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The K18 heat protector that restored our editor's bleached hair, plus 3 other August beauty launches we love
These are the ones our editors are actually shopping
Each month, we get hundreds of new beauty launches dropped on our desks, and it’s rather telling to see which pots and potions get nabbed first and which our editors actually go on to buy themselves.
We test thousands of formulations, tools and beauty gadgets each year, you can be sure you’re in safe hands with our recommendations – in true Good Housekeeping style, we won’t include anything that doesn’t genuinely do the trick.
From Victoria Beckham's sexy new Becks-inspired blush to K18's game-changing detangling heat protectant, these are the August launches our editors loved.
Best new beauty launches for August 2025
“Claiming to ensure 85% less breakage after blow drying, K18 has delivered a leave-in conditioner and heat protectant in one, so I don’t have to worry about lugging a whole makeup bag full of products with me to the gym or on my next trip away.
“Plus, this genuinely left my hair flyaway-free and silky-soft after DIY blow-drying, which is no mean feat when you bleach your hair as much as me.” Florence Reeves-White, senior beauty writer
“When you’re married to David Beckham, you might as well use him for beauty inspiration, right? Victoria Beckham's new blusher is designed to replicate ‘an invigorating workout, a sun-soaked afternoon — or anything else that gets the blood flowing…’ Aha, we know what you mean, VB.
“Her blush combines a cheeky afterglow with hydrating skin benefits, and comes in three shades: perky orange Coral, berry mauve Vintage Rose, and Flushed, which is Victoria’s go-to shade. I’ve tried the full trio, and they all switch from a deep shade in the bottle to a luscious, healthy, ‘rush of blood’ effect on the skin. The pipette dropper applicator is a touch fiddly, but if it can replicate the radiance of a Golden Balls moment, it’s got to be worth persevering with!” Lynne Hyland, beauty director
“With a couple of holidays and a festival ahead of me, I was absolutely delighted to try Ultra Violette’s new facial sunscreen (I've made it my mission to wear SPF every single day this year), and like the rest of the brand’s products, it didn’t disappoint. The SPF50 formula has a cooling gel-like texture, so it feels divine to apply on hot days. It sinks in almost immediately and doesn't leave behind any sticky white cast, so there's no excuse not to slap it on each morning.
“I love that it’s enriched with hydrating hyaluronic acid too, which is perfect for replenishing my often-dehydrated skin.” Madeleine Evans, lifestyle writer
“I’m a big blush fan, so when the new Charlotte Tilbury Blush Sticks arrived on my desk, I couldn't wait to try them. I usually gravitate towards liquid blushes, but CT may have converted me to cream. The just melted into my skin, making blending a breeze – perfect for when I need to get ready in a pinch. Simply swipe and tap in with your fingertips. Available in six juicy shades, my go-tos are Peachy Glow, which adds a beautiful warmth to my face, and Pretty Glow, a unique lilac shade.
“Both feature the same Skin Barrier Defence Matrix as the brand's Unreal Foundation, so you get added skincare benefits, too.” Zara Tuck, fashion and beauty assistant
Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.
With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.
When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites
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