I’m seriously impressed with all these launches – and I know you will be, too
These are game-changers: they really do give results
The mascara: Maybelline Falsies Lash Lift Mascara, £9.99, superdrug.com
Seriously lash-enhancing stuff, this gives an instant lift and curl that lasts – according to the brand it was tested against salon lashes and won (on the basis of a two-coat application). I can certainly believe that, and it gives an idea of the dramatic difference this stuff can make – though personally I found one coat to be enough. Plus it doesn’t clump and lasts the day.
The glow-boosting serum: Votary Super Seed Serum, £75, votary.co.uk
I love Votary, especially its Super Seed Cleansing Oil for a skin-friendly cleanse, and now it has launched a serum to complement it. Fragrance free, it is designed to calm and soothe skin and to protect the microbiome (the bacteria on the skin now known to be a key element in its health). It also leaves the complexion glowing and soft. It has become a new favourite.
The concealer: Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer, £32,spacenk.com
A creamy formula that gives great coverage but doesn’t feel heavy or end up emphasising lines – in fact it contains microspherical powders that sit in those lines and fill them out. You don’t need a lot of this to get results. And although I tend to apply make-up with my fingers I enjoy using the brand’s concealer brush to blend this in and make it look even more natural on the face.
The fragrance: Diptyque Eau Capitale eau de parfum, £120 for 75ml, diptyqueparis.com
Inspired by the city of Paris, this chypre fragrance includes warm and woody notes: patchouli, pink peppercorns and ambrofix (like a musk). The additional Bulgarian rose, ylang-ylang and citrusy bergamot make this seductive but with a floral twist. Also look out for the limited-edition solid perfume compact version with art nouveau illustrations by Pierre Marie (£43).
The haircare: Aveda Nutriplenish Shampoo and Conditioner, from £25, aveda.co.uk
Being Aveda, this range is natural, vegan and free from silicone. It’s so hydrating – thanks to organic pomegranate, mango butter and coconut oil – that it has got my hair into peak condition and looking great naturally (it has a wave that can get weighted down and disappear with some shampoos, but not with this).
The bodycare: Tri-Body by Frances Prescott, £44, francesprescott.com
True to the multitasking ethos of the brand, this gel-to-milk formula will both clean and exfoliate with bamboo granules, papaya and mango enzymes and moisturise thanks to rice bran oil and pomegranate seed extract. It also smells great thanks to ylang-ylang, vetiver and lime. And if your skin needs some serious moisture you can apply this as a mask overnight.
The lip colour: Clarins Lip Milky Mousse, £19, debenhams.com
This is pretty much how it sounds: a lightweight mousse-texture lip colour that gives a satin finish, is not too pigmented, and soothes lips courtesy of peach extract. I also like to add a touch to my cheeks when I want to add a little sheen and glow.
The nail varnish: Essie Expressie Nail Varnish, £7.99, boots.com
A new addition from the top notch varnish brand, this is a vegan formula that dries in about 60 seconds. More than that, there’s a new specially angled brush so that it’s genuinely easy to apply with both hands. I’ve tried it and it works!
The complexion enhancer: Nars Tinted Glow Booster, £28, narscosmetics.co.uk
As to why this is a limited edition (for one year only) I don’t know. But new technologies will likely mean we’ll all want something different in 12 months’ time anyway. You can wear it alone, under foundation or as a highlighter, but unlike some similar products it isn’t too shimmery or glowy so made for real-life not just for Instagram selfies. Just make sure your skin is well moisturised before you apply it.
The science-led skincare: Dior Capture Totale Cell Energy Super Potent Serum, from £149, dior.com from 22 January
The latest range from Dior’s Capture Totale line is based on stem cell research carried out in partnership with the Centre for iPS Cell Research and Application at Kyoto University, Japan. Essentially it has been discovered that the energy in our stem cells reduces with age (not the number of them) and this range helps to restore that regenerative energy. The results of the trials are impressive: the serum shows a reduction in wrinkles of 19 per cent, with firmness and tone up 16 per cent and 14 per cent respectively after one month.
- Beauty assistant: Alice Robertson