Beauty Buys: 16 products worth adding to your beauty arsenal this August 2023

A recent addition to our skincare rolodex, Fleur’s Golden Essence Rejuvenating Glow Cream is an under-appreciated treasure. The cloud-like cream contains a powerhouse lineup of star lily, hyaluronic acid and 24-karat gold to brighten, firm and hydrate skin. The cream melts into the skin forming a protective layer against environmental aggressors.  

Malaysia’s most IG-worthy skincare brand, Chuck’s, drops its latest addition to the beauty line-up – Get Set. The brand’s latest drop defies the current 12-step skincare wave by releasing a serum-infused moisturiser. The hybrid moisturiser features the brand’s most famed ingredient, Kale Extract, to deeply hydrate skin while PHA and HyalOcta Complex exfoliates and lifts the face. This is definitely for the ones that practise less is more!

Sunday Riley’s famous Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment needs no introduction. If you’re looking for an all-round powerhouse of an elixir, this is it. While some may be wary when they read the word “acid”, Good Genes is as gentle as it is effective. The star ingredient lactic acid exfoliates and clarifies the skin while arnica and prickly pear extract soothes any irritation that may occur. Our rating? Tens across the board.

For the skincare savvy, finding a high dose retinol without a prescription can be a pain. Augustinus Bader is the stuff of legends for a reason. The brand’s all-new The Retinol Serum is a game changer. Powered by the brand’s TFC8® and pure retinol, the lightweight serum delivers all the results of retinol sans the irritation and redness. 

The cult beauty brand, Sol de Janeiro, finally reaches Malaysian shores and we can’t get enough! The Brazilian Bum Bum Cream is an Instagram vanity staple but it’s not all for the aesthetics. The firming body cream is super-charged with Guaraná extract, Cupuaçu Butter and Brazil nut oil that work in tandem to smooth, tighten and moisturise skin. An added bonus, the body cream is scented with the brand’s icnonic Cheirosa 62 fragrance featuring notes of pistachio, salted caramel and vanilla.

We often have an arsenal of face serums to target every possible skin concern we might be facing but many of us tend to forget our manes. If you’re looking to give your hair a little more TLC, Mare’s More Is More Hair Serum is a good place to start. Infused with a blend of nine natural plant oils and Ashwagandha oil, the serum repairs, smooths and conditions the hair to prevent any split ends and breakage.

Mare is now available in stores at Isetan Suria KLCC.

We’ve all heard about the benefits of retinol for the face and that the ingredient is not supposed to be applied around the eye area. Till now! Right off the heels of its ceramide-packed eye cream, Drunk Elephant launches the A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum – a 0.1% vegan retinol eye serum to smooth, de-puff and minimise the look of fine lines. Yes, you read that right! On top of the retinol, the groundbreaking serum contains 3% caffeine and copper peptides that not only de-puffs but also stimulates collagen.

If you’re looking for something that will imbue you with an ethereal glow then look no further! Hermès Beauty introduces the all-new Hermès Plein Air H Iridescent Mineral Powder. Inspired by the earth and sun, the illuminating powder’s pearlescent formula melts into skin to create an effortless radiance. Apply to the high points of the face for that sunlit glimmer. 

Available at Hermès Pavilion Kuala Lumpur & Parkson Hermès counters.

Dior Beauty expands its foundation line with the Dior Forever Cushion and Dior Forever Skin Glow Cushion. Housed in a couture case, the high-end cushion foundations are formulated with floral extracts to ensure 24-hour freshness with two finishes — no-transfer matte and hydrating glow. The cushion foundations are customisable and sustainable, allowing you to select from two editions. They are Embroidered Cannage and Vinyle Cannage. You can also clip on a refillable shade in the chosen finish.

Available in stores at Dior Beauty boutiques from 3 August.

Created by Hedi Slimane in 2019, Cèline Haute Parfumerie expands with a new bath and body line starting with a new Cèline Perfume Soap. The bath & body line honours the traditional art of perfumery by reviving the art of scented soap. Composed of 96% natural ingredients, the soaps are enriched with sweet almond oil and vegetable glycerin to gently cleanse and nourish skin. The bar soaps (100g) come in a set of three and will be available in four of the Cèline’s most iconic fragrances — La Parade, La Peau Nue, Eau de Californie and Reptile.

Celine Perfume Soap will be available at Celine boutiques from 25 August.

The cult brand Salt & Stone makes their debut in Malaysia and we can’t get enough. We know some of you might be sceptical of natural deodorants. We were too. However, the brand’s natural deodorant is high-strength and keeps you fresh all day, without the fear of natural deodorant rash. Formulated with probiotics and spirulina, odour is neutralised and potential irritation is then soothed by the antioxidant-rich spirulina.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place foundations have been a long-standing cult favourite for a reason. Durable, sweatproof and basically bulletproof – the foundation lives up to its name. The brand’s extensive range of 40 shades makes it a breeze to find an exact match for your skin. The foundation is also formulated with patented MicroMineral Invisible Veil Technology and InvinciWear Technology to absorb excess sebum and lock your make-up in place, giving you natural breathable coverage.

Your next beauty splurge is here! Swissline by Dermalab’s latest release is the perfect night-time luxury after you’ve slathered all that skincare goodness. The Cell Shock White Brightening-Intensified Night Cream works to brighten and retexturize skin while you’re getting your beauty sleep. The perfect cherry on top for your nighttime skincare routine. 

Le Labo City Exclusive makes its way out into the world. The City Exclusive collection is an array of fragrances made available only in the city it belongs to and nowhere else — but for the month of September, they’re running free! If you’re looking for a special gift for a certain someone or just a treat for yourself, this is your chance!

The City Exclusive collection samples and discover sets will be available in-store from August 1 – September 30 and full sizes will be available 1 September till 30 September.

Dolce & Gabbana reinvents the classic Light Blue with the latest Light Blue Summer vibes limited edition capsule collection. In true Dolce & Gabbana fashion, the capsule collection brings the Italian summer to life with the majolica print adorning the entire collection. The classic fragrance is a citrusy fresh scent with notes of grapefruit, pepper and musk that captures the beaches of the Italian coast. An endless Italian summer in a bottle, Light Blue is the ultimate signature scent.

Coach adds another addition to their fragrance collection — Coach Green. Inspired by the green oases in the concrete jungle, Coach Green is a scent for the adventurous urban male. The scent opens with the strong, fruity Kiwi Accord complimenting the rosemary essence beautifully mimicking a lush forest as base notes of crystal moss, and cedarwood ground the scent.