This July, beauty brands are drawing our attention to the importance of skincare once again. To reset your complexion for the latter half of 2019, formulas supercharged with active ingredients such as vitamin C, centella and caffeine are here to brighten, soothe and depuff.
Over in the makeup department, brands are embracing a rosier colour palette, punctuated with gleaming finishes by way of shimmery eyeshadows and vinyl-finish lip glosses.
To help you navigate the latest beauty drops, have a look at the skincare items, makeup products and a pampering facial we tried and loved this month.
What is it: An ampoule formulated with Mungyeong omija fruit extract, calendula and centella asiatica extract to ease inflamed, dehydrated and sensitive skin.
Why I like it: As someone with sensitive skin, hunting for a serum with non-irritating active ingredients is a challenge. This ampoule contains all the right soothing agents to calm any redness and hydrate dry areas too.
What I don’t like about it: The ampoule’s texture is slightly sticky because of the glycerin, so you have to give it some time to fully absorb before layering on the rest of your skincare.
Rating: 4/5
What is it: A waterless vitamin C serum that promises to brighten and renew the skin.
Why I like it: Vitamin C is a major ally for my skin ( ͡~ ͜ʖ ͡°), and this particular serum is the gold standard. The combination of two different vitamin Cs, ascorbic acid and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, packs a punch and keeps my skin bright and plump.
What I don’t like about it: Despite being an oil-free formula, the serum has a greasy texture that makes it difficult to absorb into my skin.
Rating: 4/5
What is it: A caffeine-rich serum that contains guarana seed and zerumbet extracts to drain tissues for a slimmer face.
Why I like it: The lotion-like serum sinks into my skin easily, and over a week, I noticed a slimmer, more contoured face. I’m not sure if it was due to my post-ovulation phase (yes, your menstrual cycle also determines how puffy your face looks), but I think I have to give credit to this serum.
What I don’t like about it: It stung my skin the second time I used it, and I’m guessing it’s due to the high alcohol content in the formula. Fragrance sits relatively high on the ingredient list as well, so if you have sensitive skin, you might want to do a patch test before using this on your entire face.
Rating: 2/5
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What is it: A cleanser and moisturiser duo infused with carrot extract to brighten and hydrate the skin.
Why I like it: The cleanser lathers up slightly and leaves my skin squeaky clean after I’ve washed it off. I like how lightweight the moisturiser feels on my face too—it doesn’t leave a greasy residue on my skin.
What I don’t like about it: After cleansing my face, my skin felt a little tight and dry. I didn’t notice a change in tone or texture after using this pair of products too. The subtle carrot fragrance smells a tad like ginger, so give it a whiff before purchasing.
Rating: 2.5/5, 3/5
What is it: A facial that seeks to calm, repair and hydrate sun-damaged or dehydrated skin. It combines a soothing oxygen treatment with regenerative cryo-therapy to heal the skin.
Why I like it: This is the perfect facial for those with sensitive, blemish-prone skin. The cryotherapy methods used in the treatment soothed my red, sun-damaged complexion as it depuffed my face. I couldn’t stop touching my smooth skin after, which is probably a habit I have to stop soon.
What I don’t like about it: It’s an incredibly pricey treatment to splurge on, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Rating: 4.5/5
What is it: A mini eyeshadow palette and 2 matte lipsticks from Maybelline’s latest collaboration with fashion label alice + olivia.
Why I like it: The adorable eyeshadow palette houses 6 pigmented shades of champagne and soft pinks, so they’re easy to wear every day. The matte lipsticks glide on like butter, leaving a velvety finish that lasts.
What I don’t like about it: I wish the eyeshadow palette came with a mirror so I don’t have to whip out another compact for touch-ups. The shimmer shades tend to spread to the outer corners of my eyes too, but it doesn’t bother me much because I adore having glitter tears. The formula of the matte lipsticks accentuates fine lines and dries out my lips.
Rating: 3.5/5, 3.5/5
What is it: A lip lacquer that fuses the comfort of a lipstick with the shine of a lip gloss. Available in 3 new shades.
Why I like it: Despite the glossy texture, these colours last really long on the lips. When the shine has worn off, it leaves a flattering stain behind. My personal favourite is Daybreak 508, a pearlised pink that gives my lips a rose-tinted flush.
What I don’t like about it: While I do like the concept of this product, the hybrid formula can feel sticky when it settles on my lips. These bear a strong floral fragrance that lingers too.
Rating: 2.5/5
After spending a week in Adelaide, my complexion looked worse for wear. Hiking around Kangaroo Island in the sun and against harsh winds took its toll, and by the end of the week, my skin felt like crepe paper. Making my way over to Porcelain Aesthetics with a bare face caused a spike in anxiety, but after the treatment, I stepped out of the spa confidently.
My therapist Elly began the treatment with a double-cleanse, followed by a gentle exfoliation using the brand’s bestselling Revive Natural Skin Refiner. She then performed Cryo-Electrophoresis, where a handheld device with a cooling metal tip was used to massage a nourishing serum all over my face. Akin to rubbing an ice cube on my skin, this step stimulated circulation for healthier cell regeneration.
After misting my skin with an oxygen-rich spray, Elly created a custom clay-based mask infused with chamomile and rose extracts to soothe my reactive, sun-damaged skin. While the concoction sat on my face for 15 minutes, she massaged my neck and shoulders—a major bonus for the ultimate relaxation session.
To keep my skin protected from the sun, she applied a layer of the brand’s Flawless Skin Protecting Moisturiser SPF 20. This treatment undid all the textural damage and took away the chronic redness on my cheeks and forehead. My skin tone has never been this even, and it’s the brightest it’s been in months.
The resulting dewy glow lasts, even after a week. In fact, I still catch myself touching my nose because it’s unbelievably smooth. At almost $300, it’s the most expensive thing on the list, but it’s worth every cent.
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