MAKEUP

When it comes to makeup, a handful of brands have earned their place as true crowd-pleasers, loved for their quality, accessibility and consistently strong results. L’Oreal Paris is one of the most recognisable names in makeup globally, with a wide range of well-crafted products spanning foundation, mascara and lip colour that deliver reliable results at a mid-range price point. A go-to for on-trend, well-formulated products at incredibly accessible price points, Essence has built a loyal following that keeps growing thanks to its consistent quality and value. NYX Professional Makeup has become a favourite for bold, creative looks, with its lip products, setting sprays and eyeshadow palettes particularly popular among makeup enthusiasts. Celebrated for its viral products and impressive shade ranges, Maybelline is best known for its foundations and the Sky High Mascara, which have achieved cult status in recent years. Catrice rounds things out as a brilliant affordable option, offering everything from foundations to eyeshadow palettes that consistently punch above their price.

Building a makeup routine is all about layering products in the right order to create a flawless, long-lasting finish. Start with a primer to smooth the skin and help everything that follows grip and last longer. Next, apply your foundation for an even base, then use a concealer to target any blemishes, dark circles or areas that need extra coverage. From there, build dimension with bronzer or contour to sculpt the face, blush to add warmth and colour to the cheeks, and a highlighter to catch the light on the high points of the face. For eyes, apply eyeshadow first, followed by eyeliner and then mascara to open up the eyes and finish the look. Complete with your choice of lipstick or lip gloss, and always finish with a setting spray to lock everything in place and extend wear throughout the day.

Great makeup doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag, and there are some brilliant budget-friendly options that deliver impressive results. Essence has built a loyal following for its wide range of on-trend, well-formulated products at incredibly accessible price points, making it a great starting point for any makeup bag. Catrice is another standout for affordable quality, offering everything from foundations to eyeshadow palettes that punch well above their price. Wet N Wild is a long-standing favourite in the budget makeup category, particularly well regarded for its pigmented eyeshadow palettes and reliable lip products. Collection Cosmetics is a brilliant everyday option, with a solid range of accessible, well-performing products that cover all the makeup basics. Eveline Cosmetics brings an impressive breadth of affordable makeup and beauty products with a strong focus on quality ingredients at accessible prices. Makeup Revolution rounds things out as one of the most comprehensive affordable makeup brands available, with an extensive range that covers every step of a full face of makeup without breaking the bank.

For those who want to invest in their makeup, there are some truly outstanding premium brands that deliver exceptional quality, longevity and finish. Known for its beautifully pigmented products and iconic shades, NARS counts the Radiant Creamy Concealer and Natural Matte Longwear Foundation among its most beloved staples. A true powerhouse in premium makeup, Estée Lauder is particularly well regarded for its Double Wear Foundation, one of the most popular long-wearing foundations in the world. For those who want premium makeup with a skin-friendly edge, Clinique delivers allergy-tested, fragrance-free formulas that work beautifully for sensitive skin. Taking a skin-first approach to colour, Bobbi Brown creates natural-looking, wearable products that enhance rather than mask, making it a brilliant choice for those who prefer a more understated finish.

The right makeup brushes and sponges can make a significant difference to the finish of your makeup, helping products blend seamlessly and last longer. Beautyblender is the most iconic name in makeup sponges, with its unique egg-shaped design delivering a flawless, airbrushed finish when used with foundation and concealer. For a comprehensive brush collection that covers every step of a full face of makeup, Real Techniques is a brilliant choice, combining quality with accessibility for both beginners and more experienced makeup lovers. Brushworks is another great option for building up a brush kit, with well-crafted sets designed to make application easier and more precise. For innovative tools and accessories that take the guesswork out of makeup application, Clomana is a newer name worth exploring, while keeping your brushes clean with a dedicated brush cleaner will help them last longer and keep your skin clearer.

Finding the right foundation starts with understanding your skin type and the finish you want. For a light, natural finish with skincare benefits, a skin tint like the Essence Skin Tint SPF30 is a great everyday option, while the L’Oreal Paris Infallible Air Wear Cushion Foundation delivers a buildable, fresh finish that is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups. Those with dry skin will love the hydrating, skin-nourishing properties of the Makeup Revolution Skin Silk Serum Foundation, which gives a luminous, healthy-looking finish. For oily skin, the Maybelline Super Stay 30H Lumi-Matte Foundation offers long-lasting, shine-controlling coverage that keeps skin looking fresh throughout the day. The Clinique Superpowder Double Face Powder is a brilliant two-in-one option that works as both a foundation and a setting powder for a clean, polished finish, while the Bobbi Brown Weightless Skin Foundation SPF15 is an excellent choice for those who want built-in sun protection alongside a natural, skin-like finish.

K-Beauty makeup follows the same philosophy as K-Beauty skincare, prioritising skin health alongside colour payoff, with a focus on natural-looking finishes, lightweight textures and ingredients that actively benefit the skin as you wear them. TirTir has gained global attention for its Cushion Foundation, which combines skincare ingredients with a skin-perfecting finish that feels like a genuine second skin. Vibrant, creative and brilliantly pigmented, MOIRA is a great choice for those who want more colour-forward K-Beauty makeup, with bold eyeshadow palettes and lip products that deliver real impact. ROM&ND is particularly loved for its Blur Fudge Tints and Glasting Water Glosses, delivering beautifully wearable colour with that coveted glass-skin finish. One of the most playful and iconic K-Beauty makeup brands, Etude House is known for its charming packaging and innovative formulas that have been a staple of Korean beauty culture for decades.

Choosing the right false lashes comes down to the occasion, the look you want to achieve and how much experience you have with application. Strip lashes are the most popular option, offering an instant, all-over boost of volume and length that can be applied quickly and reused multiple times. Individual lashes give you more control over placement, making them a brilliant choice for a more natural, customisable result. Tatti Lashes is one of the most popular lash brands in the UK, known for its lightweight, natural-looking styles that are comfortable to wear and easy to apply. Eylure is a long-standing favourite with a huge range of styles from subtle and everyday to full and dramatic, while Unicorn Cosmetics has built a loyal following for its innovative lash designs and accessories. Salon System brings professional-grade lash products into an at-home format, making it a brilliant choice for those who want a more polished, salon-quality result.