If there’s one high-street clothing destination you can always rely on, it’s Zara. Looking for jeans and a nice top? Go to Zara. Need a wedding guest outfit with accessories to match? Pop to Zara. You’re a bottle of wine deep in central London, having changed your mind on a boujee launch party you weren’t going to bother attending, but you’re very much dressed not to impress and there’s only 20 minutes to spare? Yep, you guessed it. Zara. I say the last one in honour of my friend Charlotte, who recently did just that.
Anyway, you get the gist. Zara is more like the name of a universally loyal friend. And now I can officially confirm the high-street hero meets our demand for more than clothing, shoes and accessories. Launched in May 2021, the Zara beauty collection comprises of eyes, lips and face products that anyone—regardless of skin, colour, gender, age or personal style—can wear. Developed with the creative direction of legendary British makeup artist Diane Kendal, the clean beauty line features a vast array of colours, pigments and finishes, made with high-performance ingredients and all at a very accessible cost.
The Zara beauty packaging
Despite being available to shop in selected stores and online for the past couple of years, I’d never tried anything before so when an edit of products arrived on my doorstop I was, unsurprisingly, very excited. My husband? Not so much. (It went something a little like…“Please. No more beauty products, I beg…)
Before applying the Zara makeup
On first impressions, the outer packaging is minimal and chic, much like the packaging of the product itself. I was sent a concealer, tinted moisturiser, matte foundation, brow pencil, mascara, kohl liner and lip oil so decided to create a low-key five minute makeup look––and I was very happy with the results. The base makeup felt lightweight, glowy and fresh, giving a ‘your skin but better’ vibe, and I was obsessed with my eyes.
After applying Zara makeup
Keep scrolling for my thoughts and feelings on each individual product I’m wearing plus a few I’m currently adding to my virtual basket.
I really love the consistency of this formula, which makes my skin look fresh and glowy just on its own––I found it to be quite similar to the Nars Creamy Concealer but at more than half the cost. I would say if you like a high coverage matte finish this wouldn’t be for but if you want to look like a glazed doughnut a la Hailey Bieber, get involved. I applied it underneath my eyes and on any red areas, then blended it in with a sponge.
Okay, this stuff is literally divine and a little goes a really long way. It’s hydrating on the skin and provides lightweight yet luminous coverage. I do have oily skin, so I did need to add powder to my T zone before going out, but it stayed looking fresh all day. A big thumbs up from me.
I’m not wearing this foundation in the picture above but I did try it on a separate occasion. Personally, it’s not for me as it very high coverage and dries very matte but its staying power is incredible. Available in 51 shades, if you know that’s the finish you like, definitely give it a whirl.
I can’t live without a brow pencil, thanks to the fact my right one lacks a section of hair at the top. This one was great at naturally mimicking the hairs and I was able to naturally build them up––I hate it when the product comes out too dark and pigmented straight away making it harder to control.
I’m going to start by saying I do have a couple of lash extensions on the centre of my eyes in the pictures above as I’m waiting for them to naturally fall out. However, this mascara really is great. It lifted, lengthened coated all of my lashes evenly without clumping.
I’ve recently made the switch from a black liquid liner to a brown kohl so this felt like the perfect pick for me. It’s more of a maroon colour which makes a nice change and it literally doesn’t budge. It’s perfect for creating a smokey winged effect.
Forget everything Destiny’s Child told you because this is a jelly you should very much be ready for. A cross between a gloss and a balm, this hydrating formula smooths lips while delivering a wash of colour and shine. I’ll take one in every shade please and thank you.
Facial bling is a thing for 2023, and these easy-to-use stickers, also available in blue and purple, are screaming festival season. If only my Glastonbury ticket would stop playing so hard to get.
I’m desperate to get my hands on the summer-approved peachy tones in this palette.
The Zara nail collection has such an amazing variation of shades––if you haven’t checked them out, go and take a gander. I’m a sucker for a red nail, so this set is right up my street.
Another product I need to get my hands on. Just imagine how beautiful the blusher shades would be swept across the cheekbones.
