August Editors' Picks
For the month of August, our favorite finds include fresh fragrances, smart water bottles, Harajuku and SpongeBob-inspired makeup palettes, cactus water shampoo and conditioner, skin care designed specifically for high altitudes, and more. Check out our August Editors’ Picks and let us know if you have any favorites from the list below!
Acca Kappa Tilia Cordata Parfum ($83)
This floral citrus fragrance features notes of bergamot, lemon, and jasmine that will instantly transport you to Italy's Mediterranean valleys and Venetian gardens.
Alba Botanica Hydration Sensation Gel Cream ($14.59)
This gel cream pampers and nourishes skin with 24 hours of continuous hydration. The unique, dermatologist-tested moisturizer absorbs into skin quickly like a gel, but provides around-the-clock hydration like a cream. The formula combines blue lotus flower water and three kinds of hyaluronic acid to instantly quench skin's thirst without leaving behind a greasy residue.
Algenist AA Barrier Serum ($85)
This antioxidant-rich serum helps fortify the skin barrier and protects against environmental aggressors. Ingredients include patented alguronic acid, phloretin, niacinamide, and ergothioneine—a large-spectrum antioxidant that neutralizes ozone pollution and recycles vitamin C. It also helps improve the appearance of dullness, redness, discoloration, lines, and skin tone.
Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein Powder - Beauty Within ($29.99)
This protein powder features five collagen types including types I, II, III, V and X from four different sources. Enjoy the potent, high-quality blend of hydrolyzed bovine, chicken, fish, and eggshell collagen peptides in a refreshing guava passionfruit flavor that can be added to a wide variety of healthy beverages.
Beam CBD Powered Protein Bar ($25 for a 6-pack)
Boost energy with these CBD-boosted protein bars. No added sugar, just all-natural goodness like dates, organic vanilla extract, coconut, and of course, the brand’s signature phytocannabinoid-rich CBD oil with 0% THC. Post-workout or mid-workday, this on-the-go snack combines Beam’s organic CBD extract with 14 grams of plant-based protein made irresistible with delicious, all-natural coconut and vanilla or cacao flavors.
Beauty Bakerie Sugar Lip Scrub ($12)
This lip scrub is the perfect prep for a matte or metallic lip pout. For hydration and gentle exfoliation, apply Sugar Lip Scrub in a circular motion to remove dead skin. Available in five flavors (pictured: vanilla).
Bellabeat Spring Smart Water Bottle ($89)
Stay hydrated the smart way— this bottle logs your daily water intake and gives you reminders to drink regularly and sufficiently, all by wirelessly transferring your intake data right to the app. Based on your lifestyle and weight, the water bottle is able to tell you how much water you should be drinking based on your activity level, age, height, weight, local weather, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream ($54)
This luxurious cream will bring tired eyes back to life with its melt-in texture that instantly and visibly smoothes and lifts with the first application. Powered by the cleanest ingredients of marine algae complex, paracress extract, and Biossance hero ingredient squalane, this eye cream will be your go-to for reducing fine lines and wrinkles while creating the perfect canvas for makeup.
BoxyCharm Subscription Box ($21/month)
A monthly BoxyCharm subscription is the ultimate school supply to start the new year off right! BoxyCharm takes the guesswork out of the impossible task of picking out the coolest new makeup and products with a team of experts who curate each monthly box with the hottest brands, trendiest looks and most exciting new ingredients. The August box contains products from top beauty brands BECCA, Tarte, GlamGlow and TooFaced, and the recipient can adjust their profile to their likes and needs so there’s no guessing about the new lip colors they’ll want to try or what cleansing products are targeted to their skin type!
Cannisence Hemp Muscle Cream ($59)
This hemp-based muscle cream contains 500 mg. of hemp extract, rich shea butter, jojoba, rosemary, and lavender essential oils. These soothing balms are designed to be penetrating and easily absorbed into the skin.
Cartier Eau de Cartier Goutte de Rose ($95)
The rose is called the “perfumer’s diamond” and in this unique interpretation of the Eau de Cartier collection, Cartier In-House Perfumer Mathilde Laurent carefully selected a specific type, the Centifolia Rose, to infuse into this special fragrance. Top note: garden rose. Middle Notes: wood and amber. Base note: vanilla.
Carthusia Mediterraneo ($80)
The quintessential scent of summer that blends the freshness of lemon leaves with sparkling tones of green tea, Mediterraneo is Capri in a bottle!
Codex Beauty Bia Collection ($45-$90)
The first collection from Codex Beauty, Bia contains five products that harness the power of bio-actives extracted from native Irish plants long valued for their soothing and hydrating properties. The products are made with technically edible ingredients and include Bia Skin Superfood (hydrating and nourishing treatment cream), Bia Day Cream, Bia Exfoliating Wash, Bia Facial Oil, and Bia Eye Gel Cream.
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch ($6)
Crafted to reduce redness and inflammation, these waterproof pimple patches reduce acne scarring and infection. Key ingredients include white willow bark and Betaine Salicylate to prevent blemishes and exfoliate skin, and liquid parrafin to form a barrier and lock moisture into skin.
côte Neon Everything Collection ($18 each)
These bold and beautiful colors are 100% gorgeous & 10 free. Paint your nails freely, knowing that côte’s signature formulas are cruelty-free, vegan, and free of major toxins associated with nail polish including formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, camphor, formaldehyde resin and triphenyl phosphate (TPHP). Available in four fun colors.
Cult of Treehouse Skincare ($70-$110)
This tree and plant-based, gender-neutral skin and mind care line that was founded in a treehouse features products that utilize the powerful physical and metaphysical benefits of trees for luminous, nourished and restored skin. Collection includes Cult Complexion (face mist), Campfire Glow (face and neck serum), and Tree Healer (restorative perfume oil).
Deck of Scarlet Holo-Glam Kit ($44.95)
This 100% vegan space-age inspired beauty kit will transport you to another dimension with a light-refracting liquid eye-shadow, holographic highlighter, and a high-shine lip gloss packed with duo-chrome pearls.
Dirty Girl Farm Liquid Facelift ($42.50)
This clinically-proven lotion contains lupine peptides that prevent the breakdown of skin tissue and stimulate production of collagen and elastin in your skin, resulting in a youthful look without fine lines and wrinkles. Get youthful, re-energized skin without costly procedures!
Elemis Superfood Booster Duo ($64)
Give skin an extra boost with this nutrient-rich, bi-phase SUPERFOOD BOOSTER duo. Formulated with fermented actives and prebiotic concentrates, these quick-absorbing, two-week treatments nourish and invigorate. Use AHA GLOW to energize and leave dull skin visibly brighter and restore balance with CICA CALM for a soothing refresh whenever you need it.
Flight Mode Skincare Moisture Cloud Face Cream ($59)
Flight Mode Skincare is a collection specifically formulated for when you are at high elevation, and this face cream is infused with an antioxidant-packed powerhouse complex that will efficiently neutralize radicals and protect skin from infrared stress, such as the blue light omitted by modern-day technology. Shea butter and jojoba create a natural shield to protect against the cold, dry air and low humidity while hyaluronic acid plumps the skin.
Glo Skin Beauty Conditioning Body Butter ($24)
Sweet Almond Amaretto Conditioning Body Butter nourishes and conditions skin all over the body. Antioxidant-rich emollients deliver silky, weightless hydration. Vitamin E, sweet almond, and evening primrose oils help protect against dryness by boosting skin’s natural defense and aiding in tissue repair. Infused with fragrant sweet almond amaretto to soothe your senses and deliver a luxurious relaxation experience.
Hask Cactus Water Weightless Moisture Conditioner ($4.89)
Replenish dehydrated locks with nourishing cactus water to help retain moisture, and prickly pear seed oil to condition without weighing hair down. The shampoo is infused with cactus water, known for its powerful electrolytes, to help revive and hydrate dry hair. Prickly pear seed oil helps boost moisture and luminous shine.
HipDot x SpongeBob Bikini Bottom Eye Palette ($36)
Build dreamy Bikini Bottom-inspired looks from this matte and shimmer palette. The SpongeBob animation team blessed every name and every shade, and don’t forget to say hi to Gary on the back! Features 15 stunning colors. Cruelty-free, vegan, talc-free, paraben-free, pthalate-free and mineral oil-free.
IGK 1-800-Hold-Me No Crunch Flexible Hold Hairspray ($27)
This flexible hairspray provides shine and glow for a perfect dewy finish. Inspired by makeup setting sprays that give a dewy glow to the skin, this brightening hair spray uses hi-shine, micro-light reflectors to give a subtle, healthy glow to all hair types and colors. Medium-hold buildable hairspray gives all-day hold while staying touchable, soft, and reworkable.
IGK Mixed Feelings Brunette ($29)
Turn your favorite hair product into a custom-mixed toner to banish brassiness, and increase luster and depth of brunette hair. The concentrated blue leave-in pigment tones orange and red brass, artichoke extract prevents color fading, and antioxidant- and vitamin-rich blueberry extract nourishes hair.
Jurlique Moisture Plus Rare Rose Gel Cream ($60)
Hydrate and rebalance normal to combination skin with this innovative, super-light gel cream that hydrates and plumps the skin without it looking shiny or feeling overloaded. The unique Jurlique Rose extract delivers 24-hour hydration while plant resin mastic gum helps to rebalance moisture levels and prevent oiliness for a shine-free finish.
Jusbox Cheeky Smile ($210)
Inspired by late nights and discotheque, Cheeky Smile will keep you dancing until sunrise. The bottle is finished in a special varnish that appears light grey in daylight and turns into a vibrant, acid-green color when seen under ultraviolet light. Features the engaging notes of Iso E Super, Amber Core, Amber Extreme and Cashmeran.
Kat Burki Body Butter ($72)
This luxurious, hydrating body butter absorbs quickly and makes skin feel silky smooth. A winning formulation of KB5™ Complex and cold processed (coconut, tamanu, rose hip, flax seed and evening primrose) oils leaves skin perfectly hydrated, soft, and supple.
Kat Von D Studded Kiss Crème Capsule Collection ($20 each)
This capsule collection of six all-new, super-limited, vegan lipsticks in rich tones inspires fresh, fall lip looks. Discover your new fall favorites with creamy, long-wearing formula in high-pigment, limited-edition hues. Available in Marigold (pictured), Pumpkin, Eggplant, Deep Teal, Russet, and Griege (each shade is sold separately). Each shade comes in collectible packaging with a kiss print matched to the lip color inside.
Kenra Professional Strengthening Shampoo & Conditioner ($16-$31)
The two-part anti-breakage system fortifies hair against daily aggressors and reduces up to 99% of breakage. The pH-balancing system is is designed to match the pH of hair, sebum, and the scalp, and is formulated to improve elasticity for visibly healthy hair after one use.
Kopari Coconut Melt Wipes ($20)
The brand’s 100% organic Coconut Melt now comes in single-use wipes that will effortlessly wipe away eye makeup, sunscreen, and dry skin. Ideal for the face and body, these biodegradable towelettes are mess-free and fit into your pocket or bag. Vegan, cruelty-free, silicone-free, and fragrance-free. One box contains 20 wipes.
Le Mini Macaron Les Jellies Gel Polish ($11.99 each)
This juicy, fruity collection of see-through color and jelly texture polish is perfect for summer and back-to-school. The smooth high-gloss formula paints on easily with no need for a basecoat and is completely dry in 30 seconds with a mini LED lamp shaped as an incredibly cute French macaron.
Mad Hippie Cheek & Lip Tint ($22)
This versatile cheek and lip tint can be used for a natural glow or layered for a bold look. Jojoba and shea butter keep skin hydrated while sea buckthorn berry and blueberry provide antioxidant support! Perfect for all skin tones, it comes in eco-friendly packaging in glass tubs and bamboo lids.
Mender Body Butter ($34)
Featuring 25mg of full-spectrum hemp-extracted CBD, this body butter is rich in immune-boosting vitamins to heal, hydrate, and plump skin. Infused whipped grass-fed tallow is rich in antioxidants, immune-boosting vitamins A, E, D and B, and linoleic acid. Grapefruit promotes circulation while earthy vanilla detoxifies. Once applied, it is quickly absorbed to create a natural skin-compatible barrier to help prevent and reverse signs of aging.
MY21 Infinity Face Sheet Masks ($59.99)
Each mask contains MY21TM's proprietary Replenish Serum, a luxurious blend of nutrient-rich ingredients derived entirely from plants and bio-extracts. Crafted with a special collagen and adenosine complex that is specially formulated to reduce fine lines and relax wrinkles, using these sheet masks results in noticeably more youthful and elastic skin. Great for all skin types, they help to restore and retain hydration, and feature an exclusive new state-of-the-art BioCloud cotton fabric technology. They offer the beautiful famed benefits of K-beauty “glass-skin” as they tighten and smooth the skin, reduce fine lines and soften wrinkles, substantially reduce pore size, and help reduce redness as well as brown spots. They are also dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic.
Nomad Cosmetics Tokyo Harajuku Palette ($37)
This poppy pastel palette of fun combines 10 high-pigmented eyeshadows and 5 unique multi-chrome toppers for a sheer prismatic color effect. 15 kawaii shades inspired by the wild creativity of the trendy Tokyo youth. Infused with camellia japonica oil to make skin soft and silky smooth. Cruelty-free and vegan.
NxN Zero Gravity Whipped CBD Day Cream ($19)
This lightweight, powerful moisturizer is infused with 90 mg of CBD to reduce puffiness and inflammation in the skin, while softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Patent-pending whipped technology is effortlessly absorbed and hydration is locked in.
OPI Scotland Nail Polish Collection ($10.50 - $13 each)
Inspired by the fashion trends for the season, this collection includes 12 new shades for Fall/Winter 2019 in various shades of purple, blue and red, along with pops of orange, dark green, and taupe. The striking landscapes of Scotland are represented in these hues, and each polish features a fun name such as “Good Girls Gone Plaid” and “Nessie Plays Hide & Sea-k.” Available in Nail Lacquer and Infinite Shine.
READ: A PEEK AT OPI SCOTLAND COLLECTION, GOOD GIRLS GONE PLAID
Paula’s Choice Defense Triple Algae Pollution Shield ($31)
This sheer gel cream treatment shields skin from environmental aggressors and delivers potent antioxidant protection. Its innovative formula keeps harmful airborne particulates from sticking to skin, where they would normally penetrate the pores, causing a cascade of damage. Skin's surface is perfectly defended and the benefits complement the protective qualities of a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Ingredients include algae extracts, glutathione, grape seed, moringa oleifera seed oil, curcumin, milk thistle, and Edelweiss flower.
Plexus Active ($35.95)
This bioavailable vitamin-infused energy drink is natural and vegetarian. In addition to supplying your body with vitamins and minerals, it also contains caffeine—making it perfect for the before, during, or after your workout. Ingredients include green tea, yerba maté, citrulline nalate, and an antioxidant-rich blend of plant extracts like turmeric, blueberry, tart cherry, kale, and more to provide nitric oxide support.
Primally Pure Soothing Serum ($78)
Powerful anti-inflammatory and restorative ingredients (including pumpkin seed oil, Ashwagandha and Pau D'Arco) reduce redness and inflammation, repair and strengthen damaged skin, and deeply soothe to support a calm, balanced complexion. Features a woodsy, herbaceous aroma.
Proraso Azur Lime Cologne Towelettes ($10 for a 6-pack)
These single-use sachets offer men an innovative and convenient way to wear fragrance on-the-go. The ideal finishing touch, they offer freshness anytime, anywhere with a fresh citrus, energetic mint, and juniper scent.
R+Co CENTERPIECE All-In-One Elixir Spray ($32)
This lightweight, multi-tasking styling spray is packed with rich oils to detangle, help fight frizz, and hydrate while repairing and fortifying hair. Can be used alone, layered under other products, and to refresh styled or second-day hair. Features the romantic Dark Waves fragrance: cardamom, pineapple, tangerine, lavender, bamboo, and blonde woods. The stunning packaging was created by well-known NYC based florist, Brittany Asch of BRRCH, whose inspiration for the design of CENTERPIECE was Florence Welch of Florence + the Machine.
Rael Himalayan Pink Salt Toothpaste in Fresh Soothing Mint ($7.59)
Himalayan Pink Salt is naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, containing more than 80+ detoxifying minerals. Gentle enough for sensitive teeth, this toothpaste is blended with USDA-approved, all-natural extracts such as green tea extract, scutellaria baicalensis root extract, chamomile extract, and calendula extract— as well as the optimal level of fluoride to prevent cavities, and protect and strengthen tooth enamel. The fresh, distinct flavors will make you look forward to brushing your teeth every morning and night!
Revlon ColorStay Eye Liner ($8.49)
This liner features rich intense color that lasts up to 16 hours and comes with a built-in smudger to blend color and an improved pull-out sharpener for precise lines. This waterproof formula glides on effortlessly and stays put all day. Available in 8 rich, long-wearing shades (pictured in Sapphire).
Rhonda Allison Pumpkin E Serum ($32)
This concentrated formula infuses the skin with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to transform dry, chapped irritated patches into balanced, glowing skin. Hydrate dull, lackluster skin for a brighter, more radiant appearance. Pumpkin seed oil provides naturally occurring beta-carotene, zinc, salicylic acid, and retinol. Boost antioxidant support by adding a few drops to other skin care products such as moisturizers and masks.
SAFI Pain Melting Balm ($45)
This lightweight pain melting balm with hemp-derived pure CBD helps to soothe pain and discomfort, while nourishing the skin with a power blend of natural ingredients. Also includes eucalyptus oil, camphor to help improve circulation and flow within the body, and lavender to relax and balance mood.
Skin & Co Roma Limited Edition Truffle Therapy Shimmering Body Oil ($65)
This luxuriously indulgent, nourishing dry oil deeply moisturizes while enveloping skin with a delicately aromatic fragrance reminiscent of sun-kissed summer days spent on the beach. Wrapping skin in a shimmering luminous veil, this rich blend of Sicilian sweet almond oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, Maracujá oil, and the exclusive Black Truffle Extract is a potent formula that replenishes skin with long-lasting moisture and antioxidant protection imparting a healthier, more youthful appearance.
Seratopical Radiant Glow CBD Facial Oil ($69.95)
Loaded with antioxidants, this facial oil is infused with a powerhouse 300mg of CBD, marula oil, argan oil, English lavender oil, sunflower oil, and so much more. It gives skin an abundance of hydration, helps with skin imperfections, and shields skin from daily environmental factors—without leaving skin feeling greasy.
Shiffa Amuse Dissolvable Patches for Smile Lines ($75-$191)
This multipurpose treatment is ideal for treating wrinkles, helping to moisturize, increasing elasticity and lifting smile lines. This two-way approach takes care of your lines in the long and short term, by both relaxing the target muscle and promoting the synthesis of collagen in the skin. These dissolvable patches are a simple at-home, anti-aging microneedling treatment that boosts collagen and naturally fills in unwanted smile lines overnight.
Sigi Skin Pink Nectar ($45)
This powerhouse eye cream is packed with natural extracts such as peach and propolis, as well as nutrients like vitamin E, niacinamide, and five different kinds of hyaluronic acid. What’s more, this product doubles as a hydrating lip mask too!
SkinBuzz Clean•Bee Organic Cleanser ($25)
This cleanser features propolis, a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory substance used by honeybees to strengthen their hives. Along with a powerful blend of white willow, aloe vera, and cucumber, it naturally heals and soothes skin while preventing breakouts.
Sol de Janeiro Açaí Body Power Cream ($45)
Infused with Amazonian Açaí Oil, this rich-yet-lightweight body cream actively fights free radicals to leave skin supple, resilient, and replenished. Ultra-nourishing Cupuaçu butter and conditioning coconut oil deliver deep hydration, while extra-fine mica flecks give skin an irresistible afterglow. The crisp, clean Açaí fragrance ignites the senses, leaving you refreshed and invigorated.
Sonya Dakar Super Clear ($57)
This acne clarifying serum helps to quickly fight, fade, and prevent future blemishes for clear skin. This product is specially formulated with 13 plant-based active ingredients that target pores, help clear existing acne, minimize excess oil production, and eliminate blackheads without over-drying. The non-sticky formula uses 98% natural ingredients to steer your skin in the direction of clearness without using force.
Stemology Cell Revive Serum Complete with SRC-7 ($65-$110)
This breakthrough all-natural formula addresses all the signs of facial aging, including fine lines and wrinkles, skin elasticity, firmness and tightness, skin tone, pore refinement, skin thickness, collagen, and free radical damage. SRC-7 is a patent-pending complex of four stem cell technology actives (clinically tested) and three helper ingredients to revitalize skin’s stem cells and improve skin and collagen renewal. Includes three scientifically proven peptide complexes that are shown by clinical tests to firm and tighten skin, and reduce wrinkle appearance
The Honest Company Soothing Therapy Collection ($12.95-$14.95)
The Soothing Therapy Body Wash and Eczema Soothing Therapy Balm are specifically made for eczema-prone skin and safe enough to use on the whole family. Naturally-derived colloidal oatmeal acts as an emollient to soothe dry, itchy skin while prebiotics fuel good bacteria to protect and support skin’s natural barrier. Steroid-free and hypoallergenic, these new, gentle products are seal certified by the National Eczema Association.
We Are Paradoxx Hangover Hair Elixir ($35)
Rehydrate tired, hungover hair with this 97% natural, lifesaving elixir. The luxe oil smoothes tell-tale frizz, giving dull and damaged hair a much-needed boost to get you through a long day. Use on towel-dried hair as a leave-in treatment or on dry hair for a finishing touch of silkiness and shine.
When Revivifying Ultimate Cream with SEANOL ($120)
Famous for their deeply nourishing sheet and cream mask sets, this derm-developed K-Beauty brand has harnessed one of the most innovative (and natural) anti-aging ingredients of land and sea: SEANOL. Derived from antioxidant-rich brown algae (found off the coast of Korean Island, Jeju), SEANOL slows and tames the skin’s aging process by protecting against free-radicals, promoting cellular vitality and providing long-lasting anti-inflammatory benefits. This velvety-smooth cream works to breath life back into the skin as it moisturizes, reduces wrinkles, and brightens for a radiant finish.
[Images courtesy of brands]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk