The lengthy Fourth of July weekend marks the official start of summer, even though this year’s summer solstice fell on June 20. Even though we’re spending more time in the sun outside, we still have a lot of time to test out new cosmetics, and July is going to provide some amazing results.
The exciting new seasonal beauty offerings are in full swing along with the summer. We’re impressed by the innovative and better formulas that businesses are releasing in the categories of hair, skin, makeup, body, and scent. There is something for everyone, including hair products that finally smooth that layer of frizz we’re so prone to obtaining, citrus perfumes that smell like summer in a bottle, and glowy facial sunscreen formulae that are actually fun to use.
There are many of new cosmetic launches to stock up on, whether you’re wanting to purchase before you go on vacation (ideally somewhere tropical) or you just like to stay up to date on what’s new and popular in the beauty industry (we can relate). Some of the best new skin care, makeup, hair, and body products for the month have already been discovered by PS editors. See some of our top picks for July’s products by reading on.
Best Facial Cleansing Pads
Olay Face Cleansing Melts ($15)
“With summer comes a lot of travel, so make sure your cosmetic items are as TSA-compliant as possible. With the introduction of the cleansing melts, which are essentially these water-activated pads that dissolve entirely when you add moisture to them, Olay has greatly simplified this process. Your hands become a frothy face wash when you rub them together. Among the cutest and most useful beauty products I’ve seen in a long time, I’ve already started giving a few of these to friends. Whether they are travelling or not, these are essential for everyone.” — Ariel Baker, beauty associate editor
Best Hydrating Moisturizer
Mary Kay Hydrating Moisturizer ($20)
“I want my face products to do less on those hot, muggy, excruciatingly sticky summer days when your skin is basically a breeding ground for sweat droplets and slipping sunscreen and maybe even some congealed makeup.” My skin is already sensitive enough from being in front of every air conditioning unit, so it really can’t take a moisturiser that claims to smooth out my fine lines with a hundred plant extracts or lull me to sleep with its aroma. For this reason, I’ve been going for this new Mary Kay moisturiser night and day: it’s a really good hydrator that leaves my skin feeling protected and comfortable even after it’s been exposed to the weather without any frills, aroma, or fuss.”
Best Purifying Face Mask
La Mer The New Deep Purifying Mask ($170)
“La Mer is the most opulent brand when it comes to skin care products. The brand’s new Deep Purifying Mask is one of my favourite things to use, although I’m very careful about sharing because it’s like attending a five star spa. While my skin feels a little tingly after using this cold mask to help detoxify my skin, the benefits are well worth the discomfort.” Renee Rodriguez, social producer and staff writer
Best Illuminating Sunscreen
Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating Sunscreen SPF 50+ Drops with Ectoin ($46)
“All right, so you get more of a highlight and less of a tint with this SPF. It has light mineral pigments that offer your skin a gentle sheen and a sense of illumination. If you apply makeup on top, it will also give your skin a “lit-from-within” appearance. This SPF also impresses me because it’s made with non-nano zinc that is safe for reefs and blends in seamlessly with skin without leaving a chalky white cast. It’s evidence of innovative beauty design.” – Director of branded content, Aviel Kanter
Best Mineral SPF
Daily Defender SPF 30 by Freaks of Nature ($35)
“A professional surfer is the person I trust the most to have strong opinions about sunscreen.” I therefore couldn’t wait to slather myself in SPF when Kelly Slater, who is considered the surfing industry’s greatest of all time, developed his own product. In addition to its 40-minute water resistance, it is reef safe because it contains non-nano zinc. Because of the vapour dispersion technology, this non-nano zinc SPF applies smoothly and consistently, in contrast to most others that are pasty white and difficult to wear. Because of the vegan shark lipid squalane, it also doesn’t dry out my skin like most zinc SPFs. For those who desire even greater sun protection, it is also available in an SPF 50 version. AK
Best Lip Treatment
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times: I’m quite particular about my lip products, and even though I try a lot of them, only a small number end up in my rotation. Among the few, the Marin Skin Care Lip Treatment is one that I fell in love with after just one application. The brand’s Blueberry French Toast flavour is what initially drew me in; it genuinely tastes like the greatest breakfast you’ve ever had. Their recently introduced Campfire S’mores flavour has quickly grown to be another customer favourite. They taste and smell amazing, but they also keep my lips hydrated and kissable for hours on end.” The RR
When it comes to lip balm, I’m a really hard critic and I don’t just throw them at people. Having said that, I’m a convert after discovering Marin’s new lip treatment with an S’mores scent. Although I personally want my products to be unscented (and I must say, this product has a rather strong scent), the recipe makes up for my dislike of the smell. Wearing it feels fantastic and leaves the lips feeling hydrated and shine. I went down a rabbit hole on their website and discovered that they had an unscented version, so I will most certainly be using that one more frequently.” — ABC
Best Hair Styler
T3 Aire 360 Ceramic Air Styler Blowout Kit ($300)
“I’ve been utilising hair tools from the past. My blow dryer’s paint is flaking off, and my curling iron barely works occasionally. Clearly, an improvement was in order. Presenting the T3 Aire 360 Ceramic Air Styler Blowout Kit ($299), a hair styling tool that combines four functions into one. I can now use the concentrator for harsh drying, the oval brush attachment for smoothing, and the curling attachments for adding a few waves. The best part is that I now have extra room in my bathroom for style supplies.” Executive Director Dawn Davis of Beauty
Best Leave-In Conditioner
Dae Mirage Mist Leave-In Conditioner ($30)
“Amber Fillerup Clark, the founder of Dae, told me she uses the Mirage Mist Leave-In Conditioner for everything. She said she uses it to detangle her kids’ hair, to create beachy waves after going to the beach or pool, to hydrate her ends after taking a shower, to spray on dry hair to add texture and refresh, and you get the idea. I was astonished by how wonderful it smelled and how it caused my natural waves to bounce up when I immediately sprayed it on my ends. I now use it every day.” — JH