By Sunny Andrea
Whether you’re shopping for the friend who owns every serum, the makeup lover or yourself, these are the beauty brands that truly deliver. No fluff, no gimmicks — just products that make your skin glow harder, your makeup hit better, and your routine feel a little more luxurious.
I hand-picked my top SS26 beauty brands that consistently show up and show out — from holy-grail skincare to makeup staples I reach for on repeat.
No trends for the sake of trends — just makeup that makes your face look unreal and skincare that actually shows up on your skin.
From complexion products that don’t budge, to serums and creams that changed my routine for the better, these are the brands behind the best makeup and skincare products of the year.
These brands are effective, beautiful, and absolutely gift-worthy. If you’re looking to impress, spoil, or casually become everyone’s favorite gift-giver… start here.
BARE FACED BEAUTY is all about embracing your natural glow. Their mineral makeup collection is crafted with pure, skin-loving ingredients that let your complexion breathe. The natural foundation provides flawless, lightweight coverage, and the elegant eye kit enhances your eyes with subtle, buildable shades. To add that perfect flush of color, their natural mineral blusher gives you a radiant, healthy glow. And not to forget, the rosy daydream lip kit is one of my favorites, delivering a beautiful, natural tint that complements any look.
A couple of favourite makeup must have items is their mineral foundation and their vegan bareshine mineral lipstick in a shade ‘sunbeam sparkle’. Not only does a lipstick glide on so softly it feels amazing and is completely cruelty free and the colour really gives a beautiful shade of my lips that makes me feel so happy and just in a constant holiday phase.
The Bearface beauty range are absolutely wonderful as they are completely natural in terms of what’s in them and the goodness that they bring to your skin whether you have sensitive skin or not, they are just a joy to use. They are very long lasting and where you don’t have to overdo it when using them. The coverage for the mineral foundation is I would say medium and also covers up any imperfections and darkness perfectly. There is not that feeling of a cake on make up look and their selection of colours and shades are perfect for all skin tones, occasions and seasons.
For more on their wonderful collection as well as kits and accessories, please check out their website at https://www.barefacedbeauty.co.uk
I absolutely love HOLY GELS for so many reasons. Their gel nail collection is fantastic, offering a beautiful range of shades that span from classic and understated to bold and trendy. What really stands out to me is their commitment to quality and how gentle their formula is on my nails. The colors last remarkably well without chipping, and the application is smooth and straightforward. Plus, I really appreciate how easy it is to remove, making it perfect for both salon visits and DIY at-home manicures. It’s definitely become one of my favorite go-tos!
One of the things I absolutely adore about HOLY Gels is how convenient they are. These gels are essentially little gems that you stick onto your nails and then cure under a UV or LED lamp. It’s so quick and easy, meaning you can basically do them anywhere—whether you’re at home …or even on the go. It’s amazing how quickly you can achieve a salon-quality manicure in just a short amount of time. Plus, the results are long-lasting and look absolutely stunning, which makes them a perfect choice for anyone who loves beautiful, durable nails. They have more than 150 different colours and patterns available and literally you are able to do your nails whilst on the tube or out and about in less than the time it would probably take you to eat a sandwich this has been tried and tested by the way and honestly I was blown away. I would certainly say to stick to the rules as per provided and where do not make the mistake of accidentally washing your hands for at least a couple of hours after you have cured your nails as they will come off. That said if you do stick to the rules I can vouch and say that the nails are still been on for a week already without chipping and look as good as the first day I put them on. I am very impressed with holy gels I would certainly recommend them and where it saves a lot more money than going to get a gel manicure at the salon. There is also something so satisfying about doing your nails at home and having them look so beautiful and being able to be in control of what shades and colour you want at the click of your mouse as orders are delivered very quickly and where there seems to be a shade, pattern or colour to any occasion.
If you are wanting a more exciting, vibing set of nails then I’d recommend ‘Sun Kissed’ and for a more everyday or work suited look, either the ‘Pixie Dust’ or ‘Caramel Cream Shimmer’. There are so many beautiful patterns shades and styles available so you will be stuck for choice but certainly be in heaven selecting to make your nails look stunning.
For more on this beautiful and practical brand, checkout their products and collections at https://holygels.com/
I’ve been slowly falling in love with a new brand of skincare and makeup, they are not only organic but certified organic by the Soil Association and are entirely free from nasties such as palm oil, toxic metals and artificial additives. ODYLIQUE have a perfect collection of makeup and skincare that feels like that sweet spot where clean beauty meets actually-fun-to-use beauty. Everything feels thoughtful, gentle, and made with intention—like your skin is being treated with respect instead of being bullied into looking good.
Their coconut and candy body scrub is such a unique scent and it is one of those products that turns an ordinary shower into a mini ritual. It exfoliates without being harsh, leaves my skin ridiculously soft, and smells like something nature would be proud of. A little goes a long way from this 175g tub and the after scent is stunning, and the feel of my skin almost feels renewed Odylique’s Peach Melba lipstick is a new favourite for the warmer season ahead and it has that creamy, nourishing feel while still giving real color payoff (aka no sad, patchy lips). The black eyeliner is another quiet hero: it’s smooth and soft feeling, easy to apply, and perfect for those days when I want definition to the highest level and give a little more sass to my eye area.
Odylique feels like beauty that cares—about your skin, your body, and the planet—and honestly, I absolutely love it and highly recommend their products. They are affordable and the quality is there with every use. They are lasting and results speak for themselves.
For more on their beautiful collection, do checkout their website at https://odylique.co.uk/
KAYALI are fast becoming a fragrance brand favourite for me and where they completely modern, soft, and wearable, and they fit into everyday life without feeling boring.
One thing I really appreciate about Kayali is how approachable the fragrances are. You don’t have to be a perfume expert to enjoy them. They are made for layering, which makes the whole experience feel more personal—like you can adjust your scent depending on your mood instead of committing to just one vibe.
Kayali have a beautiful selection of fragrances and where they feel alot more exotic and luxurious rather than just standard floral, they very much feel like a brand that focuses on balance: not too strong, not too sweet, not too heavy. Just easy, good-smelling perfumes that work and where you don’t need too many sprays either, the scents really do stay on the skin and where they drift nicely.
Santal Musk comes in a 100ml bottle, this is one of those scents that stays close to the skin. I would say that it is soft, warm, and very subtle. The sandalwood is creamy rather than woody, and the musk gives it a clean, cozy feel.
This is very much the type of scent you wear for yourself or on days when you don’t want anything loud. It smells calm, clean, and comforting—almost like a “your skin but better” perfume.
The 100ml size is great if you like having a reliable everyday scent. It layers well with other perfumes but also works perfectly on its own.
If you don’t want anything over the top and just a little extra sass in your day, you can always spray a few into your towel after a shower or even into your brush to give it that gorgeous smelling hair feeling.
They also have an adorable, perfect for travel, Freedom Musks miniature collection set which has x4 10ml fragrances – Freedom Musk Bouquet | 27,Freedom Musk Santal | 34, Freedom Musk Matcha | 45, and Freedom Musk Latte | 41
The fragrances are a perfect size for your travels and are a great little gift for fragrance loving friends and loved ones who want to experience the pure joy that Kayali has to offer.
For more on their collections and fragrances, checkout their official website at https://uk.kayali.com/
LUSH never seem to let us down and with Mother’s Day approaching, they have done us proud. LUSH have launched a limited edition gift box cutely titled “Lots of Love” containing x4 gorgeous smelling bath bombs. The sweetness and just deliciousness of this box from the moment it arrived, the smells were present! These joyful and unique looking bath bombs range from sweet to fruity, even floral but look adorable and smell even better – a real treat for any loved one who loves bath time! All products are handmade, 100% vegetarian with some products vegan and where the ingredients are completely natural and where they are safe synthetics.
Bath time is simply wonderful with these bath bombs and where you can just relax, watch the colours unfold and let the beautiful aromas take over. They last a good amount of time and provide gorgeous scents, mixed in with lovely fruit extracts and oils. They are easy to use, simply fill your bath to its desired level and heat, drop them in and prepare to be dazzled! A very thoughtful, adorable and affordable gift for any bath bomb loving loved one!
For more on LUSH, their products and gift sets, do checkout their website at https://www.lush.com/uk/en
BARE MINERALS makeup Your makeup routine doesn’t have to be complicated,
I’ve been using bareMinerals for a while now and I honestly love how easy and natural their makeup feels. It’s one of those brands I reach for when I want my skin to look good without feeling like I’m wearing loads of product.
The primer is a great first step. It feels really light on my skin and helps smooth everything out before makeup. It doesn’t feel greasy or heavy and makes my foundation sit better and last longer throughout the day.
The foundation is one of my favourites because it looks so natural. I can wear it lightly during the day and it evens out my skin without hiding it. For my olive complexion, I usually go for shades with golden or neutral undertones, which blend in really well and don’t look too pink or orange. During the day I keep it light and fresh, and at night I just build it up a little more for extra coverage.
The blushers are really pretty and easy to use. For daytime, I love soft peachy or warm pink shades because they add a healthy glow without being too much. For night, I like slightly deeper rose or peach tones to give my cheeks a bit more colour and definition. They blend really nicely and give a natural flush that works so well on olive skin.
Overall, BareMinerals makeup feels comfortable, simple, and flattering. It’s perfect if you like a fresh, natural look that can easily be taken from day to night.
Those that know me know I adore perfect brows and where at times, I struggle with my own due to years of threading and where they have become a little patchy or less full should we say.
Bare Minerals Strength & Length Brow Gel is one of those easy, no-fuss products – it’s a lightweight brow gel that helps shape and hold my brows in place while also caring for them over time. The formula coats each hair evenly, giving my brows a naturally defined look without feeling stiff or crunchy and I have my gel in shade ‘clear,
What I really love about it is that it doesn’t just make my brows look good in the moment—it actually helps them appear fuller over time. With regular use, I have found that my brows look healthier and more filled in, which makes a big difference on minimal makeup days. A few quick swipes and my brows look polished, fuller, and put together in seconds. A must for any brow loving girlie.
Moving onto the skincare side from Bare Minerals, they have launched their Cushion Cloud Foaming Cleanser.
I’ve recently fallen in love with the Bare Minerals Skinlongevity Cushion Cloud Foaming Cleanser, and I’m excited to share why it’s become a staple in my skincare routine. This 120ml cleanser is crafted with gentle, skin-loving ingredients that create a luxuriously airy foam, effortlessly removing impurities and leaving my skin feeling fresh and balanced.
It’s very easy to use and so first thing in the morning, I start by dampening my face with lukewarm water and then I squeeze a small amount of the cleanser into my hands and gently massage it onto my skin in circular motions. After a thorough rinse, my skin feels refreshed, never stripped.
I really love how it effectively cleanses without drying out my skin. The texture is super light and airy, and the subtle, soothing fragrance is just the cherry on top. Plus, it’s perfect for all skin types, so it’s great for my sensitive skin and where it’s become my go-to cleanser both morning and night time.
For more on the complete Bare Minerals collection, checkout their website at https://www.bareminerals.co.uk
The Flourish Rituals from ROAKE feels less like a routine and more like a gentle moment you give yourself. It’s calm, thoughtful skincare that doesn’t try to do too much, and that’s exactly why I enjoy using it. Every product feels purposeful, easy to reach for, and kind to the skin — especially on days when my skin feels a little dry, sensitive, or just tired.
The ritual starts with the Máadán Micellar Oil Cleanser, which has quickly become one of my favourite ways to cleanse. This product is to use on dry skin as the first step, and when you add water it turns into a gorgeously soft milk that rinses away any impurities cleanly. It melts any left over makeup and daily buildup without any harsh rubbing. My skin never feels tight afterward — just comfortable and calm. I use it morning and night, and it always feels like a gentle reset rather than a deep scrub.
Next is the Olorì RejuveGlow Oleogel Serum, which is where the hydration really comes in. The texture is silky and light, but it still feels nourishing. I apply a small amount to damp skin and gently press it in, and it instantly makes my skin feel plumper and more balanced. It’s lovely as it’s not greasy and where it layers beautifully over moisturiser and under makeup, and I’ve noticed my skin feels softer and more hydrated throughout the day. A little goes a long way with this serum and so only 2-3 pumps will do the job nicely. Even after the first few days of using this product, I had noticed a visibly brighter complexion along with more hydration in my face. Like any good skincare routine, this is perfect for day and night use.
The final piece is the Oléwà Lumina Body Elixir, and this is such a lovely addition to the collection. I use it after showering, focusing on areas that tend to feel dry. It absorbs well, leaves a healthy glow, and doesn’t feel greasy — just smooth and comforting. It turns a normal body-care step into something that feels a bit more special.
Overall, the Flourish Collection feels gentle, grounding, and easy to use. There’s no complicated layering or overwhelming steps — just high quality skincare that supports your skin and lets it flourish naturally. It’s the kind of routine that feels good to come back to every day, and that’s what makes it a joy to use.
This beautiful bundle is priced at £138 and for more information, do checkout the website at
https://roakeskin.com/products/collection-the-flourish-ritual
If you are new to HUDA BEAUTY and love all things eye makeup, let me tell you about the Naughty Palette. This is one of those rare palettes that just gets it. Warm, flattering, and a little bit bold, it’s made for everyday makeup lovers who still want the option to turn up the drama. For olive skin tones especially where you can struggle with finding those perfect popping shades (like mine), this palette shines thanks to its rich browns, glowing golds, and sultry bronzes that enhance natural warmth instead of fighting it.
For daytime looks, the softer matte browns are perfect for defining the eyes without looking heavy. They blend easily into the crease and add just enough depth to make the eyes stand out. Pair them with a champagne or soft gold shimmer on the lid for a fresh, polished glow that looks effortless and clean.
When it’s time to switch to night, the deeper shades come out to play. Rich matte browns create a smooth smoky base, while bronze and copper metallics add warmth and shine that look especially stunning on olive skin. A touch of the deep red shade in the outer corner or along the lash line adds a bold, sultry finish without overpowering the look.
What makes this palette special is how easy it is to move from day to night without changing everything. The colors work together naturally, the textures blend beautifully, and the tones stay flattering on olive skin from morning coffee to late-night plans.
The Naughty Palette is warm, versatile, and just bold enough — a perfect mix of wearable and glam. I simply love it and it tends to work well with so many varied outfits. The best palette this year so far!!!
For more on this product and the complete collection, do checkout the website at https://hudabeauty.com
When it comes to skincare, I love products that don’t require much effort. LANEIGE are back with two perfect night time products being the Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask and the Lip Sleeping Mask. These two beauties fit perfectly into a simple nighttime routine and deliver results without feeling heavy or complicated.
The Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask feels soft and lightweight when applied, but still deeply hydrating. It absorbs nicely into the skin and doesn’t leave a greasy finish, which makes it comfortable to wear overnight. By morning, my skin feels smooth, hydrated, and refreshed.
With continued use, my skin looks more plump and feels firmer, giving me that healthy, well-rested appearance. It’s a great option if you want something gentle that supports your skin while you sleep. It’s a routine I wish I had incorporated sooner
The Lip Sleeping Mask is rich and nourishing without feeling sticky. A small amount goes a long way, and it stays on through the night. In the morning, lips feel soft, smooth, and moisturized—no dryness or flaking.
It’s especially helpful during colder months or anytime lips need extra care, and it works well as part of a nightly routine. My lips have had a greatly needed transformation and I’d highly recommend this to anyone who struggles with dry lips.
Both products are easy to use and fit seamlessly into a nighttime skincare routine. They don’t require extra steps or effort, just simple application before bed.
They feel comfortable, they are reliable, and they are indeed effective overnight, Laneige have done it again, another tick against my nightly routine. For more on their collection, do checkout their website at https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/c/brands/laneige/?srsltid=AfmBOoooG2kCKXo_ziWr4p5Z2pcFsNrP5VCQ-ntym_xEe-5LTzkdOaZw
I wanted to share a brand I’ve been really enjoying lately, brought to you from Australia, a real gorgeous collection and brand that is hitting the UK with force— CIROA. It’s one of those brands that keeps things simple, affordable, and genuinely fun, which is exactly what I love when it comes to body care. The smell absolutely gorgeous and their scents last!
Ciroa products feel like a little treat without being over the top. The scents are warm, fruity, and comforting, and they turn everyday showers into something you actually look forward to.
My absolute favourites are their body scrub, shower gels, and perfume mists, especially in mango and coconut, and cocoa-style scents. They just smell happy. Mango and Coconut is bright and juicy and calming, and the cocoa-type scents feel cosy and indulgent — like a soft hug in product form.
The Berry Much Love You body scrub leaves my skin smooth and soft without being harsh, the shower gels are gentle and lather really well, and the perfume mists are light and easy to wear — perfect for everyday spritzing without feeling heavy.
What I love most about Ciroa is that it doesn’t try to be complicated. The products are good quality, come in generous sizes, and are priced so you don’t feel guilty restocking your favourites. It’s feel-good skincare that fits into real life.
If you love fresh, tropical scents and easy self-care that actually feels enjoyable, Ciroa is definitely a brand worth checking out. You can view the entire collection online, do checkout their website at https://ciroabeauty.co.uk/products/berry-much-love-you-complete-collection-bundle
Another effective and must have item from GLOW RECIPE! I have been using these new LHA + AHA Exfoliating Toner Pads for a little while now and they’ve become a simple step in my routine that makes a real difference.
These pads are pre-soaked with LHA and AHA, which gently exfoliate the skin. They help remove dead skin cells, smooth rough texture, and brighten dull areas. At the same time, they don’t leave my skin feeling dry or tight.
I use them after cleansing, a few times a week. I just swipe one pad across my face and neck. The textured side helps lightly exfoliate, and the softer side smooths everything out. It only takes a minute.
The pads also help to smooth uneven texture and also improve the look of pores whilst keeping my skin feeling hydrated a lot longer than usual.
I like that they are simple and convenient. There’s no extra cotton pad needed, and no strong stinging feeling. My skin feels smoother right away and looks more even over time. They give me that fresh, clean feeling without being harsh.
Overall, they’re easy to use, gentle, and effective—perfect for keeping my skin smooth and hydrated without adding extra steps to my routine.
For more on Glow Recipe and their collection, checkout their website via Sephora at https://www.sephora.co.uk/