First Impressions: 10 beauty launches to check out in July

SINGAPORE – In this column on the first Friday of the month, The Straits Times reviews recent beauty launches – from skincare and make-up to haircare and fragrance – worth a spot in your shopping cart.

Fenty Beauty Soft’Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation, $63

If you were not a fan of Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filt’r Soft Matte foundation formula – which was high-coverage but could be dry on some skin types – give this a whirl.

The new Soft’Lit is meant to be its luminous counterpart, with antioxidants such as cyperus papyrus leaf cell and kakadu plum extracts in the formula to protect against free radicals and pollution.

That translates to a more hydrating feel on skin. Less than a pump of foundation provides medium, buildable coverage for me on a particularly spotty month – creating a healthy glow without looking too heavy or unnatural.

Lightweight and fresh, it wears comfortably on skin for hours with impressive shine control, staying near flawless at the end of seven-hour days. As with all Fenty complexion products, you can expect a sizable shade range – 50, to be exact.

It is not the most exciting or luxurious foundation, but a reliable one I will keep at the front of my vanity, especially for day-to-night occasions. – Amanda Chai

Info: Available at Sephora stores and

sephora.sg

Make Up For Ever HD Skin Setting Powder, $62

Powder is one of those product categories you rarely deviate from after finding a perfect match, so every new launch fills me with scepticism.

The make-up artist-approved brand has impressed with its new loose powder, which gives long wear and high coverage yet is non-patchy. It comes in eight shades for various skin tones, and four corrective shades (rose, lavender, mint and banana) to address specific needs, from brightening to toning.

Once you find the right one for your skin tone, it works almost in place of a foundation. I like pairing it with more lightweight, low-coverage foundations or skin tints that might need a hand. It soaks up shine without looking flat, creating a soft matt, slightly blurred finish.

Neat freaks will appreciate the mess-free packaging. A twist-to-open, triangle-shaped sifter dispenses the powder in “measurements” of little squares, so you can alter how much to use each time.

The jar also locks shut for easy storage – so you can take it on holiday without fear of it setting off a powder bomb in your bags. – Amanda Chai

Info: Available at Sephora stores,

sephora.sg

and

makeupforever.sg

Chanel Le Lift Pro Retexturizing AHA Peel, $296 for 100ml

Sloughing off dead skin just got much more pleasurable. Inspired by professional facial peels, Chanel’s new chemical exfoliant is meant to tackle texture and help even out the look of surface imperfections.

It has alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) citric and glycolic acids, at a 5 per cent concentration, to provide gentle exfoliation and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Use it like a wash-off mask, twice a week. Apply a thin layer of the product to dry skin and leave on for five minutes before rinsing.

The fanned brush applicator that comes with it is a treat. Brushing light strokes over my face, I feel like a nimble-fingered facialist at a top-notch spa. The product itself is silky and enveloping to the touch, and leaves no tingling.

After washing it off, my complexion is noticeably clearer, brighter, with pesky acne spots calmed and at bay. Reach for this on days when you need a luxurious little pick-me-up. – Amanda Chai

Info: Available at Chanel Fragrance and Beauty boutiques and counters, and

chanel.com/sg

KVD Beauty Good Apple Blush Balm Duo, $52

Get two blushes for the price of one with KVD Beauty’s new duo.

Built on the formula of the Good Apple Foundation Balm – which enjoyed a season of virality on TikTok a couple years back – the blush manages to slightly blur the look of pores, something I would never expect from a cream blush.

Do not be fooled by its thin, almost Vaseline-like consistency at first touch. Boldly pigmented and ultra creamy, the product needs only a few taps for the vivid colour to melt seamlessly into the skin.

You can use a brush, but I prefer fingers for more control. Swatch with a light hand and blend atop the apples of your cheeks. It applies without a hitch over powder, not disrupting the product beneath.

It has impressive staying power, looking just as pigmented at the end of long, sweaty days. The flat, compact-style packaging also makes it a dream to take on your travels. – Amanda Chai

Info: Available at Sephora stores and

sephora.sg

Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Spray, $56

As a sunscreen junkie, I see my arsenal of SPF, in different formats and formulas, as a wardrobe that I switch up depending on my needs for the day.

While most people have begun to understand the importance of daily sunscreen application on the face, body SPF is still often neglected. This is where Sol de Janeiro’s new body spray comes in.

Earlier in 2024, the Brazil-born body-care brand broke into sun care with its first SPF collection. It launched three body sunscreens in an oil, spray and lotion formula. I have glommed onto the fuss-free spray, which dispenses a super-fine mist and leaves no weird goopy residue or white cast.

Vitamin C-rich pitanga extract and niacinamide in the formula are said to help brighten the skin over time, while coconut water refreshes heated skin with a light cooling sensation.

If you detest the “traditional” smell of sunscreen, you will also be pleased to know this spray is scented with one of the brand’s signature beachy scents.

Cheirosa 87 is a solar floral fragrance with notes of solar tuberose, leite de coco and warm sand, transporting you to your next beach vacation. Creamy vanilla and amber in the base will have you sniffing your skin non-stop, so you can skip the perfume that day. – Amanda Chai

Info: Available at Sephora stores and

sephora.sg

MCM Crush Eau de Parfum, $98 for 30ml

Made for the girly girl, this fragrance blends floral and fruity notes beautifully without being overpowering. Expect a vibrant burst of apricot nectar and frozen fruits, while Rose de Mai, magnolia and white peony add a sweet and sensuous allure.

It also comes in an oh-so-pretty pink packaging inspired by the German brand’s iconic backpack, adding a touch of pizzazz to any beauty shelf.

Beyond its delightful scent and chic packaging, MCM Crush stands out for its commitment to sustainability. It is crafted with green chemistry principles and using responsibly sourced, cruelty-free ingredients, and over 66 per cent of the fragrance is biodegradable. – Louisa Lim

Info: Available at BHG Bugis; Isetan Scotts, Serangoon Nex and Tampines; Metro Woodlands; Takashimaya; and Tangs Orchard

Evereden Kids Multi-Vitamin Face Wash, $37 for 100ml

You know those days when your kids come in looking like they have been wrestling in a mud pit instead of playing at the park? On those days, I usually resort to using body soap for their faces. However, I have ditched the soaps containing sodium lauryl sulfate, a harsh synthetic detergent, after discovering American brand Evereden’s delicious-smelling face wash.

Formulated just for kids, it squirts out as foam, which makes washing faces a lot less of a chore. It contains organic coconut water and hyaluronic acid, which it claims will clean skin without drying it out. It also has amino acids and vitamin Bs for a little boost for the skin.

My kids need it only once or twice a week, as their faces do not require daily washing. I recommend it for kids aged eight and above because it contains a hint of fragrance, which might irritate younger skin.

I will admit though, I have been sneaking a pump or two for myself on a daily basis because who can resist that foamy goodness and the instant refreshment? – Louisa Lim

Info: Available at

sephora.sg

and

ever-eden.com

Augustinus Bader x Sofia Coppola The Tinted Balm, $66

The Tinted Balm – the hot, new take on luxury beauty brand Augustinus Bader’s The Lip Balm – is on everyone’s lips this season because of its cute colours.

It is available in three sheer shades that are created in collaboration with American film director Sofia Coppola. Shade one is said to be a re-creation of a sheer deep-pink lipstick from a discontinued line that she used to hoard.

I love using these for a “my-lips-but-better” look – the barely-there hues achieve an effortless no-make-up make-up look, but can be layered for a more intense vibe.

Just like the original The Lip Balm, these tinted versions are enriched with castor seed oil, shea butter, vitamin E and candelilla wax. My lips feel hydrated and rejuvenated even after the product wears off. At $66 for a tube though, it is not the most affordable. – Louisa Lim

Info: Available at Augustinus Bader’s counter at Takashimaya, Sephora (Ion Orchard, Raffles City and Marina Bay Sands) and at

takashimaya.com.sg

and

sephora.sg

Pixi Vitamin-C CapsuleCare, $39 for 30 capsules

If you are looking for a vitamin C serum that does not break the bank, check out this little gem from British brand Pixi. One of the most affordable vitamin C serums on the market, it is packed with the most potent form of vitamin C – ascorbic acid – vitamin E and nourishing plant oils to give your skin that coveted glow.

Vitamin C is prone to oxidation, which is why these biodegradable capsules are a game changer. They keep the serum fresh and potent, ensuring you get the maximum benefit with each use. Plus, they are perfect for travel. Just pop one open, and you have the ideal amount of serum for your face and neck.

The product also doubles beautifully as a primer. My make-up glides on smoothly afterwards and, unlike traditional primers, the serum does not contain any silicones, which may cause irritation and clog pores. Both your skin and wallet will thank you. – Louisa Lim

Info: Available on

pixibeauty.com

and at

sephora.sg

Noble Panacea The Energist Multi-Defense Cream SPF 50, $535 for 60 sachets

Luxury beauty brand Noble Panacea’s The Energist sunscreen takes both skin health and environmental responsibility seriously.

It offers broad-spectrum 100 per cent mineral ultraviolet (UV) protection, which makes it safe for our bodies and oceans. The packaging is made with renewable starch-based materials and is plastic-free. Multiple studies have shown that certain ingredients in chemical sunscreens are detrimental to coral health.

Activated by UV light, it provides defence against not just UV rays, but also various environmental aggressors, whether it is infrared, blue light, pollutants or household dust. It has passed stringent water-resistance tests, so it stays effective through your beach and pool adventures.

On a recent European vacation, this product, though not the cheapest, proved its worth tenfold. Packaged in nifty little sachets that weigh next to nothing, they are perfect for travel. Toss a bunch in your bag, and you are set for the day without the bulk of traditional sunscreen bottles. – Louisa Lim

Info: Available at Noble Panacea at Tangs Orchard or

str.sg/xPAy