Written By Annie Whitfield
Where do you go to find the very best in beauty, what’s your hotspot destination for a specific formula? In the world of cuisine, we all know that different parts of the globe are famous for specialising in specific recipes and ingredients, a diverse mix of tastebud tantalising textures that will always keep us on our toes. The same can be said for the world of beauty. There’s different corners of the world that we want to visit to hit up our skincare, makeup and fragrance cravings because they simply create the very best formulas. The most exciting part? We have the luxury of travelling the world of beauty from home. No need to jet set it to Italy to smell those citrusy Sicilian lemons, we’ve got them bottled and on our dressing table in rainy London.
Although we have the divine luxury of exploring the world of global beauty without barely lifting a finger (you can thank our latest May edit on LiB box for that), it takes a little bit of research to know where to go for what. If you’re not sure where to start, Annie our Beauty Content Creator and Editor and Done our Marketing Partnerships and Campaign Manager have listed their global beauty hotspots so you don’t have to… let’s fly.
ANNIE – Beauty Hotspots: France, Australia and England
FRENCH PHARMACEUTICAL SKINCARE – A clear skin companion
I’ll admit, I’m slightly scared of trying new skincare. After far too many breakouts, rashes and money-not-well spent, I’ve learnt over the years that there’s only one destination that fulfills my skincare desideratum, and it lies within the air-conditioned bliss of a French Pharmacy. The care for ingredients, simplicity and sensitivity that I’ve found within some of these pharmaceutical brands are unrivalled. Not only are the formulas loyal and hardworking on the skin, but they’re affordable too. Some of my most faithful bathroom cabinet friends are the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser that melts makeup in an instant and leaves my skin glowing, the ever-famous, loved by makeup artists Embryolisse lait-crème concentré and the antioxidant rich vitamin C serum from La Roche Posay. Three essential steps in my daily skincare routine that never falter.
A-Beauty – Staple SPF
The most important part of any skincare routine will always be SPF, no question about it. However, the SPF market now is a crowded place. Do you go with mineral or chemical? Spray or serum? Well, not only do I now look for formula qualities, but I like to delve into where the brand originates from too and I’ve found the unrivalled experts of the market lie in Australia. Accustomed to glorious sunshine, Aus have mastered the world of facial SPFs, creating complex formulas that not only protect, but absorb easily leaving your skin feeling healthy and moisturised. The new IT A-Beauty SPF brand? Ultra Violette. Their extensive range of SPF products have now hit the UK shelves and I sincerely implore you to try.
BRITISH BEAUTY – Minimal musing
When it comes to my makeup, I like simple, glowing and effective. I’ve found no other brand that embodies these qualities quite like the British beauty brand Charlotte Tilbury. Though some items do come with a larger price tag, I truly get lost in their formulas and shades and have relied on my Pillow Talk lip combo and Highlight and Contour Wand to get me through my bleakest of days. British beauty to me is simple and elegant, yet edgy when you need it to be and brands like ICONIC London and Illamasqua bring everything I need to the table.
DONÉ – Beauty Hotspots: Korea, Sweden and France
K-BEAUTY – Hydration Station
Traditionally, Korean skincare is known for being focused on hydration, brightening properties and essentially leaving the skin looking as luminous as possible. I am a fan. I especially love Korean skincare products for their ability to be layered and to ‘play nice’ with other products, since I personally love a multi-step, lengthy night time routine. Some of my go-to K-Beauty favourites: Oh K! Chok Chok Illuminating Serum and Huxley Glow Awakening Cream. I must say I equally love K-Beauty products for the final step of my AM routine – SPF. I want a high protection, easily-absorbed-and-sits-well-under-makeup type of SPF that gives me a radiant glow. Enter Missha’s All Around Safe Block Essence Sun SPF 45 and Thank You Farmer’s Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50.
SWEDISH BEAUTY – Chic, modern and powerful
Driven by simplicity, Swedish beauty can often be identified by its sleek packaging, sophisticated formulas and powerful (often local) ingredients. My favourites include FOREO and Verso. I discovered verso about a year ago and their products have remained in my routine ever since. Their Micellar Water removes stubborn eye makeup effortlessly (without any stinging I might add) and leaves my skin hydrated. Their Hydrating Serum, Day Cream SPF 30 with Retinol 8 and Deep Cleanse are also firm favourites. FOREO – need I say more? I use my FOREO Luna 3 Mini every day and my skin loves it.
FRENCH FRAGRANCE – They know(s) a good smell
We all know the French are known for producing some of the world’s most-loved fragrances. I absolutely adore perfume, and some of my favourite scents have been created by French brands. With French fragrance I know I am getting high-quality, long-lasting, luxurious creations made with the highest quality ingredients and my top ones include Jazz Club by Maison Margiela, Gris Charnel from BDK Parfums, Mojave Ghost and Oud Immortel from BYREDO and Tam Dao EPD from diptyque.
