Best Skincare Products June 2019
Summer Is Cool and All, but This Month's New Skincare Products Are 10x More Exciting
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
You don't have to start talking all "0900 hours" to be militant about your skincare routine. (You don't even need any deeper artillery knowledge than what you learned watching your brother play Call of Duty.) Nope, all that's required is a little self-discipline in the morning and at night, plus a fully equipped arsenal of efficacious face creams, cleansers, and treatments.
As for where to start? Skip the internal battle; we've tested dozens of newly launched skincare products and narrowed the list down to our 19 editor-approved favourites, ahead. At your service.
Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Pore Strip to Facial Scrub
"I've always loved pore-strips — there's nothing like peeling one off seeing the gunk it pulls from the sides of my nose — but Neutrogena's new Blackhead Eliminating Strip to Scrub ($13) is a different kind of satisfying. After two minutes with it on my nose, I splashed water onto my face and watched as the strip dissolved into a gentle scrub that exfoliated the area. It was fascinating watching the previously solid strip treatment slip down the drain along with the dirt and oil that was once trapped in my pores." — Jesa Marie Calaor, assistant beauty editor
M-61 PowerGlow Peel Gradual Tan Pad
"One of my biggest pet peeves about using an exfoliating peel pad — of which, it's worth noting, I am usually a big fan — is that it always strips me of my hard-earned spray tan. (Call me vain, but some days I'd rather maintain a Kardashian-level bronze than kick my dullness-inducing dead skin cells to the curb. Sue me.) Luckily, this M-61 PowerGlow Peel Gradual Tan Pad ($32) is the perfect in-between: not only does my skin get a glow from the exfoliating glycolic and salicylic acids, but I also get a subtle hint of tint, too. It's a win-win." — Kelsey Castañon, senior beauty editor
Shiseido Waso Hydrating Gel Beauty Sleeping Mask
"My sleep has been less than stellar lately, and that often shows up on my skin...except when I remember to use the Shiseido Waso Hydrating Gel Beauty Sleeping Mask ($40) and I have the skin of a plump cherub by morning. This hydrating gel is infused with yuzu, which has tons of vitamins A, C, and E. It feels cooling when you apply it, making it ideal for summer months, and I'm obsessed with the fun little handle on the cap. — Dawn Davis, senior editorial director
Fresh Sugar Strawberry Exfoliating Face Wash
"I've been a fan of the original Fresh Soy Face Cleanser since I was a teenager, so I was excited to try a new variety called ">Sugar Strawberry Exfoliating Face Wash ($33), which includes my favourite fruit. While I usually opt for chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs rather than physical ones, the fine texture of this cleanser was gentle enough that I decided to make an exception. Another perk? It smells simply delicious." — Sarah Siegel, assistant beauty editor
The Inkey List Retinol Serum
"The Inkey List is a new addition to Sephora, and at a price point of $5-$25, it's hard not to buy everything in the line. I picked up the Retinol Serum ($10) last month and I'm impressed with the results. It includes a 1 percent stabilized retinol and .05% granactive retinoid, so it's strong but not harsh, and the squalane helps with any dryness you might typically incur from a retinol. (Granactive retinoids deliver the same benefits of retinoids and retinols, but with less potential for irritation.) My skin over the past few week has looked smoother, and my pores less noticeable. And since it's only $9, you have nothing to lose, really. (Except, like, two cups of coffee.)" — Kirbie Johnson, senior reporter and host
Go-To Properly Clean Cleanser
"I've been loving this Go-To Properly Clean Cleanser ($24). I like the light foam consistency and that it's a clean beauty product at Sephora. I've been trying to add more of my daily products into the clean category, so cleansers seemed like a great place to start." — Lisa Sugar, founder and editor-in-chief
Dr. Dennis Gross Clinical Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel
"This two-step Dr. Dennis Gross Clinical Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel ($95) is some potent stuff. It uses a pro-level mix of acids to exfoliate the skin and refine pores, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and boost radiance. Step one accelerates skin renewal for a smoother complexion, while step two is a corrective treatment that neutralises peeling activity. Despite its powerful punch, the formula is non-drying and gentle on my skin." — Jessica Harrington, assistant editor, Makeup.com and Skincare.com
Goop Glow 15% Glycolic Overnight Glow Peel
"My love for glycolic acid runs deep, as does my obsession with peel pads. Goop Glow 15% Glycolic Overnight Glow Peel ($125) is both of those things, and serves as an overnight treatment that's easy to use and makes my skin look bright and refreshed. I especially love this product because the pre-soaked pads are dual-sided (one is more exfoliating, the other is smooth) so I can customize the treatment for different zones of my face, and they're sizable. These days, I'm wishing away the dark spots on my chest and the backs of my hands, and this is the perfect peel for all-over use." - DD
Glamglow Berryglow Probiotic Recovery Mask
"A combination of warmer weather and a never-ending stream of stress has been making my skin look increasingly congested. Luckily, the Glamglow Berryglow Probiotic Recovery Mask ($49) has been soothing a lot of the irritation my complexion has been experiencing. It's lightweight, yet moisturising, and is formulated with a blend of berry-derived antioxidants that I can only hope will protect my skin from the many environmental aggressors of polluted New York City air." — SS
Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum
"When you get sent products to test for a living, it becomes a mundane routine at times. Sometimes you're amazed, sometimes you aren't. When I brought home Sulwhasoo's Bloomstay collection, it was business as usual, but the Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum ($145) stopped me dead in my regimen. The texture to this serum is unlike anything I've felt before — it's thick and has as honey-like consistency that melts into the skin. It's straight-up luxurious. (Including the price tag, unfortunately.) My goal is always to remain mindful of the cost of the products I recommend, and in this case, the serum is worth every penny. The Vitalizing Serum is made with ingredients like green plum blossom, a flower with a high content of antioxidants, and a fruit and seed compound that is exclusive to the brand. If your skin is looks dull and parched, this serum is like giving your skin an hydration IV." — KJ
Beautycounter Countersun Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Mist SPF 30
"I love a good sunscreen just as much as the next beauty editor (or dermatologist), but a sunscreen that also manages to cover up my unsightly bruises or those spider veins on my legs deserves fandom-level praise. Behold, the Beautycounter Countersun Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Mist SPF 30 ($39): It's like a BB cream for your body that also happens to protect you from sun damage and skin cancer — all while smelling like a tropical island. Yes, please." — KC
Banish Stick - Indie Lee | Sephora
"I've been trying the new dot stickers, but if I ever have a blemish I always seem to come back to using the Indie Lee Banish Stick ($28). It's another clean product and Indie Lee's brand delivers results. You can feel it working. She'll also be at Play/Ground in our Pop Shop giving mini facials and skin consultations!" — LS
Malin + Goetz Advanced Renewal Moisturiser
MALIN+GOETZ Advanced Renewal Moisturiser | Nordstrom ($)
"Using a new moisturiser is always an ambivalent task for me, especially when I always gravitate toward the same textures (read: gels!). These past few weeks, though, I decided to switch it up and try the 'traditional' looking Malin + Goetz Advanced Renewal Moisturiser ($76). While it looks like your classic hydration cocktail, I was pleased to discover that it's way more lightweight when applied onto the skin. Most importantly, as someone with combination skin, this moisturiser doesn't leave me feeling greasy or shiny — instead, it looks dewy and fresh, and ready for makeup every single time I use it." — Alanna Kilkeary, associate editor, Makeup.com and Skincare.com
Rodan and Fields Reverse Radiance Mask
"The Reverse Radiance Mask ($60) is literally the gold standard of masking. The thick, gold goo smells clean with hints of citrus, and glides onto skin easily. With its blend of gentle exfoliators, my skin has looked glowier and more even — in just 10 minutes." — JC
Renée Rouleau Skin Reset Kit
"My love for Renée Rouleau knows no bounds. She has saved my skin many a time, and she's a wonderful human to boot. I swear by her Rapid Response Detox Masque and Triple Berry Smoothing Peel (as do Demi Lovato and Lili Reinhart), so when she told me she was launching the Skin Reset Kit ($115), I was over the moon. It includes 1 ounce sizes of both aforementioned products, plus two newbies: the Rapid Response Detox Cleanser and Rapid Response Detox Toner. (Both will launch a full size in July.) This quad works perfectly together to target breakouts by detoxing the skin and then calming inflammation, or as Rouleau likes to say to me, 'put the fire out.' Until you try these products, you won't know just how well they actually work, but if you deal with hormonal breakouts, this is something absolutely need to get your hands on." — KJ
Good Science Beauty Skin Brightening Cream
"I seriously geek out over new skincare technology. Talk to me about delivery systems and molecular weight, and I get very, very excited. Well, let me tell you: Good Science Beauty is the newest, appropriately-named brand to titillate my dorky, science-loving side, and the Good Science Beauty Skin Brightening Cream ($98) is my favourite from the collection. Glutathione and melatonin are encapsulated in a special type of silicon that helps the ingredients get to the layer of skin where they can have the best brightening benefits. Because it's a brightening moisturiser, I'm using it instead of both my regular serum and face cream, and after just a few weeks, my dark spots look lighter. Tech that saves time and really works? That's my favourite kind." — DD
CLARIFYING SPOT TREATMENT 01 | Dr. Barbara Sturm - Molecular Cosmetics
"I love the new Clarifying line from Dr. Barbara Sturm, and this Clarifying Spot Treatment ($54) is especially awesome. It's tinted and made with ingredients that also fight the blemish, but most importantly, it covers beautifully. It's also a great size for travel. The brand is exploding from the new NYC store to these new product launches and I can't wait to see whats next." — LS
Cotz Face Moisture SPF 35
"As someone who wears sunscreen daily, I'm always looking for a formula that works well under makeup. The new CoTZ Face Moisture SPF 35 ($24) is formulated with 16 percent zinc oxide and has a light tint that blends seamlessly. My favourite part is the silky smooth finish it leaves on your skin — almost like a makeup primer — that also provides hydration." — JH
Vitabrid C12 Dual Mask: Brightening and Luminous
"If you love sheet masks but hate that they slip and slide all over your face, I've found something that will satisfy you. Vitabrid C12 Dual Mask: Brightening and Luminous ($8 each) perfectly molds to your mug better than any other sheet mask I've tried — and I've probably tried hundreds at this point. Goldielocks would be in heaven: it's not too large, not too small. And it's not overly saturated with essence either, so no need to worry about the drip drip. The ingredients in this particular mask left my naturally ruddy skin looking crystal-clear, and even made my melasma look less prominent, which is a feat in itself." — KJ
