While I’m someone who has my tried-and-true products (EltaMD sunscreen 4life), I love trying new products and telling anyone who will listen about them. And since you’re here, I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm with you. I may be a fashion editor, but I’m passionate about all things cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, and hair care, and I’m always happy to dip a toe into the world of a beauty editor.
I may not have a beauty-product stash that even comes close to rivaling that of a beauty editor, but I do have the privilege of trying my fair share of products. (And I add to my Sephora and Violet Grey carts on a weekly basis.) I’ve tried quite a few new (to me, at least) things lately and have been dying to talk about them, so let’s get to it, shall we?
Scroll to shop 22 beauty products that deserve every ounce of praise they get.
Merit A/W 2021 The Box Set Tinted Lip Oil ($75)
Merit’s excellent Lip Oils had already won me over, and I’m even more smitten now that these fall-ready colors are in my life. They’re all beautiful but if you buy just one, I recommend Cara Cara. Your lips will look juicy.
U Beauty Multimodal Defender SPF 30 ($168)
U Beauty never misses a step, so I was very eager to try their latest release. This groundbreaking zinc oxide SPF does more things than I can even list here, but the standouts to me (aside from the sun protection) are how effectively it evens out my skin tone and smooths fine lines.
Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil ($54)
Face oils can get pretty pricey so I was happy to see that Summer Fridays’ new one doesn’t break the bank. It’s packed with a bevy of nourishing oils and my skin glows the next day after using it. Just read the reviews if you need more reason to add to cart.
OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener in Samoan Sand ($18)
After recently removing my nail extensions myself (not recommended!), my natural nails were in need of some TLC. I love that this strengthened my nails while providing a hint of color.
Alastin Skincare Restorative Eye Treatment ($85)
Alastin is one of my desert island brands (Translation: Can’t live without it), so I kind of assumed that this eye cream was going to be epic before I even tried it. And yes, I was right. It does it all—reduced dark circles, fine lines, and puffiness, and helps to build collagen. It provides both immediate and long-lasting results. Consider me a lifelong fan.
Tatcha The Dewy Serum ($88)
Tatcha is one of my other desert-island brands, and this is my new favorite thing that they make. I’ve never encountered a lactic acid treatment that was so soothing and plumping. It’s great under makeup and at night, and is for every skin type. Worth every penny!
Le Labo Hinoki Hand Pomade ($26)
I’m pretty loyal to my Working Hands cream, but sometimes a girl just wants something a little more luxurious. I love a rich, non-greasy hand cream and that’s exactly what this is. Plus, the scent is intoxicating. I highly recommend pairing it with the glorious Hinoki Hand Soap.
Glossier Solar Paint ($20)
My goal is to have sunkissed skin year-round without actually encountering the sun. This new-ish Glossier release helps me to achieve that with very natural results. I put it along my hairline and along the bridge of my nose before I apply blush and it’s a quick and easy way to look glowy.
Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm ($38)
If you’re on the hunt for a “grown-up” gloss, you’re in luck. Everything Gucci Westman creates is so sophisticated and beautiful, and this liquid lip balm is no exception. It has staying power, the perfect amount of shine and cushion, and it comes in the most gorgeous shades (but my pick is Garconne).
Aquis Copper Sure Rapid Dry Hair Wrap ($35)
This is something I’ve been meaning to try for ages, as my hair is long and thick. I don’t completely know how it does it, but this little hair wrap significantly cut down my drying time and I was happy to not have to wear a heavy terry cloth towel on my head.
Freck Slimelight Highlighter ($28)
I have a complicated relationship with highlighter. On one hand, I want to look glowy and ethereal but on the other, I don’t want to look like a sticky disco ball. While this new highlighter may be intense (a little goes a long way), it’s so beautiful and striking. My favorite spot for it is my eyelids.
Mutha Deoderant ($28)
I’m usually pretty skeptical of natural deodorants, but they’ve really evolved in recent years. Mutha doesn’t make a ton of products so when they do, you know they really believe in them and have taken the time to perfect them. Using a cocktail of ingredients including Arrowroot powder and sage oil, Mutha Deoderant smells amazing and actually keeps you dry.
Dr. Dennis Gross All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 ($42)
While I’m loyal to my EltaMD, I’m always up for trying a new sunscreen. This is one that I’d definitely keep buying. It feels more like a serum going on (which I love) and doesn’t leave a white cast even though it’s a physical sunscreen. It also didn’t leave my face with that dreaded greasy sunscreen film at the end of the day. I give it a 10 out of 10.
Therabody Theragun Mini ($199)
This is obviously more of a wellness product than a beauty product, but let’s just go with it because it’s awesome. As someone who holds a lot of tension and doesn’t visit a masseuse often enough, this little device is a godsend. It’s very powerful, so if you’re a fan of deep tissue massage or sport massage, you’ll love it.
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm ($22)
I rarely wear anything but nude lip colors, so I was thrilled to see that one of my favorite lip products now came in a sheer nude hue in a chic little tube. It’s almost unbelievable how much this plumps and soothes your lips.
Farmacy Honeymoon Glow Body 12% AHA/BHA Resurfacing Body Serum ($40)
As someone who gets those pesky little bumps on my arms, I’m always looking for products to eradicate them. While other resurfacing products I’ve tried also do the trick, Farmacy is one of my favorite clean brands so I’m declaring this my new favorite skin smoother.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Bitten Lip Tint in Amour ($36)
I ordered this because I was tired of my lipstick rubbing off on my mask and I love anything that’s classified as a moisturizing lip stain. This stays on for hours while somehow keeping your lips supple.
Tom Ford Cream and Powder Eyeshadow Duo ($65)
Tom Ford makes the best cream eyeshadows on the planet, hands down. They’re pigmented, long-lasting, and contain the perfect amount of shimmer. This gorgeous duo is the best of both worlds. I love to put a bit of the gold powder at the center of my lid and at the lower lashline after tapping the cream on.
Surratt Beauty Noir Lash Tint ($50)
This revolutionary lash tint with its little metal brush makes lashes look SO long and thick. The unique brush helps you to grab every single lash. Yes, it’s pricey, but it’s cheaper than eyelash extensions.
Nécessaire The Body Serum With Hyaluronic Acid ($45)
Nécessaire’s great Body Serum is my body lotion replacement in the summer. I hate feeling sticky and this lightweight moisturizer is anything but. To sum it up, I’d even put jeans on after applying it to my legs.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer ($23)
I’ve long been a fan of Brow Wiz but I recently purchased this while seeking something a little more bold than the former. It’s great at filling in sparse brows and I love using it in tandem with Brow Wiz, which is a little more precise.
Yves Saint Laurent Nu Bare Look Tint Skin Tint Foundation ($38)
I was initially intrigued by this because it has nearly a perfect 5-star rating and it’s pretty well-priced for a luxury foundation. It makes the skin radiant and slightly dewy, and I actually like that it doesn’t contain SPF. It’s hard to find a tinted moisturizer that doesn’t. If you want the no-makeup look but also want some coverage, I encourage you to try this.
Next up, our favorite under-$20 Amazon beauty discoveries.
This article originally appeared on Who What Wear
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