THE GLOSS Beauty Panel's Favourite Products

From everyday essentials to little luxuries …

We asked members of our independent beauty panel, The GLOSSiest, to tell us about their beauty regimes, and the products they consider worth the spend. Panellists were aged from under 20 to 70-plus, with the majority in the 40-50 age bracket.

LUXURIES WE LOVE

For most people, moisturiser is the key luxury beauty buy, from La Mer to Clarins, with many also citing serums and a favourite foundation: star mentions for Lancôme Teint Visionnaire, Chanel Vitalumière and Shiseido. Standout luxuries that are worth the spend, in your opinion, include Estée Lauder ANR Eye, Biologique Récherche, Clarins skincare, Chanel make-up and Tom Ford lipsticks.

Panellist Maria-Celene raves about Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask: “I love the gorgeous rose scent but also it really does what it says on the tin – my skin feels fresher and plumper every time I use it. Decadent, yes, but just beautiful.” Sarah cites “Vintner’s Daughter, Byredo fragrance and PureLift face tool”. Several adore Eve Lom’s classic cleanser. Sheila chooses L’Occitane shea butter hand cream: “I work in a hospital, cycle and run outside, so my hands really appreciate it. Definitely worth the money as a little goes a long way.”

PHARMACY STAPLES WE RELY ON

Pharmacies came into their own in the past few years, with more of us grabbing our essentials locally. Cleansers are the big pharmacy buy – popular ones include “affordable but effective” CeraVe Foaming Cleanser (look out for their brand-new Micellar Water) and Bioderma. Panellists get their lip balm here, too, and stock up on oils such as rosehip and sweet almond (“jojoba oil is so nourishing for dry skin”), Pond’s Cold Cream and rosewater.

Most popular for skincare was La Roche-Posay, especially Cicaplast Soothing Balm (€13) and moisturisers. Other daily reliables are The Inkey List (Katie swears by the “fantastic and affordable” Squalane Face Oil, “for deep hydration without causing breakouts”), Aveeno moisturisers, Avène Cicalfate+ cream (“better than Sudocrem”), Weleda Skin Food Light, Boots No 7 skincare and Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream. For hair, MooGoo Protein Shot and Batiste dry shampoo.

BEST IRISH BEAUTY

Homegrown brands are better than ever, with great choice in skincare and scent – it’s no hardship to keep things local. Chosen by the most panellists: Skingredients (especially Skin Shield SPF50), Modern Botany natural deodorant and oil and The Handmade Soap Company. Also name-checked: Voya body oil, Nunaïa, Little Red lip balms, Tan Organics and Irish-owned Seoulista masks for face, hands and feet. Panellist Katie notes: “I went to a make-up class by Susie of Ayu make-up a few years ago and use several products – so impressive.” For perfume, Cloon Keen and The Burren Perfumery stood out.

Shop some of THE GLOSSiest Beauty Panel’s favourite products below …