The best EVER beauty BUYS
These are the products you should have in your make up bag, according to the experts
THE ultimate lashlengthening mascara. A miracle foundation that smoothes away the years. And a lipstick that stays put no matter how many you kiss under the mistletoe.
These products are the holy grail for all lovers of beauty. We asked the experts what their best buys are, from cult classics to some of this year’s biggest launches. Select some treats to find in your stocking on Christmas Day, or simply see if your favourite makes the list...
MARIE HELVIN
MARIE HELVIN, 65, is a former model for Yves Saint Laurent and Valentino. Once married to David Bailey, she has mastered the art of looking great in front of, and away from, the camera. AS A MODEL it’s been second nature to take care of my skin. I cleanse thoroughly twice a day. I have four or five different cleansers but the Erno Laszlo soap has been my staple for over 40 years. I remember when the brand first launched in the Seventies. The most sought-after product was the black soap, but it ruined my normal/dry skin and I soon switched to the gold one. I’ve used it ever since.
I don’t like people fussing round my face so I’ve maybe had five facials in my whole life. The Ren Facial Mask is now the closest I get. It doesn’t feel like a mask, more like a serum and, afterwards, my face feels smooth, like it’s had a gentle peel. As I’ve got older I realise you don’t have to spend a fortune on beauty. The Weleda night cream is great and not expensive. I use it everywhere — on my face, but also on my elbows and my knees.
And I buy the Maybelline mascara in bulk when I’m in America where it’s even cheaper. It’s really thick — but perfect for me.
MARY GREENWELL
MARY GREENWELL has been a make-up artist for more than 30 years. She has worked with some of the world’s most beautiful women, including Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell. She also looked after make-up for Princess Diana. THERE are products I always have in my kit and those are the ones I’ve chosen as my winners. The Chanel foundation is an extension of their most luxurious skincare range. I use it on everyone from actresses Jessica Chastain to Lily James.The same is true of the Laura Mercier concealer. I mix the two shades to get the perfect colour.
What can I say about Nars blush in Orgasm that hasn’t ever been said before? It’s iconic. It just has a wonderful highlight that made it a real game-changer when it launched in 1999.
While I’m passionate about colour cosmetics because of my work, personally I love all aspects of beauty. I love my skin to feel really hydrated and that’s why the Clarins body lotion had to be on my must-have list.
It’s not too expensive and it makes such a difference.
ELSA McALONAN
ELSA Mc ALONAN, 59, has been a beauty columnist for the Mail for over ten years. She has a passion for all aspects of the beauty industry but particularly loves unearthing a bargain. OVER the years I must have tried thousands of products, but what really gets me excited are the products that I feel over-perform for their price. THE Bourjois Smoky Stories palette is one of those. I’ve seen Bourjois shadows used on countless photo shoots — they go on easily and are a joy to blend. They really are as good as any premium brand.
The Dyson hairdryer has revolutionised the way we do our hair at home, and although the initial outlay is expensive, you can save a fortune on blow dries. If, like me, you have a lot of thick hair, it definitely cuts down drying time.
And I couldn’t list my winners without giving a nod to the famous Clarins Eau Dynamisante. I first came across it when it launched about 30 years ago.
Since then I’ve never not had the little red bottle in my bathroom. It’s the most refreshing scent and boosts your spirits. And isn’ that exactly what your favourite beauty product should do?
LAURA BERMINGHAM
LAURA BERMINGHAM, 46, is Beauty Editor of EVOKE.ie and the Irish Mail On Sunday and a regular contributor to TV and radio. She has been in beauty for 16 years and lives in Dublin with her husband and daughter. AS A BEAUTY journalist and editor your everyday life is just full of new products. Having personal favourites doesn’t happen that often when you’re constantly trying out the latest launches, but I have must-haves that I’ve loved for years. For my skin I have three constants, YSL Touche Éclat Le Teint, Shiseido Sun Foundation compact, and MAC Blot Film. The YSL makeup is from the famous Touche Éclat line, but it’s a foundation. It has medium to full coverage but with the radiance of the original highlighter, it’s a really great foundation. Shiseido’s Sun Compact is a waterproof, transfer-resistant powder foundation with SPF. For on-the-go medium coverage and fast application it can’t be beaten. MAC’s Blot Film is the best oil remover out there if shine is an issue, it literally lifts away the oil leaving your make up intact and matte. My body care favourite is Roger & Gallet’s Crème Sublime D’Or. It is a really nourishing body cream with a great scent but it also is infused with tiny gold flecks, your skin will literally gleam.
My hair must-have was a recent discovery. Rossano Ferretti is an Italian heavyweight in hairdressing, and he’s just launched a capsule collection in Space NK. His daily care product Potion is like superfood for hair, no matter what type. Use it even for two/ three days and you will feel the hair getting into better condition, it’s like magic.
DR SAM BUNTING
Dr SAM BUNTING, in her 40s, is a cosmetic dermatologist. She specialises in great skin and has an evidence-based, no-nonsense approach to everything from acne to Botox. CLEANSERS should be one of the cornerstones of your beauty regime. They should be non-foaming, non-poreclogging and clean effectively. The La Roche-Posay one does exactly that. It’s a clinic essential that I use myself. The other non-negotiable for me when it comes to skincare is SPF and although Elta is only available online at amazon.co.uk, it’s worth it. It’s a proper sunscreen, an amazing primer and thanks to the niacinamide, an antiblemish treatment. There are certain staples I will love until the day I die. OPI nail colour is one of them.