A major perk of my job as a beauty editor is being sent new products to test out—it's the stuff I dreamed about as a 15-year-old with an interest in the industry. However, despite the sheer volume of makeup, skincare and hair launches on my desk at any given time, I still love shopping for beauty products myself. Yes, my husband might despair, but I still get a total buzz from scrolling through the new-in beauty sections while cosied up on the sofa. But with so many great places to shop for beauty in the UK right now—both on the high-street and online—I'm often asked where my favourite place to shop for products is. And right now, I'd have to say that there's one department store in particular that's bringing its A game…
The Who What Wear fashion team has long sung the praises of Harvey Nichols as a top destination for cult accessories and It bags, but it's at the top of my list for beauty too. Its new-in section is constantly updated with the latest launches, trending products and new beauty brands, so it's a great place to start. But there's also plenty of classic beauty to enjoy, too, with the likes of Estée Lauder, Charlotte Tilbury and Elemis all stocked on site. With such a huge amount of inventory, it can be hard to know what's worth spending your money on, but worry not—I've got you. Keep scrolling for a peek inside my virtual shopping basket to see what's on my beauty wish list right now.
One of my favourite luxury makeup brands, Hourglass, always releases limited-edition powder palettes every year in the run-up to Christmas, and this year is no exception. I've got my eye on this beautiful blush quad—four glowy shades that add a luminous flush of colour to cheeks.
Harvey Nichols was the first retailer in the UK to stock Fenty Beauty (Rihanna's own makeup brand), and one of the reasons I started shopping for beauty there in the first place. There are a crazy amount of foundation launches happening right now, but it's this hydrating, medium- to full-coverage one from Fenty that I'm most interested in. Fans have said it's natural-looking but not super dewy, so it's a great option for combination skin types like mine. Plus it's available in 50 shades, so you'll definitely find your match.
I adore sheet masks, and these K-beauty skincare sheets have reached cult status, because they enable you to make your own. You can use them like you would a regular cotton pad for removing makeup or applying toners, but you can also saturate them with serum (just split them down the middle and apply to your skin like you would a face mask). Genius.
Disclaimer: I was lucky enough to be sent a bottle of this from Ouai back in the summer, but I've already gone through the entire thing. Traditionally a haircare brand, owned by celeb stylist Jen Atkin, Ouai's foray into fragrance has been a real success. This one is a rose and jasmine-based perfume with grown-up hints of sandalwood and patchouli. I wear it basically every day now.
I'm totally obsessed with makeup brushes, and this new one from Shiseido is beautiful. Inspired by the camellia flower, this densely packed brush promises seamless makeup application, and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.
Charlotte Tilbury's original Pillow Talk lipstick is a cult favourite amongst celebrities and makeup artists, and it's a brand best seller. This new launch is the same flattering pink-nude colour but with a shimmering finish. You can wear it alone for a high-shine lip or layer it over the original matte formulation for extra glow.
This texturising spray is extortionately expensive, but it's the best I've ever tried. Consequently, it's almost always on my shopping list, as I go through it like water. The thing I love most about it is that it doesn't just add volume to your roots but actually absorbs oil too, removing the need for dry shampoo when you're between washes.
When you spend all day working on a laptop, eye masks cannot be underrated for their calming, soothing and de-puffing abilities at the end of the day. I always have a pair or two in the fridge, and think that these new launches from one of my favourite skincare brands Patchology might just be joining them. These ones contain evening primrose oil to protect skin and lavender to help you relax at the end of a busy day.
I was lucky enough to meet the founder of A.D.C. Beauty, makeup artist Adam de Cruz, a couple of months ago, and I'm so excited that his skincare line has finally launched. Focusing on simple, hardworking formulations, this moisturiser is so effective that it will actually reduce the need for your other serums and skincare steps, Adam says. I'm sold.
Psst… With every £255 that you spend on beauty at Harvey Nichols right now, you'll receive this free gift worth £800. With some of my favourite brands inside—including Dr. Dennis Gross, Beautyblender, 111Skin and Laura Mercier—you won't want to miss out.
Up next, everyone I know with amazing skin uses this one scientific product.
