AR Obsessions: Beauty & Grooming Favourites For February 2022

Epitomising Austrian minimalism at its finest, the plant-based Susanne Kaufmann Hyaluron Serum contains just five ingredients, prioritising botanically-derived hyaluronic acid. Lightweight and easily absorbed, it works to hydrate the skin long after its been applied and promotes smoother, plumper skin over time.

The ideal afternoon pick-me-up, this cola-flavoured elixir tastes like it shouldn’t be good for you… Made with The Beauty Chef’s signature bio-fermented probiotic blend, it contains B vitamins and adaptogenic holy basil to nourish the gut and promote energy production.

Barely there coverage with sun-protection benefits, the Ultra Violette Dream Screen SPF50 is perfect worn over the brand’s Supreme Screen for a subtly refreshed and somewhat put-together look during zoom meetings. With a consistency akin to a lightweight serum, Dream Screen has a sheer, dewy finish and is well-suited to normal to drier skin types.

Exactly what the name suggests, this body oil is composed of 100% organic avocado oil. Rich in omega fatty acids, it works to deeply nourish the skin, keeping limbs moisturised throughout the day. For best results, apply to slightly damp skin post-shower.

One of our favourite releases from buzzy natural beauty brand Burt’s Bees, the new Squeezy Tinted Lip Balms are combine natural beeswax and moisturising cocoa butter to create a shiny, glossy formula with surprisingly good colour payoff. Housed in elevated packaging that belies its budget pricetag, the Burt’s Bees Tinted Squeezy Lip Balms are available in shades of mandarin, watermelon, peach, and berry.

A zinc sunscreen that’s easy to wear doesn’t come by often, with many formulas sporting thick, paint-like consistencies and leaving you looking positively ghostly. However, the Aesthetics RX Ultra-Protection Sunscreen SPF50+ defies this unfortunate trend. A zinc-based formula, it blocks both UVA and UVB rays while soothing the skin. While the rich formula goes on white, it blends in well and settles down with minimal to no white cast, making it wearable on its own or under makeup.

Quite possibly the best cleanser of the year thus far, the Vela Days Lipid Complex Cleansing Balm is a standout favourite. A unique gel-to-oil-to-milk formula, it pumps out of the bottle in a blue jelly texture somewhat resembling Gilette shaving foam. While this doesn’t sound like the premise of a luxurious cleaner, upon contact with skin it transforms into a rich oil, working to gently but effectively remove sunscreen, makeup, and the impurities of the day. Add a splash of water and it undergoes yet another transformation, washing off as a milky cleanser. Loaded with ceramides, numerous plant oils (including hemp seed), and calming blue tansy extract (which lends the formula its initial Gilette shade of blue), it helps soothe the skin as it cleanses. Suitable for all skin types, if there’s one cleanser you should try this year, it’s this one.

A vegan-friendly supplement the Aede Power Activist supports hair growth by targeting several key causes of hair thinning, including dietary deficiencies, thyroid function and hormone health. Combining antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts, it takes a multi-pronged approach to hair health.

A powerful alternative to exfoliating masks or daily exfoliating toners, the Fenty Skin Pre-Show Glow is perfect for those who want to see instant results. Intended for use a couple of times a week, it takes just two minutes to work its action and leaves skin smoother and brighter with a single use. Over time, it can fade the dark spots and reduce the appearance of pores. Don’t let the tiny bottle fool you – a little of this goes a long way, with the formula forming a satisfying lather when used with the accompanying reusable applicator.