Best Beauty Products For August 2015 | Summer Shopping
14 Editor-Reviewed Beauty Products You Need to Buy This August
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As Summer comes to a close (tears!), your warm-weather beauty routine doesn't have to fizzle along with it. Use this month to go live it up when it comes to the trends — like taking care of your skin better and skipping foundation or letting your hair air dry. We're packing our weekender bags with luxe makeup remover wipes, our favorite skin vitamins to ward off vacation breakouts, and a DIY-packed beach read from a French beauty. Plus, we've found two new mascaras that are replacing our tried-and-true formulas — forever. Keep reading to find out what our editors can't live without this August.
Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair
Customize your skin care with Dermalogica's Overnight Retinol Repair set ($85). In it, you'll get two creams: a retinol and buffer. This bespoke system allows you to slowly increase the retinol saturation, and get your skin used to the exfoliating benefits of the superstrong vitamin A. The results will help fight signs of aging (wrinkles, firmness) and even out skin tone. As a retinol newbie, this mix-and-match formula makes it much easier for me to find the perfect amount of retinol for my face.
—Lauren Levinson, beauty editor
Stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara
I am a mascara connoisseur with high demands. When testing a new formula, I follow a checklist: is it flake-free? Does it bulk up my fringe? Does it make my lashes so long that I see them out of the corners of my eyes, thinking there's a bug in my face? Using Stila's new mascara ($23), the answers to all of my questions were yes. For those who like to layer their lash products, this one works well as a base coat or on top — the formula is nice and wet without being runny, and the brush allows you to get superclose to the waterline.
—Emily Orofino, assistant beauty editor
Cleanse by Lauren Napier Wipes
These individually wrapped wipes ($40 for 12) are a morning-after must have (hey, don't judge me). I like to keep the chic, black satchels in my purse to remove makeup after date night. It takes everything off — longwear lipstick, mascara, and waterline eye makeup. My skin is left so silky afterwards, I don't even miss the five night creams I usually apply when I'm at my apartment. Plus, I'm not leaving any brown foundation smudges on my future boyfriend's pillowcase.
Speaking of stains . . . these are also my favorite wipes for removing food spills from my clothes (somehow I always end up with chocolate in my lap like a kindergartener). While some makeup remover wipes can leave a subtle stain, these cloths pick up the stain and dry clear.
—Jessica Cruel, associate beauty editor
Smashbox #ShapeMatters Palette
I own a library of contouring palettes, which tend to each get heavy rotation. However, I think I'll be sticking to Smashbox's #ShapeMatters Palette ($65) for the next few months. This palette is focused on contouring every part of your face, including your brows and eyes, so it comes with three gorgeous brow shades, nine eye colors, and their staple contour and highlighting powders.
—Kirbie Johnson, on-camera beauty reporter and producer
Guerlain Abeille Royale Gold Eyetech Eye Sculpt Serum
After a few months of Summer weekend getaways, my under eyes are showing signs of sleep deprivation. The Guerlain Abeille Royale Gold Eyetech Eye Sculpt Serum ($130) is the ideal remedy for this — the 22k golden-tipped applicator has a cooling, de-puffing effect when it is massaged the skin. The light serum contains antioxidant-rich honey, which helps with elasticity and cell growth.
—LL
Hum Nutrition Runway Ready Supplements
Last month, I got scolded by a nail tech because of my addiction to gel manicures. Convenience and glossiness be damned . . . the rock-hard lacquers can take a toll on natural nails. I've been taking these supplements ($35) daily to strengthen my claws again. Each packet contains three pills — one for nails and two for hair and skin — that are packed with biotin and black currant seed oil (to promote hair growth). Not only are they gentle on the tummy, but I've already seen serious improvement.
— EO
NARS Audacious Mascara
Nars new Audacious Mascara ($26) is like the Louboutin of mascaras. Sure, it has accents of red hiding within the wand and within the cap, but this mascara helps to elevate your lashes without looking like you're trying too hard. The finish is satiny, so it's flexible — meaning you don't deal with flakes throughout the day. (I didn't.)
— KJ
Davines OI Body Wash
When the thermometer hits 100 degrees in New York City, I up my shower schedule to two-a-days. This Davines OI Body Wash ($25) is the product I'm lathering up in every time. This cleanser is made with roucou oil which gives it a creamy consistency that leaves my skin smooth. But really I will use this bottle of body wash to the very last drop because of the amazing scent. It reminds me a lot of sitting in the sauna. It's got a smoky, cedar fragrance that still manages to smell clean.
— JC
MEMO Kedu Eau de Parfum
The last thing I want to deal with in sweltering temperatures is feeling oppressed by a cloud of perfume. That's why I'm so hooked on Kedu ($250). The scent combines sesame absolute with zingy grapefruit oil and light white musks, creating a clean yet sexy fragrance that sits close to the skin.
— EO
Rituals Tao Mei Dao Body Cream
Often scents that claim to be relaxing are composed of lavender and chamomile, which is why Rituals recently reformulated Tao Mei Dao Body Cream ($29) is such a standout. The warm, sweet, and sensual scent is a soothing one, but unlike the typical fragrance you'd find at a spa. It contains White Lotus, which helps calm inflammation, hydrates, and naturally exfoliates (re: helps with antiaging). But the star component is Yi Yi Ren, an ingredient traditionally used in Chinese medicine that treats skin disease and insomnia. I love to apply the thick cream at night before drifting into a serene slumber.
— LL
The French Beauty Solution by Mathilde Thomas
If Mathilde Thomas, founder of Caudalie skin care, tells me to detox on grapes for three days, you better believe I'm going to do it! Over the years, Caudalie has become my favorite skin care brand. I adore the Divine Oil and swear by the sunscreen. So, when Mathilde's first book hit my desk I was ecstatic. She reveals all her French beauty secrets in The French Beauty Solution ($27). Her approach to beauty is so laissez-faire compared to the American way that I'm considering a Parisian apartment.
— JC
Fresh Limited Edition Rose Face Mask
My middle name is Rose, so it makes sense that I'm obsessed with all things related to the flower. The packaging on this award-winning mask ($62) is no exception. British artist Jo Ratcliffe used her signature paint technique to illustrate beautiful roses on the jar and box. The mask inside is just as gorgeous — it contains real rose petals in a cooling gel formula that sinks into skin. Though you're supposed to wash it off after 10 minutes, I leave it on overnight so I can wake up looking and feeling as fresh as (you guessed it!) a rose.
— EO
Ling Sparkling Makeover Mask
At a spa, an oxygen facial will run you about $200. The treatment promises increased cell turnover and plumped collagen by pushing O2 into the pores. Well, the Ling Sparkling Makeover Mask ($80) gives me the same effect. The clear gel starts to foam and bubble once it hits your skin (that's the oxygen). Once it stops foaming you can rinse it off for a brighter, smoother complexion.
— JC
Simple Micellar Make-Up Remover Wipes
I love micellar water and I love wipes. Together they create the most refreshing towelettes for Summer. The new Simple Micellar Make-Up Remover Wipes ($6) feel refreshing and cooling while taking off any mascara smudges. It's perfect for after a workout and, like the rest of the Simple line, it doesn't aggravate my sensitive skin.
— LL
