By now, you've probably surmised that we test-drive a lot of beauty products here atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing HQ. From nail polish and makeup to hair and skincare, we're eyebrow-deep in all things new, exciting, and, yes, wish list worthy. That said, due to the number of products we come in contact with, we've also transformed into the nitpickiest beauty consumers. Within seconds, we can tell if a new hair oil is too heavy, and we're quick to ignore a serum that yields disappointing results.
The good news? We're far more often impressed than unimpressed after trying out a new product, and usually, we simply can't wait to spread the word to all of our fellow beauty junkies (aka you). Therefore, we've decided gushing over our latest fave products should become a monthly ritual, and every 30 days or so, you can expect a full report detailing the highlighters, hair wands, and overnight skincare saviors we've become quickly addicted to.
For the most part, we'll be covering buzzworthy launches (as those typically take up most of the action atop our product-filled desks), but we won't dismiss new-to-us products, either. Because hey, sometimes our best discoveries are found on a friend's vanity or on someone's face at the bar—true story. Ahead, the best beauty products we tried in September! Grab your game face and wallet. You'll be needing both.
I know a topcoat isn't the most exciting of beauty products, but you wouldn't believe how utterly life-changing this formula is from Olive June. First, the flat, wide brush is seriously satisfying and easy to use (you literally need one stroke per nail), and second, the glossy finish keeps your nails looking manicure-fresh for at least a week. But honestly, I've been able to make it last for two, and I'm hard on my nails. It's miraculous.
I've been in an LTR with my beloved Beautyblender for years now, so you can imagine my surprise when, on a whim, I used this new foundation brush from Pat McGrath Labs and found—gasp—that it made my face look about 10 times better than my sponge does. I'm not sure if its the shape of the brush or if its the slightly waved, synthetic EvoFibers, but I've never experienced such a precise, airbrush-esque finish with my foundation. It's stupefying. I'm convinced you could use it to apply the least expensive foundation on the market and you'd still look like a celeb.
Whenever fall rolls around, I go through an annoying phase of eye irritation where they feel puffy, hot, stingy, itchy, the whole nine yards. (All that on top of the usual dark circles that annoy the eff out of me.) But this brand-new eye balm stick from Tula has been my saving grace. It follows the same principle as its best-selling original (cooling, loaded with probiotics, instantly brightening, and hydrating), but now it has the extra lovely additions of rose-hip oil (a plant-based retinol alternative) plus hydrating rose water for an extra-luxe dose of moisture.
I get so, SO excited whenever Sisley-Paris launches a new makeup product because it's always better than the last (which is telling since it's one of my favorite beauty brands). These gorgeous new eye shadows have the prettiest packaging and come with a handy little applicator if you don't want to use your fingers or have a brush on you. I'm obsessed with the texture—it's a half-cream, half-powder, which, for someone who hates a straight-up powder, is a dream come true. The shades Glow Pearl and Silky Cream have been my weekday uniform.
There are so many glow skin products out there that just aren't doing much for your actual skin health. That's why this brand-new treatment from celebrity airbrush tanning artist Kristyn Pradas is such a game changer. It gives your skin the most radiant (non-sparkly) lit-from-within glow but has so many amazing ingredients as well. It absorbs instantly so you aren't left with a greasy residue (you can get dressed right away), and strategic additions like organic chamomile, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, peptides, collagen, organic rose, and organic marshmallow root basically make your skin pull a Benjamin Button situation and age in reverse. It's what your skin needs this fall and summer.
I love using rose water instead of toner after cleansing and before my other skin treatments. I've been using Chantecaille's beautiful elixir all month and can honestly say it's one of my favorite parts of my day. It smells delicate and amazing, and since the French-pressed rose lends tons of potent antioxidants, I've noticed it's made my skin that much more radiant, plump, and hydrated.
My fellow blonde co-worker Deven Hopp recommended this Amazon find to me when I was in desperate search of a product that would de-dinge my newly bleached hair. Not surprisingly, it worked like a miracle and, after one shower application, banished all signs of brass or build-up. I plan on using it every week or two to keep my hair shiny, healthy, and as bright blonde as possible. I only wish I had discovered these handy packets sooner!
"I'm going through a major bout of dry, tight skin, but incorporating this potent serum into my routine has made a huge difference. It's packed with a bunch of water-soluble vitamins that leave my skin feeling plump and hydrated. I've been applying it as part of my nighttime regimen to help my skin cell turnover while I sleep."
"I've been a die-hard proponent of every Naked Palette ever created, and this one is no different. I love this new color scheme and have found myself reaching for the case even on my lightest makeup days. I'm also so excited to have such a versatile collection of colors that travels easily."
"Okay, I might be late to the game here, but I finally tested the Le Labo body lotions this month. Yes, I live for the fragrances (Santal 33 and Thé Noir 29) and candles, but the luxurious lotion just might be my new obsession. It makes my skin feel so smooth and legit heavenly with the scent. I know it's an investment, but it's worth it."
"I'm a bit of a risk-taker when it comes to choosing fragrances, and while searching for a new fall scent recently, I bought this on a whim without ever even smelling it (I know, living on the edge). At first sniff, I was a little overpowered by the smell of patchouli, but once I sprayed it on my skin and let it sit for a while, I was in love. It's really complex and warm and unlike any scent I've ever worn. Yes, it's expensive, but it also smells expensive, so I suppose you get what you pay for."
"Something about applying eye shadow with my fingers is very gratifying to me. It seems harder for me to mess up, and since I typically leave myself less than 10 minutes to do my makeup, that's key. The warm shades in this palette (which I think are just as suitable for fall) look so pretty on their own or blended together, and the subtle glitter is really cool and sophisticated as opposed to juvenile. Next on my list from Róen? Disco Eye ($29), which will be perfect for the holiday season."
"When I was at a friend's house last week, I used the Byredo Suede Hand Soap in her bathroom and instantly became addicted to the soft woody scent—so I ordered a bottle for my apartment on the spot. I realize that $65 is a steep price to pay for hand soap, but with Byredo's chic packaging and high-quality products, it's something I'm willing to shell out for."
"The Now has been my go-to massage spot in L.A. for a while, but I just started using its in-house beauty brand. It recently launched the Classic Body Oil, which is a winner in my book because it's moisturizing; smells amazing; and is made with clean, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-promoting ingredients. The only downside is that it doesn't come with anyone to rub it on your back for you."
"I will admit that I haven't been very diligent about eye cream in the past, but I'm not getting any younger, folks. I tried Tatcha's new Silk Peony Melting Eye Cream, and the 'melting' description is the key point here. In the jar, the cream is solid, but it melts as your skin warms it up, which feels so luxurious and fun at the same time."
"As a new mom who works full-time, I rarely get a moment to myself, which is why I've carved out a once-a-week long and luxurious bath time session where I can really try and switch off. I've always just used generic bath salts and bubbles to make my bath even more inviting—until I tried Uma Pure Calm Wellness Oil. What a bath time game changer! I add four to five drops of the oil into my bathwater, and it makes the whole bathroom smell heavenly. Made with the most calming essential oils—vetiver, Roman chamomile, jasmine, lavender—it works wonders to help me de-stress and calm my overloaded mind and body. You can also massage the oil onto your pulse points, feet, and temples to help unwind."
"I recently got a new hair cut, and my hairdresser suggested I try Oribe Flash Form Finishing Spray to help style, separate, and add sheen to my locks. I'm so glad I did because I see a notable difference with how long my hair stays put after I style it. It adds texture and a lasting hold while taming my frizzies too."
"I've waxed poetic about this all-natural beauty brand, but now after trying what it calls a 'serum for your body,' I'm fully hooked. Unlike other body oils I've tried, this one sinks into my skin instantly and leaves it firm and glowing for what feels like a lifetime. (In reality, it's more like 24 hours.) According to the brand, the serum also helps to reduce cellulite, heal scars and body acne, and reverse sun damage. Oh and before I forget to tell you, the most important thing to know about this product? It smells positively heavenly."
"I started applying this lash and brow gel before my mascara, and let me tell you my lashes have achieved a length and fullness they never would have with mascara alone. I have yet to try it out on my brows, but I'm curious to see if it will improve them, too."
"I wasn't a body-scrub person until I met Nécessaire's The Body Exfoliator. I've become a big fan of the brand's lotion and shower gel but was pretty convinced this launch was less necessary, at least for me that is until I tried it. Like its other products, this one has an intoxicating scent; I personally prefer the sandalwood variety. One very noticeable differentiator is that this body scrub foams up, which I have to admit creates a very satisfying user experience. It's 50% body wash deep clean, 50% exfoliator, and I'm 100% on board."
"Aēsop just launched its first facial product scientifically formulated to calm sensitive skin. I've been testing it for a couple of weeks now and do feel a sense of inner skin calm that I had been missing before. It doesn't hurt that the scent is inherently soothing, something I've come to consider an Aēsop signature."
"I just started using Dior's Addict Lip Balm after a friend recommended it, and I am now left wondering what I did without it. In the neutral pink/glow shade, it's the perfect barely there touch of shine and hydration and layers perfectly over my go-to lip color (Glossier Gen G in Crush) which can, over time, be a bit drying."
Up next: I Spent 2 Hours With Kate Bosworth's Makeup Artist—Here's Everything I Learned
