Editors' Picks: New launches from Hair by Sam McKnight, Cocoa Brown, REN and more...

Here are the top beauty launch picks of the week from TheIndustry.beauty team.

Liquid Illuminator, Cocoa Brown

If you know me, you'll know I'm always up for trying out a self-tanning brand. I've been meaning to try Cocoa Brown ever since it launched in Superdrug last year. I couldn't possibly add another tanning mousse to my ever-growing collection, so I decided to try its new launch - Liquid Illuminator (£14). Though the tanning brand is aggressively affordable, with its tanning mousses priced at £9.99, I was pleasantly surprised by the weight of the illuminators' packaging before I even got onto the product encased inside.

Now, moving on to the best part. The weightless, non-greasy serum glides on like silk, giving me that summer glow I long for as soon as the temperature hits anything north of 20 degrees. Unlike many radiance boosters that come in the form of oils, I can apply this serum over fake tan without feeling like it’s compromising the longevity.

Not only can it be used to add a sheen to the legs or collarbone, but it can also be mixed with foundation for a dewy boost to your complexion.

Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.

Pure Genius Natural Scalp Restoring Oil

My poor scalp. Until recently, I hadn't given it much thought. It is covered in hair, and I wash said hair far too much, I dye it, I use heat styling tools and I tie it up all the time. I do think about the effect all this has on the hair itself, but until recently, I'd never really thought about the effect it has had on my scalp. Why, I don't know...

Thank goodness, then, for experts like Sam McKnight for making me think more about this and for furnishing me with some great solutions. The celebrated hairdresser has this week unveiled his Pure Genius Natural Scalp Restoring Oik (£36) this week. This oil is formulated with 98% natural ingredients, enriched with over 15 proven hair-enhancing natural oils (many locally sourced).

The expert-selected blend includes those with scalp soothing, scalp moisturising, hair strengthening and scalp stimulating, hair growth benefits. It’s loaded with Omega 3 & 6, Vitamin E, and the clinically proven hero ingredient Crinipan, which regulates sebum production, reduces excess oil, and fights dandruff. Furthermore, Pure Genius is Kind to Biome® certified and restores the scalp's moisture barrier (it has its work cut out with mine), soothing sensitivity, reducing irritation and redness. 

You can also see McKnight's keen interest in his garden and the wider environment at play with his latest launch, as this lightweight oil is infused with a natural fragrance, features a biodegradable oil-dropper and is delivered in a box made from agricultural waste.

Lauretta Roberts, Co-founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief.

Evercalm Sensitive Support SPF50+, REN Clean Skincare

While many of you will have seen the news about REN Clean Skincare's imminent closure - with the brand set to cease trading by the end of 2024 - I wanted to shine a light on its final launch. And trust me, it’s a good one.

Part of the brand's beloved Evercalm range, the new Sensitive Support SPF 50+ is a high-protection sunscreen specifically formulated for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Microbiome friendly, lightweight, non-greasy, and fragrance-free, the formulation defends against UVA, UVB, and five types of pollution, including blue light.

Key ingredients include a unique trio of natural oils rich in omega 3, 6, and 9 to support sensitive skin, as well as niacinamide and an anti-pollution complex for added defense. Priced at £36, the Sensitive Support SPF 50+ is now available online at REN Clean Skincare.

Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Shield SPF 30 

Glow Recipe has added the Watermelon Glow Dew Shield fluid (£32) to its SPF line-up. I've previously tried the Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Balm Sunscreen Stick, which is great for top-ups when you are out and about. It glides on, provides protection and glow and is refreshing in the heat. My daughter stole it from it and has it in her sports bag as part of her essential maintenance kit along with antiperspirant, plasters and energy gels!

However, it hadn't occurred to me to use that one under make-up. It's fantastic. Now, the K-beauty-inspired brand has added this new fluid to the franchise. It is perfect for under-makeup imparting, as the name suggests, a dewy glow as opposed to an oily film, and it doesn't pill or leave you with the dreaded white cast.

It is formulated from a moisture-boosting blend of glycerin, watermelon seed oil, niacinamide and vitamin E to lock in long-lasting nourishment, while helping to unify the skin tone for a brighter finish. It also delivers a pleasing plumpness to the skin, which at my age is most welcome. I like the cute pink packaging, too.

I'll enjoy it while it lasts as I know it shall be stolen from me in the not-too-distant future...

Lauretta Roberts, Co-founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief.