Tried and tested: Old-school make-up favourites versus today's hot new hits
Rebecca Gonsalves compares 24 essential products.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Mascara
Great Lash harks back to a time when nipping to New York for a weekend of shopping wasn't just for 'the 1 per cent' and this was the cheap-as-chips trophy for your make-up bag. It made sense, then, that this was one of the first products that launched Maybelline in the UK – it remains a favourite for the way it subtly lifts and separates. Benefit's bestselling wand will magic a much more dramatic effect.
Classic: Maybelline Great Lash, £5.10, available nationwide
New: Benefit They're Real, £18.50, available nationwide
Highlighter
Not to be caked on – that way panda eyes lie – highlighter pens are simply magical at creating a light-reflecting surface that will hide imperfections as well as radiantly perk up a tired complexion. YSL's classic turns 20 this year and is now available in a dozen shades, though some may prefer the matte finish of By Terry's wonder pen.
Classic: YSL Touche Eclat, £25, yslbeaute.com
New: By Terry Touche Veloutée, £35, spacenk.com
Fragrance
Summer calls for a light, fresh fragrance that won't clash with the heightened scents brought out by the sun. Jo Malone's crisp and spicy signature scent remains a classic 21 years after it was launched. Diptyque's newest fragrance is the first in its floral waters collection and celebrates the rose, that most evocative, romantic of blooms.
Classic: Jo Malone Lime, Basil & Mandarin Cologne, £76, 100ml, jomalone.co.uk
New: Diptyque Eau Rose, £60, 3.4fl oz, diptyqueparis.co.uk
Cleanser
This two-step hot-cloth cleansing method has fans the world over for its gentle, moisturising formulation which removes make-up, dirt and dead skin and is suitable for almost every skin type. Perricone MD is a dermatologist-led line that is creating waves in beauty circles thanks to its problem-solving products. This cleanser uses olive extracts to hydrate and soothe sensitive skin.
Classic: Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, £14.25, lizearle.com
New: Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Gentle Cleanser, £35, johnlewis.com
Lipstick
Hailed by those in the know not only as a true red but one that lends itself to most complexions, Ruby Woo's matte finish is perfect for creating a pin-up-worthy pout. If a pared-down look better suits your style, however, the new moisturising formula of Chanel's Shine melts into lips leaving a flattering, summer-ready shade of coral.
Classic: MAC lipstick in Ruby Woo, £13.50, maccosmetics.co.uk
New: Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in En Vogue, £24, 020-7493 3836
Moisturiser
One of the most important elements of a daily skincare regime, replenishing delicate skin's moisture helps prevent signs of ageing – what's not to love? A bestseller for good reason, Kiehl's lightweight formula is easily absorbed and provides UVA and UVB protection. Malin + Goetz gently hydrates without clogging pores or leaving a residue — and it's ideal for sensitive skin.
Classic: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturiser, £24.50, 125ml, kiehls.co.uk
New: Malin + Goetz Vitamin E face moisturiser, £36, 118ml, liberty.co.uk
Nail varnish
Touted as the first-ever red nail polish, the formula may have been updated since then but Revlon's shade remains a bestseller – largely because of its universally chic connotations. The Dolce & Gabbana make-up range is beautifully packaged but it's what's inside that really counts here – long-lasting, chip-resistant shades that simply glide on and look phenomenal.
Classic: Revlon nail enamel in Cherries in the Snow, £6.49, Boots nationwide
New: Dolce & Gabbana Intense Nail Laquer in Pink, £19.25, harrods.com
Eyeliner
Glide the glossy-finish formulation in this ink-well pot on with a slanted flat brush to create feline flicks that won't smudge or smear. If classic black is too harsh for your skintone, there are 10 shades to choose from. The nib on L'Oréal's new felt-tip eyeliner is so soft that it won't drag against the lash line, ensuring a smooth, precise, super-fine finish every time. f
Classic: Bobbi Brown Longwear Gel Liner, £16.50, 0870 034 2566
New: L'Oréal SuperLiner Perfect Slim, £6.49, available nationwide
Bronzer
Whether you're a sun-worshipper or not, there's room in almost every beauty bag for the right shade of bronzer. The key to appearing sun-kissed and natural is to apply with the lightest of touches. Whether classically charming Terracotta or Clinique's super light oil-absorbing powder, a gentle dusting on the nose, chin, forehead and cheeks will mimic the rays of the sun and lift and slim the face, too.
Classic: Guerlain Terracotta Moisturizing Bronzing Powder, £33.50, harrods.com
New: Clinique Superbalanced Powder Bronzer, £25, available nationwide
Brightener
Known affectionately as 'Cinderella in a tube', Clarins' beauty balm has been a pick-me-up for skin that's tired and flagging after a long day – or an even longer night – for more than 30 years. In the few months since it launched, Nanoblur has already achieved a huge word-of-mouth following for its almost miraculous work, instantly reducing the appearance of fine lines, crow's feet and enlarged pores.
Classic: Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, £27.50, 0800 036 3558
New: Indeed Labs Nanoblur, £19.99, available nationwide
Exfoliator
Dermalogica's cult product has been around for a decade and the ritualistic way it is applied is only part of it. The superfine powder lathers up in wet hands and gently exfoliates without scratching or weakening skin. Wei uses traditional Chinese philosophy and medicinal beliefs to create a modern, nature-driven collection – add these finely-milled pomegranate skins to your cleanser to buff away dead skin.
Classic: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant ,£38.50, 0800 591 818
New: Wei Pomegranate Buffing Beads, £16.50, spacenk.co.uk
Eyeshadow
This intensely-coloured creamy formula delivered in crayon form is one of the easiest ways to achieve a smoky eye for novices and professionals alike – just swipe, smudge and go. Tom Ford's smooth, shimmering cream will gild eyelids and create the high-octane glamour that the designer has become synonymous with.
Classic: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Cocoa, £20.50, available nationwide
New: Tom Ford Cream Colour for Eyes in Guilt, £28, 0870 034 2566
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments