When it comes to beauty products, there’s always a new skincare launch promising to leave you transformed, or haircare that guarantees a smoother/curlier/more voluminous mane (delete as applicable) after just one wash. So how do you cut through the noise? Well, that’s where we come in.
Here, you’ll find the products gracing our bathroom cabinets – from longtime favourites to brand-new launches, all personally tried, tested and then tested again, just to make sure they’re good enough to recommend to you. Read on for the skin, hair, body and makeup saviours worth adding to basket now...
The Skin Serum That Makes All The Difference
This new CellularYouth Longevity Serum from Paula’s Choice targets skin behaviour on a cellular level using enzymes, plant-based ingredients and peptides to firm, hydrate and plump skin... and then some. We’ve been trialling this lightweight formula since January and it’s resulted in a smoother, brighter, more hydrated complexion – even during the London winter... and that’s saying something. £65, Paula’s Choice at Space NK
The Natural Deodorant That Actually Works
There are natural deodorants, and then there are natural deodorants that genuinely work. This plant-based formula is free from aluminium, alcohol and parabens, with prebiotics to neutralise odours. As for the fragrance, the black rose and oud is our favourite – a musky-yet-sweet unisex scent that will have people asking what cologne you’re wearing – but there are five in total to choose from. We wouldn’t blame you for sampling them all. £20, Salt & Stone
The Body Cleanser That’ll Make Your Skin Glow
There’s nothing better than a multitasking product – and the brand-new Resurfacing Targeted Body Cleanser from Grown Alchemist has earned a permanent spot in our showers. First up, it’s a great body wash, removing everyday grime with a luxury spa scent that lasts. Secondly, it’s packed with actives: glycolic acid to exfoliate, lactic acid to reduce hyperpigmentation and salicylic acid to reduce clogged pores. The result? Smoother, brighter skin – that’s both clinically proven and has our seal of approval. There’s also a matching body cream, too. £32, Grown Alchemist
The Lip Pencil That Gives A Natural Finish That’s Sure to Last
If you don’t know makeup artist Mary Phillips by name, you’ll likely have seen her work – she’s the go-to for everyone from Hailey Bieber to Zoë Kravitz. Now, she’s created her own makeup line and since buying the overliner lip pencil last month, we’ve not used anything else. In fact, we’ve invested in even more of the your-lips-but-boosted hues. Start with Cherry Cola – a flattering warm brown that complements all skin tones – in a creamy formula that glides across lips and stays put. $25, m.ph beauty
The Moisturiser That Will Upgrade Your Skincare To French-Pharmacy Level
Less is more is the ethos around French skincare brand Mimétique, which formulates its products using the minimal number of essential ingredients. Its Skin Restore Face Cream is already a cult favourite, but we especially love this Restore+ formula, which firms and plumps normal to dry skin while reinforcing the skin barrier – so it’s great for irritated skin. Slather on morning, evening and any time in between (it’s also great for dry hands). €69, Mimétique at Oh My Cream!
The Shaving Serum That Also Protects Your Skin
Whether you’re shaving your body or your face, a little slip goes a long way in reducing skin irritation. Our current go-to: Aesop’s Shaving Serum. Just one pump of the gel lathers into a rich foam to allow for a close shave, plus the formula is designed to calm and soothe skin. And, with notes of Moroccan neroli, it smells as good as you’d expect an Aesop product to. A lovely little luxury to elevate your everyday routine. From £33, Aesop
The Fragrance That Will Have People Ask You What You’re Wearing
A spritz of fragrance in the morning can shift your mood and set the tone for the day. And if you’re in the market for a scent that will set you apart, Australian brand Abel is the one. Its EDPs are all made using 100% natural ingredients and are completely unique, ranging from the now-classic Laundry Day (as fresh as it sounds) to Coat Check – a blend of tobacco, cassis and balsam that isn’t too sweet, heavy or musky – ideal for balmy, warm days that stretch out into the evening. From AUD $65, Abel Fragrance
The Hair Mask That Will Smooth Out The Driest Of Ends
Whether it’s been fried by the heat of summer or dehydrated thanks to winter, your hair might be in need of a little reviving. This mask from Authentic Beauty Concept will do just that – bringing back shine and elasticity to normal to dry hair. It’s paraben and silicone-free, so it doesn’t leave any residue behind and is especially good for curly and coily textures: it detangles like a dream and is lightweight enough to keep volume while adding plenty of hydration. £45, Authentic Beauty Concept at Niche Beauty
The Do-It-All Cleanser That Will Cut Your Morning Routine In Half
There are many benefits to a multi-step skincare regimen but, when life is busy, you just need one product that will deliver great results. Enter this Balancing Cream Cleanser from Dua by AB. (Promise we’re not biased – this one is genuinely something else!) It’s a cream-to-foam formula that contains Tsubaki oil to dissolve makeup and daily build-up (so no double-cleanse required), plus a prebiotic blend to reduce blemishes. Cleaner, clearer skin in one step – yes please. £32, Dua by AB
The Face Mask To Revive The Most Jaded Complexions
We could talk about this mask all day. Whether you apply a layer to the face and neck and leave on for the rest of the day (adding SPF once it’s sunk in!), wash it off after 20 minutes or slather it on before bed, its caffeine works to perk up skin, aloe vera adds moisture, lactic acid gently exfoliates and vitamin C brings the glow. This is a product we turn to a couple of times a week without fail to keep the everyday grind (and perhaps a late night or two) from taking its toll. £27, Faace
The Lipstick To Bring Colour That Doesn’t Fade
Quite possibly the lipstick to end all lipsticks. Violette_FR’s Bisou Balm has a soft, matte texture with a blurred, airbrush-like finish for a fresh flush of colour that doesn’t transfer. Shades range from bright corals and pinks to browny nudes, but Mon Chéri – a muted red that flatters all skin tones – has to be our favourite. $30, Violette_FR
The Hero Shampoo To Transform All Hair Types
We love a hardworking product and this shampoo works overtime, with refreshing mint to deep-cleanse your scalp (it gently tingles in a good way), while the addition of goji berry works on the ends to remove impurities while keeping moisture in the hair. This shampoo works across all hair types, from fine strands to coarse coils, and leaves your hair and scalp clean and feeling revived. £27, Trepadora
