Our Summer TestTube Is Packed With These 10 Beauty Essentials

Summer is here which means it's time for reset on all things beauty and self-care. Whether you’re in need of a new skin-care routine, some fresh makeup or hair products to keep your strands fresh all season long, the 10 products in our Summer 2023 TestTube are here to help you get your glow on.

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50 ($79)

What it is:

A three-in-one daily moisturizer that visibly firms, hydrates and protects skin with broad-spectrum SPF 50. It utilizes a unique polypeptide blend that helps to improve the appearance of photoaged skin while protecting against free radicals and delivering longlasting hydration. Plus, its nongreasy formula allows for flawless application.

How to use it:

After cleansing and toning, apply a generous amount to the face and neck, ideally 30 minutes prior to sun exposure.

Editor Feedback:

"An SPF that makes applying—and reapplying—sunscreen easy. What could be better!"—Liz Ritter, executive editor

Key Ingredients:

Broad-spectrum SPF 50 protects skin from UVA and UVB rays while antioxidant-packed white tea extract protects skin from free radicals, and a unique polypeptide blend smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Expert insight:

"This is the time-compressed skin-care user's dream. I love the nongreasy formula that blends seamlessly into the skin, resulting in a flawless finish every time."—Heather Hickman, vice president of education at Dermalogica

Artis Elite Collection Oval 3 Brush, Mirror Finish ($45)

What it is:

A professional, luxury-quality makeup brush featuring a small, oval-shaped fibre bundle that helps to ease and enhance the distribution of makeup formulas, including liquid, cream and powder products.

How to use it:

For liquids and creams, apply a small amount of product to your skin first using your finger or another applicator, and then use the Artis Brush to glide the product across the desired area. Use light pressure and fluid style movements with the brush to produce even distribution of product. For powders, touch the tips of the fibers to transfer the powder to the tips of the fibre bundle, and then use the brush in gliding motions across the skin to distribute the powder.

Editor feedback:

This brush is the little do-it-all wonder that's the perfect travel companion. It's so versatile and it's the only brush that can help me define the perfect cat-eye liner and my Cupid's bow. Its soft, densely packed bristles help create lines of definition where needed for an airbrushed effect."—Tatiana Bido, aesthetic content manager

Key features:

The fibers are made of a trademarked man-made fiber called CosmeFibre. The Elite Collection handles are produced using a proprietary metal alloy that is similar to what is used in the manufacturing of luxury car engines, making the brush luxury quality from fibre cap to handle and everywhere in between.

Expert insight:

"Artis Brushes are designed to be superior to conventional makeup brushes at makeup application. Artis uses ergonomic shapes and movement to mimic how you might apply product if you were using your fingers, which delivers much better control and product resolution, making it clear why the beauty industry recognizes them as a ‘true game changer’ for makeup brushes."—Matthew Waitesmith, inventor and founder of Artis

UNITE Hair U Oil ($49.50)

What it is:

A multitasking argan oil that hydrates, adds shine, tames frizz and flyaways, and seals and protects all hair types and textures. It manages to quickly smooth dry and damaged ends, and also reduces blow-dry time.

How to use it:

Apply one to three pumps to damp or dry hair. Use on damp hair before using heat tools for moisture, shine and protection, or on dry hair to eliminate frizz and seal dried ends. Can be used on its own, or with any other UNITE styling and finishing products.

Editor feedback:

"I have fine hair with lots of frizz and flyaways in the summer. This makes them disappear without adding weight to my hair, or leaving it a greasy mess!"—Britt Fallon, director of beauty

Key ingredients:

Superstar ingredient argan oil helps to hydrate and nourish hair for strands that are shiny and smooth.

Expert insight:

"This lightweight and vegan oil nourishes, moisturizes, strengthens, protects, smooths, and repairs all hair types while providing the healthiest shine. Apply it on damp hair, dry hair or overnight for a hydration boost."—Nikki Neubarth, chief operating officer at UNITE Hair

Face Reality Skincare Sulfur Spot Treatment ($31)

What it is:

A gentle yet potent combination of 6-percent sulfur and an innovative peptide that provides a quick fix for angry blemishes. With its invisible application, the product allows you to spot-treat on the sly.

How to use it:

Apply a small amount to breakouts after applying serums and acne medications. Allow one to two minutes for the treatment to dry, and then follow with moisturizer and sunscreen.

Editor feedback:

"I was hopeful that after my teen years, I wouldn't have to deal with acne, but that hope fell to the wayside a long time ago. When it comes to treating breakouts, I have come to love this treatment because it's gentle, yet effective. It reduces the redness that can be left behind after a breakout too!"—Sarah Eggenberger, senior editor-at-large

Key ingredients:

A combination of 6-percent sulfur, palmitoyl tripeptide-8 and allantoin simultaneously penetrate the skin to reduce the severity of and help clear up acne blemishes, as well as calm and reduce redness, and provide moisture and protection.

Expert insight:

"This lightweight spot-treatment can be used on those pesky, red pimples that seem to pop up at the most inopportune times. With an effective blend of sulfur and peptides, this spot treatment will help to soothe redness and provide relief for painful acne blemishes."—Alex Hernandez, lead educator for Face Reality Skincare

European Wax Center EWC TREAT Face & Body Detoxifying Mask ($22.50)

What it is:

This mask is an excellent choice for those who are curious about how to get rid of ingrown hair bumps in between waxes. Formulated with glycolic acid (AHA), salicylic acid (BHA), tea tree oil and vitamin C to clear pores and treat ingrowns and breakouts, this mask is gynecologist-tested, dermatologist-tested, and alcoholand fragrance-free.

How to use it:

Apply a generous layer to clean skin and leave on for 10 minutes or until completely dry. Rinse with warm water or a washcloth. For best results, use 24 hours after a wax and one to two times a week or as desired.

Editor feedback:

"It's the step you never knew you needed before your ingrown hair serum to get rid of hair bumps, and breakouts in between waxes. As a bonus, you can spot-treat with it, too."—Lara Eurdolian King, guest editor

Key ingredients:

Activated charcoal, glycolic and salicylic acids, tea tree oil, and vitamin C all work together to clear pores, treat bumps, breakouts, and ingrowns, leaving you with babysmooth skin.

Expert insight:

"With an increasing appetite for a multistep, ‘skin care for everywhere’ routine, we’ve developed a Face & Body Detoxifying Mask for our guests who want to have a more rigorous routine to treat and prevent ingrown hairs bumps and breakouts from head to toe. This clinically proven, charcoal-based clarifying treatment is formulated specifically for use on the bikini area and face alike to help target, treat and prevent ingrown hairs, bumps and breakouts."—Alex Gandara-Morgan, EWC product development

Jori Acne & Oil Control Primer ($70)

What it is:

This weightless, medicated primer works overtime to reduce shine, blur pores, and treat and prevent breakouts. Wear on its own for a silky finish or under makeup for smoother application and longer wear.

How to use it:

Apply daily to your face, neck and chest as your last step under makeup or sunscreen.

Editor feedback:

"I’ve never found a primer that lives up to the promise of reducing shine while still feeling weightless, until this one. It's so good, sometimes I wear it by itself."—Isabelle Buneo, editorial intern

Key ingredients:

Maximum-strength 2-percent salicylic acid treats and prevents pimples while a botanical blend of omega-3 fatty acids, saw palmetto, Chinese skullcap, vitamin C, linoleic acid, and zinc addresses the needs of the skin and the contributing factors that lead to breakouts.

Expert insight:

"Adult breakouts are different, and their treatment should be too. Jori was formulated using scientifically selected ingredients to address the needs of adult skin."—Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York

EVER Skincare SMOOTH Peptide Lip Therapy in Petal ($26)

What it is:

An ultra-nourishing lip treatment that conditions while firming and plumping with a blend of peptides, shea butter and magnolia oil. It's clinically proven to enhance lip volume and leave lips feeling more hydrated and supple.

How to use it:

Swipe over clean, dry lips as often as you need. For best results, use at least once a day.

Editor feedback:

"It visibly plumps my lips without the usual tingling sensation that comes with lip plumpers. I also love that it contains coconut, argan and camellia oils, as well as shea butter for ultimate hydration and comfort."—Allie Hogan, associate beauty editor

Key ingredients:

A potent combination of peptides, shea butter, argan oil, and magnolia oil simultaneously plumps, smooths and hydrates for your most luscious lips yet.

Expert insight:

"Just like the rest of our skin, our lips lose collagen as we age, which can result in lips that appear dehydrated and thin. Peptides are amazing ingredients to combat this concern, as they have been shown to help support collagen and increase firmness and fullness in the skin. Incorporating them into your lipcare regimen is an excellent way to hydrate and plump your lips—no filler required!"—Jessica Herrin, founder and CEO of EVER Skincare

Mineral Fusion Cuticle Oil Nail Treatment ($9.99)

What it is:

Vegan, cruelty-free and made with 99-percent naturally derived ingredients, this cuticle oil accelerates the drying time of freshly applied nail polish, protects from damage and chipping, and nourishes and hydrates nails and cuticles.

How to use it:

Apply one small drop on the center of each freshly cleaned nail with the product's specially curated, wide-angled brush. Wait one minute, and then gently massage into nails and cuticles.

Editor feedback:

"No matter how much I moisturize my hands, my cuticles always need extra love. They literally drink up this combination of sweet almond oil and lemon oils, and for those who like regular polish, it will help your mani dry faster too!"—Amber Milt, senior director of video and multimedia

Key ingredients:

A combination of hydrating, nail-loving oils like sweet almond, lemon and castor

Expert insight:

"The importance of nail health starts at the root, and our cuticles protect its roots from bacteria and damage. Our cuticle oil contains sweet almond oil, which is rich in vitamins E, omega fatty acids and vitamin B-complex to moisturize the driest cuticles and strengthen the nail bed, so your nail growth is off to a great start. Lemon peel oil contains antibacterial properties to help prevent infection and discoloration while your cuticles are being restored. Ninety-nine percent of our cuticle oil is naturally derived because our hands come in contact with our face and mouth so often, we wanted to make sure our ingredients were safe."—Nicole Erickson, director of product development at Mineral Fusion

Dionis Goat Milk Skincare Blue Ridge Wildflower Goat Milk Body Lotion ($15)

What it is:

Deeply moisturizing and naturally enriched with high amounts of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals to help retain skin's moisture, this body lotion hydrates dry, thirsty skin with no greasy residue. It's also accompanied by a light floral fragrance that is inspired by the Blue Ridge Mountain's upland meadows.

How to use it:

"The scent is heavenly, and it lingers long after application for light floral notes that stay with you all day. I’ve even been asked what fragrance I was wearing!"—Rowan Lynam, staff writer

Key ingredients:

"Did you know goat milk has a similar pH to human skin? This allows our body lotion to deeply absorb and moisturize, instead of just resting on top of skin like others. Because goat milk complements the body's natural moisture, it won't dry skin out or leave it greasy. Plus, it's naturally loaded with the vitamins and other nutrients skin craves."—Karen Minsky, president of Dionis Goat Milk Skincare

Clinisoothe+ Skin Purifier ($27.95)

What it is:

A first-of-its-kind product in clean skin care, this highly stable, alcohol-free, hydrating mist provides a highpurity hypochlorous acid solution that's great for everyday use on the face and body. The vegan-friendly formula balances skin's microbiome, protects skin from pollutants and impurities, prevents breakouts, and promotes rapid skin recovery from redness, irritation, acne and more. It's great for all skin types, even the most sensitive.

How to use it:

Use after cleansing and before applying skin-care. Simply pour onto a cotton pad and wipe gently across your face and body. Use daily and often for clearer skin. No need to rinse.

Editor feedback:

"Everyone's talking about antibacterial hypochlorous acid, and this soothing toner—I love to spray it on my face—is the perfect way to try it out for yourself."—Danielle Fontana Dooley, associate director, digital content

Key ingredients:

High-purity hypochlorous acid, a natural active ingredient produced in our blood cells to protect against invasive pathogens, is the star in this formula

Expert insight:

"The body naturally produces hypochlorous acid to defend itself against impurities and invasive pathogens, making it completely skin-compatible. Our powerful formula balances skin's microbiome and gently purifies skin from external exposome factors to improve skin health over time, rapidly reducing redness, soothing irritation, and protecting skin on the face and body from breakouts and other ailments."—Maile Pacheco, chief marketing officer at Clinisoothe+

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