beauty

'My favourite product of the year.' 35 beauty products we're loving sick this month.

Mamamia’s beauty roundup series is your monthly look at the products our team are loving – from the latest launches in skincare, hair and makeup to the old faves we've fallen for all over again.

For more beauty roundups, head to our hub page here.

Uh-oh! It's the end of the month, you guys. And you know what that means... it's time to pull together a bulging list of all the snazzy new beauty products we've been trying and loving.

Because the Mamamia team have tried and tested a whole heap of skincare, makeup, hair and body products — and we're going to have to share 'em with you.

But before we get into it, listen to the latest episode of Mamamia's daily beauty podcast, You Beauty. Post continues after audio.


Here you’ll find reviews of the best beauty products that launched in August 2023, as well as the old favourites we’ve rediscovered.

So, let's roll!

OPI Repair Mode, $39.95.

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"This new launch from OPI has single-handedly saved my nails. They were an absolute MESS (and what, no I didn't tear off my stick-on nails? HA HA). I used it twice a day and within one week, my nails were stronger, smoother and healthier. An actual (green) hero." - Erin Docherty, Beauty and Health Editor. 

Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint, $67.

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"I'm an oily gal who usually wears medium coverage foundation on work days to ensure my makeup lasts all day. Although I only use a small amount, it's still heavy on the skin. I reached for this skin tint I had sitting in my cupboard recently, any guys, she's niceee. Super light with just enough tint to cover redness and blemishes and if you set her, she lasts too!" - Charlotte Begg, Morning Editor.

Hairvenly™ Leave in Curl Cream, $39.95.

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"For those who have curly hair, this product has been making my curls a lot more manageable and happy. I use this either on damp or dry hair and apply it mostly to the ends and then scrunch up towards the roots of my hair. It helps define the curls — without the crunchiness a lot of products bring." - Isabella Ross, Senior News Writer.

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Balancing Emulsion, $69.

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"Okay, but we need to talk about this new formula from Fresh — because she is BEAUTIFUL. I've been applying it morning and night and it's made dehydrated and cranky winter face feel velvety soft, plump and hydrated. It works an absolute dream under makeup and helps soften niggling dry lines around my eyes (stops foundation or concealer from chilling around in there, too). And the scent! Ugh. What a treat." - Erin Docherty, Beauty & Health Editor.

Gro-To Sud Bud, $19.50, Bad Dream Buster, $12.50, Skin Wizard, $26.

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"It’s not for me but my six-year-old son has been loving these goodies from Gro-To. The Sud Bud smells really yummy and as a kid who doesn’t love a bath, this has been very helpful. The Skin Wizard is super light and also smells divine. He puts a bit on his legs and arms then shows me how soft his skin feels. Cute. And the bad dream buster, we spritz in his bedroom before lights out. A very useful tool now we are reading Harry Potter (which includes some scary bits!). As an added bonus he loves how friendly-looking and colourful the containers are!" - Laura Jackel, Senior Family Writer.

Benefit LoveTint Cheek and Lip Tint, $38.

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"I've fallen back in love with Benefit LoveTint! It's the perfect pinky-red shade and the only lip stain I'm confident will last me hours. It'll be in my back pocket all summer long." - Olivia James, Social Media Producer.

Eventide Retinol Renewing Serum, $85.

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"I hate to admit it but I'm a lazy gewl with my skincare routine. Cleanser, a serum and moisturiser (SPF in the mornings too!) and I'm done. My genius friend recently launched his skincare brand, Sepia, with their first product, a retinol, which is clinically proven to work on all skin tones.

"The brand was born out of there being not enough diversity and representation in the beauty industry and retinol (the best anti-ageing ingredient) was the one they wanted to start with. The formula is light and sinks into the skin almost immediately, has no smell which I love, and includes hyaluronic acid for instant hydration while you wait for the long-term results." - Charlotte Begg, Morning Editor.

Mecca Max Off Duty Serum Skin Tint Skin Tint, $32.

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"Yes! A new skin tint from Mecca! Beautifully lightweight, this formula offers a sheer coverage combined with serum-like ingredients like niacinamide and squalane for added skin benefits. It's the perfect everyday formula for those days when you want a little bit of coverage, but nothing too hectic. A 'your skin, but better' kind of formula. Love." - Erin Docherty, Beauty & Health Editor.

Rebound Serum, $59.95.

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"I'm obsessed with this serum. My skin drinks it up —  it's so perfect for the harsh winter. I got it from Priceline during their 40 per cent off sale." - Elecia Lay, Sales Manager.

Weleda Skin Food, $27.95.

Image: Weleda/Canva.

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"I’m late to the hype but I'm really enjoying Weleda Skin Food — it’s thick in consistency but doesn’t feel heavy on the skin and is great under makeup." - Carla Woodhouse, Senior Campaign Executive - SQUAD. 

Dr Naomi Swipe Bright, $139.

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"This has been great for my dry skin, and it’s super nourishing which I love. (Also, the Barbiecore vibes of the packaging make my beauty cabinet look fun)." - Isabella Ross, Senior News Writer.

Sunday Riley UFO Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil, $64.

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"This stuff is my latest obsession. A beautiful exfoliating but also hydrating oil designed for oily, breakout-prone skin. Not only does it target (and prevent) blackheads and breakouts, but also brightens and reduces post-acne discolouration — which is great for a pimple picker (sorry) like me." - Charlotte Begg, Morning Editor.

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MAC Cosmetics Cremesheen Lipstick, $37.

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"I've done it. I have finally found 'the one'. Without further ado, meet the M.A.C Cemesheen Lipstick in the shade 'Modesty'. This lippy is honestly the shade of my dreams. Not to mention it's soooo creamy, similar to a balm and leaves my lips feeling so hydrated. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a new everyday nude." Isabelle Dolphin, Weekend Editor.

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Hourglass Voyeur Eyeshadow Stick, $55.

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"Creamy, easy to use and offering the perfect amount of pigment (subtle, yet still there), these new Hourglass Cream Eyeshadow sticks have crept their way into my daily routine — and my eye makeup now takes literally two seconds. I just whack it on my lids, blend and go. There are a lot of recent cream eyeshadow launches, but I have to say, these are just exceptional." - Erin Docherty, Beauty & Health Editor.

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Emma Lewisham Skin Reset and Supernatural Face Oil, $145.

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"Emma Lewisham has another convert! I am obsessed with these in my routine. I have super dry and sensitive skin, so finding actives that don't irritate my skin is a hard ask. The Skin Reset is so brightening for the morning and sits so well under my moisturiser. And the face oil is an alternative to retinol, which can be a bit harsh for me, but I love this formulation." - Madeline Muir, Managing Producer - Social.

MCoBeauty Flawless Glow Luminous Skin Filter, $34.99, Highlight and Glow Beauty Wand in Peach Glow, $28.99 and Brow Laminate & Sculpt Set, $23.99.

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"I bought some MCoBeauty dupes from Woolies because everything was on sale, and they're so good! I bought the Flawless Filter Dupe — I love it. I also bought the Brow Sculpt set, which is great and the Highlight and Glow Beauty Wand in Peach. I LOVE the colour. I'm unsure how it compares to the OG, but so far so good!" - Talia Phillips, Strategy Manager.

Revlon Cherry Blossom Eyeshadow, $16.95.

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"Apparently pink shades look good on green eyes?? How did I not know this sooner, I don’t know! Anyway, I bought this Revlon Cherry Blossom eyeshadow which is a shimmery, cream-based product that’s got a pinkish hue and it’s been really fun to wear. And it was very affordable." - Isabella Ross, Senior News Writer.

ColorWOW Dream Coat Supernatural Spray, $64.

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"This is my favourite product of this year. I'm not very good at hair but this makes me feel like I am. Feels like keratin treatment and makes your hair so smooth and shiny." - Andi Balderstone, Partner Strategy. 

"After seeing everyone rave about it on TikTok and Mamamia's Leigh Campbell give it her tick of approval, I knew I had to try it. It's not the super viral one (that's the Extra Dream Coat and it's not available in Australia... yet) but this spray is SO good. I have very frizzy hair that reacts badly to humidity, but this spray makes my styled hair look silky and straight. I'm genuinely blown away by the product. It's SO good!" - Shannen Findlay, Content Producer.

Alfaparf Style Stories Thermal Protector, $30.95.

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"It smells delicious, smooths your hair, isn’t gritty and easy to use." - Holly Kane, Senior Strategy & Communication Manager.

Enbacci Skincare Vitis Vinifera Rejuvenating Mask, $20.

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"I had a birthday event the other week and I popped one of these sheet masks on the morning of the event — and it was seriously glorious." - Isabella Ross, Senior News Writer.

MCoBeauty Contour Cream Bronzer, $28.99.

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"When I tell you, I was INFLUENCED. Peach PRC is a new MCoBeauty ambassador and I love her and watch most of her vids, so when I went to go get a new liquid contour I got the MCoBeauty Contour Cream Bonzer in the shade 'light/medium' (it's a dupe for Charlotte Tilbury contour cream) and IT IS SO GOOD. It blends so well and you don't have to use much at all. And the best part? It's only $20 at Chemist Warehouse." - Laura Koefoed, Social Media Producer.

Smashbox x Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector, $53.

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"An oldie but a goodie! It makes my under-eyes look so much brighter (as the name suggests) and doesn’t cake up my makeup. As my skin is ageing, I find I need to use less product — so using this and a touch of concealer is WAY more flattering." - Holly Kane, Senior Strategy & Communication Manager.

Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum, $108.

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"I've been trialling this for the past month, and it has made my skin infinitely better on all fronts. I'm experiencing less redness around my nose and a more even, brighter skin tone. Such a great all-rounder if you're looking for something that ticks all the boxes." - Erin Docherty, Beauty & Health Editor.

Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer and Hoola Caramel Bronzer, $59.

Image: Sephora/Canva.

"I think these two combined are the most perfect balance between a warm bronze and a cool contour. Alone, they work just as well and the original Hoola Bronzer has my heart, but the Caramel Bronzer is just so warm and brings life to the skin! I understand why everyone raves about it now." - Shannen Findlay, Content Producer.

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ Power Serum, $65.

Image: Chemist Warehouse/Canva.

"Looking for a retinol that's going to give your skin all the good stuff (plumper skin! firmer skin! brighter skin!), without all the... bad stuff? (Hey, irritation, redness and flaking). Please meet my new friend from Neutrogena. Boasting 0.5 per cent pure retinol, this dermatologist-tested formulation works to visibly improve everything from fine lines and dullness to wrinkles and dark spots — without doing a number on your skin. Sign us up!" - Erin Docherty, Beauty & Health Editor.

Ella Bache Botanical Skin Treatment Oil, $74.

Image: Ella Bache/Canva.

"It is super hydrating and compliments my moisturiser really well. Great for sensitive skin." - Holly Kane, Senior Strategy & Communication Manager.

Isle of Paradise Brilliantly Bright Body Cleansing Wash with Vitamin C & Niacinamide, $35.

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"Believe me when I tell you that the scent of this body wash is NEXT LEVEL. An ultra-creamy formula, it leaves you smelling like an absolute delicious tropical treat. Plus, with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and niacinamide, it has your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated post-shower. P.S. There's also a moisturiser version — and you heard it here first: it's about to become the new Bum Bum Cream." - Erin Docherty, Beauty & Health Editor.

Earth:en Antioxidant Serum, Mangosteen & Quandong, $79.

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"Sensitive skin girlies, this one's for you. Made from native Australian fruits and botanicals, this lightweight antioxidant serum is one of those multi-tasking goodies you can use every day to keep your skin bright and happy. Not a lick of irritation in sight." - Erin Docherty, Beauty & Health Editor.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour® Cream Skin Protectant Original, $32.

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"This cult classic was reintroduced to me recently and I'm now annoyed with myself that I ever stopped using it! I use it on all my dry spots and it works wonders." - Charlotte Begg, Morning Editor.

K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask, $99.

Image: Adore Beauty/Canva.

"I'm late to the hype with this one, but the K18 Hair Mask makes my hair feel so good and I’ve noticed regrowth already after only using it a handful of times!" - Carla Woodhouse, Senior Campaign Executive - SQUAD.

Olay Luminous Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Face Serum, $59.99. 

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"If you're not already an absolute FIEND for vitamin C or you're confused about where to start, I'd recommend checking out this gem from Olay. Combining vitamin C with the multi-tasking goodness of niacinamide, it's just the ticket for radiant, hydrated and healthier-looking skin. Gimmie!" - Erin Docherty, Beauty & Health Editor.

What new launches are you loving this month? Share with us in the comment section below. 

Feature image: Canva/Supplied

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