Written by Maria Nichol
The Sunday Times Style’s Beauty Director Sarah Jossel uncovers the latest beauty gems in her weekly column, and The #BeautyBoss Edit is a cherry-picked selection of the best 2020 has to offer. An eclectic mix of 18 expert-approved High Street heroes and the ultimate luxe offerings, we’re giving you an insight into the edit worth £234. Want to know what she said about these stellar formulas? We’re revealing all, plus why we love them too.
TAN-LUXE – THE WATER HYDRATING SELF-TAN WATER
Sarah Jossel picked up some tips from This Morning’s Rylan.“Tan-Luxe The Water Hydrating Self-Tan Water is his top pick. ‘There’s no guide colour, no typical tan smell, it’s moisturising and it doesn’t streak.’”.
LiB says: “Like Sarah, we love a fake tan. And this luxe brand is one of the best. If it’s in her column, you KNOW she loves it. You can read more about the brand and the founder Marc Elrick here”
GARNIER AMBRE SOLAIRE SENSITIVE ADVANCED FACE PROTECTION MIST SPF 50
Sarah couldn’t have praised Garnier’s sun protection product more highly. She said: “a £7 delight that feels notably luxe on the skin. Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced Face UV Face Fluid SPF 50 uses something called ‘intelligent polymers’, which make application more even (patchy coverage is the worst) and means it’s virtually undetectable with no oiliness in sight. The only downside is that it keeps selling out.”
LiB says: “Just like Sarah, we can’t emphasise enough the importance of SPF. This opulent sun cream mist protects against long-term damage while providing the ultimate hydration. And the best thing? It can be applied over makeup!”
THE INKEY LIST: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR ACID PEEL
Looking for the ultimate multi-level exfoliator? It’s all about this Inkey List peel.
Sarah says: “The tingly face mask of choice for bulldozing dry, dull skin is the Inkey List Apple Cider Vinegar Acid Peel.”
LiB says: “No wonder this is on Sarah’s hit list. Hardworking yet non-irritating, this next-generation peel is the fast-track to a beautiful glow.”
EMOLYNE METAMORPHOSIS GEL LACQUER
Sarah says: “New cosmetics brand Emolyne offers what I know we’ve all dreamt about: matching lipsticks, liners and nail polishes, in 30 shades, for perfect uniformity from lips to fingertips.”
LiB says: “Get that spa at home experience with these Metamorphosis Gel Lacquers. Quick-drying, gel-effect nail polishes with an ultra gloss that’s highly pigmented. These formulas are cruelty-free and vegan too.”
DR SEBAGH SELF-TANNING DROPS
Sarah says: “ It used to be that gradual tans either blocked my pores or brought my blemish-prone skin out in spots. Now brands have bridged the gap between skincare and fake tan. Those in search of an everyday, buildable glow, without the telltale fake tan smell, should try Dr Sebagh Self-Tanning Drops. Mix with your moisturiser and apply to clean skin, taking it up into your hairline.”
LiB says: “an all year round glow is something we’re always looking for, but a reliable, buildable self-tanner can be tough to find. Dr Sebagh delivers on the ultimate sun-free glow with an intelligent formula that helps to shield skin against the ageing effects of High Energy Visible (HEV) light/daylight.”
CLARINS: SUN CARE BODY CREAM SPF50+
Protecting the skin is key, and this Clarins cream is an effective choice.
Sarah says: “Hear me out on sunscreen. It’s such a bore spending good money on suncreams, and it might kick off an expensive habit, but once you try Clarins or Sisley, everything else feels subpar. My favourites are Clarins Sun Care Body Cream SPF 50+…”
LiB says: “Applying SPF all year round is vital for protecting your skin and preventing sun damage. This offering from Clarins is suitable for all skin types, and we love it’s easily-absorbed formula made with a unique blend of plant extracts.”
CENTERED EN-ROOT SCALP TREATMENT
Sarah highlighted the importance of scalp scrubs this year, but to be wary of abrasive varieties. She mentions new vegan haircare brand Centered, “ which contains peppermint, rosemary and tea tree oils and salicylic acid to soothe, calm and remove product build-up”.
LiB says: “ this glorious treatment is like a facial for the scalp. Soothing rosemary and peppermint oils stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles in order to create the perfect base to grow strong beautiful hair.”
EYLURE NATURALS NO 003
Sarah placed these Eylure lashes in her article ‘The Best False Lashes’, and she highlighted the ease of ¾ and ½-length lashes as being easier to apply for beginners – “Eylure Naturals No 003 come highly recommended”.
LiB says: “These Eylure lashes are perfect for a subtle and natural-looking approach to falsies. For a fox eye effect, fix the lash above the lash line in a diagonal direction on the outer corners. This gives the eyes a beautiful, elongated almond shape.”
INDEED LABS – RETINOL REFACE
A Retinol should be part of any serious skincare routine. Indeed Labs are a trusted brand with formulas that work.
Sarah says: “I’ve reached out to the top dermatologists to answer the most common skin dilemmas we’re facing. Wedgeworth says ‘The downside is that it takes time and patience to integrate them into your regime. Right now, we have more time to be disciplined.’ Try Indeed Labs Retinol Reface.”
LiB says “Retinol is complicated. We love that the Beauty Boss reaches out to the experts to get the facts. This one is strong, so ease into it starting once a week until your skin is acclimated. SPF is a must when using any Vitamin A.”
Sarah talked a lot about her skincare saviours earlier on in the year, giving these QV and La Roche-Posay products a special mention.
Sarah says: “Developing eczema in my thirties was a fun lockdown surprise! I packed away all my lovely, fragranced bath oils and gels and turned to these three non-drying, non-irritating, gentle wonders. I highly recommend them all.”
QV SKINCARE GENTLE WASH
LiB says: “For many of us with sensitive skin, a soap-free alternative is key. QV gentle cleanses and hydrates, and is ideal for frequent hand washing and as a foaming cleanser to remove makeup.”
LA ROCHE-POSAY LIPIKAR SYNDET AP+ LIPID-REPLENISHING CREAM WASH
LiB says: “another stellar soap substitute, LIPIKAR Syndet AP+ is a dreamy gel-cream formula that’s suitable for the whole family, even newborns. Leaving skin soft and supple, the cream wash also contains shea butter to repair the skin’s natural barrier.”
WE ARE PARADOXX HANGOVER HAIR ELIXIR
In one of her articles on brands to watch, Sarah called out We Are Paradoxx’s Hangover Hair Elixir. Firstly one of their USPs Sarah said was: “It uses recycled aluminium instead of plastic bottles” along with a recommendation: “Try Hangover Hair Elixir. Softens and rehydrates strung-out hair.”
LiB says: “the perfect cure for tired, hungover hair, this 97% natural oil-serum hybrid is suitable for all hair types and works hair to smooth frizz and give damaged hair a much-needed boost”.
CAROLINA HERRERA SATIN LIPSTICK
Sarah highlighted the unique packaging when she discovered this lipstick.
Sarah says: “Take a look at Carolina Herrera’s first foray into make-up…not your average lipstick — you might call it more of a collectible accessory or even jewellery. When you buy, there are chic tassels and charm add-ons to choose from. Power to the pouts.”
LiB says: “aside from the stunning packaging, this first line of ready-to-wear makeup by Carolina Herrera is a strong one, with long-lasting colour that doesn’t flake or fade. An exceptional, luxurious wear.”
MAULI RITUALS HIMALAYAN HEALING SALTS
Sarah says: “The ayurvedic brand Mauli was created by a married couple when they were looking for ways to deal with the grief of losing their daughter to cancer. The products are results-driven wellness wonders, and I adore the deeply calming room mists, hydrating hair oils, bath salts, even tea blends. “
LiB says: “Daily demands and everyday stress can take its toll, so self-care is more important than ever these days. These healing salts contain 13 therapeutic oils with powdered rose quartz crystals to help settle pH levels.”
NIVEA Q10 POWER ANTI-WRINKLE + FIRMING EYE CREAM
Sarah spilled her secrets on the best ways to hide hangover eyes, calling out Nivea q10 as a go-to.
Sarah says: “Puffy, red, tired? Try these …Nivea Q10 Power Anti-Wrinkle + Brightening Eye Cream. Smooth onto the eye contour to plump up delicate, dehydrated skin.
LiB says: “ Whether it’s dark circles under the eyes or eye contour lines, this firming cream has you covered with a formula that’s specially formulated for the delicate eye area, and suitable for all skin types.”
CLINIQUE MOISTURE SURGE INTENSE 72H
Sarah says: “The rule across the board is to keep up with your SPF. There might be less sunlight, but the remaining small amount can still wreak havoc while you’re using these products. And as they can be drying, consider a richer moisturiser. A safe bet is Clinique Moisture Surge.”
LiB says: “Just like the Beauty BOSS, we believe in the importance of keeping the skin hydrated at all times, and a reliable moisturiser is key. Clinique’s offering provides immediate and long-term hydration, formulated with aloe water, humectants and of course, hyaluronic acid.”
BONDI SANDS SELF TAN ERASER
Sarah says: “Are you piling on the fake tan to get some life back into your skin? Surely it’s not just me … Keep these hard-working removers close by for Tango wrists and elbow patches…Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser – You need five minutes with this foam to exfoliate away any unwanted hues. Leave it to sink in, then shower off with an exfoliating mitt.”
LiB says: “A healthy glow is the way to go, but we need something we can rely upon when we want a clean slate, sans product. Bondi Sands’ eraser is your reset button, effectively removing self tan without harmful ingredients and exfoliation in just minutes.”
PAULA’S CHOICE SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA LIQUID EXFOLIANT
Sarah called out Paula’s Choice’s cult exfoliator with this tip: “pop Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant on to a cotton pad and swipe over the bumps and blemishes to de clog and clear out the dirt and oil.”
LiB says: “we love an exfoliator that’s effective while not being too harsh on the skin. This dreamy formula quickly buffs away dead skin cells to reveal a smoother, clearer, more radiant you. BHA (salicylic acid) has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to reduce blackheads, blemishes and redness, too.”
