Hit Refresh With These New Make-Up Basics
MASCARA
High End: Roen Cake Mascara
Has your mascara become dry and flaky? Update it with one of these new launches. Roen’s innovative formula is ideal for those seeking full, voluminous results. Loved by industry insiders, it has a fluffy brush and flexible bristles which latch onto every single lash for even coverage. It’s glossy too, with a jet-black formula that makes the price tag worth it. Feel free to layer this up, without the risk of flakes and fallout.
High Street: Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
Looking for a more affordable option? Maybelline is always a no brainer. Trending on TikTok and Instagram, their latest release has become hard to get hold of, but it’s so worth the chase. Designed to boost volume, length and definition, the flexible bristles are positioned to catch all areas – including the sparsest sections of lashes. Fans love the conditioning bamboo extract too, which strengthens and hydrates lashes over time so they’re kept in good condition. At just £10, it’s a must try.
CONCEALER
High End: Kosas 2-in-1 Concealer
If you only treat yourself to one new beauty product this month, make it Kosas’ 2-in-1 Concealer. Doubling up as an eye cream, it’s brimming with hyaluronic acid, peptides and caffeine to hydrate and plump, while also lending impressive coverage, too. A little goes a long way thanks to its creamy texture, and it never feels cakey or tacky. You’ll love how effortlessly it hides dark circles, spots and uneven skin tone, all while giving an unbeatable, dewy illumination. Check out the rest of the range, too – we’re yet to be disappointed with any of their launches.
High Street: Revlon Photoready Candid Anti-Pollution Concealer
If you can’t stretch to £25 for a concealer, Revlon’s Anti-Pollution formula is a great, affordable alternative. With similar skincare benefits to Kosas, it uses caffeine to brighten and de-puff, while antioxidants protect against blue light (emitted from your digital devices) and UV factors (think pollution and the sun). The best bit, though, is the luminous glow it lends skin once you’ve applied it. Tap a small amount on with your ring finger to areas that need it most for even, smooth results.
FOUNDATION
High End: Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation
A make-up artist favourite, this new foundation has made waves for its incredible coverage. Despite concealing every patch of uneven tone and texture, it has a light-as-air feel to it so never feels cakey or suffocating. The dewy quality it lends your complexion is really satisfying, too, as is the light-reflective sheen, which is thanks to built-in transparent pearls that break up on application. Expect a healthy-looking glow, perfect for this time of year.
High Street: Revolution CC Perfecting Foundation
Revolution’s lightweight CC Foundation is similar in texture to Shiseido and one of the best high-street bases we’ve tried in a long time. It offers medium-to-full coverage with a soft-focus glow that lasts. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, its silky texture blends seamlessly, covering all imperfections and redness without feeling heavy. Plus, just like Shiseido, it contains SPF 30 for extra protection.
BLUSHER
High End: Ilia Colour Haze Multi-Matte Cheek & Lip Pigment
You’ll see plenty of multi-purpose products hitting the market this year, but Ilia’s Cheek & Lip Pigment is our current go-to. A great addition to any make-up bag, the velvety quality makes it easy to buff into the skin and lips for a soft, romantic look. Build up the intensity with multiple layers or sheer it out with your fingers for a muted, daytime-appropriate wash of colour. Meanwhile, added coconut and jojoba oil work to keep skin and lips soft and conditioned, too. Available in one suits-all shade.
High Street: NYX Professional Make-Up Bare With Me Jelly Cheek Colour
NYX’s best-selling blush jellies are well-loved for a reason. Not only are they incredibly satisfying to the touch, they add a quick, peachy glow with a single swipe, to both the lips and cheeks. Plus, they’re just £9. The wet texture gives good glow, too, while the small portable pots will be great for when we’re on-the-go again.
BROWS
High End: REFY Brow Set
One of the best brow launches we’ve ever come across, this new, cult set takes the guesswork out of creating full, fluffy arches. You can buy each product individually, but all three products are designed to work together (a sculpter, pomade and pencil) to shape, define and set your brows into place. It’s the easiest way to create the on-trend laminated effect – think glossy boy brows – and the kit will last you for months. We love the aesthetically-pleasing packaging, too. Be quick, though, this one regularly sells out.
High Street: UOMA Beauty Brow Fro-To-Go Kit
If you find multiple steps a faff, this does-it-all pen has everything you need in one streamlined case. It’s slightly more affordable, too. You’ll find a pencil, in-built highlighter and spoolie to help you fill in sparse areas for fuller, more shapely arches. The triangular tip is a huge bonus, too, as it gives you full control to create feathery, realistic hair strokes. Take a light-handed approach and work in the direction of your natural hair growth. A great one-stop-shop.
EYESHADOW
High End: Nudestix Magnetic Luminous Eye Colour
No one really wants to fiddle around with eyeshadow palettes right now. Instead, look to crayons which can be scribbled on without any need for a mirror. These Luminous Sticks from Nudestix are incredibly flattering, with a new creamy texture that quickly turns matte for budge-proof results. Available in several shades, mix and match or sweep them on solo for a more muted daytime look – either way, they’re a fool-proof way of creating of a stunning eye look.
High Street: Kiko Long-Lasting Eyeshadow Sticks
Almost an exact replica of Nudestix, these high-street versions are great if you’re on a budget. Available in matte and metallic, they blend seamlessly with a creamy, velvet-y texture that never snags or pulls on the eye. They set and dry fast, too, with zero creasing or smudging come 4pm.
LIPS
High End: Charlotte Tilbury Hyaluronic Lip Balms
We’re all after a low-maintenance alternative to lipstick these days. Cue Charlotte Tilbury’s new balms which are full of moisture, and some with a glossy – not sticky – dry down that really goes the distance. Offering the pigment of a lipstick, but without the drying effect, the colour payoff is impressive, as is the flattering shade range. You’ll want every colour.
High Street: Clinique Moisture Surge Pop Lip Triple Balms
Similar in texture, but with a more affordable price, these pocket-sized balms provide serious moisture, while the wearable colours lend a sheer tint that’s healthy and plump-looking. Shea butter, vitamin E and humectants work together to lock in hydration too, so chapped skin doesn’t stand a chance. Wear solo or over your favourite lipsticks for extra colour pay-off.
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