If you're looking for a few new beauty buys to help get your glow on this summer, do we have the guide for you.
Summer is the perfect time to experiment with lightweight formulas, dewy 'your-skin-but-better' bases, subtle shimmer, bronzed, neutral hues and of course, a whole lot of glow - much like a sun-kissed mermaid.
I've been busy swiping, stippling, swirling and smearing to compile the best products for your beauty bag this season, so you don't have to.
Skincare
Jeuneora FullStop. SPF50 Daily Glow Screen, RRP$57
Last year I made it my mission to find the ultimate facial sunscreen: the criteria? Lightweight, non-greasy and no dreaded white cast - plus broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
In November, we finally had a winner: this sunscreen ticked all my boxes and even added a few of its own. It's lightweight and smooth on the skin, absorbing quickly and sitting beautifully under makeup. Plus, as the name would suggest, the hydrating formula has a noticeable glow that softly illuminates the skin without appearing greasy.
On no-makeup days working from home, the FullStop SPF adds a subtle sheen (and no white cast!) while ensuring my skin is protected from the sun streaming in - and even the blue light emanating from my screens. This is due to Arctalis, a unique marine ingredient that offers blue light protection, and ectoin, a hydrating amino acid that helps shield against stressors like blue light and environmental pollution.
Plus, Jeuneora is a New Zealand-owned beauty and wellness brand, so you're supporting local business too.
Biobod Replenishing Hydra-Soothe Serum, RRP$72
Hydrated, radiant skin is in all-year-round, but is a particular asset come summer; a season where many of us ditch heavier makeup to avoid the inevitable oil and sweat in the sunshine.
That's why ultra-hydrating skincare is a must in the warmer weather, adding natural radiance to the skin without the need for too many powders and products. Biobod's Replenishing Hydra-Soothe Serum does just that, helping to quench dehydrated skin. Its soothing, oil-free formula is packed with hyaluronic acid (HA) and the anti-inflammatory Centella asiatica, which helps to relieve discomfort and support skin repair - both of which are important if you've been out in the sun.
I like applying this serum after cleansing on damp skin to help the HA work its magic, before following up with thicker serums, moisturiser and sunscreen. The formula is very lightweight with a watery consistency, so you want to apply it before heavier products to ensure it can penetrate the skin.
Dermalogica Barrier Repair, RRP$109
Part of Dermalogica's lauded UltraCalming range, Barrier Repair has become a must-have on my skincare shelf as a person with sensitive, rosacea-prone skin.
This product is perfect to utilise during the summertime, helping to restore a damaged skin barrier and protect against environmental triggers. Reinforcing the skin's lipid barrier is always a good bet, but especially at this time of year as it helps protect your delicate dermis from the elements.
If you're planning to wear makeup, Barrier Repair also makes a great primer for prepping the skin. The velvety, waterless formula is silicone-like in texture, creating a smooth base that feels like a shield between your skin and other products. It's enriched with oat and botanical actives to help minimise discomfort, while evening primrose oil, borage seed oil and vitamins C and E help restore a healthy barrier and combat free radicals.
While it's not labelled as such, I'd recommend using this in place of a traditional moisturiser in your skincare routine - meaning pre-sunscreen and post-serums - to lock in hydration and shield against stressors.
Cosmetics
Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil, RRP$51
If you frequent #BeautyTok, you've likely seen this aesthetically packaged product all over your #ForYouPage with its amber-coloured formula and wavy glass vessel. Lip oils have been an 'it' product as of late, and while I was late to the bandwagon, Gisou's honey infusion has me converted.
Let's be clear, if you're looking for a product that's going to combat dry or chapped lips, this is not it. A lip oil is not the same as a lip balm or salve; it's more for cosmetic purposes than personal care. It is, however, a very pretty product that can be worn day-to-night, alone or over colour, and makes a lustrous topcoat to any lip look. The formula is very sheer and designed to enhance your natural lip colour, meaning it complements all skin tones. It's also satisfying to apply, gliding over the lips with a doe-foot applicator.
The other benefit? Lip oils deliver the shine of a gloss, sans the stickiness. Its comfortable, non-drying formula also makes it much more pleasant to wear outdoors. I've been enjoying this oil over a brown liner with bronzy skin for a sun-kissed daytime look that can easily take you into the night.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palette, RRP$163
Yes, it's pricey, but this Hourglass palette - another favourite of the #MUAs on your TikTok feed - is pretty good bang for your buck. It's six products in one, including two finishing powders ('diffused light' and 'ethereal light'), two blushes ('rose fusion' and 'diffused heat'), a bronzer, and a metallic strobe powder ('opal strobe light') for highlighting.
Each of the six powders are also multi-use, making it a versatile product that's great for travel or on-the-go. All work well as eyeshadows, while the setting powders also add the subtlest of shimmer: once you get past the initial shock of the price-tag, it'll likely become a staple in your makeup bag.
I've been particularly gravitating towards the 'diffused heat' blush this summer, a multi-purpose powder that combines the perfect sun-kissed blush and highlight in a single swipe.
Stila Stay All Day Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner, RRP$40
If you're heading out for drinks with the girls or an al fresco date in the evening sun, adding a smudge of eyeliner can make all the difference, effortlessly taking the look from day to night.
Alternatively, if you want to add some daytime glam but worry about sweaty skin interfering with your eyeliner, a waterproof option is your best bet - and Stila's Stay All Day Smudge Stick has become my go-to. The wind-up eyeliner's soft, creamy formula is easy to play with, whether you want to smudge it out or create a sharper wing. If you're oily, setting it with a dab of translucent powder may help with its longevity.
Each pencil can also be utilised as an all-over cream eyeshadow (ideal for a smoky eye), or simply swipe in the waterline to add definition. I find pencils like this far more useful than classic liquid liner as it's easier to work with, more forgiving and multi-use.
The above products have been independently selected by Newshub Lifestyle. In some cases samples have been supplied for review.
