August’s Best New Beauty Buys

Make-up artist Violette created these new Jelly Balms to give lips a juicy, just-been-kissed effect. Glossy but with a smooth, non-sticky texture, they apply like a balm and are easy to layer up, leaving behind a soft, diffused colour and sheen that’s unlike any other we’ve tried. We love  ‘Aïssa' – a flattering, berry red that brightens all skin tones. For summer, ‘Pomme D’amour' is a fun option for its candle apple tones that are warming.

Available at VioletteFR.com

Balm lovers should also check out these twist-up sticks from Victoria Beckham Beauty. Full of nourishing butters and oils, they glide on easily and give sheer but lasting pigment that dries down almost like a watercolour. There are four shades to choose from, but we love ‘Fleur’ – a soft, rose pink anyone could wear. It gives lips a healthy glow and the illusion of fullness.

COMING 7TH AUGUST

Available at VictoriaBeckhamBeauty.com

Providing the benefits of both SPF and serum, this transparent formula leaves no trace and has a thin, light consistency that’s so satisfying to apply. Niacinamide helps to reduce redness and even out tone, while vitamin E strengthens skin and keeps it supple. There’s also aloe vera inside, which gives a juicy, quenching feel and, of course, factor 50 protection that looks and feels undetectable. This formula also behaves well under any make-up you wear.

Available at SpaceNK.com

If you’re after a lighter, fresher cream for summer, make it this one from Lancôme. One of our favourite skin launches from the past few months, it has everything you want in a cream – hyaluronic acid and soothing bisabolol to keep your complexion free from irritation and comforted with a continuous feed of moisture. The texture is silky and glow-giving but it absorbs easily, never sliding around your skin once it’s on. Plus, it feels cooling and weightless. A great all-rounder.

Available at JohnLewis.com

Hands down, one of the best setting mists we’ve tried. Lightweight, non-sticky and completely transparent, it’s everything you’d hope for from this type of product. Better still, it hydrates and softens skin with peptides and seed oils, while strengthening skin and protecting it from blue light (the type emitted from digital devices) as well as dulling pollution. We love that it enhances the pigment of make-up too – especially eyeshadows. 

Available at SpaceNK.com

Not only does this add instant, weightless comfort to dry skin thanks to soothing allantoin, it also works hard to clear breakouts – specifically back acne. Salicylic and glycolic acids combine but at the perfect percentages to never cause aggravation or sensitivities. The easy-to-use pump has a continuous 360° spray that makes application seamless. The formula quickly breaks down trapped dirt and alleviates any existing redness from breakouts.

Available at JohnLewis.com

SkinCeuticals never disappoints and its latest P-TIOX Serum may be its best yet. It’s proven to smooth nine different types of fine lines. It benefits from peptides – neuropeptides to be precise which are said to work similarly to neuromodulators like Botox. It’s easy to be sceptical, but we have been impressed by the results. Firstly, by how quickly it disappears into skin and immediately evens out its tone. Secondly, the fact that after a week, our complexion had changed in texture, with pigmentation and smoothness improved. Without doubt, this one has the ability to make you look more fresh-faced and well rested, which is also thanks to the addition of laminaria – an ingredient that works hard to bolster skin’s hydration.

Available at SkinCeuticals.co.uk

We love this limited-edition launch from Jo Malone London which is part of the brand’s annual ‘Just Because’ campaign. Inspired by none other than Paddington Bear, the scent is a citrusy number with warm and woody notes. There’s also, of course, orange zest, with Celine Roux (Jo Malone London’s head of fragrance) explaining she wanted "the warmth of an orange balanced nicely with its bitterness, pith and rind." Fresh and uplifting, it’s an addictive combination that is perfect for summer.

Available at JoMalone.co.uk

These fun blushers give skin such a juicy, plumped-up glow. Inside, there’s niacinamide, glycerine and a moisture complex that boosts hydration and skin’s luminosity, while the tints themselves last for hours – unlike some liquid blushers which quickly dissipate. The shade ‘That Girl’ is our favourite for a fresh, pinky radiance, but there’s plenty to choose from if you want a deeper tone or one that veers on bronzy. 

Available at Boots.com

Primers can be hit and miss, and prone to pilling, but not this one from REFY. Firstly, the rollerball applicator sets it apart from others. The massage it gives skin is satisfying, but this technique also allows the product to sit properly on the skin. As for the formula, it doesn’t feel like silicone – instead, you have a serum-like, gel texture that cocoons skin in moisture and instantly smooths for a unified complexion. It gives enough of a sheen that you can wear it on its own.

Available at REFYBeauty.com

Fed up of packing razors when you go away? This portable shaver is genius. Compact, it fits in the palm of your hand for maximum control while the sharp blades catch every little hair for seamless results. Though it’s effective, the blades are sandwiched neatly among protective barriers so you don’t run the risk of snags and nasty cuts. It’s also USB-charged, so you never have to faff with any batteries when you’re away. 

Available at Selfridges.com
 

We love a gadget at SheerLuxe and this is our latest find. Double-sided, you have an ice roller one side and a contouring edge the other to help you tone, sculpt and refresh skin. It works on both the face and body to minimise puffiness, increase circulation and reduce redness – we love it for the latter and find it works well on razor burns and also skin that’s been in the sun. Though results are temporary, it’s satisfying nonetheless and feels great at the end of a long day. A great tool for those who want the benefits of a gua sha and an ice-cold roller in one. 

Available at Revolve.com