The extreme heat in Boston lately has been wreaking havoc on my skin, so I’ve cut way back on makeup and focused on my skincare game.  It really hasn’t been easy.  My skin is oily, dry, and I’ve had a few small pimples for the first time in months.  I need to look put-together for work, but I don’t want to be worrying about my makeup sliding off, so I added a few multitasking products to save time and energy.  Here’s what I’m loving this month…

Benefit Cosmetics Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm in Rose – A takeoff on the cult classic Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain, I’m absolutely loving the smoothness of this lip balm.  It gives my lips a slight reddish flush, as if I’ve just eaten a popsicle.  So summery!

Tree Hut Moroccan Rose Shea Sugar Scrub – I love the fresh rose scent of this body scrub, which leaves my skin baby-soft.

L’Oreal Paris Visible Lift Blur Concealer – I’ve been looking for a concealer for my seemingly-permanent dark circles, and this one gets rave reviews.  Byrdie editor Amanda Montell described her experience of going on a makeup detox (translation: giving up the pricey for the drugstore variety), and said that even after her week of drugstore beauty, she continued to use it because it worked so well.  So far, I think it’s pretty good coverage without being cakey.

Maybelline New York Color Tattoo Eye Chrome Shadow in ‘Bronze Sheen’ – I haven’t been wearing much makeup lately because I’ve been favoring a more natural look.  But I really love the monochromatic eye makeup trend, and this new version of Maybelline’s long-wear shadow is beyond.  It goes on smoothly, is richly-pigmented, and it does. not. budge.

Andalou Naturals Instant Brighten & Tighten Hydro Serum Facial Mask – It wouldn’t be a Beauty Buys post if I didn’t include a new sheet mask!  I tried this one for the first time today, and I love it.  This mask comes with a lot of extra liquid to smooth on, and my skin feels so smooth and firm.  I left the house with just moisturizer on (not even the tinted kind!) and my manicurist told me that I was glowing.

So many great discoveries this month.  I can’t wait for September!  XX, Gabrielle