May 15, 2014 12:13
by Eleanor Pendleton
Beauty editors are sent a gazillion products every week to try, paint and slather on. But, only some get the tick of approval. Here, we reveal the budget buys that won them over.
Make-up Must-haves
Despite overflowing cosmetic cases, sometimes even a beauty expert’s skin needs a little lift.
When it comes to mascara, Benefit They’re Real Mascara ($38) is considered the holy grail. “This is the best brush and formula I’ve come across so far,” says one beauty editor. While another claims, “It meticulously creates defined yet fat, clump-free lashes in a flash.”
For a lipstick that offers excellent pigment payoff, Rimmel London Kate Moss Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick ($12.95) gets the gold. “I particularly love #106 — the fuchsia shade,” says one highly respected beauty editor.
And when it comes to multi-taskers, Lucas Paw Paw Ointment ($5.99) takes the cake. “Every international catwalk model I have interviewed lists Lucas Paw Paw Ointment as a favourite and I do too,” admits a beauty writer. “I use it every night: on top of moisturiser, around my eyes and along my nasal labial folds to prevent wrinkles. It’s also great on cuticles and as lip balm.”
Serious Skincare
Just like you, beauty editors can have sensitive, oily and combination skin – particularly when testing so many active skincare products.
Their go-to? Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($9.29),. “When I was a teenager, I suffered from terrible dermatitis on my face,” reveals one beauty guru. “A doctor told me to start using Cetaphil and I haven’t looked back since.” Another agrees, saying, “As cleansers are only on your face for a short amount of time, I see no point in spending excessively. After all, you are just washing it down the drain,” she says. “You need a clean face obtained by a gentle soap-free, non-irritating formula. That's it!”
Another pharmacy pick, which originates from France, is Bioderma Atoderm PO Zinc ($29.99). “I get bad eczema and not only does this put a stop to the itching right away, but it soothes inflammation and reduces redness,” says one beauty editor. “It works better than any prescription cream I've tried and it has no nasty side effects. It’s changed my life."
The Mane Winner
With access to the top hair stylists and colourists around the country, beauty editors have their hair straightened, curled and blasted with heat faster than you can say ‘balayage’. But their number one go-to for hydrating locks doesn’t extend past your kitchen pantry.
“A jar of coconut oil – like Bioglan Organic Coconut Oil ($12.99) – is my dream hair product,” says a top beauty editor. “It's affordable and also leaves my hair smelling like a tropical island after I’ve used it as an overnight treatment.”