August Beauty Thrills: The Must-Have Buys Our Beauty Editor Swears By
From a posh beauty hamper and Fruit Loop-inspired nail polishes to a colour-prolonging hair mask and a luxe candle to ward off mozzies. Here are the beauty products that deserve a hooray, according to our Beauty Editor.
1.
All hail to multitasking makeup sticks that make you look so damn good in seconds. This sheer blush is infused with hyaluronic acid to firm and plump skin. Simple swipe across cheeks (and lips) for a subtle flush of colour. I’m loving the Pink Skies shade for strong Barbiecore vibes.
2.
For a soft matte power pout that lasts, look no further than these eight weightless formulas. Swipe on for full coverage while the perfect angled doe foot helps you to shape and define your lips, without the need for a lip liner. I’ve been wearing Affair, a caramel brown shade that beautifully complements my (fake) tan.
3.
I often lock myself in my bathroom to take a few moments to just breathe but this new range took my experience up a notch. Inspired by forest bathing, which is all about immersing the five senses in nature to increase wellbeing and lower stress, reduce blood pressure, lift depression, boost the immunity and more. While the citrusy woody aroma comes from the Hinoki tree which in Japan is known as the “king of the woods.” famed for its strength and fragrance. My fave? The body oil for the added luxe factor.
4.
When two iconic names unite, it’s bound to be a success. These seven deliciously coloured blindingly bright polishes (inspired by the cereal) dries down to a sweet and fruity scent and leaves talons vibrant and ready for summer. For a colour lover like me, it’s impossible to pick a favourite.
5.
The home of the original Cowshed spa, Babington House, turns 25 this year and to celebrate this milestone, Cowshed will be launching a limited-edition hamper housing many of my all-time body and skincare classics, plus a book and a house robe to bring the ultimate at-home spa experience. If you’re looking for a gift for the person in your life who is impossible to buy for, this is it. Hint, hint!
6.
I haven’t exactly been blessed in the eyebrow department. I have just a few scarce hairs that are not even worth talking about, so an eyebrow stick is my absolute don’t-leave-home-without product. This new cream-to-powder stick is one of the best I’ve tried for pigment, staying power and easy application. It has a built-in spoolie and comes in six shades. It’s honestly hard to fault.
7.
I’m a magnet for mosquitos, always have been, always will be. So, when this lemongrass-scented candle arrived on my desk, I thought this may just be the poshest mozzie deterrent there is. Although mosquitos hate citronella, I quickly learnt not to rely on this candle alone to stop the bites. However, it did transport me to a citrusy wonder of lemon groves far from my London home and instantly upgraded my outdoor space.
8.
I know this is shockingly expensive especially for a hair mask, but it’s well worth saving up for and a little goes a long way – promise. Another way to justify the cost is that it keeps colour vibrant even when exposed to the sun and chlorine. It’s made with highly concentrated plant-based actives, proteins, vitamins, and minerals which left my hair feeling stronger and looking shinier. If like me, you tend to suffer from unruly holiday hair, this is a godsend.
9.
I’m deeply ashamed to admit that unless I’m being treated to a salon pedicure, my feet get little attention and fast build up all sorts of not so attractive things such as hard skin, calluses, corns – you get the picture! So, I’ve been trying this new rechargeable, at-home pedicure device and it’s mighty impressive. It comes with two specialist grade micro-crystal roller heads, so you can swap and change depending on the state of your feet. There’s a rough roller head for tough hard skin (like mine!) while the finer roller head buffs away gently. Both heads are incredibly effective, and I was relieved to find it doesn’t come with a 100-page instruction manual, which deserves a cheer in itself.
10.
Two years in the making, this ready-to-drink collagen brand has launched the first collagen supplement to cater to each stage of a woman’s menopausal journey; from perimenopause, and menopause to post-menopause that help support skin, hair, and nails during these hormonal changes. Best bit? Unlike most other marine collagen single sachet supps I have tried, there’s no fishy after taste to put you off.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.