When it comes to beauty, recommendations are everything.
Before you spend your precious cash on skincare, makeup, hair care and everything in between, you want to know a product will deliver on what it promises.
So, in the spirit of sharing, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the 23 beauty products the Mamamia team have been trying and loving sick this month.
Side note – we asked a makeup artist to show us how to do a smoky eye without using black eyeliner. Post continues after video.
Here you’ll find reviews of the most exciting new August beauty launches from our lifestyle writers, and thoughts on the cult products we’ll never not love.
So sit back, get your debit card ready and enjoy.
1. Jean Paul Gaultier Scandal A Paris EDT, from $89.
"I love a sweet smelling perfume usually so this is perfect for me! But it also has a sharpness to it that doesn't make it overbearing. It's fresh and slightly floral, but the perfect smell to have on all day." - Rach, Senior Podcast Producer.
2. Revlon Kiss Glow Lip Oil, $19.95.
"Have been reaching for this lip oil heaps lately. It's more of a watery consistency, but the colour payoff is really decent." - Amy, Senior Lifestyle Writer.
3. Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss in Metallic Warm Gold, $54.
"It's hydrating and the colour goes with everything, and I love anything Hourglass." - Liv, Head of Client Services.
4. The Jojoba Company Ultimate Day Cream, $49.95.
"This is such a beautiful moisturiser. It doesn't have SPF but it's Aussie-made, brightening and protects the skin from free radicals. It's also an amazing base for makeup, I don't need a primer when I use this." - Amy, Senior Lifestyle Writer.
5. Jurlique Sweet Peony & Tangerine Hydrating Mist Limited Edition, 100ml for $49.
"Jurlique's Hydrating Mist is my desk-bound beauty lifeline. It's the ideal antidote to moisture-zapping office aircon, and freshens up my face when it's 3pm and I'm feeling less than, well, fresh. The scent is also heavenly - sweet and floral, but not overpowering. Can. Not. Stop. Spritzing!" - Tamara, Commissioning Editor.
6. Mecca Cosmetica Mecca M-POWER Illuminating Drops, $45.
"I'm obsessed with mixing a drop of this liquid highlighter into my tinted moisturiser or foundation to sheer the product out and add extra glow. It's a limited edition product, but proceeds from this go to Mecca M-POWER, the retailer's philanthropic program." - Amy, Senior Lifestyle Writer.
7. Hunter Lab SPF50+ Facial Sunscreen, $48.
"It's the first lightweight and non-greasy sunblock I have ever used that hasn't made my skin breakout. I have the most sensitive skin and went two years without sunblock, but I finally found this gem!" - Kee, Brand & Influencer Manager.
8. Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid, $65.
"I think I've been avoiding foundation under the assumption they'd all be too thick for me. This new one from Clarins (launched in August) is exactly what the name suggests - a fluid foundation with a serum texture and anti-ageing properties. You can also mix it with a face oil for an even sheerer finish, or apply with a dry beauty blender if you prefer more coverage." - Amy, Senior Lifestyle Writer.
9. Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil, $35.
"I can't get enough of this right now. It's between a lip balm and a lip gloss - one quick swipe gives my lips an instant shine, no mirror required and without the commitment of lippy! Plus it feels nourishing and lovely for dry lips and isn't too sticky!" - Bella, News Writer.
You can read another Mamamia review on the Clarins lip oils here.
10. MCoBeauty Limited Edition Just Peachy Eyeshadow Palette, $20.
"Recommending limited edition products is a bit cruel, but you can grab this 20-shade palette from Woolies for $20. It has a good mix of shimmer colours to do different smokey eyeshadow looks. Expect a bit of fallout, but great quality for the price." - Amy, Senior Lifestyle Writer.
You can read another Mamamia review on MCoBeauty products here.
11. Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer, $46.
"Whether it's pimples, pigmentation or under-eye bags, this lil' pot of concealer works wonders. It seamlessly blends into my skin, is super-pigmented and feels creamy and lightweight to wear. It's honestly one of those products where if I lost it, I would immediately go out and buy another pot ASAP." - Jess, Lifestyle Writer.
Want more concealer recommendations? Here are 22 concealers chosen by Mamamia readers.
12. Covergirl Exhibitionist Mascara, $23.95.
"This mascara comes with a big, fat wand for lots of volume. I only needed one layer of product to get a full, false lash look. Also doesn't smudge or flake." - Amy, Senior Lifestyle Writer.
13. Elucent Anti-Ageing Day Moisturiser SPF 50+, $49.99.
"This is a truly wonderful all round anti-ageing moisturiser with high SPF. I discovered by accident, and it’s excellent." - Leigh, Executive Editor.
14. L'Oreal Paris CC C'Est Magic Anti-Redness Skin Enhancer, $26.95.
"As someone with a red face, green colour correcting products save me. If you ever used the L'Oreal Nude Magique CC Cream that was rumoured to be discontinued, never fear, this is the new version and it's exactly the same as the original." - Amy, Senior Lifestyle Writer.
15. Dr Lipp. Lip Tint, $13.
"This lip balm is a LIFE SAVER! The winter weather had my lips severely chapped lately and I tried a million (OK, four) products before this one and none of them worked. Dr Lipp is all-natural, multi-purpose and only $13 from Mecca! It is super nourishing and repaired my skin after just one use." - Sanjana, Influencer Marketing Executive.
16. True Me Wide Straightener, $179.
"I have never used a straightener that glides through my hair like this one." - Amy, Senior Lifestyle Writer.
17. Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist, $99.
"I'll never not love this spray. It has sweet almond oil in it, dispenses the perfect amount of mist (won't leave you feeling... wet) and smells so good." - Maddie, Implementation Executive.
18. Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules 60 Capsules, $150.
"This just launched (in August) and contains 60 individual capsules filled with a potent dosage of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is great for brightening and helping to reduce the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation, but it loses potency when exposed to air (i.e. when you open the bottle to use it). That's why the individual capsules, which also break down in water, are genius." - Amy, Senior Lifestyle Writer.
19. Dr. Roebucks No Worries Hydrating Face Moisturizer, $60.
"I love this because it's super hydrating but light enough for the day. It absorbs really quickly. It's great for when you're in a rush to get all your layers on in the mornings!" - Polly, Commissioning Editor.
20. Playa New Day Hair Mist, $37.
"This spray is one part hairspray, one part hydrator, and one part fragrance. I use it to create heat-free waves by wearing my hair in buns while I sleep and spritzing with this in the morning." - Amy, Senior Lifestyle Writer.
You can learn how to recreate Amy's no-heat waves with her Playa New Day Hair Mist review here.
21. REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic, $49.
"I swipe this on everyday and it keeps my skin bright, firm and natural. I haven't worn any makeup at all this entire month and I'm LOVIN IT." - Emily, Social Media Assistant.
22. L'Oreal Paris Infallible More Than Concealer, $29.95.
"If you like long-wearing matte concealers that don't crease into your under eye lines, but can also be worn in different ways when mixed with an oil or serum, this new concealer is for you." - Amy, Senior Lifestyle Writer.
23. Nars The Multiple in South Beach, $60.
"This stick is summer." - Isobel, Sales Executive.
These products have been editorially curated because our team love them and reckon you will too.
Have you tried any of our favourite products from this month? Tell us in the comments!
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