I Just Tried Summer's Biggest Beauty Launches—These 16 Are Actually Worth Buying
Summer is here, and with it tons of new beauty launches! But what's actually worth it...
I first became aware of my obsession with all things beauty when I discovered a new Nars Orgasm blusher in my mum's bathroom when I was about eleven years old. It hadn’t even been opened, let alone used, and I was completely in awe. So, naturally, I took it from her bathroom and straight into my room and there began many years of constant back and forth between us, which included her often asking where various favourites in her makeup bag were and me swearing I had no idea. Of course, they’d always miraculously turn back up where they started, albeit in a less than impressive state—she never lets me forget the time I accidentally smashed her new Bobbi Brown eyeshadow palette. Oops!
Just some of the new beauty launches I tried for you.
18 years later, I still get just as giddy when new and exciting beauty launches land on my doorstep. As a beauty editor, it is of course a massive perk of my job and one I definitely don’t take for granted. But, with so many new products launching every week, it can get pretty overwhelming even for me. The good news is that 2023 has already been a year of incredible skincare, makeup, haircare and fragrance launches that I now consider to be staples in my routine. So, without further ado, here are summer's biggest beauty launches that I actually really rate, as well as my honest thoughts on each one. Notepads at the ready!
See Summer 2023's Best & Biggest Beauty Launches:
Best New Skincare Products:
1. Rhode The Rhode Kit
Anyone who reads my work on Who What Wear will know how much I harp on about Hailey Bieber, so it comes as no surprise how excited I was for this launch. I was very kindly sent the whole kit to try and I’ve been glazing myself up daily ever since. And yes, the Peptide Lip Treatment is every bit as good as you can imagine, especially the salted caramel one.
2. Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF 50
Did you know you’re meant to reapply your SPF every two hours? I can’t be the only one who would avoid doing such a thing over a full face of makeup, but thanks to this nifty mist I'm able to do so without effecting it at all.
3. Pacifica Cooling Cryo Globes
If you take away one piece of advice from this entire feature, let it be that cryo globes deserve a spot amongst your condiments in the fridge. Whether it’s a roasting hot day or you’re feeling a little fragile from the night before, rolling these all over the contours of your face is instant relief and pure bliss. Plus, they can be used to apply serums and lotions over the face, neck and décolletage.
4. Simple Replenishing Cream Cleanser 11% Ceramide Boosters & Hyaluronic Acid
Good skincare doesn’t need to break the bank, as proven time and time again by Simple. If your skin is currently feeling dryer than usual, the hyaluronic acid-rich formula will help to prevent moisture loss, while nourishing it with ingredients like ceramides to help keep it healthy and happy.
Best New Makeup Products:
5. et al. Intelligent Skin Cream Foundation SPF 20
Back in March, I got to try a full face of et. al ahead of its launch courtesy of celebrity make up artist Francesca Abromovitch and I was genuinely sad to wash it off. Now the brand is officially available to shop, I’d urge you to try the Intelligent Skin Cream Foundation, which is packed full of active ingredients and keeps your skin looking plump and hydrated. Bonus points for the fact you can pop out the pump and inner pouch and send them back to the brand, then put the frosted glass tube in your domestic recycling.
6. Fenty Beauty SummaTime Match Stix Colour Adaptive Cheek & Lip Stick
Not only is the packaging giving serious summer vibes, the colour-shift technology in this formula brings out the most flattering universal rosy colour to cheeks and lips of all skin tones.
7. Kiko Little Mermaid All Over Highlighter
As a Little Mermaid super fan—I’ve had the lyrics to Under The Sea locked down since the age of 4—I was beyond excited to try this collection, and it seriously didn’t disappoint. Riding the wave of the newly released adaptation of the iconic Disney film, the products feature stunning shades and textures encased in shell-inspired packaging. The product I’ve been using on repeat is the all over highlighter, which I sweep over the high points of my face with a highlighter brush—I challenge you not to fall in love with its super flattering formula.
8. Ciaté London Brazilian Glow Eyeshadow Palette
Over the summer months, I like to have an eyeshadow palette I can rely on for all occasions—I’m talking al-fresco dates, post-work drinks, wedding guest makeup and evenings abroad. Featuring 24 butter-soft shades, this beauty has everything you need for endless summer-approved looks.
Best New Haircare Products:
9. Amika Mirrorball High Shine + Protect Antioxidant Shampoo
This shampoo helps to remove pollution build-up while protecting colour vibrancy. Since using the shampoo alongside the conditioner, my hair looks and feels so silky and shiny. (Refer to picture above.)
10. Hair by Sam McKnight Sundaze Sea Spray
The formula features natural, mineral-rich sea salt to help create gorgeous beachy waves and it smells absolutely divine. I am definitely taking it away with me on holiday next month.
11. Hershesons The Great Hairdryer
I got my hair cut at a Hershesons salon last week and my blow-dry was done using the new hairdryer. It's a small but mighty tool that dried my hair in what felt like seconds, while keeping my flyaways in check. Also would easily fit into your hand luggage as it weights the same as an iPhone Max.
12. K18 Hair Molecular Repair Hair Oil
I didn't doubt the new innovation from K18 for a second, thanks to the brands iconic and award-winning hair mask. It's a weightless oil that strengthens while it smoothes for 24 hour frizz control. You can apply it to dry or damp hair and IO promise you'll be revelling at the shine each time you look in the mirror.
Best New Fragrance Products:
13. Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance Perfume Mist
If I could bottle the essence of being on a beach, with the sun on your skin and toes in the sand, drinking coconut water straight from the source, it would be this. It's also such a great price point for just how good it smells, and I've already convinced multiple friends, family and the occasional stranger to buy it due to my incessant need to spray it wherever I go.
14. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Media Cologne Forte
I got to sit down and have lunch with Francis Kurkdjian himself to celebrate the latest addition to the Cologne Forte collection. Kurkdjian explained that the fragrance was inspired by a matcha tea and verbena mix he'd made to drink at home in Paris. The result is a fresh, uplifting and completely addictive scent that I haven't stopped wearing.
15. Juliette Has A Gun Lust For Sun
Freesia, coconut and bergamot work alongside ylang ylang, jasmine absolute, orange blossom, gardenia and vanilla to oh so perfectly capture the zest of summer.
16. Creed Spring Flower
First launched in 1996, one of the best-selling Creed fragrances has been given a glow up. Featuring notes of bergamot, apricot, jasmine and peach, if you love a fruity floral scent, look no further. Plus, it really does last all day long on the skin.
Next Up: Yes, You Should Be Wearing SPF Everyday: How, Where and When to Apply It
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