Beauty Product Review

The weather has been hot and humid (already) in New York City, and while adding an oil to your beauty routine might seem counterintuitive, just wait until you try Tatcha Gold Camellia Beauty Oil ($125). Its lightweight formulation includes camellia oil for nourishment, licorice extract to calm skin, and squalene for added hydration. Plus, the flakes of 24-karat gold add a decadent touch to the whole experience. But what makes this bottle so magical is that it's truly multipurpose. I use it on freshly cleansed skin for a lighter moisturizer day and night; I rub it all over my body after the shower for radiant, smooth skin; and I use it on the ends of my hair to combat dry, frizzy strands. The lipid structure of camellia oil is similar to that of your skin, so it's easily absorbed, it won't clog pores, and you're not left with a greasy feeling. This bottle of beauty elixir has streamlined my Summer beauty regimen down to one quick fix.

Like what you see? Find out how you can get 15 percent off Tatcha products (plus free shipping) from now until June 5.

When you think of your destiny, we're guessing that body lotion is the last thing on your mind. But cult-favorite brand TokyoMilk is making us reconsider that with its Dark Destiny Body Soufflé ($40). Infused with midnight jasmine, sweet honeysuckle, and freshly cut ginger, this body butter doubles as a seductive perfume. But that's not to say it skimps on moisturizing. Destiny boasts an impressive array of skin-quenching ingredients, like shea butter and avocado oils, to smooth out even the most stubborn dry skin. The best part is that is doesn't leave behind that greasy residue that some lotions do. Glide the creamy lotion all over your limbs, focusing on your pressure points, and you can just about kiss your perfume goodbye.

Chances are you're neglecting one of your most important body parts when it comes to beauty: your hands. Not anymore. The next time you plan an at-home manicure, start with Julep's Glycolic Hand Scrub ($23). This product includes both physical and chemical exfoliants to clear rough patches. The apricot seeds and glycolic acid work together to reveal smooth skin and brighter hands. You can even use it all over on rough elbows and knees, yet it's gentle enough for your face. And whatever your age, well, your hands won't be the ones to tell it.

Some nights you can't get your full eight hours of sleep in — heck, some nights, six is but a dream. And while there are countless brightening concealers on the market to assist in feigning well-restedness, I keep turning to Neutrogena's Healthy Skin Brightening Eye Perfector SPF 25 ($13). That's because it's light enough to not look obvious, but hefty enough to get the job done. Instead of masking the skin with a visible, glistening layer of product, this brightener lifts and subtly conceals. It's not full-on coverage, however. Reach for a corrector or heavy-duty concealer for times when you need to disguise the darkest of circles. Antioxidants such as chamomile, soy, and vitamin E protect, while a flow-through brush makes application smooth. Now if only your nightly appointment with Mr. Sandman could be just as effortless . . .

I'll admit it: I leave my SPF up to my foundation, which isn't always the best thing unless you're using 3Lab Perfect BB Cream SPF 40 PA+++ ($95). This tube is a skin-perfecting wonder that's packed with broad-spectrum sun protection and a myriad of ingredients for serious skin care benefits. Apple stem cells help to heal skin and prevent signs of aging, while other ingredients fight dark spots and help stimulate collagen. There is also a range of tints available to give you a moderate amount of coverage for a flawless complexion. Plus, there is no telltale smell of sunscreen, which makes using a higher SPF every morning so much easier to do.

The wrong blush shade and texture can take you into lady-of-the-night territory. The right blush, however, can give you a lit-from-within flush, brightening your complexion in about 10 seconds flat. Such is the case with Giorgio Armani's Sheer Blush ($44). As the name implies, this blush imparts the subtlest amount of color to the skin. And because of its soft, lightweight texture, there's nary an obvious streak or too-shimmery finish to be found. In fact, likely nobody will know you're even wearing makeup. It's a high-end purchase, no doubt. But for its ability to give you a fresh-faced, natural-looking glow with minimal effort, it's hard to put a price on that.

When you think luxury body lotions, an English cowshed may be the last image to pop into your head. But with one sniff of Cowshed's luxe lotions, you'll be an instant convert. The British brand recently became available stateside at Barneys, making it easier for those of us on the other side of the pond to get our hands on it. And with therapeutic, natural ingredients like wild-crafted plant extracts and pure essential oils, you'll want to add these lotions to your wish list.

Available in six "moods," ranging from relaxing to invigorating to balancing, my favorite is the brand's Grumpy Cow ($28). Don't let the cheeky name fool you; this creamy concoction boasts an invigorating scent that instantly adds a jolt of energy when you swipe it on. So the next time you're in a mood, pay a visit to the Cowshed.

Before Nyakio Face Oil ($49), I was skeptical about putting oil on my face (despite being schooled on all the beauty benefits). But a few drops left my skin soft for hours, and the shiny forehead I was expecting never showed. This new brand is fueled by African beauty recipes passed down through founder Nyakio Grieco's family, with the star product being the face oil. Scented with chamomile and lavender, the lightweight oil is made with caffeine-rich kola nut extract from Africa to give skin a lift. While the price may seem steep, one bottle will go a long way. You can even use it on your hair and nails. So long, weighty creams and lotions.

Forget blatantly white eyeliners, cakey concealers, and facial illuminators that make you look more greasy than glam. NYX has devised a way to bring the benefits of eye brightening, pimple covering, and facial highlighting together with its Wonder Pencil ($5). Creamy yet slip-resistant, this multifunctional pencil enables you to dot a minute amount of product on to effectively cover up blemishes. And because it's easy to blend, a little goes a long way.

The pencil can also be used to trace your eyes' waterlines for a more perked-up appearance. You can even use it as a lip liner to keep lipsticks long-lasting and prevent them from bleeding. Dab a bit under the brow bone to enhance, and tap on with your fingers to mask dullness under the eyes. What other products do you have that conceal, brighten, and line — all for under five bucks? Available in light, medium, and deep.

The Great Gatsby finally hits theaters today, and whether you're going to try a '20s-inspired hairstyle or not, you can easily channel your inner flapper with the Julep New York Jazz Lipstick Trio ($28). Set in an adorable art deco box, the packaging slides open to reveal three mini lipsticks in three very wearable shades: a sheer nude, a sheer bright coral, and a matte crimson.

So whether you're feeling soft and demure or ready to be the life of the party, reach for one of these shades to give you a hint of Roaring Twenties style. And in case you want to add a faux bob, these lipsticks will lend the perfect accent. Daisy Buchanan should watch her back.