As the summer days start to cool and the leaves begin to change, our minds are already shifting to all things fall, including an update on our beauty and wellness routines. Just in time to accompany you into the autumn season, our Fall TestTube is packed with nine beauty favorites, guaranteed to refresh your routine, from skin care to hair care to supplements and more.
Obagi Medical Professional-C Serum 15% ($115)
What it is:
Made with 15-percent pure L-ascorbic acid—the industry’s gold standard of vitamin C—this powerful daily antioxidant serum helps defend skin from free radicals while working to brighten skin tone and reduce signs of past damage.
How to use it:
Apply five to seven drops in the morning after cleansing and toning, before moisturizer, and follow up with SPF before makeup application.
Editor feedback:
“So many derms recommend this powerful, glow-inducing serum, and for a good reason: It works.” —Liz Ritter, executive editor
Key ingredients:
The star of this product is 15-percent L-ascorbic acid, which is the most bioavailable form of vitamin C that helps to neutralize free radicals, minimize the look off fine lines and wrinkles, and brighten skin tone.
Gloss Moderne Clean Luxury Roll-On Perfume Oil-Universelle ($87)
What they are:
Alcohol-free, delicate and higher in concentration than eau de parfum, this perfume oil simultaneously nourishes the skin and envelops it in a fine fragrance created with clean, luxury perfume oils from the famous fragrance region Grasse, France.
How to use them:
Apply perfume oil to wrists, behind your ears, on your décolleté, or on your other pulse points and enjoy the fine fragrance.
Editor feedback:
“This fragrance oozes luxury, and I love the perfume oil format, which tends to last longer on my skin than a spray. It’s also alcohol-free and vegan.” —Britt Fallon, director of beauty
Key ingredients:
Simple yet luxurious, coconut oil and parfum make this roll-on fragrance skin-friendly and long-lasting. Top notes include mandarin orange, sea salt and bergamot. The heart is iris, rose petals, aquatic floral, and dewy fruits. The base is woody with cardamom, oakmoss, amber, and musks.
Expert insight:
“This luxurious and super concentrated perfume oil features a delicate roll-on design and is perfect for even the most sensitive of skin. Universelle is one of our best-selling fragrances.”—Kuen Rameson, founder
Selfless by Hyram Retinol & Rainbow Algae Repair Serum ($24.50)
What it is:
This magical-sounding formula combines gentle, slowrelease retinol with nutrient-rich rainbow algae and tranexamic acid to help reduce the appearance of acne scars and target hyperpigmentation. This creates a smoother, brighter, more even complexion while you sleep.
How to use it:
For best results, apply four to five drops daily in the evening after cleansing. If you’re new to using retinol, start by using it two or three nights per week and work your way up. Do not use it in the same routine as exfoliating products or around your eyes.
Editor feedback:
“Retinol tends to be a serious prospect, but this serum makes improving your skin stress-free. Created by the iconic skin influencer Hyram Yarbro, this formula gently addresses stubborn postacne marks and hyperpigmentation.” —Allie Hogan, associate beauty editor
Key ingredients:
An encapsulated retinol complex (2 percent) slowly releases into the skin to smooth and even skin tone, while a 1.5-percent rainbow algae complex helps to reduce hyperpigmentation. Other powerful ingredients like tranexamic acid and squalene simultaneously minimize dark spots and hydrate skin.
Expert insight:
“This Retinol Repair Serum is my personal favorite product in our range. I can always count on waking up to deeply nourished, rejuvenated skin when I use it! With the sustainably sourced rainbow algae from the shores of France that deeply nourish the skin, and the powerful retinol and tranexamic acid that fade the appearance of premature aging and acne scars, this is the perfect product for retinol lovers!”—Hyram Yarbro, cofounder
Grande Cosmetics GRANDEGummies Ashwagandha Mood Booster Gummy ($30)
What it is:
Harnessing the power of ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb that has been used for thousands of years in ancient medicine and has been shown to help with stress management, these yummy gummies are the perfect way to unwind and decompress.*
How to use it:
Simply enjoy two gummies daily—don’t take more than two within 24 hours–and enjoy the relaxing benefits of this ancient herb.
Editor feedback:
“Ashwagandha is one of those ingredients that seems almost magical while still being backed up by countless studies. In Grande Cosmetic’s GrandeGummies, you get a high impact dose that you can actually feel having a positive effect on your mood. Most supplements stick to low doses that barely make a dent in my mood, but with GrandeGummies, there’s no denying it lowers stress levels by an obvious amount.” —Rowan Lynam, staff writer
Key ingredients:
Ashwagandha root extract is the powerhouse behind these gummies, as the adaptogenic herb has been shown to help lower cortisol, the body’s stress hormone.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Expert insight:
“With a substantial 1,500mg of ashwagandha per serving, these gummies are a delicious way to destress and decompress.”–Alicia Grande, founder
Clover by Clove + Hallow Plush Pigment Stick ($16)
What it is:
Housed in a tube made from 50-percent previously recycled plastic, this eyeshadow stick features a versatile, long-wear color that can be used on its own or as a base for powder eyeshadow.
How to use it:
Begin by warming the stick by applying some product to the back of your hand, then directly onto your eyelids, and blend the edges with your finger or a brush. For longer wear, or if you have oily lids, prep with a shadow primer or set with translucent powder.
Editor feedback:
“I love convenient products that I can toss into my bag and take with me, like this eye shimmer stick. It instantly brightens my eyes while I’m on the move, doesn’t crease or slide off my lids, and the deeper pigments can also serve as a blendable bronzer on the tops of my cheeks.” —Tatiana Bido, aesthetic content manager
Key ingredients:
Soft, blendable ingredients like candelilla wax and shea butter make this pigment stick a must-have for creating seamless eye looks.
Expert insight:
“This shimmering, blendable shadow stick makes getting ready so easy. Swipe the rich, buttery pigment on your lids, blur the edges with your fingers, and you’re done. This is perfect for someone on the go, or someone who is not an expert at applying traditional eyeshadows.”—Kesha Smith, sales and education manager for Clover by CLOVE + HALLOW
8Greens Detox Effervescent Tablets ($18)
What it is:
8Greens’ Detox Effervescent Tablets contain eight real daily greens, apple cider vinegar and milk thistle, featuring an array of functional, antioxidant-rich ingredients to stimulate the body’s natural detoxification system.
How to use it:
Simply drop, fizz and sip. Add one tablet into an 8-ounce glass of water or other liquid of choice, allow the tablet to fizz, and then enjoy the full-body benefits.
Editor feedback:
“I travel a lot and these are a perfectly portable way to make sure I’m getting my daily dose of greens no matter where I am. Also perfect for detoxing from any vacation indulgences!” —Amber Milt, senior director of video and multimedia
Key ingredients:
Eight real greens, including spinach, kale, aloe vera, wheatgrass, blue-green algae, barley grass, chlorella, and spirulina. Plus, apple cider vinegar and milk thistle work together to make this tablet a power-packed treat.
Aquage 60-Second Restorative Mask ($32)
What it is:
Created to instantly repair and hydrate thirsty hair in just one minute, Aquage’s 60-second restorative mask is an intensely hydrating, deep-conditioning hair treatment house in 100-percent recyclable, oceanbound PCR packaging.
How to use it:
After shampooing, apply to clean, damp hair from mid-shaft to ends and leave on for one minute. Then, simply rinse and reveal rejuvenated hair.
Editor feedback:
“When you need all the benefits of a hair mask but have none of the time, this 60-second treatment is a must.” —Danielle Fontana Dooley, associate director, digital content
Key ingredients:
Wheat proteins, micro algae and Aquage’s signature AlgaePlex marine botanicals work in tandem to hydrate, restore and soften hair while simultaneously calming the scalp.
Expert insight:
“This mask repairs the hair, restores softness and treats the scalp in 60 seconds. Powered by body-building wheat proteins and our signature AlgaePlex that helps keep color vibrancy longer in between color services, this product maintains strong hair by reducing breakage. It does this without weighing the hair down—it’s instant gratification in 60 seconds!”—Colleen Hennessey, director of technical development and education
OffCourt Exfoliating Body Soap ($8.50)
What it is:
A functional soap that simultaneously deep-cleans and exfoliates while maintaining hydration and suppleness, it comes in three, rejuvenating scents guaranteed to up your shower game.
How to use it:
Gentle enough for daily use and designed to be used as an exfoliant all over the body, especially particularly rough areas like the elbows and knees, this product is best used directly against wet skin in circular motions. It is not recommended to use it on your face or broken skin.
Key ingredients:
White pumice and salt particles exfoliate and remove dead skin cells to reveal smooth, supple skin. Nourishing ingredients like shea butter, sustainable palm oil, sunflower seed extract, and olive oil replenish vital nutrients and create a cleansing lather.
Expert insight:
This is a soap made for anyone who doesn’t love soap or never even uses one. It will absolutely change your mind about what modern soaps can do in terms of functionality and efficacy. The deep cleanse you get from this is unlike anything else, but it doesn’t dry out the skin, leaving your skin clean, smooth, and hydrated all at once.” —Bani Bahari, cofounder and CEO
Laruce LR334 & LR340 ($34)
What it is:
A true makeup kit must-have, these contouring and blending brushes are specially designed to take the guesswork out of your makeup routine, allowing for a flawless look that is free from harsh lines every time.
How to use it:
LR334 can be used with liquid, cream or powder products for either contour, blush or foundation application. Simply dab product on your face with the brush in a bouncy motion for a seamless look. LR340 is perfect for applying any liquid, cream or powder foundation.
Editor feedback:
“I’ve never been great at blending my makeup, but these brushes make seamless, professional-grade application a breeze.” —Isabelle Buneo, editorial assistant
