Hello everyone! It’s time for my July 2020 Beauty Favourites. July felt a little slow compared to the earlier months — May and June flew by, while this month has been more low-key. I haven’t been wearing much makeup and haven’t picked up any new makeup since May. A few skincare pieces have arrived, but overall releases haven’t sparked my interest recently.
Because of that, this month’s list is a bit shorter than usual, but these are the products I’ve reached for most. I’ve ordered the new L’Oreal Skin Paradise Tinted Water Cream and some items from Good Molecules, so I’m hoping to have fresh finds to share in August.
Without further ado, here are my July 2020 Beauty Favourites.
DISCLAIMER: John Lewis links are affiliate, all others are not. All products purchased by me.
GLOSSIER PRIMING MOISTURISER BALANCE – £23 from Glossier
Glossier’s Priming Moisturiser Balance is a lighter, gel-cream version of their original. It feels cooling and incredibly lightweight on application, which makes it perfect as temperatures rise. Formulated for combination skin, it contains niacinamide and other soothing extracts.
Niacinamide has become more beneficial to my skin recently, and this moisturiser provides hydration without heaviness. It includes marine extract, willow bark and bamboo extract to support texture and moisture. I’ve been using it at night when it’s muggy, and occasionally on quieter mornings when I’m not using an SPF moisturiser.
I loved the original Priming Moisturiser years ago and have enjoyed returning to a priming formula with a lighter finish. This one has impressed me and quickly earned a spot in my routine this month.
VERSED ON THE RISE FIRMING SERUM – £18 from Cult Beauty
I’ve been using Versed’s On The Rise serum once or twice a week and enjoying the results. It’s a clear, slightly viscous serum that absorbs quickly and feels nourishing without any harsh ingredients.
Approaching thirty, I wanted to include something targeted for firming in my routine alongside retinol. This serum contains peptides, vitamin C and resveratrol to support collagen and firmness. I’m cautious with vitamin C concentrations, but this formula sits comfortably in my regime and pairs well with my moisturisers and oils.
It’s not dramatic overnight, but it fills a gap in my products by adding peptide support, and I’ve been very pleased with how it layers with other treatments.
KIEHL’S CALENDULA AND ALOE SOOTHING HYDRATION MASQUE – £20-£44 from Kiehl’s
This Kiehl’s mask is a long-standing favourite. It contains calendula flower pieces and a lightweight, soothing gel texture that calms reactive or sensitive skin. It stays moist on the skin rather than drying like a clay mask, making it ideal when my skin is inflamed or irritated.
I have a smaller size that’s lasted quite a while because I don’t use it weekly, but when I do reach for it, the difference is noticeable. I remove it gently with a soft muslin cloth and always see improved hydration and calmness after use. It’s underrated for those with sensitive or reactive skin.
DIOR BACKSTAGE FACE AND BODY FOUNDATION – £29.50 from Selfridges
I’ve owned this Dior foundation for months but only recently found the right combination to make it work all day. The formula itself is beautiful — lightweight, buildable and gives a natural glow — but I had issues with longevity until I paired it with a long-wear primer.
Using a long-wear primer underneath transformed its wear time, allowing the foundation to last without breaking up. The Face and Body bottle contains 50ml, which offers strong value compared with many 30ml foundations. It now earns a spot in my favourites for its finish and wear when primed correctly.
CLINIQUE HAPPY CHEEKS POP BLUSHER IN MELON POP – £18 from John Lewis
This seasonal Clinique blush resurfaces every summer and I wear it constantly. Melon Pop is a perfect peach with a hint of pink — flattering, fresh and very wearable. The formula is buildable so you can go from a subtle flush to a stronger pop of colour without it looking patchy.
The finish has a soft sheen without any glitter, creating a natural, lit-from-within look that’s ideal for easy, everyday makeup.
MILANI BAKED BLUSH IN LUMINOSO – £10.95 from Beauty Bay
Milani’s Baked Blush in Luminoso is a cult favourite for a reason. I don’t usually gravitate toward orange-toned blushes, but this shade works beautifully and has been a go-to this month. These baked powders perform like high-end blushes: long-lasting, blendable and luminous.
Some shades have larger shimmer particles, but the glowy finishes are standout. If you’ve wanted the look of a luxury blush without the high price, Milani is a great alternative.
KIKO GLOW FUSION POWDER HIGHLIGHTER IN BRILLIANT CHAMPAGNE – £9.99 from Kiko
Kiko makes another appearance in my favourites. The Glow Fusion highlighter in Brilliant Champagne is ideal for fair skin — it initially looked pale in the pan but applies as a flattering champagne glow rather than icy. The texture feels almost creamy to the touch but wears like a powder, offering everything from a subtle sheen to an intense glow.
There are three shades in the range; I’m tempted to try Heavenly Gold too, but I’d like to swatch it in person to be sure of the tone on my skin.
MAC X NICOLA CHAPMAN LIPSTICK – £17.50 from MAC (Releases in October)
Although this lipstick doesn’t launch until October, I couldn’t resist mentioning it since I’ve been wearing a pre-sale sample all month. The shade is a perfect peachy nude that complements many looks. The cremesheen finish is one of my favourites for everyday wear, and the packaging is lovely. It’s quickly become a staple, and I’m considering a backup when it officially releases.
So, those are my July 2020 Beauty Favourites. I’m taking a short break from posting to recharge, but I’ll be back with new content and reviews as brands ramp up releases. See you soon!
