There’s no doubt that the very best part of being a beauty editor is getting to try the latest beauty innovations. Beauty journalists are among some of the (very lucky) first to test out new launches, often weeks or even months ahead of a product’s launch date. Whether it’s the latest high-tech skincare, the very best hairstyling tools or the most coveted makeup and fragrance brands, there’s a real rush of excitement whenever a parcel lands at the Who What Wear UK offices.
From bronzers to the best nail polishes to super serums and cleansers, between our network of beauty experts and me, virtually no new launch goes untested. But with so many new launches every single day, each with claims as groundbreaking as the next, how is anyone actually supposed to know what’s any good? Even as a beauty editor, it can often be overwhelming with the sheer amount of choice now available.
So to cut through the noise, I’ve put the latest launches and products to the test to see if they’re really worth your hard-earned money—because splashing out and ending up with a beauty dud is so disappointing. I’ve dedicated some time each month to testing, trialling and monitoring every single launch that came my way so that I could put all of the best new products into one convenient space. So if you want to find out which of the best new beauty products made a lasting impression on this tough-to-please editor this month, then you’ve come to the right place.
Ahead, keep scrolling for the 10 best new beauty products of the month.
Key Notes: Toasted sesame seeds, white musks, mimosa, blond woods accord, rice steam accord. Diptyque has done it again. I tested the newest fragrance launch from the brand, L’Eau Papier, before the launch, and it is now a firm fixture in my perfume collection. The first time I wore it, I had two people ask what I was wearing. It’s both clean yet cosy, with warm, nutty toasted sesame seed with the creaminess of mimosa and rice, with an addictive musk and blond woods base. I predict this is going to become a favourite of many who love those clean-smelling skin scents. Read my full Diptyque L’Eau Papier review here.
Okay, this foundation blew me away. It has a silky formula that really melts into the skin with a buildable medium coverage. I would liken the consistency to Armani Luminous Silk foundation, so if you already love that, I think you would love this. It has a satin finish that makes your skin look radiant, but not overly dewy, and it somehow manages to look even better as the day goes on—truly makeup sorcery. This is probably more suited to those with dry, normal or combination skin, but the overall finish isn’t greasy, just lovely and hydrating.
Milk Makeup relaunched its Sculpt Sticks in a new size. They are teeny tiny, but that’s why I love them. They are the perfect nimble size for targeted application, whether to carve out cheekbones or define the jawline, and the compact size is ideal for travelling or throwing in your bag for on-the-go touch-ups. The formula itself is really impressive. They blend out perfectly with barely any effort—they really are fool-proof. They’re currently available in four cool-toned shades that can flex across different skin tones, but I’m hoping for more shades to come.
When I read that Tan-Luxe’s new self-tanning Express Mousse can deliver a tan in just 30 minutes, I was sceptical. The brand claims that you can expect a sun-kissed glow in half an hour, a medium glow in two hours and a deep bronze in three hours. However, I stand corrected. When I applied this clear mousse to my skin, I did in fact notice a subtle glow within the hour, and this continued to deepen over the next couple of hours. What’s more, the biscuity smell you get with a lot of self-tanners is minimal, and it’s packed with hydrating skincare ingredients to boost the longevity of your tan, too, which I definitely noticed first-hand. I’ll have this on standby for spontaneous summer outings.
Hair “foams” have been a bit of a trend lately. But how are they different from mousses? The foams have a lighter texture, whereas mousses are richer and can sometimes feel a bit heavy, particularly in fine hair. I’ve really liked using Sam McKnight’s Cool Girl Volume Blow Dry Foam for a bit of extra oomph at the roots, without any excess residue that mousses are prone to leaving. As with all Sam McKnight’s hair products, they smell absolutely incredible. If you’re familiar with the Cool Girl Barely There Texture Mist, it’s the same botanical and addictively fresh smell, which was formulated by perfumer Lyn Harris. Great smelling hair and volume? Yes, please.
Key notes: Italian red mandarin, bergamot, jasmine absolute, neroli, orange flower, driftwood, solar musk, sea salt. I couldn’t resist getting ahead of myself and adding a new summer fragrance into this list. Phlur’s Solar Power falls into one of my favourite niche scents, perfumes that smell like expensive suncream. One spritz of this makes me feel like I’m eating a Calippo on the Amalfi Coast after topping up my SPF, skin glimmering with salty droplets after a dip in the sea. It’s a meeting of sea salt golden florals and citrus that makes me want to immediately put my out of office on.
Speaking of SPF, Byoma’s latest launch is one of my new favourites. SPF can feel too heavy on the skin and under makeup, but I’m happy to report that this one is dreamily lightweight and sinks in quickly for a hydrating—not greasy—finish. Thanks to the gel-cream consistency, and the addition of skin-living ingedients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid and beta glucan, you’re left with a silky finish that’s great worn alone but will play well with anything you apply on top. It’s also virtually invisible, so there’s no haunting white cast with this SPF.
Trust VB to come out with a range of eye shadow sticks that are incredibly chic. The shade range features wearable shades like Pecan (this deep-brown hue shown here) as well as shimmering shades like Caramel (a bronze) and more fun shades like Sunflower (a matte golden yellow). These are so easy to swipe on to the eyes, and they allow around 20 seconds blending time before they set into place for a long-wearing finish. Pecan is my favourite shade, which looks great worn in the crease of the lids or blended all over the eyes for the easiest smokey eye.
If you live in a hard-water area, you’ll know how much of a difference it can make with you wash your hair somewhere with softer water. Your hair feels cleaner and shinier, and your hair colour is more vibrant. That is why I love Hello Klean’s shower head, which contains a filter to remove the build-up that can leave our hair lacklustre and our skin dry and irritated. Since using it, my hair and scalp feel healthier and my hair colour looks far more vibrant, even thought it has been months since I last had balayage.
My skin has been freaking out during the past couple of weeks with both blemishes and eczema making an appearance, but this serum has been a huge help in balancing my skin and treating both concerns simultaneously. Developed by acupuncturist Joanna Ellner, this recovery broth does exactly what it says on the (very chic) bottle. It contains a cocktail of bio ferments and biomimetic actives in a luxuriously hydrating formula that has now restored my irritated skin barrier within a matter of days, leaving it nourished and even-toned. I’m keeping this close by for days when my skin is reactive and fussy.
As someone with sensitive skin, I’m always looking for brightening and retexturising products that don’t upset my skin barrier, and I think I’ve found one. With 10% azelaic acid, it gently brightens, calms redness and reduces inflammation, while the addition of salicylic acid also helps to unclog pores. I use this as an overnight treatment, and it left my skin buttery soft and comfortable come morning. I was surprised that even though it has such a nourishing formula of ceramides and oils, it dries down completely matte on the skin, so much so that it’s almost undetectable, so this work work well for oily skin and sensitive complexions alike.
When Who What Wear beauty contributor Grace Day shared her review of this Dr Jart+ Ectoin-Infused Cream, I knew I had to try it. And it’s safe to say it did not disappoint. This is the latest addition to Dr Jart’s much-loved Ceramidin range, and if you’re looking for a dependable moisturiser for compromised or sensitive skin, this is it. The texture is so buttery and nourishing that it leaves even the most irritated and inflamed complexions soothed and comfortable. That’s all down to the superstar ingredient, ectoin, which helps to balance water in the skin, and a helping of ceramides (which act to plug the gaps in skin’s building blocks) to keep it free of irritation.
Those who know me will know I swear by many of Beauty Pie’s products, and the brand has expanded its supplement offering. I’m generally wary of supplements, as the research isn’t always clear (and could mean money down the drain). However, Beauty Pie has cleverly used some impressive ingredients with the receipts to back it up. We can all be prone to feeling fatigue during the winter months, but this mood-boosting and tiredness-busting supplement is helping me to get over the finishing line to spring. It contains ashwagandha, an adaptogen that helps the body better deal with stress; vitamin B5 to support normal energy production; and Siberian ginseng to support physical and mental recovery. It’s not called For Jugglers for nothing.
Now, on to makeup. I don’t think there is Chanel lipstick that I’ve tried that I didn’t like, but this one feel particularly luxurious. It has what the brand describes as a luminous matte finish, which is akin to wearing velvet on your lips. It has a soft matte finish that is cleverly paired with a nourishing jojoba oil formula that gives the texture a bit of slip as you apply it, so you’re not left with parched or cracked lips like some matte lipstick can cause after a couple of hours. It also has a slightly luminous sheen, making it the perfect lipstick texture as we head towards the warmer months.
Charlotte Tilbury’s viral Beauty Wands cause quite the stir in the office, and the brand has now launched blushers in four matte shades. While I wish the shade range could be broader, I really love how easy this liquid blusher is to apply. It’s highly pigmented, so you only need a small dot on each cheek to add an instant healthy flush to your cheeks. Since trying this for the first time, I’ve seen it used backstage at fashion week and on Lily James at the BAFTAs too.
Fable & Mane’s new hairstyling oil has been doing wonders for my hair. The brand is well-known for its hair oils, which are inspired by the Indian ritual of hair oiling, and the new styling oil is perfect for adding a healthy shine to the hair before blow-drying, leaving hair smooth, shiny and healthy. In case you needed any further convincing, this was also used on Florence Pugh at the BAFTAs.
I recently wrote about the best scalp products, and this new launch made my list of favourites. It’s a gentle scalp treatment that has exfoliating particles that buff away dead skin, while the addition of salicylic acid leaves the scalp feeling calm and free of build-up from styling products. I use this once a week, and it’s made the roots of my hair feel ultra clean without stripping the delicate skin of the scalp.
I takes a lot for me to feature a dry shampoo because so many of them claim to not be chalky but end up making my roots feel even worse. This new one from Amika, however, is an exception. It mops up oil easily in between washdays, and most importantly, it doesn’t make your hair feel like you’ve dunked your head in chalk. It’s probably one of the handful of dry shampoos that actually make my hair feel less greasy, and it is more or less undetectable once it is brushed out of the hair.
This perfume went viral on TikTok as a very close match for Le Labo’s Santal 33 but without the three-digit price tag. It smells both clean and warm, with notes of sandalwood, spicy cardamon, green cinnamon leaf and earthy cedar wood. I’ve always rated M&S’s perfumes, but I can’t quite believe that it is only £10. The only downside is that it doesn’t last very long on the skin, but for the price, I don’t mind topping this up liberally throughout the day. You can read my full review of the M&S Apothecary Warmth perfume here.
After supporting charities for 10 years, Jo Malone London has launched its Shining a Light on Mental Health Foundation, where proceeds of its charity candles will support individuals and families affected by mental health challenges. There are six charity candles to choose from, and the 75% of the RRP (less VAT) will go towards dedicated projects to support those affected. Hemlock & Bergamot is the newest candle to join the collection and is a pretty floral with a citrus twist—the post-festive candle palate cleanser to look forward to brighter days.
I’m not kidding when I say that this cleanser blew me away. My expectations were high anyway, as I’ve always loved Tatcha’s products for its luxurious textures, but this cleanser is something else. It’s new to the UK this month and is indulgently thick and cushiony to effortlessly melt away makeup while leaving skin feeling moisturised and glowy. I find cleansing a bit of a chore, but I actually look forward to washing my face with this. It’s best suited if your skin is dry, but if you’re oily, I’d highly recommend trying The Deep Cleanse, which is just as luxurious to use but helps to balance oil production to leave skin balanced.
In many ways, I feel that essences are often seen as an unnecessary step to a skincare routine. While I agree that they’re not absolutely essential, I have seen a difference in my skin when I have added them into my routine (after cleansing and before applying a serum). This one by Ren is like a tall glass of water for dry skin. It has a watery gel consistency that instantly quenches the skin, leaving it visibly plumped and hydrated. I layer mine underneath a serum and find it gives me an extra hit of moisture when my skin is dry, and it also really helps my makeup to stay put throughout the day. Plus, the addition of niacinamide and ferments help to soothe skin and encourage a healthy skin barrier.
Price shown is member price. I’ve been a tad cautious about lash serums, as ones I’ve previously tried have irritated the skin around my eyes. This new one from Beauty Pie, however, hasn’t irritated my sensitive skin whatsoever. I’ve been using it for the past two weeks, and I’ve already noticed a real difference in my lashes. They look darker, thicker, softer and are starting to grow longer as well. In true Beauty Pie style, it contains all the ingredients you would find in high-end lash serums, but Beauty Pie members can pic this up for less than £20 (or £70 for non-members).
Since we’re talking about lashes, there’s another lash launch that’s landed on my desk by way of Maybelline’s Sky High Boosting Tinted Primer. The original Sky High mascara has over a billion views on TikTok and this primer is designed to be worn underneath the mascara to boost volume. As it’s tinted, I actually like wearing it on its own (and the inclusion of vitamin B5 and ceramides makes you feel like you’re giving your lashes a bit of TLC) but layered underneath mascara, it helps to give a really dramatic effect.
I don’t think I’ve been so excited about a hand wash for a very long time. Guerlain’s latest hand soap launch comes in corresponding scents from its L’Art & La Matière fragrances, and each hand wash also comes in a matching hand lotion. It leaves hands delicately scented and has somehow made my rented bathroom basin feel more like a luxe hotel bathroom. Refills of the hand soaps are also available, so you can top up the glass bottle.
During a January clear-out, I retired a lot of my makeup brushes that had worn out and was looking to start afresh. So when this set landed on my desk, I ran to my dressing table to try them. Designed in collaboration with top makeup artist Hannah Martin, these brushes are silky soft and beautifully made. This kit is perfect if you want to build your brush collection or start afresh—and with 24 brushes for the face, eyes and lips, it has everything you could ever need from applying foundation to blending eye shadow. The upfront cost is an investment, but it works out to around £7 per brush, and it quite literally covers all bases when you’re creating any makeup look. I also love the faux-leather case that the brushes are housed in, which protects them during travel and means they don’t make a mess in your makeup bag.
You might know Kilian from its perfumes (you’ll no doubt have heard of Love, Don’t Be Shy, which just so happens to be one of Rihanna’s favourite fragrances), but let me introduce you to its lipstick. In particular, its new Le Rouge Parfum Ultra Satin Liquid Lipstick. These silky liquid lipsticks glide onto the lips with a satin finish that stays put throughout the day and feel luxuriously nourishing on. Each shade is also scented with the Love, Don’t Be Shy fragrance, so you get a hit of the scent every time you apply it.
If there is anyone who could make a roll-on deodorant chic, it’s Susanne Kaufmann. This one boasts a natural formula that is also free of aluminium, and the sage leaf and sage oil have a subtle herbal scent that leaves underarms feeling refreshed. The weighty glass bottle also wouldn’t go amiss if you were to leave it out of a drawer.
I usually find facial oils a bit heavy and too greasy for my skin, but this new launch from Tata Harper now has a permanent spot on my bedside table. Its designed with sensitive skin in mind and helps to create protective veil over the skin—think of it as the warm winter coat in your skincare routine. When my skin is compromised or dry, it drinks this oil up. It has a dry oil consistency, so it doesn’t feel overly smothering on the skin and is perfect for doing facial massage too.
With the festive season in full swing, I couldn’t wait to try Diptyque’s coveted limited-edition candle scents which the brand brings out each year. Sapin is my favourite, which smells exactly like walking through a forest of snow-dusted pine trees. Think earthy woods, pine sap and a dusting of mimosa. As a special touch, the stars on the vessel also glow in the dark to bring a little bit of festive magic to your mantelpiece.
Price shown is member price. Have someone on your present list who’s impossible to buy for? Beauty Pie has some serious great gifting options this year, including this cute set. Inside the drawer is a refillable lipstick case, a universally flattering neutral brown-pink lipstick and the lipliner to match, as well as glossy nail varnish which will give you glazed nails in a flash. If you’re not a Beauty Pie member, you can currently save 50% off the £70 non-member price with code BEAUTY50.
For the festive season, Dyson has reimagined its iconic AirWrap hairstyler in a chic vinca blue and rosé colourway, alongside a chic case to store it in. Depending on your hair length, you can buy shorter or longer barrels if your hair is shorter or longer. It’s probably my favourite hairstyling tool of the year for creating sleek and straight styles, bouncy blowouts and salon-worthy waves. Read my in-depth review of the Dyson AirWrap here if you need more convincing.
Calling all chic coastal grandmothers, because have I found the fragrance for you. Sunspel’s latest fragrance drop is inspired by the British coastline. Like a brisk walk along a pebbly seafront, it really gives the feeling of invigorating salt spray swirling in the air and —minus the windswept hair. The aquatic, salty notes pair so well with earthy cedarwood, making it the perfect everyday fragrance.
As someone who has an oily T-zone, I like to use a bit of powder to set my makeup but I find most powders are too matte and make my skin look very flat. It seems as those Chantecaille has answered my prayers with its new Lotus Perfect Blur Glow Powder, which has a radiant finish that isn’t glitzy like a highlighter, but just reflects the light beautifully. Like all of Chantecaille’s products, the packaging is beautiful. My only gripe is that I wish this would come in more shades that would be more suitable for darker skin tones.
Looking for a skincare gift for a loved one? This chic set from Typology has everything you need to create a skincare routine. The set includes a vitamin C and hyaluronic acid serum to brighten and hydrate, and a face cleanser and polish to complete your routine. They all fit in the included travel pouch and even the box is nice enough to keep.
Gift sets can create a lot of excess packaging, so I love to see that brands are creating more sustainable options like this one from Omorovicza. The keepsake box is so pretty to keep and use as storage, and the products inside are just as lovely, with a travel-sized cleanser, hydrating essence, vitamin C serum and a moisturiser.
My NYE eye makeup look is fully revolving around this beautiful new palette from Dior, which also comes in a pink and brown version. They both come with an eye primer which helps to make your eyeshadow last longer, as well as eight shimmering shades which are really wearable. The top middle shade, however, is my favourite, which is a translucent shimmer which looks beautiful worn alone or on top of other colours for a subtle sparkle. It’s very similar to Urban Decay’s TikTok viral Space Cowboy eyeshadow if you’re looking for an alternative.
My lips really suffer at this time of the year, but this lip balm has been a lifesaver. It has a waxy texture which really stays put on the lips to repair and hydrate thanks to jojoba, mimosa, candelilla and sunflower. I’ve been wearing this lip balm out in the cold weather and it’s shielded my lips from the current freezing temperatures.
KVD Beauty’s Tattoo Gel Eyeliners are one of my favourite, as they really do stay put for hours without budging or smudging.This limited edition eyeliner comes in a very wearable antique gold shade, making it a great alternative to glitter this party season. I can quite literally draw this on and try rubbing it off, and it does not move.
I’ve been trying out this brow-and-lash serum prior to its launch, and so far, I’m really noticing a difference to my eyebrows and lashes. My eyes are very sensitive and haven’t tolerated lash or brow serums well in the past, but I’ve not experienced any problems with this one. I’ve been using this for about two months, and I’ve noticed that my lashes are longer and my brows look much fuller and also feel really nourished.
Price shown is member price. I’ve always been a fan of Beauty Pie’s skincare, but this one really blew me away. I don’t think my skin has ever glowed as much before using this serum. It contains a cocktail of ingredients (such as peptides and hydrators to name but a few) that firm, boost elasticity, brighten, hydrate and give the skin the most incredible glow.
I’ve been looking for a product that will help me achieve those ’90s-inspired blowouts without leaving my roots feeling heavy, and I’ve finally found it. This lightweight mist creates so much height and volume but still feels undetectable in the hair, and it also helps to hold your style for much longer. Like all Sam McKnight products, it also smells incredible and leaves your hair with a delicate fragrance.
Now the weather has turned colder, I’m swapping my gel cleansers for cream formulas. This ultra-gentle cleanser from U Beauty landed on my desk this month, and I couldn’t wait to try it, as I’d heard amazing things about the brand. It has an oily-balm texture that melts away makeup without irritating the skin or leaving it feeling stripped, which is all thanks to the finely tuned formula, which takes the skin’s microbiome and pH into consideration. Yes, it is expensive for a cleanser, but I’d highly recommend it if you want a luxurious balm cleanser that won’t irritate sensitive skin.
This might single-handedly be my favourite new product this month. Much like my cleansers, I like to switch to heavier moisturisers for the wintertime, and this is hands down my new favourite. I discovered this in my goodie bag from Sephora’s launch event (see our unboxing video), and I’ve used it religiously since. It has a cosseting texture that shields the skin from cold weather, and the lipids and peptides help to fortify and nourish the skin, while the addition of hyaluronic acid helps to hydrate. It’s a great moisturiser for dry or compromised skin—or even if you’re subjected to irritation from other skincare products—and it now has a permanent place on my bedside table.
With Christmas just around the corner, I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled on the best beauty gift sets, and this is by far one of the best I’ve seen. Need I say more? This makeup clutch houses four Dior lipsticks, and the circular holder can also be detached from the main clutch and worn on a chain. As for the lipsticks themselves, they come in four wearable shades and are seriously long-wearing. It makes a great gift for a beauty fanatic or, let’s face it, as a gift for yourself.
Speaking of the festive period, I cannot resist a Christmas candle. When this candle landed on my desk, I could smell it before I even opened the packaging. This is part of Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s limited-edition Christmas candles and Pain d’Espices smells of the most luxurious gingerbread and warming spices. It’s like stepping into the golden glow of a warm bakery filled with Christmas treats with notes of orange, honey, cinnamon and anise. It also comes in Mon Beau Sapin (think the wood and resin of pine trees) and Pomme d’Amour (a warm, candy-apple scent).
I’ve just come back from a city break, and flying always sends my skin into a frenzy. The combination of air conditioning and a couple of hours of mask wearing brings out a fresh batch of acne and rough, dry skin. Thankfully, this gentle exfoliating serum from celebrity facility Shani Darden worked wonders at both bringing down the blemishes and sloughing away at the dead skin—both were gone after applying this before bedtime. It’ safe to say I’m sold.
Glitter is a must for the party season, but I’ve not come across a glitter polish like this Nails Inc. one before. It’s a highly pigmented glitter that has tiny flecks of gold particles, which also has an iridescent sparkle as it catches the light. It looks great worn alone, but I’ll be wearing it on my fingertips for a party season nails twist.
This is one of the best foundations that I’ve tried. Okay, it’s technically a skin tint, but it has great coverage without being heavy like most formulations. It has a really dewy finish that makes your skin look like you’ve just had an expensive facial, blurring over imperfections effortlessly. Even though it’s lightweight and dewy, I’ve found it has great staying power, and it also has skin-loving ingredients hyaluronic acid, squalene and niacinamide to nourish the skin as your wear it.
I attended a top-secret dinner at the Tate Modern for this highly anticipated new launch from Maison Francis Kurkdjian a few months ago, and it really is something special. You’ll no doubt know (or have caught a smell of) the brand’s now iconic Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum, which has been touted as one of those expensive-smelling fragrances. This new launch, however, sits in a different range to Baccarat Rouge 540. It’s airy, clean and fresh. In fact, Francis Kurkdjian was inspired by the notion of bustling cities (the name is a play on 24/7) and the sense of optimism they bring. He also wanted to tap into the sense of fragrance being a familiar comfort—think the scent of fresh laundry unfurling from a New York laundrette—and the blue label outline is a nod to blue denim. And it really is a comforting scent. Bergamot brings an element of citrus, while the aldehyde has a metallic, glassy feel that smells incredibly fresh. It’s also grounded beautifully with sandalwood and white musk. Much how Le Labo’s Santal 33 became one of New York’s most-loved scents, I expect this will become another urban favourite.
We’ve gone from a luxurious fragrance to a shower filter. It’s somewhat less glamorous, I’ll admit, but stay with me on this one. This shower filter has been a total game changer. I live in the south east of England, where the water is particularly hard and chalky, and I’ve only ever realised the extent of this on my skin and hair whenever I have been away on holiday and seen the difference softer water makes. Soft water leaves my skin softer, my hair shinier and my scalp calmer. Hard water, on the other hand, seems to cause me issues. So when this landed on my desk, I couldn’t wait to try it. After just a couple of days, I noticed a huge difference. My itchy scalp is much calmer, my hair is shinier, and my skin isn’t crying out for a body cream after a shower like it usually would. I even noticed that my almost year-old balayage looked brighter and less brassy. This shower filter easily screws on to lots of shower types, and you can replace the filter inside for £40. For a household of two, this will last for four months before needing to be replaced. I’ll definitely be purchasing a refill, as I’ve seen such a noticeable difference from this.
When Tatcha launched in the UK a couple of months ago, the UK beauty editors could not wait to get their hands on this brand. Previously, it was only available in the U.S., which only created even more wonder around this brand, which is known for creating incredibly dewy and hydrating textures. My combination skin finds some of the more nourishing formulas like the Silk Moisturiser too heavy, so when the Water Cream landed on my desk this month, I was excited to try it out. And did it deliver. The gel-cream texture virtually sinks into the skin instantly, leaving a hydrating yet non-greasy finish. I really love how hydrating and plumping this is, and it has also made a great base for makeup. The oiliness around my T-zone has been taken down a notch, and foundation just glides on top.
I’ll admit, when I initially tested this on the back on my hand, I wasn’t sure if it would work for my skin. The pigment is suspended and encapsulated in water-gel consistency, and where my T-zone is oily, I thought this might separate on my face. However, it has now become my go-to day-to-day foundation. Not only does it feel lightweight on the skin, but it has impressive coverage and lasts well throughout the day, which has been particularly helpful given the humid weather we’ve had lately. My only gripe is that £51 is steep for a foundation with only 20ml of product. However, you do get a foundation brush, which is handy for concealing smaller areas.
When it comes to niche perfume brands, I’ve found that they are often quite expensive. I have no doubts that the juice inside will smell amazing, but more affordable perfume brands are hard to come by. It just so happened that when affiliates editor Emily Dawes told me about the affordable yet cool French perfume brand Bon Parfumeur, a bottle landed on my desk shortly after. I’ve since written a Bon Parfumeur review on how incredible these affordable fragrances are, but I wanted to give a special mention to its 301 fragrance. With notes of amber, cardamon and sandalwood, it’s fast become my go-to autumn fragrance. It’s warm, cosy, utterly chic and just £35 for a 30ml bottle. This is the limited-edition bottle in collaboration with fashion brand Carne Bollente, but you can also find the scent in the brand’s original bottle collection.
Hair bond builders have been a hot topic of late, and Living Proof has just launched its Triple Bon Complex, which promises to repair damaged hair and even improve virgin hair that has not been exposed to colour and heat damage. This is a leave-in treatment that is used on damp hair, and it works by rebuilding the bonds within the hair structure. Even after one use, I’ve noticed that my coloured hair feels healthier, bouncier and overall a lot easier to manage—it’s never felt so good.
This lipstick has gone TikTok-viral (you can watch me test it out IRL on Who What Wear’s TikTok), as it claims to remain completely transfer-proof for 16 hours. I was sceptical, but it works. This bullet lipstick has a matte finish, and upon application, you’ll want to allow the lipstick to “set” without smacking your lips together. This usually only takes a couple of minutes, but after that, it’s totally transfer-proof. I wore this for a day of meetings, drinking coffee and going out for dinner, and it really did stay put. And unlike other matte lipsticks, it doesn’t dry out my lips or feel too heavy either. Plus, it’s Dior, so of course the packaging is chic.
I’m completely obsessed with Boy Smells candles, and when this landed on my desk, I knew I’d want to save it for autumn as the evenings draw in earlier. It’s creamy, comforting and soft-smelling. It’s not the strongest of scents, but I like its subtlety—it’s not the type of candle to induce a headache. It features notes of cashmere wood, white amber, vetiver, tulip and musk. It also comes in a corresponding fragrance that is equally alluring.
Price shown is member price. Now summer has drawn to an end, I’m missing my post-holiday glow, but no one else probably realises because I’ve been using these gradual tanning drops. Much like all Beauty Pie products (which I’m a big fan of), they are manufactured at many of the same factories of more premium brands. But they cut out the middlemen (think the cut for retailer, marketing, etc.) and pass the savings directly on to the consumer. At under £13, these are a great option if you’re on the market for a facial tanning product. The results are very subtle on the first application, so you can easily tailor it to suit your preferences. You can apply directly onto the skin after cleaning and before applying your serums or moisturiser, but I like to mix these in with skincare before applying.
I’m very prone to eczema around my eyes, and so I usually tread with caution when it comes to eye creams. However, this new launch from Drunk Elephant caught my interest. It’s packed with ceramides and omega-lipid complexes that help to replenish the skin’s building blocks. While it won’t address dark circles or eliminate puffiness, it has plumped the fine lines around my eyes, and it’s even helped to stop an eyelid eczema flare in its tracks. For that, it now has a permanent place on my bedside table.
Zelen’s new Omega Shiso serum is a treat to use. Most omega skincare products feel quite heavy on the skin, but this offers all of the nourishment in a lightweight formula that sinks in quickly. As someone who has irritated, eczema-prone skin but is also subjected to breakouts, its the perfect middle ground for nourishing compromised skin without clogging.
