The 12 Best Beauty Products of September 2024, Tested by PEOPLE Editors

“I know double cleansing is all the rage, but with all the craziness that comes with being a working mom during back to school time (and, really, every time if I’m being honest), I’m lucky if I have enough energy left at the end of the day to single cleanse. That’s why I love this new Tower 28 face wash. It removes all my makeup and my sunscreen without leaving my skin feeling dry and tight thanks to soothing ingredients like aloe vera and oat extract.” —Andrea Lavinthal, Style and Beauty Director

“I have a similar hair type to Blake Lively, so I was intrigued to try the Blake Brown haircare line. Not only did it deliver, it’s become my go-to hair system. I regularly use this shampoo and the brand’s hair mask, which smells like you just stepped into a botanical garden. When I combine these with the All-in-Wonder Leave-in Potion, it becomes the trifecta of hair maintenance. The only drawback is the bulky packaging, but it’s not a dealbreaker because I can now go several days between washes, and the texture of my hair is just phenomenal.” —Madison Yauger, Shopping Editor

“I finally tried the TikTok-favorite Tree Hut Sugar Scrub, and it’s become the new star of my ‘everything shower’ routine. Not only does the $11 scrub feel as luxurious as some of the high-end offerings I’ve tried, but it leaves my skin soft and perfectly primed for shaving. And while a lot of pumpkin scents can be overwhelming, the inclusion of apple and sandalwood helps balance out the fragrance. Basically, it’s fall in a jar.” —Karli Bendlin, Director of Content Strategy

“I’ve been on the hunt for my perfect fall lip color, and as if I manifested it, this lip balm from Alicia Keys’ beauty brand popped into my life. The shade “Devotion” is the perfect neutral mauve (a complementary hue for any warm or cool-toned makeup look), and its avocado oil-infused formula provides all the nourishment my lips need when weather gets cold. It’s buildable, ultra-nourishing, and offers the perfect amount of shine. Plus, my hair doesn’t stick to my lips when the fall wind picks up.” —Alyssa Brascia, Shopping Writer

“I watched a TikTok about the staying power of this Nooni lip oil, but I didn’t believe it until I actually tried it out for myself. Unlike other lip stains I’ve tested, this one feels juicy and hydrating on the lips. Once the non-sticky gloss wears off, I’m left with a gorgeous berry-ish stain that I’ll be donning all fall.” —Cai Cramer, Shopping Writer

“I don’t care if it’s 70 degrees out — I’m in full fall mode. Phlur makes amazing fragrances, so I was so excited to try out some of their fall-forward scents. Somebody Wood smells like a long walk through Central Park foliage: fresh but woodsy, sexy but clean, and oh-so-cozy. Needless to say, I’ve found my signature scent for the season.” —Genevieve Cepeda, Shopping Writer

“I love Touchland hand sanitizers because their mister is superior to all other hand sanitizer misters, in my opinion. The brand released two fall scents this month (Pumpkin-Tini and Salted Caramel), so now my hands can smell like my favorite fall candle.” —Erin Johnson, Associate Editorial Director

“You’ll find a lot of Pixi’s skincare in my everyday routine, but I recently got into the brand’s makeup since visiting their boutique in Los Angeles. There, I discovered the Sheer Cheek Gel, a blush that creates a natural wind-kissed look (like you’ve been out pumpkin picking during a perfectly chilly afternoon) with an aloe vera-based formula that’s buildable and blendable. I use this in “Flushed,” a berry shade that leaves a lovely cheek stain equivalent to wine lips. It’s a great topper for fall glam.” —Michelle Lee, Editorial Assistant

“You wouldn’t expect a gel cleanser to be the perfect swap for fall, but this rich face wash is so nourishing to my skin as the weather changes. It does’t feel thin or runny and never leaves my skin feeling stiff or tight. It lathers like a cream cleanser and it has the faintest scent, which is important to me since I can’t use a highly-fragranced facial cleanser. Melissa Butler may have started as a lip color expert, but she is certainly making a name for herself in skincare, too.” —Shalwah Evans, Senior Shopping Editor

“This lactic acid lotion is about as unsexy as it gets, but it’s a lifesaver during the dryer months. I’m prone to eczema that flares up during the fall and winter, and this lotion clears it up better than any other product I’ve tried. Lactic acid (one of its star ingredients) increases cell turnover and removes dead skin cells, so this lotion significantly improves the texture and dryness of my skin.” —Genevieve Cepeda

“It’s just a little harder to get out of bed in the fall, so this awakening body wash from Innersense is currently my motivator (well, that, and a paycheck). It smells amazing and energizing, and I usually follow it up with either the corresponding Renew lotion or Blissful body butter.” —Erin Johnson

“I’ve come to learn that taking care of the skin on my head is just as important as taking care of the skin on my face, especially during the colder seasons. This Act + Acre serum, which is formulated with a multi-molecular hyaluronic acid and amino acids, is the newest addition to my haircare routine because it really does hydrate my scalp and improve the volume in my hair. A few drops after each wash truly works wonders.” —Michelle Lee