The decadent beauty brands that are worth the splurge.
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat 25 Star Edition – Astrid
What it is: A limited edition complexion highlighter that erases imperfections to help you appear rested and bright-eyed.
My experience: I'm a huge fan of the Touche Éclat, but this limited edition version takes the cake, thanks to the gorgeous black star packaging. With just one quick swipe of this luminizing pen, I can erase any sign of fatigue - like that! Fine lines and dark circles don't stand a chance. It instantly brings life, light and radiance to my skin, banishing all signs of imperfections. When I haven't had enough sleep, this is my go-to to help me feel rested and refreshed.
Sisley Paris Hydra-Global – Steph
What it is: An intensely moisturising and restorative serum that targets dehydration while working to plump the skin, increase moisture circulation and repair the skin’s barrier function.
My experience: This silky, smooth serum glides effortlessly over cleansed skin and absorbs deeply and quickly. The hydrating technology combined with the key ingredients of botanical extracts padina pavonica, wild pansy and mineral malachite offer my skin a hydrating drink – which it laps up! The result is a soft, nourished and hydrated complexion that is perfectly primed for following skincare.
Giorgio Armani Power Fabric – Caitlin
What it is: A liquid foundation that delivers an invisible, second skin finish that lasts up to 16 hours.
My experience: I’ve heard many good things about Giorgio Armani foundation before, and this one certainly lived up to the hype. Upon application, it melted into my skin for a healthy, dewy glow with no imperfections in sight. It lasted all day on my oily complexion without fading, settling into any creases or turning shiny.
Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Colour – Zoe
What it is: A lipstick that combines bold colour with nourishing ingredients; while also helping to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lip lines and relieve flaking. A blend of moisture-boosting ingredients helps keep lips soft and conditioned.
My experience: The soft, buttery formula glided effortlessly onto my lips, delivering maximum-coverage colour in one swipe. It left my lips feeling so soft, and I was amazed at how non-drying the lipstick was. The deep berry hue is also the perfect lip shade as we head into the cooler months
Balenciaga Florabotanica – Kym
What it is: A floral fragrance that blends classic notes with an experimental approach. While applying quite floral this perfume deepens, setting as a stronger, more enchanting scent.
My experience: The notes of Turkish Rose, hemp leaves, mint and wild amber blend together to create an individual and pleasant scent, suitable for all seasons and occasions. I love this creative and quirky bottle that reflects the individuality of this fragrance – this is such a welcome addition to my dressing table.
Jean Patou JOY – Janet
What it is: An iconic couture fragrance created in 1930 for designer Jean Patou.
My experience: A beautiful fragrance that oozes old-school glamour in the manner of Chanel No 5 with it’s woody, rose and tuberose scent. This is not so much an everyday fragrance that you can spritz with abandon – but more an occasion fragrance to create special memories.
Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Black Lashdress – Kate
What it is: Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Black Lashdress is a four-in-one mascara designed with a multitasking brush. The long-lasting formula provides volume, curl, length and definition.
My experience: I have naturally long lashes, so when I look for a mascara I gravitate toward formulas that promise definition and volume. The best tip I ever received for mascara was to hold it vertically (kind of like a pen) to get into those inner-corner lashes and the domed top of this mascara wand makes it so easy to do! The unique brush gets all my lashes coated without clumping so that each lash is visible – and then some!
La Prairie Line Interception Power Duo – Skye
What it is: A day and night cream duo that work together to target fine lines and wrinkles at their inception while smoothing and treating those that are existing.
My experience: This is my favourite new go-to and has become a permanent part of my skincare routine to fight the signs of ageing. The cream is luxurious, light and easily absorbed and the delivery system that manages the day and night cream is genius. This formula works to fight three types of wrinkles; expression lines, sun-induced lines and ageing lines while leaving your skin feeling beautifully soft. Another beautiful skin care product from La Prairie.
AERIN Ikat Jasmine – Georgie
What it is: The impeccable pairing of Jasmine Sambac and Jasmine Egypt Infusion is enhanced with exotic Tuberose Fleur in a fragrance rich with velvety body and soft freshness.
My experience: I have never worn an Aerin fragrance before so was excited to try this fresh Jasmine scent. It didn’t disappoint. Everything from the packaging to the longevity of the fragrance screamed luxury – moreover, it’s a ridiculously pretty addition to my dressing table. The floral scent is light and sweet, perfect for a warm summer’s evening in Europe… and what a timing, I’m heading there soon and this product will 100 per cent be coming with me!
Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Cushion Compact – Tash
What it is: An intelligent cushion compact designed to give skin instant hydration and a luminous healthy glow. This travel friendly compact is formulated with Advanced Sensing Technology which allows perfect synchronization with your skin while optimizing light, oil and moisture to maintain a flawless look throughout the day.
My experience: This precious foundation enhanced my skin’s healthy glow and revived my complexion. With the change of season I was in need of a change of base and this silky formula helped me achieve the perfect polished glow! Natural ingredients including Mother of Thyme Extract and Hypericum Perforatum Extract (St John’s Wort) which helped protect my skin against oxidation and roughness.
