The Beauty Team’s Favourite Products For All Budgets
BODY
Becky’s Favourites
Katrafay Body Scrub, £48 | Corpus
“I love a gritty scrub at this time of year and this one ticks all the boxes. Using charcoal and walnut shells, it buffs away dead cells for visibly smoother-looking skin. It’s full of botanical oils too, which leave behind a trail of glossy moisture. You only need a little bit, so it will last you months.”
2in1 Nano-Glass Foot File & Callus Remover, £7.99 | BEZOX
“It’s not glamorous, but this foot file is super efficient. Fitting perfectly in your palm, the egg shape gives you total control, while the exfoliating attachments make light work of dry, flaky patches. It’s particularly good around the heels and edges of your feet. I love slapping on a hefty layer of body butter or oil afterwards and then putting socks on top. The result is silky-soft soles the next day.”
Orin's Favourites
Firming Body Oil, £39.60 | Olverum
“Going from central heating to extreme cold wreaks havoc on my dry skin. To keep my legs feeling smooth, I need regular exfoliation as well as deep nourishment, and this Olverum oil certainly provides the latter. It restores bounce and makes my skin feel silky-soft but it doesn’t leave behind any grease. Thanks to the addition of papaya enzymes, it also encourages speedy cell turnover – handy on days when I’m not using a physical scrub.”
Foaming Shower Gel, £12.90 | Rituals
“For an instant shower upgrade, this is my go-to. It produces an avalanche of luxurious, frothy foam, the novelty of which never fails to delight. But – crucially – it’s not stripping; instead it leaves my skin feeling soft and supple. I’m usually wedded to the Indian rose and sweet almond oil version, but this new, limited-edition scent has my attention. Featuring notes of amber and cinnamon, it has a spicy, enveloping warmth – a fitting nod to the festive season.”
Sapna's Favourites
Almond Delicious Paste, £39 | L'Occitane
“When your body needs a little bit more nourishment and TLC, this is such a spoiling choice. Rather than a body butter or cream, this is a scrub. It sloughs away dead skin leaving you feeling silky smooth.”
Skin Relief Body Oil Spray, £7.12 (was £9.49) | Aveeno
“This has become my ride-or-die when shaving. I simply spritz it onto wet skin before going in with my razor and have found the results to be so much cleaner, and my legs far smoother afterwards.”
FRAGRANCE
Becky's Favourites
Orphéon Eau De Parfum, £153 | Diptyque
“A small tester of this landed on my desk recently and I’ve reached for it daily ever since. It’s smoky and warming but not in an overtly heady way. Tonka bean, cedar wood and juniper berries come together in a scent that’s reminiscent of a sophisticated nightclub. Ideal for the winter months and party season, I can’t get enough. It feels like one of Diptyque’s more unique scents.”
Incense Sticks, £28.80 (were £32) | Cosmoss
“I’ve waxed lyrical about these sticks recently – and for good reason. Ideal for hunkering down with this winter, the herbal, woody and almost medicinal scent clears your mind, sharpens focus and creates a snug and cosy atmosphere. I love that the fragrance lingers for a good couple of hours after burning. I promise you won’t be disappointed.”
Orin's Favourites
Amber Intrigue Eau De Parfum, £300 | Tom Ford
“Yes, the price is eye-watering. But if you’re looking to treat yourself (or indeed be treated), this Tom Ford fragrance is so well done. True to its name, the glowy amber note stands out. It has a heady, spicy warmth, thanks to added cinnamon, date and sandalwood, but it’s not overbearing.”
Kashmir Travel Eau De Parfum, £35 | Ormonde Jayne
“I’m slightly cheating here because the full-size bottle is an investment, but the travel-friendly version of Kashmir – independent British perfume label Ormonde Jayne’s latest launch – is my current handbag hero. Hypnotic and woody, it combines sandalwood with iris, rose, jasmine and a hint of musk. The scent is expensive and cosy, with an almost dream-like quality. Perfect for this time of year if you’re after a new fragrance to obsess over.”
Sapna’s Favourites
Farm To Candle Snap, £41.60 (was £52) | Boy Smells
“Home fragrances are just as important to me as personal ones, and Boy Smells has been a favourite for a few years now. This is one I’ve recently added to my basket. If you love something unique, fresh and addictive, this is perfect.”
Santal & Vetiver Deodorant, £20 | Salt & Stone
“While I’m a huge fragrance obsessive, this pick is a little more functional – yet it’s still an incredible scent. Gone are the days of chemical smelling deodorants. This roll-on from Salt & Stone looks great, but genuinely keeps you feeling fresh all day — making it one fragrance lovers will enjoy too.”
HAIR
Becky's Favourites
AirWash Dry Shampoo, £48 | K18 Biometrics Hairscience
“This is a lot to spend on a dry shampoo but if, like me, you’re trying to avoid using too many unnecessary ingredients on your scalp and instead want to focus on nourishment, then this is well worth it. It uses scalp-balancing ingredients and smart-release biotechnology to ensure nothing clogs up your follicles or causes irritation. Translucent microbeads soak up excess oil, while hyaluronic acid keeps both your scalp and hair smooth and hydrated. On top of that, it adds bounce and texture, making it more than your average dry shampoo – think of it as more of a styling product that minimises grease. You’ll find it also helps hold a curl too.”
Nourishing Hair Mask, £31.99 | Hair Gain
“I’ve always been impressed by Hair Gains and really loved its supplements when they first launched – consistency is key, but I definitely saw better regrowth. Now, it’s the hair mask I’m loving. AnaGain – taken from organic pea shoots – is the key ingredient which strengthens hair from the root and stimulates follicles. Plus, there’s also vitamin B5 to smooth, hydrate and give hair a little shine – something I normally find impossible on blonde hair. I wear it for an hour or so before rinsing it away in the shower and my hair definitely looks and feels more supple.”
Orin’s Favourites
Cleansing Purifying Scrub, £43 | Christophe Robin
“This scrub is a total game-changer. Even if you have a normal, balanced scalp, you’ll notice a difference. Until I tried it, I don’t think I fully realised quite how much styling product can build up. Powered by sea salt crystals, it gently shifts this build-up, leaving behind a clean, invigorated feeling. It emulsifies into a cooling lather – super soothing if you’re prone to irritation.”
Volumising Dry Shampoo, £7.71 (was £11.50) | Klorane
“I swear by dry shampoo, but not for the reason you might expect. It really comes into its own on clean hair, minimising that freshly-washed slippery feel and making it easier to manipulate. Klorane’s are the best on the high street. First, the powders are finely milled so they don’t leave a chalky residue, but they’re also carefully formulated with ingredients that won’t irritate your scalp. The entire range is excellent, but this one is particularly effective at creating root volume.”
Sapna's Favourites
Genesis Hair Serum, Leave-In Conditioner, £35.25 (was £47) | Kérastase
“I recently started using this after a press trip and have loved using it as part of my routine post-shower. We all know how important scalp care is, and this product makes it that bit easier. A couple of drops is all you need – massage it into wet or dry hair and carry on with your usual styling. It’s not greasy, so you won’t even notice it there. But its effects are long lasting – think silkier, shinier strands.”
Elvive Extraordinary For Dry Hair, £7.80 (was £13) | L'Oreal Paris
“This one’s been a cult favourite for a long time – and for good reason. Hair oiling has become a bit of a ritual for me, but this one is the one I use purely for styling and taming flyaways. A little goes a long way, and the scent is lovely too.”
MAKE-UP
Becky’s Favourites
Vital Skincare Concealer, £36 (was £45) | Westman Atelier
“This is the best concealer I’ve tried in years, which is why I feel the price tag is justified. First, you need just a dab to see a difference. Secondly, it’s so creamy and easy to blend with a brightening finish that really does alleviate signs of tiredness or redness. I love wearing it on its own, but if you want more coverage, I recommend applying this and then foundation on top to allow the luminosity to shine through.”
Pro Artist Soft Glow Cream Bronzer, £11.97 (was £19.95) | No7
“No7’s new Pro Artist line is impressive – especially this cream bronzer which is a great, affordable rival to its high-end counterparts. Smooth, velvety and easy to work with, you can use your fingers or a brush to apply it. I prefer the latter, carving out easy definition as I go. I also love that it’s not an ashy or dusty colour on the skin. Plus, it lasts for hours without fading. It’s my winter secret weapon for faking a healthy glow.”
Orin's Favourites
Beyond Radiance Primer, £42 | Burberry
“Make-up artist Cher Webb recommended this to me recently and I have to say, I was an instant convert. It gives your skin a fresh, luminous quality – so needed at this time of year when dullness is rife. The vibe is subtle glimmer rather than full-on disco glow, which makes it all the more wearable. Layer it underneath your usual base for a hint of radiance; I find it works seamlessly with all textures.”
Telescopic Mascara, £9.59 (was £11.99) | L'Oréal Paris
“New make-up launches are my bread and butter, but sometimes nothing beats an old favourite. I’ve just rediscovered this L'Oréal mascara and I genuinely had to do a double take when I looked in the mirror. The lift! The length! And with no curler necessary. Wiggle the ultra-fine elastomer wand in a zig-zag motion through your lashes for a bovine, hypnotic flutter. Criminally underrated, it gets next-to-no airtime. Fingers crossed there are no plans to discontinue.”
Sapna's Favourites
Ambient Lighting Edit, £81 (was £90) | Hourglass
“If you want to invest in one palette that does it all, make it this. I’ve had mine for over a year now and still use it daily. I love the formula of each power – they each bring a mineral kind of glow so that you never look flat or cakey.”
“Whether you apply this under foundation, on its own or just on the tops of your cheeks, this will boost your glow without any of the tell-tale greasiness.”
SKIN
Becky’s Favourites
Active Algae Calming Cleansing Balm, £32.25 (was £43) | Kora Organics
“Buttery and full of hydrating squalane, this is one of my favourite cleansing balms. Just a small amount worked into damp skin completely dissolves all traces of make-up – even stubborn, waterproof formulas. Pineapple enzymes are a natural alternative to typical exfoliants, so you can guarantee less irritation, while added jojoba keeps skin settled and in check. I always look as if I’ve just had a facial after using this – it leaves me rosy, glow-y and a little bit brighter.”
10% Ceramide Boosters & Omega Complex Serum, £8 | Simple
“You can always rely on Simple skincare and my latest discovery is this gentle serum. Full of ceramides and omegas, it’s like a big drink for thirsty skin types with a lightweight, thin texture that absorbs fast so it never interferes with anything else in your routine. If my complexion feels tight or inflamed, this is what I use to hit reset and it works every time. Plus, it’s only £8.”
Orin's Favourites
Frankincense Intense™ Triple Action Melting Cleanser, £37.40 (was £44) | Neal's Yard Remedies
“For me, cleansing is a joy, never a chore. I’m lucky I don’t have sensitive skin, so I can use formulas that contain fragrance. I tried this cleanser for the first time during the brand’s new Frankincense Intensified Facial and my skin felt baby-soft afterwards. It feels nourishing and spa-like, and I love how the gel consistency changes into an oil when it comes into contact with your skin.”
Beauty Elixir Prep, Set, Glow Face Mist, £12.60 (was £18) | Caudalie
“I’ve loved this mist for over a decade, and for good reason. It’s the perfect pick-me-up to lift you out of that 3pm slump. It’s so light and unobtrusive that you can spritz it over make-up without it disrupting everything. Formulated with essential oils such as peppermint, rose, rosemary and lemon balm, it’s super energising. In the summer, it lives in my fridge for that hit of coolness.”
Sapna's Favourites
Skinesis Rapid Radiance Cleanser, £32.25 (was £43) | Sarah Chapman
“I was recently treated to my favourite facial in London at Sarah Chapman and was reminded of this cleanser which I had been using earlier in the year. The only difference was the facialist gave me a new way to use it: rather than lathering it with water straight away, apply it to dry skin like a mask before you go in the shower. The scent alone relaxes me, and the formula zaps any bacteria to keep blemishes at bay.”
Earth Star Pimple Patches, £9 | Starface
“People debate whether these really work but for me it’s less about their potency to zap spots and more about how they stop me from poking and prodding my skin. As soon as I get a spot I’ll likely to want to pop, I put one of these on. I do find it also minimises the size and redness of the breakout, so that’s a bonus.”
WINTER HERO
Becky’s Favourites
Retinal 0.05% Peptides Repair Night Cream, £82.45 (was £110) | Allies Of Skin
“Now winter is here, I’ve decided to try retinal for the first time. This new cream from Allies of Skin night cream is perfect if, like me, your complexion is prone to sensitivities but in need of some good cell turnover. It works to strengthen the skin’s layers and boost elastin. It’s early days, but I’ve definitely notices a suppler, more even skin tone and better glow. Due to the low % of retinal, it never feels harsh or irritating, while peptides keep my skin feeling nourished and quenched.”
Advanced Repair Ointment, £7.70 (was £11) | CeraVe
“My eczema has come back with a vengeance recently and this is one of the few products that makes a difference. Ceramides and hyaluronic acid are the perfect combination to soothe, soften and take down inflammation at speed. It has a nice, balm-y consistency to it too, which makes it enjoyable to apply.”
Orin's Favourites
Winter Warming Large Candle, £80 | Cowshed
“I’m currently rationing my mini version of this – and the jumbo size is firmly on my wish list. It’s Christmas in candle form, but warming and restorative, rather than candy cane overload. Featuring cinnamon, juniper and pine, it’s like an evening curled up by the fireplace. This would also make such a thoughtful gift for a host.”
Hydra-Restore Lip Balm, £16 | Grown Alchemist
“Dry, chapped lips are one of my biggest winter beauty woes. Very few lip balms actually deliver deep, lasting hydration, and I find that petroleum-based formulas can just sit on the surface. But this one by Grown Alchemist delivers on its promise. The finish is glossy but there’s no unpleasant sticky feel. Thanks to shea butter, rosehip and sweet almond oils, it nourishes your lips and leaves them feeling pillowy soft.”
Sapna's Favourites
Real Luxury Essential Oil Blend, £22 | Neom
“This is probably my favourite home scent from Neom. It’s so spa-like and always calms me down after a stressful day. I pop it into my aroma diffuser to dissipate throughout the house.”
“I’ve been suffering with really painful broken nails, so at my last salon appointment, my technician suggested using a cuticle oil daily to keep my nails in better condition – particularly now with how cold and dry it is. This is the one I hear all the experts rave about.”
DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@sheerluxe.com.