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It feels strange that we’re already at the end of February, but it’s been a huge month. Two big beauty stories dominated: Hailey Bieber’s Rhode hitting MECCA shelves, and Hourglass Cosmetics making its move to DTC and Sephora.
The ELLE Australia team attended the Wuthering Heights premiere in Sydney, and the line stretching down Market Street to catch a glimpse of Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi collided with the line of frenzied beauty girls stretching down George Street to get into Mecca, leaving us genuinely confused about which one we were supposed to be in. You’ll get a detailed review of our Rhode favourites shortly, but the brand has not disappointed, and I’ve given a shout-out to one of its products here.
Hourglass’s move to Sephora and availability on DTC means we’ll finally have full access to their limited-edition drops, sales and new launches. Australia will be one of just three destinations worldwide to carry their high-jewellery-style charm-adorned palettes in brushed steel. I had mine made up at their Sydney Martin Place pop-up — a Leo charm, because I’m a Leo, and a love heart, because I’m basic — and it’s as beautiful as the blushes inside. The brand is full of winners, and you can read about my favourites here. Autumn is also around the corner, and while the team is divided on the virtues of the season, we’re united in eyeing new coats and jackets to take the edge off. I am in denial about the whole thing but have been subconsciously manifesting something like Mia Goth’s coat in Suspiria — and trying to figure out how to work some romantic Wuthering Heights energy into a winter wardrobe without looking like we’re headed to Oktoberfest.
Below, find our editor’s picks.
Angela, Digital Editor
Summer Fridays Flushed Lip Stain
I’ve never really met a Summer Fridays product I didn’t love and immediately swear by, so I was excited when the brand launched its Flushed Lip Stains and Softline Lip Liners this month. I’ve seen countless reviews from American creators (who received the launch earlier than Australian customers) saying the staying power of the stains in particular are second to none, so I’m impatiently waiting for my order to arrive.
Virtue Strength And Shield Leave In Conditioner
After abusing my hair all summer, I was thrilled when the Virtue Strength And Shield Leave In Conditioner landed on my desk earlier this month. The lightweight treatment has been perfect for my fine hair, and since it also promises to help reduce breakage, protect against UV and heat styling, it’s been a great addition to my hair routine. Plus, it’s a spray product, meaning I don’t get it all over my hands upon application.
Merit Signature Lip Blush
I’m a huge fan of a blurred lip and have, until now, been loyal to Violette_Fr Bisou Balms for its smudgy, sexy, effortless effect. Now, another lipstick has joined the category, with Merit’s Signature Lip Blush, and dare I say, I love this one just as much as Violette’s. Available in eight shades, this sheer-matte lipstick includes gel-wrapped pigments that deliver a smooth, even wash of colour over the lip. And best of all, I don’t even use a mirror to apply it because it’s that foolproof.
Ruby, Senior Fashion & Beauty Writer
Rhode, Face Glazing Mist
People are constantly asking me whether face mists are worth the money — surely they’re just repackaged Evian in a bottle? As someone with extremely dehydrated skin, I am a face mist apologist and connoisseur who shuts down face mist non-believers whenever I have the opportunity. So, when Rhode hit Australia, this was top of my list. I wasn’t disappointed. The mist is super fine (my usual complaint is mists that blast you in the eye like a jet), and it has a beautiful combination of ingredients: ectoin, which binds moisture to the skin similarly to hyaluronic acid; a ceramide trio for a meatier hit of hydration; and magnolia extract to purify and balance. My skin has cleared up since adding it to my routine.
St Agni, Belt Detail Tote
It’s really hard to find a bag that is both stylish and capacious enough to fit my laptop, my paperback (I have obstinately refused to adopt Kindles), my 12 lip products, face mists and a cardigan (I can’t regulate my body temperature so have no idea when I’ll need one) but this tote fits the bill while still being sleek, which is probably why it’s sold out. If the belt is pulling focus from your outfit, it’s fully detachable, and the magnetic closure means I’m not inelegantly scrambling with a zip every time I need to rifle through my bag. I have it in black but I want it in coffee too.
Dries Van Noten, Modepaleis Discover Set
I’ve fallen in love with Dries Van Noten fragrances after discovering the scents are as beautiful as the bottles — but given the slightly intimidating price point, I figured I’d better nail down my favourite before committing to a full flacon. Enter the Modepaleis Discover Set ($105), which features 10 x 2ml samples of their scents. I’ve been thanking myself for my ingenuity ever since. Current front runners: Santal Greenery, a green sandalwood with a hit of juicy fig; Rock the Myrrh, dry, leathery, woody and surprisingly energetic; and Jardin de l’Orangerie, a dreamy blend of orange blossom milk, neroli and sandalwood. Experimenting with the whole collection has been a joy and an experience I’d recommend to anyone.
Polished, Teeth Strips
It might not be a glamorous recommendation, but teeth whitening strips are a beauty category fraught with difficulty — and these ones are amazing. They totally seal over your teeth, so you don’t have the repulsive taste of tooth whitener swishing around your mouth, nor do you have to worry about keeping a Glad Wrap-style film in place. Love!
Kiera, Social Media Editor
Nakedvice, Roni Espresso Jacket
Victoria Beckham gave us a lot to think about last month but ever since I saw the documentary I’ve been completely fixated on finding the perfect high-neck leather jacket. This one from Rori has the perfect funnel neck and structured front zip but slouchy fit.
Lexxola Cami Sunglasses in Burgundy
These are the kind of sunglasses that turn a random Tuesday into an off-duty paparazzi moment. There’s something so 2000s about them that I can’t get enough of.
Refy, Face Collection
I’ve been wanting to work through the REFY lineup for a while now and their face collection feels like the perfect entry point. Cream-based products are my go-to for that effortless, low-maintenance sun-kissed look that makes me look like I’ve just got back from a week in Capri, rather than “I did my makeup in five minutes and have been making TikToks from the office all day.” Love.
The post The ELLE Edit: What We Couldn’t Get Enough Of In February appeared first on ELLE.
