Beauty Board: New and Notable

Whether it's a drugstore find or a department store splurge, we're constantly on the hunt for new and notable makeup, skincare, and hair products. Some might call this pursuit superficial, but as unabashed beauty fanatics, we're dedicated to trying (just about) everything that comes on the market. Today, we're delighted to share a few items we're currently obsessed with and hope you adore them just as much. From a fantastic new line of nail polishes to a transformative tinted moisturizer to a must-buy lipstick, this Beauty Board has something for everyone. Read on for details about these super summer helpers; they're editor tested and WhoWhatWear.com approved!



Max Factor Vivid Impact Lipcolor ($9) in Ms. Understood
Frequent WhoWhatWear.com readers know that we're crazy about bold lip color, so we're pleased to present our new favorite way to achieve that look: Max Factor's Vivid Impact Lipcolor. As briefly mentioned before, the new collection was created by makeup guru Pat McGrath and features an astonishing range of outrageously gorgeous lipsticks. Of all the lush colors, we think that the shocking pink of Ms. Understood (yup, that's the name of the shade) is the season's must-buy beauty product. Just apply quick layer of this statement shade and a couple of coats of mascara for the perfect fuss-free, fantastic look.

Nars Duo Eye Shadow ($32) in Scorching Sun
What better way to welcome the sunny weather than with a duet of blazing eye shadows? The industry experts at Nars created a new pair of shadows—one is a glazed apricot, the other is shimmering orange—that are almost universally flattering. We'll wear the Scorching Sun duo with a basically bare face and natural lip gloss for a naturally beautiful summer style.

Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Self-Tanning Bronzing Veil ($15)
Though we'd love to spend afternoons soaking in the sun, we slather on the sunscreen like it's our jobs (topping our list: the Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion ($10) by Neutrogena). Of course, we still want to look lightly tanned, so recently we made our first foray into faux-tanner for the face. Despite our initial trepidation, an experiment with one of Physicians Formula's new Bronze Boosting products gave us great results. The easy-to-use clickable brush delivers the right amount of tanner and keeps your fingers free of telltale stains. If you feel more comfortable with a powder, try the Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Loose Bronzing Veil($15) instead. It looks and acts like a regular power bronzer, while simultaneously tanning your skin.

Redken Color Extend Sun Sparkling Shield ($16)
In addition to protecting your skin, it never hurts to take care of your hair (especially as this means less repair work come autumn). Accordingly, we must suggest the entire Color Extend Sun range from Redken, particularly the Sun Sparkling Shield. Spray it on before heading to the pool and it will keep your hair from soaking up chlorine, defend your color from the sun's damaging rays, and condition your locks, too. The formula even has a little sparkle in it, which looks particularly nice in the summer sun. One note: it's a pretty heavy-duty product, so fine-haired ladies, you might want to keep the spray away from your roots.

RGB Nail Polish ($14) in RGBpink, RGB10, and RGBwhite
While we enjoy zillions of nail polish options as much as the next girl, there's a lot to be said for a few fine-tuned shades. If you appreciate a less-is-more approach, the new line RGB will delight you. The collection of ten lacquers is free of both nasty chemicals (like formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP) and cutesy names. Instead, the perfectly edited range includes all the modern essentials, from a classic nude (RGBbuff) to a gothic go-to (RGBblack). But of all the shades, we're particularly crazy about RGBwhite, as it has slightly gray undertones, which makes for a fun and fresh pedicure.

Patricia Wexler M.D. Daily Defense Anti-Oxidant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 ($30)
True confession: most so-called tinted moisturizers only clog our pores and send us running for the concealer. Happily, this new formula from skin savant Dr. Patricia Wexler actually makes our visage look better. In addition to offering UVA/UVB protection, the tinted moisturizer's beautifying, yet natural, coverage makes your complexion look flawless. It's a truly amazing product and one that we highly recommend!

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Vintage Edition 1960's Skin Protectant ($25)
Okay, so this product isn't technically new, but it's such a fantastic find that we had to include it anyway. Beloved by makeup artists, who adore its texture and uber-moisturizing properties, and regularly used in runway beauty looks, the Eight Hour Cream now comes in this sweet little sixties-inspired pot. Though often assumed to be a winter staple, the soothing balm works wonders on sunburned skin (it saved one staffer's forehead from post-vacation peeling). It also has a fresh and clean, faintly herbal scent that's refreshing in any weather.

Benefit Cosmetics Coralista Blush ($28)
Summer beauty is all about ease, so definitely don't miss out on Benefit's fuss-free flush, Coralista. The pretty peachy blush is even easier to wear than our other year-round standard, Nars Blush ($25) in Orgasm. We like that the powder has a hint o' pink in the formula, as that rosy touch results in a wildly flattering product. Also notable: while Coralista has a little shimmer, it's very subtle, so you won't look like you smeared on some pageant-girl body glitter.

Backstage image, from firstVIEW.