These are the products from celebrity beauty brands that are actually worth the hype, according to the experts
From Brad Pitt to Hailey Bieber, it seems like every A-lister has their own beauty line nowadays. Here are the products that are ACTUALLY good, according to our new contributing beauty editor, Laura Mulley.
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While we’re all for trying new beauty products, it seems like barely a week goes by without another famous name announcing that they’re launching their own skincare, make-up or hair care brand.
And 2022 seemed to be an especially busy year for the cosmetics labs, with the likes of Vanessa Hudgens, Kim Kardashian, Jared Leto, and Idris and Sabrina Elba all venturing into the world of beauty. Outcomes ranged from the promising (we admit we can’t wait for Hailey Bieber’s Rhode to be available to buy here in the UK) to the faintly ridiculous (Brad Pitt and your £200 serum, we’re looking at you).
Here to separate the must-haves from the marketing fog, beauty editor Laura Mulley reveals the products from celeb-owned brands that are genuinely worth buying…
Fenty Beauty
Launched in 2017, Rihanna’s make-up line made headlines for its inclusive shade range and long-lasting formulas. The brand has since branched out to include skincare and fragrance, with each new launch seeming to go more viral than the last.
If you buy one thing… Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer, £30. Easy to apply (use a densely-bristled brush) and melting seamlessly into the skin, this will add warmth to every skin tone without a hint of orange. It’s available in seven shades.
Honorable mention… Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer, £18. Can we credit Rihanna with bringing lip gloss back into fashion? We think so. High shine yet non-sticky, this contains just enough subtle shimmer to make lips look juicy without any frostiness. Fenty Glow is the original shade (a suits-all nude), but there are six others to choose from.
Rare Beauty
Rare Beauty creator Selena Gomez recently became the most followed woman on Instagram, even overtaking fellow make-up mogul Kylie Jenner. Rare’s aim is to make the wearer feel good without stressing about looking perfect, with shades named with positive affirmations and proceeds supporting mental health charities.
If you buy one thing… Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, £24. Perhaps Rare’s most famous product since achieving TikTok-viral fame – and for good reason. It’s super pigmented (you only need to use a tiny dot, trust us), blends like a dream and comes in plenty of shades in both matte and dewy finishes, so there’s one to suit everybody.
Honorable mention: Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick, £27. This chubby crayon gives warmth and definition in seconds; simply swipe or dot on then blend. For perfect placement, check out Selena’s speedy Instagram tutorial showing exactly where she applies it – including on the eyelids and to contour the nose.
Victoria Beckham Beauty
Luxurious and considered, Victoria Beckham Beauty products are a real joy to have in your make-up bag, from the top quality formulas to the chic tortoiseshell packaging. Thought has gone into the packaging too, with minimal plastic and easily recyclable components.
If you buy one thing… Bitten Lip Tint, £34. As its name suggests, this gives lips a flushed, “just bitten” look, while its innovative formula feels weightless yet hydrating – like a hyaluronic acid serum for your lips. The five sheer shades give a gorgeous “no lipstick” lipstick look but can also be built up in intensity if desired.
Honorable mention: Skincare, from £58. VB certainly knows her stuff, having teamed up with scientist Professor Augustinus Bader to create her skin products. They’re pricey but if you can afford it, your complexion will thank you for it.
Keys Soulcare
Alicia Keys’ products aim to look after your mind and soul as well as your body, focusing on the ritual of self-care with mood-boosting fragrances and positive messages on the packaging. If that all sounds a bit “Hollywood hippie” fear not, as the formulas are really effective too.
If you buy one thing… Promise Serum, £25. Featuring wonder ingredient niacinamide, which does a bit of everything: hydrates, evens skin tone, controls oil and minimises pores. It’s a great everyday serum for normal, combination or oily skin.
Honorable mention: Sacred Body Oil, £25. This blend of marula, baobab and jojoba oils is a delight to apply, feeling luxurious but not greasy.
Rose Inc
While we can all only dream of looking like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, we can at least attempt to copy her trademark look of glowing skin, subtly defined eyes and rosy lips with her own brand Rose Inc. All products are formulated to be non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t block pores – something that was important to Rosie, who has been open about her struggles with breakouts in the past.
If you buy one thing… Radiant Reveal Brightening Serum, £58. One of the few skincare products that actually delivers on its claims to give an immediate illuminated effect, without any noticeable shimmer or greasiness. Use it on mornings you want your skin to look its absolute best.
Honorable mention: Brow Renew Enriched Shaping Gel, £19.50. This gives soft hold that’s perfect for everyday wear: definition and control without feeling crispy or looking spiky.
JVN Hair
With arguably some of the most enviable tresses in the business, it’s no surprise that Queer Eye star and hair stylist Jonathan Van Ness has created a totally brillant hair care line. Celebrating individuality and aiming to help everybody feel their most confident with their hair, there are products to suit all hair needs, from hydration and repair to volume and control.
If you buy one things… Air Dry Cream, £23. The ultimate in low maintenance styling, this is the “your hair but better” multi-tasker, a weightless cream that controls frizz, defines curls, adds definition and makes your style last longer.
Honorable mention: Pre-Wash Scalp Oil, £25. Soothe dry, stressed scalps with this oil treatment, which claims to help reduce hair fall and breakage. It’s minimum hassle, too – just apply a few drops to the scalp 10 minutes before you wash your hair.
Images: care of brands
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