If there was a beauty hall of fame, these seven iconic beauty products would be in it.
From a celebrity-endorsed South African body oil to under eye makeup that will take years off and the perfect red lipstick, read on for the ultimate cosmetic bag ingredients you need to get your hands on.
The body oil celebs swear by
It’s in every pregnant woman’s bathroom cabinet to combat stretchmarks, but other women and celebrities like the Kardashian sisters swear by this product’s effectiveness all over the body, even on your face. Former Miss World Priyanka Chopra is also a fan.
With its modest price tag, you wouldn’t believe that Bio-Oil, R69,95 for 60ml, is causing such a stir in the beauty world, but the rave reviews keep on coming with one reader saying: “I use this for everything, but mostly as a light facial moisturiser”.
Bio-Oil, R69,95 for 60ml
A worthy winner for the second year in a row!
READ MORE: See what the Kardashians have to say about this South African-born miracle worker.
The perfume that’s stood the test of time
It was on our Best in Beauty icons list last year and you still love it! Our readers just can’t get enough of the timeless classic Chanel N°5, R1 600 for 50ml EDP.
Chanel N°5, R1 600 for 50ml EDP
For some it’s the nostalgia of the fragrance: “It was the first fragrance I bought for myself, and it’s still as stylish and timeless as ever,” says one reader. For others it’s the truly feminine, sophisticated scent.
The ultimate at home hair colour
Why spend a fortune at the salon when you can get a quality colour at home? L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss Conditioning Hair Colour, R149,95, is ammonia-free and lasts for up to 28 washes.
L’Oréal-Paris-Casting-Crème-Gloss-Conditioning-Hair-Colour,-R149,95
If you’re starting to get grey hairs, it covers them up beautifully leaving you with nourished, glossy hair.
The wide range of colours is also a plus, with one reader commenting: “So many natural shades to choose from, and the colour is reliable”.
The perfect red lipstick
It comes back season after season because there’s nothing that screams sophistication (or siren) more than sexy red lips. But it can be hard to find the right shade.
Luckily our readers have done the work for you. MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo, R240, is the iconic vivid blue-red shade that put the cosmetics giant’s lipsticks on the map.
MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo, R240
One reader said of its matte cream finish: “It’s the perfect red, and the lipstick quality is amazing”.
The miracle worker for your eyes
No makeup bag us complete without cult favourite, YSL Touche Éclat, RRSP R600. Loved by radiant celebrities the world over (including Natalie Portman, Kate Bosworth, Julia Roberts and Victoria Beckham).
YSL Touche Éclat, RRSP R600
Late night? Look fresh as a daisy in one simple application from the iconic gold pen. Touche Éclat makes your eyes look brighter and wider apart (if you use it between your eyebrows and along the sides of your nose).
TIP: You can also use it under your brow as a highlighter
One reader commented: “No doubt an icon. I’ve tried the rest, yet I always come back to this one”. So do we!
The cream that takes you back to your childhood
What women hasn’t had a little blue tin of Nivea Creme, R19,95 for 60ml, in her handbag at some stage of her life?
It made the cut in the 2016 Best in Beauty Awards hall of fame, and now it’s back in 2017. It’s no wonder it’s rated the “world’s no 1 skin care cream”.
Nivea Creme, R19,95 for 60ml
This multitasking icon can be used to restore moisture to dry chapped elbows, knees and hands, as well as to help heal small nicks and cuts, reduce swelling and soothe cracked heals.
One reader said: “My mother introduced me to this cream when I was a child. Now I’m using it with my own family!”
The overnight healer
Another beauty icon that was on our list last year, Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, R765 for 30ml, is the last word when it comes to anti-ageing skincare.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, R765 for 30ml
Women all over the world go to sleep slathered in this nocturnal wonder worker because of the dramatic reduction in lines and wrinkles it promises, and delivers.
“I know that it heals my skin while I sleep,” said one reader.
The ONE product that will give you maximum glow
A newcomer to our list of beauty icons, Elemis Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow, R795 for 480g, has taken up its rightful position as our favourite body scrub thanks to its heavenly scent and the way it exfoliates, smoothes and softens your skin.
Elemis Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow, R795 for 480g
One reader said: “It’s turned my bath time into a fab at-home spa experience”. Yes please!
The must-have moisturiser
This moisturiser to the stars has retained its place in the 2017 Best in Beauty Awards and with good reason. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion +, R245 for 50ml gives you noticeably smoother, refreshed and softer skin after only a few applications.
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion +, R245 for 50ml
“I’ve used this for more than 20 years and still adore it,” said one of our reader fans.
To get more of the best in beauty, click on an image below.
The best perfumes you can buy
The best body lotions and potions
Disclaimer: The testimonials presented on this website are applicable to the individuals depicted only and may not be representative of the experience of others. The information provided within this site is strictly for the purposes of information only and is not a replacement or substitute for professional advice.
