Best New Makeup August 2018
The 16 New Makeup Products Our Editors Are Loving This August
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
To distract from your newfound panic at the realization that the end of the season is approaching — and fast — allow us to introduce you to some pretty Fall makeup. We have tested a bounty of products for months and consider the following 16 items worthy of your cash. Sure, Summer has to end, but at least you can face the dog days in a rich new lipstick or vibrant palette.
Fluide Seeing the Future Shadow Palette 001
"I think I audibly squealed when I opened the Fluide Seeing the Future Shadow Palette 001 ($30) — the colors are just that cute. Seriously, who said it was OK to put the perfect shade of taxi yellow powder in this quad? How in tarnation did they get that turquoise to be so vibrant? Am I cool enough to wear lime green eye shadow? (Definitely not, but I'm going to.) I've got so many questions about this perfect, portable bundle, but I'm too busy enjoying using this shadow to bother figuring out the answers. On top of how celebratory and pigmented this palette is, the gender-fluid brand will donate five percent of its profits to LGBTQ+-supporting causes." — Alaina Demopoulos, junior beauty writer
IT Cosmetics CC+ Oil-Free Matte SPF 40
"I've written the beauty equivalent of a Nicholas Sparks romance about IT Cosmetics' original CC cream — that's how deep my love runs. So I can't help but feel like I'm cheating on it any time I use the brand's new CC+ Oil-Free Matte SPF 40 ($38). Not that this stops me: the formula is a little fuller-coverage than the OG, lasts a full workday (and then some), and keeps my face from looking like an oil slick by 2 p.m. As The Bachelor clearly demonstrates, it is possible to love two people (or, in my case, products) at once." — Kelsey Castañon, senior beauty editor
Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation
"We give so much credit to Rihanna for Fenty, because she made inclusivity a damn near requirement in the beauty industry. And she did! But before our favorite bad gal was blowing us away with her 40 shades of foundation, brands like Make Up For Ever were also killing it in the shade range department. Kudos to MUFE for actually making it easy to find our perfect match: each foundation includes either a Y (for yellow) or R (for red) so you're not guessing undertones, either. The brand's newMake Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation ($38) is perfect for those hot, sweaty months, while providing that effortless-looking, natural skin finish that you love about the HD foundation. It's oil-free, so forget about caking on the powder, and it made my pores seem nonexistent." — Kirbie Johnson, host and senior video reporter
Josie Maran Josie Vibrancy Argan Oil Full Coverage Concealer Fluid
"I've tried dozens of concealers during my time as a beauty writer, and I wasn't expecting to find such a life-changing product. The Josie Maran Josie Vibrancy Argan Oil Full Coverage Concealer Fluid ($28) is a full-coverage concealer that covers my blemishes with the smallest amount of product. The formula is creamy and melts seamlessly into the skin without creasing. It's become my daily concealer and has lasted through my busy days in (a currently very humid) New York City." — Sarah Seigel, assistant editor, beauty and shop
Lipstick Queen Method in the Madness Lipstick in Peculiar Pink
"I'm normally not a pink lipstick type of lady, but I just dyed my hair carrot-red, and I've found more subtle makeup compliments my out-there color. This Lipstick Queen Method in the Madness Lipstick in Peculiar Pink ($25) is a no-brainer, perfect rose shade that's actually made out of a swirl of six different colors. Along with that, it's a creamy, silky formula that feels good to apply. If the average woman eats four pounds of lipstick in their lifetime, my personal record will probably double that statistic, because I apply this so often during the day." — AD
Bobbi Brown Primer Plus Mattifier
"Like most of the Housewives you watch on Bravo, my needs when it comes to primer are pretty high maintenance. First, you have to meet all my expectations — be smooth but never slick, last all night long — but it also doesn't hurt if you look good while doing it. It's a tall order, but this Bobbi Brown Primer Plus Mattifier ($38) delivers, which, thank god, because I was starting to think the real problem was me." — KC
NYX Cosmetics Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation
"I didn't think the perfect affordable foundation existed until I put NYX Cosmetics Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation ($15, ULTA & ULTA.com August 16) on my face. The newest formula is super full-coverage. I only need one pump (or less) to completely cover every inch of hyperpigmentation and discoloration on my face. It's also very lightweight and doesn't feel like my skin is being suffocated with makeup. But it gets better: the new foundation range comes in 45 truly diverse shades, so people on all ends of the color spectrum can experience this amazing formula. NYX, you've done it again." — Aimee Simeon, assistant beauty editor
Fenty Flyliner in Cuz I'm Black
"Fenty does a great job when it comes to naming products, and Flyliner ($20) is no exception. It's been awhile since I've been impressed with a liquid eyeliner — years, maybe — and since I'm convinced Stila changed the formula of Stay All Day liner, Fenty has become my new staple. I can't imagine holding any other liquid liner now. The triangle shape is ergonomically made to fit perfectly balanced between your fingers, and the ink has not failed me: it glides, it lasts, and it's black as hell." — KJ
Crop Natural Bio Metal Eye Shadow
"It's Summer's last hurrah, and I'm going to party hearty to celebrate the almost-end to commuting in hundred degree temperatures on the regular. When I do, I'll be sure to wear this Crop Natural Bio Metal Eye Shadow ($24) on my lids. Since it's a liquid, it's a light, airy formula that doesn't feel heavy (because, you know, a hundred degrees), and it's just the perfect pop of gold to give my eyes the gilded look they deserve." — AD
Ogee Tinted Sculpted Lip Oil in Dahlia
"I'm from New Hampshire, and my state has some sort of weird vendetta against Vermont (what we could possible have against a state that produces exceptional cheddar cheese, Ben & Jerry's, and Bernie Sanders, I'll never understand). That said, I'm ready to ditch that mentality in favor of the Vermont-made Ogee Tinted Sculpted Lip Oil in Dahlia ($26). This is a colorful version of the cult-favorite clear lip oil, and it provides all the hydrating goodness of its OG iteration, but with a fun pop of purple. Along with that, I can swipe the multi-use formula on my cheeks for a nice flush of color that revives me after a night of insomnia — on the outside, at least." — AD
L'Oreal Havana x Camila Cabello Liquid Brow
"If I'm giving it to you straight, many celebrity-faced collaborations don't meet my high expectations. Good news: Camila Cabello's partnership with L'Oreal has. The Havana-inspired line includes a gel bronzer that looks like a true, dewy glow instead of a muddy mess; the oversized doe's foot of the lip glosses is surprisingly comfortable to use. My favorite product is the Havana x Camila Cabello Gotta Give Liquid Brow ($12). I am typically a pencil girl, and I assumed a liquid, inky application would result in personal turmoil, but this ended up becoming my new favorite brow filler." — KJ
Beautyblender Bounce Liquid Whip Long Wear Foundation
"I was intrigued to learn Beautyblender came out with a foundation, and when I tried the Bounce Liquid Whip Long Wear Foundation ($40), I fell in love. The finish is a matte-satin, so it controls my oily skin without looking two-dimensional. It wears well throughout the day, and I was able to find the perfect shade. My complexion is a medium-olive hue that leans warm, but many warm shades are too yellow for my skin tone. Although I hope the collection adds a larger range of darker hues, the medium shades have many more undertone varieties than I've experienced with other brands." — SS
Undone Beauty 3-in-1 Lip + Cheek Cream
"Undone Beauty, I don't know where you've been, my love, but I have you in heavy rotation and I don't plan on quitting you soon. Normally, I'm suspect of brands sold only on Amazon (do your research, friends), but I have nothing but love for this one. In fact, I'm coming undone at these price points: a $5 lip and cheek palette? A gorgeous shadow palette for $10 and minimal fallout? A blending and contour brush that looks like it should cost $50 but actually costs $8? Seems like sorcery. But I can attest, this brand kills it not just with their prices, but the product and the packaging. Options like this 3-in-1 Lip + Cheek Cream look good, feel high-end, and make you want to show it off to any and everyone." — KJ
Erborian Extra Matte Ultra Mattifying Primer
"If you didn't get the hint, this primer is matte. My favorite way to use the Erborian Extra Matte Ultra Mattifying Primer ($42) is alone, sans makeup, when I'm running errands or don't feel like going for the glam. The thing is, so many primers tout the fact that they're matte, which is great, but then they're full of denatured alcohol, so that the product dries quickly and doesn't leave behind residue. The thing is, that can dry out your skin, which can lead to more oil and can ultimately make you use more matte products — it's a vicious cycle. My skin hasn't felt flaky or like a barren desert, and the light-reflecting pigments help with my skin tone." — KJ
Urban Decay Lo-Fi Lip Mousse
"Urban Decay has a bunch of spicy new launches this summer, including the upcoming Aphrodisiac collection (out 8/5 at Ulta Beauty), but can we talk about the new Lo-Fi Lip Mousse ($22)? My first thoughts: a "mousse"... for your lips? Right. While lip powders are a huge trend this year, most of them make your lips look like dilapidated fly trap, accentuating every line and dry crevice on your pout. This formula really is lo-fi, meaning it doesn't take extra effort to apply or clean up this matte lip product. Because of the whipped texture, you can pat the product onto your lips for more of a just bitten flush, or use a brush for a more precise and opaque look that's still lightweight. Rock on." — KJ
Huda Beauty Demi-Matte Cream Lipstick
"If you're not a fan of superwet lip gloss, but can't stand cement-dry liquid lipstick, prepare to fall in love with Huda Beauty Demi-Matte Cream Lipstick ($20). Each swipe will give you potent color payoff, but it won't make your lips feel dry AF. Instead, you'll be left with a long-lasting stain and a slight creamy texture that isn't too glossy. It's the happy medium between matte lipstick and lip gloss. It also comes in 15 fun shades ranging from pale nudes to vampy burgundy, which is perfect for Fall." — AS
First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Bendy Avocado Concealer
"Usually, when it comes to concealer, I'm of the more-is-more variety, but on a particularly good skin day — where all I truly needed was a touch of cover-up to hide my dark circles — I grabbed the Hello FAB Bendy Avocado Concealer ($22) and damn, was I surprised. Not only was it creamy and lightweight, but was also buildable. . . so I can add it to my regular rotation on even my heavier-handed days." — KC
