August signals that fall is just around the corner—but it's still summer! So we're soaking up this time: slathering on SPF ahead of fun in the sun, whipping out heavy-duty cleansers to keep skin clear on sweaty days, and staying hydrated from the inside out.
From the hair treatment that keeps our senior beauty writer's bleached strands healthy to the moisturizer that soothes our beauty director's rosacea, you can shop the beauty products team InStyle is loving at the moment ahead.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Balm Face Sunscreen Stick, $30.00 Shop Now
Even as a sun protection-obsessed beauty editor, reapplying sunscreen every two hours (as is recommended for optimal defense) is a chore. What makes it decidedly less of one is Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Dew Balm stick. My dry skin drinks up its supercharged ingredients, like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and watermelon, while it supplies SPF 45 protection with a sheer, juicy finish. No wonder my first stick was worn down to a nub in just a month! —Lauren Valenti, beauty director
Fabio Scalia La Claudia Brush, $75.00 Shop Now
Sicilian-born, New York-based hairstylist Fabio Scalia has been cutting and styling hair since he was 16 and is a true genius. I love his entire FS Collezione brush collection, but I most often reach for the La Claudia paddle brush to tend to my 3b curls. Made of smooth and sturdy ash wood and designed to last decades, I love how luxurious it feels. Its flexible bristles gently massage my scalp and work through snags and knots, turning the chore of detangling my hair into a feel-good ritual.—L.V.
Canopy Handheld Filtered Showerhead, $150.00 Shop Now
The filtered showerhead market has taken off in a big way. So many beauty brands have turned the girlies into low-key plumbers, swapping their traditional shower heads for ones that filter out hard minerals and metals that can dry out your skin, strip your hair color, and more. But many of them lacked a handheld option—so I was elated to try this new launch from Canopy. Canopy is all about filtration (they launched with one of the first filtered humidifiers) so I knew their filter would be legit. In addition to removing not-so-skin-friendly elements from my water, it yields great water pressure. Additionally, it has a scalp massage attachment complete with little silicone scrubbers, giving me a salon-worthy cleanse at home. Best of all, it's super easy to install, and the handheld feature makes cleaning my body (and my tub/shower) so much easier. —Kara Jillian Brown, beauty editor.
Olaplex No. 3., $30.00 Shop Now
For the first three weeks following a bleach-fill root touch-up, my hair feels like straw, and my curls are flat. It would be physically impossible to get a brush through it were it not for Olaplex No. 3. I coat my strands in it at the end of the shower, and only then can I brush them. Eventually, it makes my hair strong enough that I don't need to use it every time which is the real testament to its efficacy. —Tamim Alnuweiri, senior beauty writer
Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Conditioner, $26.00 Shop Now
During the summer, I’m extra precious with my blonde highlights—chlorine and sun exposure can cause brassiness—so I’ve been leaning on Moroccanoil’s Blonde Perfecting violet-toned conditioner, which was recommended to me by celebrity colorist Matt Rez. Thanks to argan oil and an amino acid blend, it brightens and refreshes my dimensional golden color without being too drying on my curls. —L.V.
Aarke Water Purifier Pitcher, $150.00 Shop Now
Hydration is the base of any solid beauty routine. So when I moved from an apartment with an in-fridge filter to one without one, I knew I needed a pitcher. But I wanted a plastic-free option. So when I stumbled across this one from Aarke, I knew I had to have it. It's made from glass and stainless steel and uses purifying granules to soften water—removing heavy metals and other natural impurities. I use it to fill my water bottle, kettle, and espresso machine. This helps to prevent limescale in my appliances and makes all my drinks taste better—helping me stay hydrated and glowy. —K.J.B.
Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Sensitive Skin Moisturizer, $52.00 Shop Now
As someone who suffers from rosacea, I can’t sing the praises of the Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair cream enough. It instantly hydrates and calms my redness thanks to its star ingredient, centella asiatic (a powerhouse for tackling dryness and irritation). At the same time, the green-to-beige tint also neutralizes my rosy flush. It’s also a lovely sensory experience, from its soft, spa-like herbal scent to its silky and cushiony texture that feels like second skin. —L.V.
Noire Kimchii Cleanser, $18.00 Shop Now
As someone with dry skin, I typically use gentle, hydrating cleansers. But after a sweaty summer day or a night spent in my makeup (eek!) I want something a little stronger. That's when I reach for this cleanser. It blends probiotic-rich kimchi with exfoliating salicylic acid for a deep, balancing cleanse. But, thanks to the addition of moisturizing powerhouse glycerin, it doesn't strip or over-dry my skin. —K.J.B.
Sulwhasoo Glowing Lip Balm, $38.00 Shop Now
This might be the most sophisticated, beautiful lip balm I’ve ever seen—and pulling it out anywhere will surely have all eyes on you. But underneath the sculptural tube, there’s an anti-aging lip balm with ginseng seed oil and the same key ingredients as Sulwhasoo’s beloved First Care Activating Serum VI. —Christopher Luu, senior news editor
Shikohin Onsen Bath Tablets, $24.00 Shop Now
Nary a day goes by that I’m not dreaming of Japan’s soothing and serene onsen baths. Holding me over until a trip this fall are Shikohin’s tablets, which bring the onsen experience to your bath by way of minerals from the Kinugawa hot springs. I don’t have a tub at home; instead, I pack them with me whenever I travel so that I can indulge in a grounding and tension-melting soak on the road. —L.V.
Fable Rune Hinoki & Wild Fig Soy Candle, $26.00 Shop Now
I am such a fan of candles—so much so, that I have a drawer in my living room filled with them. But the second I got this candle and took a whiff, it bypassed the drawer and went straight into use. Its earthy, playful, and sensual scent is absolutely divine, enhancing the feelings of warmth and comfort in my home. —K.J.B.