New Wave Beauty Closet: June’s Most-Loved Products

Each month, there are a few products that survive the culling. You know, the ones that actually outlast the press drops. The unnecessarily expensive ones you bought impulsively, but now you love so much you know you’re stuck re-buying it forever. These are the formulas that actually work, not the ones that just smell good. The holy grails that you know to reach for on the mornings when you need your face to behave. This list isn’t full of the latest releases, but it is a mix of cult icons, beauty editor go-tos, and a few quiet overachievers that deserve their applause.

1. Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder — £32

A balm-to-powder hybrid that smooths, mattifies, and subtly tints without ever leaving you looking flat. It melts in like skincare but sets like a soft filter. Wear it under makeup or alone when you want to look airbrushed.

2. NARS Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm/Turbo — £27

This is still undefeated in the glowy-lip-but-make-it-sophisticated category. It’s sheer but flattering, hydrating but not greasy. The kind of lip product that makes you feel polished on your laziest day. Turbo, especially, looks great on deeper skin tones. 

3. Merit Flush Balm in Raspberry Beret — £26

The blush is lush. It’s dewy, wearable colour in a twist-up dome that disappears into the skin without any chalkiness. It gives cheeks the kind of flush that makes you look suspiciously well-rested. Blends like a dream, especially with fingers. 

4. e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer — £7

A favourite for a reason. It’s high-coverage, crease-resistant (especially with a great primer), and under £10. We recommend the hydrating version over similar options from the same brand, as it’s especially good for dry or sensitive under-eyes, and it definitely holds its own against much pricier formulas. A quiet icon in my routine.

5. Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart SPF 50 ~ £50

A silky, high-protection SPF with pollution defence and a soft tint that gives [all] skin a slight blur. It glides on under makeup like a serum but does all the heavy lifting of a proper sunscreen. It’s on the more expensive side but you’ll love it. Don’t try this one, unless you’re ready to commit!

6. COSRX Niacinamide 2% + BHA 4% Blackhead Power Liquid — £26

This is the toner you reach for when your skin feels congested but you don’t want to upset it. It’s gentle, effective, and kind to sensitive areas. It smooths without stripping and plays well with the rest of your routine.

7. Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil ~ £35

This Korean cleanser is luxurious, lightly scented, and dissolves makeup like a dream. If you’re into cleansing as ritual, this is definitely one for you. It emulsifies cleanly and never leaves a film. A must buy for soft, nourished skin.

8. Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream — £38

Barrier repair in a tube. Use this when your skin feels fragile, irritated, or on those days when you look in the mirror and your skin has suddenly transformed in front of your eyes. It’s rich but not greasy, and so so comforting. The kind of cream you’d want to wrap your whole self in.

9. Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask — £15

This mask is budget-friendly and effective. It clears out pores, tightens just enough, and never dries to that ridiculous uncomfortable crackly finish. It’s a great Sunday night reset mask or for the day before an event when know you need to show up as your best self.

10. Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb — £35

Cooling, hydrating, and perfect for layering. It sinks in fast, leaves a soft glow, and pairs well with just about everything - SPF, primer, or nothing at all. A go-to for skin that looks plump, not oily.

Some high-end, some under £10, all genuinely worth using. These are the products that held their own in the New Wave beauty closet this month. If you’re anything like us, you’ll already have backups for at least a few of these by the time next month’s list comes out.