July saw the launch of some pretty exciting beauty products, including an all-new Sulwhasoo face mist, a “do it all” face balm from it cosmetics, and the softest powder from Shiseido. There was so much to try and these are our favourites from the month.
SULWHASOO FIRST CARE ACTIVATING SERUM MIST
This is Sulwhasoo’s iconic First Care Activating Serum in a mist form. It’s been years since I last used the original serum, but now that it’s back on my desk, I’m reminded how good it is for the skin. It’s been just four days of incorporating both the serum and the new mist into my daily skincare routine, and I can see and feel a difference; skin is smoother and pores appear smaller.
This is a wonderful burst of hydration throughout the day — especially if you’re out and about or on a plane.
It’s currently on sale online at Metro, priced at $59.50 (UP $70).
SISLEY CORRECTIVE SERUM BLEMISH PRONE SKIN
This is Sisley’s first serious foray into anti-blemish skincare, and over a week of use, I can say that it really works. I don’t break out much, but I do get the occasional bump here and there, and since using this serum, my skin has truly been blemish-free.
This formula does four things: regulate sebum, unclogs and tightens pores, rebalances the skin flora, and calms inflammation and redness. It does cost a fair bit more than your typical pharmacy blemish skincare, but if you’re 35 years old and older, it’s worth every dollar.
$265 available from 1 August 2026 at Sisley counters.
BENEFIT THE POREFESSIONAL CONCEALER
I’ve always loved Benefit concealers; the brand used to have this whole range that looked like erasers and they were heavy duty concealers. That collection has long been discontinued and I’ve been looking out for new ones from the brand… then last week, this came along.
This concealer is under Benefit’s popular Porefessional line of makeup, and it doesn’t disappoint. It makes our list because it lightens dark under circles, conceals blemishes and corrects pigmentation. On drinking days, it helps reduce redness on the skin as well. Now we just wait for the smaller travel-sized version.
$54, available at Sephora online and in-store.
IT COSMETICS DO IT ALL SHEER TINT FACE BALM
This isn’t as sheer as it claims to be, and I like it. It covers redness, patchiness and reduces the appearance of pores. This is one of those skincare / makeup products that you can bring anywhere for a quick touch-up. Its formula is said to be made up of 92% skincare serum, which sounds great. I would say, you can reach for this on lazy days but don’t skip the moisturiser and sunscreen.
$43, available at Sephora online and in-store.
ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS KISS THEORY LIP BALM
Everyone loves a good lip balm and this one feels more like a lipstick than a balm. But it does keep lips sufficiently hydrated for hours, and comes in 14 flattering shades. We recommend Nudeish and Brown Sugar.
$28, available at Sephora online and in-store.
SHISEIDO REVITALESSENCE LOOSE SETTING POWDER
This is one of the best loose powders I’ve ever tried. The translucent shade goes on the skin like an invisible dusting of mattifying powder, but the complexion looks radiant and not flat. The included puff is also amazingly soft; it feels soothing on the skin, and deposits just the right amount of powder to set makeup.
Product claims include: Anti-oxidants, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Paraben-free, Peptides, and Sulphate-free. Sounds good.
$72, available at Sephora and Shiseido beauty boutiques and counters.
OUAI BOND REPAIR BALM
When I first received a sample of this product, I thought it was a leave-on styling balm; turns out you use it in the shower after shampoo, leave it on for three minutes then rinse it out. It makes hair incredibly smooth, shiny and smelling great. I still use this as a leave-in styling treatment on days I have events to attend, and it keeps my hair frizz-free. A worthy buy that you’ll be glad you tried.
$78 (142ml) / $40 (50ml), available at Sephora online and in-store.
