Our July Beauty Favourites

New beauty July 2021

July is heating up in more ways than one: there’s an exciting selection of hot new releases for every beauty lover to get their hands-on, and who better to tell you what’s really worth trying than our very own team of beauty lovers, who get to try every single one of them?

See what the Escentual team has been loving this July…

1. The Lip And Cheek Icon

 Model holding a new 2021 beauty release: Benefit Playtint Pink Lemonade Lip Cheek Stain

Benefit Benetint is a makeup icon. The soft diffused colour for lips and cheeks is one that has graced the makeup bag of many beauty lovers for years; it’s basically a rite of passage for beauty fans dipping their toe into premium makeup (it was one of my first ventures into the world of premium makeup!) With all of this said, it won’t come as a surprise to you that my favourite launch this month is the newest addition to the line, Playtint! This pink lemonade shade is bubbling with playful energy – with a finish that’s smudge-proof and transfer-proof that will outlast all the fun you’ve got planned. I have to mention the versatility of this tint because I personally think this is what makes it so special; with a doe-foot applicator that moulds to your lips and cheeks and makes for a tactile experience, so you can blot, blend and smudge till you get just the right finish. My favourite use of the two has to be the cheek stain as it leaves the softest natural pink flush that you can take up the cheekbone to give the impression of young and healthy skin – and then, of course, paired with a blotted lip, it looks absolutely sublime.

2. The Sunny Perfume

Model holding new beauty release 2021: Hollister Canyon Escape For Her Eau de Parfum Spray

I sprayed this at the desk at work and bought it for myself that very evening – yes, I love it that much! After one spritz of Canyon Escape For Her, my mind is instantly whisked away to hot Californian summers. So, if you’re looking for an everyday scent for warmer summer months that doesn’t break the bank, this scent is perfect! The subtle pink colour takes me back to watching the sunset on a sandy Cornish beach with friends; it’s bliss.

But what I love most about this fragrance is the sense of free-spirited adventure that it creates, taking you on a trip through bursts of sweet citrus, floral notes and woody undertones that mimic the feeling of sun-kissed skin on late summer nights.

3. The Premium Blush

Model holding the GIVENCHY Prisme Libre Blush in Mousseline Lilas in new beauty 2021 edit

My star release of July has to be GIVENCHY’s Prisme Libre Blush; it’s simply stunning. I love the blend of lightweight shimmers that work together in harmony to lift and illuminate your complexion. The quartet of colours blend effortlessly with your base or skin to offer a natural rosiness that’s flattering and natural, but can easily be built up for when I’m after that all-out glam, WOW effect. From the box to the mirrored lid – and to the radiant finish to the cute little white powder puff – it takes blush to a whole new luxurious level.

If (like me) you also love GIVENCHY’s original Prisme Libre Setting Powder, then you won’t be disappointed by this. The micro-fine powders are just as weightless on the skin and feel super soft and comfortable. It’s a must for my makeup bag!

4. The Fruity-Floral Scent

Model holding new fragrance launch from 2021 Salvatore Ferragamo Giardini di Seta Eau de Parfum

By this point, I think everyone on the Beauty Team has realised that I’m obsessed with Salvatore Ferragamo’s latest fragrance line. I love each scent within the unisex Storie di Seta collection, so I could have chosen them all as my monthly favourite. But ultimately, Giardini is my personal favourite.

It’s light and elegant, but still vibrant and luminous as it bursts with crunchy red rhubarb in the opening before the cherry blossom-inspired heart blends with a note exclusive to Ferragamo. Finally, a dry, earthy vetiver facet warms through in the base.

And although I could write about the scent all day long, it’s the concept that I’ve fallen in love with just as much. Just like the rest of the Storie di Seta lineup, Giardini Eau de Parfum is made for layering. Each fragrance features the same unique Ferragamo accord to encourage you to mix and match the perfumes to find your own signature scent. And, who wouldn’t love the silk-inspired flacon design?

5. The Holiday Floral

The bottle of the Narciso Eau Neroli Ambree EDT a new fragrance launch from July 2021

Eau Neroli Ambree makes me feel happy; whether I am looking at the gorgeous matte coral bottle or spritzing the perfume, I can’t help but smile. It’s a floral fragrance but it’s very warm, sunny almost, which you can put down to the star notes: neroli oil and frangipani flower (the floral note that sets it apart from the original, Ambree).

At first spray, the Eau de Parfum smells sweet, but as time goes on it settles into a comforting creaminess that feels equal weights glamorous and effortless. If I had a tropical holiday booked, this is the first thing I’d pack – but in the meantime, I’ll wear this and just pretend.

6. The Anti-Ageing Hand Cream

Female blonde model holding the Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity Age Spot Correcting Hand Cream SPF30

Hands are one of the first places to show ageing, and now I’m 30, I’m more conscious of my skin becoming wrinkly and pigmented. Hand creams with SPF are rare, so as soon as I saw this one from Eucerin, I had to have it. I’m a big fan of their anti-pigment range anyway, so I didn’t need much convincing.

What makes this hand cream stand out is its exclusive technology to brighten skin: Eucerin’s patented Thiamadol, which is the star of their anti-pigment range. Thiamidol stops pigmentation at the root, halting age spots and marks. Added sun protection also helps to slow down the signs of ageing; this is a must-have hand cream for anyone concerned with their hands looking older.

7. The Bold Balm

Model wearing swatch of Benefit California Kissin' Colorbalm Moisturising Lip Balm in shade blackberry

I love, love, love this tinted lip balm. I always find it difficult using a tinted balm as I never find the pigment colour is strong enough and it ends up looking watery… However, the California Kissin’ one is beautiful. The pigment is high, all while still offering a super-hydrating balm formula. As it’s so long-lasting, I personally think purchasing this lip balm is a no-brainer, and I don’t reply to it often, which is a major plus point for me. I also think that if you suffer from dry lips, this is the perfect lipstick alternative.

8. The Skincare Innovation

Model holding the new beauty launch from 2021 Florena Antioxidant Night Cream

I was so excited when I found out Escentual were launching Florena as their unique fermentation process means they’re different to a lot of other brands out there. People often view fermentation in a negative way, but it’s actually a natural and unique skincare innovation that has started to become a popular trend within the industry. The fermentation process breaks down flowers and natural oils to transform them into powerful skincare actives.

My personal favourite from the collection is the Florena Antioxidant Night Cream. The vegan night moisturiser is the perfect anti-ageing cream; it fights against the harmful effects of free radicals and strengthens the hydrolipidic film of the skin overnight. The result? When I use this, I wake up and my skin feels younger and more hydrated. As you go to sleep, you can feel the moisturiser tightening your skin. Not to mention that their jars use 97.5% recyclable plastic and have been made purposefully lightweight to reduce the amount of plastic used and to minimise its CO2 impact.

9. The Niche Fragrance Discovery Set

Model holding new beauty july 2021 release Serge Lutens Collection Noire Discovery Gift Set 8 x 4ml

If you are a fan of Serge Lutens fragrances but you haven’t tried the whole collection, this is for you. If you like niche fragrances this is for you. If you like fragrances, this is for you. My point…This is a must-have for everyone.

These decadent vials house 8 fragrances from Serge Lutens’ Collection Noire range, which offers a fragrance to wear whatever the occasion. The rainbow colours almost make it feel like a science experiment. With no atomiser present, each has to be poured directly onto the skin, making it a very unique discovery experience.

I cannot express how much I love this scent box without getting giddy. I’m a big fan of Serge Lutens fragrances, and this set fits perfectly with how I use fragrance; each day – depending on my mood – I want something different, and this set caters to all. I dare anyone not to find something to fall in love with within this set!

10. The Warm-Woody Scent

Model holding new fragrance launch from July 2021 Salvatore Ferragamo Giungle di Seta Eau de Parfum Spray

The new Ferragamo Storie di Seta collection has made me totally rethink fragrance. What is it? It is a collection of four very different fragrances, specifically designed to be layered up to create your own signature…. And they’re genderless, so anyone can wear them!

I thought initially I would prefer Savane di Seta as it’s warm and woody, but surprisingly, I really liked Giungle di Seta; it opens with a cocktail of fruity florals, but has an addictive woody-musky dry down – it’s the one that changed my perspective the most! Also, I have to mention the bottles – first of all, they’re heavy, and secondly, they have beautiful prints on them that capture the essence of the fragrances – super-luxurious!

11. The Classic Citrus Scent

Model holding new fragrance launch from 2021 Acqua di Parma Colonia Mini Gift Set

As a die-hard original Colonia fan (although recently converted to Colonia Intensa), I got really excited about the Acqua di Parma Colonia Mini Gift Set as it gave me the opportunity to try some other Colonia variations that I previously hadn’t.

They all have something unique to offer, and I can honestly say there isn’t a single one that I don’t like; I think Pura might be my new favourite though! Not only is this a great introduction to Acqua di Parma Colonia fragrances, but it also makes a fantastic gift for someone special.

12. The Flora-Friendly Serum

Model holding the new beauty July 2021 release Mineral 89 Probiotic Fractions

I am a big fan of the original Vichy Mineral 89 serum, so I had to try the new Mineral 89 Probiotic Fractions as soon as it was released! This is a regenerating and repairing serum designed to care for the visible effects of everyday stressors. The serum itself has a lightweight gel texture that absorbs into the skin quickly, and it fits in perfectly with my current skincare routine. I love that this serum leaves my skin feeling plump, hydrated and visibly more radiant, while also repairing my skin barrier.

13. The Hydrating Night Oil

Model holding the new beauty july 2021 release Vinosource-Hydra oil

This organic and vegan oil features a gorgeous mix of oils – and the scent reminds me of a relaxing aromatherapy facial! With just six drops applied after cleansing, the luxurious yet dry oil melts into your skin easily, leaving it feeling soft and pampered.

I personally adore oils for my skin, but sometimes they can feel overly greasy or heavy; however, this isn’t the case for the Vinosource-Hydra oil. I love that none of the product will be wasted on your pillow, instead, the oil instantly starts to hydrate and restore your natural skin barrier. After use, skin appears plumper and more radiant come morning. But that’s not all; long-term, the Caudalie Overnight Recovery Oil helps to reduce sensitivity and calm flare-ups, thanks to added protection against external aggressors.

Discover More:

Our June Beauty Favourites

Our April Beauty Favourites

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