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"I recently got a laser treatment and was instructed to keep my skincare routine super gentle during the post-procedure period. My first step was cleansing with this pick from Avene. It hydrates and soothes with glycerin and niacinamide, yet still foams enough to feel like it's fully removing SPF. Now that winter is coming and my skin tends to be drier and more sensitive, I'll be using it in my everyday lineup." —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
"I've had IRL microneedling many times and have tested a handful of spicule serums (I'm a Korean skincare lover, what can I say), but this is definitely the most intense I've used. I could feel the spicules on my face a few hours later when I brushed my hand against my skin. What does that do, you ask? Well, it enhances every product you apply on top, since these tiny micro-channels in your skin are open (basically the same mechanism as microneedling in-office). I've paired it with all of my fave growth-factor serums, mostly to really encourage collagen production." —BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
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"Brazilian beauty is having a huge moment, and I’m obsessed with this Rio-inspired scent from Shampoo Hotel. It lathers up SO well on my body and hydrates my sensitive skin with ease. When I step out of the shower after using this, I smell like I’ve just come back from a sweet beach vacation." —JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
"You gotta love a multitasking product, and this one is begging to be added to your arsenal of skincare heroes. It’s a clay mask and cleanser all-in-one that clears out my pores like magic. With 49 percent green tomato extract and a six-clay complex, it dives into pores, controls oil, and leaves my skin feeling oh-so-balanced. I’ve been pulling this out whenever I’m feeling a breakout on the horizon or if my skin is looking extra dull. Leave it on for 10-15 mins or just use it like a regular cleanser. Either way, you’re going to come out glowing. Plus: It’s vegan and gentle enough for sensitive-skin folks." —JULEE WILSON, BEAUTY EDITOR-AT-LARGE
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"My body lotion vibe is usually the lighter, the better. I hate the feeling of anything on my skin, so body butters are typically a no-go for me. But I love the Cece scent from Homecourt so much that I was willing to try this out. And it's quickly turned me into an evening shower person!?!? I love getting all clean (with the Cece Body Wash, duh) then slathering this all over. It's hydrating and feels good on my skin, but damn, do I just love going to bed smelling like this. It's woodsy and warm—perfect for fall and winter." —BG
"This is the first lip balm I've tried that isn't thick or goopy but is still able to hydrate and soften my chronically dry lips. The lightweight texture quickly soaks in and provides long-lasting hydration thanks to shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and nourishing fruit extract. And don't get me started on the scent—it's fresh and lemony, and makes me feel like I'm in a citrus grove somewhere in Italy every time I swipe it on." —LB
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"My dermatologist told me to add this dark spot correcting serum to my routine to help fade the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation around my chin and jawline, and I couldn't be more grateful. I've been dealing with reddish brown marks from old breakouts for months, and this serum is the first topical I've tried that's really made a difference in their appearance. The combo of vitamin C, AHAs, alpha-arbutin, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide is a dark spot's worst nightmare." —LB
"First of all, the bottle is stunning (I’m a sucker for good packaging!) and the mist inside is just as dope. It’s like an ocean vacation in a bottle, thanks to the bi-phase formulation that activates after you shake it. One spritz and my face gets a dose of mineral-rich marine extract, a bio-fermented compound, and the brand's proprietary active Cellevitae. This trifecta helps to reverse signs of aging and fade dark spots—two things I always need. It’s also the perfect prep for my skin before going in with my makeup." —JW
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"Remember Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse? I owned the foundation and the blushes. They were so good; I genuinely miss them. But this new cheek and lip mousse is really similar and probably even better. It's got a velvety finish on my skin but doesn't look dry or cling to texture. And it comes in so many shades. I got the entire collection on a recent trip with Maybelline, and usually, I'd only keep one or two and give the rest away. But I've kept almost every shade. They're just all good." —BG
"I’m constantly testing new mascaras, but very few actually earn a spot in my everyday makeup routine. And my latest lash-lengthening obsession is L’Oreal Paris's newest drugstore mascara. It separates and lengthens my lashes with so much precision—without a clump in sight. And it even comes in a brown shade, which I love for the days that I’m wearing minimal makeup." —JH
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"I’m a simple eyeshadow person, and I love having a go-to color that I can swipe on for any occasion. Merit’s new single shadows are ideal for exactly that. They’re creamy and buildable, making them super easy to apply, and they have a slight shimmer without being fully sparkly, so they’re extremely versatile. I’ve been applying them with my finger and it’s the quickest and easiest eye look, ever. I just throw on some mascara and I can have my entire eye look done in a minute." —JH
"This water-cream tint melts into my skin so seamlessly and leaves just enough color to create a look of straight of joy! The formula is lightweight but juicy thanks to raspberry extract and glycerin, which gives hydration. No crusty-looking cheeks here. I like to blend it out with my fingertips, and then boom—fresh-faced glow without the effort. If your makeup has been giving stiff or dry, try this and thank me later." —JW
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"I can never have too many hydrating lip balms once the weather drops below 50 degrees, and I’ve been loving Well People’s recently. The formula is filled with peptides and is super moisturizing—plus it's less than $15. I especially love the pink grapfruit shade to give my lips a juicy pop of color while also keeping dryness at bay." —JH
"I have almost entirely swapped all of my mascaras for brown, natural ones. But a swipe of this had me remembering how damn good a big, bold lash can look. This mascara coats every lash and makes them extremely long—like, touching my eyebrows long—without them looking clumpy or sparse. When Too Faced makes this in brown, I'll be first in line (but the black is really pretty and has been the star of all my smokey eyes lately)." —BG
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"Hourglass founder Carisa Janes just debuted a new makeup and skincare brand called Outside In and I'm obsessed with the foundation. I've been using it for months now, and I can't get over how fresh and dewy it makes my skin look and how easy it is to use (just blend it into skin with fingers or the corresponding makeup brush). The tint is sheer to medium (you can build it up where you need) and the texture is just like a serum, so it feels weightless and breathable on skin. No notes, Carisa." —LB
"My hair has been so much shinier and healthier lately, and I swear this shampoo and conditioner duo is the reason why. The shampoo deep cleans without stripping my scalp, and the conditioner (which I use as a leave-in after I get out of the shower) protects and repairs so I have less breakage and frizz." —LB
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"I've always liked the BondiBoost Miracle Mask, but now I'm obsessed thanks to this new fruity version with the addition of Australian Strawberry Gum extract. Not only does it make the mask smell like a freaking strawberry shortcake dessert, but it also has antioxidant properties that help protect hair from environmental aggressors and balance your scalp too. I've been using it twice a week in place of regular conditioner, and my hair looks stronger and my split ends less frayed too." —LB
"This isn’t your average “shower cap” and thank God for that! Created by former beauty editor extraordinaire Tasha Turner, this is a full-in hair protector. The water-repellent outer layer laughs in the face of your shower head and steam that would seek to ruin the hair you’re desperately trying to keep dry. Every inch of this bonnet is thoughtfully crafted. I love the adjustable tie and genius silicone security strips at the edges to keep your baby hairs laid and the bonnet on your head. I’m also digging the soft cotton lining (think t-shirt material) that won’t cause any frizz. It’s obviously great for silk presses, but it comes in two roomy sizes so it’s also a game-changer for protective styles like braids and locs. This is going to be my go-to holiday gift for all the gals in my life." —JW
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"I'm a pheromone perfume skeptic (I tried it once for a month and didn't get a single date). But Vyrao's two newest scents—Ludeaux and Ludatrix—are considered "neuroscents." Every note inside is meant to enhance sensuality and flirtation from a more scientific lens, versus just the anecdotal response we all have toward vanilla or cherry scents. Ludeaux has been my favorite so far. I wore it on a date recently and just felt myself feeling more comfortable being up close and personal with someone. It's a beautiful mix of warm, sweet, and sexy." —BG
"When a legend turns 100 you celebrate, and Guerlain did just that with Shalimar L’Essence. This new interation honors the original’s smoky-vanilla magic but adds a soft and sexy twist that feels both fresh and timeless. We love a vanilla scent here at Cosmo and this one is super deep, creamy and buttery, while keeping the floral note perfectly in place. It’s nostalgic, yet still totally now. I pretty sure I’m going to need another bottle by the end of this year." —JW

Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for more than a decade at Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.
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