This month saw beauty being defined around the upcoming warmer months. Skincare and makeup are now light and breathable, while the fragrance side has seen a plethora of fresh floral-fruity scents that smell like summer. Amongst all the latest releases, these are the ones worth adding to your vanity.
M·A·C’s Biggest Launch Yet
For the first time ever, M·A·C is now available to shop at Sephora! From May 1, the cult favourite brand will be joining the heavy hitters in the beauty space at Sephora, both online and in-store. For OG makeup fans, this is a huge news as it brings M·A·C’s heritage of artistry, innovation, and inclusivity into a wider market within the region. And yes, it will feature every iconic lipstick and cult product you can think of!
Amouage | Love Hibiscus
The Omani fragrance house has added hibiscus to their fan-favourite Secret Garden collection right in time for the warmer months. In a gorgeous berry-red bottle, Love Hibiscus is a woody-floral fragrance with spicy, sweet, and fruity notes. At the heart of the scent is hibiscus, tart and green. Paired with passion fruit, salted caramel, sandalwood, and vanilla, you can expect a sweet yet fresh dry down that’s easy on the nose, especially on hot summer days.
Armani Beauty | Power of You
Another fragrance set to tackle the warming season is Armani’s Power of You. A juicy gourmand, the notes that comprise this scent are a heady fruit smoothie! Opening with citrus notes of passionfruit, bitter orange, and lemon, the scent dries down to vanilla and benzoin. It feels like a refreshing summer dessert in the streets of Italy, packed in a bottle ideal for those who prefer their scents on the sweeter side.
BYOMA | Bio-Collagen Radiance Facial Mask
In its signature cuboid shape, BYOMA addresses sensitive, damaged skin with a transformational peel-off mask. Starting as a gel, the texture hardens and turns into a clear film once the ingredients sink into the skin. Speaking of, this mask features bio-collagen to work on skin texture, a tri-ceramide complex to work on the skin barrier, cica that helps with redness and inflammation, and astaxanthin, an antioxidant that helps with hydration, fine lines, and skin elasticity. This mask expects to invest some time in it because the actives take around 20 minutes to fully penetrate, but for those with dry, acne-prone, and sensitive skin, the investment is really worth it.
Hourglass Cosmetics | Unreal Liquid Highlighter
Adding to the skincare-makeup hybrids, Hourglass’ latest formulation makes a liquid highlighter meet a serum. With a lightweight texture, the product applies seamlessly onto the skin, refreshing it with hyaluronic acid and White Lupin Seed Extract, while the makeup formula uses ultra-fine light-reflecting pigments to mimic the way skin naturally reflects light. It leaves on a smooth, second-skin-like base that’s buildable with a radiant glow. For those finicky with cakey makeup, this is the ideal addition that doesn’t feel like that at all!
Lancaster | Sun Perfect AIR Invisible – Face Mist SPF 50
Considering that the GCC sun can be unforgivable, we’re always on the hunt for new SPF formulations. And this one by Lancaster has become the latest favourite because of its convenient use. Formulated as a skincare mist, this SPF is perfect to use for touch-ups and over makeup. The light formula gives us the protection we need without any greasiness or need to rub the skin. Whereas antioxidants and actives in the formulation leave behind a luminous glow with every spray.
Rare Beauty | True to Myself Natural Matte Longwear Foundation
As the name suggests, the latest foundation by Rare Beauty works to bring out the best in the skin, staying “true to oneself”. Formulated with a blend of sodium hyaluronate, ginger root, and algae extract, it’s another skincare-makeup hybrid that both primes and covers the skin in a weightless feel. With a natural matte finish, it feels less like a second skin and more barley-there skin instead. With 48 shades to choose from, it’s ideal for those with normal, oily, or combination skin.
YSL Beauty | LIBRE BERRY CRUSH
Recently reaching the GCC market, the latest entry to YSL’s Libre collection is a floral fruity fragrance that has come just in time for the Spring-Summer months. Playing around with the original perfume’s lavender scent, this berry version is reimaged with raspberry, orange blossom, coconut, and vanilla accords. It’s a sensual, deep, yet vibrant scent that’s pleasant to wear on the daily. However, its sillage can be on the stronger side, so spritz with caution!
