The the most practical purchase on this list is an aerosol finishing spray with firm hold, so a blowout survives the walk from the car to the office door. Ivy extract and safflower seed oil sit in the formula alongside a UV filter that helps protect colour. Worth knowing: it’s fragranced, with citrus peel oils in the mix.

Good Girl balances light and dark in a way that feels playful yet sophisticated. Sweet jasmine is layered against cocoa, tonka, almond and coffee for a fragrance that’s indulgent without being overwhelming. Housed in its now-iconic stiletto bottle, this is a scent that feels as glamorous as it looks—perfect for evenings when you want to bring out your confident, sultry side.

Monsoon and gourmand fragrance are a known pairing, and this one leans into it. Italian bergamot, mandarin and almond open it, ylang ylang and upcycled rose oil sit in the middle, and it lands on a double vanilla and tonka bean base. Carolina Herrera calls it a fresh powdery floral. In practice it’s the almond that people notice, warm without going heavy in damp air.

This was reformulated in 2024, and the change is the reason this keeps selling. The finish is soft-matte, coverage is medium to full and buildable, and it holds through sweat and humidity for up to 24 hours. Hyaluronic acid and red algae extract handle hydration, and sugar kelp extract handles the oil. It's oil-free, and M.A.C describes it as non-acnegenic. Shade counts vary by market, so check the range on the product page.

This sunscreen redefines sun protection with its lightweight, non-greasy formula that blends seamlessly into the skin. Enriched with rice extract and probiotics, it hydrates, nourishes, and brightens, making it more than just a sunscreen. With no white cast, it’s ideal for all skin tones and a dream under makeup. ‍

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Pro tip: Use a two-finger length for optimal coverage and reapply every two hours for maximum protection when outdoors.

Korean sunscreens have long had the game figured out: lightweight textures, skin-loving ingredients and absolutely zero white cast. Beauty of Joseon’s cult-favourite sunscreen checks every single box—and then some. If you’ve been on Instagram anytime recently, chances are you’ve seen your favourite skinfluencer casually slathering it on mid-routine. It’s become a go-to for a reason: packed with niacinamide, it keeps sebum and moisture levels in check, so you’re never greasy, just glowy. It’s also infused with rice bran and a fermented grain complex that gives it that creamy, hydrating feel without weighing you down. Pro tip: apply at least 15 minutes before heading out the door to let it do its thing.

Beauty of Joseon’s sunscreen isn’t just about protection—it hydrates, too. Packed with rice and probiotics, it helps nourish your skin while keeping it safe from the UV rays. It’s a smooth, lightweight formula that will quickly become your everyday go-to. So restock in bulk to keep your skin covered all year round.

Sun protection is recommended from the age of six months onwards—so you really have no excuse for skipping SPF in your getting-ready routine in the AM. Clinical studies have proven that consistent usage of sunscreen can slow down signs of ageing and the easiest way to hop on the train is with a lightweight, non-greasy formula like this probiotic-enhanced cream by Beauty of Joseon.

“I don’t even like sunscreen, but this one makes me feel like I’m applying skincare, not sunblock,” creative producer Devika writes to me. “Zero white cast, layers well with makeup and my skin looks like I drank two litres of water. I keep one in every bag.”

Finish: Skin-like | Texture: Lightweight cream

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This cult-favourite behaves more like a nourishing moisturiser than a typical SPF. The rice extract adds softness, and the finish is a “your skin but better” glow. It layers effortlessly under foundation sticks, cream blushes and tinted moisturisers, without interference. It’s not for those after oil control or grip, but if you want your makeup to melt in naturally, this is a strong pick.

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Most dads know they should wear sunscreen, but that doesn’t mean they actually do. The usual complaints are familiar: it feels sticky, leaves a white cast or has a thick texture. This Korean bestseller helps remove some of that friction with a lightweight, creamy texture that blends easily and feels more like a moisturiser than a traditional sunscreen. It offers broad-spectrum protection, while rice extract, fermented grains and niacinamide help keep the skin hydrated and balanced.

Cloud cover isn’t sun protection, and enough people acted on that. The current formula runs four filters in a lightweight creamy lotion that finishes dewy with no white cast. Rice extract sits second on the ingredients list at 30%, with niacinamide, grain and soy ferments, green tea and ginseng behind it. It’s fragrance-free, which is part of the appeal for reactive skin.

This is arguably the most monsoon-specific thing here. It’s a leave-in smoothing cream from professional haircare brand 3TENX, water-based and silicone-led, with dimethicone second on the list doing the frizz work. Argan oil, jojoba seed oil, biotin and hydrolysed silk follow. The brand reports 62% of users noticed smoother, frizz-controlled strands. But if you avoid silicones, this one won’t be for you.

A small bottle with a specific job, this oil emulsifies the second it meets water and turns into a silky milk, so your skin doesn’t come out of the shower feeling stripped. The sweet almond oil is from Provence, and is rich in omega 6 and 9. The almond scent is soft and sweet, and it lingers on skin a little after you towel off.

CeraVe’s ceramide and hyaluronic acid formula has built a loyal following for good reason. MVE technology releases moisture gradually through the day so skin stays hydrated well past the initial application, instead of drying out a few hours in. The cream itself is fairly light for a barrier-repair formula, absorbing at a steady pace and settling into a soft, cushioned finish. It’s a dependable pick for the days monsoon swings the other way entirely and dryness creeps in despite all the humidity outside, which happens more often than people expect.

This is a rich, non-greasy cream for face and body with three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and MVE technology that releases hydration over 24 hours. Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, developed with dermatologists and suitable for eczema-prone skin, the 50ml fits in a handbag too.

Looking for long, defined lashes that hold up through the day? This waterproof mascara delivers just that. Its flexible brush reaches even the tiniest lashes, while the bamboo-infused formula adds length and volume without clumping or flaking. A great pick for humid days or for anyone with watery eyes, it layers well and is easy to control—even for makeup newbies.

This mascara creates long and lifted lashes with a defined, fanned-out effect. The slim, flexible brush reaches even the smallest lashes, helping you build length without clumping or heaviness. The waterproof formula holds curl and resists smudging, making it well suited for long days and late nights alike.

Sky High has stayed at the top of mascara recommendations across price points for a reason. The flexible brush reaches every lash from root to tip and the waterproof formula holds a curl through the day without flaking or smudging. It builds nicely too—one coat for something natural, two or three when you want more drama. With Maybelline at up to 50% off this Tira Turns Three sale, this one practically restocks itself.

Waterproof mascara in monsoon needs no explanation. The Flex Tower wand bends to coat root to tip, and the bamboo extract and fibre formula builds length and curl without flaking or smudging. It’s ophthalmologist-tested, and Maybelline says it works for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. You’ll need a waterproof remover to take it off, so factor that in.