February is a bittersweet month. It's still warm, the days are long, but the summer holiday feeling slowly evaporates. But one silver lining of being 'back-to-work' is that the beauty launches are coming in thick and fast. Just this February, Go-To dropped a much-hyped eye serum, YSL expanded its iconic Black Opium fragrance line and Rationale introduced a targeted cream for the neck and chest. Whether you're in the mood to shop or just want to bookmark what's new and worthy, you'll find our February beauty favourites listed below.
Go-To De-Crease Eye Serum
Zoë Foster-Blake – Australia's answer to Estée Lauder – once famously declared she thought eye products were BS. But her brand Go-To just launched one! De-Crease is her eating her words (and we're in favour of it). A highly efficacious serum-treatment, De-Crease is formulated with Retinal (a derivative of Vitamin A) to firm and smooth the eye contour. Basically, it's the eye product that changed her mind on eye products. The clinical testing results are impressive, too.
Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum
More Retinol, but this time for your entire face. It's still hard to believe that Augustinus Bader is only five years old — it sits on every famous vanity, and everyone who works in beauty has tried and loved the infamous Rich Cream. The Retinol Serum contains the signature Trigger Factor Complex (think of this as a 'communication system' to help your skin function optimally) as well as Retinol. A derivative of Vitamin A, Retinol is proven to speed up cell turnover. This is a natural skin process, but it slows as we age, leading to congestion, rough texture and pronounced signs of ageing. With ongoing use, expect your complexion to look brighter, clearer and firmer.
Christian Dior New Look
Just in from perfumer Francis Kurkdjian is New Look eau de parfum, a fresh interpretation of the original Dior amber fragrance (Christian Dior also famously changed the world of couture with his 'New Look' collection in 1947). While it pays tribute to Dior's legacy, Kurkdjian has given the perfume a contemporary feel with animalic aldehydes, frankincense and amber. Sensual and warm but without unnecessary weight, it's a cool, sexy scent for all genders.
Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded Tint
The brain child of makeup artist Gucci Westman, Westman Atelier is one of those rare makeup brand's where every single product achieves cult status. Described as the 'quickest way to get compliments on your skin', the Super Loaded Tint is a lightweight fluid that melts upon application, imparting a dewy, cared-for skin finish. It does contain pearl pigments, but the formula isn't shimmery or metallic. Instead, Super Loaded is glossy and radiant — like the glow that comes after a facial. Use it alone or as a targeted highlighter.
Rationale The Décolletage Crème
It's no lie that skincare should extend beyond your neck — the chest is often one of the first spots to show signs of ageing given its exposure to UV light. Rationale have taken this concept one step further by launching a targeted Décolletage Cream, designed to brighten, hydrate and fortify the area. Formulated with B vitamins, Lactic Acid and Amino Acids, it strengthens the skin and prevents water loss, while fighting the appearance of sun damage and fine lines.
The Beauty Chef Supergenes Energy & Vitality
The Beauty Chef is known for its effective ingestible formulas that target gut health. The Supergenes range is a new offering, with Energy & Vitality recently added to the lineup. The probiotic formula calls on Ginseng, Rhodiola, Astragalus and Iron to support energy production and reduce feelings of fatigue. Try it in lieu of your 3 p.m. espresso.
YSL Black Opium Red
With sexy notes of coffee, red cherry, cassis flower and vanilla, Black Opium Eau De Parfum Red is bold, delicious and brimming with fruity sweetness. It's perfect after dark, or any time you want strangers to stop you o the street.
Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops Bronzing
Bronzing drops are tricky territory. So often they're too warm, too ashy, or can leave you looking as if you've forgotten to wash off a spray tan. But this new launch from Ultra Violette hits all the right notes. The fluid is extremely sheer, so it's easy to blend, plus you can tailor the amount used to complement your skin tone. While it is luminous, the finish is natural (not glittery or shiny).
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Cleansing Gelee
There are cleansers that cleanse, and then there are cleansers that transform the look and feel of your skin, both immediately and in the long term. This new launch from Estée Lauder is the latter. The bouncy gel transforms into a fluffy foam upon application with water, dissolving light makeup and removing impurities while restoring the skin barrier. Packed with Amino Acids and suitable for sensitive skin, it's the perfect first step in any evening routine.
Aesop B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel
This ultra-light gel is a salve for combination to oily skin types, or anyone who hates the feel of cloying skincare. But beyond the sensorial element, it's fortified with Vitamin C to defend agains environmental aggressors, and Panthenol to hydrate and soothe. Like all Aesop formulations, it also smells divine.
