After more than 15 years working in the industry \u2013 and testing hundreds of products a year \u2013 I can confirm that beauty is rarely as simple as luxury v high street. But there are a few insider realities about how beauty products are made, priced and marketed that are worth knowing before you decide which are worth the spend \u2013 and which ones aren\u2019t.<\/p>\n
Some beauty products genuinely earn their price tags: a perfume that lasts all day, or a skincare treatment backed by proper research. Others? You can save your money without sacrificing results \u2013 by using a well-formulated sunscreen<\/a>, for example. In fact, some of the best-performing products I\u2019ve tried cost less than a fancy coffee. Here\u2019s how to spend smarter and more strategically.<\/p>\n The beauty products to save onMascara<\/p>\n There are plenty of brilliant, affordable mascaras on the high street, and given most should be replaced around the three-month mark \u2013 when even the expensive ones tend to dry out \u2013 this is an area to save money. \u201cMost makeup artists tend to use cheaper mascaras because we get through so much of it, and they\u2019re just as good as the expensive ones,\u201d says makeup artist Zo\u00eb Moore.<\/p>\n The brush and formula combination is more important than the price here, and many budget brands have perfected this \u2013 sometimes doing the job better than luxury ones.<\/p>\n Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky Tubes tubing mascara, 7ml<\/p>\n \u00a313.99 at Lookfantastic<\/a>\u00a310.93 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n The flexible brush and tubing-style of this mascara grips even the shortest lashes, stretching them upwards without clumping. Expect length, volume, lift and impressive hold for the price.<\/p>\n L\u2019Or\u00e9al Paris Telescopic mascara, 9.9ml<\/p>\n \u00a313.99 at Lookfantastic<\/a>\u00a313.99 at Boots<\/a><\/p>\n The slim brush combs through lashes from root to tip to create defined, elongated length. Ideal if you prefer a fanned-out, separated look over heavy volume.<\/p>\n For more, read our guide to the best mascaras<\/a><\/p>\n Cleanser<\/p>\n Because cleansers are designed to be rinsed off the skin, you don\u2019t necessarily need to invest in luxury versions to get the benefits. Expensive ones can be lovely to use \u2013 with beautiful scents and textures \u2013 but for basic cleansing performance, there are excellent affordable options in almost every category. The key is choosing the right type of cleanser for your skin.<\/p>\n DHC deep cleansing oil, 70ml<\/p>\n \u00a314 at Lookfantastic<\/a>\u00a315.85 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n A cult Japanese cleansing oil that melts away makeup, sunscreen and excess oil without stripping skin. Olive oil is the hero ingredient, helping dissolve impurities while keeping skin soft and balanced. Brilliant as a first cleanse, especially if you wear heavier makeup or SPF.<\/p>\n The Inkey List cream-to-milk cleanser, 180ml<\/p>\n \u00a310.40 at Sephora<\/a>\u00a310.40 at Asos<\/a><\/p>\n A cleanser that removes makeup, pollution and excess oil while keeping the skin soft. The cream texture transforms into a light milk and contains rice milk and hyaluronic acid. A good everyday option for balanced-dry skin.<\/p>\n Youth to the People superfood cleanser, 59ml<\/p>\n \u00a314 at Space NK<\/a>\u00a315 at Cult Beauty<\/a><\/p>\n This fresh gel cleanser has antioxidant-rich ingredients such as kale, spinach and green tea. It also removes grime, sebum and pollution without leaving skin tight, making it a good every day option for balanced-to-oily skin types. The packaging is a very cool, too.<\/p>\n Body cream<\/p>\n If you struggle with dry skin, sensitivity or eczema, ingredients that help repair the skin barrier matter most. You don\u2019t need to spend a lot to get results: so many of the best ones are made of pretty inexpensive ingredients and are available on the high street. If you have dry skin, as I do, body moisturiser is a daily staple \u2013 so cheap and effective is the ideal combo.<\/p>\n Ceramides \u2013 naturally occurring lipids that help repair the skin barrier and to lock in moisture \u2013 are particularly important. Other ingredients worth looking for include glycerine or hyaluronic acid to keep the skin hydrated and colloidal oatmeal to soothe sensitive or eczema-prone skin.<\/p>\n CeraVe moisturising cream, 340g<\/p>\n \u00a311.62 at Superdrug<\/a>\u00a315.50 at Lookfantastic<\/a><\/p>\n With ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this thick but non-greasy cream has helped my super-dry skin so much.<\/p>\n Boots Oats daily moisturising lotion, 300ml<\/p>\n \u00a34 at Boots<\/a><\/p>\n A simple, fragrance-free body moisturiser built around soothing oat extract to calm dryness and support the skin barrier. Light, non-greasy and excellent value \u2013 the kind of dependable basic for every day use.<\/p>\n Naturium Bio-lipid body lotion, 414ml<\/p>\n \u00a318 at Space NK<\/a>\u00a317.92 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n A little pricier, but a genuinely well-formulated body moisturiser that focuses on skin-replenishing shea butter and fatty acids. It\u2019s rich but sinks in quickly \u2013 and the bottle is huge.<\/p>\n Face moisturiser<\/p>\n Facial moisturiser<\/a> is designed to sit on top of your skincare and seal everything in. It will help prevent transepidermal water loss (Tewl) \u2013 the process where moisture evaporates from skin, leaving it dry and vulnerable.<\/p>\n So think of moisturiser as the protective coating for the more potent active ingredients \u2013 such as retinoids, vitamin C<\/a> or exfoliating acids \u2013 that you might be using in other products. Look for ceramides to help reinforce the skin\u2019s natural barrier. But your moisturiser doesn\u2019t need to be especially fancy or expensive \u2013 all it needs to do is lock in moisture. There\u2019s a stack of well-made, affordable ones.<\/p>\n Aestura Atobarrier 365 cream, 80ml<\/p>\n \u00a326 at Sephora<\/a>\u00a335.99 at Superdrug<\/a><\/p>\n This Korean cult favourite is great at repairing a compromised skin barrier. With ceramides and fatty acids, it helps restore moisture and calm irritation without feeling heavy. Ideal for dry, sensitive or over-exfoliated skin.<\/p>\n Dr Althea 147 barrier cream, 50ml<\/p>\n \u00a319.79 at Sephora<\/a>\u00a319.79 at Boots<\/a><\/p>\n A soothing moisturiser designed to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce sensitivity. The lightweight cream hydrates while calming redness, making it a good option for reactive or easily irritated skin. Leaves all skin types soft, balanced and comfortable.<\/p>\n Yepoda the Day Light, 50ml<\/p>\n \u00a323 at Sephora<\/a>\u00a323 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n If creams are too heavy for your skin, a lightweight daily moisturiser that hydrates without clogging pores is ideal. Formulated with botanical ingredients and hyaluronic acid, this helps support the skin barrier without overloading it. Good for oily skin and summertime.<\/p>\n For more, read our guide to the best face moisturisers<\/a><\/p>\n Body wash and soap<\/p>\n It\u2019s on the skin for a short time before being rinsed away, so spending a lot on body cleanser rarely makes a meaningful difference. Look for a simple, gentle formula that cleanses without stripping the skin.<\/p>\n Dr Max\u2019s olive oil soap, 85g<\/p>\n \u00a38.49 at Healf<\/a><\/p>\n A traditional soap made with olive oil and French green clay that cleanses but doesn\u2019t strip. It\u2019s fragrance-light and ideal if you prefer straightforward soaps with minimal ingredients.<\/p>\n Space NK Nordic Wilds body wash, 100ml<\/p>\n \u00a38 at Space NK<\/a><\/p>\n This body wash turns a basic shower into something more spa-like. The gel lathers softly and leaves skin clean without that tight, squeaky feeling. The scent is fresh, green and quietly woody, and smells way more expensive than it is.<\/p>\n Sunscreen<\/p>\n You should never skip sunscreen, but you don\u2019t necessarily need to spend a lot. There are plenty of excellent affordable options available, particularly in the UK and EU, where sunscreens are required to meet strict standards for protection against both UVB (SPF) and UVA, which is what contributes to long-term skin damage.<\/p>\n What matters more than price is choosing the right type for your skin and actually applying enough. Look for SPF30 or higher, broad-spectrum protection, and a texture you\u2019re happy to wear every day.<\/p>\n La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir daily invisible fluid SPF50+, 40ml<\/p>\n \u00a320 at Lookfantastic<\/a>\u00a320 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n La Roche-Posay\u2019s Anthelios is one of the most reliable sunscreen ranges around, particularly for sensitive skin: it\u2019s non-greasy and designed to provide high, broad-spectrum protection without clogging pores. It\u2019s super lightweight and sits well under makeup. I use this every summer.<\/p>\n Vichy Capital Soleil solar protective water SPF50, 200ml<\/p>\n \u00a316.50 at Boots<\/a>\u00a317.60 at Lookfantastic<\/a><\/p>\n If you hate the feeling of heavy creams on your skin, then this is the one for you. It\u2019s full of antioxidants, has strong UV protection and feels as light as water. The spray makes it easy to apply and re-apply \u2013 but be wary of under-applying spray-type SPFs. You need much more than you think: I double up on layers. I\u2019ve used this since its launch and haven\u2019t found anything better.<\/p>\n Elf Skin Suntouchable All Set for Sun SPF30, 60ml <\/p>\n \u00a311.42 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n A budget-friendly makeup setting spray meets SPF. The ultra-fine mist distributes evenly without soaking the skin or feeling greasy. I used this during a trip to India and was really impressed.<\/p>\n For more, read our guide to the best face sunscreens<\/a><\/p>\n The beauty products that are worth the money<\/p>\n Here, the difference between a \u00a320 and a \u00a3300 model is genuinely noticeable. Cheaper tongs or straighteners often lack sophisticated heat control, meaning they can easily exceed safe temperatures, causing cuticle damage and, in extreme cases, \u201cbubble hair<\/a>\u201d, where heat causes moisture inside the hair shaft to expand, weakening the strand so it becomes uneven, rough and eventually splits or breaks. Good hair tools use ceramic or tourmaline-coated components to distribute heat evenly. Many also include ionic technology, which helps reduce static and frizz by smoothing the hair and helping it retain moisture.<\/p>\n Lower-quality motors on hair dryers also tend to produce weaker, inconsistent airflow \u2013 the sort you might recognise from those useless hotel hair dryers. When airflow is poor, you end up relying on higher heat for longer, which increases the risk of damage, says hairstylist Sally Brooks, creative director at London salon Brooks & Brooks<\/a>: \u201cAlways apply a heat protectant first to create a barrier between the hair and high temperatures.\u201d<\/p>\n GHD Speed Ionic hair dryer<\/p>\n \u00a3299 at GHD<\/a>\u00a3299 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n This is the fastest I\u2019ve seen a hair dryer perform \u2013 which helps minimise damage. It\u2019s lightweight, and the range of detachable combs, diffusers and nozzles you can buy on top means you can tailor it to your hair type and style.<\/p>\n For more, read our guide to the best hair dryers<\/a><\/p>\n Dyson Airwrap Origin multi-styler<\/p>\n \u00a3299.99 at John Lewis<\/a>\u00a3329.99 at Lookfantastic<\/a><\/p>\n I\u2019m a big fan of this time-saving tool, which combines multiple stylers in one \u2013 hair dryer, curler and, my favourite attachment, the anti-snag loop smoothing brush that detangles as it dries. There are other versions of the Airwrap designed for coily and curly hair too<\/a> but this simpler set has everything my wavy hair needs.<\/p>\n For more, read our Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x review<\/a><\/p>\n K18 HeatBounce conditioning heat protectant, 47ml<\/p>\n \u00a324 at Space NK<\/a>\u00a324 at Cult Beauty<\/a><\/p>\n This lightweight heat protectant shields hair from damage up to 232C. Unlike many sprays that weigh down the hair, this one is virtually undetectable while still conditioning, softening and helping to detangle. It\u2019s suitable for all hair types.<\/p>\n Foundation and concealers<\/p>\n The biggest issues here are shade match, undertone and longevity. While you can find good options on the high street, it\u2019s trickier to get matches for olive, golden or yellow undertones. \u201cMistakes tend to show up more obviously on deeper skin tones, where the wrong undertone can make skin look ashy or grey,\u201d says Zo\u00eb Moore.<\/p>\n Base products also last a long time as they\u2019re concentrated, so the cost per use becomes relatively small. In my experience, more expensive foundations and concealers tend to last longer and, crucially, still look good throughout the day without separating or turning greasy.<\/p>\n Est\u00e9e Lauder Double Wear foundation, 30ml<\/p>\n \u00a329.63 at Lookfantastic<\/a>\u00a329.62 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n A cult classic recently reformulated, this is still one of the longest-wearing foundations on the market, but noticeably more lightweight than the original. Oil-free without feeling drying, full coverage without the mask-like feeling \u2013 it\u2019s clever stuff.<\/p>\n Clarins Double Serum foundation, 30ml<\/p>\n \u00a339.20 at Debenhams<\/a>\u00a318.42 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n A smart skincare\/foundation hybrid that lets you customise the finish. An adjustable dial allows you to increase the serum level for a lighter, tinted moisturiser effect, or dial up the pigment for more traditional foundation coverage. In 37 shades, it works well for all skin types, but it\u2019s especially good for drier skin.<\/p>\n Armani Luminous Silk foundation, 30ml<\/p>\n skip past newsletter promotion<\/a><\/p>\n Sign up to The Filter<\/p>\n Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian\u2019s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link.<\/p>\n after newsletter promotion<\/p>\n \u00a332.90 at John Lewis<\/a>\u00a339.20 at Armani Beauty<\/a><\/p>\n This foundation is particularly good for harder-to-match undertones such as olive and yellow that aren\u2019t often catered to on the high street. It offers reliable medium coverage \u2013 ideal for those who want a polished, even finish without the heaviness of full coverage. It comes in 44 shades.<\/p>\n For more, read our guide to the best foundations<\/a><\/p>\n Milk Hydrogrip concealer, 3g<\/p>\n \u00a326 at Sephora<\/a>\u00a326 at Asos<\/a><\/p>\n A gel-to-cream formula that works particularly well on dry skin or for anyone with texture or lines around the eyes, as it blends smoothly without going patchy or looking cakey, even if you reapply it. Total makeup witchcraft and available in 25 shades.<\/p>\n Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Blur concealer, 8.3g<\/p>\n \u00a331 at Cult Beauty<\/a>\u00a331 at Charlotte Tilbury<\/a><\/p>\n This is the one if you want your concealer to really last. There\u2019s a wide range of shades to suit different undertones, it\u2019s long-wearing, and has a matt finish that doesn\u2019t cake. I love that the applicator wand allows for precise application, so a little goes a long way. It comes in 34 shades.<\/p>\n Makeup by Mario SurrealSkin Awakening concealer, 5.8ml<\/p>\n \u00a328 at Sephora<\/a><\/p>\n This concealer offers medium, buildable coverage that can disguise even the darkest undereye circles. It\u2019s crease-resistant, long-wearing and looks so natural \u2013 almost undetectable on the skin. I\u2019m already on my second tube.<\/p>\n For more, read our guide to the best concealers<\/a><\/p>\n Eyelash curlers<\/p>\n I\u2019ve learned through painful experience that it\u2019s worth finding an eyelash curler that fits your eye shape best, as the wrong one can pinch, miss outer lashes or create that awkward right-angle bend rather than a soft curl. You can also avoid the latter by \u201creplacing the pads that come with them every few months and pulsing gently rather than pressing down super hard,\u201d says Zo\u00eb Moore.<\/p>\n By lifting the lashes at the root, a well-fitting pair of curlers also makes mascara work harder by opening the eye, giving the illusion of length and volume before you\u2019ve even applied any product.<\/p>\n Koji curving eyelash curler<\/p>\n \u00a315.80 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n Celebrity makeup artist Kenneth Soh tipped me off about these brilliant Japanese curlers. They\u2019re particularly good for east Asian eye shapes and hooded lids, as the curved design fits closer to the lash line for a more even, lifted curl.<\/p>\n Kevyn Aucoin eyelash curler<\/p>\n \u00a317.60 at Debenhams<\/a>\u00a321.95 at Sephora<\/a><\/p>\n A reliable curler that suits most eye shapes, this gives a smooth, even lift without pinching, and holds the curl well throughout the day.<\/p>\n Suqqu eyelash curler<\/p>\n \u00a318 at Liberty<\/a>\u00a320 at Cult Beauty<\/a><\/p>\n Most traditional curlers don\u2019t quite fit my deep-set, large eyes, but these do \u2013 they\u2019re wider than most, so they capture more of the lash line. I\u2019ve had the same pair for a decade.<\/p>\n Fragrance<\/p>\n Perfume, to me, should feel special. If that happens to be a \u00a320 scent you love, brilliant \u2013 wear it with abandon. But in my experience, some truly beautiful fragrances do cost more, and there are reasons for that beyond good branding and a lovely bottle.<\/p>\n Luxury perfumes usually contain a higher concentration of fragrance oils and use more complex raw materials, which is why, unlike eau de toilette and cologne formulas, eau de parfum, parfums and extraits last longer on skin.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also the chemistry of scent itself. Some notes \u2013 particularly light citrus ones \u2013 evaporate quickly because their molecules disperse faster. Heavier notes such as woods, amber and oud tend to cling to the skin for longer, which is why richer perfumes often feel more long-lasting.<\/p>\n Applying scent to moisturised skin helps it last longer, as oils give the perfume something to hold on to (a little body oil or Vaseline on pulse points works well). Remember perfume degrades over time, so buying fewer bottles you genuinely love \u2013 and using them regularly \u2013 makes more sense than building a huge collection. If you can, store them away from direct sunlight and heat (so ideally, not in your bathroom) as this can make them degrade more quickly.<\/p>\n Shop during seasonal sales, make use of department store loyalty schemes and recycling discounts.<\/p>\n Glossier You Soie eau de parfum, 50ml<\/p>\n \u00a370 at Space NK<\/a>\u00a370 at Sephora<\/a><\/p>\n Glossier makes gentle fragrances that smell like a heightened version of clean skin. Although they\u2019re light and often floral, there\u2019s always a grounding base that helps the scent cling softly to the skin. This one blends jasmine, bergamot and ambrox into a soft, warm floral that feels intimate but still manages to last all day.<\/p>\n Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Malle Contre-Jour, 50ml<\/p>\n \u00a3170 at John Lewis<\/a>\u00a3200 at Cult Beauty<\/a><\/p>\n Inspired by the Mediterranean everlasting flower<\/a>, known for its unusual longevity, this fragrance channels its brightness and staying power. Rose absolute adds sultry depth, while creamy sandalwood helps it last and sit close to the skin.<\/p>\n Byredo Bal d\u2019Afrique roll-on perfumed oil, 7.5ml<\/p>\n \u00a358.50 at Liberty<\/a>\u00a365 at John Lewis<\/a><\/p>\n Perfume oils can last longer than a traditional spritz because they adhere to the skin so well. This oil-based scent from ultra-cool beauty and fashion brand Byredo opens with uplifting African marigold and juicy blackcurrant, but the base of warm cedarwood lingers beautifully on skin. Apply to pulse points where skin is warmest to help the scent bloom.<\/p>\n Hand wash<\/p>\n Hand wash has quietly become one of those subtle taste signifiers. First it was Molton Brown lined up beside the sink, then came Aesop. A well-made hand wash can bring a little luxurious joy to your daily routine. But look for brands that offer refill pouches so you can save on cost and unnecessary packaging.<\/p>\n Byredo Lost Rose hand wash, 450ml<\/p>\n \u00a347 at Byredo<\/a>\u00a347 at John Lewis<\/a><\/p>\n Byredo does the most incredible hand washes. If you have a tiny bathroom, as I do, they add a cool minimalist edge. Plus the rose, musk and pink pepper notes smell as hazy and romantic as a Sofia Coppola film. Recyclable and refillable.<\/p>\n Commune Seymour hand wash and cream, 2 x 500ml<\/p>\n \u00a3149 at Fwrd<\/a>\u00a3140 at Niche Beauty<\/a><\/p>\n Somerset brand Commune takes inspiration from the British countryside. The Seymour scent blends geranium, grapefruit and cypress, while the hand cream combines coconut, rosehip and sweet almond oils with shea and cocoa butters. These are a pricey investment, but the scents really linger on the skin. The aluminium bottles are recyclable \u2013 just keep the pump and add it to the new bottle<\/a>.<\/p>\n Diptyque softening hand wash, 350ml<\/p>\n \u00a359 at John Lewis<\/a>\u00a359 at Selfridges<\/a><\/p>\n This statement hand wash feels more like a fine fragrance than a bathroom basic. With lavender from Provence, rosemary and honey, it\u2019s the kind of finishing touch that makes a bathroom feel like a very cool boutique hotel \u2013 it upgraded my bathroom instantly. Refills<\/a> are also available.<\/p>\n Serums<\/p>\n It\u2019s worth spending a bit more on a serum, particularly those with retinoids, vitamin C and other targeted actives: these products rely heavily on stability, concentration and delivery systems, and that\u2019s often where better formulations stand apart.<\/p>\n Vitamin C is, for example, notoriously unstable and degrades quickly when exposed to light and air. Well-made serums use stabilised forms, protective packaging and supporting ingredients to help them remain effective for longer. The same goes for retinoids and other prescription-strength actives, where the way it\u2019s formulated can make the difference between results and irritation.<\/p>\n Personally, I\u2019ve often seen better results \u2013 and better skin tolerance \u2013 from more thoughtfully formulated serums that do inevitably cost a little more. A potent serum might last three months or more when used correctly, which makes the cost per use less dramatic than it first appears.<\/p>\n SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic antioxidant vitamin C serum, 30ml<\/p>\n \u00a3169 at Cult Beauty<\/a>\u00a3169 at SkinCeuticals<\/a><\/p>\n I\u2019ve used this serum religiously for over a decade, and I genuinely think it\u2019s part of the reason I have so little hyperpigmentation, despite a longstanding love of sun loungers and Caribbean beaches. The lightweight liquid sinks in easily, and the formula combines 15% pure vitamin C with vitamin E and ferulic acid to brighten skin and soften the appearance of fine lines over time.<\/p>\n For more, read our guide to the best vitamin C serums<\/a><\/p>\n Medik8 Crystal retinal, 30ml<\/p>\n From \u00a345 at Medik8<\/a>From \u00a345 at Lookfantastic<\/a><\/p>\n Instead of traditional retinol, this serum uses retinaldehyde \u2013 a more advanced form of vitamin A that works faster while still being relatively gentle on the skin. The product helps smooth fine lines, improve texture and boost brightness over time, and the brand\u2019s numbered strength system makes it easy to gradually build tolerance without overwhelming your skin.<\/p>\n Dr Barbara Sturm the peptide serum, 30ml<\/p>\n \u00a3185 at Cult Beauty<\/a>\u00a3185 at John Lewis<\/a><\/p>\n This serum is built around a blend of peptides and amino acids designed to support collagen and elastin production. Added vitamin E boosts hydration and adds antioxidant protection, helping defend skin against oxidative and environmental stress. I\u2019ve used it for a few weeks, and my skin already feels bouncier.<\/p>\n Face masks<\/p>\n After years of testing face masks \u2013 and seeing what makeup artists and facialists use behind the scenes \u2013 I\u2019ve realised that the more expensive ones do often feel noticeably better.<\/p>\n Better masks tend to use higher concentrations of hydrating and soothing ingredients such as glycerine, hyaluronic acid, ceramides or calming plant extracts. They\u2019re also usually designed to sit comfortably on the skin without drying it out or leaving that tight, chalky feeling some cheaper clay masks can cause. Masks are also an occasional purchase \u2013 I use them weekly \u2013 so they tend to last a while.<\/p>\n Reome Hydra-Plasma veil, pack of 5<\/p>\n \u00a388.20 at Liberty<\/a>\u00a398 at Space NK<\/a><\/p>\n These sheet masks are designed to flood dehydrated skin with moisture. Made from bio-fermented coconut fibre, they cling closely to the face, helping ingredients such as hydrolysed collagen and glycerine draw water into the skin for a plumper, dewier look. Use any leftover serum on your neck, hands and arms.<\/p>\n Omorovicza Ultramoor mud mask, 50ml<\/p>\n \u00a363.75 at Lookfantastic<\/a>\u00a374 at Cult Beauty<\/a><\/p>\n This is made with mineral-rich Hungarian moor mud known to draw out impurities and excess oil while gently exfoliating the skin for a brighter, smoother complexion. This is the deep-cleansing mask I always go back to, especially during the summer when your skin produces more sebum because of increased temperatures.<\/p>\n Sisley Black rose mask, 60ml<\/p>\n \u00a3145 at John Lewis<\/a>\u00a3145 at Selfridges<\/a><\/p>\n This cult cream mask is designed to revive tired, dehydrated skin. The formula uses black rose extract to smooth and plump, and the rich, silky texture leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated. I managed a year and a half from my last tube \u2013 a little goes a long way.<\/p>\n Highlighter<\/p>\n Highlighter is one category where very cheap formulas can sometimes look \u2026 well, cheap. Budget powders often contain larger shimmer particles, which sit on top of the skin rather than blending into it, and can also emphasise dryness. Better highlighters use finer, light-diffusing pigments that melt into the skin and reflect light softly.<\/p>\n Chanel Baume Essentiel multi-use glow stick, 8g<\/p>\n \u00a332.30 at John Lewis<\/a>\u00a340 at Selfridges<\/a><\/p>\n For that glossy, almost wet-looking sheen you see on the catwalks. The balm texture melts into skin and reflects light for a subtle, sculpting radiance \u2013 this new version doubles as blush with a hint of iridescent shimmer. I\u2019ve yet to find any dupes that do the job as well.<\/p>\n Kosas Shiny Objects highlighter, 4.5g<\/p>\n \u00a325.60 at Space NK<\/a>\u00a332 at Cult Beauty<\/a><\/p>\n A great option if you want a strong highlight, but without the chunky glitter that many powders have. This one is very finely milled, with a wet-looking sheen that still feels skin-like.<\/p>\n Rare Beauty<\/a> Positive Light liquid luminizer, 15ml<\/p>\n \u00a320.80 at Space NK<\/a>\u00a326 at Sephora<\/a><\/p>\n A silky liquid highlighter that blends easily into foundation or bare skin for a natural-looking, shimmering glow. Lightweight but surprisingly potent \u2013 just a tiny amount gives a bright, reflective finish.<\/p>\n For more, read Sali Hughes\u2019s best anti-ageing creams, serums and treatments<\/a> and the best LED face masks<\/a><\/p>\n Anita Bhagwandas is a beauty editor and consultant obsessed with finding products that actually do what they promise. When she\u2019s not helping beauty brands shape their diversity strategy or trend forecasting, she writes for titles such as Cond\u00e9 Nast Traveller, Elle, Allure, Vogue and many more. An expert with more than 15 years in the beauty industry, she is the author of Ugly: Why The World Became Beauty-Obsessed and How To Break Free<\/a> and writes the beauty culture newsletter the Powder Room<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Walk down any beauty aisle, and you\u2019ll be told every product is essential, transformative and worth hocking a…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":672994,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[84,59,56,54,55],"class_list":["post-672993","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-business","tag-business","tag-gb","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-unitedkingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/672993","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=672993"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/672993\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/672994"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=672993"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=672993"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=672993"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/379.jpg\")
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