August, you haven’t let us down in the beauty stakes! This month, we’ve seen an influx of new and noteworthy products arrive on-site, but for this edit, only six new launches could make the cut. If you’re in the market for a new fragrance, or perhaps you want to try something new with your makeup, here’s what we recommend should make its way into your basket and wishlist…

#1 The Sartorial Scent

Van Cleef & Arpels Collection Extraordinaire Santal Blanc Eau de Parfum Spray

I knew that this unusual perfume was going to be a favourite the first time I smelt it trailing across the office a few weeks ago. It has to go down on record as one of my quickest Escentual purchases to date! After a quick spritz, I purchased it at my desk in a matter of minutes – that’s how good it smells. And since wearing it, I’ve had compliment after compliment; it seems to be a real crowd-pleasing scent, that’s for sure!

But why? Well, initially Santal Blanc has a hit of freshness to it, that I’m guessing is down to the mandarin at the top of the fragrance. It then leads to something a lot more sweet and creamy in the heart. Fig milk blends with notes of violet and sandalwood before settling into a less sweet but cosy base of tonka bean and musks. Inspired by the purity of white (incidentally one of my favourite ‘colours’ – if you can call it that!) this is a sophisticated fragrance that is both comforting and quietly sexy. If you’re looking for something that won’t make you smell like everyone else, this is it.

#2 The Trending Eye Liner

GUERLAIN Eye Liner Metallic-To-Glitter Liquid Liner in 03 Burgundy

GUERLAIN’s burgundy liquid liner will make all of your preconceptions about red eyeliner disappear; as this liner makes eyes sparkle, and not look sore.

Burgundy is everywhere right now. Everyone from the likes of GIVENCHY and Benefit has launched burnt reds and deep purple shades for autumn, and I couldn’t be happier. When used correctly, maroon tones make eyes pop, no matter their colour.

Thanks to this liquid’s subtle shimmer and red-brown hue, this liner is the luxe way to wear the red-eye trend well. Its quick-drying formula is just as high end as its outer packaging.

In short, this is one liquid eyeliner that ticks all of the boxes for longevity and ease of application. Believe me, I struggle with flicks, but this brush tip makes fine lines easy, and application extra glamourous!

#3 The Multi-Purpose Mineral Powder

Vichy Mineralblend Tri Colour in Medium

I’ve always been guilty of not paying much attention to the ingredients of the makeup that I put on my skin. My skin has become more sensitised and reactive over time, so the need to start taking note of ingredients is now crucial. Luckily for me, the new Vichy Mineralblend Powder contains natural mineral pigments and is free of any nasty parabens. The bonus? It’s suitable for sensitive skin types too! My go-to shade is medium; it applies so smoothly over my foundation, thanks to the handy sponge inside. It doesn’t appear as a flat matte powder or crease on my skin. Instead, as the name suggests, it offers a naturally radiant finish and gives me that ‘healthy glow’ we all crave – a swap for me going forward from my usual powder.

#4 The Empowering Fragrance

KENZO WORLD POWER Eau de Parfum Spray

I’ve said it before, and I’ll repeat it. KENZO World Power is my favourite fragrance launch of the year. I loved the original World perfume, but Power makes a sexier statement, and that’s what shot this scent to the front of the queue when I was choosing my August favourite.

How does it smell? Honestly, it’s entirely different from the original fragrance, and that’s down to its salty crystal heart. The creaminess of tonka bean in the base is what makes this composition melt on the skin. If you love feminine fragrances that feel fresh and smell unique, you’ll love World Power as much as me.

#5 The Fan Favourite

GUERLAIN Mon Guerlain Intense Eau de Parfum Spray

When I heard that there was a new Mon Guerlain perfume coming out, I had to try it. And I have to say I’m completely taken with this fragrance.

I love anything gourmand, and this scent is definitely that. It’s intensely vanilla aroma won me over instantly, that and the addition of soft florals, and it’s white musk base. The result is an ultra-feminine scent which I can’t get enough of. Not overbearing, the creamy scent is totally wearable. Sweet and sophisticated, I think this is the perfect fragrance for a night out or bold day at the office. But you should be warned; it’s a head-turner.

It’s safe to say that sometimes flankers can be hit or miss, especially in the shadow of such an iconic fragrance. But for me, Mon Guerlain Intense stands apart from the Mon Guerlain EDP and EDT. I’d go as far as to say that I prefer it. It’s a low key hint of lavender, liquorice-like aroma, and altogether sweeter trail has stolen my heart.

#6 The Must-Have Male Scent

Jimmy Choo Urban Hero Eau de Parfum Spray

Since its launch in 2014, Jimmy Choo men’s fragrances have become a firm favourite of mine.

I thought with all the previous iterations within the Jimmy Choo Man range that they had cracked the code. They catered for all times of day, ages, seasons, occasions, all with a superb longevity factor – There’s something for everyone. They couldn’t top this surely? But, lads, if you’re fans of the Man collections, you’re in for a treat!

The composition of this new offering from Jimmy Choo is reminiscent of its predecessors in the opening notes, with lemon caviar and black pepper. The freshness of citrus juxtaposed with fiery pepper, a staple of Jimmy Choo men’s fragrances we’ve come to know and love. Other familiar notes such as grey amber, leather and vetiver are present too, which is also sure to delight Man fans everywhere. But there is a new note – rosewood – giving a lemony-floral heart, which, although new territory for Jimmy Choo, in my opinion, blends seamlessly with the other notes, and offers a fresh, unexpected twist.

Having said that, as you’d expect, it’s a masculine fragrance. But there’s something about this that feels more contemporary. It’s as though they took all the magic that was created with the Man fragrances and somehow made something even cooler, more urban. I also have to say the projection of this fragrance is insane, and I can still smell it hours after spraying it.

Discover More:

• Find out what the team loved using last month in our July Favourites edit.