Some months, I find myself in a rhythm with my beauty routine—using the same handful of products that just work. They’re the ones I look forward to applying every morning, the ones that give me that extra bit of confidence without much effort. This month’s lineup feels like exactly that: a mix of skincare heroes and makeup staples that strike the perfect balance between performance and pleasure.
Primer: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
Let’s start with the base. I’ve been notoriously picky when it comes to primers—I don’t like anything too heavy or too slippery, and if it doesn’t extend the wear of my makeup, it’s a no-go. So when I discovered the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer, it was a game-changer.
What makes this one stand out is its cocktail of skin-loving ingredients. Hemp-derived cannabis extract hydrates, plumps, and smooths, while blue agave acts almost like a natural glue to keep makeup locked in place. Add to that aloe water, cherry blossom, and hyaluronic acid, and you’ve got a primer that feels more like skincare than makeup. And the best part? It’s finally available at Sephora, so no more hunting it down online.
Lips: Dior Addict Lip Tattoo
If you’d asked me a couple of years ago, I would have told you my lips lived exclusively in lip liner territory or under a nude matte finish. But lately, I’ve fallen in love with lip tints, and the Dior Addict Lip Tattoo has become my new obsession.
It strikes that perfect in-between—giving you the look of naturally rosy lips while still delivering a polished finish. My current shade of choice is 621, a soft mauve tint that’s unlike anything else in my collection. It’s fresh, wearable, and has that effortless “your lips but better” vibe. Oh, and a bonus? It smells like bubble gum mint, which makes applying it feel a little nostalgic and fun.
Cleanser: iS Clinical Cleansing Complex
When it comes to cleansers, I’m admittedly a tough critic. I want something that works deeply without leaving my skin feeling stripped. The iS Clinical Cleansing Complex ticks all the boxes.
I actually used this cleanser years ago, before it was widely available in the region, and used to go out of my way to order it from the US. It’s professional-grade (often used in facials), so you know it’s effective, but it still feels light and gentle on the skin. It removes impurities thoroughly while respecting the skin’s natural oils—exactly what I want in a daily cleanser. You can now find it at Facette, which makes restocking so much easier.
Serum: Summer Fridays CC Me Serum
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’ve always leaned more toward serums than moisturizers, mainly because my skin tends to get oily. So when I say a serum has made it into my favorites, it’s a big deal.
The CC Me Serum by Summer Fridays—yes, Marianna Hewitt’s brand I’m currently obsessed with—is that serum. It plumps, brightens, and gives my skin an unbelievable glow without adding any heaviness. It’s packed with Vitamin C and other skin-loving ingredients that not only improve radiance instantly but also work over time to even out tone. Available at Sephora and Apotheca Beauty, it has become the step in my routine I look forward to the most.
Tanning Oil: Beesline Deep Tan
Now for a product that completely changed my summer game. I used to underestimate the difference a good tanning oil or cream could make until I tried Beesline Deep Tan. A few years ago, I discovered that Lebanese women swear by Beesline for the perfect sun-kissed glow, and once I tried it myself, I understood why.
It doesn’t just accelerate your tan—it enhances the color, giving it that golden, even tone that looks like you just returned from a Mediterranean holiday. Ever since my first try over a year ago, I haven’t looked back or reached for another tanning oil. You can find it at Co-op and Boots, and I recommend grabbing it before your next beach day.
Wrapping It Up
This month’s beauty lineup is all about products that multitask and elevate the everyday. A primer that doubles as skincare, a lip tint that feels like your natural lips but better, a cleanser that cleans deeply yet gently, a glow-inducing serum, and a tanning oil that completely transforms your sun experience—it’s a collection that makes my routine feel less like maintenance and more like a treat.
The right products don’t just change how you look; they shift how you feel. And right now, these five are giving me that little boost of joy and radiance I’ll happily carry into next month.
