From Drunk Elephant’s Wonderwild Miracle Butter to Rare Beauty’s tinted moisturiser and Maybelline’s new smudge-proof Sky High Mascara in Cosmic, the hot new launches to get excited about
School’s out and the weather is fine (though thankfully slightly more manageable than last week). It must mean one thing: summer is in full swing.
So what's hot in the world of beauty at the moment? We’ve put together a detailed list of all the products we just can’t get enough of right now, from Drunk Elephant’s Wonderwild Miracle Butter to Rare Beauty’s tinted moisturiser and Maybelline’s new positively smudge-proof (we tested it) Sky High Mascara in Cosmic, there are plenty of new launches to get excited about. Read on for our hitlist of the hottest makeup, skincare and SPF products.
The smudge-proof mascara: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Cosmic Mascara, £11.49
"Smudging is the deal-breaker for me when it comes to mascara – they all say they don’t, but most of them do, especially in this all-melting heat. This new version (it’s got intense ‘cosmic’ black pigments) of Maybelline’s best-selling Sky High Mascara stays totally put though, despite SPF, undereye concealer, and perspiration creating a perfect storm for smudging. Apart from that, the thin silicone brush allows for root-to-tip control, and delivers clearly lifted, lengthened and fattened lashes in a few very simple swipes. Has joined my very short list of favourites." Ingeborg van Lotringen,
The overnight lip heroes: Dr Esho Renew and Seal, 3 Piece 24hr Lip Treatment System, £55
" If you love ‘lip doctor’ Dr Tijion Esho’s lip products as much as we do (he has the only cosmeceutical line dedicated to lips) you’ll be delighted to know that there are two new arrivals – both overnight lip treatments: Esho Renew, a lip exfoliator and Esho Seal, a ceramide-rich deep conditioning treatment. The exfoliator is very clever as, rather than being a scratchy physical scrub, it uses the gentlest of acids in the form of 10% PHA with moisturising squalane and jojoba, so your lips feel and look smooth. As he told us in a recent Get The Gloss Masterclass on lip care, the more light they reflect, the fuller they look! Meanwhile, Seal is his answer to lip sheet masks, but as well as hydration (which can so easily be lost from the lips) it contains ceramides to lock it in too, working in a two-phase action for deeply conditioned lips come morning.
If you’ve yet to try the range, we have an exclusive 20 per cent off at esho.co.uk for a limited time with code GTG20. (It doesn’t include the two new products, yet, which are only on QVC for now). We’ll be stocking up too on the squalane-rich lip balm Coat Ultra-Hydrating Repair and Heal Lip Balm, £21.99 that won Gold for the Best Targeted Skincare category in our Get the Gloss Beauty and Wellness Awards 2021." Victoria Woodhall, GTG Editorial Director
The blurring primer: Tatcha Silka Canvas, £48
"Getting your base to stay put all day without moving or looking cakey is always quite tricky in the summer. Luckily, this cult makeup primer from Tatcha (one of the Japanese-inspired brand’s hero products) has finally landed in the UK. It’s available in two forms; this velvety balm best suited to oiler skin types (like mine) and a Liquid Silk Canvas Primer, £48 for dryer skin. The solid balm is unlike any other primer I’ve tried before and was inspired by the waxes that geishas would put on their skin to create a barrier between it and the heavy performance makeup they wore on top. It comes with a tiny circle applicator (that works as a guide for how much product to apply) which you scoop into your hands before rubbing in. It has a very solid waxy texture at first, for those of you who know the Jones Road Miracle Balm, it’s a similar feel to that. To get the best out of the primer you need to “break the seal” - AKA pushing a big indent in the top layer. You then warm the product up in your hand and apply after your skincare routine to seal in the goodness. Because this works as a barrier it helps to keep makeup out of your pores and as a result, keep your skin healthy and hydrated underneath with a soft poreless and creaseless makeup finish on top." Jemma Thompson, GTG Design and Social Media Manager
The deep cleanse shampoo: Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo, £28
"If like me, you try to only wash your hair once a week, a clarifying shampoo does a great job of removing build-up, grease and dirt. Unlike most clarifying shampoos this new Olaplex shampoo does not leave your hair dry and brittle as it does not strip your natural oils, it is sulphate-free. Like the whole Olaplex range it contains bond maintenance properties that help to repair split ends and heat-colour damaged hair. This grease and grime-busting shampoo is suitable for all hair types in need of an extra deep clean. My hair felt more voluminous, surprisingly soft and shiny and leaves me with that fresh feeling that's the sign of a great wash day." Amy Rostas, GTG Beauty and Social Media Assistant
The gentle daily exfoliator: Dermalogica Daily Mikfoliant, £59
"When Dermalogica launches a new product, you know that years of painstaking research has been invested into it so that it delivers on its promise. The brand’s latest drop is Daily Milkfoliant, an exfoliating powder, and 'gentler' sister to its cult Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator. Harnessing the soothing and anti-inflammatory powers of oat bran extract and coconut milk, it works to soften and delicately buff away dead skin cells, while botanical extracts rich in AHAs and BHAs help to resurface at a chemical level. Add a couple of shakes (or half a teaspoon) to wet hands and work into a nice milky lather - I've been using it every day and it leaves my skin feeling baby soft." Rosie Fitzmaurice, GTG Freelance Contributor
The enriching SPF: Typology SPF50 Face Sunscreen with Aloe Vera, £21.99
“Never before has sun protection been so vital, as the UK breaks records for the hottest summer in history. Fortunately, there is so much choice when it comes to UV sun protection products. My new favourite is by the French brand Typology. I love a factor 50 for ultimate protection and this is fragrance-free with a fluid texture, so it works well under foundation. It’s been formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera so it thoroughly hydrates the skin. Typology is a sustainable beauty brand, formulated in Bergerac and Provence, with a considered approach to their packaging, too - it's all made from recycled plastics and cardboard.” Marie Louise Pumfrey, GTG contributor
The brightening eye cream: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème, £35
"Exciting news this week, the famous Banana Bright Eye Crème from Ole Henriksen just got an upgrade! Their best-selling eye cream now gives me even better results. Having discovered new advances in vitamin C, the master of glow has levelled up his iconic formula. It now contains, a whopping, triple vitamin C complex to brighten and enhance elasticity. Packed with bioflavonoids, citrus, plant-based antioxidant compounds that neutralise free radicals and other environmental aggressors, alongside orange extract it helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots and instantly illuminates the complexion." Hattie Sloggett, GTG contributor
The holiday multi-tasker: Drunk Elephant Wonderwild Miracle Butter, £33
"I was recently asked what I’d pack for a hand-luggage-only holiday and this new Drunk Elephant Wonderwild Miracle Butter was first in the bag because it covers so many bases. Subtitled ‘rescue remedy’ it’s a mineral-oil-free multi-purpose balm for dry areas such as hands and lips. In fact, it soothes compromised skin of any kind, including sunburn, by creating a nourishing barrier of antioxidant-rich oils. On hair, it seals split ends, and as for makeup it turns your lip pencil into a glossy lipstick, your powder blush into a cream, can be mixed with your body lotion to make it richer. As a cleansing balm, it gets off any last traces of waterproof mascara. I find it more versatile (and certainly less sticky and smelly) than the iconic Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream (all DE products are scent-free) and it's even fine enough to be used under eyes." VW
The gel-to-foam oily skin cleanser : CeraVe Blemish Control Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide, £8
"Surprisingly, I’ve never actually tried a Cerave cleanser. I know everyone raves about them; skinfluencer Hyram, beauty editors and even my skincare-shy younger brother are all aboard the train. This new launch has made me regret not picking one up sooner. The targeted face wash is designed for blemish/acne-prone skin and unlike other products in that vein, it doesn’t leave my skin barrier disrupted or feeling tight one bit. The gel-to-foam formula is super gentle, yet effective. I’ve been trailing it daily for a few weeks now and feel like my oil-prone skin feels less aggravated. It uses a combination of spot-busting exfoliating acids alongside niacinamide to leave skin feeling hydrated." JT
The hydrating skin tint: Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturiser SPF20, £26
"Skin tints give coverage but without hiding too much of your actual skin and this new tinted moisturiser from Selena Gomez Rare Beauty is less sheer than some barely-there tints, giving light-to-medium coverage. It feels very hydrating on the skin, thanks to vitamin E and does not sit in any fine lines – but for dry combination skin like mine, it's not enough as a stand alone moisturiser. I like the SPF 20 for a bit of extra 'skinsurance' over my SPF. Some tinted moisturisers can break up on your face during the day but I found this one lasted all day and night - even in a heatwave. If you do have oily skin dust some translucent powder to set it in place, the Laura Mercier, £33.50 is my go-to!" AR
The nourishing brow gel: Ere Perez Natural Cosmetics Argan Brow Hero, £22
"I love an Aussie beauty brand - Aesop, Lanolips and Nude by Nature are a few personal faves - so I was grateful to be introduced to Ere Perez. Formulating makeup, and now skincare, with native Australian ingredients, and taking influence from her childhood living in Mexico, her products are super-charged with goodness. Her avocado-infused Waterproof Mascara is well loved by beauty editors, but it’s the Brow Hero I’ve fallen for. I’m fussy about brow products, and this ticks all the boxes. The nimble wand makes it easier to get in there and fluff up each individual hair to give it that laminated look that I can’t afford to have done professionally every month, and the gel, made with tiny vegan fibres to help fill out gaps, feels really nourishing thanks to argan oil. With a trio of new products launching in September, this is a beauty brand to watch." RF
The tinted SPF: Bondi Sands Sunny Daze SPF 50, £12.99
"Looking for an everyday affordable SPF 50 tinted moisturiser in this heat? Then please meet Bondi Sands' new Sunny Daze mineral-only SPF 50 sunscreen. It has a translucent tint which gives me just the right amount of coverage so you don’t need foundation. The texture is light and fluid and settles quickly into the skin, leaving a natural, matte finish. It’s been enriched with vitamin E to repair the skin and hibiscus flower to hydrate. Plus, it doesn't clog pores, or leave a white cast, and has been dermatologically tested, meaning it's suitable for sensitive skin. So it’s a big win for me. Oh, and it comes in 100 per cent recyclable packaging, and is excellent value at only £12.99.” MLP
The refreshing spritz: Odile Paris Or, Je M’envole The Extraordinary Water, £35
"This toning spritz couldn’t have landed on my desk at a better time. I’ve popped it in the fridge and mist it all over my face, neck and décolletage before and after applying my serum, and then top up during the day when I need a little refreshing pick-me-up. It’s alcohol-free so is non-drying, and is packed with potent plant-derived antioxidants. Healing sage extract calms MY skin and helps to reinforce its natural defence barrier, while kudzu extract - which I had to Google - apparently helps to fight free radical damage. Odile is a Parisian brand, founded by facialist Odile Lecoin and adored by chic French women who covet its line of rich creams and luxurious serums. It's just landed in the UK, hurrah!!" RF