These are some of the best beauty buys of 2018 so far, so of course, we needed to share!
Can you believe it’s August already? I feel like January and February lasted a lifetime and now suddenly we’re more than half way through 2018. How did that happen?
As a make-up/skincare/haircare fanatic (thanks to years as a beauty editor), I often still find myself trialling a LOT of products. And while there’s always a sea of pretty new things to try, only a few stand out from the crowd. Here are some of the very best launches of this year so far.
Benefit Hello Happy Soft Blur Foundation
Why it’s cool: Hitting the shelves just last week, this light-to-medium coverage liquid foundation legitimately makes me feel happy. Admittedly, it’s partially because it features a cute smiley face on the bottle (I’m a sucker for fun packaging), but also, (and more importantly) because I’m in love with the natural-looking coverage it gives while still managing to blur out imperfections such as uneven skin tone, and annoying acne scars. Plus, it contains SPF15 which is always a bonus in my opinion.
Dhs151, available in 12 shades
Karl Lagerfeld x ModelCo collection
Why it’s cool: I’m obsessed with collectable beauty products. I mean, who doesn’t dream of a dressing table jam-packed with pretty products to play with/look at? And so, when ModelCo (one of my favourite Australian beauty brands) announced they were working on a collaboration with legendary fashion designer, Karl Lagerfeld, my heart skipped a beat.
Starting from Dhs58, the limited-edition line boasts a whopping 52-pieces including lip glosses topped with the main man himself, and a must-have eyeshadow set housed in a palette inspired by Karl’s cat, Choupette. You’d better hurry and snap up a few pieces before they sell out. They’re so good.
View the entire collection here.
Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Powder
Why it’s cool: The technique ‘baking’ has been around for years but has recently been thrust into the spotlight, thanks to bloggers and make-up artists like Dubai’s very own Huda Kattan – who, also recently released her own baking product under her namesake Middle Eastern-based cosmetics brand, Huda Beauty.
Currently available in eight shades, the loose powder is housed in an easy-to-use container, and upon application, provides a nice semi-matte finish to control shine throughout the entire day. I’ve been converted. It’s a big thumbs up from me.
Dhs173, available in eight shades
Beauty Blender, Blender Defender
Why it’s cool: Have you ever found yourself wishing for a protective carry case for your beloved beauty sponges? Me too, which is why I was super excited to hear that original beauty sponge brand, Beauty Blender, had launched just that. Thanks, guys! This little gem protects your sponges from getting dirty, and it’s also perfect for travelling. The ventilated design allows for air circulation, so there’s no chance of things getting hot and sweaty in there.
Dhs46
Nina Ubhi The Mink Collection False Lashes
Why it’s cool: When a make-up artist launches their own cosmetics line, I always sit up and take note. Thanks to years of using the best-of-the-best in products and tools, these girl’s and guy’s always know their stuff (I’ve discovered many a beauty tip whilst watching these pro’s at work). And so, when news broke that Dubai-based professional make-up artist and beauty influencer, Nina Ubhi was launching her own line with husband and business partner, Bobby (those cuties), I couldn’t wait to see what they’d come up with.
And the couples’ first foray into the retail world is real good. Debuting with a luxury line of false eyelashes, The Mink Collection does not disappoint. With nine styles to choose from with ‘Nina’ being my personal fave (obvs) you can nab yourself a faux flutter safe in the knowledge that it’s been created by one of the Middle East’s best beauty guru’s. And products don’t come much better than that.
Dhs106, per set
Charlotte Tilbury Bar of Gold Trio
Why it’s cool: We’re more than halfway through the year and just as obsessed with highlighting as we were in 2017 (and 2016, and 2015…), am I right? Could this be the make-up trend that lasts forever? With that in mind, I’m constantly on the hunt for new formulas to satisfy my devotion to all things glowy – and I LOVE a pretty palette.
Enter Make-up Queen, Charlotte Tilbury’s shiny new offering. Following on from her cult Bar of Gold highlighter, she’s blessed us with a delicious trio of gold bars! Containing three shades, Original Gold (same as the Gold Bar shade), Rose Gold (a soft rosy blush) and Gold Bullion (a beautiful bronze hue) this might just be my favourite palette of the year so far. Charlotte recommends using all three shades to achieve a “radiant, glossy-looking complexion”. I’m sold. Think dewy skin minus the glitter.
Dhs300, only at Charlottetilbury.com
Gucci Bloom Hair Mist
Why it’s cool: Hair fragrances have been causing a buzz the past few years, but in 2018 we’ve seen a huge surge in offerings – and I couldn’t be happier. The scent-sational alternative to regular perfumes offers a lighter way to wear fragrance, and Gucci Bloom is definitely at the top of my list. You see, I’m a fan of the fashion house’s original eau de parfum and all of its floral goodness, but I find it a little heavy for daytime. And so, when Gucci launched a hair mist earlier this year I literally jumped for joy. Now I wear it for work and always receive compliments when I swish swoosh my pony around the office.
Dhs195, 30ml
Happy shopping and don’t forget to share this article with your BFF, because sharing is caring.