Put your feet up, grab a glass of wine, light a candle and prepare for the ultimate self-care night with our September TestTube.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel (5 for $17)
What is is:
A two-step formula that both brightens the skin’s overall complexion and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots, this doctor-developed peel is easy and safe enough to use at home without requiring a recovery period.
How to use:
Start by massaging step one onto clean, dry skin until the pad is dry. Then, wait two minutes and repeat with step two. Once the skin is dry to the touch, continue with your serums and moisturizer.
Editor Feedback:
“These easy-to-use pads are my go-to when my skin is looking a little dull. Come morning, my complexion looks refreshed and glowy.” — Danielle Fontana Dooley, senior digital editor
Key Ingredients:
In step one, you’ll find seven different alpha- and betahydroxy acids, which lift away dead skin cells, as well as chamomile, which helps neutralize the skin. In step two, you’ll find retinol to increase moisture and elasticity, and green tea extract to protect the skin from free radicals.
Expert Insight:
“I created the Alpha Beta Daily Peels to mimic the professional peels I do in my practice. Just like professional peels, this at-home daily treatment has two steps: the first is the acids, and the second is the neutralizer. You will see amazing results without any flaking or irritation.” —New York dermatologist Dennis Gross, MD, founder
BYBI Strawberry Booster ($10)
What it is:
A rich, nourishing facial oil made entirely from cold-pressed strawberry seeds that can be added to any part of your skin-care routine to hydrate, soften and soothe dry, flaky skin in need of a quench.
How to use:
Mix two to three drops into your serum, moisturizer or mask. Or, you can apply it directly to your face and neck post-cleanse.
Editor Feedback:
“I love that BYBI uses upcycling to create this lightweight, vegan oil-serum. It absorbs quickly, and it’s also rich in antioxidants that help repair sun damage.” —Brittany Burhop Fallon, beauty director
Ingredients:
BYBI uses upcycled ingredients in about 50 percent of its entire skin-care range. The strawberry seeds in this oil are upcycled directly from the juicing industry—they are removed prior to juicing and would normally be discarded into a landfill. It’s also rich in ellagic acid, a powerhouse antioxidant.
Expert insight:
“Strawberry Booster is especially suited to dry, sensitive skin types. However, when using a small amount or adding to your moisturizer, it’s the perfect softening boost for oilier skin, too. It doesn’t feel heavy on the skin and won’t clog pores. Keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized can actually help reduce sebum production, as your skin isn’t overcompensating from lack of moisture and therefore producing excess oil.” —Elsie Rutterford, BYBI cofounder
LivOn Liposomal Vitamin B Complex ($52)
What it is:
The B vitamins and minerals your body needs for optimal cellular energy, immune function, and brain health — delivered in a way you can finally absorb.
How to use:
Squeeze one packet of the complex into 1 to 3 ounces of a cool beverage one to two times per day or as directed by your medical practitioner. On an empty stomach, swallow in one gulp like a shot. Wait at least 15 minutes before eating.
Editor feedback:
“All vitamins are not created equal! After speaking with fellow Brain Trust member Jennifer Hanway on the Art Beauty/ NewBeauty Summer Series Podcast, I learned that regular vitamin B capsules and tablets often have poor bioavailability that limits absorption. Liposomal technology delivers more Vitamin B Complex to the cells to better support the body’s energy systems, mood regulation, and may inhibit Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs) that are associated with aging.”—Amber Milt, senior director of video & multimedia
Key ingredients:
Active forms of B12, methylated folate, zinc, selenium, biotin, niacin (B3), riboflavin (B2), benfotiamine (B1), B5, B6 — encapsulated in choline-dense liposomes for maximum absorption.
Expert insight:
“Lypo-B is a game changer for people who have difficulties absorbing B vitamins and zinc. Its formulation allows it to get the vitamins and minerals where they need to go, so you really feel the difference when taking this supplement.” —Kaili Carpenter, LivOn Labs executive director
Saints & Sinners Superfresh Divine Dry Shampoo ($30)
What it is:
Oil-absorbing and volume-enhancing, this dry shampoo is the perfect replacement for wash day, especially when hair is looking extra matted down and flat.
How to use:
Shake well and apply in any areas that need a bit of extra love. To add a boost of volume, concentrate the product directly at the roots.
Editor feedback:
“This amazingly scented dry shampoo delivers exactly what the name says it does.” —Liz Ritter, executive editor
Key ingredients:
Improve the condition of the hair with vitamin B5, increase hair thickness and absorb excess oil with natural starch, and protect color with vitamin E.
Expert insight:
“Saints & Sinners Superfresh Divine Dry Shampoo not only leaves hair fresh and clean, but does so without leaving a chalky white residue behind. Rice protein adds luster and density, vitamin E protects hair color, and our new Wicked Jardín fragrance is to die for!” —Diana Wilson, chief creative officer
Daily Concepts Jade Gua Sha Facial Tool ($16)
What it is:
To help remove water retention and lymphatic waste in the face, increase blood flow and smooth out any tight muscles or joints, glide this jade gua sha tool across your face on top of your favorite serum or moisturizer. Not only does it give skin a radiant glow, but it also makes it feel irresistibly smooth.
How to use:
Sweep the tool in long, upward motions across the face and neck on top of your preferred serum, moisturizer or oil.
Editor feedback:
“Easy-to-use, easy-to-travel-with and fast-working, this tool is the ultimate treatment for a little depuffing.” —Liz Ritter, executive editor
Key ingredients:
The tool is made of a hard, strong stone called Xiuyan jade, which contains a high proportion of serpentine minerals.
Expert insight:
“The Daily Jade Gua Sha Facial Tool is based on an ancient facial tool that has been a part of beauty regimens for centuries! We created it as the perfect skin stimulator that drains your lymphatic system for your everyday skin-care routine.”—Emilio Smeke, CEO and founder
Mediheal D.N.A Hydrating Protein Mask ($4)
What it is:
Soaked in a creamy serum to amp-up your skin’s hydration level, this heavy-hitting sheet mask leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and supple.
How to use:
Post-cleanse, apply the mask directly to your face. Sit back and relax for about 15 minutes before removing, and pat the remaining essence into your skin to help it completely absorb.
Editor feedback:
“When I’m in need of a good skin-tightening, this is the first mask I reach for. Not only are my fine lines filled, but it seriously boosts my skin’s hydration level!” —Olivia Wohlner, editorial assistant
Key ingredients:
To minimize fine lines and promote a healthy glow, this mask includes softening jojoba oil, lipid-loving ceramides, and a strong dose of 19 different amino acids and peptides.
Expert insight:
“Mediheal is a leader in sheet mask innovation, and we were the first company to launch and use a creamy serum in a sheet mask. Our D.N.A Hydrating Protein Mask softens fine lines and gives skin a refined glow in less than 15 minutes. The bamboo mask perfectly hugs skin, delivering deep, intense hydration to dry skin for a youthful luminous finish.” —Namin Moon, head of marketing
DeoDoc Deospray ($23)
What it is:
Your armpits aren’t the only part of your body that sweats—your vulva does, too. Thankfully, DeoDoc’s team of female doctors have made a safe intimate deodorant spray that absorbs moisture from sweat to keep the vulvar area dry and fresh all day.
How to use:
Shake and spray the can 8 inches away from vulvar skin. Only intended for external use.
Editor feedback:
“Some days it’s harder to feel fresh all day long, which is why this talc-free, pH-neutral intimate deodorant has found a top spot on my vanity and in my gym bag.” —Tatiana Bido, features editor
Key ingredients:
Made with a cornstarch base sans aluminum or talc, this spray comes in three hypoallergenic scents plus a fragrance-free version to keep your lady parts smelling fresh all day and night.
Expert insight:
“Intimate odor is the most common concern we hear about from our patients. Many women do not know that the same sweat glands that are found in the armpits also exist on the vulva, and they are called apocrine sweat glands. These glands empty into hair follicles, so wherever there is hair, there may be sweat. This sweat, when combined with bacteria and urine that often clings to the area, may produce an odor. This is completely normal and the reason why we developed a safe intimate deodorant for people who would like to use one.” —DeoDoc cofounders OB/GYN Dr. Gunvor Ekman Orderber and Dr. Hedieh Asadi, MD
*Scents vary per tube
Mood Lip Balm ($19)
What it is:
Nourish and protect your lips with this CBD-infused lip balm, which comes in four different flavors: Orange Power, Lemon Glow, Blue Defense and Lavender Serenity. No matter which one you receive in your Tube, you’ll be whisked away to your happy place with each swipe.
How to use:
Apply to the lips generously throughout the day.
Editor feedback:
“I’m a big fan of the skin-soothing power of CBD, which also applies to the lips—it’s especially helpful for chapped lips in the winter months. I love the different scents of these balms, and they really can positively affect my mood.” —Brittany Burhop Fallon, beauty director
Key ingredients:
A rich blend of cocoa and shea butter, manuka honey, zinc oxide, and broad-spectrum CBD gets credit for the super moisturizing action.
*Flavors vary per tube
Yes To Cucumbers Daily Eye Treatment ($10)
What it is:
When you need to look like you got more sleep than you actually did, apply Yes To Cucumbers Daily Eye Treatment to your under-eyes. Not only does it help depuff and minimize the appearance of dark circles, but it also soothes and moisturizes skin in an instant.
How to use:
After cleansing and toning, apply the creamy formula directly under your eyes. Pro tip: Use your ring fingers to dab the product into your skin, as it’s your most gentle finger.
Editor feedback:
“The Yes To Daily Eye Treatments is a go-to for an eye refresh. It gives your eyes a boost and instantly your mood. Comprised of cucumber, caffeine and luscious oils to treat undereye concerns with a creamy texture that absorbs instantly into the skin.” —Sarah Eggenberger, senior editor-at-large
Key ingredients:
The three main ingredients in the treatment are soothing cucumber extract to help soothe and calm, caffeine to depuff and awaken, and evodia fruit extract to minimize the appearance of pesky dark circles.
Expert insight:
“The Daily Eye Treatment—previously in the Cucumbers Two Step Eye Kit—has been a longtime fan-favorite. Due to its popularity and effectiveness, we now offer the treatment as a stand-alone product. In a four-week blind study, more than 90 percent of users felt the treatment left the under eye area feeling nourished, soothed, smoothed and moisturized.” —Maggie Carey, CEO
FaceGym 30-Day Online Class Pass ($75)
What it is:
Gain unlimited access to Face Gym’s complete timetable of high-intensity full-face workouts from the comfort of your own home. Who said workouts were only for your body?
How to use:
Add the 30-day online class pass to your cart and use the promo code at checkout.
Editor feedback:
“A complete workout for your face, the quasi-magicians at FaceGym use a variety of innovative tools and motions to sculpt and de-puff the face in next to no time.” — Danielle Fontana Dooley, senior digital editor
Key ingredients:
All you need are your hands to tighten and lift your facial muscles—FaceGym instructors will do the rest. But for maximum results, incorporate FaceGym’s high-performance skincare Into your workout – check out the full range at FaceGym.com.
Expert insight:
“There are more than 40 different muscles on your face, and by training them consistently, your muscles will retain memory and prevent sagging, much like working out your body. To come up with the FaceGym method, I worked with fitness instructors, dermatologists, facial therapists and even a Mexican shaman, and was able to create techniques that beautifully combine old traditions and new technologies.” –Inge Theron, founder and creative director
