After a glut of holiday launches that bring together the hits and favourites of the previous year, I’m finally starting to see some exciting brand new innovations and colours land.
The start of a new working year always feels like a good time to take stock of what you use, do a refresh (I’m thinking the same about these handbags currently!) and get rid of any murky or expired products.
For skincare, this year looks to see a new wave of light and fresh-feeling products. They’re a welcome arrival when the weather is hot and we can likely thank the influence of K Beauty for these elite texture innovations. I can’t wait to see more milky toners and hydrators.
Nude pinks and tawny rose blushes are still (still!) one of the most-wanted products judging on new products landing, but a close second is new fragrances in lighter concentrations designed to be spritzed here there and everywhere.
Here’s what I’m loving right now:
Dior Addict Rosy Glow, Purple Glow and Peachy Glow EDPs
Sweet, bright and playful, noted perfumer Francis Kurkdjian has created these new perfumes for Dior, bang on the money for hip, hyped (and ultimately short-lived but loved) releases.
The youthful scents each have a luminous feel and a touch of gourmand notes. Rosy Glow ties together rose, lychee and caramelised elements, Purple Glow smells like iris and raspberry and Peachy Glow uses jasmine absolute to create a peachy note, along with vanilla whipped cream scent.
The Ordinary Rice Lipids + Ectoin Microemulsion
Affordable skincare innovators The Ordinary keep cranking out great new releases. I’m in love with this incredibly gentle milky moisturiser, paving the way for the new era of featherlight creams and lotions. The PR tells me it’s made with clever technology that concentrates actives through a formulation technology called ‘microfluidisation’, which means its drips on like a serum but gives lasting hydration. It has super-soothing ectoin and rice lipids that boost your skin’s barrier. On lazy mornings I’ll apply only this and it will keep my skin hydrated all day.
MAC Powder Kiss Lip + Cheek Mousse
The lightest touch of this mousse-y colour gives a beautiful blurred velvety finish that can be used on lips and cheeks and intensified as much as you are seeking.
Chanel le Vernis Nail Colour in Moderniste
No you’re not seeing things, the saturation of this image has not been turned to black-and -white. Chanel’s latest trending nail hue is this concrete colour. Chic for autumn/winter, no?
Ultra Violette Mini Mate Supreme Screen
A top up of sunscreen is labour-intensive admin, but necessary with our brutal UV. I love how small this little pocket pack is, designed to literally slip into your pocket or purse and a great try-before-you-buy-the-full-size option, too.
Rare Beauty Find Comfort: Feel Seen Hydrating Body Mousse To Oil
Transforming body moisturiser into a mousse, this foam rubs into skin leaving a lightweight oil sheen. It’s perfect after a shower when skin is damp to trap the moisture in, and can be used across shoulders and décolleté to add a luminous glow. The scent scientists have even whipped up a fragrance that combines fresh notes of honeydew and a ‘crisp ocean breeze’.
Round Lab Vita Niacinamide Glow Capsule Cream
Capsule creams are a new texture joy originating in Korea, that suspends globs of active ingredients (capsules) in a refreshing hydrating gel. You scoop a ball out and blend over skin. This one contains smoothing niacinamide and a vitamin complex to brighten dull skin and fade post-blemish pigmentation.
MECCA MAX Off Duty Blush Stick
I have sung the praises of MECCA MAX’s blush sticks many times (creamy, idiot-proof, easy to blend) so I was thrilled to learn they have released new shades that fall in line with the latest colour trends. Now there’s a bold red (red blush is surprisingly wearable), fuchsia and tawny terracotta, plus more.
Elizabeth Arden makeup brushes
Elizabeth Arden recently redesigned its range of makeup brushed and they perform beautifully. Each of the brushes picks up a good amount of colour, deposits it evenly and blends seamlessly. I particularly like the angled Contour & Highlight brush (second from L) which I actually use to apply cream blush.
Jane Iredale ColorLuxe Liquid Blush
Another blush yes, but this one is a winner too! Dab a tiny dot of the pigmented liquid on cheeks and blend with your fingertips in seconds. I’ve been wearing this peach shade called Wild Child a lot this summer.
LA MER The Lip Treatment
The aesthete in me loves this just because of its beautiful packaging, but you’ll be relieved to know its performance justifies the (admittedly eye-watering) price. It’s a silky slip of moisturising colour that leaves lips plump and gleaming and has lots of lovely actives to smooth your pout too.
