These cosmetics are so good, even the Duchess approves. Or would if she wasn't at the Olypmics right now. Photo: Getty
In the spirit of good sportsmanship, we’ve decided to pay homage to team GB with a round-up of our all-time favourite British beauty brands. Here’s our pick of the lipstick, fragrance and skincare buys we guarantee you’ll want to keep sporting long after the games are over.
#1 in skincare: Eve Lom
Eve Lom is a world famous skin technician with a client following that reads like an Oscar’s after-party list. As for her self-titled skincare line, while there’s everything from a cuticle cream to a firming serum to pick from, the real standout remains the cleanser. Packed with eucalyptus oil, cocoa butter and Egyptian chamomile, it’s just as big on exfoliating and toning as it is removing stubborn makeup. Eve Lom Cleanser, from $68 (with muslin cloth not shown here), from Mecca Cosmetica, www.meccacosmetica.com.au
#1 in makeup: Jemma Kidd
When she’s not working backstage or making up famous faces, former model-turned-makeup-artist Jemma Kidd also runs a makeup academy in the UK. Although there’s no shortage of colour in the range, it’s the base-perfecting products that’ll have you hooked. But it's the tinted moisturiser that gets the gold, followed by the complexion enhancer that you can use as a primer or blended with foundation to highlight the skin in all the right places. JK Jemma Kidd Mannequin Skin Complexion Enhancer, $35.95, from Kit Cosmetics, www.kitcosmetics.com.au.
# 1 in fragrance: Jo Malone
Since opening her first store in 1994, Jo Malone has earned a reputation as one of Britain’s finest fragrance creators. Although the brand is renowned for its mix-‘n’-match style of colognes, the perfectly-scented candles are the ultimate splurge. If you’re new to Jo Malone, you owe it to yourself to try the zesty Lime Basil & Mandarin cologne, from $90 (30mL), www.jomalone.com.au, that’s ideal for sharing with your man.
# 1 in nails: butter LONDON
Aside from creating consistently bang-on-the-money shades, it’s the Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP and Paraben-free formulation of the lacquers that puts butter LONDON miles ahead of the rest. Once you recover from the quirky shade names, it’s worth checking out the treatment products, like the Rock Off Glycolic Callus Peel and Stiletto Stick Hydrating Heel Balm, which make the transition into sandal-season a walk in the park. We love the glittery opaque beige number called All Hail The Queen, $22, from Adore Beauty, www.adorebeauty.com.au
Other British beauties worth taking note of…
This works: Its creator, Kathy Phillips, tested serums and cleansers for a living as the beauty and health director at UK Vogue before going on to create her own skincare line. We like: This Works: Energy Bank Bath and Shower Gel, $48, from Mecca Cosmetica, www.meccacosmetica.com.au.
Burberry Beauty: The definition of a makeup capsule, the Burberry beauty line boasts the perfect nude gloss, a lightweight foundation, an impossible-to-look patchy bronzer and a classic red lipstick, all wrapped in the iconic plaid for good measure. Like the trench coat of makeup, you can’t go wrong with Burberry Beauty Lip Cover Soft Satin Lipstick in Union Red, No. 17, $49, (02) 9695 5678.
