The best new beauty products that are worth knowing about, tried and tested by the GLAMOUR beauty team
Do you ever find yourself a bit overwhelmed by the sheer amount of new beauty products and not had a clue as to which launches are actually worth considering? If so, you've come to the right place. Welcome to our monthly series, which sees the GLAMOUR beauty team highlight the favourite new beauty products that have landed on our desks.
From innovative skincare, body care and hair care formulations to trending fragrances and game-changing makeup, there's no shortage of announcements to get excited about. We're always busy trialling the newest launches from both the biggest names in the biz to smaller brands that you need to have on your radar.
Whether it's a newly announced foundation that promises impressive coverage with a natural finish or a hair drying device that claims not to cause any damage, rest assured that we're putting every product to the ultimate test. And yes, that means trying it on different skin tones and hair types, as well as finding out whether a certain product stands the test of time.
GLAMOUR's Editor's Picks: best new beauty launches in August 2023…
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So if you're considering an upgrade to your beauty cabinet, we're here to make sure that you won't waste our hard-earned £££ on a product that may not be what you're looking for. After all, new isn't always better. We're here to give you the lowdown on the products that genuinely work and have the GLAMOUR stamp of approval.
It's safe to say that August 2023 has seen no shortage of impressive beauty drops. From the much-anticipated launch of Prada Beauty to Supergoop!'s invisible sunscreen and Molton Brown's addictive new scent, we've seen more than a few exciting beauty innovations.
So read on to find out more about what impressed the GLAMOUR beauty team the most. And if you wanted to browse through our favourites from the previous months, scroll all the way down and enjoy.
Looking for more beauty newness? Check out the best new perfumes to adopt as your signature scent, and the winter skincare solutions to get your through this cold spell.
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Conserving Beauty Instamelt Day Dissolver Wipes
I'm always up for testing a sustainable alternative so was interested to try this wipe. I'm not a fan of wipes but occasionally they're a necessity at festivals. On application, it's oilier and not as soft as the normal wipes you're used to, but it really does remove everything - grime, makeup, suncream….The oily residue also feels kinder to the skin. The magic of this wipe is that you can hold it under water and it literally disappears down the sink, leaving no micro-plastic behind. Hats off to this sustainable alternative and if you really need a wipe, this is the one.
Camilla Kay, GLAMOUR's European Beauty Director
Prada Soft Matte Monochrome Refillable Lipstick
One of the biggest launches of the month was the arrival of Prada Beauty. I loved the shade and texture of this lip product. It looks like a softly-diffused balm – the type of lip you see makeup artists do that is richer than a stain but not as intense as a full matte lip, it's somewhere in between. The staying power and intense colour payoff is as good as a lipstick but with the comfort and fresh finish of a balm.
Camilla Kay, GLAMOUR's European Beauty Director
Supergroop! Every. Single. Face. SPF50 Watery Lotion
If you didn’t think that invisible coverage and sunscreen could possibly go hand-in-hand, you haven’t tried this lotion. I wear SPF every single day so have worked my way through a lot of sun care brands and this formula really is a stand out. It feels cool on the skin (addictive on humid days), leaves no white cast (making it a solid option for all skin tones) and isn’t greasy, so it even plays nicely under makeup. Much of this lotion's appeal comes down to the “watery” texture, which reminds me of K Beauty sunscreens, and the addition of smart ingredients such as a polysaccharide complex to strengthen the skin barrier and antioxidants to protect your skin’s DNA. This sunscreen truly feels next-generation. I’m sold.
Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Acting Associate Beauty Director
Fenty Skin Blemish Defeat’r BHA Spot-Targeting Gel
Pimples can turn your mood upside down real quick. They often come unexpectedly and always around the most inconvenient of times. Wedding day, first date, first day at the new job… Pimples have a way of knowing when they're not welcomed. That’s why I welcomed this new Fenty Skin Blemish Defeat’r with open arms. It’s packed with salicylic acid, which works hard to not only target pores but also reduces excess oil and clarifies the skin.
Its jelly texture dries down quickly for an invisible, matte finish without feeling sticky or tacky so you can use it over or under makeup. After day one of using it, I saw a significant reduction in the size of the spot brewing under my skin; by day two it was almost gone. Even if it takes a few days to pull through on stubborn pimples, the film over the spot will work hard to stop it getting worse and encourage you to keep your mitts off it too. Now this is a good buy.
Shei Mamona, GLAMOUR's Beauty Writer
The Inkey List Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm
The tingling and dryness that often accompanies plumping lip balms can be enough to put you off. However, this lip balm provides all the plumpness without the gymnastics. No pepperminty sensation, which can leave lips parched, and its balmy texture gives your lips a glossy finish. The true bonus is the price point. Having healthy and hydrating looking lips shouldn't cost you an arm and leg. An expensive-looking pout for under £15? Win-win.
Shei Mamona, GLAMOUR's Beauty Writer
Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore-Minimizing & Polishing Powder
I've been a fan of the Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask for years, especially in summertime when I find my pores become congested with a paste-like mixture of oil, dead cells and leftover sunscreen. The drawback is you have to find 10 minutes to slather on the thick, gloopy concoction, which can be hard when you're faced with a busy schedule. That's why I've added this new Polishing Powder to my regime twice a week.
It contains the same Amazonian White Clay, which is rich in minerals and legendary for its ability to mop up excess oil. An yes, the Polishing Powder acts as a brilliant double act to the detoxifying power of the mask on lazy Sunday mornings. But when you're time poor mid-week, simply mixing the powder with water draws out impurities, softly exfoliates thanks to AHAs and leaves pores feeling immediately cleaner. It's also brilliant for using before a self-tan application as the bronze shade develops much more evenly.
Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Acting Associate Beauty Director
Tatcha Hinoki Body Wash
I first got into Forest Bathing or 'shinrin-yoku' (to give it its technical name) during the pandemic, when I'd escape my computer for an hour-long digital-free walk in woodland near my house. I was intrigued by research that showed soaking up the forest environment could boost immunity and alleviate anxiety by reducing the body's stress hormone cortisol. Scientists at the Japanese Society of Forest Medicine in Tokyo then went on to show that simply inhaling the scent of pine and other green plants could work just as well.
Even a plant oil in your skincare could produce similar benefits to breathing in ‘phytoncides’ (airborne chemicals produced by trees that promote a calming sensation) – which was great news when life got back to normal and a quick lunchtime stroll in a London park didn't really cut it. It was from this Japanese research that Tatcha developed its Body Wash laced with Hinoki Oil - the exact same scent that the scientists based their research on - to create a calming moment at home. I tend to use this body wash pre bed and love that it also exfoliates as silky smooth limbs only add to the sensorial pleasure.
Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Acting Associate Beauty Director
BaByliss Super Styler Hair Straightener
If you're after a quality hair straightener, stop scrolling, because the BaByliss Super Styler Hair Straightener is my new holy grail (and that's coming from someone who straightens and curls hair on the daily). This hair straightener features Micro Heating Matrix technology, which helps achieve long-lasting smoothness even at lower temperatures (goes up to 200°C). And if that's enough, this hair styler also has 2500 ultra-fast micro heaters, which ensure even heat distribution while styling. My favourite part is that it features a curved design, which allows me to easily manoeuvre the styler when creating effortless beach waves. It's also compact and lightweight enough to pack in a suitcase – another plus in my book.
Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Rare Beauty Eyeshadow Stick
Full disclosure: I'm a cream eyeshadow obsessive through and through. So when the Rare Beauty All Of The Above eyeshadow sticks landed on my desk, I was immediately intrigued. Available in 6 gorgeous and wearable shades, they're incredibly easy to blend and apply, whether you're after more of an everyday result or an all-out evening look. From champagne shades to auburn, brown and burgundy hues – these eyeshadow sticks will help you achieve the most stunning (and low-effort) autumn look. My advice? Go for the shade Growth and thank me later.
Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Purifide By Acnecide Salicylic Acid Power Patch
I used to have an unhealthy relationship with acne patches. Any minor raise in my skin – pimple patch. It was my solution to everything. Pimple patches are not all made the same though, many simply mostly just stop you from picking spots, so I was on a waste journey really. The beauty of these Acnecide Purifide Power Patches is that they actually work and they don’t cost an arm and a leg. I popped it on a pimple I had brewing and by the following day it had significantly reduced its appearance. No wonder, as they’re formulated with many spot-busting ingredients such as Salicylic Acid, Canadian Willowherb and Cica. So if you have the occasional pimple and are a serial skin-picker, investing ten quid here might serve you very, very well.
Shei Mamona, GLAMOUR's Beauty Writer
Vieve Modern Radiance Cream Bronzer
Cream bronzers for dark skin are unicorns. They’re hard to come by. When this Vieve one landed on my desk, I gasped. It looked pristine. It comes in four shades and the Deep shade does in fact run quite deep, and the formula is a swirl of creamy goddess that glides on the skin like butter but doesn’t feel sticky. As I apply it to my face it perfectly compliments my complexion and adds instant glow and dimension all in one. When you’re done, you’ll be left with a sunkissed glow that this unpredictable UK weather can’t provide right now. I can’t fault it. It also marries skincare and makeup well, as it's infused with squalane and avocado oil to nourish and smooth your complexion. My new lover.
Shei Mamona, GLAMOUR's Beauty Writer
Revlon ColorStay Suede Ink Lipstick
When it comes to budge-proof lipsticks Revlon is packing a punch. The new ColorStay Suede Ink Lipstick delivers high-def, comfortable matte pigment in a single swipe, then once dry, it’s going nowhere. So you can rest easy if you’re a serial smudger like me. The formula feels super high end, despite being under a tenner and the shade range is bang on trend with tons of ‘90s nudes with different undertones, vibrant brights and pretty pinks.
Elle Turner, GLAMOUR's Beauty Editor
Hershesons Air Dry Spray
I hate getting my hair cut because of that awkward two weeks when it looks so “done” and rigid. But one man who understands this conundrum is top hair stylist and CEO of Hershesons salon, Luke Hersheson. His vibe very much leans into effortless looking hair and – lucky for us – he’s spearheaded effortless products to go with it.
The latest is the Air Dry Spray, which like the name suggests, helps to encourage a little texture in your hair even if you cba to blow dry and style it. The great thing though, is that it’s multi-purpose, so you can blow dry and style it with a bit of this for more of a relaxed finish, or you can scrunch it into already dry hair for a texture boost. It’s not crispy, it’s not crunching, it’s not hard work, it just offers a little tousled action with fairly minimal input.
Elle Turner, GLAMOUR's Beauty Editor
Charlotte Tilbury Peach Cream Blush Stick
Charlotte Tilbury Beach Sticks are exactly my kind of party so I’m thrilled they’ve been brought back by popular demand. They’re practical: the twist up, jumbo creamy-balm blush crayons can be swiped onto cheeks and patted in with fingers for a gorgeous colour pop in seconds. And they’re pretty: it’s hard to pick between the three stunning shades, each inspired by an Ibizan beach. Formentera gives bronze goddess vibes, Las Salinas is a fresh, peppy pink and Moon Beach is pure peachy perfection.
Elle Turner, GLAMOUR's Beauty Editor
Josh Wood Colour Root Smudge Blonde
If like me you sometimes struggle to make your colour appointment before your roots reappear, stash this handy hair touch up in your makeup bag and it'll helpfully cover greys or highlighter-free roots until you can make the salon.
Camilla Kay, GLAMOUR's European Beauty Director
Reeson Highlighter Duo
If you love an honest beauty review chances are you will have scrolled across @ReallyRee. Alongside her day job of trialling new beauty brands and launches she has been cleverly creating her own line starting with two base products. My favourite is the dewey Highlighter Duo that gives good and subtle glow.
Camilla Kay, GLAMOUR's European Beauty Director
Floral Street Sweet Almond Blossom Eau De Parfum
I first fell in love with this lush scent inspired by Van Gogh's Almond Blossom as a candle. I love the bright fruity opening of apple blossom and matcha then the slow warm reveal of vanilla and tonka bean. I imagined it would smell equally as great on the skin and I asked Floral Street Founder Michelle if she planned to make it into a fragrance, and it seems I wasn't the only one. It's now available as a fragrance to enjoy in and outside the home.
Camilla Kay, GLAMOUR's European Beauty Director
Hoola Beach Vacay Blush & Bronzer Duo
I learnt from an MUA years ago, to mimic an IRL sun-blushed glow, you need to work both a blush and bronzer together. Using a bronzer to give the tanned effect, with a pop of pink or peachy blush high on the cheekbones to give the illusion of skin being sun kissed. It's a trick I still swear by and the new Benefit Hoola and Blush duo makes light work of achieving the look.
Camilla Kay, GLAMOUR's European Beauty Director
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Media Cologne Forte eau de parfum
When it comes to fragrances Maison Francis Kurkdjian can honestly do no wrong. This latest launch proved just that. Although I’m not one to go for a fresh fragrance, this one comes as a soft citrusy exception. It’s uplifting and layered within itself, but will complement any other scents you may choose to layer it with, (I recommend a nice musk or skin scent). The aqua media cologne wraps you in an explosion of energy, with sweet notes of fennel, zesty bergamon, comforting woody musks and soothing and earthy notes of matcha tea.
Shei Mamona, GLAMOUR's Beauty Writer
Naturium Phyto-Glow Lip Balm
In case you haven’t already seen, the Naturium Phyto-Glow Lip Balms are a viral TikTok favourite and with good reason. They bestow the juiciest-looking lips thanks to an edit of five fruity, pretty or subtle shades (Jam, Lychee, Petal, Cameilia and Clear). And they make lips feel just as good, too, with skin-loving ingredients like shea butter, capacu butter and squalane. That explains why three of the shades have already sold out on Space NK where you can now buy the brand in the UK.
Elle Turner, GLAMOUR's Beauty Editor
Act+Acre Detangling Brush
When I love a clothing brand, I buy into the accessories, too, and I've taken the same approach with my hair care. I religiously use the Act + Acre Stem Cell Serum every day and now I use this detangling brush to gently work through knots post-shower and to give my scalp an invigorating massage. The magic lies in the pin-like, extra-long bristles, which boost blood flow to your follicles – a serious plus for hair growth and scalp health – and I love the fact that the brush is made with post-consumer recycled plastic, so you’re doing your bit for the planet, too.
Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Acting Associate Beauty Director
Pat McGrath Labs Divine Blush Legendary Glow Colour Balm
These multi-purpose colour balms are unmatched and as they landed on my desk, they quickly won over my heart. They’re suitable for lips, eyes and cheeks, and all you need to do is gently swipe or dot the balm onto your face and blend. The formula will effortlessly melt into your skin creating that seamless, dewy finish I love. It’s buildable with strong colour payoff, yet still natural looking. I think I’ve just discovered the perfect on the go blush.
Shei Mamona, GLAMOUR's Beauty Writer
NUDESTIX Nude Earth Eye Stick
Already Nudestix has the cool-girl backing of Nude Beauty Director, Sofia Richie, (who wore products from the brand on her wedding day), but the formulas and formats themselves stack up for busy or lazy babes who want eyeshadows, blushers, bronzers and even foundations that they can scribble on and blend with their fingers. The new Nude Earth Eye Palette has six beautiful neutral eye pencils, all inspired by colours you’d find from mother nature (slate, olive, vanilla, greys and nudes), that blend beautifully and bestow a gorgeous, buildable sweep of pigment. And, for every palette sold, the brand is working with Canopy Project to plant a tree.
Elle Turner, GLAMOUR's Beauty Editor
Garnier Hyaluronic Acid and Icy Cucumber Cryo Jelly Face Mask
I recently used this sheet mask on a long-haul flight from Mexico and it's excellent. The jelly-like texture is infused with hyaluronic acid and glycerin - two proven, highly effective hydrators – so even skin that is tired and assaulted by air conditioning immediately feels plumper and juicier. It has also becoming a firm hot-weather hero of mine as it is designed to cool the skin's temperature by -7 degrees C. To turbo-charge the effects, I pop them in the fridge and they feel delicious as temperatures rise. Better still, the mask is purse-friendly and biodegradable in your home compost.
Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Acting Associate Beauty Director
Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner
There's something about Summer and rose nights that makes me want to reach for an electric blue mascara or liner. Maybe it's harking back to hey day Summers, a desire to be more adventurous with colour or the fact brights just sit better alongside sun-warmed skin. Whatever the reason, I was instantly drawn to VVB's new Electric Blueberry shade of her infamous liner. It's now a summer makeup bag staple, at the ready for when the mood calls.
Camilla Kay, GLAMOUR's European Beauty Director
Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+
When it comes to sunscreens for face, I'm not as easy to impress. Having tried countless of SPF formulas, I've worked out my own preferences and as of recently, the newly launched Mecca Cosmetica face SPF has been my ride-or-die. Having just released in the UK, this Australian brand is known for its broad spectrum SPF50+ chemical sunscreen. It absorbs within seconds and results in a beautiful soft-matte, non-greasy finish (no white cast in sight), making ideal to wear underneath makeup. An easy 10/10 from me.
Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Gisou Lip Oil Golden Shimmer Glow
I've been swearing by the Gisou lip oil for nearly a year now, but when it comes to lip glosses in lip oils in general, I admit: the plain glass-like finish isn't really my cup of tea and I'm very much team shimmer and glitz. Luckily, Gisou has just released a new shimmery version of their viral lip oil, and I'm already obsessed. It feels just as lightweight and non-sticky on the lips and leaves a gorgeous golden sheen, making it a great topper for any lip combo imaginable. Honestly, run don't walk.
Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
