The Best Products Our Beauty Editors Tried in August 2023

As the summer rolls to an end, all of us at Sweety High have been looking for a little extra pampering, and in August, we practiced a solid amount of self-care with our favorite beauty products.

From skincare and makeup to hair products, spa treatments and so much more, the month was all about feel-good beauty. Want to know what goodies made us feel and look our very best? Just keep scrolling to discover the very best beauty products our editors tried in August 2023.

Epres Bond Repair Treatment Starter Kit: $75

Sometimes, conditioning just isn't enough for restoring damaged hair—and that's precisely what Epres' Bond Repair Treatment Starter Kit was made for. Just pour a vial of the concentrate into the spray bottle and fill the rest with water before applying to dry, unwashed hair, and let soak for at least 10 minutes to get the full effects. The treatment's unique formula repairs the natural structure of hair, whether the damage is from chemical mechanical or environmental damage, making it healthy and strong, as well as smooth and soft.

(via Epres)

 

Native Sage & Sweet Citrus Body Wash: $9

Native is a brand that prides itself on its simple, natural formulas that work hard while being gentle on the body, and that includes their Body Wash. It's bubbly and cleansing while making skin feel soft as well as hydrated. We tried it in the brand's Sage & Sweet Citrus scent, which is bright, herbaceous and bold—just the thing for perking you up during a morning shower.

(via Native)

 

Caress Tahitian Pomegranate & Coconut Milk Body Wash: $10

In need of a tropical escape as the summer summers? This Caress Tahitian Pomegranate & Coconut Milk Body Wash delivers a fruity and light scent while you lather up in the shower. It's also made to help gently exfoliate for a smooth finish.

(via Caress)

 

Magnolia Handcrafted Soap: $8 each

We could watch Magnolia Soap & Bath's soap-mixing and -cutting TikTok videos for hours, and now that we finally have our hands on their bars, we're even more in love. Not only are the bars gorgeous—especially the marbled varieties—but they're made to be safe for even sensitive skin, with delicate yet beautifully scented fragrances and zero irritation. They're made with a blend of coconut, palm, shea butter and olive oils, leaving out any harsh ingredients so they make skin feel soothed and softened after each use.

(via Magnolia Soap & Bath Company)

 

CURLS Blueberry Bliss Reparative Hair Wash ($15.99) and Reparative Conditioner ($12.99)

If you've got curly hair like a few of us on the Sweety High team, you should be using a shampoo and conditioner formulated for your hair type, and you'll find them in CURLS' Blueberry Bliss Reparative Hair Wash and Reparative Conditioner. Both products work in tandem to soften and hydrate dry curls and coils while also soothing the scalp and encouraging hair growth. They also make use of blueberry extract and aloe leaf juice to repair damage and prevent breakage, allowing for your cutest, healthiest curls.

(via CURLS)

 

NatureLab Perfect Clean 2-in-1 Scalp Scrub & Clarifying Shampoo in Yuzu: $19

NatureLab's Perfect Clean 2-in-1 Scalp Scrub & Clarifying Shampoo just got even better with the freshest yuzu scent. This gently foaming sugar scrub exfoliates the scalp, removing build-up for a healthy scalp as well as hair. It works as a shampoo replacement with probiotic sake water to balance the scalp's pH, antioxidant pearl extract and moisture-enhancing hyaluronic acid, and we've never had a better-smelling shampoo. We've been using it once a week, and our scalps have never been happier.

(via NatureLab)

 

Aunt Jackie's Quench Moisture Intensive Leave-In Conditioner: $10.95+

Leave-in conditioners are one of our favorite effortless products for getting the hair of our dreams, and Aunt Jackie's Quench Moisture Intensive Leave-In Conditioner is ideal for deep moisturization as well as preparation for styling later. Just apply throughout just-cleaned hair, whether it's towel-dried or slightly damp, and leave it in for the rest of the day to allow marshmallow root, shea butter and EVOO to eliminate dryness everywhere.

(via Aunt Jackie's Curls & Coils)

 

Tubby Todd Shampoo + Body Wash ($46) and Everyday Lotion ($46)

Tubby Todd Bath Co. makes great products gentle enough for babies yet tough and great-smelling enough to be loved by us, and we are infatuated with their Sweet Apple-scented products, just in time for fall. Their Shampoo + Body Wash does it all with its gentle lathering formula, while the Everyday Lotion is just the thing for dry and sensitive skin all over.

(via Tubby Todd)

 

Also read about: 20+ Soothing Products to Help You Make the Most of National Relaxation Day

 

Yadah Cactus Toner Pads: $18

We're all about skin-healing skincare products that can also help us cut down our routines, which is why we're wild about Yadah's Cactus Toner Pads. These pads exfoliate and tone skin at the same time while delivering serious hydration, utilizing cactus extract, witch hazel and cica to heal and exfoliate skin all at once. You can even wear a pad on your face like a sheet mask anywhere your skin needs extra love.

(via Yadah)

 

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment: $85

We consider Kate Somerville's products to be 10 out of 10's, and this ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment is no different. We have moderately dry skin, so we use this in the mornings, leaving our skin smooth and silky every time. We love how quick and easy it is to use and the fact that you only need a thin layer to get the job done.

(via Kate Somerville)

 

Murad Rapid Relief Acne Sulfur Mask: $44

Whether you're dealing with pesky breakouts or suffering from blackheads, Murad's Rapid Relief Acne Sulfur Mask is here to save the day. The rinse-off mask combines the power of sulfur, salicylic acid and Austrian peat to bust both pimples and blackheads in as little as three uses. We also deeply appreciate that the formula includes neutralizing eucalyptus, so there's zero eggy smell preventing you from using it to its fullest.

(via Murad)

 

Ogee Hyaluronic Acid Elixir 1.5% Elixir: $88

No matter your skin type, hydration is essential. With Ogee's Hyaluronic Acid Elixir, getting your skin the moisture it needs is easier than ever. The serum contains low and micro molecular weights to penetrate your skin's surface in order to moisturize. Just apply it and watch as your skin immediately starts to glow. You can use it in the morning for hydration that lasts all day or at night to wake up with glowing skin. For even more of a boost, apply it with your favorite moisturizer. With this hyaluronic serum, dry skin becomes a thing of the past.

(via Ogee)

 

Mari Lelu Grass Nuit Rebirth Retinoid Treatment: $135

One of the best products for any skincare routine is a retinoid, and for good reason. Retinoids boast a wide range of benefits to the skin, such as reducing signs of aging and boosting your skin's overall look and feel. With so many retinoids on the market, it can be hard to find one you like, but Muri Lelu's new hemp-powered Grass Nuit Rebirth Retinoid Treatment is definitely a game changer. This treatment works to reverse signs of aging by reducing fine lines, tightening skin, refining texture and soothing hyperpigmentation, all without the dryness that typically comes with retinoids. What's even better is it's infused with an essential oil blend to add a calming effect to your night routine.

(via Mari Lelu)

 

Onekind Complexion Perfection AM/PM Drops System: $96

Regardless of your skin's status, you should be wearing an SPF each and every day, and Onekind's Complexion Perfection AM/PM Drops System make the process a breeze with a day and night routine. It includes a Solardrops SPF 55 Daily Broad Spectrum Serum for the day, as well as Aciddrops Overnight Resurfacing Serum and Hyperdrops Complexion Enhancing Serum for the evening, not just preventing damage, but also repairing it to brighten skin and lessen discoloration or dark spots.

(via Onekind)

 

innisfree Green Tea Caffeine Bright Eye Serum: $22

As folks who rarely get enough sleep (and still look a bit exhausted when we do), we don't know what we'd do without great undereye serums to perk up our bags when we need it, and innisfree's latest innovation is a life-saver. Their Green Tea Caffeine Bright Eye Serum seems to instantly hydrate and brighten out undereye areas, making us look energized and awake with zero wait, thanks to a blend of real green tea, five types of hyaluronic acid, caffeine and niacinamide. It's also applied via a metal roller ball, which further cools and depuffs in addition to feeling amazing on our faces.

(via innisfree)

 

Figaro Apothecary Regenerative Botanical Eye Lift: $110

Deal with a sensitive eye area? Figaro Apothecary's Regenerative Botanical Eye Lift is here to solve your woes while smoothing the skin around your eyes with a youthful, revived look. It's formulated with agave extract, bakuchiol, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid to benefit people with all skin types, without extra junk that might bug your eyes.

(via Figaro Apothecary)

 

Also read about: 7 Black-Owned Skincare Products to Enjoy This National Black Business Month and Beyond

 

ESW Beauty Smoothie Lip Treatments: $15

With ESW Beauty's recent launch of Smoothie Lip Treatments in a variety of fruity and sweet recipes, your lip care routine just got three great new options. The Guava Mango adds a light pink tint to your look and uses peptides for smoothing and elasticity. The Vanilla Almond Butter uses shea butter and vitamin E for protection and delivers a subtle brown tint. Finally, the White Pitaya is your go-to for a non-tinted option and is made with hyaluronic acid for hydration.

(via ESW)

 

SeneGence LipVolumizer: $55

Not all lip volumizing products are created equal, and SeneGence's LipVolumizer is one of the few plumpers we swear by. We simply apply it twice a day and let the formula's blend of peptides and botanicals work its magic, resulting in fuller, poutier lips with fewer fine lines and zero tingling or irritation. We don't know quite how it works, but we're not complaining!

(via SeneGence)

 

SeraLabs Seratopical dna Complex: $99.99

We've never seen anything quite like SeraLabs' Seratopical dna Complex, which utilizes deep nano actives to visibly reduce wrinkles in an instant. Whether you apply to eye bags or on the face and neck, it works to tighten and firm skin in no time flat, any time. Nicole Kidman is obsessed, so of course, it's good enough for us!

(via SeraLabs)

 

Miage Skincare GLOWY Lip Gloss miage x McKayla: $24.50

The Miage x McKayla Limited Edition Lip Gloss is a collaboration between the clean, impact-oriented beauty brand Miage and Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast McKayla Rose Maroney. It's a two-in-one lip treatment, with a vibrant pearly pink color that'll make you want to wear it on the daily, as well as hydrating and healing ingredients to make your lips pop even when you're not wearing it. 

(via Miage Skincare)

 

CMYK Beyond Blush: $30

Add some color to your cheeks with CMYK's Beyond Blush. It's a spin on your classic powdered blush, with a rich pigment in two colors, Flushed and Radiant. The formula is designed to do more than just add a highlighting pop, as it also absorbs oil and helps with hydration.

(via CMYK)

 

Kulfi Heirloom Satin Lipsticks: $30

Pucker up with one of the latest additions to the beauty aisle. Kulfi's Heirloom Satin Lipsticks come in seven different neutral shades to add a subtle pop of color to your routine. The formula is creamy, so it doesn't leave you chapped and dry, but moisturized and feeling and looking good.

(via Kulfi)

 

Velour Beauty Plant Fibre Lash Kit: $35

This Velour Beauty kit has everything you need for luscious lashes at home. Inside, you'll find the brand's signature hemp-derived, wispy and flared Butterfly Effect style lashes and a mini Glue & Go Pen. It's perfect to take on the go for any touch-ups needed throughout the day.

(via Velour Beauty)

 

Dear Dahlia Endless Skin Setting Spray: $36

A great setting spray is essential for getting your makeup to stay flawlessly in place all day, and we recommend investing in Dear Dahlia's Endless Skin Setting Spray. Its super fine particles create a barrier that protects your makeup and extends its staying power while keeping your face looking fresh, as well as conditioning the skin beneath.

(via Dear Dahlia)

 

Also read about: 5 Best Scrubs for Exfoliating Your Body

 

Beia Daily Hydrating & Setting Mist: $48

For added moisture in addition to the power of a setting spray, seal in your finished look with this two-for-one Beia Daily Hydrating & Setting Mist. It delivers on hydration, so you don't have to worry about drying out mid-day. No makeup? No problem! This spritz isn't heavily scented, so it's also a refreshing way to wake up while washing your face.

(via Beia)

 

SACHAJUAN Heat Protection Cream: $33.15

Anytime you style your hair with heat you should be using a heat protectant, and SACHAJUAN's Heat Protection Cream protects hair from heat up to 428° F, making it the ultimate defense against thermal damage. Using the brand's Ocean Silk Technology, it employs the power of cold water algaes to strengthen hair, protect strands from loss and breakage and add shine, so it's really a win-win-win.

(via SACHAJUAN)

 

Aunt Jackie's Curl La La Defining Curl Custard: $10.95+

Sometimes, our frizz and curls require a bit of extra taming, which is when we turn to Aunt Jackie's Curl La La Defining Curl Custard. It's packed with humectants to provide much-needed moisture and hydration for curls, coils and waves, while also creating definition as well as shine. And the best part is that it never gets flaky, so you'll always look slick and put together.

(via Aunt Jackie's Curls & Coils)

 

Mielle Organics Mango & Tulsi Nourishing Silk Texture Mousse: $14.99

Sleek back your edges and tame flyaways with just a few pumps of Mielle Organics' Mango & Tulsi Nourishing Silk Texture Mousse. The foam is light and won't leave your hair impossible to style or flaky. Plus, the mango scent is a fruity find for the end of summer.

(via Mielle Organics)

 

FRESH by Houston White Pomades: $11.99

Experienced barber Houston White knows hair, and now, you can take home his formulations. These pomades are great for styling while keeping a natural look and flow to your hair. They come in three colorful varieties, one for curly hair, one for straight and one for wavy. The brand also carries other hair products, including a shampoo and conditioner in the lineup.

(via FRESH by Houston White )

 

Professional Hair Labs GHOSTBOND Signature Series Touch Up Adhesive Pen: $18.99

Anyone who wears wigs knows how troublesome it can be when they don't stay in place all day. Professional Hair Labs' GHOSTBOND Signature Series Touch Up Adhesive Pen exists just for that purpose, coming in a convenient pen that dispenses adhesive with an easy-to-use brush, so that even away from home, you can make sure it says firmly where it belongs.

(via Professional Hair Labs)

 

Figaro Apothecary Sheer Botanical Body Oil: $85

When we're hunting for our next favorite body oil, we want something deeply hydrating that smells great without leaving us feeling greasy and sticky. Figaro Apothecary have managed to do just that with their Sheer Botanical Body Oil. This light, fast-absorbing oil penetrates deep into the skin to leave it moisturized and nourished without that icky, tacky feel that comes with other body oils, and the rose and frankincense fragrance is softly soothing.

(via Figaro Apothecary)

 

Native Vanilla & Cactus Flower Deodorant: $13

If you're looking to switch to a natural deodorant, you really can't do better than Native and their options that actually work. They utilize real ingredients, such as coconut oil, shea butter and baking soda, while leaving out potentially harmful ones, including aluminum, phthalates and talc. It glides on smooth, without gross residue, while providing lasting protection from B.O. It's also especially nice in the brand's Vanilla & Cactus Flower scent, with a slightly sweet, floral fragrance that's perfectly subtle.

(via Native)

 

Also read about: Clean Beauty Brands Worth Shopping

 

NakedBeauty MD Damask Rose Revitalizing Gold-Infused Hydrogel Eye Mask: $110

We love the luxury and ease of a soothing undereye mask, and NakedBeauty's MD Damask Rose Revitalizing Gold-Infused Hydrogel Eye Mask may be the most luxe hyrogels we've had the pleasure of using. They're packed full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to heal tired skin, with caffeine extract to brighten and awaken the area, leaving us positively glowing with a formula that de-ages skin while feeling cool and rejuvenating.

(via NakedBeauty MD)

 

Wakse Metamorphic Lava Hard Wax Beans: $26

After spending years shaving, we could no longer stand the razor bumps and cuts. We had to switch over to waxing, and we loved it. But it gets super expensive quickly, so we were very excited when at-home waxing brand Wakse sent us a sample of their innovative color-shifting wax. Once the wax is ready for removal, it transforms from orange to black—which makes it extremely beginner-friendly for new waxers like us. Thankfully, this wax also does a great job of removing hair. We barely had to do any touch-ups!

(via Wakse)

 

POND's Cold Cream Cleanser: $6.99

Removing makeup is easy with POND's Cold Cream Cleanser. It's a non-sticky, non-oily option, unlike others that leave a residue. Just rub a little bit in your hands or on a cotton round and wash away. Plus, its fresh scent will leave you feeling that much more clean.

(via POND's)

 

Dear Dahlia Skin Conditioning Makeup Remover Pad: $12

If you're anything like us, you may not be the most consistent at removing your makeup each and every night before bed. These Skin Conditioning Makeup Remover Pads from Dear Dahlia make the process a breeze, not just removing a full face of makeup with a single pad but also conditioning the strengthening the skin with dahlia variabilis flower extract. The double-embossed pad gets the job done while leaving us fresh and glowy.

(via Dear Dahlia)

 

Nabila K Green Tea & Rose Face Polish: $17

Nothing feels better after a long day than removing the dirt, oil and makeup that's built up. This Nabila K Green Tea & Rose Face Polish is a gentle scrub to help do just that. Unlike other exfoliating products, it won't leave you overly oily, instead making your skin feel fresh and renewed.

(via Nabila K)

 

Mielle Organics Sea Moss Anti-Shedding Scalp & Hair Oil: $11.99

As people who use a lot of heat on our hair, we're always trying to prevent damage and breakage. Usually, that means we're looking for nourishing oils and effective heat protection serums. When we discovered Mielle's Anti-Shedding Sea Moss Shampoo and Conditioner, we knew we had to try it. According to their website, the sea moss clarifies hair by removing any excess build-up. We used this product after removing extensions, and to our surprise, it removed all the adhesive left in our hair. Game changer!

(via Mielle Organics)

 

Kate Somerville KateCeuticals Overnight Resurfacing Peel: $98

For the evenings, we return to Kate Somerville once again for the brand's KateCeuticals Overnight Resurfacing Peel—the perfect self-care treat. We've used it twice a week or a few weeks, and it leaves our skin feeling extra refreshed in the mornings, never failing to give out skin a perfect, natural glow. 

(via Kate Somerville)

 

Neveskin Face

Leading aesthetics company Artemis Distribution just added a new type of treatment to their Cryoskin family with Neveskin Face. Using an FDA-registered device, top-of-the-line cooling technology is applied with a facial wand to improve collagen production as well as blood circulation, making for vibrant, balanced and smooth skin. There are cryo machines in every state in the U.S., and you can simply go to their website and type in your zipcode to find out what spas are offering their treatments near you. We were able to get the most incredible facial during the relaxing treatment, which left our skin extra soft and shiny.

(via Artemis)

 

Missed our beauty faves last month? Click HERE to discover all of the hottest new goodies we discovered in July 2023.