January 17th, 2020

MAC Cosmetics have dropped a limited-edition collection Lunar Illusions that celebrates the beginning of a new lunar cycle and all that brings. The 12-piece collection reimagines MAC classics, remixed in new palettes and pairings. The gorgeous decorative packaging reflects the intricate patterns of blue, pink and peach seen at China’s ancient Forbidden City. The range includes:

Eyeshadow x9 (£28) a palette with nine shades combining pretty pinks, sky blue and golden tints; Power Blush Duo – Dynastic Fantastic (£28) that pairs coral and peach; four shimmery Lipglass (£17) hues and Lipstick (£19) in four shades of red – the luckiest of all Lunar New Year colours.

The Extra Dimension Skinfinish (£30) in a silvery beige is even embossed with the image of a dragon. Available exclusively from Selfridges and MAC.

Rihanna’s makeup brand Fenty Beauty have just launched their first mascara. Full Frontal Volume, Lift & Curl Mascara (£21) is the ultimate do-it-all mascara designed for full-on, fanned out, eye-opening lashes. It features an exclusive flat-to-fat brush that instantly volumises, lifts, lengthens and curls. 100% cruelty free. Available from Harvey Nichols and Boots.

Barry M are about to launch Lip Rehab (£4.99), a lip mask formulated with avocado, hemp seed oil and vitamin E to soothe lips and prevent UV damage. Available from 29^th January at barrym, Superdrug and larger Boots stores.

Dear Dahlia‘s unique 3D, 13 faceted multi-blender (£10.00) is specially designed to work with multiple products on different areas of the face. As well as making application simple, quick and easy it is so on-trend with its gorgeous marble design! The soft yet dense latex-free sponge blends effortlessly against the skin. The marble design, synonymous with Dear Dahlia products, makes the perfect, prettiest accessory! Use wet for dewy application and dry for full coverage finishes and powders. Replace every 1-3 months. Available now from feelunique.

Algenist have just launched Vegan Genius Collagen Calming Relief (£55) for stressed, irritated skin. This concentrated yet ultra-gentle restorative treatment is specifically formulated to target mild skin discomfort. For all skin types showing signs of sensitivity, this luxurious cream provides a cushioned layer to immediately comfort dryness, tightness and the look of redness associated with rough, dry skin. Combats the look of irritated skin to balance and protect from moisture loss, while restoring bounce and resilience. Skin is left hydrated and protected. Available from spacenk.

White Glo Bright Nights Dissolving Film (£4) is a teeth whitening product specifically designed to give a whitening boost of one shade or more – perfect for MUAs to use with a client before a photo shoot. With no sticky gel when applying or messy strip to dispose after use – these dry, clean, dissolving whitening films can easily be used while you make up your client. Bright Nights contains professional dental teeth whitening ingredients and are absorbed by the tooth enamel to turn yellowing and discolouration into oxygen particles. Cruelty free. Available from asda.

Industry news

This has been a great week for celeb fave beauty and makeup brand Doll Beauty as they have just launched in Boots nationwide. The two ladies who met on a makeup counter in Manchester have gone from strength to strength with the brand, selling in Topshop, PLT and Beauty Bay but this marks a very proud moment for them. Doll Beauty is a favourite with huge global celebs including Khloe Kardashian, Cardi B and Nicole Scherzinger as well as Love Island star Amber Gill. They plan to make moves to launch in the US in 2020 after Khloe Kardashian recently sold out one of their newly launched nude lipsticks.

The Oscar nominations for 2020 were released this week, and are very similar to the BAFTA nominations except that Rocketman has been replaced with Maleficent.

For the 92^nd Academy Awards the nominees in the Achievement in makeup and hairstyling category are:

Bombshell – Kazu Hiro, Anne Morgan, Vivian Baker ,