Shop the post: summer beauty update
I finally made the pilgrimage to Sephora UK! It was good but not as epic as I’d built it up to be. I really like the self-service element – it feels like the only truly self-service beauty store where the advisors aren’t poised to ambush you. And the brand curation is well executed – a good combo of Gen Z buzzy new brands and proven classics. There was a queue, but with literally less than five people in it.
The store itself was very busy, with not enough floor space for all the prams (aka strollers) and frenetic shoppers. I guess that’s a nice problem for Sephora to have. But it also meant a lot of shelves were bare. I made a beeline for Necessaire, Kosas and Rose Inc, but went home with Sephora Collection Brow Gel* (good hold and tiny brush), Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30* (a clear matte gel that applies beautifully under make-up) and Byoma Moisturising Gel Cream* (my go-to lightweight moisturiser).
In other beauty newness news…
BYOMA HAS A CLEANSING BALM. I’m very happy Byoma now has a balm cleanser. Its gel cleanser is good but doesn’t have the tactile slip of a balm. This one is perfection with a similar not-too-oily feel to Clinique’s classic Take The Day Off balm. In keeping with Byoma’s skin barrier protecting USP, the Melting Balm Cleanser contains skin-loving niacinamide and ceramides. Buy it here*.
CLINIQUE SPF GEL CREAM. Clinique is an expert in turning its hero products into mini ranges. Its fabulous lightweight Moisture Surge gel-cream now has an SPF counterpart. The new Moisture Surge SPF 25 Sheer Hydrator rehydrates and protects skin against drying elements while defending it against UV rays. Unlike the original translucent gel-cream formula, this one looks opaque but it blends sheer. Buy it here*.
CHANEL’S MAKE-UP MINIS. Chanel’s cult Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream limited edition bronzer minis* are creating a buzz. There are three shades in these travel-friendly 15ml tubs, which means if you’re between shades you can also mix two together. Chanel’s Water-Fresh Tint is still my barely-there foundation of choice (my shade is Light Deep). There’s now a limited-edition 15ml travel size of these too, so don’t snooze if you think you’ll want one. Buy it at Fenwick* and John Lewis*.
LE LABO TRAVEL SET. More minis: Le Labo’s body care travel set is great if you love its Hinoki fragrance. I’m a fan, so I’m fully on board for the Hinoki shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body cream travel minis. Buy it here*.
SENSORIAL SUNCARE. The shift to position sun care as aspirational skincare is ramping up, and that’s a good thing. Aesthetics and scent are part of that drive, so expect to see more brands jumping on the sensorial sun care train. Darling (below) is a new name to me, based in Italy, but inspired by California dreaming. Its spray and lotion sun-pro products* contain skin-friendly hyaluronic acid, squalene and niacinamide and are scented with a tropical Monoi de Tahiti fragrance. Meanwhile, Kosas’ tinted DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 with Ceramides and Peptides* (below) has a similar Glossier-meets-Summer-Fridays vibe to target the Barbie Girl Summer crowd.
DIOR BLOTTERS. Too much sun and sheen? Y2K-era designer blotting papers are back. Hermès brought out its logo blotting sheets* last year and Dior has joined the party with its Dior Backstage Mattifying Sheets. Available at Selfridges* and Fenwick*.
LISA ELDRIDGE LANDS AT SELFRIDGES. In retail news, Lisa Eldridge’s coveted lipsticks, foundations and skincare are finally available on counter. Selfridges Oxford Street has a permanent concession opening on 1st June along with a dedicated two-week pop-up. Selfridges Manchester Trafford also gets a pop-up from 19 June to 2 July, while Selfridges Birmingham gets one from 10-23 July. (For the origin story, do revisit this fantastic Lisa Eldridge saga of bidding for Audrey Hepburn’s Cartier lipstick holder a few years ago.)
NOW CLICK BELOW TO SHOP THE POST (I MAY EARN A COMMISSION ON THE BASKET VALUE OF ITEMS BOUGHT*)…
WORDS: Disneyrollergirl / Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGES: Audrey Hepburn; Byoma; Clinique; Chanel; Le Labo; Darling; Kosas; Dior; Lisa Eldridge
NOTE: Most images are digitally enhanced. Some posts use affiliate links* and PR samples. Please read my privacy and cookies policy here
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