#beauty: What's new this summer? Check out new offerings from Jo Malone, Charlotte Tilbury, Aesop and more

Hong Kong has entered its most challenging beauty season, with soaring humidity levels and daily temperatures reaching the upper 30 degrees Celsius, wreaking havoc on our cosmetics. To combat these harsh conditions, Hill Choi Lee has curated a list of the latest beauty must-haves designed to withstand the city’s unforgiving climate

From innovative SPF solutions to hydrating heroes, these editor-approved picks are your key to effortless summer beauty. This list includes products that focus on skin protection, long-lasting makeup, and scalp health – all crucial elements for maintaining your look in Hong Kong’s intense summer weather.

Makeup

Charlotte Tilbury’s Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick

If you’re on the hunt for a foundation that feels as good as it looks, meet Charlotte Tilbury’s Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick, priced at HK$380. This little gem is designed to give you that effortlessly radiant glow while feeling lightweight and breathable on your skin. And believe me, the coverage is insane. Imagine a foundation that melts in just 15 seconds, leaving you with a soft-focus, lit-from-within finish – it’s like having a ring light in a stick.

What’s even better? It’s packed with skin-loving ingredients like the trademarked Collageneer to help firm and plump your skin, along with hydrating hyaluronic acid and daikon radish seed oil for that extra boost of moisture. Say hello to your new makeup must-have!

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Ultra-Blur

This isn’t just another setting powder – it’s a game-changer. Imagine your favourite talc-free powder, but now in a sleek compact that fits perfectly in your purse. Whether you’re rushing to work or dancing the night away, this little miracle worker has got your back with 16 hours of flawless, shine-free wear. Say goodbye to visible pores and hello to a soft-focus finish that’ll have everyone asking for your skincare secrets. And here’s the kicker – it’s packed with good-for-your-skin ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, so your face stays comfy all day long and promises to not cake the face or deliver that dreadful white cast in photos. At HK$420, it might feel a bit splurge-y, but trust me, your future selfies will thank you.

Fenty Beauty launched their new Hella Thicc Mascara

For those seeking lashes that are truly out of this world, Fenty Beauty’s new Hella Thicc Volumizing Mascara is a game-changer. This innovative formula promises to deliver extreme volume and lift without the dreaded clumps or heaviness. The mascara’s secret weapon is its uniquely tapered precision brush, which expertly coats each lash for maximum impact. Suitable for all lash types and resistant to sweat, transfer, and humidity, Hella Thicc ensures your lashes stay bold and beautiful all day long. Available in Rihanna’s signature ultra-black shade, ‘Cuz I’m Black,’ this mascara offers a dramatic matte finish that’s sure to turn heads. Plus, its chic geometric packaging means it won’t roll off your vanity – because let’s face it, your new favourite mascara deserves a prime spot in your beauty arsenal.

Suqqu – New 2024 Autumn Colour Collection

Summer isn’t over yet, still, Japanese cosmetic brand Suqqu has already launched its newest collection with an Autumn palette. Themed with a traditional Japanese aesthetic concept “Miyabi” (an expression for the love of nature), the 2024 Autumn collection will become available on July 19 and include new Blurring Color Blush with six regular shades, two limited editions Signature Color Eyes, three Moisture Glaze Lipsticks, and a range of Comfort Lip Fluid Fog and Nail Color Polish with new and limited colours. This collection will prove to be a great way to segue from summer to autumn when the season changes – making sure you get the most use of the products over a longer period of time.

Haircare

Leonor Greyl’s L’Huile de Leonor Greyl

Summer’s here, and you know what that means – it’s time to give your tresses some extra TLC. Let’s face it, the scorching sun and humidity can turn our luscious locks into a frizzy, dull mess. But don’t worry, because Leonor Greyl has our backs with their fabulous trio of hair saviours. First up, we’ve got the L’Huile de Leonor Greyl, a pre-shampoo oil that’s like a protective shield for your strands. Next, there’s the Shampooing Sublime Meches, a colour-protecting shampoo that’ll keep your highlights popping all season long. And last but not least, the Tonique Hydratant, a leave-in mist that’s basically a refreshing drink for your hair. These natural, vegan-friendly products are packed with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, quinoa extract, and seaweed extract. Trust me, your hair will be thanking you for this summer glow-up! So go ahead, reclaim that shine and show off your gorgeous, healthy hair all summer long!

Fragrance

Jo Malone Paddington Summer Scent

Jo Malone London has partnered with the beloved children’s character Paddington Bear for a whimsical and nostalgic fragrance collection. The centrepiece is the Orange Marmalade Cologne, inspired by Paddington’s favourite snack, which blends warm woods with orange zest for a delightful golden scent. The limited-edition collection also includes four gift sets featuring Jo Malone London favourites across cologne, home, and bath and body categories, with one set presented in a special trunk design inspired by Paddington’s iconic suitcase. This charming collaboration celebrates British heritage and the shared values of kindness and generosity, offering a perfect blend of sophistication and whimsy for fragrance enthusiasts and Paddington fans alike.

Serge Lutens Matin Lutens Point du jour

Imagine waking up to the crisp, invigorating scent of Mediterranean thyme rubbed between your fingers. That’s the essence of Serge Lutens’ latest fragrance, Point du Jour. This simple yet noble scent is like a breath of fresh air at daybreak, offering a chance to reconnect with nature. With primary notes of natural thyme essence, clary sage absolute, and eucalyptus absolute, it’s a fragrant journey that’s both ethereal and grounding. The scent is inspired by the babbling of a stream, bringing a new interpretation of water to the Matin Lutens Collection. At HK$1,300 for 100ml, Point du Jour is more than just a perfume – it’s an invitation to start your day with a moment of pure, uncomplicated self-discovery.

Diptyque’s Enchanting Decorative Accessories for the Home

Diptyque has introduced an innovative home fragrance diffuser called Le Culbuto, just in time for the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. This unique diffuser, priced at HK$2,030, reimagines traditional fragrance rituals with its playful design inspired by a childhood rocking tumbler toy. Le Culbuto features a wooden oscillating base and a ceramic diffuser stick scented with Diptyque’s popular Baies fragrance. The gentle rocking motion of the base enhances fragrance diffusion, creating a captivating olfactory experience. Adorned with Diptyque’s signature oval embossing, Le Culbuto also incorporates a refillable cartridge system, reflecting the brand’s dedication to sustainable innovation.

Skincare

Aesop’s Eleos Aromatique Hand Balm

The Eleos Aromatique Hand Balm by Aesop offers a luxurious solution for weather-worn hands. This rich, hydrating formula combines skin-softening botanical ingredients to provide deep nourishment and comfort. The balm’s fragrance profile, inspired by festive seasons, blends Cedar Atlas, Patchouli, and Clove Bud to create a herbaceous, woody, and subtly spicy aroma. This carefully crafted scent not only pampers the skin but also offers a delightful sensory experience. Absorbing quickly without leaving a greasy residue, the balm is ideal for year-round use, particularly during colder months. It embodies Aesop’s commitment to high-quality, plant-based skincare, serving as both a practical solution and a daily indulgence.

Shops

Check out this new beauty stop at the high-end K11 Musea shopping centre. SkinSmart unveiled its newest concept store over in Tsim Sha Tsui, and it’s a natural pitstop for beauty lovers. Picture this: a serene, nature-inspired space where you can indulge in personalised beauty consultations and discover cutting-edge brands. The store’s wooden tones and modern design create a relaxing atmosphere perfect for exploring their carefully curated selection of skincare, makeup, hair care, body care, and fragrances. From Elizabeth Arden to Huda Beauty, Olaplex to Peter Thomas Roth, SkinSmart brings together a mix of established and emerging brands that will have you feeling like a kid in a candy store. But it’s not just about the products – the exceptional brand services and tailored beauty consultations ensure you’ll find your perfect match.

Also see: Makeup must-haves for the heat