What goes on behind the scenes stays behind the scenes, especially when it comes to beauty. But, if we’re being honest, all of the work that goes with looking put together can be overrated—we want products that make our lives easier and work double-duty, without the time commitment. The newest addition to the family, the September TestTube, features eight essential beauty picks that deliver just that.
AnteAGE Home Microneedling Intro Kit ($120)
What it is:
Powered with stem cell growth factors, this at-home microneedling kit is your one-stop-shop to healthy skin. The kit includes one dermaroller and two vials of AnteAGE Home Microneedling Solution to last 10 treatments.
How to use:
Apply the solution to the skin before gently rolling the device back and forth on the treatment area four times in each direction: horizontally, vertically and diagonally.
Editor feedback:
“This simply works—even on my incredibly sensitive skin, it does the hard-to-achieve task of being effective, but not being irritating.”—Liz Ritter, Executive Editor
Key ingredients:
The combination of human bone marrow stem cell growth factors and hyaluronic acid regenerate, hydrate and smooth skin, making this the ultimate non-invasive treatment for a multitude of skin concerns.
Expert insight:
“Microneedling creates a healing response in your skin, much like exercise does with your body. AnteAGE Home Microneedling Solution is like the protein shake that locks in your gains, contains special growth factors that are native to youthful skin and maximizes the smoothing, plumping potential of the Microneedling Roller.”—Ian Sanderson, President
Good Science Beauty Moisturizer ($48)
What it is:
Good Science Beauty is a biotech native brand, leveraging the natural properties of elemental, silicon, the micromineral. Its proprietary GoodSilicon+® technology delivers scientifically proven ingredients in a bio-available state and timed release to perform their intended function and achieve .
How to use:
Apply to clean skin both morning and night.
Editor feedback:
“This mix of products just feels ‘healthy.’ It’s the perfect skin care to reach for when your complexion needs a reset.”—Liz Ritter, Executive Editor
Key ingredients:
Each product contains a power-house ingredient duo wrapped in GoodSilicon+® technology to achieve results. Among the key ingredients are: melatonin, glutathione, marine-omega-3, hyaluronic acid, barley extract or willow bark.
Expert insight:
“Our mission is to use science to solve skincare problems without creating new ones and make everyone feel great in their skin. We always ask ourselves: “How would a great scientist answer this?”—Founder, Suzanne Saffie-Siebert, PhD
*Products vary per tube. Each subscriber will receive 1 of the products shown.
L’Occitane Cleansing Oil-to-Milk ($24)
What it is:
Ideal for a healthy-looking glow, this oil-to-milk cleanser removes all traces of waterproof makeup and impurities for irresistibly soft and supple skin.
How to use:
Use your fingers to gently massage the oil on a dry face, including the lips and eyes. Add some water to transform the oil into a foamy milky emulsion, and then rinse off.
Editor feedback:
“Waterproof eye makeup and daily grime don’t stand a chance against this gentle, silky cleanser that works on all skin types, even sensitive.”—Britt Burhop Fallon, Beauty Director
Key ingredients:
They say flowers are the key to a woman’s heart, and that doesn’t stop with a cleanser. The two featured florals in this skin-rejuvenator oil-to-milk cleanser are Calendula,-known for its soothing properties, and immortelle,-the ultimate collagen promote flower that never fades, known for its skin benefits and one of L’Occitane’s star ingredients.
Expert insight:
“Gently massage the silky oil onto dry skin, dissolving impurities and stubborn makeup remnants. The unique blend of Immortelle and Calendula will help soothe and soften skin, and the gentle massage will have a mini facial effect. Then, add water to transform the oil into a creamy milk that will effortlessly carry away impurities, all while respecting the skin’s moisture barrier.”—Ashley Arbuckle, Vice President of Brand Marketing & Wholesale
Afterspa Bath and Shower Exfoliating Washcloth ($7)
What it is:
Exfoliating the body is a process—you need the proper materials and a lot of free time. But, Afterspa’s exfoliating washcloth is the solution we’ve been waiting for. Now, we can scrub all those hard-to-reach places without the fuss, plus it’s treated with an antimicrobial that resists the accumulation of bacteria and fungi for a clean you can rely on.
How to use:
Moisten the fabric and apply a body scrub or wash of your choice. Gently massage your skin in circular motions and from side to side until you feel clean and exfoliated. Rinse the towel with water.
Editor feedback:
“I love that it stretches so I can polish areas of my body I can’t normally reach. What makes this my favorite shower essential is how easy it is to store and keep clean since it’s treated with an antimicrobial and comes in a reusable storage bag with a handy, bathroom-wall friendly suction cup.”—Tatiana Bido, Features Editor
Key ingredients:
A blend of cotton and polymers for the right abrasiveness and exfoliation is the key to a successful polishing cloth.
Expert insight:
“The core of Afterspa is to stimulate the senses and exude the feeling of being at a Spa. The Bath and Shower Exfoliating Wash Cloth was developed off of this principle to stimulate touch so you feel your skin soften on every inch of your body with the handles making it easy to reach-hard to reach places like your feet or your back.—India Harris, Marketing Associate
Aquage Dry Shampoo ($24)
What it is:
This hybrid product combines the cleansing, oil-absorbing powers of a dry shampoo with the volumizing benefits of a texturizing spray. A multi-tasker that delivers the benefits of two products in one!
How to use:
Spray on dry, previously styled hair, from 8 to 10 inches away, concentrating on the root area.
Editor feedback:
“Dry shampoo has to be 2-fold; style-extender and style-enhancer. This one serves both purposes. I turn my head upside down, spray and voilà! My hair is restored and volume is extra. If I sound smitten, then I’m communicating correctly.”—Editor-at-Large, Sarah Eggenberger
Key ingredients:
This residue-free formula is made without parabens, sulfates, silicones and gluten. Formulated with zeolite mineral technology, it provides excellent oil absorption while still keeping hair full. In order to preserve the source and inspiration behind our products, Aquage is committed to sustainability and supporting conservation efforts that make a difference in saving our oceans. In partnership with PlasticBank, Aquage is funding the removal of 50 tons of plastic ~ equivalent to 2.5 million plastic bottles ~ from entering our oceans and waterways.
Expert insight:
Aquage Dry Shampoo delivers everything you love about a dry shampoo and more! Its invisible, absorbent and non-flaking, and it gives hair incredible body and texture! Plus, the fresh, clean, ocean-inspired fragrance is refreshing and invigorating without overpowering!”—Becky Marinich, National Training Manager
C.O. Bigelow Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer ($6)
What it is:
This purse-friendly, fragrance-free hand sanitizer is made with 70-percent ethyl alcohol, making it the perfect antibacterial must-have for stay-at-home season.
How to use:
Squeeze a pea-size amount into your palm and massage over both hands to coat. Don’t forget to get in between your fingers and around your nail beds, which are two places that are often neglected. Wait for the hand sanitizer to dry for about 30seconds.
Editor feedback:
“I never leave home without my hand sanitizer! I love the texture, how portable it is, and that it’s formulated with aloe so it doesn’t dry out my skin while boasting a 70% ethyl alcohol level that exceeds the FDA requirements. Plus, a little goes a long way!”—Guest Editor, Lara Eurodolian
Key ingredients:
Say goodbye to overly dry hands: This sanitizer includes soothing aloe vera juice and hydrating glycerin, in addition to the ethyl alcohol.
Expert insight:
“Our chemists used 70-percent ethyl alcohol to meet and exceed FDA requirements for hand hygiene, while adding hydrating ingredients to keep hands feeling soft, smooth and cared for during frequent use.”—Ian Ginsberg, President and third-generation owner of C.O. Bigelow
Glo Skin Beauty Suede Matte Crayon ($22)
What it is:
Saturate your pout with lip color that doesn’t budge, harden or smudge. This crayon delivers full coverage and gives users the ability to easily customize both their lip shape and color.
How to use:
First, line the lips to give them definition, and then continue by filling them in. The result? Rich, defined lips for any occasion.
Editor feedback:
“I’m always on the hunt for a matte lip color that won’t accentuate my already-dry lips. Thanks to added shea butter and mango oil, these smooth sticks deliver and have officially earned a permanent spot in my makeup bag.”—Danielle Fontana Dooley, Senior Digital Editor
Key ingredients:
Formulated with shea butter and mango seed oil, this color offers lasting hydration without smudging. Also included in the ingredient mix is rice starch, mica and silica, which are responsible for providing extended wear and an ultra-plush finish.
Expert insight:
Suede Matte Lip Crayon offers the definition and wear of a lip pencil with the saturation and comfort of your favorite lipstick. I love to line the lips, fill them in with color, blot with a tissue, and then layer a second application for next-level wear and comfort—Janeena Billera, Global Education Ambassador + Artistry Lead
Masqueology Pucker Up! Lip Plumping Kit ($4)
What it is:
Even our lips deserve pampering every once in a while! This three-step kit includes an exfoliator, lifting mask and a plumping gloss for the most thorough pick-me-up your pout has ever experienced.
How to use:
First, gently exfoliate lips. Then, apply the mask and let it work its magic for at least 15 minutes. Finally, apply the plumping gloss for a full and renewed effect.
Editor feedback:
“I’m a sucker for a good self-care night, but I always forget to give my lips the love they deserve. Now that I have Masqueology’s Lip Plumping Kit in my skincare lineup, I finally have the hydrated, smooth and full lips I’ve been missing.”—Olivia Wohlner, Editorial Assistant
Key ingredients:
Walnut powder removes dead skin cells on the lips, leaving them smooth and lipstick-ready. Also notable in the ingredient list is hyaluronic acid, which helps lips look moist and hydrated, and collagen—the secret for reducing fine lines and creating a fuller pout.
Expert insight:
“Masqueology PUCKER UP! Lip Plumping Kit features three quick and easy steps to help soften and plump lips, giving them a glossy finish.”—Nathan Suh; Masqueology Product Formulator
