34 Editor-Approved Beauty Products Worth Buying This July
The summer solstice may have been on June 20 this year, but it really starts to feel like summer when the long Fourth of July weekend finally arrives. Though we're spending more time outdoors basking in the sun, we still have plenty of time to test new beauty products, and July is about to produce quite the haul.
Summer is in full swing, and so are the new and exciting seasonal beauty launches. In the hair, skin, makeup, body, and fragrance categories, brands have been turning out new and improved formulations, and we're impressed. From glowy facial sunscreen formulas that are actually enjoyable to apply to citrus perfumes that smell like summer in a bottle and hair products that finally smooth that veil of frizz we're so prone to getting, there's something for everyone.
Whether you're looking to do some shopping before you head out on vacation (hopefully to somewhere tropical) or you just like to keep tabs on what's new and hot in the beauty industry (we can relate), there are plenty of new beauty launches to stock up on. PS editors have already found some of the best new hair, makeup, skin, and body products for the month. Keep reading to find some of our favorite product picks for July.
Best Facial Cleansing Pads
Olay Face Cleansing Melts ($15)
"Summer means a ton of travel and with that, condensing your beauty products to fit as many TSA regulations as possible. Olay has made this process infinitely easier with the release of the cleansing melts — they're essentially these water-activated pads that dissolve completely when you add moisture to them. When you rub your hands together, they turn into a foamy facial cleanser. This is one of the coolest and most functional beauty products that I've come across in a while and I've already started gifting a few to friends. Everybody needs these whether they're traveling or not." — Ariel Baker, associate editor, beauty
Best Hydrating Moisturizer
Mary Kay Hydrating Moisturizer ($20)
"On those hot, humid, painfully sticky summer days — when your skin is basically a breeding ground for sweat droplets and slipping sunscreen and maybe even some congealed makeup — I want my facial products to do less. My sensitive skin already goes through enough when I stick it in front of every A/C unit, and frankly it can't handle a moisturizer that promises to lull me to sleep with its scent or smooth my fine lines with a hundred plant extracts. That's why, night and day, I've been reaching for this new moisturizer from Mary Kay: it's no frills, no fragrance, no fuss — just a really good hydrator that makes my skin feel safe and comforted, even after it weathers the elements." — Kelsey Castañon, senior content director, PS
Best Purifying Face Mask
La Mer The New Deep Purifying Mask ($170)
"When it comes to skin-care products, it really doesn't get more luxurious than La Mer. Using the brand's new Deep Purifying Mask is akin to visiting a five star spa, which makes it one of my favorite products to use — but one I'm definitely stingy about sharing. It's a cooling mask that helps detoxify skin, and although it leaves my skin a little tingly, the results are totally worth it." — Renee Rodriguez, staff writer and social producer
Best Acne Treatment
Sofie Pavitt Face Reset Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Mask ($44)
"I don't often get breakouts (not because of good luck, but a reliable dose of spironolactone), but when I do, they're always along my chin. The Sofie Pavitt Face Reset Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Mask is what I reach for when that happens. Developed by the acne whisperer herself, aesthetician Sofie Pavitt, the cream mask helps draw out impurities and gunk and kills acne-causing bacteria. I like that this one doesn't dry to a hard (read: uncomfortable and tight) clay, and you only need to wear it for a few minutes." - Jessica Harrington, senior editor, beauty
"The Sofie Pavitt Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Mask was my first foray into any benzoyl peroxide product and my first time testing anything Sofie Pavitt had made, and I've got to admit — I was immediately impressed. Just using it once seemed to visibly calm pimples on my chin and cheeks, so I've already promised myself I'll use it once a day to help me battle the hormonal acne I've been dealing with monthly." — RR
Best Illuminating Sunscreen
Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating Sunscreen SPF 50+ Drops with Ectoin ($46)
"Ok, so this SPF gives you less of a tint and more of a highlight. It contains sheer mineral pigments to give your skin just a hint of illumination and a nice subtle sheen, which also gives a "lit-from-within" quality if you add makeup on top. I'm also impressed with this SPF since it's another one formulated with reef-safe non-nano zinc that blends easily into the skin and doesn't leave a chalky white cast. It's a testament to beauty innovation." – Aviel Kanter, director, branded content
Best Lip Treatment
Marin Lip Treatment ($20)
"If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times — I am picky AF when it comes to my lip products, and while I test out plenty, only a few make it into my regular rotation. The Marin Skin Care Lip Treatment is one of the few that I became obsessed with after just one use. I first fell in love with the brand's Blueberry French Toast flavor, which literally tastes like you're eating the best breakfast of your life. They just launched their Campfire S'mores flavor, which has easily become another favorite. Plus, not only do they smell and taste like a million bucks, but they also keep my lips hydrated and kissable for hours on end." — RR
"I'm a pretty tough critic when it comes to lip balm — I don't recommend them to people all willy nilly. That said, I came across Marin's new S'mores-scented lip treatment and I am officially a convert. While I typically prefer unscented products (and I will admit, the scent here is kind of strong), the formula overrides any issues I have with the smell. It is shiny yet hydrating on the lips and just feels good when wearing it. I fell down a rabbit hole on its website and saw that they have an unscented version so that one will definitely be entering my rotation." — AB
Best Brightening Face Mask
Danucera Master Mask ($115)
"Rescue Spa in NYC has hands-down my favorite facials, and the line of products made by its founder, Danuta Mieloch, are equally as fantastic. The brand's latest launch is an ultra-moisturizing mask, which goes on the skin with an almost shocking neon orange hue caused by microalgae. However, underneath the orange, the ingredients are working hard to brighten and replenish the skin. I love that you can also use it as a conductor for at-home microcurrent and LED devices — it's truly a multitasker. Every time I use it, my skin feels more elastic and hydrated." — AK
Best Mineral SPF
Freaks of Nature Daily Defender SPF 30 ($35)
"There's no one I trust more to have strong opinions about sunscreen than a pro surfer. So when arguably the GOAT of surfing himself — Kelly Slater — released his own SPF, I could not wait to slather it all over myself. Beyond having 40 minutes of water resistance, it's also made with non-nano zinc, making it reef safe. While most non-nano zinc SPFs are pasty white and kind of the worst to wear, this one goes on silky and uniform (thanks to the vapor dispersion tech). It also doesn't dry out my skin like most zinc SPFs, which is thanks to the vegan shark lipid squalane. It also comes in an SPF 50 for those who want even stronger sun protection." — AK
Best Soothing Moisturizer
Dr. Jart+ Skincare Cicapair Milky Lotion Moisturizer ($52)
"My skin's big two problem areas are redness and sun damage. Dr. Jart's Cicapair line has long been my go-to for soothing the redness issue, and I've been loving the newest addition to the collection. The Milky Lotion is somewhere between a toner and a moisturizer, so I'm calling it an emulsion. I apply it when I would typically apply a thicker serum, meaning after a toner or water-based serum (your vit c's and hyaluronic acid serums) and before my day or night cream. My skin has been drinking it up — and looking less inflamed." — AK
Best Facial Exfoliator
Oak Essentials Renew Face Polish ($58)
"I'm not a huge fan of physical exfoliants and typically prefer to allow my acid serums and masks to do the heavy lifting, but sometimes you just need a light scrub to really bring your skin back to life. The Oak Essentials Renew Face Polish is a gentle, vitamin-rich scrub polish that uses upcycled pineapple exfoliants to buff away dead skin cells, leaving your complexion glowing. I love how hydrating it is, and how quick and easy it is to use." - JH
RPZL x GB Claw Clip in Kiwi
RPZL x GB Claw Clip in Kiwi ($25)
"Frankly I'm trying to forget most of the fashion and beauty choices I made in the early 2000s, but I can't quite kick the love I have for the claw clip. Functional, fun, and just a little flirty, I can't get enough of them. Newly added to my arsenal is this neon green cutie from the limited-edition RPZL and Grey Bandit collaboration, which is quickly becoming my summer go-to. You can also get the clamp in blue, or if you're really of the Y2K spirit, opt for a pink starfish-shaped iteration." — KC
Best Hair Styler
T3 Aire 360 Ceramic Air Styler Blowout Kit ($300)
"I've been using ancient hair tools. The paint is chipping off my blow dryer; my curling iron only sometimes turns on. It was definitely time for an upgrade. Enter: T3 Aire 360 Ceramic Air Styler Blowout Kit ($299), which is essentially four hair tools in one. Now, I can rough dry with the concentrator, smooth with the oval brush attachment, and add a few waves with the curling attachments. Best of all, I've made space in my bathroom for more styling products." — Dawn Davis, executive director, beauty
Best Leave-In Conditioner
Dae Mirage Mist Leave-In Conditioner ($30)
"I attended the launch party for the Mirage Mist Leave-In Conditioner with Amber Fillerup Clark, the founder of Dae, and she told me she uses it for everything: she puts it in her kids' hair to detangle, uses it after the beach or pool to create beachy waves, applies it to her ends out of the shower to hydrate, sprays it on dry hair to refresh and add texture — you get the idea. I sprayed it on my ends right then and there and was amazed by how great it smelled and how it made my natural waves bounce up. I use it daily now." — JH
Best Hair Styling Gel
Djerf Avenue Beauty On The Go Styling Gel ($22)
"It was only a matter of time before influencer Matilda Djerf capitalized on her signature blowout and made a hair-care line. Djerf Avenue Beauty launched with two products — a styling gel (which comes with a light fragrance or fragrance-free) and a styling mist. It's safe to say I've become obsessed with both. The styling gel in particular is my new go-to for a slick-back bun, since it somehow manages to hold back my nearly-grown-out bangs without getting crunchy. It's also the only hold gel that has successfully kept my front strands securely in place while driving with all my windows down along the PCH." — AK
Herbal Essences Grape Seed Shampoo
Herbal Essences Grape Seed Shampoo ($11)
"I haven't colored my hair in decades — a fact I blame on the chunky highlights I begged my mom to let me get in middle school and that still haunt me to this day — but I do experience dullness, so I'm always looking for a hit of shine in my hair-care routine. I appreciate that I got it from something as simple as a shampoo; this one from Herbal Essences is infused with grapeseed oil, an antioxidant that defends against UV rays that lead to color fading. More importantly for me, it took my otherwise bland brown hair from boring to 'expensive brunette' in just one wash." — KC
Best Red Light Hair Tool
HigherDose Red Light Hat ($449)
"I've long been a fan of red light therapy for my face and body, but this red light hat introduced me to the power of using it on my head. What looks like a normal baseball cap from the outside is actually a powerful beauty tool that helps strengthen your hair by increasing blood flow, reducing shedding, and encouraging new growth. Hair thinning runs in my family, so you best believe I've been wearing this thing every night for 10 minutes to help combat that." — JH
Best Leave-In Lotion
Tresemmé Perfecting Leave-In Lotion ($6)
"I currently have in Bora Bora braids and I do have to admit: they're a little more high maintenance that other box braid styles I've done in the past. Still, I've gotten creative with keeping knots and tangles away, and one of the products that i've been wearing by is this leave-in conditioner. It doesn't flake or leave behind any residue, so I can go longer in between washes. I've also been pairing it with a mousse and my hair has honestly been looking brand new for weeks now." — AB
Best Lip Crayon
Thrive Causemetics EmpowerMatte Precision Lipstick Crayon ($28)
"The Thrive Causemetics EmpowerMatte Precision Lipstick Crayons are like a liner, lipstick hybrid. The fine point makes it easy to line my cupid's bow before filling in the rest of my lips. The color Kaisa is a stunning dusty rose that can be worn every day. The pigment has a soft, comfortable matte finish, and I like to layer a gloss on top for some shine. What's even better, Thrive Causemetics donates both products and money to a handful of nonprofit partners, meaning your purchase helps do some good." — JH
Best Liquid Blush
Huda Beauty Blush Filter Soft Glow Liquid Blush ($21)
"This time of year, I want my skin to look naturally sun-kissed — even though I wear three layers of SPF 50 and have gotten zero actual sun. This Huda Beauty Blush Filter Soft Glow Liquid Blush in Watermelon Pop ($21) gives me exactly the look I'm going for. The shade has a warm quality that makes it look super natural, and the pigmented formula is buildable but also blends easily with all the sunscreen I layer underneath." — DD
Vacation Studio Tone SPF 50 Bronzing Drops for Face
Vacation Studio Tone SPF 50 Bronzing Drops for Face ($20, originally $28)
"An old boss of mine used to call me into her office to watch old YouTube videos that would help explain the beauty references she'd use in magazine copy, and this launch of the Vacation Studio Tone Bronzing Drops really brought me back to that moment. Only in this case, she was showing me L'Oreal's iconic Studio Line from the 1980s, which Vacation reimagined to perfection. (The brand gets most of its inspiration from 80s culture and vibes.) The best part, though, has to be what's inside the bottle. Just a few drops of this stuff into your moisturizer and you've got a kiss of color that looks suspiciously natural." — KC
Best Lip Gloss
Carolina Herrera Good Girl Gloss ($40)
"I don't typically expect much when it comes to fragrance brands pivoting into beauty, but my entire stance on that has changed since trying these lip glosses from Carolina Herrera. Every single color looks divine on my dark skin tone and the formula is high-shine yet not at all sticky. The shades Soft and Opulent Pink in particular have been my go-tos." — AB
Best Liquid Blush
Rel Hydrating Cream Blush ($26)
"Blush is probably my favorite makeup products — maybe second only to mascara. This cream blush from Rel comes in a long tube with a doe foot applicator, which makes it look like concealer, but it has a creamy pink pigment inside that gives cheeks the perfect flush. I like that unlike some cream formulas, this one isn't hard to blend and doesn't dry too quick." — JH
Best Cream Blush Stick
Glo Skin Beauty Cream Blush Stick ($40)
"Anyone who knows me knows how much I love blush, but believe it or not I am actually super picky about the category. Too often, I see shades that don't translate well on deeper skin tones, but that has never been an issue with these new Glo Skin blushes. Each color shows up true to shade on my skin and they blend like a dream. Plus the compact packaging makes it easy to pop into a makeup bag on the go." — AB
Best Glow Balm
Ortega Beauty Ethereal Glow Balm ($28)
"The makeup artist behind some of Lana Del Rey and Kris Jenner's best looks recently launched his own makeup line, and I'm not kidding when I say every single product has been a hit. I tested out the brand's Ethereal Glow Balms, and they're the perfect product to give my skin a glow that makes me look lit from within. It comes in four different shades, but Sunset Bliss is my favorite." — RR
Best Eyeshadow Palette
M.A.C. Cosmetics 40 Shades Of Pride Eye Shadow Vault ($150)
"MAC Cosmetics released an eyeshadow palette that features both new and old shades in celebration of pride month and, if you like colorful eyeshadows, then this will become your new one-stop shop. It features practically every color under the rainbow with different finishes for every eyeshadow look that you could possible conjure up. I've been loving playing in it." — AB
Best Foundation Stick
Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Foundation Stick ($46)
"Charlotte Tilbury just released a sheer foundation stick and I didn't realize how much I would love a product like this. The formula is just as it sounds: sheer yet luminous, and it's packaging makes it incredibly convenient for travel. I've been obsessed with how glowy it leaves my skin and it actually offers a pretty good light-to-medium coverage. 10/10 so far." - AB
Best Body Oil
Niudestix Sunshine Oil Body Elixir ($38)
"In the summer I like to wear the least amount of clothes possible (sorry, mom), because let's face it — living in Los Angeles with no air conditioning can be sweaty. I've been slathering on the Nudebody Sunshine Oil Body Elixir constantly, and I can't get enough. It's made with some of my favorite oils: coconut, avocado, and jojoba, and it leaves my skin feeling moisturized, looking tan, and glowing like the literal North Star." — RR
Best Body Wash
Future Society Floating Forest Gentle Body Cleanser ($28)
"I don't even know how to describe the scent of this body wash, but it's incredibly appealing and the kind of fragrance that will make people wonder, "what is that?". It has a hint of beachiness and some lush floral notes, which the brand explains were 'derived from extinct flower DNA.' Plus, it makes for a seriously delightful shower experience." — DD
Best Body Exfoliator
Murad Retexturizing Body Pads ($49)
"I've had some body acne flairing up again and nothing has addressed them like these retexturizing pads. A week of use and my painful body breakouts are gone — and haven't come back since. It's been incredible to see these work in real time. I will never be without them again." — AB
Best Body Serum
Sidia Braless: The Body Serum ($52)
"I'm a big body serum girl, mostly because I live in LA, where the average weather is around 75 and sunny. There's nothing I hate more than feeling weighed down by a thick body cream during the day while I'm out and about. I've loved the Sidi Body Serum since it first got released in the scent Wired (a leafy, eucalyptus-y scent), and I'm perhaps even more of a fan of the newest scent — Braless. The Braless scent is the signature of the Sidia brand, meant to evoke the feeling of getting home and ripping off your bra after a long day. It's woody and spicy — as the brand says, it captures 'the essence of personal liberation.'" — AK
Best Body Lotion
Eos Pink Champagne Body Lotion ($)
"I already love Eos's Vanilla Cashmere line, but this new body lotion takes my love for the brand up a notch. The Pink Champagne scent is perfect for layering with your fragrances — it's sweet but not to the point of smelling saccharine. I have been lathering myself in this since I got it and I won't be stopping any time soon." — AB
Best Gourmand Perfume
Parfum Cirque du Soleil ($195)
"If you're someone who's tip-toeing your way into the gourmand category of fragrances, look nowhere else that this new perfume created by Cirque du Soleil. Yes, that sentence sounds a little odd because in no way would I imagine one that the brand of my favorite acrobatic shows would be creating a perfume, but trust me on this one. The perfume is sweet — it almost smells like caramel corn at first spritz — but as it dries down, it settles into a soft cotton candy scent that's utterly delicious. It's almost like you're surrounded by some of your favorite snacks at one of their shows, in the best way possible." — AB
Best Floral Perfume
Acne Studios par Frederic Malle ($295)
"I'm not usually a fan of perfumes that skew sweet, but I keep coming back to this collab from perfumer Frédéric Malle and Acne Studios. It's definitely sweet and floral, but super charming and more sophisticated than most ultra-feminine perfumes. It blends a large amount of aldehydes (a 'fatty' scent — think Chanel no. 5), rose, and violet with a touch of vanilla and peach accords, and undertones of frankincense and sea musk. It's floral but definitely not basic — she's a cool girl, just like Acne Studios." — AK
Best Citrus Perfume
Noyz Lost + Found Eau De Parfum ($85)
"Noyz is a new fragrance brand that's shaking up the market with its unique scents and fun marketing. Lost + Found is a citrus and woody fragrance with notes of lemon, jasmine, and cedar, making it a fresh and light scent for summer and beyond." — JH
— Additional reporting by Ariel Baker
Ariel Baker is the associate editor for PS Beauty. Her areas of expertise include celebrity news, beauty trends, and product reviews. She has additional bylines with Essence and Forbes Vetted.
Jessica Harrington is the senior beauty editor at PS, where she writes about hair, makeup, skin care, piercings, tattoos, and more. As a New York City-based writer and editor with a degree in journalism and over eight years of industry experience, she loves to interview industry experts, keep up with the latest trends, and test new products.