Tried & tested: the autumn launches our beauty editor loves

Following its recent rebrand, fashion house Rabanne (they dropped the ‘Paco’) has launched a make-up line exclusively at Selfridges that’s just as shiny as their iconic dresses. Under the guidance of make-up artist Diane Kendal (the brains behind Marc Jacobs Beauty), expect sleek, chrome packaging and punchy pigments. Favourites include the juicy tinted lip balms, colourful eyeshadow palettes and the Colorshot liquid shadows to create metallic magic.

New to Selfridges – and my beauty stash – is Australian brand Flavedo & Albedo, whose love for make-up and desire to limit plastic waste has resulted in a totally plastic-free collection. Expect high-impact waterproof pencils (the lavender one is a fun, easy way to experiment with colour) to multi-tasking Dew Tints in recycled aluminium pots. The Rose shade is your go-to if you’re a fan of the Hailey Bieber-inspired strawberry make-up trend – dot it across your cheeks, cheekbones and the bridge of your nose, then blend with your fingers or a brush.

Dior is back with another limited-edition, seasonal collection (exclusively at Selfridges) that has quickly found its place in my make-up bag. This time, they’ve released two high-pigment palettes in autumnal tones (think: copper, beige and gold), a warm coral blush and two nail polishes (an iridescent pearl and burnt orange with gold flecks.)

If you’ve scrolled through TikTok the past few months, chances are you’ve spotted this viral hit from Hourglass. The Veil Hydrating Skin Tint became one of the most talked-about launches this year, thanks to its super-hydrating formula that creates a dewy, radiant glow and blurs imperfections. The lightweight coverage means it’s great for no-make-up-make-up days, along with a slick of mascara and groomed brows.

One of the very first ‘special’ lipsticks I owned was YSL’s Rouge Pur Couture lipstick. I saved up for a nude-pink shade at university and wore it down to a nub by the time I graduated. Now it’s back with a new-and-improved formula that’s longer lasting and comfortable to wear, thanks to tuberose and prickly pear from the brand’s Ourika Community Gardens in Morocco. Plus, their four bestselling shades are now refillable. 

Augustinus Bader is one of those brands that make people ask, “is it really worth the hype?”. My response: the cult The Cream has won every beauty award going (including a Selfridges Beauty Award) and countless five-star reviews. Its latest launch, The Eye Patches, uses the same TFC8 technology as The Cream to revitalise, brighten and hydrate puffiness and fine lines – perfect for a busy September.

The fashion powerhouse moved into the beauty world this summer – including opening a shiny-new counter at Selfridges London – and has quickly become a bestseller. Inspired by the brand’s iconic fashion archive and powered by AI tech, the line-up includes high-pigment eyeshadow palettes (the 01 colourway is a TikTok favourite), leather-look lipsticks and high-tech skincare.

If you want to maintain your holiday tan (or make up for the lack of British summer sun), a gradual tanner is a great way to nourish your skin while providing a very gentle top-up. Tan-Luxe is one of my favourites for natural, non-streaky tanning – this hydrating, illuminating lotion gives a natural sheen and, over time, will give you a sun-kissed glow. I’ll be packing this for an upcoming holiday for balmy evenings.