22 Editor-Approved Beauty Favorites for September

Discover the 22 most-loved new skin, hair, makeup, and fragrance products you need this fall, handpicked by Cosmopolitan editors.

By Medha deb
Created on

September Editor Favorites: 22 Beauty Must-Haves You Need Now

September marks a time of fresh starts, not only in routines but also in beauty discoveries. With the summer chaos behind, Cosmopolitan’s beauty team curated the top 22 editor-approved products across skincare, haircare, makeup, and fragrance that promise to refresh your look this fall. From innovative serums to dreamy hair stylers and transformative foundations, these picks reflect what our editors genuinely love and recommend for the season.

Why September Is Ideal for a Beauty Refresh

Even years after school, September brings a back-to-school energy—a chance to experiment, get organized, and upgrade your cosmetic stash. Whether you seek a hydrating body lotion or a new signature scent, this list enables an effortless seasonal transition.

  • Fall is prime for routine changes: Cooler weather impacts skin and hair needs.
  • Product launches surge in autumn: Brands unveil innovative formulas tailored for post-summer repair and fall glam.

The 22 Editor-Approved Beauty Products of September

Our editors tested and vetted hundreds of new launches. Below, find the most memorable innovations for your September beauty refresh.

1. Moroccanoil Treatment Hair Oil Mist

This feather-light mist delivers iconic Moroccanoil shine and nourishment, ideal for taming frizz as humidity wanes. It refreshes both clean and styled hair with a touchable, weightless finish perfect for every hair type.

  • Signature scent with argan oil
  • Protects against environmental stress

2. Chris McMillan The Styling Balm

Created by celebrity stylist Chris McMillan, this multi-purpose balm offers flexible hold, smoothing frizz and providing structure to all styles—from sleek ponytails to tousled waves.

  • Silky-soft texture, no sticky residue
  • Works on damp or dry hair

3. Sienna Naturals Dream Curl Gelée

This vegan curl enhancer defines coils without crunch or flaking. Infused with marula and baobab oils, it keeps curls hydrated, bouncy, and beautifully shaped all day long.

  • Hydrating botanical oils
  • Suitable for textured and curly hair

4. By Rosie Jane Remi Eau de Parfum

Remi is a clean, skin-like fragrance with notes of fig, amber, and gardenia—an effortless summer-to-fall scent that never feels heavy.

  • Vegan formula, transparent ingredients
  • Perfect for everyday and layering

5. Miu Miu Fleur D’Argent Eau de Parfum

Miu Miu’s latest is a radiant, floral scent with musk and tuberose, capturing transitional elegance in each spritz. Feminine and crisp, Fleur D’Argent is the perfect day-to-night perfume for the season.

6. NARS The Multiple (New and Improved)

An iconic multitasker reformulated for even smoother blendability—accentuate cheeks, lips, and eyes with luminous, buildable color in universally flattering shades.

  • Enriched with hydrating ingredients
  • Provides seamless, natural coverage

7. JLo Beauty That JLo Glow Serum

This serum is a glow-booster packed with antioxidants and peptides, delivering radiant, hydrated skin even as the weather cools.

  • Reduces dullness, brightens complexion
  • Lightweight, fast-absorbing formula

8. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane

A cult-favorite moisturiser upgraded with squalane for deeper hydration, locking in moisture and softening even the driest complexions.

  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Non-comedogenic, quick-absorbing

9. Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original

Spot treatment patches that quickly shrink pimples and minimize redness overnight—essential for post-summer breakouts or period skin woes.

  • Protects spots from bacteria and picking
  • Visible results in hours

10. Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum

This serum targets redness and irritation with nourishing avocado extract and ceramides, perfect for reviving stressed skin after summer sun.

  • Calms inflammation
  • Restores skin barrier health

11. Shani Darden Triple Acid Signature Peel

Editor-loved for its gentle yet effective exfoliation; this peel blends glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids to illuminate and refine texture in minutes.

  • Visibly brightens and evens skin tone
  • Minimal downtime, home-friendly

12. Peach & Lily Collagen Boost Sheet Mask

Each collagen-infused mask instantly plumps and hydrates—perfect for prepping skin before events or combating seasonal dryness.

  • Single-use convenience
  • Bioactive collagen for elasticity

13. L’Oreal Paris Lumi Glotion

Delivering dewy, radiant skin with an effortless swipe, Lumi Glotion is the affordable illuminator that editors reach for to both moisturize and highlight post-summer skin.

  • Multi-use: moisturiser, highlighter, primer
  • Lightweight shimmer finish

14. Maybelline Super Stay 24H Skin Tint

This lightweight skin tint covers imperfections and stays put for up to 24 hours—ideal for busy fall days and nights. Its comfortable wear never feels cakey or drying.

  • Available in inclusive shades
  • Buildable coverage with hydrating benefits

15. Rimmel London Kind & Free Mascara

This vegan mascara lengthens and lifts even short lashes for all-day drama, without smudges or harsh ingredients. Editors praise its creamy formula and easy removal.

  • Safe for sensitive eyes
  • Ophthalmologist-tested

16. Haus Labs by Lady Gaga PhD Hybrid Lip Oil

Blending the shine of a gloss with the nourishment of a treatment, this hybrid lip oil delivers lasting hydration and a juicy wash of color.

  • Non-sticky, lightweight finish
  • Vegan and cruelty-free

17. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Lotion

This ultra-luxe drugstore body lotion hydrates with hyaluronic acid and a fresh, comforting scent. Editors rave about its non-greasy feel and all-day moisture.

  • For dry, sensitive, or irritated skin
  • Budget-friendly luxury texture

18. Tower 28 BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush

Super blendable and buildable, this creamy, vegan blush livens up cheeks and lips with sun-kissed color. Its nourishing formula makes it a purse staple for quick touch-ups.

  • Formulated for sensitive skin
  • Dewy finish

19. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Jelly Water

Gently removes makeup, dirt, and oil without stripping skin. The jelly texture offers extra slip and comfort, making it an editor favorite for end-of-day cleansing.

  • Rinse-free, non-drying
  • Ideal for sensitive, reactive skin

20. Merit Solo Shadow Cream-to-Powder Eyeshadow

This effortless, stick-format eyeshadow glides on as a creamy paste and sets to a smooth powder—perfect for quick, low-maintenance autumn looks.

  • One-and-done application
  • Longwear, crease-resistant

21. Billie Whipped Shave Cream

Creamy, cushiony texture protects skin from nicks and bumps during shaving, ideal for transitioning from summer shorts to cozy autumn layers.

  • Moisturizes and soothes
  • Dermatologist-tested, no harsh chemicals

22. Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish

This longwear nail polish gives a gel-like finish and high-shine color for over a week, keeping nails vibrant through every fall activity. Editors love the wide shade selection and chip-resistant durability.

  • No UV lamp needed
  • Easy removal, salon-quality finish

Beauty Editor Insights: Choosing the Best Products

Our editors select favorites based on real-world performance, innovation, and versatility. Many of the chosen launches are inclusive, cruelty-free, and tailored for modern routines. Here’s what sets these picks apart:

  • Multitasking formulas save time and effort
  • Inclusive shades address all skin tones
  • Hybrid textures combine the best of makeup and skincare
  • Clean and ethical ingredients meet modern standards

Quick Comparison Table: Skin & Makeup Essentials

ProductTypeKey BenefitEditor Tip
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial CreamMoisturizerIntense hydrationPairs well under makeup for smooth look
Peach & Lily Collagen MaskSheet maskPlumps and glowsUse before events for fresh skin
Maybelline SuperStay Skin TintTinted foundation24H coverBlend quickly for seamless finish
L’Oreal Lumi GlotionHighlighterDewy complexionMix with foundation for subtle glow

How to Incorporate These Editor Picks Into Your Routine

  • Morning: Prep skin with hydro-boosting serum and moisturizer
  • Daytime: Use a lightweight skin tint or foundation, shading lips with a hydrating oil and cheeks with cream blush
  • Evening: Cleanse with micellar water and calm skin with recovery serum or mask
  • Special occasions: Apply multitasking color (NARS Multiple) and finish with gel nail polish
  • Hair: Start with conditioning mist, shape with flexible balm during styling
  • Fragrance: Spritz a fresh scent to complete your transition into fall

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do editors test beauty products?

Editors personally trial each product in a variety of real-life settings: from busy work mornings to nights out. Products earn a spot on the list only if they consistently deliver visible results, comfort, and ease of use.

Q: Which product is best for sensitive skin?

Many picks such as Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream and Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Serum are formulated for sensitive skin. Always patch test new products to confirm compatibility.

Q: Can I use sheet masks daily?

While single-use masks like Peach & Lily Collagen Boost Sheet Mask are gentle, it’s best to apply them 1-2 times weekly to avoid overstimulation and maximize results.

Q: What’s the most versatile makeup item?

NARS The Multiple and Tower 28 BeachPlease Cream Blush work for lips, cheeks, and even eyelids, making them excellent multitaskers for rushed mornings or travel.

Q: Which fragrance is ideal for fall transitions?

Miu Miu Fleur D’Argent offers crisp floral notes that suit both lingering summer heat and cool autumn nights, while By Rosie Jane Remi provides a soft, skin-like finish.

Editor Shopping Tips for Fall Beauty

  • Look for seasonal multitaskers (like The Multiple or skin tints) to simplify transitions.
  • Prioritize products with hydrating and protective ingredients as weather cools.
  • Choose shades and scents that lift your mood and reflect seasonal changes.
  • Invest in both high-end and budget-friendly launches for a balanced routine.

Conclusion: Beauty Editors’ Picks for the Ultimate Fall Refresh

These 22 products represent September’s finest, handpicked by editors for their quality, efficacy, and instant impact. Whether you change palettes, enhance your glow, or find your new favorite scent, this curated roundup is your invitation to start the season with confidence and style.

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.

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