As the local beauty industry slowly returns to its former glory with drops by the day, we have taken it into our hands to talk weekly about some of the best beauty launches. Some are noteworthy for their instant results, while others are special simply because they make us feel and look good.
Here, the top 10 beauty launches that landed on GRAZIA’s beauty desk or piqued our interest this week.
Pictured Above: 1. Colour Theory
If you’re looking for an eyeshadow palette that contains punchy pigments, generously sized pans, and powders with all-day wear, then look no further than this one. While the American brand has always done stellar eyeshadow palettes, this one might be named Cosmos but its shades are very down-to-earth in a ’90s supermodel-type of way that I see trending right now.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Cosmos Eyeshadow Palette, $88. Available come 15th June.
2. Matte Way
The best way to apply this foundation is that less isn’t just more but necessary instead as just half a pump gives you superb coverage that can last up to 10 hours. As for its water-resistant claims, I’m happy to say that it’s true—it stands up against perspiration, rain, and tears even if you’re not using a setting powder over it. Pro tip: rub the foundation on the back of your hands before application as the heat generated helps with blending.
Burberry Beauty Beyond Wear Perfecting Matte Foundation, $90
3. FULL CIRCLE
Formulated to correct the signs of ageing like dryness, lines, and sagging with ingredients like collagen, elastin fibres (that is what gives you an immediate tightening effect), and a Melipona enzymatic ingredient (TLDR: a skin-supporting ingredient), I find that it also corrects something called “tech neck” where the area starts to sag and form deep lines from the act of constantly looking down at your phone. So, make sure you’re applying an ample amount on your face and spreading it down to your neck—two pumps usually suffice.
Chanel LE LIFT PRO Concentré Contours Serum, $331 for 50ml
4. GOOD CONDITION
A potent blend of all the most skin-loving ingredients like radiant imbuing acerola extract, nourishing organic camellia oil, and brightening plant-based caffeine housed in a weighty gold vessel makes this one of the most luxurious eye creams you can use. And its effects extend beyond brightening, lifting, and smoothing out the undereye area because excess can be smoothed onto your eyelashes to thicken and lengthen them. Just remember to do it delicately.
Clarins Precious La Crème Yeux Anti-Ageing Eye Cream, $210
5. ALL CLEAR
I have previously spoken about how I would consider Japanese sunscreens to be one of the best you can use but this one is quite the contender. With its high SPF rating and finish—never gloopy, greasy, or ashy—it’s like you’re using a dewy moisturiser that also happens to be a sunscreen. As a bonus, the inclusion of Vitamin E serum and aloe vera helps to reduce sensitivity that comes from prolonged sun exposure which makes this sunscreen even better at combating UV rays.
Derma Lab Vitamin E Serum Sunscreen SPF50 PA+++, $39.90
6. ALL CLEAR
For those of you who have been hoping that Riri would finally release the Gloss Bomb in a clear shade, Mother has finally listened. This one still does what the rest do—plumping, smoothing, and conditioning—but its clear shade allows you to layer whatever colour you’re feeling on and because of its formula, makes it look even more intense. Pro tip: use a small amount on the eyelids too for an equally beautiful glossy effect.
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Heat Universal Lip Luminizer in Glass Slipper, $39
7. PETAL SOFT
If you’re familiar with the Fresh Rose series, you can consider this emulsion the “middle child” of the Oil Infused Serum and the Deep Hydration Moisturiser. If you’re new to the line and looking for a product that gives fast hydration and protection (and as a bonus, smells wonderfully uplifting), look no further than this one. It’s especially good for acne-prone skin too as rose, when used as a skincare ingredient, can treat acne and breakouts as it has antibacterial properties.
Fresh Rose Balancing Emulsion, $77
8. LINKING UP
Consider this product the Swiss-army knife for all your skin problems like dehydration, acne, sensitivity, and pigmentation that stems from one potential problem—a weak microbiome. Combining both probiotics and prebiotics into a synbiotic that strengthens said microbiome, this lightweight serum first reduces the pH of the skin to promote healthy bacteria before the rest of the ingredients like botanical extracts work to boost collagen extract and fight free radicals.
Kew Organics Resurrect Synbiotic Booster, $75
9. BRIGHT SIDE
As you’re reading this story right now, there is a possibility that pollutants like blue light, smoke, and nasties in the air are causing your skin to both grow and look fatigued. Before things start literally going south when the skin starts sagging, just one pump of this essence which contains both vitamin C and collagen immediately helps to firm and brighten. You’re guaranteed too to get a fresh bottle with each purchase too because you have to activate it before use—hold it, twist it, and shake it to get the formula to “start”.
LANEIGE Radian-C Double Active Brightening Essence, $71
10. SILKY SMOOTH
If you’re used to acne-fighting cleansers that foam then you might need some time to get used to this one which doesn’t at all. That’s not a bad thing though as this one still manages to cleanse excess oil and debris (just remember to use a makeup remover before if you’re wearing it) without stripping the skin and as for its acne-fighting properties, it contains a small but efficient percentage of salicylic acid to help clear it quickly.
Paula’s Choice Pore Normalizing Cleanser, $32. The cleanser is part of an anniversary kit that is priced at $117 and includes a 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant and 10% Niacinamide Booster.