorites across hair, skin, makeup, fragrance and wellness.
Lancer Nourish Rehydration Mask with BioPeptide Vitamin B3, $100, available here: “Between the scorching temperatures outside and the overly-air-conditioned climate inside, my skin has been inflamed and unhappy lately. (Same, pal.) This soothing, balancing mask has been a savior: The slick, thick gel delivers peptides and vitamin B3 (also known as niacinamide) to moisturize, even out skin tone, prevent water loss and give skin a plump, happy finish.”—Stephanie Saltzman, Beauty Director
Boy Smells Banana Pudding Candle, $48, available here: “I don’t have much of a sweet tooth, but I really love banana pudding. This Boy Smells x Magnolia collab adds some warmth to the sweetness with patchouli, cedar and cardamom, resulting in something, yes, silly, but also really great.”—Liza Sokol, Sr. Audience Development Manager
Supergoop Lipshade SPF 30 Hydrating Lipstick in High Five, $24, available here: “I have received multiple compliments when wearing this lipstick and, thus, feel obligated to share. The ‘High Five’ shade is a rich terracotta that builds beautifully. Though I religiously wear sunscreen, I don’t protect my lips as often, but now I’m getting better at it, thanks to this fun, SPF-30 laced formula.”—Andrea Bossi, Staff Writer
Glossier Birthday Balm Dotcom, $14, available here: “I was completely addicted to this lip balm in middle school, but stopped purchasing it because the tube would often leak and get very messy. Fast forward to now, and Glossier has not only fixed the packaging to prevent that issue, but also added a new applicator that makes directly swiping it on the lips much easier. The balm itself is also far less oily than it used to be (it’s more jelly-like now), but still packs plenty of moisture — and the same amazing vanilla flavor I came to love years ago.”—Brooke Frischer, Staff Writer
Hero Pore Purity Cleansing Clay Mask, $19.99, available here: “As an acne-prone thirty-something, I have tried many clay masks in my day, and this is my new favorite. Spiked with sulfur, spirulina and sea kelp bio-ferment, it effectively deep cleans while also soothing any inflammation I have, leaving my skin less oily but not at all dry or sensitized.”—Dhani Mau, Editor-in-Chief
Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen, $30, available here: “I’ve been a full-coverage lover ever since I started wearing makeup, but I wanted to try a lighter product in this scorching summer heat. I’m loving this tinted moisturizer: I was surprised by how lightweight it felt without sacrificing buildable coverage or its dewy finish. Although it didn’t have as long of a wear as some of my favorite full-coverage foundations, the SPF 20 adds a touch more sun protection to my makeup routine, which is a must for this redhead.”—Catie Pusateri, Editorial Intern
Dior Capture Totale Firming & Wrinkle-Correcting Cream, $130, available here: “The main ingredient in this lightweight cream is the longoza flower, which helps refine texture, while the added ceramides help calm skin so it’s not abrasive. I’ve been using it at night since the beginning of May without any irritation, and my skin feels a lot smoother.”—Liza
O Boticário Floratta Simple Love Eau de Toilette, $41, available here: “One of my favorite parts about traveling to Brazil is trying out all of the amazing beauty products offered here. This Floratta Simple Love perfume has been my favorite thus far. Not sickly, but still sweet, this scent is perfect for daily wear.”—Olivia Novato, Editorial Intern
Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel, $60, available here: “The antioxidants and peptides in this lightly cooling eye gel helps tighten up my under eyes before I layer on a little bit of concealer and pretend I actually slept well the night before.”—Liza
Tatcha The Indigo Cleansing Balm Moisturizing Makeup Remover, $38, available here: “I want to add Tatcha’s new cleanser to my permanent rotation. The cushiony balm melts as it’s massaged in, fully dissolving sunscreen and makeup. I love that it leaves my skin plump and without any redness, most likely thanks to its use of Japanese indigo extract.”—Andrea
Too Faced Better Than Sex Foreplay Mascara Primer, $29, available here: “Admittedly, the last time I tried a mascara primer, the formula was all white and chalky, but I really love Too Faced’s spin-off of it’s classic Better Than Sex mascara. It separates my lashes, gives them a volume boost and helps give me the rich, inky look I love.”—Liza
Peace Out Pore Stick, $24, available here: “Clogged pores are my biggest summer skin-care woe (most likely thanks to the buckets of SPF I slather on non-stop), but I’ve finally found my complexion’s new best friend: a physical and chemical exfoliating stick with pore-perfecting ingredients. Adorably small but mighty, this speedy little buddy has become an instant gym bag must-have. Pro tip: Try using it as a mask and leaving the exfoliant on for up to 10 minutes before gently rinsing it off — your T-zone will thank you.”—Savannah Sitton, Contributing Market Editor
Nars Afterglow Lip Balm Laguna Collection, $28, available here: “Although I often use pink lip balms for a quick wash of color, this bronze-y gold one caught my attention with its shimmer. It warms up my lips with a sheer, tone-enhancing finish, and doesn’t leave them feeling sticky. Plus, I’m already dreaming about cozy fall looks, and this warm, golden lip balm will be the perfect summer-to-fall shade.” —Catie
Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Longwear & Waterproof Gel Eyeliner in True Brown, $19, available here: “I tried to fight the urge to buy another eyeliner, but I couldn’t resist trying Rare Beauty’s newly released gel one. It glides on so easily (seriously, it’s like butter), and it’s sharp enough to achieve my winged eyeliner. Did I mention it’s also waterproof? Selena, you’ve done it again.”—Catie
Vacation After Sun Gel, $12, available here: “I live in a building with a rooftop pool for the first time in my life, and let’s just say I’m taking advantage of it (with plenty of SPF, of course). For those times I spend a little too much time in the sun, this feels wonderful on my skin, while also smelling so, so good.”—Dhani
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Matte Lip Blur Liquid Lipstick in Rose Blur, $35, available here: “It usually takes multiple steps and products to get that perfectly ‘blurred’ lip, with softly diffused edges and matte (but not chalky) finish. This liquid lip color makes it possible in one quick swipe. My favorite shade is Rose Blur, a soft, brown-tinged pink.”—Stephanie
Phlur Father Figure Eau de Parfum, $96, available here: “Some woody, earthy scents are a bit too literal for my taste. But because this one is balanced by a fresh gourmand note of fig and just a hint of sandalwood, it’s right up my alley.” —Stephanie
Jouer Cosmetics Essential High Coverage Concealer Pen, $24, available here: “I’m a skin-care girlie through and through, so when it comes to makeup, I need something simple yet effective, and quick but lasting. This pen is all of the above, and more. It helps that I found my perfect shade match (Crème Café, after three rounds of exchanges), because this is often the only face product I’ll use on a daily basis. Between the easy application (I swipe and dab with fingers) and moisturizing, buildable formula, I only tell people I really like about this product… so, you’re welcome!” —Savannah
Lancôme Réngergie H.P.N 300-Peptide Anti-Aging Cream, $145, available here: “Peptides, which are beloved by dermatologists for their ability to smooth lines and texture and restore youthful bounce to skin, have become a staple of my skin-care routine in my 30s. This lightweight cream packs more than 300 different versions of them, alongside hydrating hyaluronic acid and brightening niacinamide, for a multi-pronged approach to aging skin. I especially love it for fighting back against my emerging tech-neck lines.”—Stephanie
Typology Eyebrow & Eyelash Serum, $30.40, available here: “I’ve found that many lash serums are full of empty promises, but not this one. Previous years of lifts, tints and extensions have left my lash line bedraggled and refusing to grow. Frankly, I don’t understand how the castor oil and pea peptides in this formula can cause such a drastic improvement, but after less than two weeks of semi-consistent use, I swiped on my mascara one day and was amazed by the newfound length of my lashes. The difference has only grown more magical with consistency. I now have the wispy little flutter to the outer edge of my lashes that I’ve always wanted, no makeup necessary.”—Savannah
Bond No. 9 New York Chelsea Nights, $460, available here: “This was love at first scent. It’s a bold fragrance that’s a spicy mix of cocoa, amber and vanilla. I find it lasts long on my skin, and leaves an enchanting trail wherever I go.”—Andrea
Briogeo Destined for Density Shampoo and Conditioner, $32 each, available here and here: “My already-fine hair has been shedding excessively lately, so I’ve begun incorporating this density-enhancing shampoo, which contains caffeine to boost scalp circulation and biotin to promote growth. I’ve gradually been seeing less hair fall — plus, I love the lightly sweet, floral scent and how soft it makes my hair.” —Stephanie
Dr. Whitney Bowe Microbiome Nourishing Cream, $95, available here: “I dispense a pea-size pump of this cream every morning and night to keep my face smooth, hydrated and glow-y. It uses ingredients known to moisturize skin and promote a healthy barrier, like squalane, ceramides and prebiotics. A little goes a long way, which I think makes this frosted bottle worth the splurge.”—Andrea
Sofie Pavitt Clean Clean Cleanser, $34, available here: “Beloved New York City facialist Sofie Pavitt recently introduced her own line, and it’s good. My favorite is the cleanser, which is both a serious-business, take-no-prisoners formula that thoroughly de-gunks pores (a must for those of us who live in the city and wear lots of sunscreen), yet remains incredibly gentle, with a blend of allantoin, panthenol and glycerin to keep skin’s moisture levels up.”—Stephanie
Roz Milk Hair Serum, $52, available here: “Hairstylist Mara Roszak first used this lightweight, multi-purpose styling serum on me during a brand event months ago, and I’ve been eagerly awaiting the moment I could finally write about it ever since. It detangles, moisturizes, defines and de-frizzes my super-fine hair without weighing it down or leaving any hint of residue. I’ve been using it obsessively, whether air- or blow-drying.”—Stephanie
Pleasing Pick & Mix Nail Polish Set, $65, available here: “I’ve never been the type of person to paint my own nails, but in line with the ‘Barbie’ sensation, I finally decided to reach for my Pleasing polish in the shade ‘Syrupberry’ — a bright, fuschia-leaning pink. The intensely pigmented formula is super smooth and easy to layer without becoming clumpy, but what really solidified my obsession is the ‘Wet Bottoms’ clear polish. As someone whose manicures (at-home or salon) typically last no more than three days, this top coat sealed my perfectly pink nails for a full month (and this is just regular nail polish!). Honorable mentions include the shades ‘Granny’s Pink Pearls’ and ‘Pearly Tops.'”—Brooke
Ware Sonny SPF 40 Face Serum, $65, available here: “Mineral-based SPF 40 with an easy-to-blend-in, serum-like texture and a glow-y, dewy finish? It’s basically everything I could wish for in a sunscreen.”—Stephanie
SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Leave-In Conditioner, $12, available here: “Oh my gosh. There aren’t good enough things for me to say about this product. Not only does it leave my curls fuller and more defined than ever, but it also makes my whole head smell great.”—Olivia
Byoma Gel Face Moisturizer SPF 30, $20, available here: “This is a great one-and-done product for when I’m low on time or feeling lazy. It feels ultra hydrating but not at all greasy, and leaves a nice bouncy glow and no white cast that I can detect.”—Dhani
Deon Libra Big Up Body Glaze Oil Serum, $63, available here: “I recently took some pictures on vacation that humbled me: My curls were defined, face glowing — but my legs looking upsettingly dull. Coincidentally, I hadn’t applied this serum or my go-to shiny sunscreen. The former gives my body an irresistible glow and sheen that looks beautiful in real life (and even better in photos).”—Andrea
Not Your Mother’s Tough Love Bonding Leave-in Protector, $15, available here: “On the days where I don’t want to use heat on my hair and would rather just throw it up into a claw clip (a.k.a. most of the time), I like to rake something light but conditioning throughout. After just a few sprays of this thin, gel-like formula, my brush goes through my hair with no struggle. When I twist my hair up into a clip, the product doesn’t leave any weird, sticky residue on my hands, and ultimately leaves my hair feeling silky after airdrying.”—Brooke
Ranavat Mighty Majesty Glossing Hair Mask, $65, available here: “Ayurvedic-based beauty brand Ranavat has done it again with this excellent hair mask that contains transparent henna gloss, hyaluronic acid, moringa seed oil and the brand’s proprietary Veda4 Bond Complex. My hair was noticeably softer, shiniery and more manageable after just one use, so I’m excited to see what it does over an extended period of time.”—Dhani
Clé Cosmetics Lip Care Trio, $37, available here: “Meet the single three-in-one lip care product that has replaced all my others. Packed into three tubes and housed in one handy compact, this lippie product is one of the coolest I’ve encountered. And even more impressive is the fact that each formula perfectly lives up to its promise: The gentle Gluconolactone peel leaves my lips silky smooth, and the semi-sheer mauve gloss, packed with shea butter and vitamin E, finishes it off with a pretty wash of color.”—Savannah
Äz Intense Volume Mist, $48, available here: “With my very dense, curly hair, I typically give up on at-home blowouts and resort to the flatiron, leaving my hair perfectly straight, but sadly flat. When I started using this liquid volumizing mist from Äz, I noticed the bounce that comes with my natural texture was no longer being sacrificed in my pursuit of pin-straight hair. Sometimes I’ll also lightly spritz it in after my hair is dry for some added frizz control.”—Brooke
Biologique Recherche Lait VIP O2 Cleanser, $112, available here: “In the morning, when I want a super-gentle cleanse, I’ve been reaching for this lightweight cleansing milk. It dissolves and whisks away the skin care I’ve had on overnight, and contains a compound called perfluorodecalin that has been shown to deliver oxygen to skin. I like to give myself a little facial massage with it to de-puff and wake up my skin.” —Stephanie
Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick in Perk, $24, available here: “This mini stick not only adorable and ultra-portable — it’s also perfect for summer, when I want to add a quick touch of color to both my lips and cheeks without too much fussing. My personal favorite shade is ‘Perk,’ a beautiful coral-pink.” —Olivia
Olive & June That’s Amoray Long Lasting Polish, $9, available here: “This sheer polish gives the prettiest, subtlest pink iridescence to my nails. It’s like a Telfar x Melissa pink jelly sandal in nail polish form.”—Dhani
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