September Road Test: We Try 5 New Products And Give You The Scoop

Because we get the chance to try so many products, it’s our duty to pass the insider intel onto you. This month, read about a new Kerastase serum, a new cheeky Australian skin care line, and more.

Kerastase Cristalliste Cristal Sculpt

$42

The claim: Gives hair hold and shine in a featherweight formula that won’t weigh locks down

“I naturally have thick, dry, rebellious, curly hair and when using serum, it usually makes my hair either extremely oily or doesn't distribute evenly. Cristal Sculpt left my locks silky smooth and smelling great, and gave my curls a beautiful bounce. The lightweight serum spread evenly from root to ends and wasn’t greasy at all. When using the curling iron, the serum defined my curls and left me with an all day hold of curls with beautiful bounce! I love you, Kerastase!”—Briana, studio manager

Maybelline Color Tattoo Pure Pigments

$7

The claim: Versatile, intense-color loose powder shadows that last up to 24 hours

“For a drugstore buy, this product rocks. The range of colors is fun, from earth tones to jewel tones. I recommend it for night out, or even everyday glammin’. To amp it up, I was even able to turn it into a liquid eyeliner by mixing it with Inglot Cosmetics Duraline—it worked so well! The only thing to watch out for is that it may stain your skin slightly. See my color combo tips below.” —Terry, editorial designer

Try:
• Wild Gold + Never Fade Jade: gold all over lids, with green liner
• Black Mystery + Brash Blue: black in creases and lids, blue on inner corners
• Improper Copper + Barely Brazen: copper on lid, taupe-gold on brow bone, blend together for a smokey look

Sin-Care Booster Serum, Sleep Doctor

$80

The claim: Diminishes signs of fatigue and helps to restore skin’s radiance

“I admit to depriving myself of sleep, and instead of trying to get more shut-eye, of course, I opt to use products that help me fake a good night's sleep. If you’re in a similar predicament, think of Sin-Care’s Sleep Doctor Serum as your morning go-to miracle product. I’ve been using it twice a day for a couple weeks now; once in the morning after my shower and again before bed. Not only does it smell like a mix of soap and rosemary, but the formula absorbs incredibly fast and leaves my skin feeling nice and moisturized. Sure, I’ve only been using it for a short time, but I’m already noticing a difference in my skin! The darkness under my eyes is getting lighter and the puffiness is becoming less noticeable. I’m extremely happy with the results thus far, and to keep it in my everyday routine. Until I get more time to sleep, at least.”—Caitie, assistant editor

Canvas & Concrete Fragrance Primer

$19.50

The claim: Makes fragrance last longer and keeps the scent true to the designer’s intention

“With most perfumes, the scent changes over the course of a day and toning down as it wears off. This primer kept my fragrance smelling fresh and crisp hours after application, as if I’d just sprayed it (I tested one wrist with the primer, one without). It leaves a bit of a sheen on the skin, but it’s not too noticeable; and generally, it’s not like you apply fragrance in super conspicuous places anyway."— Terry, editorial designer

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Femme Eau de Toilette Spray

$48–89

The claim: This year’s reissue of a 2001 fragrance, meant to capture the essence of Mediterranean summers with notes of citrus and musk

“Love it, it's my favorite. Smells like a cool ocean breeze, minus the fish—ha! It makes me think of bliss, freedom, and spontaneous adventures—but it’s also very chic. I'd definitely consider it a perfect scent for late summer, but because I love it so much, I wouldn't want to limit it. I’ll probably wear it year-round.” —Terry, editorial designer