Ahh, Spring, the season of renewal that brings with it some unavoidable drawbacks (see: debilitating hayfever, birthday tears, fashion month burnout and the mournful vacuum sealing of my cherished winter coats). But while everyone else is clearing out their shelves, there is something to make this transition period all the more exciting: new beauty launches to fill up mine.
As a self-confessed skincare junkie with unfortunately sensitive/reactive skin, cutting back to the basics was a major theme this winter. But now, as the sun is beginning to linger longer and brighter, my focus has been less on trying every newly released skincare product and freshly rolled out miracle ingredient and instead skewed towards a fun and simple approach. Yes, this Spring calls for a makeup refresh, a novel signature scent to match the seasonal mood, and some much-needed colour to truly usher in this change.
And, thanks to some new favourites, I believe I’ve already nailed my seasonal beauty routine. Below, the Spring beauty must-haves I’m relying on.
Chanel 31 Le Rouge Lipstick
Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel once quipped that if you are sad, put on some lipstick and attack. And with Chanel’s latest launch, this sentiment is as simple as ever to employ. A century after designing its first lipstick, the new 31 LE ROUGE reaffirms the house’s understanding of colour and its mood-defining powers with 12 new shades that evoke the Maison’s heritage. This release not only boasts the woven fabric motif and rich, velvety formulation that everyone should have in their beauty arsenal, but its limited edition, refillable packaging—inspired by the mirrors of the legendary rue Cambon staircase—makes it a particularly special investment. Currently, I’m loving the shade Rouge Noble, which is the perfect effortless ‘nearly red’ for a Spring evening look.
Le Labo Thé Matcha 26 EDP
A new season is always an excellent excuse to invest in a new scent, and after attending a special fragrance lounge session at MECCA, I swiped right on this new match: Le Labo’s ‘Thé Matcha’ fragrance. With creamy fig and cedar blended with notes of herbaceous matcha tea and soft vetiver, this unique scent uplifts the senses and serves as a fresh and woody alternative to typical Spring florals.
Kosas Revealer Concealer
If you know me, you likely use this concealer too because of my insistence. With the lightest touch, this concealer ticks every box for buildable and comfortable coverage and blends like a dream. Whether I’m lightly masking some insomnia, a breakout or just some unevenness, this concealer can handle it all. No notes!
Merit Flush Balm
This doesn’t officially launch in Australia until September 18, but I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek—and it did not disappoint. As a tried-and-true sceptic, I wasn’t expecting much from a ‘low-fi’ beauty brand, but Merit is genuinely worth the accolades it’s been receiving online. My favourite product in the range, which has already become a go-to, is Flush Balm. While languishing on the beach with saltwater-induced dry skin, I tapped the ‘Fox’ shade onto my cheeks, eyelids and lips and was amazed at the result. Not only did the colour impart the perfect ‘sunkissed’ look, but its creamy formula visibly restored my skin—and soul. This one gets bonus points for its travel-friendly packaging too, which all of Merit’s products actually boast!
Tower28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
Calling back to my sensitive skin, this spray has been served to me on every social media platform. So as the brand launched at MECCA, I knew I had to try this apparent wonder product. Safe to say, the hype is real and warranted. After flying a little too close to the sun with a few mix-and-match face masks, my skin felt extra tight and irritated when I remembered this recent purchase. I slathered this on my face before bed, and by morning, I felt like myself again. And this wouldn’t be the last time it saved me, either. And with many more beauty products on my ‘to try list’, I’m sure this hypochlorous acid-powered spray will always come to my rescue.
Face Gym Multi-Sculpt High-Performance Gua Sha
I’m about to turn 29, and though I’ve been a little stubborn about it, I’m beginning to accept that it’ll take a little more than a good moisturiser to keep my skin looking/feeling its best. Though ageing doesn’t bother me—I’ve been told the crow’s feet around my eyes are “charming”—and I really do believe it is a privilege, my nonchalance has left me feeling a little slumped, so a little while ago, I picked my old Gua Sha and decided to re-commit to it in the hopes of restoring some definition. While I’m certainly no expert, tactfully incorporating this Face Gym tool into my nightly routine has made such a difference, naturally leaving my face feeling sculpted and lifted. I stand by this as the ultimate premature aging weapon.
RMS Beauty Go Nude Lip Pencil
I purchased this lipliner on a whim and was flabbergasted. After years, a decade, even, I have found my perfect pinky-nude. No longer will I attempt the many recommendations from my much paler friends, because with this pencil, I am now spoken for.
Davines Renewing Shampoo
Shampoo and conditioner are tough recommendations. In fact, many of the ones my friends and colleagues swear by aren’t suited to my hair—to be fair, my locks are hard to please, being at once dry and oily, straight and wavy, and damaged and shiny. This Davines Renewing range, though, did the trick. I won’t say it’s life-changing or going to completely transform your hair, but I will say it provides a nice, gentle clean that left my (very picky) hair feeling softer, tamer and a little more full-bodied.
Wrinkles Schminkles Wrinkle Patches
After one too many TikTok scrolls, I decided to finally give these a go. As a chronic frowner, these promised a solution to my self-inflicted expression lines and, as a bonus, could be worn comfortably while I sleep or even while just performing household chores. It’s hard to believe it can be as simple as wearing tape on your face for a few hours, but these medical-grade silicone patches from Aussie brand Wrinkle Schminkles are a game-changer for those wanting to smooth out lines.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder
As the sun gets more intense, I’ll reach for something to keep shine at bay—only, so many powders end up sucking the life out of your skin. Luckily this Charlotte Tilbury option lightly mattifies and keeps liquid and cream products intact, all while imparting a luminous, soft-focus effect. Formulated with rose wax and almond oil, too, it’s a powder that also hydrates and smoothes the skin.