Hundreds of products come across our editors’ desks every month, but not all of them deliver on their claims or live up to the hype. (Not everything that goes viral on TikTok is a miracle worker.) This is our exclusive curation of the best-in-class beauty products receiving rave reviews from our team and hitting shelves right now. From CoverGirl's first tubing mascara to Germany's number-one ingestible collagen supplement that is now in the U.S., we’ve got the inside scoop on all the newness. And did we mention that everything on this list makes a great holiday gift?
The Best New Beauty Products This Month
SUNGBOON Editor Silk Peptide Intensive Ampoule ($29)
The brand calls this new ampoule "a Korean facelift in a syringe," as it produces a "Botox-like effect" that smooths fine lines and wrinkles. Formulated with a blend of the brand's patented 30 Peptide Complex (silk peptide threads infused with Volufiline) and an ultra-low molecular collagen (the low molecular weight makes it highly absorbable), the serum provides noticeable firming and plumping. Apply it on expression lines like horizontal forehead lines, smile lines and crow's-feet, and expect a super hydrated, dewy-skin finish.
CYKLAR Mandelic Acid Brightening Deodorant Gel ($20)
CYKLAR just debuted a new category with this deo launch, which we know will quickly become a fan favorite. Available in four signature scents (Sacred Santal, Vanilla Verve, Naked Neroli and Bergamot Bond), the multitasking, gel formula minimizes BO for 48 hours while also helping to brighten the look of discoloration and prevent ingrown hairs. To accomplish this, it's loaded with skin-care ingredients like mandelic, azelaic and shikimic acids, as well as licorice root, zinc PCA and magnesium PCA.
CoverGirl Eye Enhancer Wrap Mascara ($13)
The brand's first-ever tubing mascara (finally!), this formula was designed to last 30 hours, though I hope I never need to keep it on that long. It stretches your lashes for mega length and lift with really nice separation and definition. And in true tubing fashion, it's smudge-proof and removes easily with water and pressure—no makeup remover necessary. Plus, it's also available in brown and navy!
ELASTEN Collagen ($100 for a one-month supply)
Is Germany's latest wellness export the next big collagen supplement in the U.S.? ELASTEN seems to think so (and the 1,000-plus positive Amazon reviews back it up). The fruity-flavored ampoule (it actually tastes good!) is shelf-stable—no need for refrigeration—and delivers peptides and other nutrients to the dermis, where most creams and serums can't reach. There, it stimulates the skin cells (fibroblasts) to boost the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. "In each ampoule, there's a mixture of skin-relevant ingredients: collagen peptides—not normal collagen peptides, but special ones—biotin, acerola fruit extract, vitamins C and E, and zinc. Our collagen peptides are quite complex. You have to have the right peptides over the right period of time—we recommend taking over 12 weeks—to have the right stimulation of the cells," says Dr. Jan-Christoph Kattenstroth, CEO and chief scientific officer at ELASTEN. "Our clinical studies show a significant improvement in skin hydration, elasticity, texture and density in comparison to placebo." And this isn't just for the skin on the face—it benefits the whole body. The supplement is also a great adjunct to in-office aesthetic treatments. "We lose 1 percent of our collagen per year after age 30, so we need to find ways to replenish our collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid so our skin looks healthier and better," says New York dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD. "ELASTEN has been the number-one ingestible collagen brand in Germany for the past 10 years, and the number-one collagen brand in Vietnam for four years, and I feel certain it will become number-one here as well."
Mario Badescu Skin Perfecting Smoothing Balm with Salicylic Acid ($22)
This first-of-its-kind blurring balm offers the same sensorial slip as a smoothing primer, but contains no silicones or powders. “This is the first silicone-free system that can truly replace silicone elastomers—you really have to feel it to believe it,” says Dr. Wei Chen, PhD, head of R&D at Mario Badescu. “Traditional silicone elastomer technology can clog pores, dry out skin and flake under makeup, and it can also accumulate in the environment over time. Our system is a game changer in cosmetics.” Harnessing 2-percent salicylic acid to keep pores clean and the brand's patent-pending smoothing technology, the jelly-balm formula gives skin that naturally airbrushed finish, so pores, scars, fine lines and uneven skin texture look seamless. A little goes a long way!
SK-II GenOptics InfinitAura Serum ($265)
It's that time of year: Dark spots are popping up from summer sun damage and brightening serums are top of mind. The next-generation of SK-II's GenOptics Serum now features Bisabolol Pro, which provides "superior soothing and hydration benefits," alongside the brand's signature PITERA and niacinamide. Utilizing more than 30 years of research on skin brightening, SK-II upgraded its fan-favorite formula to deliver even more brightening power for those concerned with dark spots, dullness and uneven skin tone. And of course, the clinical studies back up the claims, showing a "significant improvement in skin's youthful appearance, helping users look up to eight years younger."
Maria Nila Gloss Coat ($28)
Glass hair and gloss treatments are one of the biggest trends in hair care this year, and this heat-activated smoothing treatment is our new favorite, especially if you're prone to frizz. Spray it on damp hair, blow-dry to activate and then style however you wish. You get mega shine and 74-percent less frizz that lasts up to four days, but also heat protection up to 450 degrees. Plus, the treatment is color-safe (it actually helps preserve hair color) and has a really nice fruity-floral scent.
Bali Body Clear Express Self Tan ($33)
For many of us, by this time of year, the summer vacation glow is long gone and self-tanner becomes high priority. But finding one that doesn't make you orange or stain your clothes can be difficult. However, consider this new rinse-free formula from Bali Body your new go-to. The fluffy, whipped mousse goes on clear and dries fast, and won't stain or transfer. The brand calls it an "express-yet-gradual formula" that uses 100-percent natural DHA and skin-nourishing ingredients (niacinamide, glycerin and vitamin E) to give you results in as little as an hour, or apply it daily to gradually build up your tan for a richer bronze.
Remedy Derm Dissolve Cleansing Balm ($18)
From DermTok's favorite dermatologist, Dr. Muneeb Shah, comes this new fragrance-free cleansing balm that removes long-wear makeup and sunscreen with ease. Utilizing a triple-emulsifier formula, it transforms from a balm to an oil and then to a milk, offering a sensorial experience that makes cleansing feel less like a chore. It's the perfect first step for those who double cleanse. Great for those with dry or sensitive skin, the balm is loaded with ceramides, safflower lipids, centella asiatica, turmeric and green tea, and won't strip the skin or leave behind a yucky residue. “My patients were frustrated with cleansers that either didn’t remove makeup completely or left their skin dry and irritated,” says Dr. Shah. “Derm Dissolve was designed to do both: deeply cleanse and repair in one step. All without the need to compromise between efficacy and gentleness.” We also love the hygienic grinder packaging (we're seeing more and more of these on the market), which means you don't need to stick your fingers in the jar.
VENN Skincare Rejuvenative PDRN-NE Ampoule ($250)
Though PDRN lotions and potions are just about everywhere these days, they're not all created equal. VENN’s formula uses 1-percent intact salmon-derived PDRN, which is the same regenerative molecule used in in-clinic injections. Plus, it's delivered through a proprietary nano-emulsion system that keeps the DNA polymer intact and actually able to penetrate the skin. According to the brand, "it's one of the only true needle-free PDRN treatments on the consumer market." It's ideal for dry and/or mature skin types with more advanced signs of aging looking for a reset. Each set includes four vials—use one per week for a month—to boost elasticity, firmness, even skin tone and smoothness.
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Rich Cream ($35)
Powered by the brand's patented Clinical Retinol, which RoC says is seven times more potent than traditional retinol, this dermatologist-recommended cream is ideal for those with dry, mature skin and menopausal skin. When estrogen levels plummet during menopause, skin becomes drier, lines and wrinkles become more prominent and skin loses its youthful bounce. This super hydrating, rich but nongreasy formula "helps reverse the three visible signs of estrogen loss—persistent dryness, deep wrinkles and a loss of firmness—for dramatically younger-looking skin." If you're new to retinol, start every other night (you can also use it in the morning, but always apply SPF on top) and work your way up to nightly use.
Qure Q-Renew LLLT Helmet ($1,500)
For those struggling with thinning hair, this next-generation LED helmet can help. Combining red light therapy AND low-level laser therapy (LLLT)—there are 370 diodes—this FDA-cleared, wireless device helps stimulate hair follicles to promote hair regrowth and enhance scalp health. We love that each daily treatment is just 12 minutes long and the helmet feels lightweight and comfortable. There's also an intuitive LCD screen that allows you to select specific areas of concern on your head for a personalized, targeted treatment.
