There’s an interesting trend happening on social media at the moment, with people posting about “the best boring beauty products” or “unsexy products that work” – basically, the items that people buy again and again. Not because they’re new, or particularly cool or luxurious, but because they do the job.
I’ve been writing about beauty for a long time, and one of the wonderful parts of this job is that I get to try new products regularly. I’ve dedicated countless columns to them, from the best new bronzers to sunscreens and hair products.
But the newness aspect of beauty has reached fever pitch in recent years. Brands are constantly competing for space on shelves, scrambling to launch the latest innovation, the next game changer, the next viral product.
The industry has become so focused on what’s new and what’s next, that we don’t spend nearly enough time talking about the products that earned their place a long time ago. The fail-safe buys. The old reliables. The ones we replace without thinking, because we know they work.
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So, over the coming weeks, I am dedicating a few columns to exactly that – the beauty products I’ve repurchased time and time again and continue to recommend to everyone – starting with make-up.
There are some products I’ve written about so many times before that regular readers will be well familiar with: L’Oréal Lash Paradise Mascara (€16.99 from Boots) has been a favourite for almost a decade. Brow Aid The Brow Blueprint (€21 from browaid.com) is a more recent addition to my make-up bag, but one of the best brow products I’ve used for creating realistic-looking hair strokes. Poco Beauty Universal Glow Treatment (€32 from pocobeauty.com) is my go-to for healthy, fresh-looking glow without obvious shimmer, and Sculpted by Aimee HydraTint Moisturising Tinted Serum (€28 from Sculpted by Aimee) can’t be beaten for lightweight, everyday coverage that feels and looks great.
Here are four more unsung heroes.
Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick
When I want more coverage, but want it to be as light and undetectable as possible, Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick (€60 from Brown Thomas) is always the one I reach for. It’s not a foundation stick in the traditional sense. It isn’t heavy, it doesn’t drag across the skin and it never dries down to that powdery finish that some stick foundations can have. Instead, it’s creamy, lightweight and beautifully pigmented, giving excellent coverage while still managing to look like skin.
Huda Beauty Faux Filter Concealer
I’ve used Huda Beauty Faux Filter Concealer (€31 from Cult Beauty) for countless years. Why? Because it’s the closest thing I’ve found to Photoshop in concealer form. It’s full coverage without looking obvious – a balance that’s nearly impossible to strike, but this one manages it beautifully. It never cakes, never makes the under-eye area look older, drier or more textured than it is, and I love it so much that I forgive its awful packaging.
Once you’ve opened it, concealer inevitably starts leaking around the neck of the tube. I’ve cleaned it more times than I can count, and it drives me completely mad, but I simply cannot be without this product.
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Eyeshadow Palette
There are eyeshadow palettes, and then there is the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Eyeshadow Palette (€56 from Brown Thomas). Say what you will about Tilbury’s penchant for dramatic marketing, but the woman knows how to formulate products that flatter everyone, and this palette is a perfect example.
The assortment of cool-toned pinks and soft matte and flattering shimmers, make everyone look better. Brighter, fresher, more awake. I rarely wear this palette without somebody asking me what’s on my eyes, because it’s so complexion-lifting.
Nars Blush in Orgasm
In a similar vein to the Charlotte Tilbury eyeshadow palette, Nars Blush, specifically in the shade Orgasm (€40 from Arnotts), is also another undeniable complexion lifter.
Launched 27 years ago, it has since spawned several other formulas, including liquid and cream stick versions. This is the blush I reach for when I don’t know what to wear, or simply don’t have time to think about it. The peachy pink shade instantly freshens and lifts the face. A true classic.
This week I’m trying ... Dialogue Skincare
A new skincare brand, Dialogue aims to interweave skincare science with what it describes as “cosmic intention”. Its debut collection encompasses a cleansing balm, a renewal serum and a facial cream, with each product also linked to a zodiac sign and designed to encourage a mindful approach to skincare. Prices start from €48.
