EDWINA INGS-CHAMBERS Old faithfuls get a makeover

You can improve on perfection – as these reboots reveal

In an increasingly crowded beauty market it can be hard to stand out. It’s small wonder, therefore, that brands will really get behind their classic hits, which are already known and loved by customers. But in an ever more competitive arena, brands also need to show that these products stand their ground next to the latest tech – and updating a formula can help maintain a beauty hero’s relevance.

So it is that Clarins has given its Hydra-Essentiel

skincare a tweak. It’s been successful, too – according to the latest data, it was the UK and Ireland’s bestselling skincare launch in February. For the first time the range contains that super skin hydrator hyaluronic acid. With the skincare range including both silky and light day creams, an emulsion, matt gel and very popular night cream (1,€45,

clarins.ie), it suits all skin types. Sisley is another big name that has been busy updating its leading skincare product: Ecological Compound (2, €218, brownthomas. com). A hit since its launch in 1980 (some facialists have confided in me that they would have this as their desert island beauty pick), the serum was ahead of its time in taking care of the microbiome for healthy, glowing skin. Now it has two new plant extracts to help your skin further: burdock to maintain balance and meadowsweet to reinforce its natural defences, while its original base ingredient – centella asiatica, which supports the skin barrier – has been used at a more potent level. In texture and fragrance you’ll notice no difference, although the finish is more matt than before.

Vichy, meanwhile, is building on the brilliance of its Minéral 89 serum’s hydrating and plumping abilities by adding 72H Moisture Boosting Cream (3, €17.25, boots.ie) to the range. Lightweight and fragrance-free, it’s good even for sensitive skins, and an excellent option – especially for the budget-conscious.

Updates come in all shapes and sizes. The Inkey List has launched a scaledup 100ml of its renowned

Hyaluronic Acid Serum (4, €25.99, lookfantastic.com). And Kate Somerville’s cult Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser now comes in a jumbo size (5, €67 for 240ml, usually €44.45 for 120ml, katesomerville.co.uk).

Make-up is also in on the game, with Dior’s sleek new packaging dressing up its much-loved Addict lipsticks. The limited-edition cases – think of them as little couture outfits – come in five options (6, from €44.50, brownthomas.com).

And L’Oréal Paris has extended its Telescopic Mascara range

(which has 480 million views on TikTok) with a Telescopic Lift option (7, €14.99, boots.ie) that promises lashes up to 5mm longer.

Updating a formula can help maintain a beauty hero’s relevance