Whilst your wardrobe gets a summer makeover, let’s not forget your make-up cabinet needs one too! Summer beauty is all about bright eye-catching colours, a beach-ready golden glow and having some fun with your make-up… so without further ado, here are my top ten picks of the hottest beauty launches this season.
Shu Uemura Mamechiyo Collection
Before you start raiding the neon eye shadows just yet, why not give your skincare a summer update too? Kimono artist mamechiyo has updated all your fave Shu staples with what may just be the most gorgeous skincare packaging we’ve ever seen! My top picks are the UV Under Base Mousses ($340), which with SPF 30 and a range of colour-corrective shades (I like pink-purple for an instant brightening effect) are the perfect primers for a summer look, with their cult Cleansing Oils ($600) to take the day off afterwards – no racoon eyes guaranteed! Hurry as these are limited-edition and running out fast!
See all Shu Uemura locations in Hong Kong here.
Guerlain Terra Azzurra Collection by Emilio Pucci
If we’re talking pretty packaging, then Guerlain have totally knocked it out the park this summer. Stunning Pucci Riviera-inspired scarf prints decorate all the items from the collection (even including the insides of the cardboard boxes they come in!); my favourite items are the two-in-one Terra Azzurra Bronzing Powder & Blush ($700), to give you that perfect summer glow, and the Meteorites Perles d’Azur ($450), for a pretty all-over shimmer. Out now and selling out fast!
See all Guerlain locations in Hong Kong here.
Giorgio Armani Ecailles Collection
This ocean-inspired collection takes luxe to a whole new level – check out that beautiful mother-of-pearl case! The Black Pearl Luxury Eye Palette ($600) includes four shades: deep sea blue, algae, lagoon turquoise (my favourite!) and crest-of-a-wave white. I’m also in love with the new Eyes To Kill Oceanic Jewels Eye Shadows ($280)– if you’ve not tried this silky-smooth colour-intense formula before, then these shimmering silvers accented with turquoise glints are the ideal time to dip your toes into the water! This collection will give you eyes even a mermaid would be proud of. I’ll be reviewing this collection in full later on, so stay tuned! Out now.
See all Giorgio Armani Beauty locations in Hong Kong here.
MAC Hey Sailor Collection
It can sometimes be hard to keep track of all the latest MAC releases, but this is one you don’t want to miss out on! The nautical packaging is classy and chic whilst the colours will have you working a retro Hollywood musical look (the Busby Berkely numbers with synchronised swimmers and jaunty sailor’s hats!) My picks are the peachy Highlight Powder for a subtle shimmer, the Powerpoint Eye Pencils in striking gold, green and blue and the Suntints SPF 20 lip balms, perfect for slinging in your beach bag to go! We just can’t resist the Gone Sailing matching make-up bag and tote too. Out in June.
See all MAC locations in Hong Kong here.
Benefit Cabana Glama
A one-stop shop for a stunning summer look, Cabana Glama is an ideal travel companion with everything you need for a weekend away (make-up wise anyway!). This is a great kit for creating an au naturel beach glow (there’s even an instruction booklet inside); there are three shimmering pink, beige and brown shadows for eyes, a pretty-in-pink Posietint lip and cheek stain, Some Kinda Gorgeous foundation faker and Hoola bronzing powder. The ultimate brightening and bronzing collection, I’ll be reviewing this (and Benefit’s other brilliant summer products) in full later for our Summer Guide so keep an eye out!
See all Benefit locations in Hong Kong here.
NARS Thakoon Collection
You guys know how much I love my nail polishes… and NARS’ collaboration with designer Thakoon has me weak at the knees (or should that be fingertips?)! A gorgeous rainbow of bold bright hues (my favourites are the two blues, Koliary and Kutki), these will deliver a summer fiesta to your fingers… the only problem is which colour do I start with first? Then again, is it fate that there are exactly five colours available in HK (a sixth is exclusive to NARS boutique in the States)? One for each finger for a Skittles rainbow manicure I reckon! Out now, $170 each.
See all NARS locations in Hong Kong here.
Zoya Beach & Surf Collection
Not content with just one collection for summer, nail polish maestros Zoya have come out with two! I’m a big fan of their ‘Big 3’ chemical-free formula, which generally applies easily and wears like iron… ideal for active summer days followed by fun summer nights! Beach is a set of six creamy dreamy summer shades – my top picks are Arizona, a bright tangerine, and Wednesday, a beachy turquoise. But I’m far more excited about the Surf set of six glittering shimmering stunners – Kimber, a colour-popping coral-red and Zuza, a glistening mermaid aqua, need to be mine now! These should arrive at Sassy favourites Cher2 in late May, $80 each.
Cher2, 1E Po Foo Building, 84-94 Percival Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 2882 2528; see all other locations in Hong Kong here.
Crabtree & Evelyn Wisteria Essential Bag
With a new soft floral fragrance perfectly suited to heady summer nights, this bag contains everything you need to keep your body fresh and fragrant for the holidays! It includes a bath and shower gel, a body lotion and a moisturising Hand Therapy cream – and as ever with C&E, it’s all immaculately packaged in a beautiful tote bag… which, once you’re done with the products, would make for a super-pretty beach bag too. We’re always thinking ahead at Sassy! Out now, $695.
See all Crabtree & Evelyn locations in Hong Kong here.
Estee Lauder Five Colour Gelee Powder Eyeshadow Palette
This palette made my lust-list thanks to the unique formula of the shadows – a cross between gel, powder and liquid, one light swipe brings an instant hit of gleaming super-metallic wow. With a range of versatile golds and bronzes, most of these could also work for cheek and face highlighters so I’m officially telling my accountant that this is a two-in-one bargain buy! No word yet on when this will arrive in Hong Kong. (P.S. They also have a Mad Men Collection coming out too… drool).
See all Estee Lauder locations in Hong Kong here.
Laura Mercier Belle Nouveau Collection
If all these bright colours and bold shades aren’t really your bag, Laura Mercier has a softer take on the season. I’m particularly eyeing the Sheer Crème Eye Colours for a wash of sweet sorbet aqua, lavender and grey. I’ve also just discovered the totally awesome Caviar Sticks, which are SO convenient and stay put all day; thus far, all the shades have been smoky sultry shades but this collection sees the introduction of a turquoise-teal jewel tone, which I will be snapping up as soon as it hits the shelves (probably June).
See all Laura Mercier locations in Hong Kong here.