New make-up launches are coming thick and fast these days, and with Christmas just around the corner, it’s hard to know which products are worth the investment. Often, new products seem to be launched solely to keep brands in the news, stuffed into already-heaving shelves without offering anything new in the way of formulation, application or finish.
With make-up prices rising, it’s more important than ever to ensure you’re getting real bang for your buck. It’s not just about choosing high-performing, beautifully packaged products – it’s about finding ones that bring something unique to your make-up bag, that elevate your existing routine, and that of course make you look and feel great. Because isn’t that what make-up is all about?
I’ve tested a wide range of recent launches over the past few weeks, and while many fell by the wayside, a few truly stood out – earning a place in my make-up bag.
Hildun Beauty the Lip Collection
I previously dedicated an entire column to Hildun Beauty’s incredible Silk to Set Kajal Liner Pencils. This Irish brand has been thoughtful with its product launches, and it’s easy to see why – quality takes precedence over quantity in every aspect. Its eyeliners are award-winning for good reason: smooth, richly pigmented, easy to use, and available in several stunning shades.
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Now, new to the brand’s line-up is its first-ever lip collection, and, unsurprisingly, it impresses. It includes three creamy, intensely pigmented Silk to Set Longwear Lip Pencils (€20 from hildunbeauty.com), and three shades of Moisture Melting Lip Balm (€23), a lipstick-balm hybrid. The latter, in particular, deserves a place in every make-up bag. It boasts a rich, balm-like texture that’s somehow still lightweight and moisturising – one swipe delivers an intense dose of colour.
Vieve Sunset Blush Balm in Strawbs
I’ve tried several shades of Vieve’s Sunset Blush (€28 from Brown Thomas), and each one has impressed. Both affordable and well formulated, this is a blush that’s pigmented, smooth and easy to blend, whether applied with fingers or a brush. The packaging is great too. The newest shade in the range, however, is something special and, at first glance, a little intimidating.
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The colour, Strawbs, is, as the name suggests, an intense strawberry-red hue. But don’t let the bold colour deter you; once applied to the cheeks, it transforms into a stunning deep, strawberry-pink that instantly perks up the complexion. Think healthy, fresh, just-back-from-a-brisk-walk-on-a-winter-day and you’ve got it in one. With cool undertones, it complements all skin tones and is arguably a unique addition to any make-up bag.
Poco Beauty Universal Glow Treatment
Not a new launch, but an expansion of sorts. Poco Beauty – Pippa O’Connor’s brand that launched at the end of 2023 – has clearly listened to customer feedback (or demand, in this case) and introduced a super-sized version of its best-selling Universal Glow Treatment (€69 for 115ml from pocobeauty.com). A true multitasker, it acts as a primer, blends beautifully with make-up for an extra-glowy base, evens out redness, brightens the complexion, and doubles as a highlighter when tapped on to the high points of the face. In short, it’s a must-have.
Not only is Universal Glow treatment now available in a super-sized 115ml format and its original 40ml size (€30), it’s also – rather cleverly – available in a travel-friendly 15ml size. This smaller option is perfect for first-time users, too – offering a chance to try it out for just €17.
This week I’m using… E45 Lips & Dry Skin Balm
A literal salve for the skin, E45 Lips & Dry Skin Balm (€11.99 from Boots) is a handbag essential this winter. Perfectly palm-sized, this thick, creamy, translucent gel-balm not only repairs dry, chapped lips but also works wonders on any dry, cracked or flaky patches of skin on the body – think cuticles, elbows and more. It’s one of several products in E45′s new (and very affordable) Face Range, with prices ranging from €11.99 to €22.99 depending on where you shop.
