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

Beauty influencer-founded brand Summer Fridays has released its first eye cream. The Summer Fridays Light Aura + Vitamin C Peptide Eye Cream uses a blend of vitamin C and peptides to brighten and firm the undereye area, while caffeine depuffs and allantoin and vitamin E soothe the skin.

A limited-edition take on a favourite from Alpha-H. The Australian skincare brand’s popular Melting Moment Cleansing Balm Plum is infused with antioxidant-rich native Australian Davidson plum, which aids in supporting skin barrier function as the formula works to remove sunscreen, makeup, and impurities. Plus, the nourishing formula doubles as a mask; simply leave it on for ten minutes before rinsing it off. 

Inspired by singer/songwriter/entrepreneur Rihanna’s signature red lip, the new Red Collection comprises a trio of Fenti Icon Semi Matte Refillable Lipsticks that are designed to be seen, as well as a striking new red case. Inspired by Rihanna’s perfectly defined cupid’s bow, each Fenty Icon lipstick offers precise application and high pigment colour with a creamy, lightweight feel that moisturises the lips and doesn’t dry or flake. There’s a red for every style — Freak-Went Flyer is a dark, poppy red; Danger Danc’r is a bright tomato red; and Kissn’ Kutie is a deep true red.

Following a slew of both neutral and maximal releases last year, Ciaté is starting the year off strong with a duo of Brazilian Glow Face Palettes. Available in light/medium and medium/dark, these all-in-one face palettes come with everything you need to create a natural, bronzed look. Each palette features three eyeshadows as well as blush, bronzer, and a blurring finishing powder.

Skincare should extend further than the neck, particularly when it comes to sun protection. A necessary accompaniment to long days at the beach, the reformulated Mecca Cosmetica To Save Body SPF50+ Hydrating Sunscreen is a lightweight sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum sun protection. Enriched with vitamin E and aloe vera, the luxurious formula sinks into the skin and imparts hydration without leaving a greasy or tacky feeling behind.

An undeniably chic way to elevate your daily commute, the new Glasshouse Car Diffusers allow you to take your favourite scent wherever you go. Designed to be placed on the air vent of your car, the refillable fragrances come in an elegant metal diffuser and can be adjusted to increase or decrease the intensity of the scent. They’re available in four signature Glasshouse scents:  Tahaa Affair, Lost in Amalfi, Kyoto in Bloom, and One Night in Rio. 

Korean beauty brand Sulwhasoo has released a limited-edition version of its bestselling First Care Activating Serum. Designed to be applied post-cleanse, the formula boasts a cocktail of five Korean herbs that work synergistically to it works to boost radiance and hydration, and prepare the skin for following skincare products. The Lunar New Year edition features a beautifully illustrated bottle depicting a pair of rabbits alongside plum blossoms.

Mecca Cosmetica has added to its suite of high-performance serums with a new Replenishing Niacinamide Serum. A true all-rounder, it spotlights 15% niacinamide which works to support the skin barrier and improve the appearance of skin tone and texture, while the addition of squalane and hyaluronic acid moisturises and hydrates the skin.

Singapore-based brand Allies Of Skin has made a name for itself through its ‘formula-first’ skincare, consistently producing effective, cosmetically elegant products since its launch in 2016. Designed to streamline your skincare routine, Allies Of Skin steers away from single-ingredient formulas, instead proposing a skincare routine with a few thoughtfully curated, highly concentrated multi-active products. Highlights of the range include the 35% Vitamin C Perfecting Serum, Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment, and Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum. 

A lightweight facial moisturiser designed with dry skin in mind, the Mecca Max Thirst Impression Priming Hydrating Moisturiser combines four types of hyaluronic acid with squalane and black Baltic moss to imbue the skin with hydration and moisture while supporting skin barrier health. Plus, it works to prime the skin, creating a smooth, dewy canvas for makeup application.

A new addition to the Danish skincare brand’s skin barrier strength-promoting range. The Ole Henriksen HydraBarrier Nourishing Face Oil combines a trio of Scandinavian berry oils (cloudberry, lingonberry, and elderberry) with peptides to create a formula that promotes a healthy moisture barrier, smoothens skin texture, and promotes good skin elasticity.

Elevating the everyday, the kit Soap Slab is a humble yet hardworking soap bar designed for daily cleansing. Infused with botanicals and adaptogens, this triple-milled soap is formulated with crusted lemon myrtle leaf to exfoliate and macadamia oil to nourish the skin. A nuanced green fragrance featuring notes of orange, spearmint, basil, eucalyptus, patchouli, and cedarwood works to refresh and uplift the senses.

A new skincare brand pioneering the concept of farmaceuticals, MUSQ is inspired by life on a hemp and sheep farm. Products are powered by hemp seed oil, lanolin, and honey, with highlights of the range including Farm Balm, Revitalise Gel Cleanser, Hydrate Face Toner, and Nourish Face Oil.