August beauty favourites – five products I can’t stop reaching for

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Somehow August is already wrapping up (how did that happen?!), and as always, I’ve been testing, trying, and rotating through a mix of fresh launches and new-to-me discoveries. I really love putting these round-ups together because they feel like a peek inside my makeup bag and bathroom cupboard at the products I’ve actually been reaching for day in and day out. 

This month feels very me in terms of choices, including a skin-perfecting SPF that makes me wonder why I ever put up with mismatched foundations and a texturising spray that has basically replaced hairspray for me (and I don’t miss it one bit). 

There’s also a gorgeous new perfume launch that’s giving me major feel-good vibes and an eye cream I’ve been quietly testing for weeks that actually delivers results. And while I’ve tried dozens of mascaras over the years, few have managed to genuinely impress – but I might have just found one that’s made it into the top three.

These are the five products that have truly stood out to me this month.

Supergoop! Protec(tint) SPF50 Daily Skin Tint – £40

I’ve spoken before about how much I adore a good tinted SPF (I featured Merit’s The Uniform back in July and adore it), but I have to say, Supergoop’s take on the category has quickly impressed me too. For years I settled for questionable foundation shades that never quite matched, so finding a skin tint that looks seamless and natural is a game-changer.

Protec(tint) is lightweight yet buildable, offering just enough coverage to even out skin tone while keeping things fresh and breathable. I love that, instead of being a makeup product with added SPF protection (which is often not enough on its own to be actually effective) it takes an SPF-first approach, with the coverage and tint being an added bonus.

It blends beautifully and leaves a natural, smooth finish. It’s one of those products you can rely on every day without thinking twice which is why I took it on my annual summer holiday, too alongside a range of other Supergoop! goodies like the Re(setting) Powder and tinted lip balm. Buy it here.

Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumising Mascara – £21

Also finding itself in my holiday makeup bag is a new mascara. It takes a lot for a mascara to impress me and of the probably hundreds I’ve tried, I can count on one hand the ones I can actually rely on. But joining the likes of Merit and Clinique is the Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara. 

This mascara gives lashes everything – lift, curl, length, and volume – without weighing them down. The brush hugs every lash, plus, the formula contains castor oil, so lashes stay soft instead of crunchy. But my main bugbear with mascara is transfer under the eyes, and I’m pleased to report that Selena Gomez simply won’t stand for midday smudging, with the formula staying put without the panda eyes. Buy it here.

Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ Texture Craft Dry Texture Spray – £10.16 (RRP £16.60)

Let me put you onto a hair hack that will change your life. I’ve never been the biggest fan of traditional hairsprays – I love hold, but not the stiffness or crunch – which is why I’ve ditched them in favour of a texture spray instead. More specifically, the OSiS+ Texture Craft Spray from Schwarzkopf.

Instead of essentially gluing my hairstyle in place, it adds body, texture, and shape to my hair without sacrificing movement or shine. The superfine mist means no sticky residue, and the volume feels touchable and natural. I love using my ghd Rise hotbrush to create movement in my hair, then finishing with the texture spray. I actually don’t think I’ll ever go back to traditional hairsprays now. Buy it here.

Never Fully Dressed 002 Perfume – £69

I couldn’t be more excited that fashion brand Never Fully Dressed has branched into fragrance (and candles too!). The 002 scent has become such a feel-good addition to my collection. I can’t talk about this perfume without first mentioning the absolutely gorgeous bottle. It comes in an amber vessel with a pink marble effect lid, which I think I could repurpose as a little candlestick holder when I’m through with the scent.

If the packaging wasn’t joyful enough, then comes the fragrance itself. When you first spray it, you get a fresh, juicy hit of raspberry with a little spicy kick from pink pepper. After a few minutes, it softens into a mix of fresh greens and florals thanks to the jasmine and cedar leaf.

Then as it dries down, the scent turns warmer and more addictive, with vanilla, amber and patchouli. The fragrance lends itself beautifully to day-time wear with bright and fruity notes, but is equally great for layering for evening and date night wear. It costs £69 for the 100ml, however, those looking just to try it out can get the 10ml for £19 – ideal for travelling. Buy it here.

INNBEAUTY PROJECT Extreme Cream Firming & Contouring Refillable Eye Cream – £49

I was invited to the launch of INNBEAUTY PROJECT exclusively at Sephora last month, and ever since I’ve been testing their bestselling Extreme Cream Eye Cream. It targets everything you could want in an eye cream: puffiness, fine lines, sagging lids, and loss of firmness. And I’ve been really pleased with the results so far.

The high-performance formula is packed with peptides, bio-retinol, and fermented amino acids that visibly lift and contour the eye area. I’ve noticed a real improvement in firmness and a smoother base for concealer, and have even noticed my dark circles looking lighter. I also love that the packaging is refillable and eco-friendly, and it pairs beautifully with the brand’s Extreme Cream Moisturiser. Buy it here.