As the year winds down, it’s time to cast our minds back over the year – and the best new beauty releases.

Skincare salves

The award for this year’s best cleanser goes to Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Mousse Foam ($53), which works for all skin types and is great for removing make-up. For an effective barrier cream, we love Clearstem Goldenhour Watermelon Barrier Oil ($68), an acne-safe face oil that hydrates without clogging pores. Our pick for a calming night moisturiser is Avène Cicialfate+ ($27), which is ideal for dry or sensitive skin. On the serum front, SkinCeuticals always delivers and its P-Tiox Peptide Serum ($216) is another winner.

Sensitive lips will love Violette_FR Balm Amour Nourishing Lip Treatment ($45), a buttery balm to keep lips looking plump thanks to a blend of peptides and phyto collagen. For the delicate skin around the eyes, try Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Eye Cream ($76).

Body boosters

One of our favourite new product this year was a retinal body cream, Murad Retinal ReSculpt Body Treatment ($135), which targets skin tone and elasticity. And our top hydrating body cleanser has to be Youth to the People Superfood + Niacinamide Body Cleanser ($74), with notes of fresh greens, cedarwood and black pepper. For a daily SPF50+ moisturiser/sunscreen combo, we like Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow SPF50 ($71) for its glistening, non-greasy finish.

Make-up must-haves

Let’s begin with a base. The Jojoba Company Illuminating Tinted Moisturiser SPF15 ($42), with ectoin and zinc, is our pick for lighter coverage. Sticking with skin, Rare Beauty Liquid Contour ($40) is a great go-to that’s easy to blend for cheeks, eyes and lips.

Speaking of lips, Huda Beauty Icy Nude Faux Filler Lip Gloss ($38) gives a high shine and super-glassy finish, while for brows, Benefit Cosmetics Mighty Fine Brow Pen ($48) has three micro nibs to create “hair-like” strokes, key for natural-looking definition. Last but not least, we like Dior Diorshow Overvolume Mascara ($69) – worth it for the leather-look packaging alone.

Hair halos

The change in season can mean scalps need more care and we love Vegamour Gro Hair Serum ($105), which is boosted by plant exosomes and peptides. For shampoo, Saardé’s The Eve ($69) contains olive oil and smells fresh thanks to bergamot and sandalwood. A quick touch-up on the go needs K18 Airwash Dry Shampoo ($85). Sure it’s pricey, but it soaks up oil without the residue left by some cheaper versions.

On the tool front, consider upgrading your hair dryer to the ever-faithful (and sexy) Dyson Supersonic R ($799), which maximises thermal power while minimising hair damage.

Summer spritz

My favourite fragrance of the year – drumroll, please – is Parfums de Marly Delina EDP ($529), a sweet floral concoction combining notes of damask rose, lily-of-the-valley, peony, rhubarb, lychee and vanilla. Did someone say Christmas wish list?

ASK STEPH

Why are lips so sensitive?

Lips have more than a million nerve endings and no defensive membrane, making them 100 times more sensitive than fingertips. With summer coming, keep them shielded with a good SPF 50+ lip oil such as Naked Sundays SPF50 Glow+ Go Lip Oil in Watermelon ($30).

Send questions via Instagram, @mrssdarling.

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