The Beauty Launches Editors Are Actually Using
BY JENNY JUNG
From skincare breakthroughs to everyday staples, these are the editor-approved beauty buys living up to the hype right now.
29 APR - 2025
Tested, loved and now permanently in our makeup bags.
Lately, a few launches have really impressed us at Chatty Chums — not just because they’re beautifully formulated or thoughtfully packaged, but because they actually fit into the rhythm of everyday beauty. And it turns out, we’re not the only ones reaching for them. These are the products fellow editors are also loving right now: skincare staples, makeup must-haves and a few future cult favourites that deserve your attention.
M.A.C MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Acting Natural
One of our favourite launches this season has to be the M.A.C lipstick rebrand/relaunch celebrating a range of the top selling nudes from the last 20 years. Out of all the shades, Acting Natural is a particular fave. This creamy, long-wear lipstick delivers a full-coverage nude with a silky matte finish. If you are in need of a neutral fleshy nude that isn’t too pink or orange, I highly recommend this shade!
M.A.C, MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick, Acting Natural, $46 NZD.
M.A.C Lip Pencil in Cool Spice
MAC Lip Pencil in Cool Spice $46 NZD
https://www.mecca.com/en-nz/mac-cosmetics/lip-pencil-cool-spice-I-075214/
From the same relaunch, Cool Spice is the kind of neutral lip liner that works across seasons and skin tones. Its creamy texture glides on effortlessly, defining lips with a soft, mauve-brown hue that pairs beautifully with both bold and understated lipsticks. I hope this shade is here to stay because I don’t know what I would do without it now.
M.A.C, Lip Pencil, Cool Spice, $46 NZD.
M.A.C Intimate Nudes Eye Palette
Clearly, it’s a M.A.C world and we’re all just living in it! They have been stealing our hearts this year! This palette offers six versatile shades ranging from soft mattes to shimmering metallics. The warm, neutral tones are perfect for creating both everyday looks and more dramatic evening styles. It’s been so easy to reach for this gem and now it goes absolutely everywhere with me.
M.A.C, Connect In Colour X6 Eye Shadow Palette, Intimate Nudes, $98 NZD,
Fenty Beauty You Mist Makeup-Extending Setting Spray
As soon as I laid my eyes on this setting spray, I knew I would fall in love with it. I expected my skin to feel a bit more hydrated as most setting sprays are good at doing that, but I was pleasantly surprised at how budge-proof my look had become throughout the night. Plus, this setting spray is free of alcohol and fragrance which is perfect for anybody with sensitive skin.
Fenty Beauty, You Mist Makeup-Extending Setting Spray, $51 NZD.
Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser
Now available at MECCA, this gentle yet effective cleanser combines kale, green tea and spinach to remove any impurities or remaining makeup from your oil cleanse without drying the skin. If you’re like me and you’ve been searching for a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin (especially in the mornings), Youth To The People have got it right! I highly recommend this product for anybody who has sensitive or acne prone skin. It's a daily essential for a fresh, glowing complexion.
Youth To The People, Superfood Cleanser, $60 NZD.
Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder in Ube Birthday Cake
This limited-edition lilac loose powder not only sets makeup but also brightens and blurs the skin for a healthy-looking complexion. It's perfect for baking and achieving an airbrushed finish especially if you have a medium to medium deep skin tone. Lately, I have been obsessed with matte skin so I have been loving this powder to set my blush in place. We recently did a deep dive into the collection so if you’re on the fence about purchasing any of the Ube products from Huda, I’ll leave the link below for our full review!
Huda Beauty, Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder, Ube Birthday Cake, $72 NZD.
Smashbox SBX Rated Hot Stx Cream Blush Stick
Smashbox's SBX Rated Hot Stx Cream Blush Stick is a limited-edition, ultra-vivid cream blush with a dewy, skin-like finish. The cushiony formula blends effortlessly over makeup and melting into skin. With the weather getting colder, this blush is the perfect way to cheer up your day with bold shades such as "Ultraviolet" and "Poppy Pic."
Smashbox, SBX Rated Hot Stx Cream Blush Stick, $45 NZD.
bareMinerals BAREPRO 24HR Skin Perfecting Powder Foundation
Ever since I heard the news that MAC was reformulating the iconic Studio Fix Foundation Powder, I knew that matte was back. This talc-free powder foundation offers full coverage with a natural matte finish that is perfect for setting the undereyes for an added boost of coverage. I’ve found it to be long-wearing without the creasy mess and I have been loving it for my nights out.
bareMinerals, BAREPRO 24HR Skin Perfecting Powder Foundation, $79 NZD.
Glossier You Fleur EDP
Personal fragrance, as well as home fragrance, is something every beauty editor is passionate about. That said, a Glossier fragrance being one of the faves of the season wasn’t on my bucket list, especially as someone who loves niche perfumery. But, what can I say? Glossier really has their perfume team locked in because every You EDP release has been absolutely slaying it. If you're a self-proclaimed it-girl, owning a Glossier You fragrance is practically a prerequisite. You Fleur is the newest edition to the Glossier EDP family and it is every bit as good as the others. The mineral salt blend and ambroxan helps ground this otherwise fresh and floral fragrance, and it’s perfect for the colder seasons ahead. Not everyone wants to smell like a cinnamon vanilla latte just because it’s autumn!
Glossier, You Fleur, EDP, $146 NZD.
Glasshouse Fragrances Country Couture Candle
Working remotely means a seasonal candle is key! Who doesn’t love a new candle? You need to get your hands on the new limited edition Glasshouse Country Couture Candle featuring notes of bergamot, pink pepper, rose, redcurrant, nectarine, patchouli and tonka. Yes, it smells amazing but just look at the packaging! It is an absolute must have.
Glasshouse Fragrances, Country Couture Candle, $65 NZD.
These products aren’t just trending, they’re genuinely *that* good. Well formulated, beautifully packaged and, most importantly, editor-approved. Whether you're refreshing your routine or simply curious about what’s worth the hype, these picks are a great place to start.
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