The Drop Report- August Edition
Hey everybody! I am back with this month's beauty and sneaker drops that caught my attention. Every time I open Instagram there is yet another product being announced and my atm card silently weeps. There is SO much that dropped in August, I am just here to discuss what had me do a double take, made me add to cart, or put it on my wish list. This is the monthly post to filter through the beauty noise, and see what caught my eye, why and if you need to check it out if you haven't already. August had a LOT going on, so grab a snack and let's get into it!
How I Curate
I've been spending every Saturday in the mall or at a makeup counter with my mom for as long as I can remember (I'm 40 and we still go every Saturday). On the last day of each month, I review every major release and decide what's worth your attention based on decades of testing products on my normal/combination skin. I'm a gourmand fragrance lover with a serious skincare and makeup collection, so I can pass on the obvious dupes and highlight what's actually worth your money. I'm not on PR (YET), just your no-BS beauty curator who actually considers your budget because mine isn't unlimited either.
Rating System
Window Shopping - Intrigued but not convinced I need it yet
Future Purchase - Want it eventually, but no rush
Cart Committed - Can't live without it, money is already spent!
She Was Here Eau de Parfum
by FORVR MOOD
Release date: August 4th
Price: $28 USD 0.34/ 10ML; $79 USD 1.7oz/50ML
Why is it trending? With notes of Turkish Rose, Pistachio, Vanilla Milk and Amber, this floral scent delivers a warm scent that lingers throughout the day.
My take: From the inception of their candle line, FORVR MOOD has always been a topic of conversation when it comes to fragrance. I will be honest and say, many of their fragrances were a little too strong for me (blame my allergies) but this one here?? YES! I sprayed it just waiting on someone in Sephora and the bottle and HUGE display of the gorgeous Jackie Aina caught my eye. The color of the bottle just screamed fall, and I was drawn to it like cupcake and sprinkles. As the day went on, the scent notes changed, and it almost told a story. A few days later I was committed to the travel size, only to see it was SOLD OUT sitewide! But don't worry, my alerts are ON!
Budget Reality Check: The travel size at $28 is perfect for trying gourmand scents - you get enough to decide if you want the full size without the commitment. If $79 feels steep, this is one to add to your Sephora sale cart.
Survey says: CART COMMITTED
Rare Eau de Parfum with Vanilla and Carmel
By Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez
Release date: August 7th
Price: $30 USD .34oz/ 10ML/ $75 USD 1.69oz/50ML
Why is it trending? The first ever Rare Beauty fragrance promises warmth and decadence with notes of sandalwood, vanilla and caramel, that can also be customized by pairing with their Fragrance Layering Balms being released the same day. The fragrance balms come in Amber Vanilla, Woody Oak, Fresh Bergamot and Floral Peony, that can be worn alone or as a fragrance enhancer. The unique bottle is also designed with accessibility in mind, giving options to press with the palm, apply with four fingers, or spray with one finger.
My take: Please don't even ASK! The travel size is already on my dresser, and the Amber Vanilla and Fresh Bergamot Layering Balms are already in transit! What's understood doesn't need to be said!
Budget Reality Check: At $30 for the travel size, this is actually competitively priced for celebrity fragrances. The layering balms add $15 each but you can definitely start with just the perfume and add later.
Survey says: CART COMMITTED
Queens Caramel Eau de Parfum
By Ellis Brooklyn
Release date: August 11th
Price: $33 USD 0.33oz/ 10ML; $115 USD 1.7 oz/ 50mL
Why is it trending? A delicious caramel scent so decadent it should be for royalty. This scent combines the notes of caramel, pink salt, white chocolate, vanilla bourbon and maple sugar perfectly so the person who wears it can smell good enough to eat.
My take: While caramel scent notes in body care can overpower anything I am wearing, I was interested in seeing if a caramel perfume would do the same, and let me tell you, it did NOT. This scent was heavenly and the moment I sampled it, I automatically grabbed the travel size. On my skin I feel the white chocolate and vanilla bourbon evens out the caramel, so it is well balanced.
Budget Reality Check: Ellis Brooklyn's travel sizes are pricey at $33, but the full size at $115 is actually reasonable for niche fragrance.
Survey says: CART COMMITTED
Great Skin Double Cleanse Makeup Removing Cleanser
By Merit
Release date: August 12th
Price: $32 USD 5fl. oz/ 150ml
Why is it trending? A two in one makeup remover and cleanser that claims to thoroughly remove sunscreen AND makeup while providing gentle chemical exfoliation with the help of PHA. This product is pH balanced, non-stripping and is gentle enough to be used day AND night.
My take: Now you know I love a good cleanser, and I also attend Double Cleanse University, so I am excited to try this! Since I am an everyday sunscreen wearer, I'm excited to put this to test to see if it actually can cleanse everything in one step. It says 3 pumps and 30 seconds is all you need so I will be the judge of that. However I JUST got some more Dermalogica Precleanse, so this will be my next purchase when that bottle empties.
Similar products I own: My current Dermalogica PreCleanse does this job perfectly, so I need to finish that first.
Budget Reality Check: $32 for 5oz is fair for Merit, but there are drugstore oil cleansers that do the same job for under $15. This is about the convenience factor and brand preference.
Survey says: FUTURE PURCHASE
Butta Drop Hydrating Body Milk and Whipped Oil Body Cream- Salted Carmel
By Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
Release date: August 15
Price: $32 USD 6.25oz/ 185 mL (Body Milk) $45 USD 6.7oz/ 200mL (Whipped Oil Body Cream)
Why is it trending? The seasonal fav is back! With scent notes perfect for fall, caramel, vanilla and cookie dough, these will be perfect for layering with your signature fall scents.
My take: There are very few things Fenty gets wrong, but this is something I will definitely have to try and see for myself. A caramel scent note in a lotion usually overtakes everything with my body chemistry, so I can't wait to play with this and see if it is right for me. The original? Yes! I love both formulas. The caramel gives me pause in lotion form, but I have high hopes.
Similar products I own: The original Butta Drop formulas are in my regular rotation, so I know the quality is there.
Budget Reality Check: These are premium-priced for body care, but Fenty's quality justifies it. If you're budget-conscious, try the Body Milk first at $32 before committing to the $45 cream.
Survey Says: WINDOW SHOPPING
PATTERN Body
By PATTERN Beauty by Tracee Ellis Ross
Release date: August 21st
Price: $32 USD- $36 USD
Why is it trending? As she has done for the hair, Tracee promises to do for the skin- cleanse, protect, hydrate and nourish. With the scent of Midnight Amber, these five products are sure to become your new ritual. The line contains a DRY exfoliating scrub, moisturizing body wash, nourishing body oil, hydrating body lotion and moisture rich body cream. Tracee wants everyone to celebrate the journey we take with our bodies and keeping the skin its healthiest.
My take: I LOVE BODY CARE PRODUCTS!!! I can't get enough of them and these smell amazing. The only reason why I do not own them yet is the price tag. The sizes are great, but I know once I use them, I would need to purchase them on a subscribe and save basis and at the present time, my atm card is saying ABSOLUTELY NOT. But make no mistake, these will be mine soon!
Similar products I own: My current body care rotation includes more affordable options that work well, so this feels like a luxury upgrade rather than a necessity.
Budget Reality Check: At $32-36 per product, you're looking at $160+ for the full routine. Maybe start with the body oil or lotion to test the scent and quality before investing in the full system.
Survey Says: WINDOW SHOPPING
Vanilla Salt Eau de Parfum
By Ellis Brooklyn
Release date: August 24th
Price: $33 USD .33 fl oz ; $115 1.7fl/ 50mL
Why is it trending? If a vanilla bomb collided with the sea, this is the scent you might end up with. Notes of sea salt accord, Madagascar vanilla, desert water and whipped cream form a fragrance to become your go to fall scent. Labeled in the category as "Aquatic Gourmand", this scent is taking the luxury scent note of the ever-popular vanilla and giving it an estate in the Hamptons.
My take: Since I like quite a few scents from this brand, I was very eager to smell this one, however, when I went to Ulta, the system said the company had it triggered as "no testers allowed." Well that was underwhelming, especially since I went from LAX straight to my nearest Ulta. I reached out on Instagram, and the brand did let me know that they have since removed the block, however at the time of writing this, I have not been back to Ulta. Of course I could "blind buy", however, salt accords are VERY strong on me and I do mean very! This is one that I would definitely have to test in store. If I get impatient enough I will order it, buy you all know I hate returning things!
Budget Reality Check: Never blind buy a $33 travel size with notes that might not work for you. Wait to test it, or if you must try online, order from somewhere with easy returns like Sephora.
Survey says: FUTURE PURCHASE
Gentle Reset Daily Exfoliating Pads to Smooth+ Minimize Pores with AHAs
By Summer Fridays
Release date: August 25th
Price: $42 USD 30 pads/box
Why is it trending? Summer Fridays created daily facial pads, formulated in Korea for everyday use, to visually improve texture and even skin tone for smoother, brighter looking skin. Addressing such concerns as Anti-Aging, dryness and dullness, these 2 sided pads can be used once daily, or as needed. Use the smooth side for gentle exfoliation and the texture side for areas that need extra attention.
My take: Is someone giving the Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads a run for their money?? It sure seems so! These look promising, and since the only thing I have used by the brand is their retinol eye cream, I am interested in checking these out at some point, probably later in the year when my skin needs a little extra TLC.
Similar products I own: I have the Dr. Dennis Gross pads which do similar work, so I'd need to finish those first.
Budget Reality Check: $42 for 30 pads = $1.40 per pad. The Dr. Dennis Gross ones are similar pricing but go on sale more often. Wait for a sale or promotion before trying these.
Survey Says: WINDOW SHOPPING
Born In Roma Donna Rendez-Vous Ivory Eau de Perfume with Vanilla and Marshmallow
By Valentino
Release date: August 25th
Price: $190 3.4oz/ 100ML
Why is it trending: Valentino is extending the popular Born in Roma line with this limited-edition scent that comes in a lacquered ivory white bottle with gold accents to easily be a statement piece on your vanity. A floral fragrance that starts with "an orange blossom accord and marshmallow accord, drowned in a fluffy musk and vanilla from Madagascar."
My take: I am honestly a sucker for packaging, so off the visuals alone I need it. HOWEVER the Born in Roma line is tricky for me. I love Green Stravaganza and Coral Fantasy, but the cult favorite Bourbon Vanilla & Jasmine gives me a headache overtime.
Similar products I own: The other Born in Roma scents I love prove the line can work for me, but the vanilla-heavy ones don't always play nice.
Budget Reality Check: $190 is designer fragrance territory. Since you know some scents in this line don't work for you, definitely test extensively before committing this much money.
Survey says: WINDOW SHOPPING
The Protection Collection
By Cecred
Release date: 8/25/25
Price: $10-$50
Why is it trending? Cecred has come up with a new line catering towards protective style girlies. From install to takedown, and the steps in between, this line is meant to protect your scalp and hair every step of the way. The line contains a detoxifying shampoo, scalp refreshing spray, oil ritual, detangling spray and hair and scalp balm.
My take: Absolutely will be trying a few of these products, especially the hair oil and scalp balm. The entire line seems very interesting and I will definitely give them a try once the weather gets colder.
Similar products I own: I have various scalp and hair oils, but nothing specifically designed for protective styles.
Budget Reality Check: The $10-50 range is reasonable for hair care, especially specialized products. Start with one or two items to test before investing in the full routine.
Survey says: FUTURE PURCHASE
Lip Filter Hydroplump Soft Matte Lipstick
By Morphe Brushes
Release date: August 28th
Price: $15 USD each (available in 12 shades)
Why is it trending? Morphe's new lip collection promises the perfect balance of hydrating comfort with a soft matte finish that doesn't compromise on color payoff. With 12 carefully curated nude shades, these lipsticks are designed to complement every skin tone while providing that plumping effect we all love.
My take: I swiped these at the store and immediately loved the formula - they felt comfortable and the color selection was on point. But let's be real, I have SO many lipsticks that I'm not in a rush to add more to the collection. However, at $15 each, these are definitely going on my list for a future haul because the price point makes it easy to grab a few shades without breaking the bank.
Similar products I own: I have plenty of nude lipsticks in my collection, but just like reds, no two nudes are the same! These have their own unique undertones that would complement my existing collection rather than duplicate it.
Budget Reality Check: $15 for a quality matte lipstick is actually a great price point, especially when you want to try multiple shades. Much more affordable than high-end alternatives that can run $35+.
Survey says: FUTURE PURCHASE
Boulangerie Beauty Collection
By Ming Lee Simmons
Release date: August 2024
Price: $90 USD for the trio (Body Mist, Body Cream, Body Oil)
Why is it trending? Ming Lee Simmons launched her own fragrance line with gourmand scents inspired by French pastries. The signature Pistachio scent promises to make you "smell delicious" with notes that are as decadent as they sound. The collection includes a perfume mist, body cream, and body oil for full scent layering.
My take: I am OBSESSED with Ming Lee and everything she represents, so when she launched Boulangerie Beauty, I was immediately intrigued. The packaging is chic, the concept is right up my gourmand-loving alley, and honestly, Ming's personal brand speaks to me. The fact that she spent years perfecting these scents shows in the final product - this isn't just another celebrity cash grab.
Similar products I own: Nothing quite hits this French pastry gourmand angle in my collection, which is exactly why I want it.
Budget Reality Check: $90 for a trio is actually reasonable when you break it down ($30 per product), but it's still $90 all at once. For gourmand lovers, this might be worth saving up for, especially since celebrity fragrance lines often increase in price once they gain popularity.
Survey says: CART COMMITTED (when my budget allows!)
Milk Orchid Eau de Parfum- Limited Edition Fragrance Collab with @Perfumerism
By Commodity
Release date: August 31st
Price: $155 USD 3.4oz/100ML
Why is it trending? Commodity collabs with viral fragrance Tiktoker Emma (@Perfumerism) to come up with her dream remix to the ever-popular Commodity Milk. This limited-edition scent has notes of Fig Milk, Magnolia and Vanilla Orchid. The first note to develop will be the tart and creamy Fig Milk. Next the creamy, sweet and sunny Coconut Cream, finishing off with the warm floral Vanilla Orchid note. The scent also comes with the component to make your own travel spray as does the rest of the Commodity fragrances.
My take: When I tell you I wanted to smell this SO bad! Even going as far as asking the brand to host an LA pop-up shop! I blinked and it sold out before I woke up at 4am PST and it has yet to be restocked! This scent as of now will not be available in stores, so I will just have to take everyone's word for it!
Similar products I own: The original Commodity Milk is gorgeous but this remix sounds even more my speed with the gourmand notes.
Budget Reality Check: At $155 for a limited edition that sold out instantly, this was always going to be a splurge. Sometimes the beauty world moves faster than our wallets can keep up!
Survey says: A DREAM DEFERRED
That's a wrap on August's drops! September's Monthly Drop will be coming your way the first week of October, so keep an eye out for what catches my attention next month. In the meantime, let me know in the comments which release you're most excited to try - I love hearing what made it to your wishlist too! Until next time, stay glowing!
Beauty Bestie Disclaimer: I'm not a licensed pro, just your beauty bestie sharing what I personally love and use. Always patch test and do what works best for your skin, body, and budget. Consult a dermatologist or expert if you have any concerns.