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Editors’ Picks: The Beauty and Fashion Products Refreshing Our August Routines – by Ali Webb
Byrdie
August can be a weird time, beauty and fashion-wise. Heat waves are raging on amidst the peak dog days of summer, but at the same time, we often find ourselves looking for a refresh ahead of fall. With this in mind, team Byrdie has been trying plenty of products that beat the heat—think innovative SPFs and luxe body products—as well as fresh fragrances, eye-catching new makeup launches, and wardrobe essentials that truly change the game. Read on for our August 2024 editors’ picks, all of which are primed to help you look and feel your best throughout the transition from summer to fall.
Star Donaldson, social media director
Byrdie
Future Society Floating Forest Hydrating Body Cream
Future Society
I am very rarely impressed by a body cream because I often feel like I’m compromising long-lasting hydration for scent or vice versa—but Future Society’s Floating Forest has met and exceeded my expectations for both. It leaves my skin supple and hydrated without a slick feeling or any pilling, and honestly, my favorite part is it smells heavenly. It features notes of black pepper, cedarwood, and freesia, which gives it a fresh yet woody scent. I’m obsessed and have been getting more compliments on my overall fragrance wardrobe ever since I started applying it daily. I never thought I’d be this into a body cream, but I literally savor every drop.
SkinSmart Facial Cleanser for Acne
SkinSmart
Hypochlorous acid has been trending on TikTok, and now I know it’s for good reason. In the past, I’ve stayed away from the trend because many popular formulas contain witch hazel, which I’m allergic to. I recently tried the SkinSmart Facial Cleanser for Acne (hypochlorous acid is the main ingredient) and was blown away by the difference it made. I spray it every day before I work out, and it’s the first step after cleansing in my morning and nighttime skincare routines. It has almost no scent, comes in a big bottle, and dries clear. I put it to the test when I did a ton of traveling last month—I usually end up with at least one new zit after a plane ride. I applied it before I boarded and after—and I came away with no new breakouts. I’m convinced this is the product that anyone with stubborn acne needs in their routine. It’s worth a try, especially at this price point.
Beia Bikini & Body Scrub
Beia
A good scrub is the best part of my shower routine, and I’ve been loving Beia’s Bikini & Body Scrub this summer. It’s gritty enough to make me feel like I’m getting good exfoliation on my armpits before shaving and on my arms and legs after a long sweaty day. It’s easy to apply, has a natural scent, and rinses off without leaving my shower a mess. In the NYC heat, this is the product that helps me feel truly clean.
Adelaide Giesey, editor
Byrdie
Prequel Multi-Quench Plumping Hydration Serum
Prequel
Any product that promises to strengthen my skin barrier automatically gets added to my testing pile: My chronically dry and super-sensitive skin needs all the help it can get. This month, I finally got around to trying the new Prequel Multi-Quench Plumping Hydration Serum, and this was one of those products that I immediately knew I’d be obsessed with. The texture of the serum is a medium weight—it isn’t runny in your hand yet instantly absorbs on your face. Plus, it didn’t cause any irritation, which had been my biggest concern. The formula is a mix of peptides and glycerin that left my skin looking moisturized, plump, and glowy for hours.
La Mer The Concentrate
La Mer
This summer has been extra harsh on my skin: I’ve had stubborn eczema patches around my eyes and cheeks that no amount of moisturizer or treatment ointments would eliminate. I used to be a religious La Mer The Concentrate user and thought perhaps its healing and anti-inflammatory properties could offer some relief. After just two days of consistent use, I saw significant improvement in levels of redness, dryness, and discomfort. It definitely has a splurge price point, but for the results it promises, it’s worth every penny.
Aerin Amber Musk Santal Eau de Parfum
Aerin
It’s been a long time since I added a new fragrance to my everyday rotation. I am a true creature of habit and tend to stick to the same three or four perfumes on my vanity, so it’s always noteworthy when a new scent enters my lineup. My latest addition is the Aerin Amber Musk Santal Eau de Parfum, which includes three of my all-time favorite notes—amber, sandalwood, and vanilla—to make up a warm and elegant scent. It’s been a great day-to-day fragrance that isn’t overpowering.
Saie Glowy Super Gel in Roseglow
Saie
The OG Saie Glowy Super Gel has been a staple in my routine for years. I love using it as a primer, a liquid highlighter, or mixed in with moisturizer. It feels super lightweight on the skin and I find that it plays super well with other products in my routine, so when they released a new rose gold shade, I was eager to give it a try. Trust me when I say it did not disappoint: I brought it with me on vacation, and it perfectly complemented my rosy (okay, maybe slightly sunburnt) complexion. It still delivers that signature lit-from-within glow I know and love from the original formula, but with a dreamy pink undertone. This is one of my favorite summer staples that will likely stick around in my makeup bag through the fall.
Jasmine Phillips, social media editor
Byrdie
Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm
Eadem
It’s been a while since I got excited about a lip product. Then came Eadem’s Le Chouchou Exfoliating + Softening Peptide Lip Balm, and I haven’t put it down since it arrived in the mail. The metal applicator provides a cooling effect and helps the product glide on effortlessly, and my lips feel hydrated and look plump thanks to ingredients like African mongogo butter hexapeptide. While I think all of the shades complement my skin tone—which is rare—my go-to has been Boba Bounce, a beautiful rich brown.
Tower 28 SOS Daily Balancing Gel Cleanser
Tower 28
I love Tower 28’s SOS line, so I was excited to learn that the brand launched a cleanser. It easily removes the entire day—I’m talking sweat, grime, SPF, and makeup. The formula is gentle so my skin never feels stripped, and it removes mascara without any burn or irritation. This cleanser fits easily into my daily routine and is ideal for use before the brand’s SOS Rescue Spray.
Third Love Front Close Racerback Bra
Third Love
Third Love has quickly become my favorite brand for bras because of how lightweight and comfortable they are—I almost forget I’m wearing one sometimes. My favorite part of this bra is the front clasp, which makes putting it on and taking it off 10 times easier. The semi-sheer material is great for hot summer days, and even though it has a racerback, it doesn’t create tension in the shoulders.
LSpace x Anthropologie Sunrise Shell One Piece
LSpace x Anthropologie
I’ve been in my one-piece swimwear era, and this LSpace x Anthropologie collab came just in time for my island vacation. It’s great quality, offers medium coverage, and the seashell-shaped bust and pearl detailing on the straps having me living my Little Mermaid dreams.
Ali Webb, associate style editor
Byrdie
Saltair Lip Oil Balm in Goji
Saltair
Saltair’s Lip Oil Balm is the under-$10 gem that not everyone knows about yet—but those who do are obsessed, as it keeps selling out. Thanks to coconut oil, murumuru, shea butter, and more, this balm provides effective hydration and a glossy finish—all with a coconut vanilla flavor and an array of subtle yet pigmented tints. The brand recently doubled the product’s shade range, and my favorite new offering is Goji, a pinkish red that feels perfect for late summer.
Dove Body Scrub with Crushed Cherries and Chia Milk
Dove Body Scrub
I regularly exfoliate in the summer to prep my skin for shaving and provide a glow boost, so it’s so important to have a product that’s effective without being too abrasive—with a bit of nourishment, too. Dove has come through with this body scrub, which includes the same moisturizing cream as the brand’s signature body bars as well as gentle physical exfoliators from natural sources (no microbeads here). All the scrubs smell amazing and leave skin feeling refreshed but never stripped, and lately, my favorite has been the cherries and chia milk version for a gourmand summer shower moment.
Vacation Studio Tone SPF 50 Bronzing Drops
Vacation
I’m really solid about applying sunscreen on my face every day year-round—which means sometimes during the summer or in warmer locales, I find myself on a quest to create my own sun-kissed glow. This recent launch from Vacation actually allows me to achieve sun protection and a color boost in a single step—plus it’s easy to apply in layers to control the bronzing effect. The packaging has a retro aesthetic that feels straight out of a Slim Aarons leisure universe, but the innovations are thoroughly modern to deliver a multi-tasking SPF product.
Studs Crown Marquise Flatback Stud
Studs
I have a lot of ear piercings and keep most of them in 24/7, so flatback studs have been a game-changer for me. At first, Studs was only offering flatbacks for its piercing jewelry offerings, but the brand now has a growing range of options available online, including reversible styles and 14k plating. I got several recently and am so excited to experiment—my favorite is this pretty crown marquise, as it’s dainty yet statement-making and I’m obsessed with how it looks in unique placements like the conch (which I have and love).
Eden Stuart, editor
Byrdie
Andie Swim The Malibu One Piece
Andie Swim
There’s something about a one-piece bathing suit that just feels so elegant—like you should be emerging from the pool in a Hitchcock movie. This maillot from Andie is a little too modern for a Golden Age film, but with the button-down neckline, fabric that holds you in without that sausage feeling, and medium coverage, it still feels super sophisticated, albeit in a more casual way. Even though basically all of my other suits have the high leg cut that will always be near and dear to my heart (and butt), this might actually be the one I feel most confident in.
EltaMD UV Clear Deep Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
EltaMD
The heat has been next level this summer, so I’ve generally been eschewing foundations in favor of skin tints and—more often than not—tinted SPFs with a drop of skin tint for blurring. Most days, I’ve been wearing this newer offering from EltaMD, which provides mineral UVA/UVB coverage without the dreaded white cast. It pairs beautifully with my beloved Ciele Tint & Protect, giving me lots of protection and just the right amount of makeup coverage.
Brown Sugar Babe It Girl Nourishing Body Oil
Brown Sugar Babe
I don’t know how to describe it, but Kayla Greaves just looks like she’d smell amazing—and I can confirm that indeed, she does. (She’s my friend, so it isn’t weird for me to say this!) She collaborated with Brown Sugar Babe to create a fragrance oil that quite literally bottles that energy. The notes of bergamot, black pepper, amber, myrrh, Bulgarian Rose, patchouli, vetiver, and musk come together to create a scent that feels light and floral but has a real depth. I recently wore it to an event and got countless “What are you wearing?” queries, so one could say it made me feel like… an It Girl. (I’ll see myself out.)
Bella Cacciatore, news editor
Byrdie
Robert Piguet Fracas Eau Fraîche
Robert Piguet
I’ve always loved the idea of white floral fragrances, but they often feel like a little too much, especially in the cloying heat. But this new twist on Robert Piguet’s iconic scent—beloved by miss Marilyn Monroe—has made me a convert. The sensual, creamy jasmine, tuberose, and gardenia notes are definitely there, but opening notes of bergamot and mandarin and a soft musky base keep it feeling light and bright rather than excessively sensual. It has a fizzy, effervescent feeling—like a fancy soda—that’s made it a go-to for me all summer long.
Maybelline Firework Mascara
Maybelline
I have been very loyal to a different drugstore mascara for about 10 years, but this new addition from Maybelline is making me change my ways. It’s really amazing—the name Firework couldn’t be better suited, as it adds tons of volume and fans out my lashes for a gorgeous, fluttery look. It’s not stiff or crunchy, and it doesn’t flake or smudge. Basically, it does everything it needs to do and more, for under $15. Obsessed.
Kosas Hotliner Lip Liner
Kosas
I’m not afraid to say it: I tried the Kosas Hotliners after Olivia Jade featured them and their incredible staying power in a TikTok. Thank God I’m so easily influenced, because these are one of my favorite launches of late. The colors are great—they’re very realistic and don’t run orange or candy pink as most do on me—and the creamy formula is so comfy. They glide right on, but don’t move once set, which has been a lifesaver in this heat wave. Even if the rest of my makeup is dripping down my face, I know my lip liner is on lock.
Olivia Hancock, editor
Byrdie
Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick
Charlotte Tilbury
This summer, I’ve been rotating through different skin tints and light-coverage foundations. The latest one to earn a spot in my routine? Charlotte Tilbury’s Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick. The formula is incredibly creamy and blends effortlessly, leaving you with a second-skin finish. I also appreciate that this formula is incredibly moisturizing, featuring a blend of hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and radish seed oil. My skin looks unbelievably glowy and softly blurred after swiping this on.
Ami Colé Soft Shape Waterproof Lip Liner in Lac Rose
Ami Cole
This lip liner has been such an impressive addition to my collection. The waterproof pencil is incredibly creamy (thanks to ingredients like marula oil), so it glides on like a dream while delivering tons of pigment. My favorite shade is Lac Rose, a warm pink, and I pair it with the brand’s Lip Treatment Oil in Bliss. The combination is *chef’s kiss*.
Sofie Pavitt Face Micellar Cleansing Pads
Sofie Pavitt Face
I can’t rave enough about Sofie Pavitt’s skincare brand. The Micellar Cleansing Pads, in particular, are a new staple in my on-the-go makeup bag. These non-comedogenic micellar pads also contain glycerin, a humectant, allowing them to easily remove dirt or makeup without stripping your skin or leaving behind a film. I like to use these in the morning to refresh my skin and at night as the first step in my cleansing routine.
Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedges
Crocs
Black sandals are a summer staple, and I was in need of a new pair (I wore my last pair till they were raggedy). Per my friend’s recommendation, I purchased these wedges from Crocs, and I’ve been wearing them daily since I received them. They’re comfy enough to wear while commuting or walking around the city, as they’re made with the brand’s Croslite foam footbeds. Plus, the simple yet chic design makes them easy to pair with any outfit.
Samantha Brash, director of content strategy
Byrdie
Lucky in Love In It to Win It Dress
Lucky in Love
I don’t play tennis (very well, at least), but I do play pickleball, and half the reason is that I like to dress the part. Lucky in Love designs the cutest women’s golf and tennis apparel, but you really can wear it no matter what summer activity you’re headed to.
Sézane Jewellery Box
Sezane
If any brand does Paris-inspired fashion best, it’s Sézane. My jewelry collection has grown in the last few months, and during my search for a place to house it, I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon this box from Sézane. It’s spacious enough to keep all my baubles safe and chic enough to display on my dresser.
Olivella Olitox Lift Face Oil
Olivella
Olive oil is a powerhouse—and more than just nutritionally. No one knows this better than Italian brand Olivella, whose products are like “the Mediterranean diet for your skin.” Its new Olitox Lift Face Oil is a blend of coffee seed oil to brighten, bakuchiol (a natural alternative to retinol) for fine lines and wrinkles, squalane for hydration and firmness, and—of course—100% purified extra virgin olive oil.
Derek Deng, associate content editor
Byrdie
Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection Blurring Under-Eye Powder
Pat McGrath Labs
Once you go pink, you’ll never go back. For fair to medium skin tones, this baby pink under-eye powder from Pat McGrath is the cherry on top for my face routine, tying together my under-eye concealer and cheek colors to make for a seamless transition. It’s a subtle touch, but the pink hue adds a brightening and multidimensional finish to your base.
Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Lip Balm
Grown Alchemist
This lip balm checks off all the lip balm boxes: It’s nourishing, non-sticky, smells scrumptious, and leaves behind a delicate, glossy finish. As an Accutane survivor, my lips require frequent maintenance—this balm lets me be low-maintenance, and has the added benefits of a lip gloss as well.
St. Rose Good Omens Scented Candle
St. Rose
It’s easy to lose sight of the fact that your home is a sacred space where you nourish your soul—this candle reminds me of the importance of that. Good Omens envelops my space in a livening but not overpowering cloud of sandalwood, incense, and amber notes. An added bonus: Its sleek and minimalist packaging makes for an elegant decoration on any nightstand.
Lauren Pardee, senior commerce editor
Byrdie
Gucci Luminous Matte Beauty Blush
Gucci
Perfect for hot summer days, this ultra-light, matte powder blush is the sheer pop of color I’ve relied on during those sweat-your-makeup-off outings. If I’m barely putting anything on, this blush is making the cut. The color is super buildable and blendable, allowing me to apply it fearlessly—and since it’s a powder, it counteracts any stickiness or shine while imparting a natural blush that gives sun-kissed. Oh, and I recommend the hue Intense Plum—it’s stunning.
Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen SPF 30
Summer Fridays
If there is one thing I stand for in the skincare realm, it’s a milky formula—so here I go with my metaphorical megaphone on my soapbox singing the praises of another product in the category: Summer Friday’s ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen. It’s deliciously creamy, hydrating without feeling greasy, and is cast-free despite having zinc oxide in the formula. I love how it’s lightweight and easy to spread, too, which aren’t the most common qualities of a mineral sunscreen. And it imparts a nice glowy sheen, perfect for a no-makeup day or as the base of your look.
Dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream and Taming Wand
Dae
‘Tis the season of frizz and flyaways—that was, until Dae released the Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream and Taming Wand. Comparable in size to mascara, this wand is ideal for swiping down rogue hairs or styling edges, then tossing it in your bag for touchups later. It has a lovely citrus scent and is made of antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, and fatty acids that lock in moisture, condition, and impart a glossy sheen without making hair look or feel greasy. It’s almost like you don’t have any product in at all.
Tyler McGillivary Seed Packet Pants
Tyler McGillivary
NYC is next-level hot and muggy this season. Dressing comfortably is the only option, and these 100% cotton, high-rise, straight-legged pants are keeping my style together. Yes, to the elastic waistband and baggy fit, and yes to the adorable seed print that ignites my coastal grandmother self.
Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder
Huda Beauty
All the hype on socials led me to this Huda Beauty setting powder, and I’m here to confirm that I’ve jumped on the bandwagon. Whether I’m full glam or going minimal, this loose baking and setting powder in Cherry Blossom is my key to looking airbrushed while absorbing all the sweat and oil that comes with existing in summer. It’s medium-coverage, so you can build it up to whatever look you desire or keep it light with a gentle brush swipe. Either way, it’s stunning and a staple in my makeup bag.
Alyssa Kaplan, associate commerce editor
Byrdie
Commodity Juice Expressive Eau de Parfum
Commodity
I typically gravitate towards warm, smoky scents, so it takes a lot for a fruity fragrance to captivate me—but this one has quickly become a favorite. Notes of strawberry, raspberry, and rhubarb combine to create a fruity scent that’s bright and tart with a hint of sweetness. It warms up a bit on the skin and lasts nicely throughout the day. I think it’s the perfect perfume as we transition from summer into fall.
Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Soothing Gel
Illiyoon
It’s challenging for me to find a gel moisturizer that gives my oily skin adequate hydration without contributing to greasiness. This affordable pick became an immediate favorite for me after my first application. The texture is incredibly lightweight, yet it instantly quenches dryness, leaving my skin glowy (but not oily) and comfortable all day. It also layers with other skincare and makeup products seamlessly, which is a major plus.
Glossier Lip Line Enhancing Hydrating Longwear Lip Liner Pencil
Glossier
Glossier nailed it with this new lip liner. It comes in a variety of neutral shades with different depths and undertones, applies smoothly, and lasts through your morning coffee and into the afternoon. My personal favorite shade is Buff, a neutral brown that pairs beautifully with whatever lip gloss I apply on top.
Rhode Pocket Blush
Rhode
It’s no secret that there’s been a massive influx of new blushes on the market lately, but this cream blush stick from Rhode has really stood out in my collection. The formula is smooth and creamy, and it melts into the skin seamlessly, leaving behind a wash of color and a subtle dewy finish. I love that the shade range offers neutrals and vivid hues, and each one offers buildable pigment.
Caitlyn Martyn, associate commerce editor
Byrdie
Prequel Lucent-C Brightening Vitamin C Serum
Prequel
One of my goals this summer was to take care of residual acne scarring, sun damage (ironic, I know), and other hyperpigmentation on my face. In addition to keeping my face covered and lathered in SPF, I’ve incorporated this vitamin C serum into my routine. Within a few weeks, I’ve noticed my skin looking more luminous and even-toned, and—best of all—I’ve gotten so many compliments on my newfound glow.
Bydee Madrid One Piece in Salsa
Bydee
Ahead of my Euro summer travels, a friend gifted me this swimsuit and—let me tell you—it was the best thing I wore during my entire trip. Aside from being absolutely adorable, it was comfortable enough for diving off of a boat in the Mediterranean, had decent compression to hold me in, and showed off just the right amount of my back, chest, and legs so I could get a little color without causing a wardrobe malfunction.
Divi Dry Shampoo
Divi
I love dry shampoo; it’s the only reason I can put off wash day and keep a blowout longer than two days. This dry shampoo from scalp and hair health brand Divi sops up oil while also mitigating product buildup (something most other dry shampoos cause during use, resulting in even more oil production—ironic, huh). Formulated with a blend of amino acids that strengthen the hair, fight frizz, and attend to breakage, I can spritz this without feeling like I’m making hair buildup or damage worse. Plus, it boosts volume almost immediately: a win-win.
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