Beauty

Beauty trends, industry news & expert guides

Find all of our beauty product reviews here, with top picks from the likes of Lookfantastic, Bobbi Brown and Charlotte Tilbury. Whether you're after a new lipstick or the best shampoo and conditioner for your hair, our writers have you covered. You can also find the latest beauty deals, expert advice and more.

Latest news and advice

The beauty sphere is constantly changing so our guides are here to help you keep on track of everything from new products to TikTok make-up trends and more. Find answers to the questions you’ve always wondered about (why do you need to wear SPF every day?), from the professionals with years of know-how; discover which viral skincare products live up to the hype; and see how luxury haircare formulas sit on our hair before you part with your money. All on IndyBest.

<p>Make-up artist Aurelie Payen reveals her favourite red lipstick to use on Lily for season 4</p>

The exact red lipstick Lily Collins wore during Emily in Paris

<p>There’s three scents in the new range </p>

Women's Fragrances

Can Aldi’s £2.99 new body mist replace my go-to Sol De Janeiro scent?

Dyson has launched its first-ever styling products

<p>We rated each cleanser on efficacy, scent and value for money</p>

Best cleansing balms to remove make-up

<p>The updated tool could be a gamechanger for those who struggle to style their hair </p>

Dyson’s new airwrap styles your hair for you with this clever feature

<p>Soak up the sun, safely, with these tried tested and approved SPFs </p>

Best body sunscreens for 2024, reviewed by a beauty editor

<p>These formulas contain growth-encouraging ingredients such as vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and castor oil</p>

10 best eyelash serums that add strength and volume

<p>Our tester is an experienced beauty editor in her early 40s, who tests new anti-ageing creams as they launch</p>

Best anti-ageing day creams, tested by an expert

Expert tips & guides

While we know our stuff here at IndyBest, we’re the first to admit that there are professionals out there with a whole host more knowledge than us – and we want to pick their brains. Whether you’re after tips for hair growth and scalp care, a proper explanation of the real difference between retinol and retinal, or you’re just a massive Caroline Hirons fan – there'll be something here to elevate your beauty intel.

<p>We’ve got all the details on when to use an eye cream, what ingredients to look out for and the best products to try </p>

A dermatologist’s guide to eye cream: What does it do?

<p>While you can’t turn back the time on ageing, there are many ways you can boost hydration and skin suppleness</p>

A complete guide to anti-aging skincare, according to dermatologists

<p>This is your in-depth guide to treating and preventing dark spots </p>

What is hyperpigmentation and best treatments

<p>Can you use hyaluronic acid, niacinamide or salicylic acid with retinol? We asked the experts </p>

Retinol benefits and how to use it in your skincare routine

Editor’s picks

Tried and tested by our very own beauty editor, this is where we get granular about specifics, show off our before and after-photo prowess and keep you posted on the very best and newest beauty drops. Our editor’s a beauty-obsessive so there's nary a moisturiser, shampoo or foundation that they've not heard of, nor an overseas brand (ahem, Korean skincare) that they’ve not gone the extra lengths to review.

Skincare

For the bare-face fanatics and make-up obsessives alike, skincare is at the heart of any beauty routine and IndyBest has got you covered from cleansers to retinol. We’ve taken things back to basics with moisturisers for every skin type, and we’ve delved deeper into the ingredients you can’t make sense of. So, be it niacinamide or hyaluronic acid, this is your hub for all the best tips, products and reviews.

Lily Collins used this £4 product on the set of Emily in Paris

<p>Nighttime is a key moment for restoration, as your skin goes into cell turnover recovery mode while you sleep</p>

14 best anti-ageing night creams to sleep your way to a youthful glow

<p>Our tester considered the short-term benefits and long-term gains of each product </p>

11 best moisturisers for men to hydrate and soothe the skin

<p>The fridge has made summer skincare a welcome respite from the heat</p>

Why a skincare fridge should be top of your wishlist this summer

<p>We tested for consistency and absorption</p>

13 best moisturisers for dry skin that offer instant hydration

<p>Retinol can boost collagen production which in turn helps with hydrating the skin and targetting fine lines </p>

Best retinol creams 2024, tried and tested by a beauty expert

<p>Ask any top make-up artist and they’ll tell you: if you’re wearing foundation, you should be using primer, too</p>

Best primers 2024, tried and tested by a beauty editor

<p>Over a few weeks, we put a selection of toners to the test, incorporating them into our morning and evening skincare routines</p>

Best toners for all skin types, tried and tested

Make-up

Make-up is the foundation (pardon the pun) of creative beauty and allows us to express our individuality through pops of pink in our eyeshadow, a signature red lip or even a statement blue mascara. And, we’ve reviewed the best (and worst) of all the above plus many more. Think: sweat-free make-up for a heatwave, top tips for the best wedding day beauty and a make-up artist’s secrets to their celebrity client’s flawless finish.

From expert guides on how to apply foundation and concealer to recommendations on tinted moisturisers and cream blushers, find all the latest make-up news, reviews and advice.

<p>Collins flaunted a blue-green metallic eye and bold lip</p>

Lily Collin’s exact eye shadow and lipstick from S4 E4 Emily in Paris

<p>The character of Sylvie is renowned for her Parisian style</p>

Emily in Paris’ Sylvie wears these two make-up items for her chic look

<p>There’s a £39 price difference between the two cream products</p>

This £6 bronzer is better than Charlotte Tilbury’s

<p>The foundation has more than £20 off today</p>

It Cosmetics your skin but better foundation is reduced by 60%

<p>How you apply your foundation can make all the difference to your finished make-up look </p>

How to apply foundation, according to a make-up artist

<p>Our testers certainly qualify as brow experts, having experimented with every possible brow look over the years</p>

15 best brow gels 2024, reviewed by a beauty expert

<p>Keep up with the best and buzziest products, often for a more competitive price </p>

Best beauty subscription boxes 2024: Make-up, skincare and more

<p>Our testers considered the price, performance and ingredients of each concealer </p>

11 best concealers for covering blemishes

Hair

Bouncy blow-dry or sleek and straight, fine or thick, blonde or grey – these are the corners of the haircare industry and, reader, we’ve done a few trips around the block. So, for the at-home haircare experts and the barnet babies alike, we’ve got something for every shopper and hair type. That’s right, our guides cater to you with straight type 1 hair strands and you with your coily type 4 curls, both with testers that represent your hair for a more all-inclusive product selection. Plus, you can expect tips from professionals, new trends from the runway and the latest launches from your favourite brands.

Looking for a solution to dandruff? Or perhaps you're after a sulphate-free shampoo, new hair oil or an upgraded pair of straighteners? We've got you covered.

<p>It smells like holiday in a bottle</p>

Forget Sol de Janeiro, this new fragrance is my go-to summer scent

<p>Dyson’s dryer packed a powerful punch in our review </p>

Aldi’s hair dryer looks like the Dyson supersonic – but it’s £14.99

<p>If you’re looking for a new treatment to give your lacklustre locks a boost, this is it </p>

Aldi’s ‘impressive’ bond-building product is back – and it’s £3.99

<p>From budget-friendly sprays to more advanced formulas infused with hair-loving ingredients, you’ll find ones that work for your budget and hair type</p>

11 best heat protection sprays to keep hair healthy, tried and tested

<p>Some tools blow-dry and style simultaneously, while others curl, straighten and volumise once your hair’s dry<em> </em></p>

8 best hot brushes for a voluminous, bouncy blow-dry at home

<p>Our tester is an experienced beauty editor and put the latest hair straighteners to the test</p>

12 best hair straighteners, tried and tested for every hair type

<p>We were looking for long-lasting, professional curls that were speedy and easy to create</p>

Best hair curlers 2024, tried and tested by beauty experts

<p>We turned our bedroom into a hair salon, testing different products to find out which performed best </p>

11 best hair dryers for beautiful blow-dries

Nails

For the gel nail, BIAB and plain-old polish fiends, IndyBest’s nail guides have got everything you’re looking for. The very best at-home nail lamps? Head this way. The crème de la crème in cuticle oils? Of course. Not to mention a whole host of professional and celebrity-led tips and inspiration. From Sofia Richie-Grainge to Hailey Bieber, the latest trends in mani pedis are just a click away.

<p>From budget buys to salon-quality finishes </p>

Best at-home gel nail kits 2024: Tried and tested

These tried and tested sets deliver glossy, long-lasting colour and are easy to use

<p>Keep your claws looking fresh, with our tried-and-tested favourites </p>

These are the best nail polish brands to know

<p>Testing effectiveness, ease of use and results, we’re confident in our selection </p>

10 best cuticle oils that will rejuvenate your nails

<p>If you don’t have time to get to the salon, false nails may be your saving grace</p>

8 best false nail sets: From classic nude manis to intricate art

Body

One of the broader categories we’ve delved into, IndyBest’s body library spans across waxing, fake tanning, exfoliating and more. For all things hands-on testing and long term reviews, our team have been busy rating (and slating) the latest in body care, as well as the cult products with their 100+ year histories. From The Ordinary to Isle of Paradise, this is your head-to-toe hub.

<p>IPL and laser hair-removal doesn’t have to involve a pricey trip to the salon</p>

Best IPL machines and laser hair-removal devices for 2024

Cancel your next waxing appointment and throw out your razor in favour of these tried and tested devices

<p>After using self tanners for over 10 years now, it’s safe to say our tester is an expert </p>

Best fake tan 2024: Tried and tested for a golden glow

<p>Over the course of six weeks, we waxed every different body part, from legs and bikini lines to upper lip and toe hair.</p>

9 best home waxing kits for salon-worthy results

<p>Supercharge your skincare with these sensitive, scented and lightweight formulas</p>

Best body moisturisers 2024, tried and tested

Summer beauty must-haves

<p>Not one of these suncreams, sprays and sticks allowed our tester to burn </p>

16 best sunscreens for your face that offer non-greasy SPF protection

Sunscreen is arguably the most important step of your facial routine, whatever your skintype

16 best sunscreens for your face that offer non-greasy SPF protection

Sunscreen is arguably the most important step of your facial routine, whatever your skintype

<p>Not one of these suncreams, sprays and sticks allowed our tester to burn </p>

<p>Soak up the sun, safely, with these tried tested and approved SPFs </p>

Best body sunscreens for 2024, reviewed by a beauty editor

<p>We’ve found two sun creams, both from reputable beauty brands but with very differing approaches to the issue</p>

Supergoop vs Ultrasun scalp sunscreen review: Powder or spray?

<p>These make a great first step in the morning but make sure to top up with sunscreen </p>

Sun Care & Tanning

Best SPF moisturisers 2024, tested for sun protection

<p>We spent several months sampling a selection of SPF sticks</p>

Sun Care & Tanning

14 best sunscreen sticks 2024, tested for easy SPF application

<p>We spent several months sampling a selection of SPF sticks</p>

Sun Care & Tanning

14 best sunscreen sticks 2024, tested for easy SPF application

<p>We considered the texture of the sunscreens and how well they worked for acne-prone skin</p>

Sun Care & Tanning

Best sunscreens for acne-prone skin 2024, tried and tested

<p>‘It has a light, naturally zesty fragrance, and absorbs in an instant without any ashy finish,’ noted our writer </p>

The reef-safe sunscreen to pack on your next holiday

Men’s skincare

A topic that’s not touched on enough, if you ask us, our men’s skincare section is growing at quite the rate to bring you all things moisturisers, cleansers and aftershaves. From the male-targeted brands – think: Bulldog and Harrys – to unisex best-sellers like The Ordinary, we’ve got granular with the products and reviews to save you time and money. Click through for expert tips, back-to-basics guides and the very best product recommendations from our team of testers.

<p>We assessed each moisturiser’s protective properties as well as how they made our skin feel after application</p>

12 best men’s moisturisers with SPF for everyday skin protection

Whether you have dry, oily or mature skin, a moisturiser with SPF should be part of your skincare regime

<p>There’s nothing more aging than an overdraft, so, we kept a close eye on value for money</p>

Best anti-aging creams for men 2024, tried and tested

<p>It doesn’t cost the earth to give your skin the treatment it deserves</p>

Best affordable men’s skincare for 2024

<p>From cleansing to moisturising, here’s the steps your skincare routine needs </p>

The top 5 skincare products men should be using this summer

Men’s grooming products

<p>Electric shavers are ideal for sensitive, blemish-prone or mature skin with the odd wrinkle to navigate</p>

Best electric shavers for men 2024, tried and tested

Keep stubble at bay with these top-rated devices

<p>These handy grooming gizmos handle all aspects of beard care, from carving a crisp neck line to ensuring a uniform finish</p>

7 beard trimmers to style and maintain your facial fuzz

<p>All-round functionality and value for money were crucial in our selection process </p>

16 best hair clippers for a professional buzz cut at home

<p>Our reviewer was left impressed by the effecient perfomance of this affordable beard trimmer </p>

This beard trimmer is a budget-friendly game-changer

<p>We’ve got you covered on how often to trim your beard, the best tools to use and the common mistakes to avoid </p>

How to trim and shape your beard, according to the experts

<p>We put these hard-working products through their paces during one of the hottest summers on record </p>

10 best deodorants for men to keep you fresh and odour-free

<p>It’s more than powerful enough to deal with even the bushiest of beards</p>

Is Wahl’s stainless steel beard trimmer a smooth operator?

Stuff skincare review: Why we rate this Aussie grooming brand

Fragrance

<p>Chanel No5, Marc Jacobs daisy and more are all included</p>

Women's Fragrances

20 best perfumes for women, from floral to woody scents

We’ve found fabulous fragrances to suit everyone, from budget buys to luxury brands

<p>We sniffed out citrusy notes and florals, warming woody fragrances and fresh fougères </p>

Men's Fragrances

Best men’s fragrances for 2024

<p>Prices for the high-street scents start from £10</p>

M&S’s TikTok-approved perfumes rival Chanel, Marc Jacobs and more

<p>LookFantastic is a key shopping destination for savings on beauty, skincare and fragrance</p>

The perfume deals to shop at Lookfantastic

Must-have beauty buys

<p>You can get a bottle for just £17 thanks to LOOKFANTASTIC’s summer deal </p>

Tan Luxe’s fake tan is my ride-or-die – and it’s reduced by 30%

<p>The designer’s best-selling fragrances are heavily reduced </p>

Marc Jacobs’s perfumes are reduced by 40% – and there’s a unique perk

I love this BB cream for its lightweight coverage and SPF protection

<p>The hybrid formula features a pen and clear gel on each end </p>

Beauty editors swear by this gel for transforming sparse eyebrows

<p>Hair removal’s never been so fuss-free</p>

Mylee’s at-home wax kit delivers salon-quality results

<p>Ever since the drops landed on my desk, they’ve become a staple of my daily routine </p>

Drunk Elephant’s viral bronzing drops offer the perfect faux glow

<p>The sub-£20 cream is packed with skincare benefits </p>

This is the best budget anti-ageing cream

<p>You’re bound to love this as much as your significant-other will </p>

Jo Malone wood sage and sea salt review: A gender-neutral summer scent

Beauty gifts

<p>This year’s beauty advent calendars are shaping up to be bigger and better than ever</p>

Best beauty advent calendars for 2024, from Liberty to Harrods

An A to Z guide of make-up and skincare advent calendars

<p>When in doubt, a beauty gift rarely disappoints </p>

Beauty gifts at Lookfantastic that you’ll want to keep for yourself

<p>Keep up with the best and buzziest products, often for a more competitive price </p>

Best beauty subscription boxes 2024: Make-up, skincare and more

<p>Whether you’re looking for jewellery, a blow-the-budget gift or something affordable, it’s here where you’ll find all this and more </p>

Best gifts for her 2024: Thoughtful presents for women

<p>The £100 Christmas countdown is set to be one of the best </p>

Advent calendars

An exclusive first look at LOOKFANTASTIC’s beauty advent calendar

<p>Last year’s calendar was a showstopper – and this year’s looks set to be just as good </p>

Advent calendars

First look at Liberty’s beauty advent calendar for 2024

<p>Standout buys to shop now include cult classic products, designer scents and relaxing treats </p>

Fashion & Beauty

Best Christmas beauty gift sets, from Charlotte Tilbury, Mac and more

<p>Standout buys to shop now include cult classic products, designer scents and relaxing treats </p>

Fashion & Beauty

Best Christmas beauty gift sets, from Charlotte Tilbury, Mac and more

Beauty deals

I can’t gatekeep this lesser-known section of LOOKFANTASTIC

There are discounts to be had on some of my favourite beauty brands

<p>Look Fantastic x Ole Henriksen edit review IndyBest</p>

Save £65 on skincare with the LOOKFANTASTIC x Ole Henriksen box

<p>All the beauty deals to shop now on Amazon Prime Day</p>

35 best beauty deals, each one tried and tested by us

<p>Look Fantastic x Ole Henriksen edit review IndyBest</p>

Save £65 on skincare with the LOOKFANTASTIC x Ole Henriksen box

Winter beauty must-haves

<p>Rhode, Nivea and Summer Fridays are among my top picks </p>

Best lip balms to treat and nourish dry, chapped lips

<p>We tested for consistency and absorption</p>

13 best moisturisers for dry skin that offer instant hydration

<p>Each product in this round-up comes recommended for eczema sufferers </p>

10 best creams for eczema that soothe and hydrate skin

<p>These moisturising creams slough away dead skin to reveal soft and supple results</p>

8 best foot creams for dry feet, hard skin and cracked heels