By now, you've probably gathered that we test-drive a lot of beauty products here at Who What Wear. From nail polish and makeup to hair and skincare, we're eyebrow-deep in all things new, exciting, and wish list–worthy. That said, due to the number of products we come in contact with, we've transformed into more discerning beauty consumers. Within seconds, we can tell if a new hair oil is too heavy, and we're quick to ignore a serum that yields disappointing results.
The good news? We're far more often impressed than unimpressed after trying out a new product, and usually we simply can't wait to spread the word to all of our fellow beauty junkies (aka you). Therefore, we've decided gushing over our latest favourite products should become a monthly ritual, and every 30 days or so, you can expect a full report detailing the highlighters, hair tools, and overnight skincare saviors we've become quickly addicted to.
For the most part, we'll be covering buzz-worthy launches, but we won't dismiss new-to-us products, either. Because hey, sometimes our best discoveries are found on a friend's bedside table or on someone's face at the bar—true story. Ahead, you'll find the 23 best beauty products we tried in August. Grab your game face and your wallet… You'll be needing both.
"As autumn approaches and I have to start accounting for lower temperature–induced dry skin, I like to wear a foundation that plays nicely with all that extra product. This foundation is a great solution, since the formula is pliable enough to keep coverage natural or build to full, and it doesn't slip too much. I'd swipe a little bit of your favourite sheer setting powder on top for extra staying power."
"Sisley Paris is simply one of the dreamiest beauty brands on earth, and its newest launch—this lush overnight mask—is brilliant. As someone whose skin is acne-prone, I usually avoid products geared toward dry skin, but this restorative formula is truly amazing. It's infused with rare ingredients like saffron flowers, thyme honey, shea, and kokum butters, along with a strategic blend of vitamins. It's become a sacred ritual to apply it post-cleanse one night a week (usually Sunday) in lieu of my normal skincare routine. When I wake up, my skin is radiant, smooth, and buttery soft."
"I know some people have mixed feelings on colour-changing beauty products, but I love them. Since they work with your natural pH, you wind up with a low-maintenance, customised colour that's perfectly flattering to your natural skin or lip tone, thus taking the time, frustration, and guesswork out of your lipstick hunt. Lipstick Queen is an OG power player in the category, and this new shade, Venetian Masquerade, delivers the perfect punch of rich berry for fall."
"Any new innovation from La Mer is sure to be nothing short of spectacular, but the brand's new neck-and-décolletage cream is in a league of its own—it looks and feels like liquid silk with the additional perk of having an intoxicatingly good scent. I'm a woman obsessed. Of course, it features the brand's signature cocktail of Miracle Broth (a high-performance cellular-renewing elixir), which is probably why it also single-handedly made a random crop of neck zits (apparently I break out on my neck now) disappear almost overnight while also making my skin feel soft and supple as velvet. It's spendy but worth every dime."
"I know you're probably bored of hearing about my breakout-prone skin, but I'm not bored about talking about it. (At least when it comes to the products that help it be on its best behaviour.) I'm always on the lookout for complexion-friendly creams and moisturisers, since creams break me out the most, and Omorovicza's new acne-geared formula is the latest standout. In addition to luxe ingredients like colloidal silver, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and the brand's patented Healing Concentrate, it also boasts key zit-busters like zinc, mastic, and salicylic acid. It leaves my skin looking insanely glowy and doesn't break me out—basically my two main goals in life at this point."
"Apparently I was really into shimmer this month. This blush from Benefit Cosmetics isn't new, but I only just discovered it after getting my eyebrows shaped and waxed by one of the brand's star pros. As pretty as it is to look at, it's actually not quite so sparkly and bright once you apply it—which I appreciate. Instead, it delivers a really gorgeous hint of peachy colour with a subtle highlighting effect from the gold shimmer. I plan on wearing it all the way into autumn."
"I know Weleda Skin Food isn't new to those who know what's up in the beauty world, but I just hopped on the bandwagon, and I honestly think I'll use this product for the rest of my life. It's actually turned me into a nightly lotion user—and I couldn't be bothered to use lotion regularly before. How? Why? Well, it smells delicious with a faintly herbal or citrus scent I can't quite nail. It's also super thick, making it feel luxurious despite its affordable price tag.
"Because it's a heavier lotion, I use it mainly on my body, but I occasionally use it on my face as well when I have dry skin. Fun fact: The lotion was created in 1926. Something that has stood the test of time for that long must be good, plus it's formulated with clean ingredients. There's a long list of people who knew and loved this product before me (including Victoria Beckham and Priyanka Chopra), but I'm just glad I know about it now!"
"I've tried plenty of products that promise to reduce blemishes, but nothing I've used in the past compares to these patches from Zitsticka. The adhesive stickers have micro-darts that penetrate active ingredients (including salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid) deeper than anything you would apply topically to your skin. After leaving them on for two hours or overnight, I saw blemishes dramatically reduced or practically gone. Definitely have these on hand if you ever need to clear up your skin fast."
"I don't know what it is about all-natural deodorants, but for the longest time, I couldn't seem to find one that a) actually worked and b) didn't stain all my clothes. Shouldn't be that hard, right? Well, after lots of trial and error, I finally found the natural deodorant to end them all. This one from Agent Nateur goes on clear and immediately sinks into my skin, truly lasts from morning till night, and comes in a cute cylindrical package. As for the scent, it has traces of lavender and eucalyptus, but since it's technically unisex, it's very subtle and natural."
"Tatcha's water cream is just as dreamy as its gorgeous container makes it look. The light-as-air formula leaves my skin hydrated, without that shiny or greasy feeling other moisturizers give off, and since my skin type skews oily, this has made such a difference in reducing any potential breakouts. It's also formulated with Japanese botanicals that purify my skin and minimize the look of my pores. Honestly, I didn't know a moisturizer could do this much."
"I like a lot of cheek colour, and sometimes cream blushes are too sheer for me (unless I pile it on, which isn't ideal). Luckily Kosas read my mind and just released its cult cream blush duos (and powders) in High Intensity formulas. The pigment is so good, and they really stay put (even in the humid South, where I live). The coordinating highlighter is so creamy and dewy, which really blurs out the blush, making it look especially natural. With my fair skin tone, I'm partial to this cool pink, but all of the shades look gorgeous."
"I get excited for every Charlotte Tilbury launch, and per usual, her new matte foundation and colour corrector really live up to the hype. The foundation honestly makes your skin look flawless. It isn't heavy by any means, but I've been mixing it with a bit of the brand's Wonderglow when I want to sheer it out a bit for daytime. Bonus: It comes in a whopping 44 shades. I've been pairing the foundation with Magic Vanish, which is a godsend for someone like me who never gets enough sleep. I just apply a dab under my eyes before my concealer and I look like I got a full eight hours (which is never the case)."
"This probably sounds like an overstatement, but Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter made me actually look and feel flawless. It's the perfect light layer of coverage for those of us who don't love a heavy foundation situation, and while it looks like you have nothing on, it does so much, giving your skin a glowy, even appearance. I 100% recommend for extending the life of your summer glow indefinitely."
Next up, Fearne Cotton's short hair looks amazing thanks to these five products.
This article originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S.
Opening image: @court_higgs
