Tried & tested: the SS23 launches our beauty editor loves

As a fan of the your-skin-but-better Plein Air Complexion Balm that came out last year, I had high expectations when Hermès announced a mineral powder from the Plein Air family. Thankfully, the gorgeous (and refillable) packaging houses lightweight powders embossed with the brand’s iconic ‘H’ logo. Swirl your brush and apply wherever you’d like a natural-looking glow.

Renowned make-up artist Gucci Westman is known for creating juicy, radiant skin. And after five years in the making, her first foray into skincare has arrived. Skin Activator is an all-in-one serum packed with 12 active ingredients to supercharge your skin – from hyaluronic acid to peptides, antioxidants and niacinamide. Together, they strengthen the moisture barrier, plump the skin and protect from future damage. It can be worn alone, but I’ve been loving it under make-up; it makes the perfect primer.

A few of my close friends are tying the knot this summer, so I’ve been grilled on what make-up they should be wearing for the big day. After figuring out foundation (these Dior and NARS options are top of my list), most brides want ‘natural’ make-up that makes you look like your best version of you. Bobbi Brown is the expert in this and the brand’s latest collection with Jenny Packham is a curated edit of bridal favourites housed in limited-edition Art Deco packaging. You’ll find the Extra Lip Tint (a pink balm that’s always in my handbag), Highlight Powder in Blondie Pink and the perfect nude eyeshadow palette for the big day (and beyond).

I’m always excited for a Gucci make-up launch (I wear the Selfridges Beauty Award-winning mascara most days), so I was eager to try these new palettes. The quads include three powders and a cream formula, which are designed to be used on eyes, cheeks and lips to encourage layering colours and textures. There's a great everyday nude, and the Beloved Bouquet palette caught my eye because of a fun lilac-and-teal shadow combination for cheery spring vibes.

Looking to streamline your routine for spring? These three exclusive-to-Selfridges Ultra Pure High-Potency Serums from Kiehl’s champion that less-is-more idea. Each one is dedicated to delivering potent levels of a wonder ingredient: hyaluronic acid to moisturise and plump, glycolic acid to smooth texture, and niacinamide to minimise oil and blemishes. Add one (or two) to your routine for a supercharged hit of whatever your skin needs. 

Perfectly timed for the sunnier months, NARS has launched a collection inspired by its iconic Orgasm shade (the OG viral blush) in summery peach-pink tones. The limited-edition collection includes a radiant blush quad and a multiple-cream blush stick, but my winner is the Orgasm Rising eyeshadow palette. It has a range of sunset pinks, golden shimmers and a matte brown to create all kinds of sultry, smoky eyes. I’m already manifesting my summer make-up with this and a sprinkling of freckles.

Spend a minute scrolling through TikTok, and Charlotte Tilbury’s viral Beauty Blush Wands will make an appearance. I find the original blush wands a little too shimmery for every day, so this subtler, more matte finish is right up my street. The water-light texture blends into the skin in seconds with a brush or fingers if you’re on the go.

This new Microbiotic range from Dr. Barbara Sturm is my latest skincare obsession. Designed to balance acne-prone teenage skin, the simplified routine treats the skin but, crucially, doesn’t strip or disrupt the skin barrier. After closer inspection, this shouldn’t be gatekept by the teens. I often get hormonal breakouts and congestion at that time of the month but still need hydration elsewhere. If that sounds familiar, If so, try the Gentle Cleansing Balm and Hydrating Blemish Control HA Serum – my skin has been loving them.