Day in and day out, we scroll through Instagram to make sure we’re bringing you the most up to date fashion and beauty trends. (It’s a hard life, but someone’s got to do it.) From the most talked-about products and new drops to the best advice, the social media platform is our favourite place to find out what people in the know are actually using.
That’s why, when we decided to compile a list of the best beauty products out there, we thought who better to ask than the women we always stop and ogle? The ones who get sent product after product and have tried and tested them all. That may be why every time we see them, through the app or in real life, we can’t quite get over how amazing their skin looks. We had to know their secrets.
Ahead, I asked nine fashion girls what their absolute favourite, desert-island, can’t-live-without beauty products were. This is what they said…
“A good eye cream is essential, and this one goes everywhere with me. I have been using for a while now, and I absolutely love it. It aims to fight visible signs of ageing around the eye area, and it really does what it supposed to do!”
“This is one of my favourite creams. It’s not just a regular night cream; its a night cream with a scrub! Thanks to this, I always wake up with fresh and beautiful skin.”
“I start my morning skincare routine by using this serum. It perfectly hydrates my skin, and you can put makeup on top of it without any problems. Most importantly, it’s anti-ageing, and my skin looks amazing every time I use it.”
“I’m a big fan of Glamglow! Its products are amazing, and its eye cream is one of my favourite products. Its aim is to illuminate, brighten dark circles and reduce signs of fatigue. It works magic, and it smells beautiful.”
“This facial oil is the perfect product if you want to do a short facial massage. It spreads easily but doesn’t leave an oily layer on the skin. Marine collagen is ideal for mature skin. I use it interchangeably with the Filorga cream.”
“This is such a simple, light, refreshing cleanser. I use this every day in the shower to keep my skin healthy. Easy and not abrasive or too rich, this has become a real go-to for me.”
“I use a vitamin C serum every single day. It’s as much a part of my routine as moisturiser. Oily in texture but sinks in super quickly, this morning serum adds a bit of a healthy glow while also working to keep my skin dewy and protected throughout the day.”
“This is packed with hyaluronic acid to help your skin hold onto moisture. I always use this on a long flight and throughout the winter. Followed by a moisturising mask or thick moisturiser, this is great for fighting dryness.”
“I always have a massive one of these that I use every evening to take my makeup off with. I switched to using washable, reusable cotton pads too, which makes the whole process feel much less wasteful. I’m lazy and really hate having to wash my face to take mascara off, but face wipes are the devil, so this is a must. I always take the mini Garnier one with me when I’m travelling too.”
“Full of food-grade organic cold-pressed oils and botanicals, this serum feels like the ultimate skin food and really leaves my skin feeling super nourished and hydrated come morning. I use it under a good night cream like Caudalie or Sarah Chapman.”
Monikh wears this long-time classic day and night, despite the name. “It’s the only thing I’m religious about. I’m obsessed”, she says. “It really helps the texture and brightness of my skin.” Sign us up.
A charcoal mask is always a great go-to detoxifier. Monikh says she loves this to “pull out all the gross stuff” that builds up so easily from pollution these days.
“This is the best lip balm on the market,” so Monikh says. According to her, it works even in this cold weather, so it’s a year-rounder. Just what we need right now.
For those with blemished or scarred skin, this one’s for you. “Expensive, but worth it for the scar-fighting power. Plus it gives a cool Power Ranger look,” she says.
Monikh uses this just before a night out when she’s feeling “bougie” and wants something extra special to prep her skin.
Lindsey uses this for every skin trouble she has. “It’s the perfect multi-function product,” she says, which sounds right up our street.
“I’d have to take an SPF to a desert island. I presume it’d be hot!” says Lindsey. She’s not wrong, but this lightweight SPF is also great for everyday wear to prevent signs of ageing and protect the skin from harmful rays.
Lindsey never goes anywhere without it, and rightly so.
We totally agree with this last pick. We love Boy Brow too, and we don’t know a makeup bag that doesn’t contain it these days. Let us all live by Lindsey’s mantra: “If my brows are done, then I’m done.”
“This is my favourite cleanser even though it’s a bit on the pricey side. It feels so luxurious though and smells delicious. It’s the perfect first step in my cleansing routine.”
“I recently discovered Björk and Berries Rescue Balm, and I love using it as a lip balm. It’s a very thick texture, which means it’s rich and hydrating. Plus it’s made of natural oils only.”
“This hand cream is a staple for my very dry hands.”
“This cult product remains a favourite of mine because of the gel formula. It’s transparent, it feels light on the skin, it’s very easy to apply, and it doesn’t leave any white marks.”
“This product works wonders on the occasional zits I get. I religiously apply it to the problematic area on my face twice a day and in four days top, no more spots!”
“I live by Susanne Kaufmann’s products,” Bettina says. This light face fluid for after cleansing is one of her favourites.
“This is another of my couldn’t-live-without products from Susanne,” she says. A light fluid perfectly suited to normal and combination skin and well worth the price tag, according to Bettina.
“Nataliya is an amazing facialist, and she’s recently brought out her own line of all-natural products. I use this moisturiser every day.”
Bettina says, “I can’t get enough of Dr. Barbara Sturm’s products.” She has most of her serums, but this calming product that eases redness and irritation from jet lag and sleep loss is the one on her shelf that is almost run out.
Bettina says she loves this brand, and the Ice Roller in particular, “works wonders.” Not only is it effective, but it’s also budget-friendly. We’ll be snapping up this cult product immediately.
“I love to use this product straight out of a steamy shower to lock in the moisture. I also use it as a setting spray after applying makeup in the mornings or to refresh my look throughout the day to keep that glow going.”
“This cult product is my absolute go-to, especially when I’m travelling, as it’s so portable. It’s a luxury but keeps my hands smooth and fresh.”
Valentina knows the importance of always wearing SPF. She says, “I use this product daily. Eve Lom is pricey, but I think it’s worth it for the quality and the high SPF 50 coverage”
Valentina advises us all to get on the jade roller bandwagon now before it’s too late. “It’s so, so great for de-puffing and encouraging circulation under the skin to keep you looking youthful and glowy!”
“This product is INCREDIBLE. It’s an absolute skin saviour, especially after a busy week. It’s also fab during colder months to rejuvenate and bring the moisture back into your skin.”
Zeena says, “Herbivore’s Emerald oil is so lovely and nourishing. It’s not too oily, either. My top tip is to apply it with the rollers. It’s so cooling and brilliant for circulation.”
“This isn’t really an oil. It’s more of a serum. It literally transformed my skin overnight. I noticed a huge difference the next day.”
“I can’t live without this night cream that feels super indulgent, almost like a mask. It soaks in overnight to leave your skin filled with moisture when you wake up!”
“A rosemary roller ball that soothes spots and helps get rid of them ASAP? What’s not to love. Even my fiancé steals it; it’s that good!”
Like Lucy, Katherine is a huge Drunk Elephant fan. “To be wildly honest, I’d always been skeptical about serums. I mean, what do they all do? But then I was introduced to this brightening serum, and I’ve had to eat my words.”
“Not skincare but I couldn’t live without my signature cat eye. It’s been my look for years, and I’ve tried every liquid, pen, gel liner out there and spent a lot of money on high-end versions. Nothing compares to this high-street product, so I had to mention it. I bulk-buy it as I’m terrified it will be discontinued.”
“Not cheap, but I got addicted after I was kindly gifted with a sample, and I can’t break the habit. This is my number one travel product as it’s so hydrating.”
Katherine told us she couldn’t possibly leave out her Hourglass eyebrow pencil, and we get why. A great brow finishes off a fresh-skin look perfectly. She says, “I got micro-blading done a few years ago, and it faded leaving a peachy coloured residue. Thankfully I found this perfect liner to cover it and build my brow shape subtly but effectively.”
“This is a new but beloved addition to my arsenal of products. A new essential, as I’m not getting any younger!” We feel you, Katherine.
