The 23 Best Beauty Products Fashionista Editors Tried in October

Pattern Beauty The Hair Steamer, $169, available here: “I’m new to hair steaming, but it makes so much sense for textured hair. Pre-shower, I apply a mask to my very dry, frizzy, tangled, depleted 3a/b curls and used the (brilliant) prong attachment on this tool to comb it through. I’m blown away how quickly and easily the steam detangles and revitalizes my hair, making the rest of my routine about 10x easier and more effective. It also has a slew of other uses for various hair types including stretching, adding definition and scalp care. (Just don’t overdo it — over-steaming can weaken strands over time.) I also love that it comes with a cleaning kit, and the price is right for such an innovative, effective tool.” —Dhani Mau, Editor in Chief

Summer Fridays The Mini Neutrals Lip Butter Balm Set, $25, available here: “I’ve been a fan of Summer Fridays’ Lip Butter Balm since it launched, so I’m particularly delighted by this set featuring four adorable minis. The lineup of neutral beige-and-brown-tinged tones are all equally versatile, wearable and deliciously scented. I keep ‘Iced Coffee’ at my desk for midday pick-me-ups and ‘Vanilla Beige’ in my bag to bring with me.” —Steph Saltzman, Beauty & Style Director

Glossier Birthday Cake Candle, $50, available here: “My favorite Glossier product of all time is the Birthday Cake Balm Dot Com, so when the brand released a candle that pays homage to the scent in honor of its 10th anniversary, I knew I had to get my hands on it. Not only does the chrome jar blend into my other tabletop decor seamlessly, but my apartment also now smells like a perfectly sweet Funfetti cake dream.” —Brooke Frischer, Staff Writer and Social Media Manager

Canopy X Being Frenshe Bedside Humidifier 2.0 Set, $179, available here: “Canopy revamped its best-selling bedside humidifier in collaboration with Ashley Tisdale‘s beauty brand, Being Frenshe. I’m impressed by all of the customizable options, including a night light feature in either warm white or red light, a white noise setting and the ‘Bone’ colorway that matches my home aesthetic gorgeously. The filters can be changed to avoid mold, and it’s safe to throw the whole unit in the dishwasher to clean. As for the Being Frenshe scents, Lavender Cloud is my favorite, but Cashmere Vanilla and Palo Santo Sage instantly calm the room, too.” —Savannah Sitton, Contributing Market Editor

Merit Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum, $92, available here: “Marking the brand’s foray into fragrance, Merit’s Retrospect delicately balances timeless floral heart notes (jasmine, rose, orris, rosemary and violet) with the fresh juiciness of pear top notes. It’s a warm, musky blend that instantly makes me feel like an old-money heiress. Plus, it wears for up to 12 hours thanks to being an extrait, which boasts a higher concentration of oil compared to a parfum. Read more about the all-new scent here.” —Catie Pusateri, Contributing Writer

Olive & June Obsessed Gel Polish, $10, available here: “The at-home mani aficionados at Olive & June just launched an at-home gel kit, and while I need a little more time with it to give a true review, I can confirm the polish color options are great and I’m particularly, well obsessed, with Obsessed, a dark ruby red that’s perfect for fall. (There’s also a press-on version I may need to pick up.)” —Dhani

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Acne Treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide, $23, available here: “This benzoyl peroxide-based spot treatment by La Roche-Posay is a go-to for me. It shrinks bigger breakouts overnight and has eliminated the pesky bumpy skin in my T-zone with twice-weekly application.” —Emma Greene, Editorial Intern

Loewe Small Tuberose Candle, $175, available here: “Maybe it’s because I associate candles with cozy season, but I’ve recently switched out my typical room sprays for various relaxing candles. The latest in my rotation is this delightful herbaceous scent. While the white-floral notes can easily lean more spring vibes, I’ve found the scent to be a soothing memory of going outside and touching grass — a highly welcomed feeling, given it’s too cold to actually enjoy outside.” —Janelle Sessoms, Staff Writer

Prequel Gleanser+ SA Non-Drying Salicylic Acid Cleanser, $20, available here: “My ongoing struggles with hormonal breakouts mandate frequent exfoliation, but my combination skin is prone to sensitization when I overdo it. This gentle, hydrating, glycerin-based cleanser — which is also spiked with salicylic acid — is an ideal addition to my daily routine. Since I’ve begun using it regularly, my angry breakouts have subsided a bit, and I’ve had a facialist compliment me on my barrier function (a major skin-care win).” —Steph

Tower 28 BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Dewy Cream Blush in Finest Hour, $20, available here: “As a dusty rose blush connoisseur, I’ll admit that the idea of a bright-red shade had me shaking in my boots. But, this buildable cream blush effortlessly sheers out into a natural-looking flush that rivals my beloved mauve-y hues. With hydrating ingredients such as aloe vera extract, green tea extract and castor seed oil, this radiant-finish blush also doubles as a quick lip color.” —Catie

Superegg Infinite Layers Lip Care, $28, available here: “Real talk: Dry, flaky lips are no joke — trust me, I would know. Now that the temperature is dropping, I’ve stepped up my lip-care game to ensure my lips are ultra-smooth and un-chapped. This lightweight treatment glides on — even with its thick texture — and quickly absorbs for an intense dose of moisture. It’s formulated with a blend of peptides, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to help soothe, strengthen and firm the lips.” —Janelle

Eadem Smooth Slate Ingrown Relief Serum, $36, available here: “Ingrown hairs have become my unfortunately constant post-shave companions, but this swipe-on solid serum stick exfoliates to prevent them, slows hair growth and reduces irritation all in one easy step. It’s formulated with mandelic acid, lactic acid and white willow bark to slough off dead skin cells, azelaic acid to prevent dark spots as well as skin conditioners like glycerin, shea butter and sunflower oil. After a few swipes on my legs, I wake up the next morning with softer, smoother skin — and no trace of the irritated bumps.” —Catie

Cocokind Peptide Fine Line Eye Gel, $22, available here: “There are plenty of peptide-enhanced eye creams on the market that claim to address fine lines and plump and firm the delicate eye area — but very few cost less than $25. I love that this accessibly priced formula is lightweight, non-irritating and has a light-pinkish tint to counteract dark circles.” —Steph

R.e.m. Beauty x “Wicked” So Popular PH Adaptive Lip Oil, $20, available here: “I’m counting down the days to the release of ‘Wicked’ by using Glinda-approved beauty products, and this color-changing lip oil from Glinda (Ariana Grande)’s own brand is the best I’ve tried so far. The formula adapts to your body’s pH, imbuing the perfect custom pink hue to brighten up your lip tone. Plus, there’s just a dash of sparkle and a hint of shine, giving an on-theme Ozdust finish.” —Brooke

Parallel Medium Blush Traveller, $98, available here: “I’ve been on the road a lot lately and finally found a cosmetic pouch I’d actually recommend: It has a durable shell that unzips and rolls down to reveal 16 upright wall pockets and four elastic mesh pouches, with two wide velcro tabs that act as adjustable dividers to hold any size product securely. I was shocked that it fit all of my travel cosmetics — and not a Q-Tip was out of place after bouncing it around in my suitcase all day. When I’m done traveling, I can also see this being a perfect makeup case to throw in my tote bag for everyday use.” —Savannah

Moroccanoil Purifying Pre-Wash Scalp Scrub, $32, available here: “Both satisfyingly gritty and gentle enough to use multiple times a week, this scalp scrub buffs away product buildup, clarifies oily roots and smooths away (eeek) icky flakes using argan shell powder and botanical cleansers. It also moisturizes with a blend of glycerin, argan oil and rosehip oil while imbuing a pleasant cooling effect, thanks to the inclusion of menthol. My fine hair and finicky scalp love it.” —Steph

Emme Diane Skin Smoothing Facial Polish, $38, available here: “Made with natural silica beads, this gentle facial exfoliant has worked wonders for my skin, even with its light, velvety texture. After a thorough cleanse, I gently massage it onto my face, and it completely buffs away any dead skin cells and debris. After routine use these past couple of weeks, I’ve already noticed I’m sporting a much more even, baby-soft complexion.” —Janelle

Zitsticka Killa Acne Extra Strength Pimple Patch, $19.59, available here: “Zitsticka recently launched new packaging at Target, and while I’m sure these bold colors will jump off store shelves, I’m more concerned with effectiveness. I finally got the opportunity to try the brands ‘extra strength’ patches (a favorite of Steph’s), which came just in time for the inevitable arrival of a pre-menstrual under-the-skin bump. After just one night, it’s already smaller and way less inflamed.” —Dhani

Cora The Simply Soothing Heat Patch (Pack of 6), $12, available here: “I’ve been loving these adhesive, conveniently shaped self-heating patches to alleviate my period pains. I place it over my underwear, either at my abdomen or lower back, and instantly feel at least slightly more at ease from the otherwise completely unpleasant cramps. I’ve also been placing the eight-hour-lasting sticker on a T-shirt to let it comfort some more general pain in my back. These have been a game-changer for on-the-go relief.” —Brooke

Allies of Skin Rhassoul & BHA Antioxidants Purifying Mask, $60 $41, available here: “I typically stick to a traditional charcoal formula when it comes to purifying masks, but this clay version has changed my routine: After a month of unusual breakouts, I tested this thick, antioxidant-packed product three to four times a week and saw improvement after two weeks. Because of the chemical exfoliant in the formula, not only is the mask helping to clarify the existing oils and sebum trapped in my pores, but it’s also preventing future pimples from popping up (and I haven’t had a new one since).” —Brooke

Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick, $13, available here: “As fall brought its first chilly days, I was reminded of how dry my skin can really be. I’ve quickly turned to this Aquaphor stick for respite, using it as both a makeup primer in my driest areas and a nighttime moisture boost.” —Emma

ColourPop x Bratz Girls Nite Out Shadow Palette, $26, available here: “I’ve never really been one to use fun, bold eye-shadow colors, but this charming palette has me rethinking my ways. The colors are highly pigmented, the texture is silky and there’s zero fallout. I also love the packaging: It’s like a grown-up version of the lip gloss cell phones I collected as a kid, but in an eye-shadow format.” —Janelle

Flaus Electric Flosser Starter Kit, $119, available here: “I prefer mini floss sticks to standard floss, but that habit can be wasteful. Enter: a reusable flosser with a sleek design that’s way more comfortable in my hand, and thus easier and quicker to maneuver. This handy tool has cut my flossing time in half (it also vibrates at three settings to really knock anything loose) and comes with 45 replacement heads, which are significantly smaller (hence, less plastic) than the single-use flossers I’ve been using. Plus, this new white color-way looks clean on my vanity.” —Savannah