July’s Best New Beauty Buys

Santa Maria Novella’s aptly named Nectarium fragrance is ambrosial and sun-drenched – conjuring up the image of an ancient apothecary by blending notes of sweet, golden honey, bright citrus and lavender. Radiant and transportive, it’s so unusual and unlike anything else we’ve tried. Definitely one to spritz if you love niche scents.

Available at HARRODS.COM

Vying for a place in your lip rotation, this new launch by ABH delivers serious impact. Think of it a colour in its own right rather than a sheer wash – the pay-off is surprisingly rich for a balm formula. Comforting and gel-like, it nourishes your lips and creates a juicy, glass-like shine. Plus, the slim tube is perfect for throwing in a bag for on-the-go top-ups.

Available at SEPHORA.CO.UK

There’s a reason why so many beauty insiders remain unswayed by newness, staying faithful to their ghd straighteners. They really are that good – but they’re also better than ever thanks to the brand’s latest design. Powered by AI heat-adaptive technology, this version works by measuring the temperature of your hair itself rather than the plate, meaning improved protection and even less damage. 

Available at GHDHAIR.COM

Unlike any other serum you’ve tried, this uses clever microbubbles to allow Curél’s biomimetic ceramide technology to absorb better. It works hard, deeply hydrating while simultaneously strengthening your skin barrier. The sensorial appeal of a foam never wanes and this melts away into a silky fluid when you massage it in. For skin that’s leaning dull or tired, this is the ultimate reviver.

Available at LOOKFANTASTIC.COM

Carefully formulated for even the most sensitive of skin, Clinique’s latest is a game-changer if you struggle with irritation. Sheer yet buildable, the solid balm blends effortlessly with a brush or fingertips for a soft-focus, skin-like finish. It instantly soothes thanks to Uniflavon™ – a TCM-inspired botanical blend – and we can’t get enough of the striking, pebble-like packaging. 

Available at CLINIQUE.CO.UK

Italian label Davines is all about plant-powered nourishment. Promising to bring sun-scorched strands back from the brink, consider this your holiday must-have. Formulated with bitter orange extract, the antioxidant-rich formula protects your hair against UV-related damage and leaves it silky to the touch. You can even massage it into your body for a supple sheen.

Available at CULTBEAUTY.CO.UK 

If your skin is crying out with thirst, you need this on hand. Full of ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, CeraVe’s new water-gel floods your skin with moisture, delivering a fresh, quenched feel in seconds. Perfect during a heatwave, it feels cool on your skin and plumps up pesky dehydration lines, making your complexion appear visibly bouncier.

Available at LOOKFANTASTIC.COM

Serial smudgers, you need this in your corner. Creating impact without overdoing it, MERIT’s take on tubing mascara is ideal for holidays and heatwaves. The fine, precision-focused brush allows for easy separation and lets you catch each individual lash, even in the hard-to-reach inner corners – and we love that it actually stays put. Say goodbye to the dreaded panda eyes.

Available at MERITBEAUTY.COM

Dialling up the heat, cool-girl label Fara Homidi is leaning into that post-sun flush with its playfully named ‘Blonzer’. Think of it as your code to that soft, sunblazed look, only without the UV damage. The formula behaves like a glowy powder but with a creamy feel, taking its cues from the brand’s insider-loved bronzer. If you’re someone who likes to apply a dash of blush across the bridge of your nose, you’ve been warned – this is about to become your new obsession. 

Available at SELFRIDGES.COM