THE BEST OF THE BEST
At FQ, we discover and trial hundreds of new beauty products every year, but few find a permanent home in our bathroom cabinets…
FQ-approved products
FQ Approved is our stamp that distinguishes the best beauty products in the world from the thousands of others on the market.
All products are put through a stringent testing process by our beauty editor, trialled for a minimum of six weeks and assessed for efficacy, payoff and performance — whether sourced from a supermarket shelf or a luxury counter.
AVÈNE HYDRANCE OPTIMALE HYDRATING SERUM, $59.99
From the brand with the famous spring water comes a serum formulated to treat stressed out, dehydrated skin. The lightweight gel is beautifully silky to apply and skin feels instantly moisturised, but it’s further down in the epidermis where the long-term work is happening. With potent liposomes carrying hydration deeper and retaining it for longer, it moisturises around the clock. Use it as a booster when your skin needs an extra drink, or for dry spots on combination skin.
CURTIS COLLECTION BROW PERFECTOR, $49
Brows are the feature du jour and there’s a plethora of products to suit every style. If your brow dream is natural and defined, this is the pen for you. The fine applicator allows for precise strokes, but unlike many other felt-tipped products, the delivery is light and buildable. With three shades available, the waterproof, workoutproof colours are a realistic match to the cooler ash tones of natural brow hair, meaning you’ll end up with brows that — surprise! — look like your own.
CANE + AUSTIN RETEXTURE PAD 10% GLYCOLIC ACID FACIAL TREATMENT, $95
Formulated by a dermatologist with a thing for glycolic acid, this product means business, which is revealed on the back of the box — the acid in question is second on the ingredient list, after water. For use twice daily, the swipe pads tingle a little on application, and so they should, they’re hydrating, exfoliating and improving skin clarity and tone. After a week of use, we saw reduced congestion and smoother, brighter skin, and after six weeks a reduction in dark spots. Although many brands make similar peel pads, the advantage of these is that
REVLON ULTRA HD MATTE LIPCOLOR, $26.50
Finding a matte lipstick that really (and we mean really and truly) lasts without drying out your pout is like spotting a unicorn. Scientifically speaking, it shouldn’t exist, because moisture slides; the less moisture in a lipstick, the less it slides, but the more drying it is. However, against all odds, we’ve found a unicorn. Revlon’s new masterpiece has a silky smooth, velvety matte texture and a rich pigment that stays true on the lips, and it lasts and lasts with no drying or flaking. Eat, drink, sweat, kiss — you name it, we tried it while wearing this lipstick, and it held up to scrutiny. they’re available in four different strengths, which allows you to start low and build up to a more active peel as your skin becomes accustomed to it.