But while we’re bombarded by such new temptations, there are certain items in the beauty arsenal that have not only stayed the course, but remain on the best-seller list year after year. Favourites of beauty editors, make-up artists, industry insiders, celebrities and Jo Public, these beauty classics do what they say they’ll do... which is why they’re so loved.
But their supremacy doesn’t go unchallenged — pretenders to their thrones pop up all the time. Here are my suggestions for alternatives to seven of the greats, as well as an assessment of those originals.
 1. Eve Lom Cleanser (£48 - 100ml www.evelom.com for stockists)
when this fantastic aromatic oil-based cleanser first appeared it was a revelation. Designed to be ritualistically massaged onto the skin (it comes with a step by seven step guide on how to do it, as cult facialist Eve herself would do it) and then removed with a hot, damp muslin cloth (provided) it not only takes off ALL make-up, but acts also as an exfoliator and toner. It smells like the best spa facial you’ve ever had and leaves your skin feeling deep-down clean, smooth and glowing. Expensive, but it works as an eye make-up remover, exfoliator and toner too - and you’re worth it!
Liz Earle Naturally Active Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser (£11 - 100ml from selected John Lewis branches and www.lizearle.com)
A serious rival, from ex beauty editor turned natural skincare guru Liz Earle, not least because of its less scary price. This is a cream-based cleanser, in a pump-action bottle, that contains rosemary, eucalyptus, hops and cocoa butter. It also has a lovely spa-like fragrance and leaves your skin feeling clean and soft and you, relaxed and pampered. So popular is this product that the website has an auto-reorder service on it, so customers need never run out!
2.  Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream (£22 - 50ml from Boots)
Created in the 1930s, one tube of this apricot-coloured, soothing, anti-inflammatory, skin-shielding beauty panacea with vitamin E, sells every 30 seconds! And that’s because it really works — on chapped lips, sore noses, dry cuticles, chapped hands, shaved legs, cracked heels, straggly eyebrows.... Make-up artists, models, celebs and beauty experts count among its fans. And although it might seem expensive, a little really does go a long way. Keep it in your handbag.
Elizabeth’s Daughter Soothing & Glossing Balm
(£18 - 50ml www.elizabethsdaughter.co.uk
From a range of toiletries created for sensitive young skins, but good for anyone, this balm does all that Eight Hour Cream does (apart from the colossal sales... as yet) but without petrolatum, parabens etc which can be irritants, so ideal for those who prefer to go down a more natural route, beauty-wise. There’s apricot and shea butter (to soften), aloe vera (to protect), vitamin E, rosehip seed oil and meadowfoam (to moisturise) instead. It did wonders for my scaly elbows!
 3. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm (£24.46 - 50ml from Clarins counters nationwide)
Described in-house as their “Cinderella in a tube” this cult beauty product is still a best-seller after 30 years — when it was launched it was seen as totally innovative. A beauty pick-me-up, Beauty Flash Balm works by filling out fine lines in the skin as well as providing a fine firming film, which helps to give the complexion a radiant glow. An instant fix, great for the morning after the night before. Not cheap, but you only need to use a little after cleansing and then apply make-up immediately for the best perked-up effect.
Purity Organic Skincare Anti-Ageing Serum & Mask (£8.99 - 50ml from Superdrug)
If you prefer all-natural, preferably organic skincare, Purity’s skin-booster (which can be left on overnight for an intensive treatment) offers a much more affordable alternative. The ingredients — sweet almond oil, aloe vera, omega 3, 6 and 9-rich cranberry seed oil, rose water and vitamin E — are 98% natural and 95% organic, which is pretty good for such an inexpensive product. Apply a thick layer and leave for 10 minutes to do its thing. It feels cool then tingly, it rinses off to leave your face feeling wide awake.
 4.
Guerlain Midnight Secret Late Night Recovery Treatment (£56 - 30ml for stockists: 01932 233 887)
Described as ‘concentrated sleep in a bottle’ this treatment, applied before bed, is perfect for those who could use an extra few restorative hours in bed. The combination of pure gold blended with rare marine algae extracts and other active ingredients, together with cutting-edge cosmetic technology, has created an emulsion that melts into the skin to help stimulate microcirculation and oxygenate the cells — so, the skin relaxes, recuperates and renews itself rapidly. It feels ultra silky on the skin and melts in rapidly.
Ina Crystals White Gold Restoring Night Serum (£32 - 50ml from Space NK, House of Fraser & Liberty)
This serum, stuffed with anti-oxidants, nutrients, vitamin E and marine actives, is based around mineral-rich Himalayan white gold crystal salt, which not only helps to detoxify the skin but also help its self-regeneration. A blend of rose absolute, rose otto and mimosa essential oils not only gives the serum a lovely scent, but helps with the rejuvenation. A brown seaweed extract helps with firming and reducing the appearance of fine lines. After just a week of using it, I could see a difference in my skin’s clarity and brightness.
 5.
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat (£23 YSL counters nationwide)
Launched in 1992, there’s one of these glam golden, skin-illuminating pen-brushes sold every 20 seconds. Much more than simply a concealor, it not only hides blemishes, but covers up redness, erases dark circles under eyes, disguises fine lines, is a highlighter, makes lips look plumper, corrects mistakes...... and does it all neatly, easily and without dragging the skin (a click or two dispenses just the right amount). And because the pen looks so beautiful, there’s no problem with using it in polite/mixed company!
Cosmetics A La Carte Secret Light Concealer (£20 www.cosmeticsalacarte.com)
Without perhaps the apply-in-the-back-of-a-limo glitz of YSL’s baby, Cosmetics a la Carte’s concealer nonetheless works brilliantly as a base for eye shadow, brightens dark shadows, covers up redness around the nose and on the chin and minimises fine lines. It also comes in a choice of 9 shades (compared to Touche Eclat’s two). It’s what you would expect from the London based company that specialises in hand-blended make-up “to fit”. Colour-matching discontinued make-up is one of their points of difference.
 6.
John Frieda Frizz-Ease Overnight Repair Creme Serum (£15, Boots)
The original Frizz-Ease was launched 20 years ago and is now a bona fide beauty classic, that’s quoted by beauty editors, celebs and session stylists as a “must-have”. But hot on its heels in terms of innovation plus desirability, is the fairly recently introduced Overnight Repair Creme Serum. Applied to your hair before going to bed, it works to repair split ends, replenish moisture and even has camomile extract in it to help aid sleep. And it doesn’t leave residue on the pillow.
Kerastase Olio-Relax Nuit (£24.50 0800 316 4400 for stockists)
From the Oleo-Slim range of products for thick, frizzy, “rebellious” hair, this rich mask is designed to be left on overnight and doesn’t require washing out — which is a bonus. But I use it particularly before having
any salon treatment and it really makes my long, unruly, colour-treated hair feel soft, manageable and smooth... a miracle! I also use it if I want to scrape my hair back in the morning and get rid of frizzy straggly bits. It doesn’t have the greasy, sticky texture of some glossing serums, but more holding power than a mousse.
 7.
Lancome L’absolu Rouge Lipstick (£17.50 Lancome counters nationwide)
So much more than just lovely colours, this lippy addresses lip volume, wrinkles, lip outline, moisture levels, staying power AND a host of great colours — all major issues with women. Enriched with SPF12, there are 36 shades including an amazingly comprehensive range of reds — something for everyone — even those who say they can never find one to enhance their skin tone (or even colour of teeth). Amazing!
Bobbi Brown Lip Colour (£15 for stockists call 0870 034 2566 www.bobbibrown.co.uk)
If you prefer your lipstick to be purposeful and definite (as opposed to barely there in a lip balm/gloss kind of way) this extremely rich, matte lip colour range (of 36 shades) will be just right. With beeswax as well as vitamins E and C to moisturise and protect the lips (perfect for wind-blown winter months) the colour stays there through thick, thin and cappuccinos and I can recommend the Burnt Red as a rich and grown-up alternative to brazen pillar box. |
