An ultra-rich concoction said to promote the skin’s ability to strengthen and repair itself. An encapsulated form of retinol – released only upon coming into contact with skin enzymes – is said to fill wrinkles so effectively that it has a lifting effect. To further firm and smooth, a seaweed complex encourages the production of hyaluronic acid and better-quality keratinocytes (these produce keratin), while another ginseng-infused complex helps boost the ability of fibroblasts in skin to produce collagen.

Meet the serum addition to the Japanese beauty giant’s holistic-esque Future Solution LX range that’s less about anti-ageing than it is about revitalising skin. What’s in it: enmei, a herb said to have powerful regenerating properties; and a green tea derivative dubbed “Green Tea Silk” to soften and hydrate. When combined, the result is a formula that reportedly leaves the complexion looking more luminous and youthful over time.

Said to be the first serum that targets the entire eye area (brows included) – in other words, where signs of ageing tend to be the most obvious. Formulated with the brand’s signature Caviar Premier technology and Exclusive Cellular Complex, it’s said to give more definition to eye contours and eyebrows, tighten the upper lids, smooth the lower lids, reduce the appearance of crow’s feet, and diminish puffiness. How’s that for an eye-opening treat?

An update of the brand’s famously high-end – and highly effective – serum 10 years after its debut. Its tweaked formula now has what the brand calls “Metabolic Ferment”, a plant stem cell-packed complex said to increase the natural production of collagen, as well as an additional dose of the regenerative Miracle Broth and Concentrated Miracle Broth. Coupled with the antioxidant-rich Lime Tea Concentrate, this is said to keep future damage at bay while improving firmness and reducing signs of inflammation and the appearance of pores.

Another bestseller that turns 10 this year, this watery formula continues to promote skin that looks healthier and more youthful by keeping the skin’s microbiome in a balanced state. What’s new now: It’s been enriched with prebiotics and probiotics so that it’s even more effective at strengthening the skin’s defence against aggressors.

Cue The Inkey List, the “anti-BS” company based in Britain that debuts at Sephora this month. Besides refraining from testing on animals and working only with suppliers who do the same, it makes it a point to not sell in countries that make animal testing compulsory (yes, such places actually exist). Its pure, honest-to-goodness ethos is also reflected in its minimalist packaging and formulas: Each product is based on a single ingredient.

Our pick? Its Turmeric Cream Moisturiser that harnesses the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of one of beauty’s current It ingredients. With vitamin E as well to additionally help soothe and smooth skin, this moisturiser is said to reduce the appearance of wrinkles while rehydrating and brightening the complexion.

Also launching recently at Sephora (though only on its website for now): the US-based, all-natural Biossance that uses sustainably sourced, 100 per cent plant-derived squalane – usually obtained from shark liver oil – in all its products. The ingredient is said to be extremely hydrating, and nothing proves this better than the brand’s 100% Squalane Oil, which can be used on the face, hair and body. Besides instantly moisturising and locking in said moisture to leave skin and locks soft and smooth, it is said to accelerate the cell turnover rate to quicken damage repair.

This well-loved moisturiser has been refreshed with the addition of plant-derived ceramides to help improve the skin barrier and protect against everyday stressors. Add antioxidant-rich fermented green tea and omega acids, which help skin retain moisture, and you get a lightweight salve for dry, tired complexions.

The newest offering of this Peta-approved brand is a heavy-duty take on its signature daily two-step peel. This extra-strength version sees the inclusion of seven acids, antioxidants and vitamins that help skin shed dead cells as well as excess oil and impurities – all while evening out skin tone and smoothing its texture.

For products that can’t be housed within glass vials – like its new hydrating, sensitive skin-friendly Babe Balm – a bioplastic material derived from biodegradable sugarcane is used instead. And the sugarcane is grown in south-west Brazil, where there is no rainforest. 

Another brand that pays attention to its choice of packaging: the French Gallinee that uses only recyclable plastic and avoids all secondary packaging. What this means: The tube of its popular Face Mask & Scrub – enriched with purifying kaolin white clay and revitalising sea minerals – pictured here, comes as is because, really, don’t we just always end up throwing the box away?

YSL Beaute All Hours Setting Powder is available in 24 shades, the brand has also made it a point to create an additional universal version. As good as weightless and said to instantly absorb oils to mattify skin, set foundation and keep the complexion shine-free for 24 hours, the latter is created with translucent microspheres that are buildable and reportedly won’t cake.

To avoid the risk of using potentially offensive terminology (even Rihanna’s pro-diversity Fenty Beauty has been guilty of it), beauty giants are reconsidering their naming system. Take Dior, which categorises its foundation shades with numerics and the alphabet “CR” (for cool undertones), “N” (for neutral) and “W” (for warm). Its latest include the deeply hydrating Dior Prestige Le Micro-Fluide Teint de Rose, the first foundation from the high-end line to contain Rose de Granville micronutrients and gold-infused rose micro-pearls to boost radiance and give you a rosy complexion;

And the Dior Forever Couture Perfect Cushion, a 24-hour-wear compact that has moisturising wild pansy extract and the line’s signature rose fruit extract to fight external stressors. 

Think of this skincare-makeup hybrid as Facetune in a bottle with a complex of radiance-boosting ultra-micronised mother-of-pearl, colour-correcting pigments and blurring micro-powders to give the overall effect of augmented instant perfection. It’s been reformulated for the third time with more skincare ingredients – and benefits. Shea butter nourishes and softens, while soothing vitamin B3 counterbalances the harmful effects of toxins to boost radiance, neutralise yellowing and redness, and accelerate cellular renewal. Over time, it is also said to improve skin quality.

A sleeping mask for your lips that doubles as a cleanser to remove remnants of other products. The “Recovery” version soothes and promotes skin regeneration with an ingredient derived from the centella plant and liquorice extract. For an even more kissable natural pout, apply the “Moisture” version that is made using water from the roots of the angelica acutiloba and cnidium herbs, and jujube extract to deeply quench lips. Ceramide further locks in the moisture and smooths roughness.