The 31 Best Beauty Products Fashionista Editors Tried in July

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.

The heat waves were going strong in July, but that didn't stop team Fashionista from trying out a whole bunch of new beauty products.

We paid extra attention to our hair this month, discovering a styling wand that tackles humidity-induced frizz and flyaways, a creamy mask that boosts shine and curl definition, a multitasking oil that promotes healthy, shiny strands and a leave-in gel mask for silky-smooth hair. Lightweight hydration was a top priority in our skin-care routines, which we incorporated via a hydrogel sheet mask, a brightening bi-phase essence and a glow-inducing serum. But we didn't neglect our beloved makeup bags: We refreshed our lineups with a smudge-resistant gel eyeliner, a smoothing finishing powder and a glimmering champagne eye shadow we can't stop using.

Keep scrolling to see (and shop!) all of our standout beauty products from July.

Sarah Creal Moisture Source Bi-Phase Brightening Essence, $95, available here: "While I've tried plenty of essences, I usually find them to be unnecessary and skippable. This one, though, packs a major impact: The bi-phase formula plumps, brightens, firms and hydrates (thanks to peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and squalane) — it instantly imbues skin with suppleness, bounce and luminosity, and then seals it all in to last. The slightly thicker, jelly-like texture also means it spreads on like a dream but absorbs quickly. I finally understand what people are talking about when they reference 'jello skin.'" —Stephanie Saltzman, Beauty Director

Lisa Eldridge Baume Embrace Melting Lip Colour in Epanoui, $33, available here: "This is officially my new go-to everyday mauve-pink 'your lips but better' sheer lip color. Packed with butters and oils, it's truly hydrating and imparts a natural-looking shine in addition to the exact right amount of pigment. I also find the narrow tube makes it extra easy to apply mirror-free, and the packaging is far more elegant than anything else in my stash of lip products, making it particularly fun to use." —Dhani Mau, Editor in Chief

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Flaxseed Edge Control Gel, $10, available here: "Edge control gel is a must for me on hot, humid summer days when I want to minimize flyaways. This gel offers medium hold, which is just right for keeping everything in place without making it feel stiffly glued down. Plus, I like its subtly sweet aroma." —Andrea Bossi, Staff Writer

Ouai Hair Oil, $30, available here: "Truthfully, I've never felt compelled to buy a full-sized product after trying a Sephora sample, but Ouai's hair oil changed that. It's made with a blend of African galanga, ama and Asian borage oils, which are rich in antioxidants that can help with hair growth and strength, as well as scalp health. My favorite thing about it, though, is how it minimizes frizz and makes my hair look extra shiny — like I did more than simply remember to pump one product into my hands and work it into my hair as I headed out the door." —Ana Colón, Deputy Editor

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Overnight Treatment, $98, available here: "I'm a ride-or-die for the original Advanced Night Repair Serum, so when Estée Lauder sent me its latest installment in the Advanced Night Repair portfolio, I couldn't wait to try it. I've been using this pudding-like treatment as an overnight recovery system, particularly after long days in the sun or when a physical exfoliator has left my skin slightly stripped or dehydrated. The following morning, my skin is not only glow-y, but it also feels softer and plumper." —Brooke Frischer, Staff Writer and Social Lead

Valentino Colorgraph Eyeliner, $38, available here: "I wasn't someone who took an early interest in beauty my tween years, so I started a bit behind in my makeup application skills. While I've gotten better, eyeliner remains my frustrating foe. It rarely turns out as level as I want it, and let's not even get into the constant smudging. As such, an easy, precise liner has become a must, and Valentino's latest dual-ended design comes in clutch. The precise gel tip is quite forgiving to my wobbly hand, plus the highly pigmented, smudge-resistant formula withstands heat waves and rainy days." —Janelle Sessoms, Staff Writer

Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Microdermabrasion Exfoliating Pore Purifier, $48, available here: "As summer's humidity mixes with my oh-so-oily skin, the pores on and around my nose have felt extra congested. This scrub incorporates three types of exfoliation — chemical (from 2% salicylic acid), enzymatic (via a complex of enzymes) and physical (courtesy of skin-smoothing crystals) — to help deep-clean, slough and smooth skin. Since I'm still very much a member of the sensitive skin club, I only leave it on for one minute, once a week and enjoy the resulting softer, clearer-looking skin." —Catie Pusateri, Contributing Writer

Bahay Kubo The Bahay Scrunchie, $34, available here: "I finally found an upgrade to the scrunchies I've been using for years: an oversized hair tie made of soft silk, so as to not break or damage strands. For a protective sleeping style, I've been using it nightly and have been so impressed that it's never slipped off throughout the night — the hold is firm, despite the soft silk. And all of the colors are super pretty." —Savannah Sitton, Contributing Market Editor

Nécessaire The Body Vitamin C, $55, available here: "As someone prone to hyperpigmentation, I've been pretty obsessive about skin-tone-evening products for my face. Leave it to Nécessaire to remind me I should be doing the same for my body, and to provide the ideal solution. Packed with stable vitamin C and tranexamic acid, it has a creamy texture that quickly absorbs into the skin like any body lotion. I plan to use it extra diligently as summer ends, to correct any new sun spots that pop up." —Dhani

Lobie Peptide Leave In Mask, $40, available here: "This amino acid-packed gel mask has been my best friend in my post-pool hair-care routine. Directly after using the thick (but not sticky!) formula, my hair feels smoother, silkier and more hydrated. The various proteins included in the formula have helped to noticeably strengthen my strands after just a few uses, and I also notice a significant decline in my frizziness after a blowout." —Brooke

Dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream + Taming Wand, $18, available here: "I have lots of re-growth flyaways to grapple with right now, and this formula helps tame them in seconds, without weighing down my super fine hair. I also appreciate the jumbo-sized spoolie, which makes so much more sense than the brow-sized ones other brands use for similar products." —Steph

Rare Beauty True to Myself Tinted Pressed Talc-Free Finishing Powder, $30, available here: "Considering the success I've had with Rare Beauty's powder blushes and highlighters, I've been waiting for the brand to release a pressed powder for a long time. This smooth formula instantly blurs my pores with a single light press from a powder puff, and also seamlessly blends together my contour, bronzer and blush without covering any of their radiance or glow." —Brooke

Glo Skin Beauty Acne Spot Treatment, $30, available here: "Just as I was gearing up for a busy week of events, a massive zit decided to emerge smack dab on my forehead. To squash the spot before it grew any further, I reached for this 5% sulfur and willow bark treatment as an overnight solution. Sulfur isn't known for being the most pleasant smelling ingredient, but when paired with the willow bark (a natural source of salicylic acid), the sulfur smell doesn't overwhelm the senses. Even more importantly: After a couple of applications, my angry zit shrunk — without any irritation." —Catie

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum, $10, available here: "I have dry skin, but the thick moisturizers I slather on in the winter don't mix well with sweat and heat. I decided to give this modestly priced serum a go under my lightweight daily moisturizer, and it's made a major difference in transforming my complexion from parched to hydrated. It also helps my makeup go on more smoothly and keeps my lips soft (I pat a dot into them), too. " —Emma Greene, Editorial Intern

Moon Juice Mini Dew Naked Electrolytes + Trace Minerals, $44, available here: "Nothing like a heat wave to make you obsess over hydration. And drinking tons of water is great, but it's also crucial to replenish everything important you're sweating out (sorry, but it's true!). This unflavored powder (which is also available in watermelon and pomelo flavors) dissolves undetectably into water to supercharge it with electrolytes and trace minerals, including calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, chloride, sodium and potassium. I'm prone to migraines, muscle aches and sleep issues, so I'll take any help I can get — and incorporating this into my daily hydration regimen has made a huge difference." —Steph

Dae Signature Duo, $56, available here: "I've been on a hair journey this month, after chopping off most of mine at the beginning of the summer. A big player in this saga has been Dae's Signature Duo, a shampoo and conditioner that work together to moisturize strands and support healthy hair growth. Highlights in the ingredient list include hibiscus flower extract (which has amino acids for hair growth, elasticity and smoothness), false daisy extract (for scalp health and, again, hair growth) and moringa seed oil (which is packed with vitamins and antioxidants for keratin production and moisture). And I just can't resist the citrus-y scent, which is about as summery as it gets." —Ana

The Outset Purifying Blue Clay Mask, $46, available here: "Whenever I travel somewhere humid, I make sure to use a clay mask during and after my trip, since oiliness and acne tend to become an issue. My current go-to is this one I got from Heyday. It makes good on its claims to 'detoxify, clarify and balance' via blue clay and salicylic acid, without making my skin feel dry or irritated, thanks to the addition of calming and hydrating ingredients." —Dhani

Oribe Gold Lust Dry Heat Protection Spray, $46, available here: "I'm super lazy about my hair, which means I often let it air dry, but then decide I want to heat style it with a flatiron or curling iron from there. This makes heat protection a little tricky, as I usually don't want to get my dry hair all gooped up again with a cream or serum. This lightweight mist has become my hair's savior: It's designed to go on dry, while also offering heat protection for up to 450°F. It also imparts hair with a bit of shine and a beloved Oribe scent, of course." —Steph

Saint Jane Pore Clarity Hyaluronic + Flower Acid Cleanser, $36, available here: "During the summer, my complexion is not usually at its clearest, but this silky gel cleanser relies on flower acids (derived from hibiscus) for deep cleansing. It also incorporates three acids — AHA, PHA and BHA — to gently, but thoroughly, slough skin without the need for gritty manual exfoliators. The formula is also laced with hyaluronic acid, which explains why it leaves my face is soft and plump, rather than stripped and tight, every time I use it." —Savannah

Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 42, $39, available here: "My go-to sunscreen spray as a kid was Banana Boat. Now that I'm adulting, I've graduated to Kopari's SPF mist. Beyond its silky (not sticky) feel and fast-drying abilities, I love it because I'm also able to use it in place of fragrance: It doesn't have that nose-curling chemical smell many sunscreens possess, but rather, a divinely sweet aroma of vanilla with a hint of coconut." —Janelle

Rhode Pocket Blush in Spicy Marg, $24, available here: "Rhode finally got me with its blush. This bright-coral shade, in particular, offers the perfect summer-y flush. I start by warming the product up on the back of my hand, and use a beauty sponge to lightly blot it over the high points and apples of my cheeks. And the silky, gorgeous formula manages to stay put for hours at a time without drying down." —Brooke

Tower 28 SOS Gentle Hydrating Gel Cleanser + Makeup Remover, $20, available here: "The latest edition to Tower 28's beloved SOS line is an excellent, foolproof gentle-yet-effective low-foam cleanser. With ingredients like zinc, copper, magnesium, aloe and oat, it leaves my skin feeling truly clean (even after the sweatiest of summer days), but not at all tight or dry." —Dhani

Loops Weekly Reset Rejuvenating Mask, $7, available here: "Though single-use sheet masks and I haven't always gotten along (I often end up accidentally ripping them), Loops's Weekly Reset stands apart from its peers: Its hydrogel technology and two-piece format keep it secure on my skin without any rips or slips. It's formulated with volcanic ash to sop up excess oil and minimize the look of pores, as well as aloe vera, bamboo water and shea seedcake extract for a hydrating effect. It's also a relaxing end-of-the-week ritual that leaves my skin feeling pampered." —Catie

Monastery Made UV Healing Kit, $218, available here: "Because my mother has long battled with frequent skin cancer scares, I'm always on top of my SPF game — except this month when I volunteered to help work a friend's flea market and got the worst burn of my life. I was so glad to have this post-sun set on hand: The duo includes a soothing, aloe-based serum, as well as a moisturizing oil, which proved to be the only skin care that didn't further worsen my pain while assisting in a speedy recovery with minimal peeling." —Savannah

Amika Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask, $34, available here: "My curly hair was looking a little dull at the start of the summer, and this mask has really brought back shine and definition. (My friends even notice and compliment my hair after using it.) Formulated with jojoba oil and sea buckthorn, the creamy paste works its magic in five minutes — but sometimes I leave it on even longer for a more intensive treatment." —Andrea

Chantecaille Luminescent Eye Shade in Cheetah, $58, available here: "Something about the summertime makes me want to wear shimmery eye makeup, so I keep finding excuses to incorporate this glimmering champagne shadow into my beauty looks. It's flecked with fine shimmer, creating a sparkling finish that I love both as an all-over lid shade, but also as a glowing inner-corner and brow-bone highlighter." —Catie

Auro Wellness Glutaryl Spray, $120, available here: "Being immune-compromised, I'm always looking for natural aids for RA fatigue. This spray transdermally delivers glutathione — a potent antioxidant known to help repair cellular damage — with the aim of preventing the effects of free radicals and "detoxifying" the body, according to the brand. During the two-month period I spritzed it onto my belly, as recommended, I felt a noticeable difference in my mood and energy levels. The scent isn't the most pleasant, but it fades away pretty quickly." —Savannah

Juvia's Place Culture Palette, $38, available here: "I know this palette isn't new and has been out for years, but to me, it's such a classic to keep on deck. I love the range of colors included, which makes for plenty of ways to create fun, editorial-level makeup looks, especially for summer parties and such. Plus, each hue is strongly pigmented, offering good payoff." —Andrea

Her Juice Bar Honeydew Drop Gel Feminine Wash, $28, available here: "This shower gel is specifically made to be safe for the pH of intimate areas, and I love the fruity scent. I also find that the sudsing gel does an excellent job of cleansing while still leaving my skin supple and moisturized." —Savannah

Nemacolin The Chateau Candle, $60, available here: "Ever since my friend and I stayed at Nemacolin in Pennsylvania last fall, we haven't been able to stop reminiscing about the perfect blend of outdoor woodsiness and luxury escapism the countryside resort offers. It's not the easiest trip to make, so we each finally ordered one of the hotel's signature candles to light in our homes to remind us of one of our favorite memories together. With notes like white tea, ginger and citrus, the candle perfectly encapsulates the 'home away from home' essence of our experience." —Brooke

Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum, $32, available here: "I'm always looking to achieve a subtle glow with my makeup — but without fully branching into glazed donut territory. Applied under makeup, this glow-y serum lends a soft radiance while also hydrating my skin, thanks to a mix of mica (for subtle shimmer) and ceramides (for bouncy moisture). Plus, it doubles as a long-lasting primer that keeps makeup locked in all day." —Catie

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

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