AD | It feels like AGES since I last wrote a beauty post, which as a qualified ITEC Beauty Specialist and self-confessed beauty lover, is rather remiss of me. While I would never claim to be an expert on beauty matters, I thought I’d share my top ten hero beauty products you need to know about. Some are cosmetic and some are skin care but they’ve all been tried, tested and loved by me. And they all make me feel good, so I hope they’ll do the same for you too.
Ten Hero Beauty Products I Can’t Keep To Myself
First up, and in no particular order…
1. Origins Checks and Balances Face Wash*
I don’t remember exactly when I discovered Origins but I know I’ve been using and recommending their products for over 20 years (!) The company is owned by Estee Lauder so there’s some heavyweight backing behind the range. Anyway, I have combination skin (oily T zone and drier cheeks) and somehow this magical face wash manages to cleanse thoroughly without ever leaving it tight and sore, or exacerbating oil reproduction. The ingredients list reads like a recipe (Broad Leaf Kelp Extract, Wheat Protein and Tourmaline, Bergamot, Spearmint and Lavender) but it smells lovely, feels wonderful and works. My hero.
2. Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask*
Another Origins product. You’re supposed to use it twice a week at bedtime, but I use a thin layer every night before bed (as skin renewal works hardest while you sleep). I used to apply Night-a-Mins but as I’ve got older those essential oils seem to aggravate my skin so I switched to Drink Up. Again, it smells gorgeous (Avocado and Apricot) and amazingly my skin looks bright and plumped up in the morning. Tip: I’ve found it especially useful on holiday too, after a day in the sun.
3. Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue tinted gel cream*
Whenever I’ve worn foundations (I’ve tried budget as well as posh) I can always feel them on my skin. Plus, I find foundation always looks like I’m wearing it. Then I was given a Bare Minerals sample in Natural 05 two years ago and I’ve not looked back. It’s a gel cream combining the best of a BB, a CC, and a tinted moisturiser – glow in a tube in fact. It doesn’t give you heavy coverage, it just makes you look better: healthier, brighter and with your imperfections blurred rather than caked over so you can still see your skin. You can choose from 16 shades to suit your skin tone.
4. HD Brows Eye and Brow Palette*
I was introduced to these silky powders after my first eyebrow threading. They’re available in three shades and I use Vamp. The palette comes with a double ended brush which makes the powders really easy to apply. You don’t have to sculpt a Kardashian brow, you can apply lightly for a more subtle look. I use the highlighter under my brow bone and the two browns on my brows – the powder stays all day so I never bother with the setting wax. Tip: I also use the black powder along my lash line as an eye liner so I get double value from the kit.
5. Stila Smudge Stick waterproof eyeliner*
I love these Stila smudge stick eyeliners. They glide on, never dragging or scratching and they really do stay on, even after swimming in the sea. They come in 17 gorgeous high pigmented shades and my favourites are Stingray (black). Lionfish (brown) and Purple Tang (which really makes my brown eyes pop). And they are twist-propelling so you don’t need to sharpen them.
6. Benefit They’re Real mascara*
I’ve tried lots of mascara over the years and this one is really in a league of its own. The specially shaped brush seems to find every tiny lash and coats it with mascara. My lashes do look lifted, volumised and, best of all, not clumped together. A fab product. Tip: if you really want maximum impact then applying They’re Real* to lashes after using Borboleta lash growth serum is the icing on the cake.
7. Rodial StemCell superfood glam lip balm
My first brush with this was a freebie with a magazine. Rather pricey (compared to a Chapstick), it apparently harnesses stem cell technology, essential oils and fatty acids, and has SPF15 protection. Be that as it may, it’s quite simply the best lip balm I’ve ever tried. It smells and tastes lovely, a little goes a really long way, and it’s absolutely gorgeous.
8. OPI Nail lacquer in Cha Ching Cherry
I’ve been using OPI nail polishes for years. I do stray to other cheaper brands from time to time but I always come back to OPI. I think the colours and staying power are second to none. When I apply OPI to my toes pre-holiday (base coat + two coats of colour + top coat), the colour is still there six weeks later, albeit half way up my nails as it grows out! Cha-Ching Cherry is my all-time favourite shade, a gorgeous pink/red colour that goes perfectly with whatever I decide to wear. And I’m so sad it’s been discontinued 🙁
9. Origins Make a Difference rejuvenating hand treatment*
My third favourite Origins product and always my hand cream of choice. Another list of exciting ingredients (Rose of Jericho, Trehalose and Sea Haricots, Oceanic Flora, Scutellaria and Meadowfoam) that you’ve probably never heard of… But it’s lightly scented, very hydrating and not at all greasy. It really does live up to its name, you can see a difference in skin tone and texture after a couple of applications – even my husband likes this one. A must for any gardeners.
10. Cover Your Grey hair crayon*
I’m not sure I can really call this a beauty product but I wouldn’t be without it. It’s basically a waxy-type lipstick for your hair, you apply it on your grey bits to extend the time between hair colourings. It comes in a range of colours and is much easier to use than hair mascara or powder. It lasts until your next shampoo and fits in your handbag for touch ups. Tip: wash it out before your next hair colouring, as otherwise the dye won’t take.
So there we are, my top ten hero beauty products that I think you need to know about. How many of them, if any, do you use? What are your favourite, ride or die products? And if you’re looking to discover more amazing beauty products, then I’d recommend trying a monthly beauty box subscription, where you can sample the latest in the world of beauty and skincare.
(* This is a collaborative post and contains affiliate links, please see my Disclaimer).
I haven’t even heard of this brand which just shows how out of the loop I am! They sound like a great selection of products though so I will be sure to check them out.
Thanks for sharing Lisa, I didn’t know I needed these in my life but now I do. Time to treat myself x
Origins is absolutely amazing, no matter what other products I use, I always come back to these three staples – and yes, treat yourself! x
I really want to try origins products now! Maybe I’ll have to treat myself for Christmas. Great blog x
Thank you – and yes, do treat yourself, you’ll love them! 🙂
Loved this post! I actually couldn’t get on with the Benefit mascara but I didn’t give it a full go. I might try t again for a bit longer this time round!
Rosie
I think it was the brush that made me love it so much, it really got every little lash!
I love OPI nail lacquer, I agree their colours are beautiful and I love their nail envy. Lovely blog post x
They are such salon-level polishes, really beautiful – thank you! x
I love the look and sound of the brow palette! I’m big on brows and always looking for new products to try so thank you for the recommendations 🙂 xxx
I think you’d love these powders, they’re so buildable and look very natural too (at least I think so!) xxx
Love these! Thank you for giving a few good beauty shopping ideas. I love Helena Rubinstein’s Lash Queen mascara and Guerlain Les Meteorites powder pearls for years. The latter I fell in love when I was a kid and my mom had bought it. I borrowed it secretly and promised myself that as soon as I get money I will keep on buying it. And I have done so! Kiko Milano eyeliners (both liquid and pen) are great too xx
Oooh, the Helena Rubenstein mascara sounds gorgeous and I love Kiki Milano nail polishes so will have gvive their eyeliners a go too! xx
You’ve mentioned so many great products. I love the Origins overnight mask, its always my go to product when my skin needs something extra.
Thank you, Kelly, and it’s great to find another Origins fan! 🙂
I haven’t tried any of these products except for the Benefit mascara, which I liked!
I love the Rodial Dragon’s Blood Eye Masks so I should definitely try out their lip balm!
The Eye Masks sound intriguing – I’ll have to investigate those, thank you!
I like Stila! They took it out at my local drug store sadly.
Ah no, that’s a shame – but you can get Stila on Amazon!
I REALLY need a new face wash – thanks for the lead!
You’re welcome 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing! I have never heard of the brand Orgins! Super informative!
You’re welcome, I’m glad it was helpful 🙂
These are good beauty brands. Looks like you like the Origins brand. I haven’t tried any products from Origins yet. However, thank you for sharing this cool post with me.
Oh yes, it’s my favourite skincare brand, haha!
Amazing products. The fact you been using it for this long it makes it a very good product. Sharing this with family. Thank you for sharing it!
You’re welcome, Jack, and yes, Origins is fab!
I love that Benefit mascara, it’s so good, I use the Benefit mascara primer which is just as good as a proper mascara! I used to love using OPI nail varnish, I had loads of the bottles! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Oooh, I didn’t know they did a primer, I’ll have to look out for that – good to find a fellow OPI fan! x
These are great ideas. I love the eyebrow pallet. Eyebrows make a world of difference on my face! lol
Thank you – and yes, they do on mine as well, I look dreadful without some eyebrow definition!
I heard of Origins and I know is a good brand, but I don’t use it because they sell in China and they are required to test on animals under Chinese law.
The hair crayon is something I never heard of before. It’s intriguing and I’m going to look into this. Thanks for sharing! xx
Yes, they do, because it’s the law in China. But elsewhere they test on volunteers and they’ve partnered with The Institute for In Vitro Sciences to try and make alternative testing the global standard. It’s not perfect by any means though, I know. x
I love seeing what products other people use, always gives me a bit of inspiration. I may just have to have a look into the Origins product!
Aimsy xoxo
https://www.aimsysantics.co.uk
I think you’ll love their products, they feel (and smell) soooo good!
I love the sounds of the face wash! I have oily skin too, and am always up for trying something new, especially if it is a good cleanser.
The hand treatment also sounds amazing; I like all my body rubs skin butters to be non-oily and in the summer gardening, especially weeding, leaves my hands in need of a little rejuvenation!
Thanks for sharing.
I think the face wash would be perfect and the hand cream too – I know what you mean about not liking oily products 🙂
I’m such a BB cream fan! I would love to try out the Bare Minerals tinted gel cream. It looks so promising!
Ann
It’s fab, so flattering, makes me look really glowy!
I LOVE products from Origins!! They feel great and are not so invasive to your skin. I keep hearing great things about Bare Minerals! it is great when you can do a quick touchup on grey hair. Thanks for sharing these beauty products!!
Nancy ✨
Yay, another Origins fan! And yes, do try Bare Minerals, they’re non-comedogenic as well so very kind to skin 🙂
Great post! Love reading about all different products which helps me deciding which to purchase. I am also a big fan of the Benefit brand.
Thank you, I’m glad it was helpful!
I love the sound of the Bare Minerals one. I’ve never really worn foundation but just had to get rid of a glow-type product because it’s been open to long so was looking for a replacement and this one sounds great. There are some awesome sounding products here – not used any of them so could be indulging! Thanks!
Oh I think you’d love Bare Minerals – they’re non-comedogenic as well so very kind to the skin – thank you, Lindsey, happy indulging! 🙂
You have shared some great makeup stuff, although i have never tried this brand but it surely looks nice. Thanks for sharing the review.
Thank you, Origins is a lovely brand, especially for skincare 🙂
I really like the idea of a tinted gel. I sometimes wear foundation but always feel it just doesn’t look right. I’ll have to give them a go!
The Bare Minerals one is lovely, more of a BB I think, it blurs a lot of imperfections!
Now I want to go and buy everything, loving the sound of the Origins products especially xx
http://www.dellalovesnutella.co.uk/
Then my work here is done! 🙂 x
I am ALWAYS on the search for a good quality eyeliner that isn’t going to smudge or wipe off. I hate the idea of having to carry it with me and reapply through the day – it should be once and done like picking your outfit for the day! Get ready in the morning and you’re good to go until you return home that evening. Right?
You’d love Stila then, nothing budges these liners, but they do come off very easily when you need them too, which is always a bonus!
I want to try the Origins Overnight Mask, I’ve never used one!
Thanks for these reviews 🙂
xx Dasynka
You’re welcome, I hope you love Origins too 🙂
I love Bare Minerals! They’re such a good brand.
Yes, they are, love them!
Great post, this is perfect for me! I never know where to start so recommendations are always welcome. I’m definitely adding the Origins mask and Benefit mascara to my list 🙂
Anika
Thank you – and yes, do try them both. Origins is perfect for a skincare treat right now 🙂
I like Origins products but I didn’t try these. I must check them, especially hand cream. These days I searching for new hand creams.
All this handwashing is making my hands so dry too but this is so soothing 🙂
I always love reading hero products of others! I’m really curious about Origins now. Thanks for sharing!
They are the loveliest brand – their products smell so good too!
Thanks for sharing, these products look lovely to use, although I would have to use the budget versions!
You’re welcome – although I have to say you only need a tiny bit of each product so they last for ages 🙂
great picks! i’m definitely picking up some of this x
erin x
Thank you, hope you enjoy them!
I LOVE bare minerals! I’ve always used them since I was a kid. Granted I don’t wear much makeup now, but I would use the other products they have available. Them and Rituals are also my favourite.
Bare Minerals make up is just so good – I think it actually improves my skin as well!
That mascara does wonders for my lashes – all day long! It’s the absolute best!
xoxo Ana
It’s a great mascara, isn’t it 🙂
This is a great post, thanks so much Lisa! I always wonder what other women use and I am always looking for recommendations to be honest – especially on mascaras. I love the sound of the overnight mask too – I’ll see if I can find it here in Australia. Hope you’ve been well!
Thank you, Katerina, and yes, I have been, hope you have been too? I think Origins is available in Australia, I’d be very surprised if not so fingers crossed you fall in love with Drink Up as much as me!
Thank you for sharing all of these products. I didn’t try any of them but all seems great. I need to check them.
Thank you, I hope you love any that you do try 🙂
These are some great selection of products. I love Origins Skincare too. 🙂
Thank you, I know you’re a fellow Origins fan!
I have heard good things about origins but I have never tried any of their products before. That stick to cover greys, what a great idea and so quick and simple. Thank you for sharing these Lisa.
Lauren
Origins is just gorgeous, their skincare is soooooo nice. And yes, I have those sticks everywhere for touch ups, haha! x
I didn’t know til I read your post that Origins is owned by Estee Lauder! That’s some big backing right there. My friend uses Origin and he swears by this brand too! He particularly loves their mask products and I could tell by his skin that it does work wonders!
It is big backing, but I’m not surprised your friend swears by them, the products are fab!
This is a really cool list of beauty essentials. I never really took heed of Origins so thanks for informing. Would love to give it a try. Benefit is a personal favorite, though.
Thank you – Origins are amazing, I’ve never had a bad experience with any of their products!