6 new beauty editor approved buys – including Dior's new lip balm and a £13 hydrating cleanser

The Irish Sun

04-07-2025

I'M pretty sure I've found the best-value facial in London, and it just so happens to be from one of my favourite beauty brands.
The facial in question?
(or £70 for 30 minutes).
Tucked away in the turrets of London's Liberty department store, when you walk through the double door's of the specially designed Wildsmith Treehouse, you're transported to the countryside, with projections of trees on the walls and a birdsong lullaby to soundtrack the treatment.
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Wildsmith's Radical Botany Facial is the best-value facial in London
Credit: Wildsmith
At face value, the price seems steep, but it is redeemable against purchases of Wildsmith products on the day of yout treatment - so you're effectively getting it free.
Trust me, you're going to want to stock up, given how good your skin will feel after the treatment.
Despite it being fully redeemable, they don't cut corners – the bed is wider than most used for treatments (about the size of a single mattress), so you can completely relax, and it's heated too, making it ultra-cosy.
Read more Hair & Beauty
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The price of Wildsmith's Radical Botany Facial at Liberty London is fully redeemable against products
Credit: Wildsmith
The facial is far more than just a sales pitch for the products - wellness is the aim.
It starts with a foot massage, before your legs are gently stretched one by one, making my spine instantly feel longer, followed by a massage-heavy facial that dissolved the tension in my brow and jaw, as well as a scalp massage and a hand and arm massage that had me walking on air.
If you're not yet convinced, a 90-minute version of the same treatment at Wildsmith's home in luxe hotel Heckfield Place will set you back £300 – and that isn't redeemable on products!
Best new skin launches
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Wildsmith's latest serum was created to hydrate skin without feeling heavy
Credit: Wildsmith
Wildsmith Skin Radiance Light Serum, £85
Most read in Fabulous
I discovered the new
, while I was there and have used it every day since.
It feels like silk on the skin, and is packed with my favourite ingredient, niacinamide, which helps to reduce inflammation, redness and uneven skin texture, while balancing oil production and reducing breakouts.
It also contains brightening antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to hydrate skin and boost radiance.
Made specifically for humid climates, it's not heavy or greasy, which is perfect for oily skin like mine.
I'm a huge fan of high-low beauty – pairing expensive products with affordable ones to get the best routine for my money.
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Inkey's new one-step cleanser removes every scrap of make-up
Credit: The Inkey List
The Inkey List Hydrating Cream-To-Milk Cleanser, £13
As serums tend to have the highest potency of active ingredients, I generally spend most of my budget on them, so I've been pairing the Wildsmith one with
As the name suggests, it starts as a lightweight cream, which feels soothing and hydrating yet melts away every trace of make-up, before transforming into a milk-like consistency on contact with water, so there's no residue left behind.
It's hard to find a cleanser that gets rid of everything in one step without turning into an oil or balm, but this does it all.
Best new hair launches
I have a similar attitude when it comes to haircare, preferring to spend money on high-tech tools and products that make a visible difference, such as
, which has changed the game for me.
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This genius hairspray can be applied to wet hair before styling
Credit: Living Proof
Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray, £27
My hair doesn't really hold a curl, but this clever hairspray contains heat protection, so can be applied to wet hair before styling – and voilà, my curls now stay put for days!
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Claw clips are a must-have in summer to keep hair off your neck and face
Credit: Loxx
Loxx Triple Flower Clip in Lemon Drop, £18
Similarly,
has been a godsend during the hot weather.
I've struggled to find a claw clip that can hold my waist-length hair, but this extra-long, arched design, created by celebrity hairstylist Chad Maxwell, keeps every strand up without tugging at my scalp or leaving a dent in my hair.
Best new make-up launches
Make-up-wise, the last month has been about adding colour to my face, as I'm ghostly pale and exhausted - I can't decide if the hot-weather induced sleepless nights are to blame, or my inability to refuse an impromptu pub visit in the sunshine!
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Thanks to its shimmery formula, this blush stick adds a radiant glow
Credit: Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Blush Healthy Glow Stick, £30
I find blush wakes up my complexion better than bronzer (although I'll turn to that come August), and
has a subtle shimmer that instantly makes me look healthier, without being too glittery or exaggerating the texture on my cheeks.
I love that I can draw it straight on to my face, and blend it out with my fingers - no other tools necessary!
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Dior's new Lip Glow Butter brings all the nostalgic 00s vibes
Credit: Dior
Dior Addict Lip Glow Butter, £33
Finally,
made it into my bag on cute factor alone, thanks to its adorable monogram charm.
The formula feels somewhere between a lip balm and a lip butter, and leaves my dry lips hydrated - I've had more compliments when wearing the Black Cherry shade than I can count on both hands!
Top beauty trends for 2025
Hayley Walker, Beauty Expert at
Haircare
Hair gloss treatments are a must-have as beauty enthusiasts love the salon-quality shine and enhanced colour delivered by the trending treatment.
Hair glosses are multifunctional, as they nourish the hair while offering a vibrant, healthy-looking finish, combining 2025's core trends. This treatment is perfect for those seeking an affordable, at-home glow-up.
2025 will focus on skin repairing and texture-enhancing treatments.
Skincare
Rejuran treatment, a celebrity-endorsed procedure, will see a rise in demand this year as many seek to enhance their skin's appearance. The procedure entails injecting polynucleotides derived from salmon DNA to enhance skin texture and elasticity. 'Rejuvenation is expected to dominate 2025 skincare trends as many seek to achieve a flawless, youthful complexion.
Skincare will also include back-to-basic products for a simplified routine.
Ginseng cleansing oil and panthenol cream are among the trending products for 2025. The cleansing oil is excellent for dissolving make-up and impurities without clogging pores and is enriched with nourishing properties to leave the skin feeling and looking refreshed and radiant.
Make-up
Make-up trends will follow suit to achieve youthful and radiant looks. Under-eye brighteners will be sought-after products for delivering coverage while enhancing natural radiance. This beauty tool will complement natural beauty while improving and brightening dull skin.
Make-up looks will be bigger and bolder in 2025 with cluster lashes expected to surge this year. These lashes bring the glam to glamorous looks as they deliver dramatic volume to enhance everyday or special occasion looks.
Peel-off lip stains circulated the beauty industry in 2024 and are expected to dominate in 2025. The growing popularity of this product is due to its ability to provide long-lasting, transfer-proof colour to lips, enhancing a natural aesthetic. Additionally, cherry-coded aesthetics are expected to be everywhere this year as the deep, rich hue can be achieved using peel-off lip stains or bold lip looks for a dramatic effect.
Nails
2025 will be another year of countless, show-stopping nail trends. Goddess Nails and Aura Nails deserve an honourable mention as these designs channel an ethereal, celestial aesthetic for bold, self-expressing nails.