3 of Cups
There are few people better placed to launch a beauty brand than someone who has spent years testing, reviewing and dissecting the industry. Beauty Editor, Lauren O’Connell enters the founder space with 3 of Cups, a spiritual beauty brand grounded in ritual and self-connection. Its debut launch, The Shower Mask, emerged during Lauren’s breast cancer treatment. The concept was born from the comfort and clarity she found in the shower during one of the most challenging periods of her life.
Rather than demanding another step in an already crowded routine, The Shower Mask transforms a habit most of us already have into an act of care. Designed to cling to damp skin in a warm, steamy environment, the creamy treatment is applied for three to five minutes before rinsing away.
Developed over approximately 50 iterations with a French laboratory, the formula combines polyglutamic acid, sodium hyaluronate, squalane, shea butter, gluconolactone and antioxidant-rich astaxanthin to soften, hydrate and support the skin barrier. It is practical in execution yet deeply personal in intention.
Haruharu Wonder
When temperatures soar and air-conditioning is in constant rotation, skin can end up feeling simultaneously dehydrated and overwhelmed. Korean skincare favourite Haruharu Wonder takes a practical approach with a barrier-first routine built around protection, hydration and gentle cleansing. Among the standouts is the Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen, a lightweight formula that sits comfortably under makeup without leaving a white cast. Pair it with the brand’s Complete Cleansing Duo Kit and you’ve got a fuss-free approach to summer skin.
Clinically tested for skin compatibility, all products are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from unnecessary additives, while maintaining high performance. For summer, that means a routine that is straightforward, SPF for protection, hydration for comfort, and gentle cleansing to reset skin at the end of the day.
King Coco
For anyone looking to streamline their beauty bag before holiday season, King Coco makes a compelling case for the multi-tasking oil. Founded in Dubai by sisters Amel and Yasmine Aitouche, the brand harnesses Sri Lanka’s rare golden king coconut in a formula that’s up to three times lighter than traditional coconut oil. Suitable for hair, skin and body, it can be used as a finishing oil for frizz, a nourishing treatment for dry ends, a cuticle softener or an all-over body oil after long-haul flights and days in the sun.
It even doubles as a lip treatment or cuticle oil. There is an elegance in products that ask very little of us while delivering versatility in return. Available in a travel-friendly 100ml size, King Coco is destined for beach bags, airport lounges and summer weekends away.
Lola From Rio
Brazilian beauty has long understood that hair thrives when treated with the same attention often reserved for skincare. Lola From Rio brings that philosophy to the forefront through vibrant packaging and treatment-led formulas designed to support strands exposed to heat, humidity, chlorine and styling.
Among the standouts is Ela É Carioca Rice Protein Damage Control, a restorative treatment enriched with rice protein and ceramides that helps replenish lost proteins, strengthen weakened strands and improve softness and shine. For those battling frizz and dryness, Pinga! Carrot & Olive Hair Oil offers a lightweight alternative to heavier oils, smoothing flyaways and restoring radiance without sacrificing movement.
The result is haircare that feels both hardworking and joyful. Equal parts practical and indulgent, Lola From Rio offers exactly the kind of support summer-stressed strands tend to crave.
Good again
Sometimes less is definitely more, particularly when it comes to skincare. Lebanese-founded brand Good again is challenging the idea that effective routines need countless steps, instead championing barrier health through minimalist formulas.
Built around hypochlorous acid (HOCl), an ingredient naturally produced by the body’s white blood cells, Good again’s debut collection focuses on supporting skin rather than overwhelming it. The hero product, Worth the Hype, is an antimicrobial facial mist designed to calm visible redness, refresh the complexion and help reduce acne-causing bacteria without compromising the skin barrier. Gentle enough to be used on bare skin, post-workout or even misted over makeup throughout the day, it’s perfect for those navigating sensitivity in the summer heat.
