AR Beauty Beat, November 2021: Best Beauty & Grooming Releases

Californian skincare brand Holifrog has made its Australian debut, launching exclusively in Sephora stores across the country. Initially known for its situational approach to cleansing that takes into account the skin’s everchanging needs over the idea of a static skin type, Holifrog has since introduced serums and a cream into the range. Standout products include the Shasta AHA Acid Wash and Sunnyside C Glow Serum.

An aromatic floral underscored by woody notes, the latest iteration of Illusione for women is a beautifully understated clean summer fragrance. Bergamot, pear, and blackcurrant are enlivened by green fig leaves, with a musky, woody base of cedarwood and olive tree.

Known for its cult-favourite Liquid Gold formula, Alpha-H takes a chic approach to cosmeceutical skincare. Now, the Australian brand has released its first cleansing balm. Made entirely from oils and emollients, the Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm effortlessly dissolves makeup, impurities, and SPF without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Ingredients like grapeseed and sandalwood seed oils keep feeling nourished and soft as the balm cleanses.

An overnight mask created specifically for your hands, the Fenty Skin Hydra’Reset Intensive Recovery Hand Mask uses glycerin and panthenol in conjunction with fruit oils and butters (think mango and murumuru) to inject hydration and moisture into dry hands. Plus, it features the signature Fenty Skin scent of tropical fruits and flowers.

Courtesy of Austrian skincare label Susanne Kaufmann, the Line T range is formulated with dry and sensitive skin in mind. Taking into account the unique needs and skin conditions faced by those with dry skin, Line T works to support regeneration and strengthen the skin’s elasticity, working to prevent the formation of wrinkles and fine lines, as well as inflammatory conditions like rosacea and eczema. Line T utilises soothing botanicals like St John’s wort, chamomile, sage, and mallow across the range, which comprises an eye cream, day cream, and night cream.

From the makers of the award-winning Hydro Grip Primer comes the Milk makeup Hydro Grip Eye Primer. A transparent formula created for all skin tones, it uses the same blue agave extract, aloe water, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide as its older sister, working to create a smooth base around the eyes to lock in eye makeup, prevent creasing, and create a light blurring effect.

Australian ingestible beauty brand WelleCo has released its first dedicated collagen offering. The Collagen Elixir combines marine collagen with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, silica, and digestive enzymes to support healthy hair, skin, and nails from the inside out. Plus, the addition of digestive enzymes helps ensure the collagen is readily absorbed by the body.

Heritage skincare brand RoC has been around since 1957 and have been perfecting their retinol formulas for over 25 years, becoming the first company to stabilise pure retinol. Affordable and accessible, the range is now available in Chemist Warehouse stores across Australia, with standout products including the Deep Wrinkle Night Cream and Line Smoothing Eye Cream.

For the avocado lovers out there, Tropicology is a new Australian brand entirely centred around the covetable toast topping. Each Tropicology product features active botanicals and extracts in combination with up to 25% avocado oil, selected for its high oleic acid levels. Comprising face and body products, highlights include the Tropicology Pure Avocado Face Oil and Avocado Revitalising Face Serum.

New Zealand supplement and skincare brand Me Today has arrived on Australian shores, launching in Adore Beauty. The affordable range comprises a range of supplements (housed in vegetable capsules) that utilise both scientific and traditional medicine philosophies, as well as an array of topical skincare products. The supplement lineup is one to look out for, with must-try products including the Women’s or Men’s Daily, Ashwagandha, and Goodnight formulas.

Australian men’s skincare and grooming brand The Groomed Man Co. has extended its body wash offering, adding two new scents to the range; Man Mint and Cool Cola. The Man Mint Body Wash blends peppermint with bergamot, sandalwood, and rosemary to create a nuanced scent profile that’s miles apart from your run of the mill toothpaste scent. Activated charcoal works to eliminate bacteria and lime pearl extract contains natural AHAs to exfoliate the skin.

Purveyors of sunscreen and tanning products Bondi Sands have branched into skincare, releasing a curated line of essentials designed to clean, hydrate, treat, mask, and protect. With the entire line retailing for under $25 AUD each, it’s an accessible and affordable way to take care of your skin.

Fenty Beauty has released its bestselling foundation in a travel-friendly mini size. Available in the same inclusive shade range as its full-size counterpart, the buildable medium to full coverage formula provides skin with a smooth, shine-free base, working to lightly blur pores. Best of all, it’s only $25 AUD a pop.

A brightener and pore-purifyer in one, the Skin Physics Vitamin C Purifying Clay Mask blends kadadu plum and vitamin C with Australian yellow clay, zinc, copper, and magnesium. The mineral and vitamin-rich blend works to even out skin tone and reinvigorate the skin as the clay gently decongests and refines pores.

A limited-edition release courtesy of New Zealand skincare brand Emma Lewisham, the Illuminating Face & Body Oil combines a phytolipid complex (including macadamia, jojoba, and olive oils) with oil-soluble hyaluronic acid to hydrate and moisturise the skin. The addition of minerals create a light shimmering effect on the skin, making for a radiant summery glow.