This is the time of year when beauty brands launch so many new ranges and products and I love to go through them to see what’s worth buying. As of late, we have seen new skin technologies, ingredients, and ingredient combinations as well as new formulas hit the market. Moreover, self-tan is in its peak. When it comes to make up, the focus is on dewy, luminous looks for summer holidays with a less is more approach as I learned recently at a YSL master class. So what summer beauty launches do you need to know about? Well here are my top five so far this season.
Lancôme Renergie H.P.N 300 Peptide Cream
A long title right? But full of all the right things. I attended the launch of this in London in April and I was so impressed with the ingredient combination in this cream. So what’s the fuss about? The H.P.N stands for Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides and Niacinamide – all combined to give the skin a more plumped up effect. Giving an overall improvement to hydration, elasticity and texture, this day cream really does what it says. Having used it in the morning for several weeks now, I see the difference in how soft my skin feels and there is a visible improvement in areas where I had previously experienced issues with texture. Aside from that, the event to launch this focused on not only what we apply to our skin, but how we can use our gut, and well being to help too. The most interesting information, coming from The Gut Doctor, Megan Rossi about how powerful a tool our gut is. By making changes such as opting for more plants in our diets and trying to eat from the six groups of these foods – vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, nuts and spices each day we can improve from the inside out.
The Lancôme Renergie H.P.N 300 Peptide Cream is currently available from Brown Thomas with an RRP of €109 coming in a refillable pot.
Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Shaper
This was only given to me yesterday and I am already obsessed. Who knew a lip liner could have a plumping effect? Make up artist, Heather Jackson talked me through how to use this for a maximum effect on your lips. The first trick is not to overline, go with your natural lip shape. Instantly you will feel the tingle of the liner get to work with a lasting effect of up to 8 hours. One benefit of this, is if you like neutral or pinky tones to your liner you will see instant definition as opposed to the liner blending in with your natural lip colour. The most popular shade right now is Puffy Nude and will be a rival to Charlotte Tilbury’s famous Pillow Talk in terms of that perfect shade. You can also combine this with one of the many lip products from Too Faced such as Lip Injection Lip Gloss.
Too Faced has just re launched in Ireland at Arnotts with the Lip Shaper at €24 and gloss at €26
YSL Nu Halo Tint Highlighter
With a change in season, comes a change in the approach to how we wear make up. The “no make up make up” look is where its at. Rather than powders, there is a move to fluids in bronzers, blush and highlighters to allow for more natural application and finish. The most recent product to get this right is from YSL. An easy to apply highlighter liquid in a dark beige can be used around the contours of your face to catch light and illuminate. Best applied with your fingers, and over foundation, I’ve been using this almost daily on my cheeks, nose and cupids bow for a natural effect. You only need a tiny bit to go a long way so you can expect this product to last too! Nu Gold is my pick of the shades!
Best value on this I can find is currently on Look Fantastic for €24.45 and three shades available.
Lancaster Sun Beauty Nude Skin Sensation SPF 30
Since I have recommended a day cream, I also need to share some SPF news. Lancaster may be a familiar name in sun protection? It reminds me of the airport because that’s where I see it all the time. The latest in their repertoire is this light weight, high protection fluid for the face and décolleté. Originated in Monaco, Lancaster were once a favourite of Princess Grace who used to consult with them on her skincare needs. In 2023, their range has expanded to include this travel friendly fluid that feels light on the face and is in no way greasy. It drys into the skin instantly so you can apply make up straight afterwards. I love the texture and how it feels on my skin. A super 30 ml carry on super product!
A good value high SPF available on Look Fantastic at €16.45
Bellamianta Concentrated Tan Booster Drops
I do love self-tan as my skin is far too fair to sun bathe plus I don’t want the skin damage which comes with baking in the sun for hours. I’ve tried hundreds over the years but the latest launch from Bellamianta is very good. These concentrated drops can be added to lotions and moisturisers to boost your bronze glow as well as hydrating the skin as it does that thanks to, yet again, naturally occurring Hyaluronic Acid. You can also control how deep or light you want to your shade to be. This takes some practice to figure out the amount to use but three drops seems enough for a natural looking tan. There are plenty more drops available, but I have been a fan of this brand for a long time. Their medium mousse and face mist are regular purchases for me.
RRP of €43 at stockists nationwide.
