The 21 Best Beauty Products of August, According to Cosmo’s Beauty Editors
The Best Beauty Products of the Moment, According to Cosmo’s Beauty Editors As Cosmopolitan‘s beauty director, I spend my days…
The Best Beauty Products of the Moment, According to Cosmo’s Beauty Editors
As Cosmopolitan‘s beauty director, I spend my days testing the newest skincare, makeup, haircare, and perfumes. I’m lucky, I know. But when people ask me what’s good, my mind often goes blank. “Uh, CeraVe?” I mumble, which, no shade to CeraVe (it’s the G.O.A.T. for a reason), but there’s a world of other incredible products out there that deserve your attention.
So, this month, with the help of my fellow beauty editors, I’ve pulled together a definitive list of the 21 products we’re genuinely obsessed with right now. This is more than just a list—it’s a peek inside our personal makeup bags and bathroom cabinets. Consider it your ultimate beauty shopping list for the month.
Ahead, you’ll find everything from a $6 mascara that works wonders on tiny lashes to an exfoliating body bar that smells better than any dessert, plus a skin tint one editor has crowned the greatest of all time.
Skincare We Can’t Stop Using
Soft Services Affogato L’Orange Buffing Bar Body Exfoliant ($26)
“I’m usually indifferent to scented body care, but the smell of this exfoliating bar is mouthwatering,” says Beauty Director Lauren Balsamo. “The notes of juicy citrus, warm vanilla, and rich coffee come together in the most delicious way. It’s such a treat to use in the shower.”
Banu Sulfur Spot Treatment for Acne and Blemishes ($30)
Assistant Beauty Editor Jasmine Hyman swears by this for stubborn breakouts. “When I feel a super-painful pimple coming on, I dab on this sulfur acne spot treatment. It’s not overly drying and calms angry breakouts overnight without the need for irritating actives.”
Drunk Elephant Plump-C Tripeptide Lippe Mask with Vitamin C ($28)
Beauty Editor Beth Gillette loves this lip mask for overnight use. “When I wake up, my lips are not only smooth as butter but also a little bit fuller. It’s loaded with peptides to give that plush look and fills in all the cracks. It feels really good—rich and hydrating without being sticky.”
TULA Skin Care ‘Spresso Energizing Eye Balm ($38)
Another pick from Beth, this eye balm is a daily essential. “It hydrates and adds a slight sheen to make my under-eyes look so bright and awake. I put this on every morning before concealer (or even by itself), and my under-eyes have, genuinely, never looked so good.”
Sunday Riley Peacekeeper Azelaic and Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum ($85)
“I fully went through a whole bottle of this in about a month and a half,” says Beth. “It helps exfoliate gently to clear breakouts while also soothing irritation and reducing redness.”
Dove Ultra Gentle Balm Intimate Balm ($20)
Beauty Editor-at-Large Julee Wilson is excited about Dove’s entry into intimate wellness. “This gentle balm keeps my lady bits hydrated and fresh with a blend of coconut oil, shea butter, mango seed butter, jojoba oil, and hyaluronic acid.”
SOLARA SUNCARE Clean Freak Nutrient Boosted Sunscreen SPF 30 ($28)
Lauren calls this one of the best mineral sunscreens for beach days. “The 18 percent zinc oxide formula has a minimal white cast, but with a little rubbing, it disappears quickly. It’s gentle and water-resistant, making it perfect for swimming and sweating.”
Osmia Lavender Body Mousse ($55)
“The texture is so unique—once you massage it into the skin, the fluffy mousse turns into a light oil,” says Lauren. “The formula is more moisturizing than anything else I’ve tried. It’s exactly what my dry skin needs after a long day in the sun.”
Saint Jo 01 Cleanse ($48)
For sensitive skin, Lauren recommends this face wash. “It’s so gentle that I wasn’t even sure it was fully taking off my SPF and makeup, but my skin was totally clean post-cleanse, without the slightest bit of tightness or dryness.”
Augustinus Bader The Elixir ($550)
“Okay, let’s address the price tag. Yes, it’s a lot,” says Julee. “But if you’re looking for a fancy serum that’s backed by science and helps make your skin feel brand new, then this is a sound investment.”
Makeup We Can’t Stop Using
Armani Beauty Golden Hour 24HR Lightweight Skin Tint ($49)
“I had no idea it would quickly become my favorite skin tint of all time,” says Beth. “It has a blurring look once it dries but also makes my face look hydrated and plump.”
Maed Revive Lip Balm for Barrier Repair in Reckon ($24)
“This is an everyday brownish plum that makes me look alive and fab!” says Julee. “Beyond a wash of dope, glossy color, it’s packed with lip barrier support actives like squalane and raspberry seed oil. It’s a top-five lip balm in my book.”
OLEHENRIKSEN Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment in Peach Glaze ($22)
“This is the Ole Pout Preserve formula I know and love but with a sweet fruity scent and sheer peachy tint that’s perfect for summer,” says Lauren.
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Skin Ink 2-in-1 Foundation Concealer ($15)
Lauren uses this as a foundation. “Most days, I just use this concealer all over my face. The applicator is big, and the lightweight formula wears perfectly on my oily skin without getting patchy.”
Kosas Soulgazer Lengthening Mascara + Lash Serum ($28)
Jasmine likes this for its subtle effect. “It supports lash strength, and didn’t flake or smudge once during a sweaty 12-hour day.”
Unleashia Sunset Dazzle Gloss Balm No.1 Malibu ($16)
“This formula does everything you could need in a lip product,” says Jasmine. “It delivers serum-like hydration and is super pigmented. I also appreciate the innovative silicone applicator—it’s so comfortable on my lips.”
SheGlam Lashlighter Up & Out Mascara ($6)
“I have teeny tiny eyelashes, so it’s extra special when I discover a mascara like this one that can make my natural lashes look existent and amazing,” says Julee. “The innovative lifting brush gives my lashes curl, volume, and length.”
Haircare & Fragrance We Can’t Stop Using
K18 HeatBounce Leave-In Conditioner Heat Protectant ($48)
“When K18 announced their first heat protectant, I knew it would be good,” says Jasmine. “The mist protects against heat and UV damage by penetrating the cortex of the hair. It’s so nourishing that it even acts as a hydrating hair mask.”
Philosophy Hair & Body Perfume Mist Pistachio Paradise ($28)
Beth describes this as more than just a body mist. “It feels so moisturizing and soothing on both my skin and hair. The pistachio scent instantly cozies me up, and it adds a gourmand touch to any of my fragrances I layer it with.”
ORS Olive Oil Braidzone Fertilizing Serum ($10)
“I’ve been using this hair serum for a full month now and, to my utter surprise, I’m seeing some real results,” says Julee. “I had some breakage around my edges, and this serum is really helping promote my regrowth journey.”
Tree Hut Hydraglow Body Serum Santal Haze ($12)
“This new serum is a great addition to my shower routine,” says Jasmine. “It is super silky and sinks into the skin nicely without feeling heavy or sticky. I’m especially obsessed with the Santal Haze scent—it leaves you smelling fresh and cozy.”
