Editors' Picks: New launches from Wonderskin, AKT London, Merit and more...

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

Clean Volume Mascara, Merit

My three essentials for getting through the heatwave? Ice water, a Shark Chill Pill and tubing mascara. While the rest of my make-up melts minutes after I apply it, tubing mascara is saving my dignity. A boost to my supplies arrived this week from minimalist make-up maestros Merit.

Merit's range is tightly edited, so any new launch has to earn its keep. This one certainly does. Developed in Japan, the Clean Volume Mascara delivers buildable volume without the clumps, lumps and spikes that can so often appear (particularly on the second pass of the wand) with other, lesser formulas.

I think the clean finish is as much down to its innovative, petite brush as it is to the 'Lash Wrap Formula', which contains shea butter, plant waxes and tubing film formers. The brush grabs every lash and one swipe delivers impressive, lasting results; but by all means go in for a second coat if you wish.

My favourite part? It comes in brown! It didn't feel that long ago that I was lamenting the lack of brown mascara options on this page and recently, four very good ones have landed on my desk (shout-outs to Glow For It, UK Lash and No7).

I know there are MUAs and brand founders who insist you should only wear black mascara, but I just can't. At least not for everyday wear. If you are a devotee to black mascara, though, Merit has your back on this too as there's also a black version. (And if you don't like tubing mascara, you can turn to the existing Clean Lash option in the Merit line-up).

Finally, while Clean Volume Mascara can survive a sticky heatwave day, it's also easy to remove at the end of the day with warm water.

Available now at www.meritbeauty.com for £24.

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

The Fabulous Five Discovery Set, AKT London

Good God, it’s hot! There, I said it. London has been in the grip of a heatwave this week, and my deodorant has been working overtime.

I like to change my deodorant scents in the same way I change my fragrance. Enter stage left: AKT London’s The Fabulous Five Discovery Set, which features travel-friendly mini deodorant balms, perfect for holidays and carrying around the city. It’s also a great way to trial the fragrances.

Available now at www.aktlondon.com for £25 (subscription) or £30 (one-time purchase).

Antony Hawman, Co-founder & CPO.

Dercos Anti-Dandruff DS Shampoo refill, Vichy 

I’m not sure I’ve ever had a better-timed parcel land on my desk this week. I’d just returned to work on Monday after annual leave - during which I managed to burn my scalp and then deal with the inevitable peeling (a beauty sin, I know, and I’m still mortified).

So when I opened the box and found Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff DS Shampoo, it went straight into my shower in a slightly desperate attempt to calm my irritated, flaking middle parting. I’ll say this much: used alongside a gentle exfoliant, it genuinely helped!

Designed for those dealing with dandruff, scalp irritation and itchiness, this dermatologist-developed formula works to visibly reduce flakes while helping to rebalance the scalp.

While the formula itself isn’t new, the refill format is - making it a more eco-conscious option for regular users. If you struggle with dandruff (and apparently around 1 in 2 people experience it at some point), the refill system makes it easier to stay consistent while cutting down on plastic waste and keeping your scalp feeling healthy.

Available now for £18 at Lookfantastic.

Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer. 

Limited-edition summer flavour, Humantra

My main aim this week has been to stay hydrated while this heatwave takes over the UK. I use electrolytes in my daily life, not just when I’m working out. Humantra is one of my favourite brands, as it manages to keep its electrolytes juicy without making them overly sweet.

Free from sugar and artificial additives, Humantra Pineapple is a clean, plant-based drink created for everyday use. Formulated with essential electrolytes, minerals and natural ingredients, it supports hydration at a cellular level, helping to improve energy, focus and recovery.

This limited-edition flavour will be available in-room at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower in London as part of its hospitality partnership and also to buy from from www.humantra.co.uk.

Price for 20 servings £22.40 (subscription) or £28 (one-time purchase).

Antony Hawman, Co-founder & CPO.

Wild X LoveShackFancy collection

It's not only the hottest week we've ever had in June, it's also London Climate Week. What timing! It's got me thinking again about what actions I can take, big and small, to make the world a slightly better place.

One of the things I have been trialling are refillable and alternative packaging skincare and beauty products – from lipsticks (Louis Vuitton is doing it now, so it's officially turned luxe) to switching to hard soap (that giant soap bar from Loewe is on my wishlist).

Another everyday essential that we use daily though (these days probably more than once) is deodorant, and it's another category where I've been exploring more eco-friendly options.

While I never really thought about my deodorant bottle as something to show off (they are rather plain, aren't they?), one of the OG refillable brands, Wild, is proving me wrong. The brand, which launched in 2020, is releasing a new limited-edition collection of refillable deodorant cases with global fashion and lifestyle brand LoveShackFancy - and they are so cute.

The packaging is whimsical, with lots of romantic florals and vintage-inspired prints, and you can choose scents that match this mood perfectly - from Hibiscus & Coconut to Pear Blossom.

The collaboration also extends to its body wash and lip balm ranges, so you can make it a part of different aspects of your daily life.

The Wild x LoveShackFancy collection will be available in Boots and on Wild's website from 5 July.

Camilla Rydzek, Senior News and Features Writer.

Supergirl collaboration, Wonderskin

Wonderskin has partnered with DC Studios on a limited-edition collaboration tied to the cinema release of the new Supergirl film.

The limited-edition Supergirl set brings together a selection of products, including the bestselling All-Day Lip Stain in an exclusive new shade, “Supergirl”, Top Gloss in “Silver Glitter”, Galactic collectible compact mirror and a metallic cosmetic clutch.

The collection is launching at Selfridges and Brown Thomas alongside the film’s release. The collaboration is positioned around themes associated with the character’s portrayal, including strength, confidence and self-expression, as part of a broader cultural tie-in between beauty and entertainment.

Available now at Selfridges, priced at £36.

Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.