Every month, Vogue Scandinavia’s senior beauty editor, Josefin Forsberg, sift through piles of press samples (and the odd late-night “add to basket” purchase) in search of formulas that actually deserve your shelf space. June’s line-up reflects everything the Scandinavian summer throws at us: waterproof mascaras that hold up against surprise storms, PH-powered makeup, and a three-hour self-tan that takes you from ghost to glow. Below, the products she tested, loved and stubbornly made room for in her already overcrowded beauty cabinet this month.
At a glance: A colour-less, DHA-powered mousse that develops in just three hours and promises zero streaks (or beige bedlinen).
My experience: As a lifelong member of the Casper-complexion club, I usually embrace the pallor. But when an impromptu garden party looms, this mousse is my new go-to. It glides on like a hydrating foam, sets without stickiness and (crucially) never rubs off on white linen trousers.
Ideal for: Pale girls in a hurry who’d rather not advertise their fake-tan habit on the laundry line.
Related: The 18 best self-tanners (and 3 tools) for a fuss-free faux glow in 2025, editor-tested and approved
At a glance: A serum-weight chemical sunscreen laced with antioxidants and a subtle, glass-skin sheen.
My experience: It layers under makeup without pilling and leaves a healthy luminosity which is handy when my rosacea flare-ups made mattifying bases a no-go. My only gripe? I’d love an SPF50 badge.
Ideal for: Anyone who wants the feel of skincare, the protection of SPF, and a base that grips foundation like glow primer.
At a glance: A vegan waterproof mascara with micro-bristled wand that catches even the baby lashes and refuses to smudge.
My experience: I put it through sudden June showers and a sweaty subway ride; it didn’t flake, migrate, or result in raccoon eyes. The definition of chef’s-kiss precision without that crispy, over-worked look.
Ideal for: Lash minimalists who still need bullet-proof wearability (wedding tears, sauna sessions, you name it).
At a glance: A pH-reactive balm in Prada’s futuristic silver casing that adjusts to your own undertone.
My experience: The OG Prada-green balm remains a best seller, but 'Astral Pink' delivers a bite-of-strawberry flush that makes pale lips look alive. Feels plush, never waxy, and the casing looks very on-brand when pulled from your nylon bag.
Ideal for: Subtle summer colour with every pinch-me Prada swipe.
At a glance: A solid blush stick that morphs with your skin’s pH to mimic a sun-kissed flush.
My experience: The balm-gel texture glides on, melts in, and leaves a soft tint rather than the neon pink some pH products veer toward. One swipe per cheek, blend with fingertips, done. No brushes, no mirror, no chance of clown cheeks.
Ideal for: Minimalists chasing a believable holiday flush when the forecast says “cloudy with a chance of Teams calls.”
At a glance: A nourishing oil-gloss hybrid with nostalgic '90s shine and a surprisingly non-sticky feel.
My experience: 'Miss Jellyfish (the purple) delivers peak Y2K night club nostalgia, but on weekdays I reach for 'Fenty Glo', a nude shot through with surprisingly flattering green micro-sparkle. The formula smooths lip lines and survives iced-latte sips without trapping every stray strand of hair.
Ideal for: Anyone who wants throw-back shine without the sticky side effects.
At a glance: A “dirty floral” that pairs nuanced blossoms with earthy, almost smoky facets.
My experience: The first spritz opens with a zesty carrot-citrus twist before plunging into a swirl of coffee and dried orchids. On my skin it wears warm and slightly nostalgic, like a ’70s velvet blazer pulled from an attic trunk, but with modern sillage that lingers through a full workday. Colleagues either leaned in for a second sniff or looked mildly alarmed. Naturally, I’m obsessed.
Ideal for: Fragrance nerds who find most florals too “nice” and want something with zero saccharine sweetness.
At a glance: A hyaluronic-heavy, niacinamide-spiked body moisturiser that promises smoother, more even-toned limbs.
My experience: My parched shins drink it up post-shower, and the subtle sheen makes leg-baring outfits feel less daunting. With continued use, those faint strawberry-skin dots on the backs of my arms are starting to chill out, too.
Ideal for: Anyone with thirsty summer limbs waiting to transform into “supermodel legs”.
At a glance: A cooling, caffeine-laced eye cream formulated to dial down puffiness, dark circles and dehydration lines while soothing sensitive skin.
My experience: After a late Midsummer night (snaps, schnapps, same difference) this pot de-puffs in minutes and sits happily under concealer. No creasing, no sting for my sensitive eyes. I kept mine in the fridge to really soothe those under-eye bags.
Ideal for: Sleep-deprived party people who still need to look awake on Monday morning.
At a glance: A feather-light moisturiser powered by NAD+, niacinamide, ectoin and panthenol, designed to energise sluggish cells, refine pores and fortify the barrier without a heavy finish.
My experience: It’s early days for long-term firming claims, but the initial bounce-back has me optimistic. The satin finish sits well under SPF and makeup, and evening application doesn’t leave my pillowcase glazed.
Ideal for: Barrier-compromised, glow-seeking complexions that dislike heavy creams.