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In the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty & Personal Care Lab, our team of scientists and beauty editors receive almost every new beauty product launch, from face and body skincare products to haircare and styling, makeup, tools, devices, and fragrances. Luckily, after decades of experience testing products, we can easily spot the winners in a crowd. In this monthly series, GH Beauty Lab experts sort through the hundreds of samples crossing our desks to share the ones that stood out enough to earn a spot in our routines.
There are finally hints of cool breezes here at the GH Beauty Lab headquarters in New York City—along with a seemingly endless stream of beauty product launch events to usher in the fall season. As we navigate our packed schedules, our pros are gravitating toward scents with richer and fall fruit notes, earth-toned makeup, and dewy face and body skincare to keep our summer glow going. Whether you’re all in on pumpkin spice lattes or holding on to the feeling of warm days, there’s something for you among our latest go-tos.
“I’ve been using this new serum recently and am so impressed with the immediate results, especially after learning about the 30 years of research on skin sagging that went into its creation. It helps both firm and brighten with a special combination of plant extracts (safflower and watercress), an amino acid, and niacinamide. On an international trip last week, it gave my tired, jet-lagged skin instant dewiness and bounce and felt so replenishing and comforting. I’m excited to continue using it for the firming effects.” — April Franzino, GH Senior Beauty & Style Director
“I’ve been a fan of this lip stain recently. It isn’t drying and has a cooling and plumping effect. Plus, it smells really good, like toffee. I like how quickly the stain sets, in only about 10 seconds, so I don’t have to wait long before removing it. I’ve also found that it’s easily buildable, so if I want to get a deeper shade it layers well.” — Cameron Jenkins, GH Staff Writer
“Nivea’s timeless blue tin is a staple in my home and using it has been a family tradition passed down from generation to generation. I especially enjoy applying it in winter months when its rich texture is what my skin needs. That’s why I was excited to try this new body milk as an option for days when I need something more lightweight. I love how the milky, gel-like serum soaks right into skin while leaving just the right amount of hydration. It also has the same scent as the original, which I personally love.” — Danusia Wnek, GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist
“These eyeshadows are adorable and so easy to use. I love the simplicity of the singles as someone who usually wears just one or two eyeshadows at most and wears eyeglasses. The shades are subtle, so they don't compete with my darker frames but make my eyes stand out without looking overdone. The formulas are soft, blend easily, and last well. They don’t crease on me, nor does the shimmer travel under my eyes. They make my eyes look brighter and more awake.” — Sabina Wizemann, GH Beauty Lab Director
“My oily scalp dictates that I stick to a strict wash schedule to prevent greasy, limp locks, so blowouts never last as long as I want them to. But this lightweight scalp mist is my new secret weapon: I spray it on to prep my hair for styling. Not only does it detangle, hydrate, and soften my strands, but it also extends time between shampoos with up to two days of oil control.” — Celia Shatzman, GH Temporary Beauty Editor
“My kids are tough critics when it comes to their bath and shower products, and this new multi-use wash from Frida has gotten a five-star review. They love the cool bottle and yummy smell; I love that it is good for head-to-toe and has an easy pump dispenser that allows independence for washing themselves. Plus, the cute included travel bottle is a major bonus, so they can take their new favorite cleanser with them on vacation!” — Dori Price, GH Contributing Beauty Editor
“I’m so excited about this fresh, modern fragrance from the iconic perfume house Guerlain. It shares its inspiration with the brand’s original L’Heure Bleue from 1912, which is the fleeting moment during twilight when the sky turns deep blue. It captures the invigorating smell of open sky with ozonic notes and the romance of the night with soft vanilla and iris. It’s such a unique, beautiful scent and really unlike anything else out there right now.” — Chiara Butler, GH Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst
“These may be the prettiest—and certainly the fanciest—pimple patches I've ever seen. The case feels substantial and luxurious, and inside are tiny flower-shaped patches, each designed with different ingredients to support blemishes from their earliest stages through recovery. They make treating a breakout feel a little more special.” — Sabina Wizemann
“Having an oily complexion often means spending nearly as much time setting my makeup as applying it. I typically finish with face powder and a setting spray to lock it all in, but this twofer saves me a step by delivering both. Even better, it also has a blurring effect to smooth pores and fine lines. I was impressed that on a sweltering summer day this kept shine at bay and my makeup in place without caking or creasing. It comes in three tints and feels like nothing on skin.” — Celia Shatzman
“I love a multi-use lip and cheek color and try almost every one that launches. This new balm stick rivals a certain viral pricier option in terms of its great, lasting color payoff and blendability. There is a large range of shade options from bold and bright to neutral, but I like this one, Sleepy Mauve, for the polished, subtle rosy look it gives in just a few swipes.” — April Franzino
“This one had me at first spritz. It opens with a fresh, green pear scent that's bright and zesty without being too strong, then softens into something a little juicier and sweeter. It's light, easy to wear, and instantly makes me feel happy and awake. I've worn it on its own and layered it with other fragrances, and while it's subtle, it doesn't disappear into the background.” — Sabina Wizemann
“This new squeezable version of the classic Burt’s Bees lip balm stick is packed with plant oils and butters and even more amazing than the original. It melts into lips like, well, butter for immediate softness and I love the faintly sweet scent.” — April Franzino
“I’ve been loving this silky and moisturizing vitamin C eye cream. I like using a vitamin C formula that’s made for around the eyes so I can enjoy the brightening and anti-aging benefits of vitamin C in that delicate area. I like that it contains 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, which is a stable but still effective form of vitamin C. The formula also offers a touch of instant brightening.” — Chiara Butler
“Over the last year, I’ve decided to take a break from manicures because my nails became brittle and life got too busy to keep up with regular appointments. Buff Beauty, a new nail care brand, recently launched products designed to keep nails looking beautiful without needing to apply a polish, perfect for this season of my nail journey. I love the brand’s neutral aesthetic and its products are top-notch, too. While a few quickly became favorites, the Horizon Push Back tool is one I reach for time and time again. It’s dual-sided, with a flat side that cups nails and gently pushes back cuticles, and a pointed side that easily cleans underneath them. I find that this tool is gentler than the metal ones I’ve used in the past.” — Danusia Wnek
“It’s no secret that we’re big fans of the blurred lips makeup trend here at GH, and this lippie just might be my favorite. It’s incredibly hydrating, thanks to hyaluronic acid and panthenol. Since the formula has a soft-focus finish, no mirror is needed to apply and the color is impressively long-lasting. Plus, its fluffy whipped texture makes it comfortable to wear all day long. There’s a shade for everyone among the six options, whether you prefer a pop of color or something subtle.” — Celia Shatzman
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