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Cosmo Editors’ Must-Try Beauty Products for July 2025

From luxurious skincare to vibrant makeup and effortless haircare, these are the Cosmo Beauty Team’s standout favorites for July 2025.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 30, 2025

From luxurious skincare to vibrant makeup and effortless haircare, these are the Cosmo Beauty Team’s standout favorites for July 2025.

Every month brings a tidal wave of launches in the beauty world, but only a select few earn a coveted spot on the Cosmo editors’ favorites list. July’s picks blend cooling hydration, luminous color, multitasking innovation, and summer-friendly formulas that effortlessly fit into daily routines. Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast, a lipstick lover, or in search of hair and body breakthroughs, this curated guide highlights the standout products our team genuinely loves right now.

Why Trust the Cosmo Beauty Team?

Cosmopolitan’s beauty editors test countless products—from cutting-edge skincare to head-turning makeup and everything in between. Our monthly picks reflect firsthand trials, honest opinions, and the expert ability to separate fleeting trends from truly game-changing beauty. We try it all, so you only see what’s actually worthy of your time and money.

July 2025 Editors’ Favorite Beauty Launches

Below, explore the 19 editor-approved products—split by skincare, makeup, haircare, and body & wellness—that have earned our collective stamp of approval for July.

Latest Skincare Staples
Makeup Marvels
Hair Saviors
Body & Self-Care Innovations
Frequently Asked Questions

Game-Changing Skincare: Editor Picks

This month’s skincare selection is all about soothing, multitasking, and delivering real results in summer’s heat and humidity.

1. Three Cooling Face Mists to Survive the Heat

Soothing Formulas: The editors found these face mists perfect for midday refreshers, post-sun recovery, or prepping skin before makeup.
Top find: Each delivers lightweight hydration and can be tossed in a beach bag or carried for on-the-go relief.

2. Prada Balm: The Luxe Banana Lip Treatment

Super-softening, plush balm texture.
Dessert-inspired: Delivers a subtle, true banana flavor—unexpectedly bougie for a $50 lip balm.
Editor’s take: Hydrates lips all day and doubles as a cuticle or dry-spot rescue.

3. Self-Tanning Mask with Skin-Nourishing Benefits

Skincare-meets-glow: A face mask that steadily delivers a believable, non-orange tan while keeping skin hydrated.
Multitasking: Acts as a deeply nourishing mask for dehydrated skin, making it ideal post-sun.

4. Gentle Face Wash for Daily Cleansing

Sunday Riley’s new cleanser: Editors rave about the gentle but thorough cleanse, suitable even for sensitive types.
Bonus: Doesn’t leave skin tight or dry and removes makeup in one step.

5. Light-as-Air Moisturizers and Essences

Body Lotion Alternatives: Those who dislike heavy lotion love these hydrating body essences that absorb instantly, with no stickiness or residue.
Face formulas: Editors favor gel-cream textures during warmer months.

6. Targeted Serums for Refined Results

Brightening and clarifying: Multiple editors recommend serums packed with vitamin C and gentle exfoliating acids (like PHA/BHA) for smoother, more radiant skin.
Barrier-boosting: Several products cater to sensitive, barrier-damaged complexions, prioritizing ceramides and skin-calming botanicals.

Editor Tip: How to Layer Face Mists, Serums, and Moisturizers

Start with a cleansing face wash on damp skin.
Mist face for added hydration and slip.
Apply serum to target concerns; give a minute to absorb.
Finish with moisturizer or body essence for a dewy barrier.

Makeup Marvels: July’s Must-Have Color Cosmetics

The makeup picks for this month are all about versatility, mood-boosting color, and innovative twists on cult classics.

7. Multitasking Lip and Cheek Tints

Vivid shades: Creamy, blendable formulas double as blush and lip color.
Editor favorite: A little goes a long way, making these staples for travel or minimalist makeup bags.

8. Precision Brow Products

Natural definition: Micro-tip pencils and gels that mimic real hair, helping brows look fuller but never overdone.
All-day hold: Even in humid weather, brows stay locked and lifted.

9. High Shine Lip Oils and Gloss-Balms

Cooling, shiny, and non-sticky: These lip oils hydrate while serving a punch of color, offering a comfy alternative to classic lipsticks.
Editor recommendation: Try layering with a lip liner for a fuller pout effect.

10. High-Impact Mascara with Zero Smudge

Volumizing brushes: Editors love mascaras that create length and drama but never flake or run—even on the sweatiest summer days.
Easy removal: Despite long wear, these formulas wash off cleanly with gentle cleanser.

11. Everyday-Easy Foundation and Concealer

Skin tint hybrids: Formulas that offer light coverage but with noticeable blurring of pores and redness.
For all skin types: Hydrating but not greasy, with options for dewy and matte finishes.

12. Brightening Highlighters and All-Over Glow

Cream and liquid options: For a fresh, lit-from-within effect; no obvious glitter.
How to use: Dab on cheekbones, under brows, or mix with foundation for an all-over radiance.

Essential Hair Heroes

From sizzling city days to salty beach breezes, this month’s hair picks target summer-specific woes while delivering effortless, healthy shine.

13. Lightweight Leave-In Conditioners

Detangle and defend: Editors love these for smoothing frizz, adding hydration, and providing UV protection for colored or highlighted hair.
Zero grease: Sprays and creams absorb instantly without weighing strands down.

14. Volume-Boosting Dry Shampoos

No visible residue: New formulas revive limp roots and extend blowouts without powdery build-up.
Bonus: Most also add light texture for easy updos or beachy waves.

15. Smoothing Hair Oils and Serums

Shine without weight: Non-greasy, non-sticky formulas tame flyaways and add light-reflective gloss, whether air-dried or heat-styled.
Frizz-free finish: Fights humidity and can be applied pre- or post-styling.

16. Soft Hold Styling Sprays

Flexible and brushable: Hairsprays with memory hold that set style but don’t leave hair stiff or dull.
Editor tip: Mist on bobby pins or root clips before updos for enhanced grip.

Body & Self-Care Innovations

July’s body care picks focus on comfort, barrier repair, and those little luxuries that help you beat the summer heat.

17. Innovative Body Essences and Mists

For lotion-averse: Editors gravitate toward feather-light body essences that hydrate skin without stickiness—ideal for quick application on the go.
Cult formulas: Some double as post-sun coolers or to amplify your favorite perfume.

18. Smart Deodorant and Anti-Chafing Sticks

Chafe-proof comfort: With July heatwaves, anti-friction sticks and gentle deodorants are a summer must. Editors love formulas that glide easily, don’t pill, and never stain clothes.
On-the-go: The compact size fits in every bag and works for thighs, arms, and even feet.

19. Barrier-Replenishing Balms

For dry spots: Ointments and balms that heal and protect everything—from lips and elbows to bug bites and post-pool dryness.
Multipurpose: Editors carry these everywhere for instant skin fixes.

Table: Cosmo Editors’ July 2025 Beauty Favorites

Category	Product Type	Editors’ Notes
Skincare	Face mist, lip balm, self-tanning mask, gentle cleanser, essence, serum	Hydration and summer glow without heaviness; multitasking for convenience
Makeup	Lip & cheek tint, brow gel/pencil, lip oil, mascara, skin tints, highlighter	Effortless color and radiance; long-wear even in heat and humidity
Haircare	Leave-in conditioner, dry shampoo, oil/serum, styling spray	Smoothing, hydrating, and style-extending without weighing down hair
Body & Wellness	Body essence, anti-chafing stick, barrier balm	Light touch for hydration, comfort, and protection in sweaty conditions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do editors evaluate products for this list?

A: Products are selected after weeks of hands-on testing. Editors prioritize those that deliver on promises, offer innovation, and suit a range of skin and hair types. Every pick is genuinely loved and used by at least one Cosmo beauty editor.

Q: Are these products suitable for sensitive skin?

A: Yes, several of the chosen skincare and haircare products are formulated with sensitive needs in mind. That said, patch testing new products is always recommended.

Q: What is an editor’s favorite multitasking product?

A: The self-tanning face mask that doubles as a nourishing hydrator is often called the most versatile. Lip balms and face mists also top the multitasker list for their all-day utility.

Q: How can I avoid product melt in summer heat?

A: Choose powder or cream-to-powder formulas for face and eyes, use a lightweight setting spray, and favor waterproof mascara or brow gel. Keep liquids in a cooler or shade when on the go.

Q: Are these picks limited edition or permanent?

A: A mix of both. Some products are new launches here to stay, while others may be limited edition for summer. Check product pages for details on availability.

Final Words: Editor-Approved Summer Beauty

Instead of chasing every trending product, let the experts do the vetting. July 2025’s beauty edit embraces formulas that simplify, hydrate, and bring a fresh twist to summer routines—helping you stand out for all the right reasons. Happy experimenting!

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb