Five New Beauty Innovations I'm Excited About For Autumn (And Think You Need To Try)

I adore beauty in all its facets, but more often than not the 'newness' that lands on my desk is just a re-packaged or re-marketed version of something that we've all been using for years. When I spot something innovative that will really make my life easier, my routine more fruitful or my skin even more fabulous, then it really is something to get a little excited about. Yet another smokey eyeshadow palette, face cream or nail polish is all well and good, but the bits and bobs that genuinely excite me push boundaries and meet a need - whether we're aware of it or not. This Autumn (can I call it Autumn?) there are a few bits and bobs I think are genuinely worth getting in a flap over and offer up something new; all five of them slip into my regime and offer an enhanced version of what I already have, which is what it should be all about. Here are five beauty innovations I think you need to try... And why.

1. Look Good Feel Better Anti-Bacterial Brush Set (£35.00)
It's safe to say that very few of us clean our brushes as often as we should. These warm and fluffy environments harbour oodles of bacteria that can multiply and transfer to our skin, causing all manner of problems that include irritation and breakouts. Although these LGFB brushes aren't an excuse to put off cleaning your tools for even longer, the innovation is rather exciting and makes me wonder why more brands haven't embraced the concept. Utilising the latest antimicrobial technology to help eradicate harmful bacteria and keep your bristles hygienically clean, these super soft, cruelty free and synthetic brushes help keep your tools fresher for longer. Each brush is treated with a non-toxic, hypoallergenic compound that will help keep harmful bacteria (including E Coli) at bay; in clinical trials the treatment was found to stop bacteria from taking hold and reducing the presence by up to 100% - that's hard to not get on-board with. The brushes themselves are soft and a pleasure to use, while every purchase helps support Look Good Feel Better (the only charity that specifically deals with the visible side-effects of cancer treatment via advice, workshops and masterclasses) via a 10% donation. Cleaner brushes and support for those that really need it? I'm in.

2. Elizabeth Arden Bold Liquid Lipstick (£18.00)
New lipsticks are ten a penny, but right now new liquid lipsticks seem to be landing more often than the number 73 bus. However, these beautifully designed limited edition incarnations bring something a little more covetable to the party - thanks to their incredibly pigmented, yet comfortable, formula and an innovative applicator. Infused with conditioning emollients and micro-fine pigments, the rich formula glides over lips to provide high-impact colour that doesn't budge; the tapered applicator tip is perfectly designed to follow the arch of the cupid's bow, helping to create the perfect finish that doesn't feather or bleed. So many times I've gotten in a flap by not being able to perfectly apply lipstick to the curves of my pout, but these make it super easy to create a flawless shape. Available in eight shades, these are an utter pleasure from the moment they touch your lips; I adore the bold Raspberry pink tone, but equally the Daring Beige provides a great nude way to update your look for autumn. Don't underestimate the power of a well thought out applicator!

3. James Read H20 Tan Mist (£20.00)
Although I love the way a little golden glow makes me feel, I can't deny that I'm incredibly lazy when it comes to applying a touch of fake tan. I need easy to use, fast drying, scent light and innovative formulas that effortlessly slip into my regime - and this revolutionary facial tan mist provides all that and more. James Read is known as the king of tanning, and his H2O Tan Mist proves he's at the forefront of beauty innovation by thinking out of the box; this lightweight cooling spray not only revitalises and refreshes, but delivers a natural-looking glow too. Infused with subtle tanning pigments that develop over the course of a day or two, as well as pure rose water, vitamins and minerals to offer anti-ageing benefits, hydration and rejuvenation, the mist can be spritzed onto cleansed skin before makeup or at the end of the day before your usual night cream. (You can even apply over makeup for a little refreshing boost throughout the day too!) Fast-drying and easy-to-use, you can control your depth of colour and build a gradual tan that intensifies with each application - putting you back in the driving seat of your facial tanning. The scent is quite intense and takes a little getting used to, but the concept and subtle result is well worth the temporary sacrifice of your nostrils. 

4. Albus & Flora Multi-Active Lipbalms (£10.00)
It's really hard to come up with an innovative lip balm formula, because it's all been done before ten times over. However, I do really like the concept and design of the Albus & Flora lip range which makes lip care a bit more sexy (and more importantly, useful!) than it has been over the last few years. These 'high-performance' lip balms claim to support the skin's barrier function, stimulating natural cell renewal and regeneration for softer, healthier, younger looking lips over time - as well as instantly soothing dryness. Formulated with alpine rose extract, cranberry and raspberry seed oil to protect against sun damage, these balms can also be used to protect against the drying effects of sun, sea, wind and cold. In a nutshell, they're a one-stop shop to help protect from the elements, instantly soothe and provide long-term skincare benefits too; it's basically everything you could want from a lip product all rolled into one little bullet. What's even better is that they're also available in three tinted versions, so you can add a touch of colour simultaneously, and come packaged in super sleek soft-touch tubes. If you think £10.00 for a lip balm is pricey, then this is basically the only one you'll ever need... Park the candy coloured formulas and embrace something that's more suited to the needs of grown-ups.

5. Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Ageing Foundation (£45.00)
It's the one product most of us apply across our entire complexions on a daily basis, so it absolutley makes sense to infuse foundation with skincare benefits. Elizabeth Arden's Prevage skin care line is incredibly successful and provides an innovative way of delivering much needed care, but for the first time ever they're combining their anti-ageing technology with their colour cosmetics knowledge to create a hybrid that we're all going to want to embrace. Not only does this lightweight formula glide over skin to smooth, conceal and add radiance, but the infusion of a powerful antioxidant continuously repairs to help it look even better over time; hydra-pigments help to instantly blur away fine lines, while moisture is sealed in to help plump and refresh the look of skin. Whether you're a skincare obsessive like me (who while wholeheartedly embrace anything to keep those fine lines at bay a little longer,) or a lazy bones who just wants an easy way to look good, this foundation has it all in droves. The only downside is the price - but seeing as you're getting a tube of serum and foundation in one, it makes it a touch more justifiable. 

Which innovation are you most excited about from those I've listed above?

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