That said, there are a dozen or so buys that I have cyclically returned to again and again over my 20-year tenure as a beauty editor. Some are immediate repurchases as soon as one is running low; others I come back to after a lull and there is always a mix of comforting nostalgia and kicking myself that I had forgotten just how good they were.
Elizabeth Arden
8-Hour Cream, £18
A beauty editor staple for a reason, there is little this rich, herbal balm can’t do – it works a treat as everything from lip balm to eyebrow tamer and cuticle softener. I have a tube in most bags, pockets and on my nightstand. Simply, I can’t be without it.
Elemis
Frangipani Monoi Body Oil, £48
I love the ritual of leaving this bottle in a sink full of warm water whilst I bathe and emerging to slather the warmed, fragrant oil into damp skin. I also love that it solidifies, making it safe to travel with - no spills!
Eve Lom
Cleansing Balm, £65
The herbal smell of this iconic cleansing balm is instantly nostalgic of my twenties. Deeply effective, never drying and the spa-like smells elevates my end of the day skincare routine.
Bioderma
Sensibio H20, £13.75
In 1990s rural France, this was a staple in our bathroom and it has remained so ever since. Thankfully it is now super easy to get your hands on in the UK; great for sensitive eyes and skin feels fresh, never tight.
Kiehl’s
Creme de Corps, £36
This eighties classic is as good as it’s always been. With softening cocoa butter and olive-derived squalene to moisturise and brighten, I love the lightweight, yet intensely hydrating formula for every day.
Nars
Radiant Creamy Concealer, £29.50
This one didn’t launch till 2013, but it has resolutely been in my make-up armoury ever since. I love the texture that melts into skin, then doesn’t budge, cake or settle into creases. The holy grail of concealers.
L’Oreal
Voluminous Mascara, £8
This original grey tube version is getting harder and harder to get hold of, so if you can, do bulk buy. The straight, no-nonsense brush does what it promises - delivering thick, full, lashes without a fuss.
Chanel
Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream, £50
An annual purchase that never seems to run out, this oversize, creamy bronzer has often been imitated but never equalled. The kiss of colour it delivers without a hint of shimmer is just enough to enliven skin without feeling too contoured or ‘done’.
Bobbi Brown
Gel Liner, £27.50
My best friend got me onto this at university, circa 2002 and its staying power is seriously hard to beat. It takes a minute to get the hang of the brush and pot method – however once you’ve perfected that flick, there’s no budging, flaking or fading.
Aveda
Shampure, £22
Gentle, soothing on the scalp and with an amazingly comforting botanical scent. The shampoo I return to again and again that never fails to leave my hair soft and clean with no residue.
L’Oreal
Elnett Hairspray with Vitamin E, £3.75
Do I buy this on repeat because it smells of my mum? Yes. However, the soft hold and extra shine this vitamin E-infused formula gives makes it well worth it.
Tom Ford
Lip Colour, £49
The perfect mix of comfortable formula and rich pigment. A luxe lippie investment for sure, but if you’re looking for a date night treat, I love these chic shades from Mr. Ford that you’ll be proud to whip out for a touch up.
Philip Kingsley
Elasticizer, £21
Famously first formulated for Audrey Hepburn, who wanted something deeply restorative to repair her hair after extensive styling and colouring on set, this strengthening mask is a weekly staple that never fails to rehydrate my own fried ends and restore shine.
Clarins
Beauty Flash Balm, £39
I love how instantly a simple pat of this product on top of my skincare adds a shot of radiance under my make-up. Like a double espresso for my skin. I never fail to pack this when travelling for a 3-in-1 moisturiser, primer and mask.
Mixa
Intensive Body Milk, £10
Another French buy that I lean on perennially over winter, this intensive version of Mixa’s body lotion has vegetable glycerine, shea and apricot oils and leaves a suppleness and shine on skin, without any lingering greasiness. A brilliant budget buy I wouldn’t be without.
