When His & Hers asked me to go window shopping with Next Beauty, it was a no-brainer for me. I am a huge fan of Next, which is fast becoming even more of a retail phenomenon, and their Beauty buyers section has sent me down a wonderful rabbit hole of all things beauty, hair, skincare and electrical related; I found myself so impressed… (I needed to go back and say that writing one piece was not enough). Whittling down my favourites was a challenge and if you want to see sought-after staples and ‘the ‘go-to’ new collections at great price points, then you have come to the right place.
Feature by Nancy Buckland Kirk
This week I’m starting off with beauty buys that will be seeing me through winter and beyond, as it’s definitely the season to really indulge in some TLC. Party season may be limited, but that means you can immerse yourself in some skincare treats, test out new make-up shades, really care for your hair and try out the latest gadgets if you find yourself with a little more time.
It was almost impossible to choose ten favourites (and I haven’t left the boys out, either!) but these are a few of my favourites. Here’s hoping as we head into the new year , we will have more freedom, and will be able to face sunnier days looking and feeling better than ever! Until then, we can still go about the business of feeling gorgeous, because even if it’s just you at home, a pamper session can lift your spirits beyond belief , which I’m sure we can agree is so important right now.
1. Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream Ultra-Rich (£87)
There is a reason Elemis wins so many beauty awards voted for by consumers. Once you have their products, they are so effective and yet gentle. This is my favourite moisturiser during winter months. You only need a little, and the collagen-boosting ingredients get to work. I adore the Marine range, and you can use the lighter version if that suits your skin, and one with added SPF. This one is perfect for my sensitive, reactive skin and leaves skin hydrated and replenished.
2. Next Cashmere Body Butter (£8)
This is a beauty steal, and also looks fabulous in my newly glowed-up bathroom! Based around rose oil, which is always pretty and not overpowering, it packs a moisture punch that matches more expensive body butters. The whole Cashmere range means you can layer your fragrance, and the price points are really affordable.
3. Living Proof Restore Transformation Kit (£19)
I love a mini kit, because you can try out luxe products to see if you like them, and if they work for you. Jennifer Aniston’s glorious main enticed me into Living Proof, and it’s a winner for my dry, coloured, frizzy and central-heating ravaged hair. The Restore Shampoo and Conditioner protect coloured hair as well as being sulphate-free: my hair was glad of the duo straight away. The Repair Mask is nourishing and silicone free which I love: my hair reacts to being overloaded. It’s the Restore Perfecting Spray which really sold me. I used it on damp hair, or spritz on before using heated appliances and it’s so light, and left my hair so shiny. All of the products are available in full sizes, too. Let’s just say I’ll be back!
4. L’Occitane Verbena Handwash and Lotion Duo (£29)
2020 has seen us getting into hand care like never before, and most of us have random, inexpensive hand washes and creams all over the house. However, sometimes, I want a real treat – products that are allowed in my bathroom’s ‘posh’ zone. Verbena has a beautiful lemon-based fragrance and the duo keep your hands feeling refreshed and moisturised. It’s definitely hands off for everyone else – this treat is mine!
5. Liz Earle Calming Botanical Drops (£26)
I have been a fan of the Liz Earle range for two decades and this product reminded me why. While other products with active ingredients like retinoids do their work, they play havoc with my sensitive skin. So I have learned to dial down the actives and dial up help like these wonder drops. You simply pop a few on your hand and mix with your moisturiser, and this little bottle lasts a long time. Perfect for dry and dehydrated skin.
6. Babyliss Air Style 1000 (£60)
I am loving this new incarnation as I have certainly made great use of its predecessors. However, this time in, the Air Style 1000 is super-light and also includes three extra additions so you get the choice of the big styler, sleek brush, curl wander and air diffuser for natural curls. In a market full of eye-wateringly expensive hair appliances, this one is a winner for me.
7. ICONIC Day to Slay Eyeshadow Palette (£45)
The favourite brand of blogger and Insta faces is more than just a fad, it really delivers workable, wearable collections. This palette is more than just a few shades to rely on, it can be used as seen for subtle finishes, but also has a range of mattes, shimmers and glitters that can be used dry, or even with a wet brush for an intense, evening look. With so many shades you will actually use, it’s a great value buy.
8. Armani Beauty To Go Cushion Foundation (£61)
I am a new convert, but after hearing this range talked about so much, when I tried it, I got the hype. Foundation is the most important beauty buy in that it needs to be absolutely right, but once you find something you really love, it’s an investment that’s worth it. I love something easy to use: I don’t have hours to sit in front of a ring light! This one is lightweight, packed full of hydrators and has the type of finish my skin needs, in that it is matte and but it is luminous, too. I’m quite happy to save elsewhere, but this is a worth-it luxury.
9. Anthony High Performance Vitamin C Facial Serum (£42)
I’ve picked this one for the guys – but hey, I don’t mind pinching it! Vitamin C is a wonder ingredient that is a brilliant skincare multi-tasker. For tired, dry winter skin it helps to improve texture and adds brightness as well as fighting the signs of ageing. Pop it on in the morning before moisturiser.
10. Triumph & Disaster Gameface Moisturiser (£37)
This one is for everyone, but I know for men it’s a real winner. It’s nutrient-packed and has a real balance with essential oils and then more active ingredients which promote smoother, hydrated and more supple skin. This one smells divine, and is a great way of persuading the favourite man in your life to break open the tube and get moisturising!
So that’s me sorted with EVERYTHING I need this beauty season. Of course, I miss physical shopping. We are starting to appreciate how important it is. But for perfect ease, and the chance to spend as long as you like browsing, I really enjoyed my online spree at Next Beauty.
It would be rude not to really, wouldn’t it?
All of the products featured are available online via Next Beauty in association with Fabled by Marie Claire at www.next.co.uk
Also, to shop the range in-store, look out for Next’s new Home & Beauty stores, which have opened in Watford, Milton Keynes, Gateshead and Reading. These new stores offer a selection of homeware, women’s lingerie and nightwear alongside premium beauty brands.
