AR Beauty Beat, August 2023: Best Beauty & Grooming Releases

The brainchild of celebrity hair stylist Lauren Mackellar, ROBE Haircare unites active ingredients with traditional modalities to create a thoughtful approach to haircare. In addition to targeted shampoo and conditioner sets (think thickening and lengthening formulas), the range includes leave-in treatments, a scalp health tonic, and a hair fragrance.

Striking the ideal balance between oil control and hydration, this medium-to-full coverage foundation boasts skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, sugar kelp, and licorice root that work to balance and protect the skin. Not quite matte and not quite dewy, it delivers a natural, skin-like finish.

Designed for mature skin, the Caudalie Premier Cru The Cream contains a patented combination of resveratrol and honokiol (a molecule extracted from magnolia) as well as bio-ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier, improve elasticity and tone, and reduce dark spots.

New Zealand skincare brand Syrene has harnessed the power of Tahitian black pearl, a calcium-rich marine mineral, to brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation. The Syrene Black Pearl range comprises a powder cleanser, cream, and serum, the latter of which combines the hero ingredient with vitamin C, amino acids, and milk protein to calm redness and irritation as it brightens.

Designed to minimise the appearance of pores, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and redness, Sunday Riley B Nice sees 10% niacinamide meet trans-resveratrol and ECGC in this lightweight water-based serum. Well-suited to oily, acne-prone skin types.

Plant peptides, amino acids, and botanicals—think ginseng, swertia japonica, and muskrat root extracts—come together to create a vegan-friendly serum that works to support the natural growth cycle while lengthening and thickening lashes.

A lightweight moisturiser with a silky texture, the Alpha-H High Tide Water Cream combines hydrating and moisturising ingredients to lock water into the skin. The water-based formula contains Australian river mint and a unique hydration complex to relieve dehydration and prevent trans-epidermal water loss. Suitable for dry and dehydrated skin types.

French beauty brand VIOLETTE_FR has landed in Mecca stores around Australia. Founded by the eponymous makeup artist, the multi-category collection comprises nine products across fragrance, skincare, and makeup. Highlights include the Yeux Paint and Bisou Blush.

An ultra-rich formula designed to restore skin barrier function and provide relief from dry skin, the Summer Fridays Rich Cushion Cream pairs glycerin, squalane, and saccharide isomerate with emollients to lock hydration and moisture into the skin, while hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts work to gently plump fine lines. Its non-comedogenic and fragrance-free credentials make it well suited to sensitive and acne-prone skin types.

For those who love the smell of libraries and old books, diptyque L’Eau Papier captures the scent of paper — a luxury in the digital world. An homage to the power of paper—and good old-fashioned writing—white musks and rice steam are underscored by blonde woods, with the airy yet warm scent conjuring feelings of comfort and calm.

Designed for use on the face and body, the kit: Wonder Exfoliant is a water-activated micro-polish that combines physical and enzymatic ingredients—like papaya and pear extracts—to buff away dead skin cells. While it can be used on its own with water, it can also be added to your go-to face or body wash.

Continuing the bid to make sunscreen fun, the Mecca Cosmetica To Save Body SPF30 Radiant Sun Mousse is an innovative whipped formula that makes application easy (and enjoyable). Glycerin and vitamin E hydrate and soften the skin, while pearl extract adds a subtle sheen to limbs.

The Fenty Skin Blemish Defeat’r BHA Spot-Targeting Gel harnesses the benefits of salicylic acid, willow bank, licorice, and ginger to clarify and calm the skin in equal measure. Designed to be undetectable under makeup, it dries down to an invisible matte finish, providing a protective barrier to prevent further congestion.

A powerful exfoliating mask, the Ole Henriksen Dewtopia 25% Acid Flash Facial is a veritable facial in a jar. 25% AHAs and PHAs slough off dead skin, while salicylic acid clarifies and hyaluronic acid and aloe vera infuse the skin with hydration. Like other products in the brand’s Transformation collection, it has a naturally derived sugar lemon scent.

Designed to bestow the skin with a healthy glow as it protects from the skin, the Naked Sundays SPF50+ Mineral Glow Drops is a mineral formula that can be worn under makeup or on its own.

Working to simplify the skincare experience, All & Sundry Skin has launched with a pared-back trio of a cleanser, facial oil, and moisturiser. Taking skincare back to basics, each product is formulated to soothe and replenish the skin, with antioxidant- and fatty-acid-rich ingredients taking centre stage.

Combining the gentleness of a cream cleanser with the satisfying experience of a foaming cleanser, the Mecca Cosmetica Renewing Cleansing Gel contains soothing botanicals like centella asiatica, peony root, and sea buckthorn oil, as well as beta-lipohydroxy acid (LHA) to exfoliate without irritation.

Niacinamide and echinacea join forces to promote healthy skin barrier function and protect against environmental pollution, while adaptogenic reishi and green tea extract provide antioxidant support against environmental stressors.