Thanks to the extraordinary lineup in our July TestTube, this heat wave is coming alongside some hot new beauty products, and we can’t wait for you to dig in.
Tatcha Kyoto Red Silk Lipstick ($55)
What it is:
Looking for a hydrating matte lipstick that doesn’t rub off? Tatcha’s iconic formula is the secret, and not only does it boast an amazing texture, but it looks gorgeous on any skin tone, too.
How to use:
Apply directly to the lips, beginning in the middle of the pout and working outward towards the corners. The pointed edges of the lipstick also work as a lipliner to create the perfect outline and shape.
Editor feedback:
“This is a brilliant shade of red—a classic, looks-good-on-everyone hue—that will make your smile ‘pop.’ The smooth texture feels silky on the lips, yet stays in place.” —Sarah Eggenberger, senior editor-at-large
Key ingredients:
Formulated without mineral oil or sulfates, this formula includes pure silk and botanical extracts to keep the lips looking soft and feeling extra hydrated.
Expert insight:
“Inspired by the timeless red lip color worn by geisha, this shade was originally developed in 2014 exclusively for Chloe Sevigny to wear to that year’s Met Gala. There were so many requests for the color that a limited run was created for loyal customers, before eventually becoming a permanent part of the collection.”—Candace Longfellow, editorial director
Virtue Labs Restorative Treatment Mask ($30)
What it is:
Struggling with dry, breaking hair? You may need an intensive hair mask, and Virtue has the perfect match. Not only does it leave hair looking silky and refreshed, but it also adds luster and bounce to any style, even in the thick of summer.
How to use:
Post-shampoo, remove excess water from your strands and apply a generous amount of the mask from root to tip. Leave on while you’re washing the rest of your body—about two to three minutes—and then rinse.
Editor feedback:
“Three minutes is all it takes for this mask to work its magic, so I always throw it on while I shave in the shower. Post-rinse, my strands are noticeably softer and less frizzy—a win-win.” — Danielle Fontana Dooley, senior digital editor
Key ingredients:
The brand’s patented Alpha Keratin 60ku is clinically proven to repair stands, while amaranthus caudatus seed extract helps improve hair manageability. Plus, the formula includes UV protection to guard against the sun’s damaging rays.
Expert insight:
“This mask is one of my favorites. It delivers for anyone with dry, brittle, dull, or overly processed hair. The results are instant and astonishing. Hair is hydrated, silky and renewed.”—Adir Abergel, celebrity stylist and Virtue creative director
Repêchage Hydra Medic Clear Complexion Drying Lotion ($22)
What it is:
Dealing with a pesky pimple? Reach for this hard-hitting spot-treatment, which taps sulfur and betahydroxy acids for an overnight banishing act.
How to use:
Shake well and gently dab onto problem areas, avoiding the eyes. Leave on overnight and rinse off with a cotton pad come morning. To ensure freshness, close the cap tightly when not in use.
Editor feedback:
“An overnight miracle-worker, this fast-acting botanical lotion delivers serious skin-clearing benefits by the time you wake up in the morning.” —Liz Ritter, executive editor
Key ingredients:
To attack oiliness, promote skin evenness and prevent bacterial growth right at the source, this product houses colloidal sulfur, licorice root extract and zinc oxide for a clear surface.
Expert insight:
“This formula was inspired by treating the pustule with sulfur and camphor, and was subsequently modernized and updated to include important exfoliating and brightening ingredients such as AHAs and kojic acid to prevent a darkening of the skin around the area after the pimple starts to heal.”—Lydia Sarfati, founder and CEO of Repêchage
Babe Lash Essential Serum Mini ($37)
What it is:
If your lashes are looking a little shorter than you’d like, apply this serum once daily before bed and watch them gradually appear thicker and fuller. The serum also can be used with extensions or strip lashes, to support a better lash line. Better lashes mean better extensions. Just because we get hair extensions done, doesn’t mean we don’t use hair care.
How to use:
Each night, dip the brush into the serum and close one eye. Then, swipe directly onto a clean, dry lash line. Switch to the other eye and repeat. We recommend using the serum for 12 weeks before fully assessing results.
Editor feedback:
“I wasn’t blessed in the lash department, but this serum works wonders to make my lashes look longer and fuller. But, consistency is key: keep it near your toothbrush to remember to use it every night.” —Amber Milt, senior director of video & multimedia
Key ingredients:
Panthenol, moisturizing radish root, hair-stimulating biotin, and soothing chamomile extract are to thank for this serum’s ability to make eyelashes appear longer and thicker than ever.
Expert insight:
“This formula was inspired by treating the pustule with “As a hairstylist, I always recommend using a leave-in conditioner for your hair. It helps hydrate, moisturize and protect from heat styling and environmental damage. With our lashes, it’s equally important to use products that help condition and nourish over time. That’s exactly what we get from the Babe Lash Essential Serum. When continuously, it helps provide the appearance of longer, fuller and natural lashes.” —Ginny Naylor, vice president of sales at Babe Lash
Herbo Perfume Oil Roll-On ($12)
What it is:
Wave goodbye to harsh chemicals with every swipe of this scented oil, which is sourced with all-natural ingredients.
How to use:
Apply to the areas behind the wrist or on the sides of the neck throughout the day to smell fresh.
Editor feedback:
“This is my new deskside essential. It smells amazing and delivers a moment of lovely scented Zen as soon as you apply it.” —Liz Ritter, executive editor
Key ingredients:
Rose and lavender couldn’t smell better if they tried, but when they’re paired with woody notes like sandalwood and cypress, our noses drift off to heaven. Plus, each bottle is infused with 50mg of hemp extract to soothe and calm the mind.
Expert insight:
“Our Perfume Oil Roll-On was formulated to create the perfectly balanced, any-season, night-or-day fragrance. The floral notes of rose and lavender, combined with the warm, smoky aroma of sandalwood and cypress, create our signature scent that can be worn by either him or her. We’re working toward a more sustainable, ethical future, so all of our products are vegan, natural and cruelty-free.”—Simon Zhu, founder
NatureLab. Tokyo Perfect Shine Oil Mist ($17)
What it is:
When your hair is dry and broken, it can never get enough shine, and this light-reflecting oil-turned-mist—it’s rich with plant butters and oils—is no exception.
How to use:
Hold the product 6 to 10 inches away from the hair or spray into the palm of your hand and work it into hair from the ends up.
Editor feedback:
“Many hair oils are heavy and greasy on my fine hair, but this one is lightweight and leaves my hair soft, silky and shiny—and the bonus is that it smells great too!” —Brittany Burhop Fallon, beauty director
Key ingredients:
Grape stem cells to reduce oxidative damage, pearl extract imparts radiance, and hyaluronic acid boosts hair fullness and hydration.
Expert insight:
“When we were experimenting with the formula for the Perfect Shine collection, it was important to us to create products that not only imparted instant shine, but could also transform dull hair into something sleek and radiant over time. We added pearl extract to provide an almost iridescent finish to the hair upon application, and a blend of nutrients and antioxidants that provide proven results in less than 30 days.” —Dustin Cash, formulator of NatureLab. Tokyo
Scaraway Clear Silicone Scar Sheets ($15)
What it is:
Whether they’re a result of burns, acne or surgery, scars are a part of life. But when you want them to look flatter, softer and less visible, reach for these sheets—each one provides treatment for up to 10 days with visible results in as little as four to eight weeks.
How to use:
Wash and dry the scar area, peel off the inner liner for the adhesive side of the sheet and apply directly to the scar. Even through daily showers or short-term exposure to water, you can rely on these sheets to stay in place.
Editor feedback:
“With the amount of curling iron mishaps I have, ScarAway sheets are my best friend. Just stick it on new or old wounds, and the medical-grade silicone takes care of the rest! Best of all you can leave it on for up to 10 days!” —Lara Eurdolian, guest editor and director of special projects
Key ingredients:
Medical-grade silicone, the number-one dermatologist and plastic surgeon recommended scar treatment ingredient.
Expert insight:
“ScarAway Clear Sheets are a game changer as a scar preventive or treatment option for older scars. We prioritized convenience and inclusivity to develop a consistent, discreet, zero-maintenance treatment that delivers visible results in as little as four to eight weeks.” —Courtney Rivard, brand manager at ScarAway
Hairmax Quick Dry Towel ($19)
What it is:
Quick-drying and smoothing, this ultra-plush microfiber towel absorbs water without roughing up the hair shaft. Plus, it reduces styling and blow-dry time by up to 50 percent.
How to use:
Wrap your hair and gently squeeze the water out. Do not rough up hair shaft. The microfiber towel will absorb the excess water, leaving your hair ready for final air-dying or to style in no time.
Editor feedback:
“My biggest pet peeve is leaving the house with wet hair, so being able to reach for this hair towel when I’m in a rush—it dries my hair in half the time of a regular towel—has been a life (and strand) saver.” —Olivia Wohlner, editorial assistant
Key ingredients:
Unlike damaging terry cloth towels, microfiber cloths get the job done without over-drying.
Expert insight:
“When hair is wet it’s at its weakest, and using a terry cloth towel can rough up the hair shaft, contributing to split ends, damage and even hair loss. Our luxurious microfiber towel dries hair quickly with less frizz, breakage and risk of hair loss, leaving strands stronger overall.” —Francesca Dubsky, director of marketing at HairMax
