The June Shortlist: Products That Earned a Spot in My Routine

BEAUTY

29 June

If I’m being honest, June is usually my slow month when it comes to trialling new beauty products.

It’s cold, it’s dark by 5pm, and all I want to do is stay warm, drink tea and do as little as possible.

It’s also my birthday month (shout out to all the fellow June babies!), which means I’m either way too busy… or in full-blown hermit mode.

But in between winter hibernation here in Melbourne, I stumbled across a handful of new-to-me products some from Australian brands I hadn’t tried before and all-time favourites, which I up sticking with them.

Here’s what made the cut.

Begin Again Restore Serum, $68.00

Let’s start with a hydrating serum that genuinely surprised me.

The Restore Serum by Begin Again is the kind of product that feels like skincare and self-care rolled into one.

Formulated by a Naturopath, this serum targets fine lines, pigmentation, and dehydration without irritating my skin (which is no easy feat in a Melbourne winter with sensitive skin).

The run down:

It plumps and softens my skin without that sticky or heavy feeling
My complexion looks noticeably more even and bright after two weeks
The ingredient lineup is lush, calendula, gotu kola, licorice, chamomile all soothing.

Prime Skin Glass Mist (2-in-1), $42.00

This fine, lightweight mist is part hydrating toner, part glow booster.

I’ve been using it post-cleansing and pre-makeup for that juicy, glass-skin vibe.

It does have a bit of fragrance, I do like the scent, smells gorgeous but my sensitive skin didn’t appreciate it.

I got the usual “red flush” which went away after half an hour.

Prime Skin Ready to Glow (3-in-1), $56.00

A multitasking jelly-serum that does the most.

This oil-free formula is your moisturiser, primer, and serum all in one, it delivers a juicy hit of hydration while instantly absorbing into the skin (no stickiness here).

The cooling steel roller applicator sculpts, depuffs and feels so luxe.

Skincare shortcut? Absolutely.

Mad Margot Day Crème SPF50 Mineral Moisturiser, $64.00

This is your SPF, moisturiser, and skin barrier protector in a bottle. I’d heard good things about Mad Margot, and now I get the hype.

Their Day Crème is zinc-based, gives my skin a dewy-but-not-greasy finish, and works beautifully under makeup.

The run down:

Broad spectrum SPF50 with zero white cast
Hydrates without clogging my pores
Ticks the “mineral sunscreen” and “Aussie made” boxes
The packaging is very lux, but very heavy so not travel friendly
Non-greasy
The pump is very hard to press on to get the product out

Everyday by Frank Body Essentials Face Wash + Gel Moisturiser, $29.99

If you’re looking for a skincare starter set that’s gentle, effective and doesn’t overwhelm young skin with a million actives, Frank Body’s Everyday Essentials Set is such a win and yes, I tried it myself (in the name of research, of course).

Curated with tweens and all skin types in mind, this duo keeps it simple and nourishing no fragrance, no essential oils, and no irritation.

Just clean, calming hydration that actually feels good.

First up, the Everyday Hydrating Face Wash is a low-foam, non-stripping cleanser that removes dirt and makeup without leaving skintight.

It’s packed with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, so it keeps things soft and soothed even after rinsing.

Then comes the Everyday Hydrating Gel Moisturiser a lightweight, serum-meets-moisturiser hybrid that layers like a dream.

It hydrates without the grease (perfect for oily or combo skin) and feels so fresh on the face.

About Skin Tween

I purchased this curated duo from Skin Tween.

Skin Tween is an online shop created specifically for tweens.

It’s your go-to destination for gentle, age-appropriate skincare that’s made with young skin in mind.

No harsh actives, no overwhelming routines just clean, simple products that help tweens build healthy skin habits from the start.

Michelle, the founder of Skin Tween, is a certified makeup artist and organic skincare formulator who’s spent over a decade sharing natural beauty tips online.

After struggling to find age-appropriate skincare for her niece, she created Skein Tween a gentle, no-fuss range made just for teens and tweens.

Her site is full of tips, tutorials, and honest advice for young skin (and the parents who feel a bit lost).

Check it out- your teen’s skin will thank you!

DEIA COSMETICS LIPCUSH® Maximum Moisture Lip Plumping Oil, $38.00

I wasn’t expecting this to become my new handbag essential but here we are. LIPCUSH by DEIA COSMETICS is so much more than just a glossy moment.

It’s a plumping lip oil that gives me that juicy pout without the usual tingle or stickiness.

The run down:

Delivers real hydration one slick swipe
Smell delish, glides on smooth, and feels like a balm/oil hybrid
Leaves lips looking full and glossy without feeling coated
I don’t now if it plumps, tbh but it definitely tingles a tiny but, like a nice tingle

DEIA COSMETICS STANDSTILL® Oil Balancing Mist & Setting Spray, $52.00

STANDSTILL® by DEIA is a skincare mist and a setting spray aka a lifesaver for those shiny T-zone afternoons.

My skin is dry but it didn’t dry me out so I think dry girlies would enjoy this too.

The run down:

Doubles as a barrier-friendly toner and setting spray
The scent is so fresh (think lemon myrtle)
Includes a smart Aussie blend—Davidson plum, waratah flower, red algae that helps with inflammation and barrier health

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask – Eggnog Latte (Holiday Edition), $32.00

Shop: Matcha Bubble Tea and Taro Bubble Tea Lip Sleeping Mask

Yes, it’s a holiday edition.

It smells like a bougie dessert.

It’s giving Christmas in July.

The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask in Eggnog Latte has a creamy, nostalgic scent and does what it promises keeps my lips hydrated and flake-free through cold nights and heaters running full blast.

There’s a few other limited edition flavours out, including Matcha Bubble Tea and Taro Bubble Tea available right now.

The run down:

Leaves my lips super soft by morning
The scent is weirdly comforting and not overpowering

Luna Bronze Self-Tanning Jelly, $38.95

I’ve been off self-tanners for a bit (lazy girl era), but the Luna Bronze Self-Tanning Jelly got me back on the glow train.

It’s a gradual tanner that feels more like a luxe gel moisturiser and gives me that subtle golden warmth without looking patchy or smelling like a burnt coconut.

The run down:

Easy to apply and no streaks
Smells normal, not fake tan-y
Aussie-made and vegan-friendly
Gives a natural looking tan
The purple texture is a lot of fun

Final Thoughts

June might’ve been quiet on the social front, but these product finds gave my routine a little something to get excited about.

Whether you’re after a hydrating serum or an SPF that doesn’t mess with your makeup, these are the winter-approved faves I’ll be keeping on rotation.

If you’ve tried any of these or have winter skincare recs of your own, drop them in the comments.

I’m always up for discovering more hidden gems (even if I am wrapped in a blanket while doing so).

Note: All products in this list were purchased myself, besides the Lip Sleeping Mask. Article may contain affiliate links.

Ellie Bunic (She/Her)

Queen of masking and multi-tasking, Ellie is a self-proclaimed self-care and beauty lover. Founding VAMS Beauty from a love of Australian Made Beauty and Wellness Brands created by women, you can also find Ellie at @ellie.vams on Instagram elevating all things woman owned.

https://www.vamsbeauty.com/