The 32 Best Beauty Products Fashionista Editors Tried in September

Each month, Fashionista editors try a *lot* of beauty products. And while not every formula we test is a winner, we're constantly unearthing new favorites. Here, we've rounded up our latest hair, skin, fragrance, wellness and makeup discoveries — whether fresh-to-market drops or merely recent additions to our personal routines.

From braving the bustling streets during New York Fashion Week to covering the season's must-see collections, team Fashionista has had quite a busy September. There hasn't been a whole lot of time for self-care or actually being well-rested, so we've found some tools to help us fake it.

This month, our favorite beauty finds were the ones that protected our skin barriers, helped relieve our jaw tension, livened up our makeup looks and enabled us go low-maintenance with our hairstyling. Team Fashionista also reached for high-tech skin-care gadgets, a curling iron that basically does all the work for you, an on-trend chocolate brown nail polish, and an innovative mascara-and-eyeliner duo unlike anything we've seen before.

See and shop all of our favorite beauty picks from September, below.

Sofie Pavitt Nice Ice Toner Pods, $68 for 12, available here: "These genius little toner pods are designed to be popped into the freezer and frozen solid overnight (they've been tested to maintain stability and ingredient efficacy) before using. A combination of glycerin, niacinamide, green tea extract and ashwagandha soothes and calms irritation, inflammation and redness. Lately I've been struggling with a horrible bout of hormonal acne like nothing I'd experienced before, and these have gone a long way toward (gently) counteracting it." —Stephanie Saltzman, Beauty Director

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free Natural Skin Perfector Broad Spectrum SPF 20, $53, available here: "Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer was one of the first complexion products I ever used and I've recently revisited this old favorite via the oil-free version, which is ideal for my breakout-prone skin, but isn't at all drying." —Dhani Mau, Editor-in-Chief

Squigs Double Shot Serum, $28, available here: "After hearing only rave reviews about this bi-phase serum, I was excited to find one in a goodie bag recently and, boy, is the hydrating formula worth the hype. I love using it as a first step post-face wash because the trifecta of niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and squalane brightenss, hydrate and moisturizes in one quick step. It's going to be a lifesaver come the dry winter months." —Savannah Sitton, Contributing Market Editor

AZ Haircare Remedy Restorative Masque, $47, available here: "Ever since Sofia Richie posted her slicked-back bun routine and revealed she uses a hair mask instead of hair gel, my world has been turned upside down for the better. I wear my hair in a claw clip basically every day, but since using Richie's hack, my hair has felt significantly smoother and silkier. The frizzy and heat-damaged parts of it have become significantly less apparent after using this buttery, pudding-like product for about a week. The best part is that after raking it through my post-shower hair, I can sleep with the mask in — the product solidifies after a few minutes, leaving no opportunity for any residue to transfer onto anything." —Brooke Frischer, Staff Writer

Fenty Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick in Sinamon, $32, available here: "Even though this product is meant as a highlighter, I've been obsessed with using it as an eye shadow. The pearly champagne adds the right touch of color while keeping things chill." —Olivia Novato, Contributing Writer

T3 Airebrush One-Steph Smoothing and Volumizing Hair Dryer Brush, $150, available here: "I've been blowing out my curly hair again on occasion and this new T3 tool has been a game-changer. I find that it's much more powerful and has the ability to create more tension than the many cheaper alternatives I've tried (which, to be clear, are also fine), which speeds up the process and leads to smoother results." —Dhani

Kulfi Zari Eyes Long-Lasting Crease-Proof Cream Eyeshadow in Auburn Aura, $30, available here: "Nude and champagne shimmer eye makeup are my usual go-tos, but this fall-ready cranberry cream shadow beckoned me to step outside of my usual beige box. I love wearing it on its own with just some mascara — and because of how smoothly the creamy formula goes on and how well it sets, I don't even need to use primer." —Catie Pusateri, Contributing Writer

Basic Principle Trifecta Serum, $39, available here: "Multi-tasking products have a bad rap, but your ex's crusty 3-in-1 shower product, this is not. A silky, intensely moisturizing serum packed with ingredients that are beneficial to both skin and hair — like niacinamide, squalane and glycerin — it can be used from face, to scalp, to roots and ends. On hair, it tamps down frizz, detangles, lends plenty of shine and moisture; for skin and scalp, it soothes dryness and supports barrier function." —Stephanie

Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo in She's Giving, $36, available here: "Patrick Ta's TikTok-viral blush is both super pigmented and easily blendable. She's Giving has my favorite cool shades of pink, and I like to 'drape' it up to my temples for a more dramatic look. Layering the powder on top of the cream formula gives a nice glow and melds into my skin so it doesn't just sit on the top and look like clown makeup." —Liza Sokol, Sr. Audience Development Manager

FaceGym Active Collagen Wonder Cleansing Balm, $55, available here: "I've been looking for a makeup-melting product that leaves my face feeling soft, rather than stripped, and this velvety cleansing balm has genuinely changed my nighttime routine for the better. It's spiked with 'biotech collagen' that's meant to mimic skin's own natural collagen, and leaves behind a (weightless) film of the stuff to protect and smooth skin even once you rinse it off." —Brooke

Crown Affair The Clips Carrara Clips, $54, available here: "Crown Affair's tortoise claw clips are easily my most-worn hair accessory, so I was thrilled when the brand announced it would be introducing a new colorway. The cream-colored, marble-inspired finish is perfect for changing up my usual go-to look." —Stephanie

Colourpop Super Shock Highlighter in Flexitarian, $9, available here: "My love affair with champagne highlighters is well known amongst my friends, and this creamy Colourpop one is my newfound favorite. With its buildable, icy gold shimmer, it's perfect for creating a little gleam on the inner corners of the eyes." —Catie

Dieux Air Angel Hydrating Gel Cream, $44, available here: "A lighter, gel-based version of Dieux's Instant Angel Moisturizer cream, this fast-absorbing formula packs glycerin, urea, amino acids, ceramides and lipids to smooth, repair, hydrate and replenish skin — as well as support barrier function over time. It also wears like a dream under makeup, and doesn't feel even the slightest bit greasy." —Stephanie

IGK Good Behavior 4-in-1 Prep Spray, $32, available here: "My hairstylist recommended this heat protectant during a recent blow-dry, and to my surprise, my hair stayed smooth and frizz-free for days (which was a first for my heat-damaged hair). Every time I spritz it on before styling, my hair feels so soft that I almost forget about any aforementioned damage." —Catie

Violette FR Invisible Bandage, $28, available here: "This genius hybrid makeup/skin-care formula has been a game changer for me lately. Paint on a dab of the clear, lightweight gel using the brush applicator, and it dries in about 30 seconds to form a smooth, completely transparent (as its name promises) layer over healing blemishes. Not only does it protect against contamination, but it creates an even canvas for makeup, hiding any patchiness and peeling that might be going on beneath." —Stephanie

Ziip Beauty Device & Golden Conductive Gel, $495, available here: "I was treated to a facial during fashion week and I was so impressed with all of the functions this handy, little device can do — just pick a setting via the app on your phone and let the de-puffing, lifting and massaging gizmo do its thing." —Savannah

Buxom Power Line Plumping Lip Liner in Creamy Chocolate, $21, available here: "It feels like every time I wear this lip liner, I get compliments. The product is a two-in-one, with pigment on one side of the pencil and a blending brush on the other. I love to blend it out and pair it with a clear gloss, something slightly mauve or a light pink (like Rhode's new tinted gloss)." —Andrea

Dae Signature Conditioner, $26, available here: "I grabbed a mini travel size of this moisturizing conditioner to try on my recent trip to NYC and was immediately in love with the sweet cake-like scent. But it didn't stop there, because the formula left my hair so silky soft pre- and post-blowout that I'm definitely springing for the full size next." —Savannah

Jillian Dempsey Flyk Trick Mascara, $26, available here: "One of the most innovative products I've encountered in a while, this dual-function mascara and liquid liner has a patented brush that's one part typical mascara spoolie and one part cat-eye stamp, with a rotating hinge that allows you to switch between the two in one quick flicking motion. It takes a little practice (use the edge of the tube to bend the applicator tip into place) but once you get the hang of it, it makes creating a crisp winged line super simple — and the length-building, clump-free mascara formula is a new favorite, too." —Stephanie

Paintbox Press Ons, $28, available here: "If there's one part of my beauty routine that I have not mastered, it's most definitely the maintenance of my super short nails. I'm not great at painting them, acrylics are wildly expensive and usually, I don't love the feeling of press-ons. Paintbox's new offerings have completely surprised me, though. I love how the kit offers gel tabs as well as glue, so that you don't have to ruin your nail beds when taking them off and just in case you're only looking to wear them for a singular event." —Brooke

Alpyn Beauty Wild Huckleberry Brightening Peel Mask for Sensitive Skin, $56, available here: "As the queen of sensitivity, I've been looking for a product to brighten my acne scars without ripping my face off in the process. This mask has slowly started to fade my hyperpigmentation while also making my skin feel softer without any burning, flaking or redness. And it's gentle enough to use daily? Magical." —Catie

Argentum Apothecary Magician Eau de Parfum, $264, available here: "I love a spicy perfume, and this combo of cedarwood, black pepper, clove and chili really delivers. There's no alcohol in it; the fragrance is suspended in water and natural oils, so it can be used without drying out skin *or* hair, although it shouldn't be used on fabrics. The packaging is also gorgeous, including a sterling silver talisman coin that matches the energy vibe. Jewelry and fragrance in one!" —Liza

Theraface Pro, $399, available here: "The way this device multi-tasks is what's really sold me on it. The massage feature does wonders for my TMJ issues; the microcurrent is a necessity for lifting my mid-30s skin; and the LED light can be customized to treat acne or wrinkles, with an infrared-light option that adds a number of other benefits. It's also very easy to travel with." —Dhani

Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow 4-in-1 Perfecting Pen Concealer with Hyaluronic Acid, $29, available here: "I love this creamy, hydrating concealer for undereye coverage; it not only conceals, but also makes me look more awake and refreshed and truly does not crease even if you're intoxicated and belly laughing for hours." —Liza

OPI Espresso Your Inner Self Nail Polish, $11, available here: "This is my color of the season. I'm so excited to lean into fall colors and fall beauty, and this nail shade is the perfect shade to start with." —Olivia

Tula Balanced Beauty Gummy Vitamins for Strong Hair, Skin & Nails, $30, available here: "I love any sort of gummy vitamins (or excuse to eat two morsels of candy right when I wake up), but I especially like that these Tula gummies have more than just biotin to support stronger hair, skin and nails. They're also spiked with prebiotics and probiotics to support digestion." —Andrea

Hero Cosmetics Pimple Correct Acne Clearing Gel Pen, $20, available here: "When I get a pimple in a spot that's not in an optimal place for a microdart patch, I reach for this salicylic acid, tea tree and lactic and azelaic acid-spiked pen. The washable silicone tip is extra clutch for keeping things sanitary." —Liza

T3 CurlWrap, $200, available here: "I know this might sound unbelievable, but I have never owned a curling iron before — I have naturally curly hair, so the idea of creating curls always felt silly. Plus, most of the wands on the market while I was growing up looked hard to use, so I figured I wasn't missing out. When I got ahold of this automated tool from T3, my opinions changed drastically. Not only is it incredibly easy to use (you literally just hold it in place the whole time while the tool does all the twisty work), but it has also helped me make my curl pattern more cohesive when I do want to wear my natural hair out." —Brooke

Cocofloss Cocoshine Whitening Toothpaste, $22, available here: "I grew up in a Crest household but have been branching out lately. This formula uses nano-hydroxyapatite, which the brand claims works to rebuild enamel by 'remineralizing' small holes in teeth and reducing sensitivity." —Andrea

Figaro Apothecary Relief Balm, $65, available here: "I'm already having... carpal tunnel issues at my tender age, but this balm has been helpful in soothing my wrist. Since this comes in a stick form, I apply straight on the skin and usually feel relief within 10 minutes thanks to its mix of CBD, CBG, turmeric and menthol. Plus, it also helps with sore muscles post-workout." —Andrea

Peace Out Retinol 360° Eye Lift Patches, $29, available here: "Aging is a gift, but I'll still do my best to slow down the way the process is showing up on my face. I most notice the fine lines around my eyes when I wake up in the morning, so I threw on these biocellulose patches during the chaos of NYFW and, bam, I was immediately told I looked well-rested — which I can confirm I most definitely was not." —Savannah

Lush Barbie Bath Bomb, $9, available here: "It's true, I'm still on the Barbie train, and there doesn't seem to be a sign of getting off any time soon. I haven't used a Lush bath bomb since I was probably 14, but this collaboration pulled me right back into the fizzy trend." —Brooke

In case you missed last month's picks, you can find them here:

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