Ridiculously Pretty!

The 27 Best Beauty Products Fashionista Editors Tried in September

Each month, Fashionista editors try a *lot* of beauty products. And while not every formula we test is a winner, we’re constantly unearthing new favorites. Here, we’ve rounded up our latest hair, skin, fragrance, wellness and makeup discoveries — whether fresh-to-market drops or merely recent additions to our personal routines.

Despite summer’s warm breeze lingering into the start of September, the changing leaves and crisp autumn air is creeping ever closer — as is team Fashionista’s fall beauty refresh.

With a month’s worth of runway-ready glam looks serving as inspiration, we upgraded our makeup games with a precision eyebrow pencil, a concealer pen delivering a skin-like finish, a delicious hot cocoa lip balm and a brightening pale pink setting powder. 

Our skin-care standouts featured a buffing soap bar packed with ground coffee beans, a peptide serum mirroring the effects of Botox and an enzyme-based cleanser that boosts skin’s brightness and smoothness. We also leaned into our fragrances this month, including a powerful spiced pumpkin hand sanitizer, a fruity blend of honeydew melon and white peony as well as an earthier take on floral with notes of wild freesia and woodland moss.

Keep scrolling to see (and shop!) all of our favorite beauty finds from September.

Nécessaire Body Wash Hinoki, $25, available here: “This product’s Hinoki scent might be my favorite of any body wash I’ve ever used. On top of that, my skin is noticeably smoother after a few weeks of consistent use, thanks to the formula’s 6% blend of exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA/PHA) alongside reservertrol, niacinamide and glycerin, which prevents any potential stripping or drying effect.” —Dhani Mau, Editor in Chief

Victoria Beckham Beauty x Augustinus Bader The Concealer Pen, $68, available here: “I love a concealer pen that doses out tiny dots of product because it’s precise, buildable and saves me from having to locate a concealer brush in my makeup bag. This one — created in partnership between Victoria Beckham Beauty and Augustinus Bader — comes in 16 shades, offers medium-to-full coverage, a skin-like finish and the latter brand’s signature reparative skin-care ingredient, TFC8.” —Stephanie Saltzman, Beauty Director

Marlowe No. 109 Coffee Soap Bar, $10, available here: “I’ve been using buffing bars for years, so I’m really impressed with this one that has ground-up coffee beans (natural caffeine for a morning shower) with a substantial grit. My thick skin is accustomed to an intense slough, which this definitely achieves, whisking away dead skin and debris while moisturizing with cocoa butter. The rich scent is definitely for coffee lovers only, but undertones of coconut and citrus create a yummy morning ritual as energizing as a brewed cup of joe.” —Savannah Sitton, Contributing Market Editor

Glossier Boy Brow Arch, $24, available here: “I’m big on brow pencils, and I love this new one from Glossier in particular because of its unique shape: The tip is a very thin rectangle on a steep slant, allowing the user to flick the product upwards for a hair-like stroke. It really gives me precision in my application.” —Brooke Frischer, Staff Writer and Social Lead

La Mer Rejuvenating Night Cream, $450, available here: “I’m not exaggerating when I say within one night of using this, I already noticed major improvements on my skin. I awoke with a softer, plumper, smoother and more radiant face, thanks to the brand’s “Miracle Broth” (sea kelp, citrus oil, wheat germ and alfalfa) and Mra-3 (a “marine retinol alternative”). The blend is designed to work overnight with my skin’s circadian rhythm, leaving me with a refreshed complexion come morning.” —Janelle Sessoms, Staff Writer

Kosas Cloud Set Brightening Powder in Candy, $36, available here: “Given my affinity for all things pink, it was only a matter of time before my setting powder also embraced the soft hue. Without having to rely on extra concealer, this sheer pale pink powder quickly brightens up my under eyes and leaves a refreshed, well-rested appearance. Along with yellow and peach shades for brightening a variety of skin tones, the setting powder also retains the OG Cloud Set’s smoothing formula with bamboo stem, passionfruit leaf and peony extracts.” —Catie Pusateri, Contributing Writer

Olaplex No. 5L Moisturize & Mend Leave-In Conditioner for Split Ends, $32, available here: “I’ve been an Olaplex fan for a long time and was so excited to see that they added a leave-in conditioner option to their lineup. It leaves my hair shiny, smooth and smelling great.” —Emma Greene, Editorial Intern

Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly in Pistachio, $16, available here: “I’m probably the last person on earth to jump on the Tower 28 lip gloss bandwagon, but nonetheless, I’m now a huge fan of the comforting, non-sticky formula, especially in the Pistachio shade: a perfect subtle ‘milky’ pink that I like to layer over a similar pinkish-nude lip liner.” —Dhani

Glossier Crème de You Body Butter, $45, available here: “As a longtime fan of Glossier’s iconic You fragrance, I’m of course also enamored with its new body butter version of the scent. Launched just in time for dry skin season, the formula moisturizes with shea butter and jojoba oil while imparting that recognizable cozy, amber-y aroma.” —Steph

Florasis Infinite Blossom Longwear Liquid Eyeshadow, $25, available here: “The highly pigmented cream formula goes on like paint, but blends out easily with an eye shadow brush or fingertip. And once it dries, it does not budge. The removable magnetic charm is just a cute accent which is unnecessarily adorable.” —Savannah

All Saints Sunset Riot Intense Eau de Parfum, $65, available here: “I know it’s time to bring out my earthy fall scents now that summer is over, but it’s been difficult parting from my beloved florals. This All Saints fragrance offers the best of both worlds: The wild freesia and orange flower notes rep the floral, while the cedarwood and woodland moss lend layers of woodiness that are rich but not overpowering.” —Janelle

Hero Cosmetics Rescue Patch, $18, available here: “For all the acne-prone slugging fans out there, this ‘cream’ patch targets post-blemish dryness to help soothe irritated skin. Packed with many of the same hydrating ingredients of my ride-or-die post-blemish cream Rescue Balm — panthenol, beta-glucan and oligopeptide — the Rescue Patch leaves my skin feeling calm and moisturized after 15 minutes.” —Catie

Revlon One-Step 1-1/2″ Root Booster Round Brush Dryer and Styler, $60, available here: “This round brush was my go-to hair styler during the busy month of September. I use it on both damp and dry hair, and it delivers a bouncy blowout in 20 minutes or less every time.” —Emma

Murad Retexturizing Body Pads, $49, available here: “A recent hormonal freakout left me with a bit of bacne — something I thought I’d left behind for good with my 20s. Luckily, this coincided with Murad’s newest acne launch: individual pads spiked with azelaic acid, salicylic acid and glycolic acid alongside soothing amino acids. After just a few days of swiping one across my upper back post-shower, I was bacne-free for the remainder of the summer. (For maintenance, I’ve also been spritzing the brand’s Clarifying Body Spray, which impressively works even when held upside-down.)” —Dhani

Dove Holiday Treats Antiperspirant Deodorant in Cinnamon Pumpkin Pie, $7, available here: “I’m a pumpkin spice girlie through and through, although I never exactly expected to want my underarms to get in on the seasonal flavor. That said, I’ve been shocked by how much I find myself looking forward to swiping this deodorant on each day. The cozy, sweet, cinnamon-y scent instantly perks me up a little, and I’ll take my unexpected moments of joy wherever I can get them, you know?” —Steph

Nars Explicit Refillable Satin Lipstick, $40, available here: “As a devout Swiftie, securing my own signature red lipstick to mirror Mother Swift’s has been quite the challenge given my auburn hair and pale complexion. A lot of reds run too orange for me, but I’ve uncovered my perfect shade: Nars’s Explicit Lipstick in Desirous. It’s a blood-red hue with a subtle brown pigment, offsetting the red from veering into fire truck territory. Plus, the smooth application matches its dreamy hue with a comfortable satin finish (boosted by hyaluronic acid and rosehip seed oil!) that left my lips feeling soft all night long.” —Catie

Exoceuticals Exo Plus Anti-Aging Cream, $195, available here: Exosomes — protein-packed cells that impart acids and lipids to other cells — are a buzzy ingredient lately, but this brand has been studying the science behind them for decades (and has patented technology that keeps exosomes stable without refrigeration).  After several weeks of using this thick, but not greasy, moisturizer, I saw a huge difference in the fine lines around my eyes and jowls. With continued use, my skin texture has continued to improve drastically, going from what I felt was dry and dull, to more even and radiant.” —Savannah

MAC Cosmetics Studio Radiance 24HR Luminous Lift Concealer, $31, available here: “I’ve been loving this new creamy concealer from MAC. It maintains all the power and efficacy of the brand’s other ‘Studio’-branded products, but without any mattifying properties or uncomfortable weight. The glow-y formula blends in with my other non-MAC base products seamlessly and makes my undereye look bright from within.” —Brooke

Glossier Hot Cocoa Balm, $16, available here: “As a die-hard Glossier gal, it should come as no surprise that its latest lip balm is my new makeup bag staple. On top of its well-known moisturizing formula, the limited-edition chocolatey flavor boasts a subtle chestnut tint — perfect for minimal makeup days — and scent that has me tempted to whip out my Christmas Spotify playlist early.” —Janelle

Prada Paradoxe Virtual Flower Eau de Parfum, $98, available here: “I’ve loved the Prada Paradoxe scents since the first fragrance launched two years ago, but I wasn’t expecting to love this floral version as much as I do. It’s a sophisticated, modern take on a white floral scent with notes of citrus and bergamot and dries down into a lighter version of the other Prada Paradoxe scents as it wears.” —Emma

Peace Out Acne Gel Moisturizer, $36, available here: “Dealing with oily, acne-prone skin often leaves me worried about pore-clogging moisturizers, but this 2% salicylic acid gel moisturizer was developed with that exact struggle in mind. Along with niacinamide for a calmer complexion and ceramide complex to boost moisture, this moisturizer leaves my sensitive skin feeling hydrated while dually keeping breakouts at bay. I also adore the packaging: There’s a built-in compartment for a spatula that delivers a clean application every time.” —Catie

Skinceuticals P-Tiox, $148, available here: “When I read of this already-hyped new product’s claims — that it modulates wrinkles in a similar manner to neurotoxin injections like Botox, I was naturally skeptical. But, in my experience (so far), those claims aren’t far off: I began using it when the forehead lines I’d had (lightly) injected with Daxxify about five months prior suddenly reappeared in full force, and I swear they became far less noticeable again after less than a week of using P-Tiox. After another week, my forehead looks unusually smooth and glass-like, but without the heavy feeling or ‘frozen’ look that injectables can cause. We’ll see if the brand’s 12-week promise of visibly reducing ‘nine types of expression lines’ holds true, but I’m currently optimistic.” —Dhani

Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer in Spiced Pumpkin, $10, available here: “Touchland makes the least-drying, best-smelling hand sanitizers out there, hands down (pun intended). And this new seasonal offering — which features notes of cinnamon, cloves, pumpkin, nutmeg, whipped cream and espresso — is an instant favorite. But be warned: This scent is assertive and long-lasting, so stay away if you’re not someone who wants to fragrance your whole life like an autumnal pie.” —Steph

Naturium AHA Exfoliating Mask 10%, $20, available here: “Something about a clay mask instantly activates my relaxation mode, and this exfoliating formula has become my go-to weekly skin reset. With 5% glycolic acid, 5% lactic acid and rice powder, it leaves my skin looking brighter and feeling smoother — a win for minimizing my skin texture without sparking unwanted irritation.” —Catie

Josie Maran Pineapple Enzyme Foaming Gel Cleanser, $31, available here: “Enzyme-based cleansers have a permanent spot in my skin-care routine because they’re gentle daily exfoliators that do their thing in just a matter of minutes. This pineapple-based gel formula couples fruit enzymes with willow bark (a natural source of salicylic acid) and lactic acid for extra sloughing power, brightening and smoothing effects. Of course, it also includes the brand’s signature ingredient, argan oil, to hydrate as it cleanses.” —Steph

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Skin Highlighter, $62 $60, available here: “On days when I set my entire face with finishing powder, I find myself looking for ways to bring a bit of radiance back into my skin. While some highlighters are too glittery and some not sparkly enough, this one by Pat McGrath falls right in the middle. The ‘Nude Opal’ champagne shade gives my face the right amount of shimmer without feeling overpowering, making my makeup more dimensional and skin-like.” —Brooke

Ellis Brooklyn Dear Sky Eau de Parfum, $115, available here: “As cliché as it may sound, it was love at first spritz with this fruity floral fragrance. With enchanting notes of honeydew melon, white peony and ambrette, there’s a certain sense of confidence and calm that radiates from its iridescent bottle. Even with garden-approved notes of strawberry leaf and rhubarb, it’s surprisingly warm thanks to its accompanying cedarwood and pink pepper notes, making it a refreshing alternative to fall’s spicy gourmands.” —Catie

In case you missed last month’s picks, you can find them here:

Dr. Loretta Barrier Repair Gel Cream, $65, available here: “The barrier repair category is absolutely booming, but what sets Dr. Loretta’s addition apart from all the others is that it’s spiked with peptides, glycerin and squalane to also target fine lines, wrinkles, texture and redness. Plus, it’s the loveliest lightweight gel-cream texture.” —Stephanie Saltzman, Beauty Director


View the 24 images of this gallery on the
original article

Please note: Occasionally, we use affiliate links on our site. This in no way affects our editorial decision-making.

Never miss the latest fashion industry news. Sign up for the Fashionista daily newsletter.


Source: Fashionista.com

Exit mobile version