The Best Products Our Beauty Editors Tried in June 2023
It's critical to switch up your beauty routine with the seasons, and this summer's heat and humidity have been making this clearer than ever.
Our skin and hair simply have different needs when we spend more time under the sun, which is why we spent the last month testing out all kinds of great beauty products, with an emphasis on surviving summer. Curious about the skincare, makeup, hair and bath essentials we loved best? Just keep scrolling to find out which products passed our test.
Good Time Exfoliating Body Bar: $14
If your skin's been feeling slightly less smooth and hydrated in the summer heat, we recommend buffing the ick away with Good Time's Exfoliating Body Bar. It's infused with shea, coconut and more, with pumice stone to work as a physical exfoliant that's fabulous for some pre-shave prep or buffing away layers of dead skin from rough elbows, knees and feet. We also can't get enough of the clean, sea-breezy scent, which will keep you coming back for your weekly exfoliation all summer long.
(via Good Time)
Also read about: 7 Adorable Products to ACTUALLY Making Shaving Fun
Kim Kimble Vanilla Bean Conditioner: $25
Kim Kimble is a hairstylist to some of our favorite celebs, including Beyoncé, Zendaya, Rihanna and more, and now, you can get all of the same benefits they do thanks to her retail products. Kim's Vanilla Bean Conditioner is more than just your average post-wash moisturizing cream. It is also formulated to provide thermal protection from all of your favorite styling tools. Plus, it smells amazing.
(via Kim Kimble)
Three Ships Purify Aloe + Amino Acid Gel Cleanser: $20
If you're like us and struggle to find cleansers that don't leave your skin feeling dry and stretched, we'd like to introduce you to Three Ships' Purify Aloe + Amino Acid Gel Cleanser. This light, citrusy cleanser is extra gentle while being deeply nourishing and cleansing. It gets rid of grime, sweat and makeup without ever stripping your skin, in fact working to replenish your moisture barrier with a blend of amino acids. Plus, you only need one tiny pump to get the job done, so it won't take up much space on your beauty counter.
(via Three Ships)
Day + West Strong Whisper Face Mist: $28
This summer has been giving us all of the hot beach days we could dream of, and one way to combat the heat is with Day + West Strong Whisper Face Mist. We use it when we're out and about in order to keep our faces looking hydrated against the humidity. It works for sensitive skin and can also be used on your entire body. Less is more, so make sure not to overdo the spray!
(via Day + West)
Rael Miracle Clear Trio: $39.99
If your current skincare routine just isn't working for your oily, acne-prone skin, it may be time to try a brand-new multi-step regimen with help from period care brand Rael. The Miracle Clear Trio will replace your current cleanser, toner and face cream with products that target breakouts by exfoliating, reducing oil and strengthening the natural barrier of your skin, without stripping or stressing it out.
(via Rael)
Rael Face Mask Kit: $56.99
Real is an innovative brand that's about providing menstrual care all month long, and its Face Mask Kit contains four skin-boosting face masks for every week of your cycle. The kit contains 20 masks in four different formulations, with different botanical ingredients for different moods. Wear the Hydration mask during your period to replenish dry skin, the Collagen mask to boost your glow the week after your period, the Vitamin C mask the following week to brighten dull skin and the Tea Tree mask to purify congested skin ahead of your next period. Just bask in each mask for 20 minutes to simply look and feel your best.
(via Rael)
Vitamasques Diamond Eye Pads: $2.99
At this point, we're confident we'll never run out of cute and hard-working Vitamasques sheet masks to try, and their Diamond Eye masks, for brightening and de-puffing the under-eye area, were just one of their offerings we fell in love with last month. The masks are infused with real diamond, plus caffeine extracts, making tired eyes look wide awake after just 15 minutes. We love wearing them before important Zoom meetings and how cool and hydrating they feel on our faces.
(via Vitamasques)
Vitamasques Morning Goggle Eye Mask: $3.99
And why does the under-eye area always have to get all the attention? This Morning Goggle Eye Mask, also from Vitamasques, goes on like a heroic domino mask to rejuvenate the skin all around the eyes, including the brows and cheeks, to refresh and protect. It's super chic with its metallic starry pattern and makes skin glow with a blend of silver, caffeine, algae complex, pumpkin and pomegranate.
(via Vitamasques)
Moon Juice G Pack: $58
Moon Juice may be best known for its adaptogenic supplements for wellness and beauty, but they also make fabulous functional skincare products, and we're in love with the new Moon Juice G Pack. This unique powder blends the powerful antioxidant glutathione (which treats melasma, sun damage and acne) with vitamin C and ferulic acid to make your skincare routine more powerful. Whether you add a couple of scoops of the powder to your favorite serum or just water, it works hard to heal skin as well as prevent future damage, and after using it for a few weeks, our skin looks clearer and glowier than ever.
(via Moon Juice)
Herbivore Moon Dew Eye Cream: $48
Tired under-eye areas can start looking even more puffy and noticeable with dehydration in the heat of summer, and on top of drinking plenty of water, you can help to combat them with Herbivore's new Moon Dew Eye Cream. The cream is great for all skin types and includes bakuchiol to target signs of aging, plant peptides to reduce puffiness and smooth creases and honey locust seed to tighten and smooth the eye area, all resulting in a brighter, more awake look—plus a fresh, rejuvenated feel.
(via Herbivore)
Bubble Skincare Solar Mate: $19
Now that summer's here, sunscreen for outdoor activities is a must. It can be hard to find a good mineral sunscreen that doesn't leave a white cast, but Bubble Skincare has come to the rescue. They just released two new sunscreens perfect for summer activities. The Solar Mate sunscreen goes on completely clear and leaves behind no sticky feeling. It's perfect for those with oily skin types and feels lightweight. Bring on the summer fun!
(via Bubble Skincare)
Bubble Skincare Plus One: $19
Summer is the perfect time to achieve that effortless natural glow, and now that has never been easier with Bubble Skincare's new Plus One tinted mineral sunscreen. The light tint blends into your skin with ease and leaves just the right amount of a hydrating, dewy glow. What's even better is that it won't clog your pores and includes an ingredient designed to mattify oily skin. Say goodbye to white casts and hello to your perfect summer glow.
(via Bubble Skincare)
Skin Proud Sorbet Skin: $12.97
If you're looking for a new moisturizer to add to your skincare routine, this is one of our top picks. Skin Proud's Everyday Jelly Moisturizer has a smooth formula that hydrates the skin and feels instantly soothing when applied. As far as using it in a routine, it is best to use this moisturizer after you have applied your serums. The product itself is a perfect travel size to take with you on your next summer trip. We also love that the moisturizer is a bright pink color. What's better than that?
(via Walmart)
Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Lotion SPF 45: $34
Planning for some fun in the sun this summer? Model Winnie Harlow's Cay Skin has you covered with Isle Glow Face Lotion SPF 45. It is made with sea moss for hydration and vitamin B3, which is known to support skin. Plus, it leaves you with a fun, shimmery finish, and without the typical white residue.
(via Cay Skin)
Also read about: How Black Girl Sunscreen CEO Shontay Lundy Is Changing the Narrative Around Suncare
Musely FaceRx The Body Cream: $88
Not everyone can just buy a body cream off the shelf and depend on it to not inflame their sensitive skin or manage their skin concerns, which is what makes Musely's prescription options one-of-a-kind. Their Musely FaceRx The Body Cream is available via a two-month subscription and customized with you in mind. You start by sharing some personal info, including medication use, allergies and previous skin conditions, before sharing what skin issues you want to address and where on the body you want to use it. From there, the site will suggest formulas it thinks will be best for you, and you can make a choice based on your needs. Believe us when we say that a personalized body cream is a game changer for smoothness, hydration and clear skin.
(via Musely)
Poof! Patch: $18
We can't get enough of super-cute pimple patches, and Poof! Patch doesn't just come in great shapes we're proud to wear, but they also do more. These purple blemish patches are designed for the entire body, working not just for acne but also bug bites, scars, ingrown hairs and more. The hydrocolloid patches are also infused with calendula, which helps wounds heal faster, and are waterproof while coming in witchy moon, butterfly and cat shapes (with gems!).
(via Poof! Patch)
Mielle Organics Mango & Tulsi Nourishing Thermal Protectant Spray: $14.99
Heat damage can be a huge problem when it comes to haircare. Mielle Organics' Nourishing Thermal Protectant Spray works for temperatures up to 450° while detailing wavy, coily and curly hair. Just spray directly on your hair before using hot tools like a blow dryer or straightener. Plus, it comes in a Mango & Tulsi scent, the perfect tropical, fruity whiff for summer.
(via Mielle Organics)
Pardon My Fro Detangler Leave-In Conditioner: $16.5
Wash day is a long process, and detangling hair can be a literal pain. Pardon My Fro's Detangler Leave-In Conditioner is designed to help ease that step. Just massage a pump or two into your wet hair before combing to lock in moisture, untangle and save time all at once.
(via Pardon My Fro)
Suave Lush & Coily Curl Defining Cream: $4.99
Show off those curls this summer! Coily hair can be tricky to maintain, especially when you've been in the pool and under the harsh sun all day. Suave Lush & Coily Curl Defining Cream is here to help. Bring the bounce back with added moisture and shine from its shea butter and coconut oil formula. Suave partnered with Ashley Price, aka Pinklomein, on the artwork for the collection, bringing a look that captures Black beauty and adds diversity to the beauty aisle.
(via Target)
Also read about: How to Keep Your Hair Healthy This Summer
LYS Speak Love Smooth Glide Lip Liner Pencil: $15
LYS's Speak Love Smooth Glide Lip Liner Pencil is a creamy matte pencil that comes in a wide spectrum of shades to help you get that perfectly defined look. Pair with a Speak Love Moisture Matte Lipstick for the full effect.
(via LYS Beauty)
Also read about: Our Favorite Lip Plumping Products for Summer 2023
LaBomme Beauty Angle Baby: $20
We all know how hard it can be to get the eyeliner on your left and right eyes to match. LaBomme Beauty's Angle Baby liquid eyeliner is here to help with a 360° pivoting tip. The added flexibility is perfect for reaching corners, using your non-dominant hand to your advantage for the perfect sleek line or winged tip.
(via Labomme)
ColourPop Bronzer Stix: $7
We love using a great bronzer for that instant healthy glow, and it's never been easier to apply the creamy, sun-kissed look than with ColourPop's new Bronzer Stix. They're available in six shades to match your skin tone, providing a natural-looking matte finish that's also easy to build or blend. We also love how portable the sticks are, meaning you can touch up anytime, anywhere.
(via ColourPop)
ColourPop Lite Stix: $7
And if having the ultimate on-the-go bronzer wasn't enough, ColourPop also just released their new Lite Stix, coming in an equally easy-to-carry package while offering dreamy highlights. The finish looks like real skin, making you look effortlessly glowy in three different shades, with a great formula that you can layer to create precisely the look that'll make you most radiant.
(via ColourPop)
Kulfi Mehndi Moment Blush: $28
Don't forget to add color to your cheeks with a little bit of blush from Kulfi. This isn't your grandma's ordinary blush palette. It is a creamy option inspired by Mehndi, so think henna. It is long-lasting and blends well. Plus, a little goes a long way.
(via Kulfi)
Bath & Body Works Sweet Tea Lemonade Foaming Handle Soap: $7.95
We love the role that scent can play in creating new memories, and we can always rely on the folks at Bath & Body Works to create the perfect seasonal smells to really get us into the festive mood. One of their newest summer scents is Sweet Tea Lemonade, and while it's also available in the form of a candle and a Wallflowers refill, our favorite application has been their Sweet Tea Lemonade Foaming Handle Soap. It smells just like a summery Arnold Palmer, combining the sweet earthiness of fresh-brewed sweet tea with the brightness of lemonade to make us look forward to every hand wash.
(via Bath & Body Works)
Holler & Glow Purrfect Pedi Foot Mask: $3.99
If you've ever wanted to try a peeling foot mask, Holler & Glow's Purrfect Pedi Foot Mask is an inexpensive option that'll get you results. Just put the socks on your clean feet, allow to soak for an hour and then rinse to not just moisturize feet with vitamin E and kiwi extract, but also deeply exfoliate away dead skin and calluses with lactic and glycolic acid. In about a week, expect to see your dead skin shed away, revealing the fresh, healthy skin beneath. It's a bit gross, but oh so satisfying.
(via Holler & Glow)
Surf Durt Sunscreen: $24.99
As we're protecting our skin this summer, we're also keeping our health in mind, and Surf Durt may have the cleanest sunscreen formula we've seen. They offer physical sunscreens combining organic, reef-safe and skin-nourishing ingredients in water-resistant formulas, keeping our skin extra safe and happy. Plus, its reusable bamboo container is so stylish and easy to bring with you everywhere.
(via Surf Durt)
Curious about our picks from last month? Click HERE to see the beauty goodies that wowed us in May.