July has arrived in full force, bringing with it brilliant sunshine, a flurry of summer activities, and—on a personal note—two intensive public speaking classes I’m teaching during our six-week session. Amid the busyness of balancing work and home life, I’ve also found comfort and excitement in the world of beauty. This month has introduced a wave of new launches in skincare and makeup that feel perfectly suited to the season. Consider this a glimpse into what I’ve been testing, loving, and reaching for daily, alongside a peek at life at home.
Skincare Staples for Radiance and Protection
Let’s start with skincare, where consistency and innovation meet. My routine continues to revolve around the *Serucell KFS Serum, a longtime staple that has visibly transformed my skin over the past few months. Its anti-aging benefits feel undeniable—firmer texture, smoother surface, and that elusive luminosity.
For daytime, I follow with the *Mila Moursi Broad Spectrum SPF 30. Not only does it shield from sun damage, but its antioxidant-rich formula leaves behind a soft matte glow that somehow keeps skin looking fresh well into the afternoon. Protection with radiance? Yes, please.
On the body front, the *BY TERRY Tea-to-Tan for Face and Body has been my go-to for a believable bronze. Unlike traditional self-tanners, this water-based wash of color provides an instant tan effect without commitment—it rinses off easily yet doesn’t budge throughout the day. It’s my shortcut to sun-kissed limbs whenever I want them.
A surprising star of the month? Deodorant. Specifically, the *Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant. I’ve been wearing it nonstop and remain amazed by its effectiveness. Free of aluminum and baking soda, this formula relies on AHAs to rebalance the skin under the arms, minimizing odor at its source. Even with stress and sweltering heat, it hasn’t failed me once.
In the evenings, I switch to ritual mode. The *Ranavat Luminous Ceremony Cleanser—infused with detoxifying manjishta—has become my shower companion, effortlessly melting away makeup while keeping skin balanced. For stubborn waterproof mascara, the *Sisley-Paris Eye and Lip Gel Makeup Remover has been a revelation: plush, fast-acting, and gentle on the eyes.
To finish, I’ve been indulging in the *Skin Inc. 24K Gold Sculpt Lift Bar. This little tool brings both relaxation and results, sculpting contours while delivering a luxe facial massage. It has become a must-have at my bedside.
The Color Story: Fresh Faces and Flushed Cheeks
Earlier this month, I had the joy of chatting live with Annie Lawless, founder of LAWLESS Beauty. Beyond motherhood and beauty industry reflections, we celebrated her latest release: the *Make Me Blush cheek color.
These talc-free blushes are buttery, buildable, and incredibly flattering. The seven shades are all wearable, but my personal favorites are Soft Nectar (a peachy pink that feels like summer in powder form), Vintage Love (a plummy neutral pink that flatters every complexion), and Angel Suede (a lustrous peach that glows beautifully on warm days). They deliver that healthy, just-back-from-a-walk flush that makes skin look alive.
For my base, the *SUQQU Nude Wear EX #035 foundation provided the perfect balance of medium coverage and natural finish—it lasts eight-plus hours while looking like real skin. I added a sweep of Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzing Powder in Tan to warm up my complexion, focusing on the perimeters of the face for natural depth. Layered blush (Soft Nectar + Vintage Love) gave my cheeks a radiant, lit-from-within look.
The brushes I reached for? None other than the *Wayne Goss Artist Collection. Each handcrafted tool—with maple handles and soft squirrel hair—makes makeup application feel luxurious. The smaller brush is brilliant for detail, the medium perfect for blush, and the largest ideal for bronzer or powder. They’re the kind of tools that elevate even the simplest makeup routine.
Luminous Lips and Captivating Eyes
No look is complete without a touch of lip and eye color. For lips, I layered Dior Addict Stellar Shine Lipstick in #553 Magnetic Smile—a cool-toned nude pink—with the new *Sisley-Paris Le Phyto Lip Gloss in Paradise. This coral gloss has just enough shimmer to feel sophisticated while staying comfortably hydrating.
On the eyes, I’ve been obsessed with the Roen Eyeshadow in Summer Disco (a warm coppery bronze) paired with Disco (a glimmering platinum blend of gold and silver). Both can be applied with fingertips and last all day without creasing—a dream for summer. To define the waterline, the *Tom Ford Emotionproof Eyeliner in Dominateur remains unbeatable in its staying power.
To set everything in place, the new *BY TERRY Hyaluronic Pressed Hydra-Powder has become a constant companion. Portable yet powerful, it blurs pores, reduces shine, and softens fine lines, all while feeling weightless.
Life, Beauty, and Balance
July has felt like a balancing act between teaching, writing, and savoring small joys at home. Beauty, for me, remains more than just products—it’s ritual, comfort, and sometimes even a form of self-care that keeps me grounded amid uncertainty. These new launches have not only added color and glow but also a renewed sense of play and possibility.
So whether you’re seeking skincare staples that deliver, makeup that feels effortless yet refined, or simply a little beauty escape, this month’s discoveries are worth exploring. After all, the season is about sunshine, warmth, and a touch of radiance—and what better way to embrace it than with a routine that makes you feel your very best?