Written by Annie Whitfield

The incredible first drop of our STYLE Beauty Awards Edit, in collaboration with the Sunday Times Style, is now live! A curated selection of award-nominated brands, we’ve lined up the latest and the best products, including some brand new names to LiB. Need some inspiration when creating your edit? The beauty experts at LiB have picked out their favourites…

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LAUREN, Business Development Director

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Pantene’s Grow Strong & Long Keratin Hair Mask with Bamboo & Biotin

I am a hair queen, so I’m always looking out for hair products that actually work to keep my hair soft, glossy and long. My tresses are both long and coloured, so I do suffer with split ends but that’s where this formula comes in! This mask contains bamboo and biotin to deeply nourish and reduce split end breakage and ultimately hair loss a must have in my hair routine!

Aveda Thickening Tonic

I have very long yet fine hair, so flatness/hair sticking to my head causes issues when it comes to styling. This is such an amazing volume booster, accentuating fullness from roots to ends, powered by certified organic amla fruit the wheat helps with thickening, and the corn holds it in place for longer I love that this product is vegan, cruelty-free and 97% naturally derived!

Floral Street Mini Discovery Set – Light

I love a fresh summer scent and this fragrance wardrobe is the ideal way to discover my 2021 summer fragrance crush! I am already a fan of Electric Rhubarb, with its English rhubarb and frangipani notes (my favourite flower), so I was very keen to try the award-nominated Arizona Bloom, a fresh floral amber catapulting you into bright blue skies,  warm sun beams and a completely care-free feeling. 

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb

I discovered this scent back in 2018 in Harrods and have been in love ever since! It just makes me feel like I’m floating it’s that freesia blend with notes of sambac jasmine, cattleya orchid and centifolia rose that stand out for me. Plus, this is also the ideal handbag size so will be with me on my first night out this summer!

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair

A long-standing staple in my serum wardrobe because the formula actually hydrates, lifts and firms, whilst sitting really nicely under makeup too. In addition, it’s a real age combating formula I’ve really noticed larger pores, dryness and yes, sadly, wrinkles in my 30s but the patented Chronolux™ Power Signal Technology clearly helps blur the fine lines and large pores.

Bondi Sands Pure Self Tan Foaming Water Dark

I have sensitive skin and suffer with eczema so find tanning formulas difficult to navigate however  this is dermatologically tested and genuinely gentle enough for sensitive skin (fragrance, dye and sulphate free). With summer just around the corner, I can’t wait to apply this, and it has the added bonus of being super moisturising with hyaluronic acid, and gives a natural sun-kissed glow (vitamin C for radiance and vitamin E for repair)

ISABELLA , Business Development Manager

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Narciso Rodriguez: Ambree Eau de Parfum

I am completely and utterly obsessed with this perfume! Three words amber, cedarwood and vanilla… any perfume with these three notes in it always smells beautiful. Summer in a bottle, I find this lingers on the skin for hours, while not being too overpowering. It transports me to a beach in Mallorca, or makes me feel like I live in the South of France! I can never say no to a travel size perfume, and 10ml gets you surprisingly far if you are keeping it in your handbag and using it on the go.

bareMinerals Strength & Length Serum-Infused Mascara

This is a really interesting mascara for many reasons and one I am very keen to try. Obviously there are lots of mascaras on the market, but I do think brands are starting to explore how to improve the formulas of mascaras so our lashes are able to stay in better shape, and I think this is a product that will definitely be worth trying. It’s a plant-based lash serum, proven to deliver visibly longer, fuller lashes instantly and over time. It also has red clover flower, plus potent peptides to help strengthen lashes and reduce lash fallout. One of the most interesting things about this product is that the mascara itself is inspired by the technology of hairbrushes so it has a paddle brush, offering a completely new mascara application experience. 

PRAI Beauty Ageless Throat & Décolletage Crème

The throat & decolletage area is one of the regions that shows your age the most and it’s often an area we ignore, but not anymore! This is a gorgeous, luxurious cream which has a soft consistency and soaks in quickly. Hyaluronic acid helps lift and tighten sagging skin, while Sepilift Technology (which basically firms the tissues by stimulating the contraction of collagen fibres) works hard. Believe me, you really WANT to have this product in your skincare regime, and as this is a full-size, so you’ll get really good usage from it and will see a visible difference after just a few weeks.

Garnier Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Mist Super UV SPF50

SPF is hands down the most important and effective anti-ageing product there is, so anytime I can try out a new SPF I am all for it. I am particularly excited for this product because it’s one of Garnier’s new SPFs, and it has been created to go under or over makeup! It’s a non-greasy, hypoallergenic formula which also contains hyaluronic acid (a true HERO ingredient). In the Spring/Summer months we should be reapplying our SPF at least every two hours so an Over Makeup Mist is perfect for this. The size is also great to keep in your handbag which makes it so easy to carry around and use. 

Eylure Fluttery Light No.008

I think people underestimate the power of the lash. Lashes can really open up your eyes and help frame your face and makeup, and these are perfect for a natural, understated look.-Eylure lashes are always great quality and really easy to apply, I would highly recommend trying this product the next time you would like to add a bit ‘more’ to your makeup look without doing too much! It really is that simple. These lashes are designed to add fullness to the outer corner of your lashes, which gives them that ‘fluttery affect’, and they last for five wears so you can get plenty of use out of them. 

Rimmel London Glam’Eyes Professional Liquid Eyeliner

Ah, liquid liner, a holy grail product! I’ve heard great things about this liner so I’m really excited to try it. Liner can add an instant uplift to any look – you can go all out with a big wing, or subtle with a small amount of liner in the outer corners of your eyes. A liner never lets you down, and it always elevates your makeup. One of the key components of this liner is that it’s smudge-proof and has a very precise brush, which means even those who aren’t as well versed in applying liner shouldn’t have an issue with this formula.

 

ABBEY, Business Development Manager

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Ultra Sun Face Anti-Age SPF30 

SPF is an integral part of my skincare routine, and Ultra Sun is renowned for its amazing formulations. It is a brand that I can trust to give me full coverage and protection.

Boucleme Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo

There has been a focus on haircare beyond just the locks themselves, especially caring for the scalp. After all, taking care of our scalp should be just as important as caring for the skin on our face. This shampoo is such a quick and easy way to keep my scalp exfoliated and allows my hair follicles to breathe! If you are time deficient, then this is the perfect product for you too!

SLIP Rose Leopard Skinny Scrunchie

SLIP has made sleep a little more luxuriously, with these silk skinny scrunchies that are such a great addition to the brand’s stellar collection.. The scrunchie protects my hair while I sleep, and during the day it doesn’t tug my hair and of course, it’s finished with a super pretty leopard print. 

LAB Series Rescue Water Gel Cleanser

I only really like using water-based cleansers, and this one is a winner, as it doesn’t leave you with an astringent feeling after use. LAB Series may typically be a mens brand but there is no gender in cleansers plus why can’t I steal his cleanser if he steals my expensive serum?

Shiseido Vital Perfection Cream

The dream of all creams! Shiseido has really nailed it in all ways with this product. The moisturiser beautifully glides onto the skin leaving it feeling supple and hydrated. I use it day and night.

JESSICA Custom Colour Polish in FALCON

Falcon is a great colour for a neutral look but also if you are adventurous it is a great back-drop for some cool nail art. This cool tone colour is perfect for all seasons!

DEAN, E-COMMERCE AND MARKETING DIRECTOR

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DR. ANDREW WEIL FOR ORIGINS™ Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Treatment Lotion

I’m all about skin hydration, and I’m a huge fan of layering light products to achieve this. This lotion really hits the mark as it’s both hydrating and soothing, keeping my skin plump, and also taking down any redness I may have from acids or retinol use. I’ve used this product personally for a while and would recommend it to anyone. 

Redken Colour Extend Magnetic Conditioner

As someone who colours my hair regularly, a conditioner that helps extend the life of my colour is extremely important. This range from Redken really hits the mark with a beautiful formula that leaves my colour damaged hair feeling silky soft. I also love that it’s vegan and smells like a dream. 

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

As an avid SPF wearer, I consider cleansing the most important part of my PM skincare routine. I am a fan of the double cleanse method and use this balm to break down the SPF and grime from the day. This cult formula is like no other; easily getting through the water resistant SPF I wear, emulsifying beautifully and leaving my skin soft, hydrated and not at all stripped. This is a cult product for a reason. 

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour® Cream Skin Protectant

This OG formula can be used in so many ways, and I opt to use this as a lip balm. The handy size makes it the perfect size to fit into my bag and a tiny amount goes a very long way, keeping my lips hydrated and chap free. I’ll also use this on any minor cuts or grazes. A beautiful product that has been around so long for a reason, I love it. 

e.l.f. Cosmetics Putty Blush Fiji

I have become a HUGE fan of e.l.f Cosmetics and have been really impressed by all of the products that I have tried from them. While I don’t tend to wear a lot of face makeup, I am a big fan of a little bit of colour on the cheeks. This soft gorgeous formula feels great on my skin and blends really easily. The colour is also far more subtle than it appears and I find it wakes up my complexion in an instant. 

Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glow Prebiotic Booster

You had me at GLOW. I’ve become fascinated with prebiotic skincare and the benefits it can have for the skin and this one from Superdrug seems pretty promising. Giving the skin an instant glow while also helping to calm the skin (pretty unique), this vegan serum absorbs easily, leaving the skin feeling glowy, soft and hydrated…

MARIA, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

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Dr Sam’s Flawless Cleanser
Choosing the right cleanser can be tricky when you have skin concerns, and that’s what drew me to this special formulation. It not only banishes traces of makeup, oil and dirt, but it respects the skin’s natural barrier with an acid mantle-friendly pH of 5.0. The best part? It supports the use of active ingredients that might be contained in your leave-in products post-cleanse. 

Biossance Marine Algae Eye Cream
This delectable eye cream melts into the skin, diminishing any fine line and wrinkles. Powered by squalane made from 100% plant-based renewable sugarcane, this formula is super rich and delivers long lasting hydration that sensitive skin under your eyes really need morning and night!

Sculpted by Aimee Beauty Blocks Medium
A four-in-one face palette created by renowned Irish makeup artist Aimee Connolly that will act as your new makeup bag hero! The mirrored palette in medium comes with a set of finely pressed powders that act as bronzers, highlighters, eyeshadows… you name it, this statement palette really delivers.

Christian Louboutin Loubirouge Eau de Parfum
A spicy scent displayed in a bottle inspired by the designer’s cult red-soled shoes, this perfume really is a delight for the senses – an evocative mix of cardamom, iris and vanilla, all enveloped by a wave of oriental spice. Crafted by perfume expert Marie Salamagne, this collective cabaret of smells will linger on the skin for hours. 

Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss – New Romantic
There really is nothing like a good gloss. This ultra-hydrating gloss gifts the lips with a juicy sheen tinted with a rosey-tan. The non-sticky blend glides on like a dream, and its versatility means you can wear it alone, or as a topper for your favourite lipstick.  

Emolyne Metamorphosis Gel Lacquer
A fresh set of nails always make me feel better, but as salons are closed, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect gel effect polishes. These quick-drying, flawless varnishes make for the perfect mani from home! Highly pigmented with an ultra-glossy finish, take your pick from cruelty-free, vegan-friendly nudes and reds.

 

Doné, Marketing Partnerships & Campaign Manager

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NARS Climax Extreme Mascara
I am all about a big fluffy lash and so this is an obvious choice for me. This new launch from NARS is a more dramatic version of the cult favourite original and delivers and even deeper black finish. It comes in their signature matte rubberised minimalistic packaging, with a fibre bristle tip that is both thicker and bigger than the original. Means you will get those big full lashes with only a few swipes.

Molton Brown London Vetiver & Grapefruit Eau de Parfum
The hunt for my ‘perfect’ fragrance is never ending. I am an absolute fanatic and thus perfume samples are my favourite thing. It means I get to try many different scents, experiment with layering and test them out properly before committing to the spend on a full-size. This masterpiece from Molton Brown is right up my alley. With notes of Grapefruit, Pink Pepper, Vetiver, Cedar and Patchouli it is a unisex, woody and spicy fragrance and it lasts all day.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Deep-Conditioning Treatment
Hair treatments have become even more important to me during lockdown when visiting a salon is not possible. This one from Philip Kingsly is absolutely phenomenal and is evidenced in the fact that one is sold every minute! It is a pre-shampoo treatment that both strengthens and repairs hair while adding moisture and ‘bounce’. It works on fine, medium and coarse hair and with mine being more on the fine side ‘bounce’ is exactly what it needs.

Weleda Rosemary Invigorating Bath Milk
This vegan-friendly bath milk will have you feeling rejuvenated and invigorated in no time. It contains a warming blend of leaf oils and sun-soaked rosemary which help to ease any feelings of tiredness and promote better circulation. I simply add a cap or two to my bath – either as a refreshing start to my day or at the end of my day to revitalise tired muscles.

Boutique by Sainsbury’s Boutique Nail Polish Knitwear Greige
I have truly rediscovered my natural nails over the last few months of not being able to have them professionally done. That being said, I am always on the lookout for ultra long lasting formulas and this one lasts up to seven days. With a dry-time of only 60 seconds and a formula that contains ingredients like zinc, vitamin A and keratin to strengthen the nails, this nude-grey shade is perfect for both fingers and toes.

Sculpted By Aimee Beauty Blocks Light
Getting that ‘naturally’ glowing complexion that everyone is talking about definitely starts with having healthy, well cared for skin – however don’t be fooled into thinking that is all it takes. Sweeping a bit of blush, bronzer and highlighter over your cheeks will push it just a little further and leave you looking even more radiant. This palette is the perfect four-in-one that contains finely pressed powder bronzer, blush and both a powder and cream highlighter. For those times you want a bit more pop – use the cream highlighter as a base and apply the powder highlighter on top.

 

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