10 lesser-known cult beauty buys that are worth their weight in gold
We all know the must-have classics when it comes to beauty and skincare, be it Elizabeth Arden's 8 Hour Cream or Estee Lauder ANR. Proving their worth time and time again, there are certain iconic products every beauty fanatic has in their arsenal.
But what about the gems that have earned cult status yet sit a little below the radar? Favourites of Beauty Editors and Space NK shop assistants that they keep to themselves? Sneaky work guys.
We've rounded up the best brands and products that you might not have heard of, but should get your hands on. ASAP.
Vanderohe No.1 Serum, £88
This delicious smelling, do-it-all serum is award-winning, can be found in many a beauty editor's cupboard, and is magic on skin. But due to it being a little independent brand (with currently just the one product), you might have never heard of it before. Trust us, it's a good'un. More products are due to come soon too.
Medik8 r-Retinoate, £135
It's pricey, yes, but this little-known retinol cream is a hit in the beauty industry. Produced by Medik8 - the super sciencey brand that started in doctor's offices and skincare clinics - this retinol packs a real punch and is a must-try for those whose skin is beginning to lose elasticity.
de Mamiel Restorative Cleansing Balm, £54
Created by acupuncturist, aromatherapist and holistic facialist Annee de Mamiel, this brand delivers products that make you feel and look good in equal measure. This nourishing balm is a delight to use, and leaves skin super glowy. Try her aromatherapy oils too if you're a nervy flyer or have trouble sleeping.
Kate Somerville, from £22
If you've ever watched the Oscars thinking "forget the dress where TF are her pores and what sorcery is making her skin glow like that" it's likely they've had an appointment with Kate. Her range has been available in the US for a while too, but only came here recently. The exfoliator is especially bomb.
RMS Beauty Living Luminizer, £36
Makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift's brand is well known in the US, but is still relatively unknown here. Vegan and organic but hard-working and effective, this luminizer is the hero. If you're looking for a do-it-all highlighter, look no further.
Drunk Elephant Coming to Space NK this Summer
Since Glossier and Milk makeup came to the UK, beauty fans have been flying back from the US with one brand only taking up the extra space: Drunk Elephant. Simple, clean and effective, the Babyfacial peel is perhaps the most coveted of the line. Get ready to fill your boots people.
CeraVe, from £4.12
Similar to pharmacy brands like La Roche and Avene - giving incredible results at wallet-friendly prices, this line has been hiding away in the US for a long time, going fairly unnoticed. Not any more. Swap out one of your posh, spenny moisturisers for some CeraVe in your routine and see if there's any difference. Thank us later.
Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum cream, £18
Bum Bum cream (pronounced 'boom boom') has a cult online following and has only recently become easily available in the UK. Smelling like mango and all things tropical, this moisturiser gives skin an intense shot of hydration. It's thick in consistency, ultra nourishing and has rather fun, bright packaging. Sold.
Davines NouNou range, starting at £15.45
This first caught our attention when it was mentioned in Cat Marnell's hit memoir How to Murder your Life. A former Beauty Editor in New York, Cat is in and out of rehab for addiction. Her beauty constant? The NouNou conditioner, ofc. We love the entire range, which is especially great for dry, coloured hair.
Mane'n'tail Shampoo, £5.99
This 'horse to human' shampoo formula is packed full of proteins that'll tame and add shine to even the most unmanageable hair. Oh, and it's under a tenner.
