Old favourites and bold new launches. We discover the best of both beauty worlds…
Words Catherine Hales
TANGLE TEEZER Original brush in Pink, £10.99
This innovative brush reduces breakage, split ends and damage, which has made it an instant hit, not only with adults but with children too, putting an end to tears before bedtime. You can choose from a range of colours but the hot pink option is the firm favourite.
PERRICONE MD No Foundation Foundation Serum, 30 ml for £45
Perricone MD have long been associated with excellent and effective skincare; their ‘No Makeup’ range which launched in 2015 is a natural progression. The serum in particular provides coverage at the same time as firming and hydrating skin.
LA PRAIRIE Cellular Energising Body Spray, 100ml for £90
Many a beauty obsessive has lusted over their pricey pots and potions and now La Prairie has a new product to add to the wish list. One spritz of this body spray has you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated – and it smells fabulous to boot.
ILLAMASQUA Illustrator Pen, £20
Having launched in 2008, British brand Illamasqua has become the fastest growing make-up brand in existence. Their carefully curated collections and beautifully designed packaging means it’s difficult to single out one product, however the precision of the Illustrator Pen makes it a must-have.
FRANK BODY Original Body Scrub, £11.95
Yet another Australian import that is shaking up the British beauty scene, Frank Body’s coffee exfoliator has gained an ardent fan base since their 2015 launch. The dark brown powder leaves bathrooms in a mess but, more importantly, leaves skin smooth and hydrated.
DR PAW PAW Original Balm, 25ml for £6.95
This brilliant balm has had a firm following Down Under for several years and now Britain is in on the action. The Aussie answer to Eight Hour Cream, Dr Paw Paw can be used as lip balm, relief for burns or even a salve for damaged hair.
CHARLOTTE TILBURY Birkin Brown Matte Revolution Lipstick, £23
British make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury’s sterling career backstage was brought into the spotlight when she launched her own range in 2013. Since then, the entire brand has gained a dedicated following; the Matte Revolution Lipsticks are now a celebrity staple.
BYREDO Flowerhead, 100ml for £130
Flowerhead took Byredo’s Ben Gorham six years to complete and, once launched in 2014, it instantly became one of the Stockholm-based brand’s most sought after scents. Inspired by the blooms in an Indian bride’s headdress, this modern tuberose, rose and jasmine concoction smells like springtime.
TWEEZERMAN Slant Tweezer, £20.95
Winner of InStyle’s Best Beauty Buys 2015, Tweezerman’s Slant Tweezer is a makeup bag essential from a company that has dominated beauty round-ups for the last 30 years. Traditionalists may prefer their classic Granite Sky iteration but we fall for the Signature Red every time.
NARS Blush in Orgasm, £23
Daringly named, this bestselling blush from NARS is supposed to replicate the flushed cheeks that come from, well, you know. This particular shade has proven so popular that it now has its own range of products including a highlighter and lip gloss.
ROBERT PIGUET Fracas,100ml for £135
This iconic tuberose scent has had a cult following since its release in 1948. Robert Piguet intended to create a disruptive, carnal fragrance and most certainly succeeded judging by the lifelong fans it garnered which include Madonna, Uma Thurman and Courtney Love.
SHU UEMURA, Eyelash curlers, £20
There is really only one eyelash curler. Your mother had one, you have one and as a child you almost certainly nearly blinded yourself with one. This Shu Uemura eyelash curler has become such a beauty standard it was even mentioned in the 2006 film Devil Wears Prada.
ELIZABETH ARDEN Eight Hour Cream, £26
This iconic product has spawned several other offshoots including a lip balm, sunscreen and body moisturiser but you can’t beat the original skin protectant for all-round healing. Whether it be dryness, burns or chafing, this potent balm always seems to be produced from someone’s handbag.
CLINIQUE Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion+, £30
Gentle, odourless and hydrating, this familiar little yellow bottle achieved cult status soon after its launch 32 years ago due to its effectiveness on all skin types, regardless of colour or condition. It has received a few upgrades, not least to the bottle which finally has a pump.
KIEHL’S Creme de Corps, 250ml for £27
Creme de Corps has been around since the seventies and is often praised for its buttery texture and non-greasy feel. Although some bemoan its lack of scent, it is this very quality that has made it a highly successful unisex moisturiser.
MASON PEARSON Handy Bristle & Nylon hairbrush, £60.50
Everyone has had at least one of these brushes in their life. Each one is handmade in England and their style and substance has barely changed since the 1920s and, as well as being durable to the point of being indestructible, they are also gentle on the hair.
L’OREAL PARIS Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray, 400ml for £6.70
Whether this summons up images of an ever-glamorous Penelope Cruz or just reminds you of your grandmother, the cult status of this gold can is undeniable. It was even smuggled stateside by it-girls in the sixties and has been a runway essential ever since.
MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo, £15.50
Arguably, the most famous red lipstick of all time, MAC’s Ruby Woo has bluish undertones and serious staying power. Said to suit every skin colour and last all night long, this bold and super matte shade is the statement red makeup enthusiasts swear by.
