Hello and welcome to Newshub Lifestyle's Best in Beauty, a series sharing our favourite products of the past month for fellow beauty buffs, skincare savants and makeup maestros to enjoy. Disclaimer: we take no responsibility for any damage to your bank balance.
If #BeautyTok has taught us anything, it's that it's not cute to gatekeep: gorgeous, gorgeous girls and guys share their holy grail products for others to enjoy, even at the risk of said product selling out before they can stock up. It is a selfless act.
With that being said, another month has passed, meaning more products have been swiped, stippled, swirled and smeared - and these are the cream of the crop.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Cream, RRP$118 at Mecca
This cream has quickly become a staple in my skincare arsenal, particularly during the drying winter months. As someone with sensitive skin, I find this formula doesn't irritate my delicate dermis, unlike other vitamin Cs on the market. Why? It contains THD ascorbate, a powerful yet stable form of vitamin C that is known to be better tolerated than others. Yes, it's on the pricier side, but it packs a punch: designed to brighten and even the skin, the formula also claims to fight visible signs of premature ageing with its supercharged boost of antioxidants. My skin appears more radiant and luminous after application, plus the non-greasy but rich formula makes a beautiful, moisturised base for makeup. I like to apply mine in the morning after serums and before SPF for a brightened, hydrated complexion. Plus, it comes with a cute little applicator.
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, RRP$78
This product is often touted by beauty gurus as the gold standard of setting powders, and after using it for a month (I begrudgingly gave in after trialling a number of cheaper alternatives), I can attest to its superpowers. I'm picky with my powders: they're tricky to get right and can quickly take makeup from slay to nay with the wrong application. The perfect setting powder should be able to set and bake, not cake, and provide a flawless, velvety-matte finish, rather than turning you into a chalky prune. Miss Mercier's formula is lightweight, finely milled and for selfie fans, there's no flashback (think Nicole Kidman's floury face in 2015). It's mattifying but not cakey and super soft-focus - blurring the skin like a real-life filter. As a translucent powder, it's designed to be sheer: the only fault I can find is that on fair skin, such as mine, it can sometimes have a subtle yellow undertone if it's applied too heavy-handed. Otherwise, it sets like a dream, photographs like a dream and applies like a dream - particularly with a triangular puff.
Ardell Nail Addict Velvet Range, RRP$21.99
As a gal who likes beauty on a budget, acrylic press-ons have long been my not-so-secret weapon when it comes to salon-worthy claws. Can they be damaging? Yes. Can they pop off, fly across the table and land in your lunch companion's lap? Yes. Nevertheless, they look pretty and cost a fraction of the price of a professional manicure, so I'm sticking with them. Ardell's new Velvet range of acrylic nails have become my go-to's: inspired by the magnetic gel nail art trending on TikTok, the futuristic designs give your fingertips a fun 3D-shimmer effect. The multidimensional finish is down to microfine, pearlescent particles. They're easy to apply (just give your nails a good file beforehand to create some texture and grip) and have a long-lasting hold. There's six striking styles to choose from, but I'm currently wearing Celestial Thunder: a coffin shape in a shimmering peach hue. They make typing a bit of a pain, but hey - that's what beauty is.
Glam by Manicare Glam Ready Pre-Glued Lashes, RRP$14.99
As a fake lash connoisseur, I am well-trained in the art of application, but I also know how faffy and fiddly falsies can be. For those who need a helping hand, Manicare's range of pre-glued, mink-effect lashes could be a lifesaver. They're ready to wear without the need for adhesive: simply remove them from the tray and press the cushiony band along the lash line for an effortless application. These are also great for more seasoned falsie fans who need a quick lash when in a rush or on the go. My only note is that the bands are quite thick, so I would suggest wearing eyeliner for a more seamless look. They're recommended for single-use, as the pre-glued band obviously loses its tack with wear, but I've found you can still re-use them with a little lash glue. My personal faves are Shanina (a layered cat-eye style) and Kelsey (a fuller, denser lash), but there's plenty to choose from - including more minimal, daytime-appropriate styles. The range is also hypoallergenic and cruelty and latex free. Big yes from me.
The above products have been independently selected by Newshub Lifestyle. In some cases Newshub Lifestyle has been supplied with samples to review.
