14 Affordable Beauty Buys Spied At Fashion Week
Biafine Emulsion, £13.50
A French pharmacy staple, you’d be hard pushed to find any make-up artist backstage without one of these nearby. A cocktail of water, avocado oil and paraffin instantly relieves sore, dry skin, while a thin layer used with foundation creates a smooth, creamy finish. Massage it in and watch the skin take on a beautiful sheen – without looking greasy.
Available at TheFrenchPharmacy.co
Essie Nail Polish in Après Chic, £7.99
Used backstage at Erdem AW20, this polish gave us serious hints about what will be on-trend later this year. Just a few layers create a silver, mirrored nail, while finely milled glitter will lend any manicure a fun twist. Nail artists recommend using it on just on tips for a chic update on the classic French mani.
Available at Boots.com
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Rose Water, £4.66
This and Bioderma’s cult micellar were the two skin cleansers on rotation at Fashion Week. Garnier’s latest formula has had an upgrade, thanks to the addition of rose water. Designed to brighten and create a more visible glow, it works just like the original but with more antioxidants and micelles to remove every trace of make-up – even stubborn formulas.
Available at Boots.com
Kiko Cosmetics Pure Clean & Scrub Wipes, £5.99
Kiko is one of our favourite brands, yet it doesn’t often get the credit it deserves. We were thrilled to see these used by multiple make-up artists backstage this season. With nourishing avocado oil, expect skin to feel completely clean and smooth post-use.
Available at KikoCosmetics.com
Maybelline The City Eyeshadow Palette in Urban Jungle, £13.20
There’s a reason Maybelline palettes always turn up backstage – the eyeshadows deliver great pigment every time and are completely smudge-proof. This one was used at Jason Wu to create thick, powdery eyeliner. With a smokey green and shimmering golds, it’s great for both day and night, while each shade blends seamlessly together for a modern take on the classic smokey eye.
Available at Amazon.co.uk
Redken Shine Flash 02 Glistening Mist, £18.50
Providing more than mere hold, this brush-out formula adds a glossy sheen to hair, while also busting frizz. A good misting also helps to build extra volume at the roots – no wonder it’s a backstage staple for stylists.
Available at LookFantastic.com
TRESemmé Tres Two Non-Aerosol Hair Spray, £3.20
The hairspray of choice backstage is formulated with locking polymers and fast-drying technology - all of which disappears when you brush it through. What’s left behind is incredible shine, zero static and a silky finish.
Available at Amazon.co.uk
Weleda Skin Food, £7.95
Yes, the yellow formula can be distracting, but this skin saviour sinks in to soothe dry patches fast. It’s especially good on lips, which is probably why make-up artists love it so much. Mix a small amount with foundation for an extra glossy sheen, or massage into skin for a nourishing facial. The light, herbal scent is addictive, too.
Available at LookFantastic.com
MAC In Extreme Dimension Lash, £20
This was the mascara of choice for make-up artists this season. With a thin, straight brush, it covers lashes from root to tip without any flakes. The narrow style of the wand also helps you get right into the inner and outer corners of the eyes, reaching every lash for maximum impact. Layer on one coat for a subtle ‘just-tinted’ effect, or keep sweeping to mimic the look of falsies.
Available at LookFantastic.com
L’Oreal Paris Brilliant Signature Lip Inks, £10.99
We always spy these liquid lipsticks in pro kits – they deliver on long-lasting pigment every time with a glossy, vinyl finish. Thanks to hydrating oils, these plump more than other products on the market, while conditioning lips at the same time. The cushioned brush makes application seamless and satisfying as well.
Available at Superdrug.com
Nars Lipstick in Sex Shuffle, £22
Used by make-up artist Lynsey Alexander backstage at Erdem, this lipstick was used as a highlighter, thanks to its balmy texture. Applied over eyes, lips and cheeks, it gave skin a glossy sheen that looked healthy and luminous. A true multi-tasker.
Available at LookFantastic.com
La Roche-Posay Zerosinc Soothing Spray, £7.50 (was £10)
Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, this works on all skin types to rehydrate when time is at a premium, refreshing make-up and adding a newly-mattified finish to the skin. The mineral-rich formula cools and calms, working to reduce inflammation and redness, too.
Available at LookFantastic.com
MAC Prep + Prime Essential Oils, £23
Designed to work with all of your other products, make-up artists use these multi-purpose oils to add a healthy shine to the skin. Think cheekbones, brow bones, tip of the nose and the cupid’s bow for a silky, ethereal glow. Tap onto skin with fingers, or buff in with foundation for an all-over sheen.
Available at LookFantastic.com
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, £5.99
This iconic, pink and green tube is spied backstage every season, and has been a brand best-seller for nearly 50 years. Ophthalmologist-tested and hypoallergenic, this mascara is safe for all to use – even contact lens wearers – while the classic brush helps build volume directly from the root, without any clumps. It’s great for a subtle look, but can also be built up for maximum inkiness and depth.
Available at LookFantastic.com
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