Chalk it up to disastrous encounters with early aughts-era super-strength astringents and salicylic acid-packed foaming gel cleansers that left my complexion drier than the Sahara, but I've always treated acne products with a little respectful fear.

Working as a beauty editor has gotten me to (slowly) embrace some of the harsher (yet often most effective) products like retinol serums and exfoliating treatments like glow tonics — I even consider them staples in my ever-more complex beauty routine. Still, I've somewhat irrationally continued to regard acne-specific treatments with trepidation; despite the fact that adult acne remains a daily struggle for me.

Three weeks with Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster, $36, and I'm singing an entirely different tune. The creamy gel product, which is designed to be layered or mixed with the rest of your skin care routine, has helped curb my breakouts and left my skin about as clear as it's ever been, without causing any irritation or dryness. It's also helping to eradicate the PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)  that's taken up a constant residence on my cheeks and chin since early adolescence.

What can I say? The stuff has already earned a place in my heart  — and medicine cabinet — right next to my beloved pimple patches. — Rosie Narasaki

Intro image via @paulaschoice

I am a self-proclaimed fragrance junkie and own more perfumes than I'd care to admit. As temperatures soar, it's tough to find a scent that continues to smell good without being altered by the heat and humidity. I recently attended an event with the brand Atelier Cologne and literally smelled the entire fragrance collection. One, in particular, stood out to me and I've been liberally spritzing it on ever since.

Trèfle Pur, $85, is that scent. It's a crisp, green fragrance with so much depth, and it is so SO good. Translated to "pure clover," the scent contains notes of bitter orange, neroli, basil, patchouli, cedarwood and violet leaves. The mint-basil-citrus-woodsy notes are cool and refreshing, which is perfect when the climate is not. A generous spritz will transport you to a dewy park in springtime where the scent of freshly cut grass and blossoming flowers fill your nose and instantly make you happy.

This unisex scent is totally boyfriend-approved, as mine likes to steal my bottle and spritz it on himself. If you're looking for a clean, fresh scent with impressive staying power, I encourage you to try this one. The end of summer may be hot, muggy and melty, but you'll be smelling fresh as a clover! To see more of my beauty favorites, follow me on Instagram @hannah_savin

Thumb via Atelier Cologne

This summer has had more stormy and humid days than I can remember and my curls have been so out of whack. While some gals thrive on a little moisture in the air to boost their styles, humidity is not a friend of my curls. It causes my gorgeous, plump curls to separate and frizz out to an undefined strand of poofy hair. Let's just say, it's undesirable. I have been on the search for a styling product that would keep my curls intact because I couldn't stand to wear one more top knot. 

And voila! I was in a random convenience store and saw Pantene Pro-V Style Series Curl Controlling Creme, $6.49. I had never seen this item on the shelf before and I thought I struck gold. The consistency is jelly-like so it moisturizes and acts as a gel with mega-hold. I was so anxious that I washed and styled my hair that night with the creme and it was glory! My curls were hydrated, defined and stayed in place the entire 90-degree day.  Not to mention, my boyfriend is in love with the signature Pantene scent. 

Though summer is almost over, there are still humid days lingering. Head over to buy this budget-friendly styling cream, stat! 

On the list of annoying feelings — several notches below a UTI but certainly above a hangnail — is dry, tight skin. It's all the more annoying if you've just finished applying your makeup to airbrushed perfection and witness your face begin to flake off — and your pricey foundation with it. Ugh, gross, and no ... just NO.

Skin Inc Pure Serum-Mist, $55, is my secret weapon in moments like these. Face mists have always seemed like a racket to me — a weak mixture of water and essential oils that leave my skin feeling hydrated for a couple minutes, max. Skin Inc's mist is loaded with glycerin and hyaluronic acid, giving my skin a shot of moisture that lasts for hours without disturbing my makeup. You're gonna love this stuff. — Katie McCarthy

Cover image via @iloveskininc

I'm a sunscreen fanatic and am always searching for a new one to love... but my requirements are steep! It has to have a high SPF, it has to have broad-spectrum protection, and it has to go on easy without leaving any white residue behind. Which is why I fell instantly in love with Skinceuticals Light Moisture UV Defense SPF 50, $39 — it checks off all my boxes. The white cream absorbs near-instantly, and the formula doesn't make me break out (which is amazing, because so many sunscreens do!). And it protects incredibly well. I've worn it during a sunny vacation in Los Angeles, work days in NYC, and snowy days on a mountaintop — and have yet to turn pink while I'm wearing it. It's also super moisturizing — enough so that I usually just use it as my day face cream.

P.S. I got a sneak peek of the formula early, so I'd been squeezing every last drop out of that little lab sample tube. I'm thrilled to graduate to the jumbo version now! —Alyssa Hertzig