Beauty awakening: our skin and make-up picks to get your summer glow on
Spring is a time for renewal. From our mood to the condition of our skin, we come out of darkness and into the light. Renewal is not just something for the birds and bees. As temperatures rise, our skin is exposed to increasing warmth, humidity and Vitamin D. This accelerates the natural exfoliation process, which gives us a brighter complexion and outlook. Hibernation is over and it’s time to skip in the sunshine once again.
It also means adjusting our skin care routine from the intense moisturization we need in winter, to protection from the elements and extended exposure. Dr Asmi Sanghvi of Integrative Cosmetic Dermatology in NYC advises clients to think lighter and antioxidant-rich when it comes to choosing proper skin care and make-up for spring and summer. ‘When looking for skin care products, focus on ingredients that provide hydration without feeling heavy, such as hyaluronic acid and antioxidants like vitamin C to protect against environmental stressors. Switch your moisturizer from thick to light, as the weather is transitioning from dry-cool to humid-warm. It’s also a good idea to exfoliate regularly with a gentle AHA or BHA product to help remove dead skin cells and keep your complexion looking fresh and radiant.’
Now that spring is well underway, it’s time to consider new options to revamp our beauty bag and get that glow for the minimalist makeup look that spring and summer is all about.
REN Everhydrate Marine Moisture Restore Serum
What it is
Target the root cause of dehydration with a re-energizing algæ-activated complex of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, clinically proven to increase deep skin hydration for up to 72 hours. Formulated with freshwater algæ, hyaluronic acid, green caviar algae and wild rosella for an intense moisture punch.
What it does
With a nourishing cocktail of moisturizers, antioxidants and vitamins, the serum works to plump up the skin, helping it appear visibly smoother, while hyaluronic acid replenishes the skin’s hydration reserves. Using REN’s innovative hydra-smart technology to help deliver the hydration evenly, tackling the root causes of dehydration.
Whish Bakuchiol Collection
What it is
Recharge your skin care routine with this powerhouse retinol alternative. The collection includes a cleanser, day and night cream, a facial oil, a multi-vitamin antioxidant serum and supercharged booster drops with added exfoliation benefits. The addition of plant extracts, ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and nourishing oils promotes skin that is healthy, radiant and plump all over.
What it does
Unlike the vitamin A derivative, bakuchiol has no adverse side effects nor degrades skin. It’s safe for first-time users, during pregnancy, and won’t cause irritation when exposed to sunlight. You get all the anti-ageing benefits of retinol without the irritation or initial discomfort. Botanical extracts soothe and hydrate, while pure plant oils deeply nourish and add the glow we all crave.
Dear Dahlia Blooming Edition Gentle Sunshine Collection
What it is
Embrace the warm and vibrant colours of spring with the Dear Dahlia Gentle Sunshine Collection, which includes a range of soft, sun-kissed glow complexion enhancers. Included in the collection are the Secret Garden Palette in Tea Party, Satin Glow Lip Stain, and Petal Drop Liquid Blush.
What it does
This carefully curated collection offers versatile and effortless additions to any beauty enthusiast’s repertoire. Each product is enriched with patented Dahlia flower extract and certified organic ingredients, ensuring a gentle and nourishing experience for a soft, spring-inspired look.
CLE Beauty CCC Cream
What it is
The K-beauty powerhouse has expanded the colour range of their best-selling triple alphabet cream. Celebrated for its dewy finish and micro-capsule technology, the expanded options ensures the collection is available to an even wider range of skin tones, aligning with the brand’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
What it does
A do-it-all treatment, primer, sunscreen and foundation in one. The CCC Cream (colour control and change cream) releases essence and tint upon application, providing ultimate hydration, protection and sheer yet buildable coverage. The light scent of bergamot, orange and ylang ylang oils is the perfect spring morning pick-me-up!
Lunalis Extreme Face Oil
What it is
The product every woman should have in their skin care regimen. Inspired by the beauty rituals of Morocco, this anti-ageing, hydrating, and glow-inducing oil is formulated with an antioxidant-rich medley of pomegranate, jojoba, and prickly pear seed oils that moisturize and soften fine lines without clogging pores or leaving behind heavy residue. This oil is also infused with 24 ct gold flakes, which brighten up lacklustre skin while reducing inflammation.
What it does
A multi-dimensional beauty oil designed to not only quench dry skin but to soften fine lines, brighten tone and prime your complexion. The result is flawless and luminous skin.
Image Skincare Biome +
What it is
Launched in partnership with the 1% for the Planet, the latest from the top spa clinical brand is an eco-friendly collection formulated to protect the skin microbiome and defend against visible signs of stress. The collection includes Biome+ Soothing Cloud Creme, Biome+ Dew Bright Serum and the Biome+ Cleansing Comfort Balm.
What it does
Biome+ is a harmonious collection formulated to respect and reinforce the skin barrier. Mindfully produced in a LEED-certified facility and formulated with natural-origin ingredients like clinical adaptogens and sugar cane-derived squalene, Biome+ nurtures, comforts and brightens skin without disrupting its natural state.
Borghese Energia Daily Vitamin Toner
What it is
An energizing boost of vitamins! Part of the Energia Vitamin-Powered Collection, this concentrated, multi-benefit toner is infused with B, C, and E vitamins, plus plant extracts to help brighten and even skin tone, improving the look of hydration and elasticity.
What it does
Helps to balance the skin’s pH levels and provides an instant burst of hydration. Its key ingredients include niacinamide, caffeine and algæ extract, working synergistically to soothe and invigorate the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and revived.
Purlisse Face Polish
What it is
A collection of three facial exfoliants to detoxify, nourish and promote a healthy complexion. Kale and vitamin K smooth with botanical antioxidants for a pore-free glow. Dragonfruit and niacinamide improve texture and tone with extra anti-ageing benefits. Yuzu and orange brighten and reduce dark spots and discolouration.
What it does
A collection of three exfoliants customized to your skin’s specific needs. Formulated with natural plant extracts and free from harmful ingredients, this K-beauty staple is a spring beauty must-have to maintain a fresh-faced glow.
Thrive Causemetics Triple Threat Color Stick Bronzing and Contour
What it is
The best-selling multi-tasker is now available in tantalizing contour and bronzing shades for every skin tone. This travel-friendly stick features a built-in brush to diffuse and soften colour for a flawless, natural finish in seconds. Powered by Semi-Permanent Micropigment Technology to deliver bold, sweat-proof, smudge-proof colour that lasts all day.
What it does
Creates a long-lasting sun-kissed glow, a natural flush of waterproof colour and boosts hydration for healthy, youthful-looking skin.
Nura Gloss
A luxury lip gloss with a moist, pearlescent finish. Indulge in the gentle sweet aromas of plant-based ingredients including delicious apricot, rich shea and cocoa butter. Inspired by light, each shimmering gloss is a touch of sunshine on your lips giving you the spark and energy to be unapologetic. Nura Gloss is formulated with naturally derived plant-based and biodegradable ingredients, eliminating the unnecessary synthetic and petroleum based polybutene. Leaping Bunny-certified.
What it does
Available in five high–pigment, luxurious shimmering shades and one translucent liquid finish, Nura Gloss adds a touch of polish and glow to add an essential final touch to any look. Encased in a 100 per cent sustainable and recyclable component, Nura Gloss is the perfect complement to inspire you to conquer the world.
Lola Arnao Naked Shave Treatment Bar
What it is
Wave goodbye to chemicals, shaving bumps, dry skin and waste with Lola Arnao’s new Naked Shave Treatment designed for ultra-sensitive skin. The unique shave bar is chock-full of luxurious natural oils and botanicals designed to keep skin smooth and soft, while leaving even the most sensitive skin irritation-free. Hero ingredient, oat oil, soothes and helps prevent ingrown hairs, while detoxifying French rose clay allows for an extra-smooth and gently exfoliating shave. Mango butter helps lock in vitamins A, C, and E, and encourages skin suppleness to prevent nicks and redness during your shave, while anti-inflammatory apricot kernel offers healing properties to minimize any bumps or skin irritations.
What it does
Free of skin-drying chemicals, this luxurious bar produces a rich and moisturizing lather. Amazingly, each super-concentrated 6 oz shave bar is the equivalent of four cans of conventional shaving cream! Made by a mother–daughter duo at the base of the mountains in Oregon, all products are vegan, cruelty-free and free of sulphates, parabens and silicones, and sent using carbon-neutral shipping.
Nativa Spa Ginseng and Caffeine Toning Body Oil
What it is
A concentrated blend to smooth and nourish the skin. Energizing ginseng extract, bio-available caffeine, and pure quinoa oil combine their natural super-qualities to leave the skin noticeably toned and refreshed.
What it does
Reduces the look of orange peel and dimpled skin. Boosts massage benefit for sculpting the silhouette. Tones and energizes. Stimulates the skin to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
John Masters Organics Eye Serum
What it is
Created to help smooth and firm the delicate eye area. Softening sea water and nutrient-rich micro-algæ impart age-fighting antioxidants that hydrate, renew, and protect. Cosmos Organic- and Leaping Bunny-certified.
What it does
Buckwheat extract contains rutin, which is a natural anti-inflammatory bioflavonoid that can help to protect against skin damage from the environment and reduce puffiness. Green micro-algæ is packed with essential antioxidants that can help to protect the skin, repair damage, and fight signs of ageing. Maris aqua contains magnesium that can help regulate cellular regeneration and repair.
ESW Beauty Eco Glow Skincare Compostable Spring Set
What it is
Housed in adorable and compostable lunch box-inspired packaging, the Eco Glow Skincare Set features three sheet masks that offer revitalizing, hydrating, and anti-ageing benefits, along with their first-ever reusable make-up remover pad that helps to reduce waste and environmental impact. This set allows you to pamper your skin while also being kind to the planet.
What it does
This set features the Green Reset Anti-Ageing Raw Juice Mask, Pineapple Bliss Revitalizing Raw Juice Mask and Avocado Banana Milk Hydrating Plant-Based Milk Mask, all made of Cupra, which is a compostable fabric made from cotton linter and known for its soft texture and serum absorption. In three easy steps the masks can be composted.
La Bomme La Bomb Highlighter
What it is
Are you ready to glow like the sun and shimmer like a star? One of the biggest trends on Tiktok right now is a glowing, dewy look. The look is all about making your skin look luminous and radiant. Rethink loose powder packaging with the La bomb Highlighter, a light-catching pearl powder highlighter that captures all the attention in the room. Designed to dispense the precise amount of powder and allowing you to easily sift the excess back into the jar. Its mess-free pan prevents product waste and unwanted spills in your make-up bag.
What it does
Innovative packaging eases the mess at your make-up vanity with the mess-free application pan that gives you control over waste and a secure closure. Ultra-fine pearl pigments seamlessly blend for a buildable glow for all skin tones.
Ohora Cured Gel Nail Strips
What it is
Enjoy the same high-quality gel nails you get in a salon without the time, cost and damage to your real nails. Semi-cured nail strips made of real liquid gel that cure by 60 per cent. The remaining 40 per cent cure under a lamp to harden like a salon gel manicure.
What it does
All the benefits of a gel manicure, and none of the damage or repeated high cost. Certified ingredients provide nutrients yet ensure minimal damage. Available in a myriad of on-trend colours and designs.
Glowoasis Probiotics and Hyaluronic Complex Gel Moisturizer
What it is
This nutrient-rich gel moisturizer deeply hydrates skin while strengthening and nourishing the delicate skin barrier. Infused with vegan probiotics to help balance and strengthen the skin microbiome. A triple hyaluronic acid complex hydrate son and below the skin’s surface for a plumper, firmer, smoother appearance. Gardenia extract helps improve skin tone, texture and elasticity while protecting skin from free radical damage.
What it does
A nutrient-rich gel moisturizer that deeply hydrates skin while strengthening and nourishing the delicate skin barrier.
