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The latest skincare, hair and make-up buys we deem worthy of repurchasing Pyridoxine Tripalmitate Suppliers
A big part of a beauty editor’s job is trying and testing the newest products – which is nearly always a perk (and only occasionally an occupational hazard). The constant revolving use of newbies means we rarely make it to the very dregs of any product, so when we do they're a real winner – even more so if we decide to repurchase.
Here, in our #Empties round-up, we share the beauty buys that outlasted the hype and will likely stay as staples on our bathroom shelves.
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While other eyebrow pencils come and go (it’s been a busy brow season) I always love going back this. Yes it’s a personal thing, but the colours are always bang on for my brows which, dark blonde, find it hard to find a Pantone which fits just right. Plus the colour pay-off is both generous enough not to drag skin, but sparing enough to avoid mistakes. A great brow pencil to start off with if you’re wary about filling in your own arches. Katy Young, beauty director MAC Eye Brows Styler, £15.50
It’s been a thirsty season for my skin, so thank goodness for Kiehl’s cult-like Crème de Corps known for its rich, unctuous texture which treats arid limbs. This ‘air-whipped’ version however proves slightly lighter on skin, the upside being that you can dress within seconds post application. A Godsend for someone like me, who is invariably just as short on moisture as she is on time. KY Kiehl’s Crème de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter, £37
This tube lived by my bed for pre-sleep comfort. It’s rich so perhaps not one for midday top-ups, but if your hands suffer from serious dryness, as mine do during the colder weather, it works as a brilliant overnight treat for baby-soft skin by morning. Plus the smell is wonderfully comforting and soporific. KY L’Occitane Dry Skin Hand Cream, £8
Us Brits tend to deprive ourselves of luxury cream from the neck down. But it’s around this time of year, when the layers start coming off, that you’ll thank yourself for investing in some serious skincare. This version comes with a hefty price tag, but I put this down to the fact that it is created by leading cosmetic doctor Dr.Sebagh, whose collagen boosting hyaluronic acid and protective anti-oxidants I believe in. KY
Dr Sebagh Supreme Restructuring & Firming Body, £130
Set aside all notions of cleansing wipes being bad for your skin / the environment. These magic pads – which are 100 per cent biodegradable – swipe away all traces of make-up (mascara and liner included) with micellar water, and gently exfoliate the skin thanks to natural lactic acid. My sensitive skin and eyes had zero complaints when using them, and I loved the convenience that didn't come at the cost of the planet. Bridget March, digital beauty director
Skin Matrix HD 60 Micellar Cleansing Pads, £27.50
I can safely say this is now my favourite concealer. The formula is lightweight yet delivers just enough coverage, it appears to smooth skin without gathering in lines, and hydrates instead of cakes. It would be perfect, if only I could make it last all day (I touch-up at least once). Of the 16 shades I'm a '5 Medium', which sits seamlessly on my skin. A definite repurchase. BM
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Liquid Concealer, £24
I was sceptical that a peroxide-free teeth whitening kit would actually work, but HiSmile (which uses sodium bicarbonate in conjunction with an LED light) delivered results on par to a professional laser treatment. Now, for me that's not drastic - my teeth just don't go bright white, but in my pursuit for a natural look that suits me fine. The gentle process also caused no sensitivity whatsoever. Easy, pain-free and effective - I approve. BM
HiSmile Teeth Whitening Kit, £49.99
I started out with a mini version of this, bought in Sephora last February and first used it on the flight home, which is exactly what I’d heartily recommend it for. It’s sort of a cross between a serum and a moisturiser texture-wise and very easily ‘cocktailed’ in the way the brand recommends. For me though, just using this over my vitamin C serum in the morning was all I needed. Siân Ranscombe, beauty editor
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum, £44
Another new favourite for me in the brow region. The tip of this is smaller than most of the ‘sculpted’ products I’ve tried which allowed for a little more definition and fewer mistakes. The ‘Coffee’ shade I had was nice and cool-toned too – avoiding the dreaded orange tint offered by many eyebrow pencils. SR
BareMinerals Brow Master Sculpting Eyebrow Pencil, £18
Okay, this is a luxury brand to go to for a make-up remover (especially considering my favourite is still Garnier) – but I just love the pump packaging of it and although slightly smaller than my usual first-cleanse products, lasted ages. SR
Sisley Gentle Make-Up Remover, £85.50
Again, I’m a sucker for clever packaging. This is the first micellar water I’ve used in a squeezy tube with a pump top but I LOVED it. It contains sweet almond oil and aloe vera to remove make-up, dirt and pollution, all of which I’m covered in after eight hours in Leicester Square every day. SR
This Works Evening Detox Cleansing Water, £22
A classic brow pencil that I absolutely love. I find the narrow nib helps create a really natural brow shape, especially when it comes to filling in any areas of sparseness. Every make-up artist I speak to says to apply brow products in small, light strokes and that’s so easy to do with this pencil style. Becki Murray, beauty assistant
Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil, £21.50
Any product that promises to pump some hydration into my dry, sensitive skin always grabs my attention but I especially liked how light and cooling this formula was (in comparison to other formulas that feel sticky) because of its capsulated bubble. It’s like splashing water onto your face, if water was able to provide a great base for make-up too. BeM
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Supercharged Booster, £14.99
I love a gentle micellar water to help take off my make-up as manual exfoliating (and even some cleansers) can sensitise my rosacea. As Lisa Franklin has herself battled the condition, I had no concerns here and although the pump is sometimes loud enough to stir a sleeping boyfriend (I accidentally tested it), my skin felt clean and soothed after using this formula. BeM Lisa Franklin Micellar Water, £29
I know it’s annoying for someone to keep talking about running a marathon, but … I’m running the marathon. Not previously a bath person, I now spend my time either running, working or soaking in the tub and these salts are the best treat for sore muscles I’ve found. BeM Dr Teal’s Pure Epsom Salts, £5.33
This month’s empties definitely have a hydration theme for me, as my already dry skin really didn’t like the colder weather. I layered this hyaluronic acid serum under my moisturiser for an additional moisture boost and felt my skin didn’t feel as hot and tight (due to dehydration) as it has done in the past. BeM Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum, £18.75 SHOP
I’ve been getting constant comments about how long and healthy my hair looks at the moment and I’m convinced it’s due to this cult beauty product and Virtue shampoo (which from this gallery along you can tell the Bazaar beauty team also loves). I saturate the bottom of my hair in the rejuvenating formula and never have to struggle with nasty knotted ends as a result. BeM
Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Coconut Breeze, £21
Another bath related treat; I love to mix these bath crystals in with my Epsom salts as it quite literally makes your bathroom smell like an expensive spa. Unlike many others I’ve tried, you can actually smell the scent on your skin post-bath too. BeM Neom Real Luxury Multi Mineral Bath Salts, £38
I've found my favourite cleanser. The debut product from the London beauty editors' favourite dermatologist, Dr Sam Bunting, ticks all the boxes. Suitable for every skin type, it's a refreshing jelly formula that glides on and swipes impurities to leave skin clean, soft and hydrated when washed off. Unfussy and efficient. Bridget March, digital beauty director
Dr Sam’s Flawless Cleanser, £16
READ BRIDGET'S FULL REVIEW HERE
The most luxurious (and expensive) self tan I've ever tried, but also one of the best. I used this buildable gradual tan only on my body, though it is designed for the face too, and it granted a lovely golden glow that remained streak-free from when it first developed to when it faded. BM
La Mer The Face and Body Gradual Tan, £85
The story behind Virtue, the haircare range harnessing the powers of keratin from human hair, is compelling - but does it perform? I tried the thickening shampoo and recovery conditioner and my hair has never been happier. Whether it actually repaired damaged strands, who knows, but my perma-chemically coloured hair felt super soft and bouncy when using it (which rarely happens). A definite repurchase. BM
Virtue Full Shampoo, £14 and Recovery Conditioner
READ MORE ABOUT VIRTUE HERE
This fragrance-free face cream may feel lightweight but it's a mega hydrator (it's packed with different molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid). I've now switched to a richer cream for winter, but if you prefer your moisturiser light yet potent, I can't recommend this enough. BM
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream, £42
Finally, a delicious shower gel that I didn’t have to share with him indoors. Not just because my photo was smacked on the bottle (thanks Soap & Glory) but also because there is no denying that the delicately scented, pink cream inside is utterly feminine. I kept the bit about smoothing mandarin peel extract for excellent skin sloughing quiet. Katy Young, beauty director
Soap & Glory Creamy Shower Gel, £6.50
My favourite vitamin C and antioxidant skincare now available in a serum-in-gel formula which my combination skin adores. I load it on under SPF each and every morning - ergo, many empties. KY Skinceuticals Phloretin CF Gel, £150 SHOP
Top marks for this dermatologist-developed cream which quenches parched sensitive skin, while it also rebuilds any fragile weather-beaten barrier. No winter skin should be without. KY
This new-to-market range has skin-friendly seaweed, rich in minerals and amino acids, at the heart of all of its creams and tinctures. The non-greasy hand cream also comes with the addition of cedar wood and linden pure essential oils, so it didn’t last long. KY
Living Sea Therapy Hand Cream, £21
This is an ideal base for anyone who likes a little coverage and a little glow – perhaps not one for those who like a little more cover-up. My first wear of it was the ultimate test – a transatlantic flight to New York – but by the time I’d landed, I still looked a lot better than I felt (yes, I know I shouldn’t be wearing make-up on a plane.) Siân Ranscombe, beauty editor YSL Touche Eclat All-in-One Glow Foundation, £33.50
A brilliant mascara. It curls, thickens and volumizes, and doesn’t budge either… since I finished the tube I’ve been plagued by mascara transfer every day. It can only be removed with warm water (hence the name), which takes a bit of getting used to at first, but means it lasts as long as you want it to. SR Sensai Lash Volumiser 38o Mascara, £31.50
I didn’t think I could be parted from my beloved Tom Ford Brow Sculptor, but it turns out Tilbury’s version is just as good, and just as easily applied. SR Charlotte Tilbury Brow Lift, £22.50
A lovely fragrance, texture and all-round shower experience. The only trouble is, I didn’t quite manage to finish it as it’s so thick that it started to crack the tube before I’d finished squeezing the last drops out of it. SR Nuxe Prodigieux Huile de Douche, £10.99
Ironically, this cleanser is one of the first beauty products I ever bought. I was recommended it this time around by Dr Stefanie Williams. The word ‘foam’ in the name put me off initially, but it’s a beautifully gentle cleanser that didn’t strip my skin at all and lasted me nearly three months, used every evening as a second-cleanse. It turns out I’d known what my skin needed all along. SR
Does exactly what it says on the tin, and at such a good price. A no-fuss moisturiser that gives the skin all the hydration it needs without adding any shine or oiliness to it. Perfect for travel too. SR Garden of Wisdom Daily Hydrator, £10
This was another recommendation from Dr Williams. I don’t really suffer with redness or irritation but she prescribed this to be used as a very gentle moisturiser post-retinol. It does the job well, and also worked wonders on the slightly burnt chest I earned myself in Spain this summer. SR Skinceuticals Redness Neutralizer, £80
I’ve been travelling a lot in the last month which is always bad news for my skin. This hand-luggage friendly toner gives my complexion back its brightness and, unlikely many stripping formulas, has a scent that helps me relax on long haul flights. Becki Murray, beauty assistant Elemis Balancing Lavender Toner, £7.10
I’m not going to lie, the first thing that attracted me to this moisturiser was the picture-perfect packaging but inside is (or should I say was) a light, whipped-texture cream that provided deep hydration without any heaviness. While I suspect the oil I tried alongside it was the source of a few breakouts, I’d definitely reinvest in the moisturiser to see me through the winter. BeM
Herbivore Pink Cloud Moisture Cream, £42
Another skin-soother that I’ve fallen in love with of late. After cleansing, I use a cotton pad to sweep this formula over my face and it acts as a light, redness-calming double cleanse. I found the press-down pump an unexpected bonus too, considering I often feel I waste watery-lotions by accidentally overapplying them. BeM
Balanceme Flash Cleanse Micellar Water, £16
Following two knee operations, my legs have a tendency to feel heavy and sore at even the sight of an exercise class, but I think I've solved the problem with these magnesium flakes. I scoop a cupful into the bath whenever aches and pains threaten and I swear they help me sleep better too. I'm starting to train for the London marathon at the moment, so I'm sure I will be needing them more than ever. BeM
BetterYou Magnesium Flakes Foat and Body Soak, £2.75
"I might start copying and pasting my Cerave copy month-to-month as this gentle cleanser is fast becoming a staple of mine. But that would be lazy, and while we’re on the subject of hard workers, this is my favourite cleanser to ensure calm, comfortable, but always super clean, skin. The American dermatolgoists who made it can’t be wrong, and neither can you for a mere £6.76." Katy Young, beauty director
"My friend and colourist Adam Reed introduced me to this wonderstuff recently. Infused with natural aloe and acacia, and free from silicons and parabens (tick tick) this made my coloured hair look like glass, which is a first, while it also calmed my sensitive scalp. Can’t wait to try the Jasmine & Sesame and the Camomile version." KY
L'Oréal Professionnel Source Essentielle Shampoo with Acacia Leaves & Aloe Essence, £213.50
"This hair styling brand is hot getting hotter, having arrived at SpaceNK this season. Franck, Leo, Aaron and Chase make up the founders, and also by the way, THE coolest collective of stylists I think I’ve ever seen – their hair is enviable. Short of making it to one of their salons in NYC, Miami or LA, load your barnet’s artillery with their Dry Shampoos (as I did, and loved because they are so light) and their balms and serums to shape. Their motto is ‘No Boring Hair. Ever.’ Sold." KY
IGK First Class, £10 at SpaceNK
"If you’re in the beauty biz you’re either using Skinceutical’s CE Ferulic or Phloretin CF Gel – the best antioxidants in class. Embarrassingly, I was using CE Ferulic, the original, for years, without ever really seeing what the fuss was about. Turns out Phloretin CF Gel is way better for combination skin, and reader, it is also more potent. I’m now hooked on the dry gel formula and don’t go a day without it. Ergo an emply bottle every two months. Expect repetition." KY
SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Gel, £150
"I’ve been taking these semi-consistently for a year now. We had a break mid-way through when I simply got out of the habit of taking them, but the reason I started again was because of the results. Obviously mine is no controlled scientific experiment, but I can say-anecdotally-that the supplements seemed to make my hair noticeably thicker. It’s the thickest it’s ever been, in fact, which is not something you’re generally gifted with age." Bridget March, digital beauty director
Lumity Life Natural Anti-Ageing & Beauty Supplements, £85
"My fave micellar water in a mini: a no-brainer for holiday season. It lasted me two separate week-long holidays, plus a couple of overnighters. Small but mighty." BM
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water 100ml, £5.20
"I adored this. Exactly as described, it’s perfect for intricately filling and shaping your brows. With larger pencils I tend to be more heavy handed, but this gave me excellent control. Plus, the shades are perfection and it has a decent spoolie." BM
Estee Lauder Micro Precision Brow Pencil, £18.50
This is a super-light oil cleanser with an almost water-like consistency. For make-up removal and day or night cleansing, it’s simple and effective. I used a washcloth to take it off (because I can’t get out the habit), though you needn’t use more than just splashes of water. I also like that it’s fragrance-free, though personally, I didn’t love the scent. BM
Hylamide High Efficiency Face Cleaner, £19
"I’m a shower person, so until now Aromatherapy Associates, with their bath oils to suit every mood, has largely passed me by as a brand (I know you can use oils in the shower too but the fear of slipping and dying has always held me back). Thankfully, I can now join in the legions of loyal fans – this body wash range, which comes in Relax, Revive, and Renewing Rose fragrances, is a perfect morning awakener." Siân Ranscombe, beauty editor
Aromatherapy Associates Revive Body Wash, £22
"On the whole, Oskia might actually be my favourite skincare brand of them all. It’s a pricey range but every product I’ve ever tried from them does exactly what it says on the tin. This gel cleanser foamed up well without stripping the skin and definitely made it feel cleansed of London dirt. It’s quite a small bottle so you’ll get through it quickly but it’s also perfect for taking on holiday." SR
Oskia Citylife Cleansing Concentrate, £36
"This was a nice, long-lasting liner that gave a softer look than my usual black versions. Retractable liners have taken over from traditional pencils in my routine, which is handy because I can never find my sharpener." SR
Givenchy Khol Couture Waterproof Retractable Eyeliner in African Bronze, £18
"I had a fragrance fitting in-store at Diptyque two years ago and this is orange blossom and juniper berries scent is the bottle I came away with. I love it partly because I was wearing my first bottle in the early days of meeting my boyfriend so it holds good memories but also because it gets me a lot of compliments. Really fresh, but unusually long-lasting." SR
"Since having a Visia scan with Dr Stefanie Williams, I’ve become all too aware of the pigmentation on my face. This brightening serum firms the skin and contains lactic acid to increase cell turnover. I wore it every day as my daily antioxidant." SR
Dermalogica Bio-Lumin C Serum, £81.50
"Allow me to prefix this review with a disclaimer: yes, that is eye-wateringly pricey for a facial SPF. If you are in the market for a daily SPF that sits beautifully under make-up, doubles as a moisturiser (particularly in the dry weather we’ve been having) and leaves not a trace of greasiness, this could be for you. I’ve been wearing it daily for the past three or so months (don’t let the small bottle fool you) and it’s the best facial SPF I’ve tried so far. Apparently, that comes at a cost." SR
Sensai Silky Bronze Cellular Protective Cream for Face, £82
"'Summer in a bottle’ is an overused term but this really is. Aquatic enough to put you on a yacht in the Mediterranean with one sniff but underlaid with mint and white floral notes, it was actually my go-to for rainy days, never failing to cheer me up when the skies were grey." SR
Tom Ford Amalfi Mandarin Water, £81.50
"In spite of every single one of my friends (and most of my industry colleagues) wearing Santal 33, this was the first Le Labo product I had tried. I now see why it’s such a cult brand. I loved the citrusy scent, which was energising enough for my morning shower but not too zingy. The oil transforms into a milk on contact with the skin, so those sharing my shower-death fear (see above) may proceed without caution." SR
Le Labo Mandarin Shower Oil, £22
"Recommended to me by the rest of the beauty team, this concealer is now my secret to swiping away the dark circles that have plagued me for years. I apply it straight from the wand and then blend with my fingers for a soft, illuminating finish that just doesn’t crease." Becki Murray, beauty assistant
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, £24
"You know when you’ve properly washed your face and it feels fresh and clean but not tight? That’s the feeling I got when using this lotion as the last step of my cleansing routine. Not only did it ensure that I’d got every last bit of make-up off but it did so without bringing out any redness by working to strengthen my sensitive skin barrier, which I always appreciate." BeM
Institut Esthederm Osmoclean Fresh Lotion, £18
"Call me a beauty sheep, but this was another product that I chose based on positive feedback from the team and I can affirm they’ve rightly earned their titles as beauty experts. Normally, I don’t pay much attention to the shampoo I use – they all clean your hair right? – but how wrong I was not to make it a focus. I used to complain about locks that fell flat and looked greasy by the end of the day, but I benefitted from this non-stripping, sulfate-free formula that left my hair feeling soft and shiny." BeM
"I tend to use a combination of foundations, rather than selling my soul to just one, but I fell in love with how this affordable base smoothed out my patchy complexion. It was especially effective at blending away the redness on my cheeks caused by rosacea, giving me enough coverage without making my skin dull." BeM
No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation, £18
"Normally, I’m forever cursed with the feeling that I haven’t completely washed out my conditioner, probably because I fall hook, line and, sinker for any conditioner that claims to fix damage, meaning super thick formulas that leave my hair weighed down. I didn’t get the same greasy feeling from this sulphate-free formula and I’m giving it the credit for the influx of compliments I’ve had of late." BeM
Living Proof Restore Conditioner, £24
"When my skin flares up, this cooling formula really settles my skin and stops it feeling quite so sore. It was also such a welcome relief during the hot weather of late that my sister and boyfriend started using it too, which is why I finished this one so fast. I spritz it on after cleansing, but you can also apply it over-the-top of make-up when you skin needs a pick-me-up." BeM
"I love it when budget beauty comes good, case in point America’s latest import CeraVe. We’ve been waiting for this dermatologist favourite to arrive for some time, and its promise of skin protection did not disappoint. For anyone who likes a squeaky-clean face, without compromising the skin’s barrier, this is £6.76 well spent. My face looked calmer and happier in days, and it’s now a firm favourite with fellow beauty directors magazine-wide." Katy Young, beauty director
"I’m pretty sure that the press office has run out of supplies as I’ve asked for so many bottles of this skin saving essential (sorry). Is it a repairing serum? Is it a complexion perfector? Is it a sun shield? Actually, it’s all three, in one beautiful light-textured fluid so heavy in anti-oxidants that it’s become my city must have. Anyone who wants to up the ante against sun, stress, smog, pollution, red and blue light look no further." KY
"Stressed? Who me? Not anymore thanks to a couple of drops on this essential blend in my bath water – or taken neat on my pulse points on those particularly manic mornings. No wonder, while ginger stimulates the mind, rosemary then focuses thoughts, while black pepper takes the edge off any tight, niggling angst-ridden shoulders." KY
Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Bath and Shower Oil, £48
"For a hand cream addict (the affliction will not abate) any quenching version that includes rose oil, which offers natural mood-boosting properties every time you apply, just makes desk-side sense." KY
Ren Moroccan Rose Otto Luxurious Hand Balm, £14
"It’s taken me a whole year to finish this (so long, in fact, it’s since been repackaged in a white tube), but with daily use I’m convinced the retinol-enriched cream has softened my smile lines. I’ve got sensitive eyes and found the formula tolerable, though they can get a little leaky if I overdo application. Considering I’ve tried lots of eye creams that don’t feel as comfortable as this one and it made a visible difference, it’s staying in my skincare regime." Bridget March, digital beauty director
La Roche Posay Redermic R Eyes, £25.50
"I find this delivers the perfect non-fake tan, tan. A genuine glow. While super subtle (no risk of stains or streaks), it’s definitely noticeable in a healthy, seemingly well-rested kind of way – which is definitely what I need. The hydrating, vitamin-packed oil is also perfect for quenching parched skin as the final step in my nighttime skincare routine. A repurchase for sure." BM
Tan Luxe The Sleep Oil, £34
"Okay, I didn’t use this one on myself, but on my two-year-old son. Unlike many baby brands it’s free from fragrance (as well as SLS and parabens) which I think is important if you want to avoid irritating delicate skin. It comes with a soft konjac sponge which I loved for washing my little one’s skin with when he was tiny, but now I use it on a flannel which he’s less inclined to hijack as a bath toy. This, and the Bloom & Blossom Gentle Baby Wash are our faves." BM
Pai Petit Pai Apple & Mallow Blossom Hair & Body Wash, £20
"This mega-moisturising body cream was perfect post-winter, though it’s too rich for summer so we’re currently on a break. I loved its minimalist formula for soothing skin that’s dry and reactive (i.e. my legs post-shaving) and locking in moisture which not only helped with hydration but by strengthening the skin barrier." BM
La Roche Posay Lipikar Baume AP+, £12.50
"I absolutely loved this oil cleanser. I used it for second cleanse but think it’s probably fine for removing make-up too, if you use a flannel. As a second cleanse it’s one of those great oils that wash off without leaving you shiny or sticky. It also lasted me months even though I used it daily." Siân Ranscombe, beauty editor
BareMinerals Oil Obsessed Total Cleansing Oil, £22
"I’ve used this before and loved it but this time around it didn’t do enough for me – I am quite challenged in the lash department. It has a nice short, precise brush and is not at all clumpy so can probably do a great job on those with lovely long lashes but I needed more – something like the Sensai 38 Degrees Mascara, which I’m currently loving." SR
Bobbi Brown Smokey Lash Mascara, £24.50
"This may be the first body exfoliator I’ve ever finished. It’s very gentle but perfect for using in the shower the morning you realise you have to get your legs out. I went through it very quickly which is a good sign considering I normally opt out of body exfoliation entirely." SR
Clinique Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliator, £23
"Another empties post, another finished hyaluronic acid serum. I really miss this now I’ve finished it. It would be perfect under moisturiser in winter but I also found that I could skip moisturiser in the spring months I was using this. A really solid HA serum." SR
La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum, £37
"Weirdly, though a long-time fan of the original Garnier Micellar Water (which I find absolutely fine to use on the eyes), I found this version – which explicitly says on the bottle ‘For Delicate Skin and Eyes’ – really irritated my eyes. I didn’t really like the slightly oily residue it left either and will definitely be going back to the original formula." SR
Garnier Micellar Oil-Infused Cleansing Water Sensitive Skin, £5.99
"This is the product that has probably stolen my heart the most over the last year or so. The lightweight gel formula feels instantly refreshing on your skin but more importantly stops it feeling and looking dehydrated in the long-term. It was perfect for my reactive skin (which tends to dislike heavy creams) and it has soothed the dryness I suffer from around my cheeks. Even when the pump stopped working on mine, I couldn’t resist trying to take the bottle apart to try and get to the last drops." Becki Murray, beauty assistant
Clinique Moisture Surge Hydrating Supercharge Concentrate, £36
"There is a good reason why Decorte’s mascara has volume twice in its name. The curved applicator and thick, fluffy bristles allow for maximum thickness and impact on your lashes – although it’s not adverse to clumping as a result, so it’s not for those who prefer a precise, lengthening effect from their mascara." BeM
Decorte Luxscara Volume Volumising Mascara, £32
"I discovered the Show Beauty range after going to their Notting Hill salon for hair extensions and my first thoughts weren’t particularly scientific. I immediately fell for the sleek, glamorous packaging, which is notoriously difficult to find in hair products. Luckily, the formula was just as effective at adding a bounce to my tresses as the bottle was as décor in my bathroom." BeM
Show Beauty Volume Shampoo, £22.50
"I reserved judgment about this American brand, whose products came with big hype and tiny prices. But reader, don’t be put off by the £9 tag (I know it can happen) because this bottle of milk-like moisturiser is such a good choice for those with dry, sensitive skin, who want to soften and quench it, without added complication. No wonder. Cerave is developed by dermatologists who focus entirely on repairing the skin’s barrier, by way of hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic formulas." Katy Young, beauty director
"Chances are that you’ve heard of this cult-like anti-ageing serum already and are using it. If not: a) why not? and b) you had better start employing its copper-boosting properties. The one downside, however, is that it comes as a super-fine fiddly blue water (so application is key if you want your money’s worth). The upside is that if you increase your skin’s own copper supplies you also boost its ability to heal and regenerate itself. My skin has noticed the fact that I have now run out. Sigh." KY
Niod Copper Amino Isolate Activator 2:1, £38
"For anyone wary of oils, the double-cleanse phenomenon may have passed you by for fear of clogged pores and a congested complexion. Hail the Hylamide Face-Cleaner, which works like an oil to melt and massage make-up and grime away, but acts like a water to leave your face fresh. All the beautifying benefits of double-cleansing without the greasiness." KY
"This is my second bottle in as many months, though this time in a Nourishing Coconut, which wins my vote for juicy, hydrated skin. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Soaper Duper is a wonderful forward-thinking brand that is beautifully sustainable, so that we can practise beauty morally." KY
Soaper Duper Nourishing Coconut Body Wash, £19.50 for three
"Hand soap is hand soap is hand soap, but this one earned such a stream of ‘Ooh you’re so fancy!’ comments from guests to my flat that, although pricey, it’s worth it for the ego boost, quite frankly." SR
Diptyque Philosykos Cleansing Hand & Body Gel, £28
"I’m never without a hydrating serum in my daily routine (as previous #Empties posts will attest) and this was a nice formula that could probably work as moisturiser for oily skins, too. My one complaint: the glass bottle, although more eco-friendly, made it impossible to see how far I was from finishing it… until the moment I finished it!" SR
Pai Back to Life Hydration Serum, £42
"Having first purchased this mascara at the tender (high-spending) age of 15, I’ll always be fond of it. After I discovered Guerlain Maxilash So Volume, it’s no longer my favourite but for the memories of finally landing that long-coveted black and silver tube, it’s one I will always return to." SR
"The texture of this cleanser could be described as love-or-hate. I personally loved it – it transforms from a very sticky gel cleanser into a milk one, being slippery enough to massage off the remains of the day, without leaving the skin feeling dry or tight." SR
"The king of colour’s debut product line certainly lived up to the hype as far as my hair is concerned. As someone who never knows whether to shop the colour-saving or volumising versions of shampoo and conditioner, I found these successfully killed two birds with one stone – and then some. Yes, it boosted my blondeness, while keeping my relatively fine hair clean and light, but it also smelt amazing in the shower, without leaving an overpowering scent once my hair dried. I will certainly repurchase." Bridget March, digital beauty editor
Josh Wood Colour Shade Refreshing Shampoo and Conditioner for fine blonde hair, £10 each
"Bold statement alert: this could be the best skincare product I’ve ever used – and really, it wants to be at that price. Mega bucks aside, this is proven to be eight times more powerful than retinol (the A-star ingredient for anti-ageing). Thanks to its encapsulated retinyl retinoate, which is also less irritating than standard retinol – and when combined with vitamin E, C and hyaluronic acid – this creamy formula is super-hydrating and a luxury to use. Applied nightly (although it can be used in the mornings, too), it lasted me nearly five months, and in that time I’m convinced I’ve seen a reduction in lines on my forehead and around my eyes." BM
Medik8 r-Retinoate Youth Activating Cream, £135
"Light, quickly absorbed, moisturising and with broad-spectrum protection, this is my pretty much my perfect SPF and day cream in one. It’s hard to comment on its promise of ‘brightening’ and improving unevenness of the skin tone – I’ll happily let my active serums tackle that job – but that’s not why I chose it. It’s just great at its job, as all SkinCeuticals products tend to be in my experience." BM
SkinCeuticals Brightening UV Defense SPF30, £41
"I’m forever a fan of the original Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, and am now pretty hooked on the Radiance Bronze version, too. It not only provides a smooth canvas and acts as a decent magnet for make-up, but its bronzy pigment also lends some warmth and radiance to the skin. Most welcome post-winter." BM
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Radiance Bronze, £30
"As the completely made-up saying goes, if the essence is good enough for your twin to steal, it's definitely worth having, and this soothing saviour – which left my normally sensitive skin feeling softer and less irritated – was certainly worth hunting in my sister's room for." Becki Murray, beauty assistant
Sanoflore Aqua Magnifica Skin-Perfecting Botanical Essence, £18
"I am both an avid brush collector and a frequent brush destroyer, meaning I struggle way too often to part with the tools that I've basically sent to an early grave. This stippling brush lasted much longer than most and I loved the flawless finish it gave my foundation." BeM
Real Techniques Stippling Brush, £7.95
"The light, self-proclaimed 'bounciness' of this gel gave my skin all the hydration it craved (and it needed a lot), without requiring one of those heavy, thick formulas that tend to make me break out. I call that a success." BeM
Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber De-Tox Bouncy Hydrating Gel, £38.40
"I loved using this micellar water before cleansing as it was a delicate but effective way to remove dirt and make-up from my skin, without making it feel dry or irritated. Chamomile, which this formula contains, is also a great calming ingredient for individuals, like me, who have redness caused by rosacea." BeM
Balance Me Flash Cleanse Micellar Water, £16
"As a committed public-transport-aphobe, not helped by reading about the obscene amount of germs on the Tube, I always carry anti-bacterial spray with me (and buy it in bulk). Neal's Yard's version smells by far the best." BeM
Neal's Yard Organic Defence Hand Spray, £6.50
"My hair is so reliant on its shampoo for shine and volume, so top marks for this bathroom newcomer, which left my lob with a definite swish. I have to say it also had me at the vetiver and rosemary scent, while the scalp cleansing properties helped me eek out another day between washes." Katy Young, beauty director
Aveda Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo, £18.50
"During the coldest week on record this chamomile and lavender body wash was finished off, mostly by him indoors, because it turns a warming bedtime shower into a sleep-inducing ritual." KY
This Works Deep Sleep Shower Gel, £15
"Being a hand cream junkie, makes me a hand cream expert – if I do say so myself. This tube was squeezed to the bottom fast, because it has that rare ability to hydrate and ease tight skin, without leaving any greasiness behind. It also gives you peace of anti-ageing mind that its encapsulated retinol is working to smooth fine lines, while essential fatty acids will plump skin in the long term, too." KY
Eve Lom Time Retreat Hand Treatment, £35
"I’ve written about this before, because its lipid-rich concentrate, which removes the need to hydrate skin post-shower, never fails to impress me. As someone with extremely dry, sensitive skin who has had to use moisturiser every morning since I was a child, this dream cream not only makes for newly quenched limbs, but saves precious time so that I now catch the early bus into work. My team are delighted." KY
"I really want to love the bumpy-skin eliminating lotions by Ameliorate but I’m a) not a huge fan of the smell, and b) generally terrible at moisturising my body. This was the perfect solution – the smell is fine, and the problem of the dry and occasionally flaky skin I definitely get on my arms and shins in winter was really… well, ameliorated by using the body wash daily." Siân Ranscombe, beauty editor
Ameliorate Nourishing Body Wash, £10.50
"Along with eyebrow pencils, exfoliating acids seemed to be the only products I ever finished (until we started this gallery!) I love them used one every other day to remove dead skin cells and brighten skin tone. The classic Liquid Gold is a favourite of mine, but this version is infused with rose to hydrate the skin and minimise inflammation so is excellent for sensitive skins. It also vastly improves the scent of the original formula... SR
Alpha H Liquid Gold Rose, £37
"This is my absolute favourite beauty bargain. I use it to remove eye make-up and lipstick and then use a separate cotton pad soaked in this to give the rest of my face a once over. I do cleanse properly afterwards, but this really gets the job started. The bottle lasts forever as well." SR
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, £4.99
"I’m never without a moisture-boosting hyaluronic acid serum in my routine and I loved this one, which was a lot less sticky than lots of other HAs I’ve tried. It’s quite a tiny bottle though and, using it twice a day, didn’t last me very long." SR
Glossier Super Bounce Serum, £24
"Having tried shampoos at every price point and always been disappointed (it’s almost as if the problem is me…), I didn’t hold out much hope for this. It was recommended to me by my hairdresser at The Chapel Islington, after I complained of my colour going reddish after too many washes. Three months on and this seems to have really helped the problem." SR
Redken Colour Extend Magnetics Shampoo and Conditioner, £10.80 and £12
"Hyaluronic acid is a staple in my skincare regime and this one impressed me because it contains a mega 12 forms of hyaluronic compounds (hence the ‘multi-molecular’) meaning it should work to hydrate – and therefore plump – the top, middle and deeper layers of skin. While most HA serums are lightweight, the consistency of this formula is especially thin and sinks in instantly. I got through the 15ml bottle at a rate of knots so I’ll now invest in the 30ml which works out much more cost effective. " Bridget March, digital beauty editor
Niod Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex, £25
"Further proof of my hyaluronic addiction… This lovely lightweight moisturiser works beautifully on top of a serum (as above) and under SPF (in the daytime). Occasionally over the past winter months I felt I needed a richer cream when my skin got especially dry from the cold, but I will certainly repurchase this for spring and summer as it hydrates without suffocating the skin. Love it." BM
Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Moisture Cushion, £55.50
"This is the best lip balm I’ve ever tried (and I’ve tried way more than my fair share). Forget fancy pots, it’s what’s inside this no-frills tube that counts. The combination of organic shea nut butter and rosehip oil deeply nourish the lips – as opposed to merely moisturising the surface, and then leave them craving more once worn off. The formula is scent-free and tasteless (a big win in my book), soft but non-slippy, and beyond smashing its primary job of seeing off chapping it also primes brilliantly for lipstick. I'll stay forever loyal." BM
Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic Shea Nut & Rosehip Lip Formula, £7.50
"This cream’s unbelievably light texture – which makes it feel like a whipped serum rather than a traditional moisturiser - is due to its micro-droplet technology. These little ‘bubbles’ help the formula penetrate more deeply, providing hydration without any heaviness." Becki Murray, beauty assistant
Sclerotium Gum Suppliers Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Creme, £70