These Are Hands Down the Best Beauty Products the PEOPLE Shopping Team Tried in October
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From Lady Gaga's foundation to a cooling eye serum
People / David Hattan
At PEOPLE, we take beauty testing very seriously. We sift through hundreds — nay — thousands of pitches and products on a regular basis, carefully swatching, spritzing, and applying the latest and greatest offerings so that we can then share with you, dear readers, those that are worth your hard-earned money. And we're keenly aware that beauty products are subjective, which is why we consult with experts like dermatologists, makeup artists, and hairstylists to determine what will best suit our specific skin and hair types, and we also boast a large testing pool of varying beauty needs so that we're each giving the products a fair trial before writing them off. Sometimes, though, there are those especially shiny offerings that we feel the need to shout from the mountaintop of bottles, tubes, and compacts, which is why we started this monthly series of our absolute favorite picks.
Below, we're rounding up the makeup, skincare, haircare, and nail products that made us do a double-take last month... and then reach for them again and again. From Hailey Bieber’s popular Glazing Milk to Lady Gaga’s new foundation, here are the products we tried and loved the most last month.
Anablue Scalp Cleanser
“In the age of the ‘everything shower,’ scalp scrubs have gone from a ‘do I really need this?’ to a ‘I can't live without’ product. Their main purpose is to remove product buildup and other gunk which helps with hair growth, but they also just feel really great on your scalp. My current favorite is from the new brand, Anablue. The formula — which was inspired by the founder's Moroccan heritage — gently exfoliates and cleanses using pure argan oil and Himalayan pink salt. Plus, the vibrant blue bottle looks nice in my shower, which is also a plus.”— Andrea Lavinthal, style & beauty director
Price at time of publish: $25
Iconic London Smokey Eye Duo Kajal Eyeliner + Eyeshadow
“If there's one beauty product that I'll never fail to get excited about, it's a good eyeshadow — especially when it's in stick form and promises both a blendable formula and intense color payoff. Luckily, that's exactly what this two-in-one Iconic London product delivered.
“One side of the stick is a thin-tipped, angular eyeliner pencil while the other is a chunky cream eyeshadow, making it a one-stop-shop for your daily eye look if you're in a rush (which I usually am). I loved how easily I could blend this stick with the tip of my finger and a brush, the latter usually being a difficult feat for cream formulas. But, surprisingly, the shadow stick seemed to blend like powder when I used a dense blending brush. The eyeliner was also easy to smoke out with a small smudge brush, but not as mobile as the cream shadow, which ensured that the kohl liner would stay put throughout the night. And stay it does — the first time I swatched these on my hands, I made the mistake of not washing them off for a few minutes, which resulted in the streaks of color staying on my hands for a whole day. A little eye makeup remover does the trick — but rain or shine, this formula is staying on your skin for the long haul.
“If you're looking for a long-wearing product that can give you the best everyday eye looks ever, I implore you to look no further. Plus, you basically get two products for just $25.” — Alyssa Brascia, shopping staff writer
Price at time of publish: $25
Addiction Tokyo The Eyeshadow
Buy at Addictiontokyobeauty.com
“Convenient, easy to apply, and pigmented, the Addiction Tokyo eyeshadows tick every box. The creamy formula goes on smoothly with just my fingers, and the sturdy packaging snaps tightly shut so I can throw it in my bag for touch-ups on the go without a second thought. I’ve swatched a handful of the glimmery shades, and each is smooth and sparkly with minimal fallout. The shade ‘Nostalgia’ is my go-to for an easy one-color eye look. It’s a pinky-brown hue that leaves a wet looking sheen on the eyes, and I’ve found that it applies best with one swipe of my ring finger.” — Cai Cramer, shopping staff writer
Price at time of publish: $20
Skincare Junkie Megadose Super Antioxidant Face Moisturizer
“Fall is always a complicated time for skincare, as my lightweight summer serums and moisturizers no longer fit the bill but I'm not quite ready for the heavy-duty staples that make up my winter routine. In the meantime, I'll be reaching for transitionary products like this moisturizer from Skincare Junkie, a new line from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose. Made with all-star skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane and resveratrol, it leaves my skin plump and hydrated without clogging my pores. Plus, I swear my makeup just layers on better after I've used it.” — Karli Bendlin, associate director of content strategy
Price at time of publish: $68
Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating Concealer with Fermented Arnica
“I was already a huge fan of the Haus Labs by Lady Gaga foundation because of the way it sits so perfectly on my finicky skin. Now that the brand has a concealer to pair with it, I never have to look elsewhere for coverage. The Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating + De-Puffing Concealer comes in 31 shades and is made with so many skin-loving ingredients. Unlike some concealers, it doesn't feel cakey on the skin, but it still has enough coverage to blur away everything you want it to. It's just so good.” — Hedy Phillips, style editor
Price at time of publish: $32
Bioeffect EGF Eye Serum
“I’ve been obsessed with Icelandic brand Bioeffect for years — its hero product, the EGF Serum, leaves my skin insanely hydrated and dewy like no other serum I’ve ever tried. This is in large part thanks to plant-derived EGF which supports the natural production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in the skin.
“When I saw that the brand was launching a targeted eye serum, I jumped at the chance to try it. The roller-ball delivery system allows for light lymphatic massage which is such a treat in the morning. It’s also super lightweight, just like the OG EGF Serum, and won’t cause milia like many traditional eye creams tend to do. I always feel that my under-eye area looks more plump and refreshed after using this product.” — Lindsey Metrus, commerce director
Price at time of publish: $95
Nécessaire The Body Acne Wash
“I get bad shoulder breakouts during the summertime from increased sweating mixed with the friction of my bra straps. I also tend to get ingrowns on my legs year-round (if you have any tips for mitigating this, I’m all ears). As such, I’m always on the hunt for a good body wash that targets breakouts without drying out my skin, which is exactly what I found in this new launch from Nécessaire. It’s packed with salicylic acid to treat existing breakouts and prevent new ones, as well as glycerin to replenish the skin’s moisture. I love the chic metal bottle and pump delivery which makes it super easy to apply in the shower. I’ve already seen an improvement in the discoloration left behind by summer back breakouts and overall clearer-looking legs. Plus, like all of the brand’s other products, it feels super chic to use and makes my shower experience more enjoyable.” — Lindsey Metrus
Price at time of publish: $28
Rose Inc. Soft Light Skin-Smoothing Non-Comedogenic Foundation
“I’ve fallen hard for so many of Rose Inc.’s products, from the Solar Radiance Hydrating Cream Highlighter to the Number 3 Foundation Brush, so you can imagine my excitement when the brand announced it was launching its first foundation. It's got lightweight coverage that’s easily buildable should you need something a bit more full-coverage. The finish is dewy without being too dewy and features an emollient blend that helps soften the skin and mitigate moisture loss, which is a dream for anyone with dry skin (like myself).
“I’ve found that applying this foundation with a damp sponge delivers the most beautiful finish that stays put all day long, especially when topped with a bit of loose setting powder. I haven’t been this impressed with a new liquid foundation in ages and can see it being my longterm go-to.” — Lindsey Metrus
Price at time of publish: $54
Rhode Glazing Milk
“As we head into the busy holiday season, I've been trying to simplify my routines where possible, and Rhode is a consistent go-to that makes my skin look and feel amazing. I've been using the original trio since its launch in the summer of 2022, but the latest addition to my skincare routine is the Rhode Glazing Milk.
“After I wash my face, I apply the serum, which is a mix between creamy and watery — it's super lightweight. I just pat it onto my face, then work it into the skin with my hands. It creates such a nice base for my makeup, especially when paired with the Peptide Glazing Fluid and Barrier Restore Cream. I love a dewy, fresh look to my skin without it feeling shiny, and the Rhode collection nails it every time. Honestly, it makes my skin look so good, I’ll often skip makeup and just apply this skincare line, even on office days or for other events.” — Madison Yauger, senior commerce staff writer
Price at time of publish: $29
Morgan Taylor x Gelish Winter 2023 Nail Polish
“Do-it-yourself manicures are 10 times more fun when you're working with shades you can't peel your eyes away from. I’ve been loving Morgan Taylor’s iridescent shades (particularly ‘Before My Berry Eyes’ and ‘Gift It Your Best’ — two icy cyber-chic lilac hues from the Gelish 2023 Winter Collection) because they pack a punch with only one swipe and dry quickly. All in all, grab yourself a bottle if you want to elevate your nails to the next level.” — Michelle Lee, editorial assistant
Price at time of publish: $17
Kulfi Beauty Main Match Concealer
“If there’s any a time to put a new concealer to the test, it’s when you're forced to do your makeup in ten minutes before running out the door. Not too long ago I was in this exact position, and thankfully my Kulfi concealer was along for the ride. It only took a few seconds and dabs of my Beautyblender for the concealer to easily blend into the skin and give me natural-looking results. You can count on this concealer to get the job done.” — Michelle Lee
Price at time of publish: $26
L'ange Le Duo 360 Airflow Titanium Styler
“I've been traveling a lot lately and looking to pack lighter. I did my research and found this two-in-one straightener-curler with a vented airflow system that pushes out cold air to set your style. No more lugging around multiple hair products — I can just take this one. What I love the most is that you don't have to go back and set your curls; with the help of the cold air, you can do it all at once.” — Dhara Patel, commerce project manager
Price at time of publish: $69
L'Occitane Cleansing & Softening Almond Shower Oil
“I have revamped my 'everything shower' days with this oil. This is the only oil that doesn't leave my skin itchy and irritated after shaving. Plus, it smells absolutely decadent in the shower. This oil foams into a milky lather which makes it perfect to use as a shave oil, but you can also use it in your baths as a soak oil. Just pour a little bit into warm water and step in.” — Dhara Patel
Price at time of publish: $29
Lion Pose Unspotted 4X Acid Jelly Night Serum
“Five years ago I wouldn't have wasted a minute thinking about hyperpigmentation or dark spots, but as my age has caught up to me, it's now one of my biggest skin concerns. (Insert friendly reminder to wear sunscreen every day, even when you're young!)
“I recently started using the Lion Pose Unspotted 4X Acid Jelly Night Serum and let me tell you: this stuff works. After a month of using consistently, it has helped reduce the sunspots on my forehead significantly thanks to the blend of azelaic, glycolic, lactic, and tranexamic acids and overall, my skin has become more even-toned. While acid serums can usually feel a bit intense on the skin, I didn't have any issues with the Lion Pose, perhaps due to the tiger grass and aloe in the formula that help calm skin and soothe sensitivity. The chic packaging looks so good sitting out on my bathroom counter too, which helps remind me to actually use it before I go to bed.” — Erika Reals, senior shopping editor
Price at time of publish: $79
Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40
“I've tested dozens upon dozens of sunscreens the past few years and most are simply functional — they do their job to protect but not necessarily make your skin look and feel good. Dr. Loretta's Universal Glow Daily Defense, on the other hand, has become my holy grail for sun protection. It's a zinc-based mineral sunscreen that offers UV protection while the addition of ectoin also protects from HEV blue light.
“Thanks to botanical extracts and antioxidants, it helps protect the skin from free radicals and premature aging while improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But what really makes it stand out from other mineral sunscreens is that it leaves your skin feeling silky smooth and the tinted hue adds a radiant, dewy glow instead of making your skin feel dry, pale, and chalky. No notes — it's simply perfect to me." — Erika Reals
Price at time of publish: $60
Perricone MD Ultra-Smooth Clean Shave Cream
“I've never given much thought to my shaving cream choice, but I recently tried the Perricone MD Hypoallergenic CBD Sensitive Skin Therapy Ultra-Smooth Clean Shave Cream, and out of all the beauty and skincare products I tried this month, this is the one I can't stop talking about. Instead of foaming up, this cream lathers into a silky smooth texture that makes shaving a breeze. It hydrates my skin, doesn't cause irritation, and a little bit goes a very long way.” — Erin Johnson, senior shopping editor
Price at time of publish: $29
Aveda Invati Advanced Intensive Hair and Scalp Masque
“Over the past year or so, my hair has started falling out at an alarming rate. It wasn't falling out in just one spot; it was more of an all-over thinning I gradually started to notice. I reached out to Aveda for help, and they sent me this hair and scalp mask. I noticed a difference after about two weeks, and I've been using it for two months now, and I can confidently say that significantly less hair is falling out when I shower. This hair mask works at the root to strengthen the hair follicles, moisturize the scalp, and prevent future shedding. It also smells amazing.” — Erin Johnson
Price at time of publish: $55
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