15 Beauty Products That Gave Me “Big Spring Energy” in July

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For me, July felt loaded with optimism. With the occasional blue sky promising an end to our unfortunately mouldy and water-logged winter, the products I gravitated to were suitably sunny, and frequently waterproof. 

Mecca Max, Zoom Shadow Sticks in Matte 

These matte shadow sticks from Mecca Max are budge-proof, highly pigmented, and available in wearable and trending shades all for only $19. My favourites are Taupe and Caramel for a quick, office-friendly eye and Khaki and Terracotta for my attention-seeking Leo moments.

Maybelline, Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara

In July, I found myself in need of a powerful waterproof mascara. After trialling every waterproof mascara in the beauty cupboard under a hot shower with plenty of eye rubbing, Maybelline, Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara ($22) was the undisputed champion.

This mascara withstood testing under hot shower water and vigorous eye rubbing (sorry face and lashes). If you’re planning on swimming, crying or sweating and want fluttery, jet-black lashes to accompany these activities, opt for this powerful mascara.

Rimmel London, The Multi-Tasker Concealer

I initially reviewed Rimmel London, The Multi-Tasker Concealer (currently $12) when an MUA friend said it was a dupe for Tarte Shape Tape. Crease-free, the concealer requires zero setting around the under eyes and doesn’t budge from blemishes. If you’re looking for a beach-friendly and face mask-resistant full coverage buy, head to your local pharmacy.

Sunday Riley, C.E.O Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Cream  

In July, vitamin C returned to my routine, and the new Sunday Riley, C.E.O Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Cream ($98) led the charge. This version of Sunday Riley’s best-selling C.E.O, Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream ($98), is a humidity-friendly option, arriving just in time for spring.

Paired with Skinceuticals, CE Ferulic and Drunk Elephant, C-Tango, my complexion is now loaded with more thirst-quenching citrus than a tequila sunrise.

L’Oréal Paris, Magic Retouch Temporary Root Concealer “Auburn”

As a Leo sun, having red hair is a great passive attention-seeking strategy, and the warmer tone brightens up my Vitamin-D-depleted complexion. The only minus? Maintenance. My dark roots creep back around the four-week mark, and monthly salon trips are neither time nor cost-effective. Fortunately, I’ve found a solution in L’Oréal Paris Magic Retouch Temporary Root Concealer Spray – Auburn ($8).

Following my first application, someone asked if I’d been to the hairdresser — I became an instant convert. One tip with this product? Apply pre-makeup, and use a towel if you’re wearing anything light. 

Christophe Robin, Shade Variation Mask in “Chic Copper”

 

Red dye is more prone to fading than brown and blonde pigments. Again, my goal is to limit salon appointments. Christophe Robin, Colour Variation Mask in “Chic Copper” ($70) deposits copper pigments while nourishing colour-treated tresses, a perfect antidote for the salon-avoidant. I apply this to dry hair to maximise absorption and leave for 20–30 minutes.

Related: Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze? I tried 2022’s Copper Hair Trend

Essie, Hard to Resist Nail Strengthener

Essie’s new cellophane-coloured nail strengtheners, available in violet and pink, are like a tinted moisturiser for your nails. They fill ridges, nourishing and imbuing with a subtle but eye-catching luminosity. Essie, Hard To Resist Nail Strengthener, ($18) is the only transparent polish that has ever gotten me a nail compliment.

Rose Inc, Satin Lip Color Rich Refillable Lipstick

I love the Rose Inc, Luminous Tinted Serum Foundation, ($73) so I was keen to try the Rose Inc, Satin Lip Color Rich Refillable Lipsticks, ($42) and a shade extension seemed like the perfect time. Creamy, long-wearing and pigmented, the lipsticks are now available in 10 neutral shades. My favourites are “Demure”, a pale pink, “Besotted” a deep brown-based peach, and “Hypnotic” — a pinky nude that will please fans of “Pillow Talk”. 

Related: These 7 Lipsticks Are the Perfect Dupe for Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk

Perricone MD, Cold Plasma Plus + Hydrating Sheet Mask 

I’ve used and loved the Cold Plasma+ serum and eye cream in the past, and the Cold Plasma + Hydrating Sheet Mask ($28 for one or $140 for six) is an excellent way to try the range.

Cold Plasma uses “liquid crystal” technology to deliver omegas, vitamin C esters, and copper tripeptides deep into the skin, ironing out fine lines, boosting luminosity and deeply hydrating. The 2-piece mask hugs the facial contours and provides plenty of juice for face, neck and décolleté.

Related: This Is When It’s Time to Replace Your Mascara, According to a Beauty Expert

Drunk Elephant, C-Tango™ Multivitamin Eye Cream

Despite being recommended Drunk Elephant, C-Tango™ Multivitamin Eye Cream ($96) approximately one million times, I’ve never trialled it.

I have been asleep, now I’m awake — as is my under-eye area. This vitamin C-packed treatment is balmy, nourishing, brightening and a beautiful base for concealer. Perfect for dark circles and my naturally crepey under-eye area, it ticks all the boxes.

Dr Naomi Skin, Sweet Spot Intensive Spot Corrector

I’m a fan of Dr Naomi McCullum’s products, treatments and memes, so I leapt like I was training for the Olympics when I was offered the chance to try the Dr Naomi Skin Sweet Spot Intensive Spot Corrector ($89).

With 17% AHA and 2% BHA, I trusted the spot corrector would nix the pimple that had obligingly blossomed on the tip of my nose, but I was concerned the high percentage of AHA’s would cause post-blemish demolition redness.

When I woke up, it was as if both pimple and blemish buster had never been there. Sweet indeed.

Liberty Belle Rx Date Night Deep Hydration Mask 

Consider this a date night for you and your complexion. The finally back in stock, Liberty Belle Rx Date Night Sleep Mask ($138) will whisk dry, flakey, irritated skin away overnight. With all the humectants and oils you could want, from ceramides, hyaluronic acid and squalene to nut butter and panthenol, the genius of the formulation resides in Papaya extract.

Papaya provides gentle exfoliation while reducing transepidermal water loss. Apply this cushioning moisturiser and wake to a plumped dialled-up-the-setting-on-my-ring-light complexion.

Diptique, Citronelle Candle

Can you capture the smell of sunshine in a candle? I vote yes. Diptique’s limited edition Citronelle Candle ($89) is part of the Parisian fragrance house’s summer collection.

Sweet, sunny illustrations by artist Matthieu Cossé serve big Call Me By Your Name energy, while lemongrass, verbena, neroli and orange blossom notes transport you to a sun-drenched Italian garden fit for Timothée Chalamet.

Mosquitos have no place in this dream sequence, which is why the pleasantly practical bite-repelling benefits of citronella have been included. A European candle perfectly fit for an Australian summer. 

Related: Dune’s Hair Designer on Timothée Chalamet’s Princely Mop, Zendaya’s Curls, and More

Dior Backstage, Coral Neutral Eyeshadow Palette (Limited Edition)

I feel happy when I look at the Dior Backstage Coral Neutral Eyeshadow Palette ($92) and I feel happy when I’m wearing it. But this limited edition palette does more than boost my serotonin levels.

With a tinted eyeshadow primer that has outshone my standalone primers, and a translucent “golden peach” shimmer shade that has made a glistening appearance on my cheekbones, along with cheek-friendly blush-toned shades, this is an incredibly versatile palette perfect for travel.

Anastasia Beverly Hills, Nouveau Eyeshadow Palette

Another spring palette, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Nouveau Eyeshadow Palette ($85) comes replete with soft olives and unexpected pastel pops. My most worn shadow in this palette has been the striking matte lavender, but the strength of this palette is the flattering warmth it brings to traditionally hard-to-wear trending green pigments.