These Are the Beauty Launches Editors Are Actually Buying This Month

When POPSUGAR president and editor in chief Lisa Sugar put this illuminating cream on my radar, I knew I had to try it. The Lancer Dani Glowing Skin Perfector ($95) is a pearly, serum-like cream that can be worn on bare skin or combined with foundation dewier. I use it both ways, depending on how my face is looking that day. Or, I will apply it atop my base as a highlighter. It also contains skin-care benefits such as an Asian botanical blend of the evodia fruit and buchu leaf extracts to even out your complexion and add firmness. Oat kernel extract is also added for its smoothing qualities.

It's hard to get natural makeup formulas right — especially eye shadow — but Tarte nails both matte and shimmery formulas in this stunning palette ($45). The warm sepias and bronze hues are perfect for everyday looks and Fall smoky eyes alike. I love using the first three shades in the top row of colors in the morning for an easy, awake eye. At night, I'll add the darkest tint into my crease for a more sultry, contoured look.

I am a notorious medium to full coverage foundation freak. To cover up my spotty acne scars, I always opt for a liquid formula with buildable coverage. The Estee Lauder Double Wear Makeup To-Go compact ($45) is easy to carry, meaning no more foundation spilling in your purse (yes!), and it comes in 20 shades so finding the perfect match for your skin is seamless. Its creamy texture is far from thick and greasy, so it'll literally feel like there’s nothing on your face. Just push the button to release product as you need and swipe on with your fingers or a brush.

I love having "done" hair but detest the full 20 minutes it takes to get mine dry. I swear that Shu Uemura Straightforward Time-Saving Blowdry Oil Spray ($39) actually works. I spritz it on wet strands and am always amazed by how my blow-dry time is cut one-third to one-half the amount of time (depending on how towel-dried it is to start). It's also nourishing for those dehydrating Winter days.

After a few weeks of wearing eyelash extensions, my normal fringe feels stubby in comparison. Makeup artists of Instagram have inspired me to pump up my puny lashes with a set of falsies. I'm digging this gorgeous pair ($5 at Walgreens). Instead of lying flat along the strip, each lash is layered to extend from your lid at a variety of angles and lengths. They look just like extensions (or an impressively long real fringe) without the damaging glue. I can't wait to incorporate them into my holiday beauty routine.

When I take a break from my weekly blowout, I often turn to Shea Moisture products to keep my curls intact. So I was thrilled to learn that the brand was releasing a professional line of products for blowout junkies like myself. You only need to work a quarter sized amount of the Smooth Finish Blowout Cream ($20) through your damp hair. Then, blow dry and style as normal. The cream is a heat protector, humidity defier, and keratin-enhancing formula all in one. I suggest letting your hair air dry for a few minutes, then applying the cream to cut back on styling time. The results will be bouncy, healthy strands with natural sheen.

Getting into party mode means smelling sexy. So before I spritz on perfume, I layer on a scented body lotion. I'm obsessed with this creamy, musky one from Molton Brown ($44). It contains sparkling grapefruit and elderflower extract to soften skin, which especially necessary when baring arms or legs in slinky dresses. Also, the minimalist white, gold, and gray packaging looks chic on my vanity.

The Kat Von D brand inadvertently riled up its fans when a factory mishap changed the color of its bestselling liquid lipstick, Lolita. Shoppers both fell in love with the new shade and demanded their old hue — so now, both are available for purchase in this duo ($20). The original shade is a chestnut rose, while its remix (hereby known as Lolita II) is more of a terracotta. Both are flattering, nondrying, and longwearing. We're pretty sure if Kylie Jenner didn't have her own line of lip products, she'd be rocking these nonstop.

If you’re battling breakouts after indulging in that sinful Thanksgiving food and drinks, you’re not alone. After waking up with what I like to call "punishment pimples" I immediately pulled out this charcoal masque ($46) to save my complexion. I’ve applied it to the irritated areas once daily until my inflamed breakout was nearly invisible. Its smooth texture will gently exfoliate your skin, so if you're on the sensitive side you won't have to worry about redness or irritation. Sulfur and volcanic ash will prevent future breakouts and scarring. I’ll definitely be keeping this close for when my skin needs a good detox.

I am pretty faithful to chemical exfoliants, but the zingy citrus scent ($44) of this scrub/mask hybrid was too delicious to resist. It gently polishes away dead skin cells with amber powder, while infusing your complexion with essential antioxidant vitamins C and E. Just massage into skin for two minutes in the shower, then rinse away — you'll be glowing instantly.

This is what a Friday morning during holiday party season can look like for me: I wake up late, having 20 minutes tops to get my face looking normal after having one too glasses of champagne the night before. I promise these Patchology Leopard Hydrate FlashMasque Single Facial Sheet ($8 each) perk me up! The serum-soaked, one-time-use masks only need five minutes to do the deed of adding luminosity to my skin (many competitors require a half hour of wear time!). It's also like drinking a green smoothie for your face, thanks to plumping hyaluronic acid, smoothing vitamin B5, and hydrating betaine. And the leopard print makes me smile through my headachy state.

On lazy Sundays at home (where I'm submitting my skin to ultradrying central heat), I want to relax wearing a lightweight formula, not a thick, Winter-proof cream. This moisture gel ($22, available December 10 from pixibeauty.com) uses encapsulated water to provide a burst of hydration as soon as you apply. Aloe vera provides a chilling, refreshing sensation. If I can plan a tropical getaway this season, I'll be packing it to layer with an SPF — it would soothe any potential sunburns!