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<H1>The 30 best beauty products of all time
Who does the best natural-look foundation? Which mascara makes eyelashes extra long? And if you're going to buy only one nail polish this year, which should you splash your hard-earned cash on? With hundreds of new products crammed on to the counters every month, it's no wonder most of us have difficulty deciding what to buy. So Stella asked 25 beauty professionals – top make-up artists, hairstylists and beauty editors – for some cosmetic guidance. What's the one item they can't live without? Their answers make for the beauty junkie's ultimate wish list
PH Advantage High Potency Effective Vitamin C Serum 'This serum is absolutely amazing,' says the top make-up artist Mary Greenwell. 'I love the texture, and I've noticed an unbelievable difference in my skin since using it. It has made it much more glowing and beautiful.' £75, from all branches of Harvey Nichols
Creme De La Mer Moisturizing Cream 'This is an absolute must-have,' says the nail expert Leighton Denny (leightondenny.com), 'particularly when your skin is crying out for some TLC. For the best results just remember to warm the cream between your fingers before you apply it.' £90; cremedelamer.co.uk
Lancome black crayon kohl eye pencil 'For sexy, smouldering eyes you should never be without your eyeliner,' says Serena Rees, the co-founder of Agent Provocateur (agentprovocateur.com). 'I can't live without this one from Lancôme.' £14; www.lancome.co.uk
Guerlain Midnight Secret 'This always makes my skin look fresh, youthful and dewy after a busy night out,' says Sarah Doukas, the founder of the Storm model agency. 'I've been a fan for years.' £53; 01932 233887
Best for teens
Neutrogena Visibly Clear Gentle Exfoliating Wash and Triple Action Lotion 'Neutrogena's brilliant acne-fighting line both prevents and clears up spots without leaving your skin a dry, parched mess,' says Tia Williams, the creator of the popular blog Shake Your Beauty (www.tiawilliams.net/blog). £3.99; 0845 601 5789
L'Occitane Amande Shower Oil 'No woman should be without this amazing lightly foaming, oil-based cleanser for the body,' says Kristen Kelly, the creator of the Beauty Addict blog (beautyaddict.blogspot.com). 'It keeps skin soft and moisturised in even the coldest months, works well as a shaving oil, and smells divine.' £14; 020 7907 0301
Best for sensitive skin
Jane Iredale Mineral Make-Up 'I have very sensitive and reactive skin,' says Sheherazade Goldsmith (editor of the new book A Slice of Organic Life), 'so I can't wear foundation a lot because it makes my skin flare up. Jane Iredale's make-up is mineral-based, so it stops that happening. Generally speaking, organic products tend to have fewer chemicals in, so they're great for people with sensitive skin.' From £15; www.jiproducts.co.uk
SisleyA Global Anti-Age Cream 'I carry this cream with me all the time,' says the perfumer Lyn Harris (millerharris.com). 'It's great to use against dryness from central heating in the winter and on planes. In the summer I use it as a night cream.' £183; 020 7591 6380
Chanel Rouge Noir nail polish 'This is one of my favourite all-time products,' says the make-up artist Sharon Dowsett. 'It's such a gorgeous dark colour, even if you just wear it on your toes, and only you know it's there.' £13; 020 7493 3836
Klorane gentle Dry Shampoo with oat milk 'This is ideal for busy people or those who have difficulty washing their hair,' says the hairstylist Sam McKnight. 'Spray it on and it absorbs dirt and products, taking them with it when it's brushed out. It leaves you with soft, clean hair with renewed volume.'£6.95, from John Bell & Croyden (020 7935 5555)
Mason Pearson hairbrush 'No great hairdresser would be without one of these in their kit,' says the top stylist Neil Moodie. 'They have a unique rubber cushion pad, are made with combinations of natural bristles and/or nylon, and come in various sizes – including a children's brush and a sensitive one for finer hair.' From £15; 020 7491 2613
Best for over 30s
Creme De La Mer Eye Concentrate 'I'm already seeing results with this new product,' says the nail and body technician Nichola Joss. 'It's light but effectively reduces fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles and bags.' £120; cremedelamer.co.uk
Nars brushes 'Everyone needs a great set of brushes like these,' says Angela Creasey, the head of beauty buying at Liberty. 'You can't get the same results with disposable applicators.' From £16.50, from Liberty (020 7734 1234)
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair 'I know that this souped-up cocktail of antioxidants has kept my skin looking younger for longer,' says Newby Hands, the health and beauty director of Harper's Bazaar. 'It protects your skin and is my absolute essential.' £32; 0870 034 2566
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler 'Every woman should have one of these, it's the fastest way to look as if you've had eight hours' sleep,' says Poppy King, the make-up expert and founder of the Lipstick Queen range (at spacenk.com). £18; 020 7240 7635
</H1>
By Terry Baume de Rose 'I love the smell and feel of this lip-balm, and it's the prettiest pink colour,' says Vogue's beauty and health director, Anna-Marie Solowij. 'I treat it like a conditioner and lip-gloss in one, and I also use it on my cuticles, hands, brows and face. I panic when it's not in my handbag, so I have three for different bags.' £29, from spacenk.com
John Frieda Frizz-Ease Serum 'I have lots of hair and little time, which is why this post-blow-dry taming serum is a godsend,' says Sue Harmsworth, the founder of beauty brand Espa. 'It leaves my hair sleek and manageable. I go through bottles of the stuff.' £5.99, from Boots
Vaishaly Cleansing Balm 'I've long looked for a good cleansing balm that is completely natural,' says Jo Fairley, the co-author of The Beauty Bible (beautybible.com). 'I recently ran out of this and had three weeks of using other stuff. It was amazing how much better my skin looked going back to it.' £54; vaishaly.com
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Zoya Armor top coat 'This is a great gloss, it's quick drying and, most importantly, has UV inhibitors so there will be no discoloration of your nail polish after a few days of wear,' says the top nail technician Marian Newman. £7.25, from supernail.co.uk
Best for over 50s
By Terry Skin-expert Peace & Glow 'This clever roller ball dispenses a state-of-the-art skincare formulation that seems to melt away frown lines as well as cool and calm redness,' says Catherine Turner, the beauty and health director at Easy Living. 'It's quick and easy to apply on top of make-up during a frantic day.' £38, from spacenk.com
Kanebo Total Finish Foundation 'This excellent foundation gives a fine coverage and is very hydrating,' says Yves Wu, the head beauty concierge at Harrods. 'It's suitable for any skin type and is consistently the bestselling make-up product at Harrods and our top mail-order item.' £38.45, from Harrods (020 7730 1234)
Priori Radical Defense 'An SPF alone is no longer enough to fight the ageing process,' says Dr Patrick Bowler, a cosmetic dermatologist and the head of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors. 'This is the first ever two-in-one topical skin protector that combines SPF 30, broad-spectrum UV photo-protection and EPF 95 (environmental protection factor), which gives environmental protection from oxidative stress and free radicals.' £60, from courthouseclinics.com
Laura Mercier Secret Concealer 'I love this because it's perfect for concealing anything from dark circles and skin blemishes to light bruising,' says the hair and make-up artist Mathew Alexander (www.mathewalexander.co.uk). 'It doesn't crease, isn't heavy, and makes skin look like skin.' £18, from Selfridges in London, Birmingham and Manchester Trafford
REN Ginger Revivo-Tonic Two Sugar Body Scrub 'This scrub really wakes up my skin in the morning,' says Katy Appleton, the celebrity yoga teacher (appleyoga.com). 'It's zingy and very invigorating.' £22.50; 0845 602 0340
Best for greens
Faith in Nature Organic Aloe Vera Shampoo and Organic Aloe Vera Conditioner 'I like these because they're organic, and come in huge five-litre bottles, which is a lot more eco-friendly because it means less packaging than buying lots of small bottles,' says Safia Minney, the founder and director of the ethical fashion label People Tree (peopletree.co.uk). £38 each; www.faithinnature.co.uk
Kiehl's creme with Silk Groom 'A small amount of this calms hair texture and leaves it feeling soft and nourished,' says the session hairstylist Gianni Scumaci. £16.50; 020 7240 2411
The Body Shop Sweet Almond Base Oil 'I want something to do a lot of things in one,' says Arezoo Kaviani, one of Britain's leading beauty therapists (arezoo.co.uk). 'I like to use one oil that I can put on my hair, face, lips, body, hands, feet and elbows, and which doesn't dry the skin. The Body Shop's is good, cheap and cheerful.' £5.50; 01903 844554
Shiseido Lifting Foundation 'This doesn't look like foundation, more like even-toned skin without the "cake-face",' says Marcia Kilgore, the founder of Soap & Glory (soapandglorycosmetics.com). 'It makes you look as if you don't have a full-time job, lots of stress and two small children.' £30; 020 7313 4774
Christian Dior diorShow Mascara 'I have tried many mascaras over the years and this is – in my opinion – by far the best,' says the singer Lulu, who has created her own skincare line (lulusplace.co.uk). 'It doesn't clog, flake or run under hot lights and makes my lashes look amazingly long!' £18.50; 020 7216 0216
Neal's Yard Wild Rose Beauty Balm 'This balm offers so much in one product to restore tired complexions,' says Fiona Rauh, the managing director of the beauty trend analysis and forecasting company Liquidrock. 'Its organic richness makes skin feel totally in heaven.' £22; www.nealsyardremedies.com
Who does the best natural-look foundation? Which mascara makes eyelashes extra long? And if you're going to buy only one nail polish this year, which should you splash your hard-earned cash on? With hundreds of new products crammed on to the counters every month, it's no wonder most of us have difficulty deciding what to buy. So Stella asked 25 beauty professionals – top make-up artists, hairstylists and beauty editors – for some cosmetic guidance. What's the one item they can't live without? Their answers make for the beauty junkie's ultimate wish list
PH Advantage High Potency Effective Vitamin C Serum 'This serum is absolutely amazing,' says the top make-up artist Mary Greenwell. 'I love the texture, and I've noticed an unbelievable difference in my skin since using it. It has made it much more glowing and beautiful.' £75, from all branches of Harvey Nichols
Creme De La Mer Moisturizing Cream 'This is an absolute must-have,' says the nail expert Leighton Denny (leightondenny.com), 'particularly when your skin is crying out for some TLC. For the best results just remember to warm the cream between your fingers before you apply it.' £90; cremedelamer.co.uk
Lancome black crayon kohl eye pencil 'For sexy, smouldering eyes you should never be without your eyeliner,' says Serena Rees, the co-founder of Agent Provocateur (agentprovocateur.com). 'I can't live without this one from Lancôme.' £14; www.lancome.co.uk
Guerlain Midnight Secret 'This always makes my skin look fresh, youthful and dewy after a busy night out,' says Sarah Doukas, the founder of the Storm model agency. 'I've been a fan for years.' £53; 01932 233887
Best for teens
Neutrogena Visibly Clear Gentle Exfoliating Wash and Triple Action Lotion 'Neutrogena's brilliant acne-fighting line both prevents and clears up spots without leaving your skin a dry, parched mess,' says Tia Williams, the creator of the popular blog Shake Your Beauty (www.tiawilliams.net/blog). £3.99; 0845 601 5789
L'Occitane Amande Shower Oil 'No woman should be without this amazing lightly foaming, oil-based cleanser for the body,' says Kristen Kelly, the creator of the Beauty Addict blog (beautyaddict.blogspot.com). 'It keeps skin soft and moisturised in even the coldest months, works well as a shaving oil, and smells divine.' £14; 020 7907 0301
Best for sensitive skin
Jane Iredale Mineral Make-Up 'I have very sensitive and reactive skin,' says Sheherazade Goldsmith (editor of the new book A Slice of Organic Life), 'so I can't wear foundation a lot because it makes my skin flare up. Jane Iredale's make-up is mineral-based, so it stops that happening. Generally speaking, organic products tend to have fewer chemicals in, so they're great for people with sensitive skin.' From £15; www.jiproducts.co.uk
SisleyA Global Anti-Age Cream 'I carry this cream with me all the time,' says the perfumer Lyn Harris (millerharris.com). 'It's great to use against dryness from central heating in the winter and on planes. In the summer I use it as a night cream.' £183; 020 7591 6380
Chanel Rouge Noir nail polish 'This is one of my favourite all-time products,' says the make-up artist Sharon Dowsett. 'It's such a gorgeous dark colour, even if you just wear it on your toes, and only you know it's there.' £13; 020 7493 3836
Klorane gentle Dry Shampoo with oat milk 'This is ideal for busy people or those who have difficulty washing their hair,' says the hairstylist Sam McKnight. 'Spray it on and it absorbs dirt and products, taking them with it when it's brushed out. It leaves you with soft, clean hair with renewed volume.'£6.95, from John Bell & Croyden (020 7935 5555)
Mason Pearson hairbrush 'No great hairdresser would be without one of these in their kit,' says the top stylist Neil Moodie. 'They have a unique rubber cushion pad, are made with combinations of natural bristles and/or nylon, and come in various sizes – including a children's brush and a sensitive one for finer hair.' From £15; 020 7491 2613
Best for over 30s
Creme De La Mer Eye Concentrate 'I'm already seeing results with this new product,' says the nail and body technician Nichola Joss. 'It's light but effectively reduces fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles and bags.' £120; cremedelamer.co.uk
Nars brushes 'Everyone needs a great set of brushes like these,' says Angela Creasey, the head of beauty buying at Liberty. 'You can't get the same results with disposable applicators.' From £16.50, from Liberty (020 7734 1234)
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair 'I know that this souped-up cocktail of antioxidants has kept my skin looking younger for longer,' says Newby Hands, the health and beauty director of Harper's Bazaar. 'It protects your skin and is my absolute essential.' £32; 0870 034 2566
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler 'Every woman should have one of these, it's the fastest way to look as if you've had eight hours' sleep,' says Poppy King, the make-up expert and founder of the Lipstick Queen range (at spacenk.com). £18; 020 7240 7635
</H1>
By Terry Baume de Rose 'I love the smell and feel of this lip-balm, and it's the prettiest pink colour,' says Vogue's beauty and health director, Anna-Marie Solowij. 'I treat it like a conditioner and lip-gloss in one, and I also use it on my cuticles, hands, brows and face. I panic when it's not in my handbag, so I have three for different bags.' £29, from spacenk.com
John Frieda Frizz-Ease Serum 'I have lots of hair and little time, which is why this post-blow-dry taming serum is a godsend,' says Sue Harmsworth, the founder of beauty brand Espa. 'It leaves my hair sleek and manageable. I go through bottles of the stuff.' £5.99, from Boots
Vaishaly Cleansing Balm 'I've long looked for a good cleansing balm that is completely natural,' says Jo Fairley, the co-author of The Beauty Bible (beautybible.com). 'I recently ran out of this and had three weeks of using other stuff. It was amazing how much better my skin looked going back to it.' £54; vaishaly.com
advertisement
Zoya Armor top coat 'This is a great gloss, it's quick drying and, most importantly, has UV inhibitors so there will be no discoloration of your nail polish after a few days of wear,' says the top nail technician Marian Newman. £7.25, from supernail.co.uk
Best for over 50s
By Terry Skin-expert Peace & Glow 'This clever roller ball dispenses a state-of-the-art skincare formulation that seems to melt away frown lines as well as cool and calm redness,' says Catherine Turner, the beauty and health director at Easy Living. 'It's quick and easy to apply on top of make-up during a frantic day.' £38, from spacenk.com
Kanebo Total Finish Foundation 'This excellent foundation gives a fine coverage and is very hydrating,' says Yves Wu, the head beauty concierge at Harrods. 'It's suitable for any skin type and is consistently the bestselling make-up product at Harrods and our top mail-order item.' £38.45, from Harrods (020 7730 1234)
Priori Radical Defense 'An SPF alone is no longer enough to fight the ageing process,' says Dr Patrick Bowler, a cosmetic dermatologist and the head of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors. 'This is the first ever two-in-one topical skin protector that combines SPF 30, broad-spectrum UV photo-protection and EPF 95 (environmental protection factor), which gives environmental protection from oxidative stress and free radicals.' £60, from courthouseclinics.com
Laura Mercier Secret Concealer 'I love this because it's perfect for concealing anything from dark circles and skin blemishes to light bruising,' says the hair and make-up artist Mathew Alexander (www.mathewalexander.co.uk). 'It doesn't crease, isn't heavy, and makes skin look like skin.' £18, from Selfridges in London, Birmingham and Manchester Trafford
REN Ginger Revivo-Tonic Two Sugar Body Scrub 'This scrub really wakes up my skin in the morning,' says Katy Appleton, the celebrity yoga teacher (appleyoga.com). 'It's zingy and very invigorating.' £22.50; 0845 602 0340
Best for greens
Faith in Nature Organic Aloe Vera Shampoo and Organic Aloe Vera Conditioner 'I like these because they're organic, and come in huge five-litre bottles, which is a lot more eco-friendly because it means less packaging than buying lots of small bottles,' says Safia Minney, the founder and director of the ethical fashion label People Tree (peopletree.co.uk). £38 each; www.faithinnature.co.uk
Kiehl's creme with Silk Groom 'A small amount of this calms hair texture and leaves it feeling soft and nourished,' says the session hairstylist Gianni Scumaci. £16.50; 020 7240 2411
The Body Shop Sweet Almond Base Oil 'I want something to do a lot of things in one,' says Arezoo Kaviani, one of Britain's leading beauty therapists (arezoo.co.uk). 'I like to use one oil that I can put on my hair, face, lips, body, hands, feet and elbows, and which doesn't dry the skin. The Body Shop's is good, cheap and cheerful.' £5.50; 01903 844554
Shiseido Lifting Foundation 'This doesn't look like foundation, more like even-toned skin without the "cake-face",' says Marcia Kilgore, the founder of Soap & Glory (soapandglorycosmetics.com). 'It makes you look as if you don't have a full-time job, lots of stress and two small children.' £30; 020 7313 4774
Christian Dior diorShow Mascara 'I have tried many mascaras over the years and this is – in my opinion – by far the best,' says the singer Lulu, who has created her own skincare line (lulusplace.co.uk). 'It doesn't clog, flake or run under hot lights and makes my lashes look amazingly long!' £18.50; 020 7216 0216
Neal's Yard Wild Rose Beauty Balm 'This balm offers so much in one product to restore tired complexions,' says Fiona Rauh, the managing director of the beauty trend analysis and forecasting company Liquidrock. 'Its organic richness makes skin feel totally in heaven.' £22; www.nealsyardremedies.com
