We debunk the best beauty and skincare products no bathroom shelf should be without
Read MoreBeauty Heroes: Decoded
We debunk the best beauty and skincare products no bathroom shelf should be without
Read MoreDecoded
We debunk the best beauty and skincare products no bathroom shelf should be without
Shop the editWith so many ‘cult’ products promising to deliver, it can be hard to know which lauded heroes will really work their magic on you. To shed some light, we’re stripping the best beauty products right down to the base. No complicated jargon - just real ingredients, real usage and real results. Prepare to be enlightened…
Ultra Facial Cream
IN A NUTSHELL
A time-honoured staple for all genders, ages and skin types, this cult moisturiser from Kiehl’s is just as much a favourite today as it was when it launched in the ‘70s. Its immense hydrating powers are tried and tested to the max – the climbers’ face cream of choice as they summitted Mount Everest in 1988.
WHAT MAKES IT
Super-hydrator squalane, Kiehl’s signature ingredient, teams up with glacial glycoprotein and desert plant extracts for heroic moisture retention.
THE TIP
Daily skin maintenance made easy – massage onto clean facial skin morning, night and as needed for perfectly balanced moisture.
The Renaissance Circle
IN A NUTSHELL
Derived from the Davines salon, this pro-standard deep repair treatment gives lacklustre locks a new lease of life with intense replenishment and conditioning.
WHAT MAKES IT
A unique concoction of babassu butter and yellow clay softens and restructures strands, penetrating deep into the hair follicles to impart shine that rivals the sun.
THE TIP
Slather over towel-dried hair and leave on for ten minutes to remedy the effects of damage-inducing activities such as outdoor sports or swimming.
The Original Mighty Patch
IN A NUTSHELL
Coined acne’s arch nemesis, Hero Cosmetics’ ingenious drug-free, non-drying patches stop spots in their tracks by zapping bacteria, accelerating healing and protecting from further infection.
WHAT MAKES IT
The highest grade of hydrocolloid visibly absorbs pus from pimples, shrinking whiteheads while you sleep.
THE TIP
Apply to freshly developed whiteheads to extract the badness, pronto. Though most effective overnight, the matte finish acts as a soft-focus filter that’s near-invisible in daylight.
Pure Hyaluronic Serum
IN A NUTSHELL
Launched in 2014, this universal serum from Pestle & Mortar came ahead of the hyaluronic acid hype – and remains the go-to for transformative plumping, soothing, hydrating and anti-ageing.
WHAT MAKES IT
Multi-molecular weight hyaluronic acid to penetrate skin’s layers from outermost to innermost, and panthenol for a soft, smooth finish.
THE TIP
It doubles as a makeup primer, granting skin the optimum texture for receiving and maintaining a flawless, even base.
Jade Facial Roller
IN A NUTSHELL
The myriad powers of the cult gemstone facial roller should not be underestimated. Not only does Herbivore’s nifty tool yield a wrinkle-fighting, puffiness-reducing facial message (discovered in the 7th century by the Ancient Chinese), it’s also the beauty pro’s preferred way of applying creams, serums and oils.
WHAT MAKES IT
Its benefits go beyond the physical; jade is linked to emotional healing, said to incite peace and harmony whilst helping ease mental stress.
THE TIP
Applying skin care with this tool is a two-way street – facial product gives the gemstone wheel a smooth and easy glide, while the roller helps the product to absorb more evenly and effectively, increasing its benefits.
Silk Hair Wrap
IN A NUTSHELL
Hairstylist Maria Sotiriou’s ingenious accessory is inspired by traditional Caribbean hair wrapping methods to promote growth, shine and moisture. It creates a cocoon for straight strands and curls, eliminating friction, therefore amplifying silk-like softness while reducing frizz.
WHAT MAKES IT
22 momme mulberry silk – the optimum density for its purpose.
THE TIP
Tuck dry hair inside the elasticated wrap before drifting off to sleep.
Eucalyptus Deodorant
IN A NUTSHELL
Ineffective natural deodorants, step aside; not only does this highly acclaimed roll-on from (MALIN+GOETZ) reject dreaded alcohol and aluminium, it’s also a delight for the senses. A clear balm combines essential performance with fresh fragrance, courtesy of eucalyptus and its myriad benefits.
WHAT MAKES IT
Antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic eucalyptus – a quadruple threat to discomfort – and citronellyl for 24-hour odour neutralisation.
THE TIP
Ensure skin is as dry as can be before applying deodorant – moisture will only dilute it. A formula so gentle, it actively soothes skin after shaving.
Queen of Hungary Mist
IN A NUTSHELL
The beauty insider’s number one travel essential, Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist is the pick-me-up you never knew you needed. Crystal clear Hungarian waters, botanicals and patented science maintain a hydrated, toned and invigorated complexion.
WHAT MAKES IT
Signature Hungarian mineral water is infused with a clean, vegan blend of nourishing botanicals – and super-powered by a patented Hydro Mineral Transference™ delivery system to reach skin’s innermost layers.
THE TIP
Experience game-changing benefits, threefold – use AM and PM as a toner, throughout the day to refresh skin, and as needed to lift the spirits.
Original Makeup Remover
IN A NUTSHELL
A game-changer for your beauty budget – and your carbon footprint – FACE HALO’s innovation in makeup removal is a machine-washable mitt which, as if by magic, removes makeup with water alone. To be precise, it substitutes up to 500 makeup wipes – you’ll need to see it to believe it.
WHAT MAKES IT
Super-fine, non-toxic HaloTech fibres that reach deep into pores, removing all traces of makeup and dirt with a gentle buffing action – no need to rub.
THE TIP
To remove eye makeup (yes – even eye makeup), hold the halo over the eye for 5-10 seconds to loosen mascara and remove in a single stroke. Skin care devotees may wish to cleanse immediately after, but it isn’t essential.
Relevée Lash Curler
IN A NUTSHELL
With a string of beauty awards in tow, Surratt’s Japanese-made beauty tool has earned its place as the industry’s favourite eyelash curler. Why? Because it really does perform what other lash curlers only claim to deliver: no pinching, no plucking, no breakage, no creasing – just lasting length and an eye-widening curl.
WHAT MAKES IT
Surratt's commitment to the Japanese philosophy of Monozukuri (or craftsmanship) means all its tools are considered down to the final detail. This one is ergonomically designed and hand-calibrated in Japan for flawless functionality.
THE TIP
Create the perfect curl with a series of gentle pinches, starting as close to the root as possible, and repeating every millimetre along the lash.
Nutrient Concentrate
IN A NUTSHELL
This natural healing solution from Susanne Kaufmann is a saviour for plant-based beauty buffs that suffer with dry skin – packed with deeply hydrating and replenishing botanicals to soften and smooth, it leaves even the most demanding skin shining so bright, onlookers will be searching around for a spotlight.
WHAT MAKES IT
The fruits of nature – hydrating plant-derived hyaluronic acids, nourishing marigold extract and soothing aloe vera combine to quench skin to unprecedented levels, whilst antioxidant chamomile and thistle oil protect and illuminate.
THE TIP
Apply twice daily as you would a serum, or upgrade its efficacy and wear under a moisturising mask for a treatment that works double-time.
Drying Lotion
IN A NUTSHELL
Mario Badescu’s acne-banishing pink potion is famous not only for its creamy, medicinal hue, but also for its ability to zap whiteheads overnight. Applied topically, it saps impurities and excess oil from unwelcome visitors to shrink, calm and counteract redness.
WHAT MAKES IT
A surprisingly sparse ingredient list: calamine gives it that unmistakable hue, and salicylic acid is the powerhouse ingredient renowned for taking blemishes down.
THE TIP
Dip a clean cotton bud right down into the sediment to get the good stuff – then apply a dab directly onto the spot and allow to dry overnight.