From the eyeliner that might just be perfect to the cleansing milk that balances skin perfectly, these are the products that we thought were so good we used them up to the last very last scraping.
As we move from one season into the next, we have used up the last remaining drops and dollops of some truly brilliant products. There is the Tatcha primer that makes whatever you put on top work far better and makes skin look truly flawless as well as the genius self-tan eraser from Bali Body that preps skin for your next tan as well as getting rid of any streaky patches. There's also a tinted moisturiser from Nars that's so good kitchen scissors had to be involved to make sure every last morsel was scraped. Scroll down for the evidence as well as all the other products the team has truly adored.
Victoria Woodhall, GTG Editorial Director
Dr Louise Newson The Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause, £18.19
"Not so much an ‘empty’ but a book that I devoured within a week of publication - this definitive, clear and friendly guide pulls no punches covering not just symptoms, but the latest science, HRT alternatives, women’s experiences plus some fascinating personal insights from Dr. Newson about her own menopause journey – she even gives her teenage daughter a voice to relay what it’s like to have a menopausal mum. How brilliant that a menopause doctor has become a familiar face on TV and with this book has entered the best-seller list. Check out her Balance menopause app too."
Beauty Pie Deluxe Precision Liquid Liner. Members £9, non-member £25
"This fine-tipped pen took a good few months to empty as it never seems to run out. It dries quickly, doesn’t ‘print’ on my hooded upper eyelid, stays put all day and yet doesn’t require scrubbing of the delicate upper eyelid to remove or clog my lash line. I’d hazard that this is the perfect eyeliner even if you think black is too harsh, the line is so fine that you can use it just to make your eyes pop and soften with your usual crayon on top – worth the Beauty Pie Membership alone!” Not a member of Beauty Pie? Sign up with Code GTGSENTME and Get £10 off an annual membership.
Lixirskin Night Switch Phytooestrogen and Peptide, £32
"If you’re at a loss for what to put on perimenopausal skin to improve texture and firmness, and you find retinol a sensitivity challenge, this booster will upgrade any basic night moisturiser into a wrinkle fighter that tackles crepey skin texture and loss of firmness. The skin has oestrogen receptors that play a part in skin density, and which - in hormonally depleted menopausal skin - need extra help. You use these phytoestrogen and collagen peptide drops every night for a month every few months to give skin a boost."
Philip Kingsley Bond Builder Lipid Shield Oil, was £26 now £21.26
"So obsessed am I by this smoothing hair protector that I made sure I had a second one in the wings before the first ran out. Just a few drops of this ultra-fine oil on damp hair help repair the lipid shield, the first line of defence. It gives the most incredibly smooth blow-dry that lasts. Numerous people have commented on the salon-like upgrade to my normally dry, fragile and frizzy hair. The condition, look and feel have improved beyond measure and it’s all down to this.”
SJ Corfield-Smith, GTG Beauty Director
Tatcha The Liquid Silk Primer, £51
“This product is proof that not all primers are created equal as it is the most superior one I have ever used. The fluid goes onto the skin and creates the most gorgeous velvety finish, blurring and hiding pores, reducing redness and any skin fluctuations as it goes. Anything you put on top of it looks better for having this underneath, but it is so transformative that you may not need to put anything else on your skin.”
Bloom & Blossom All Night Long Calming Sleep Spray, £18
“If you love sleep sprays as much as me (I use one every night) then may I recommend this? Unlike many, it’s not too lavender-heavy (there is some in it), instead it’s a calming blend of heady frankincense and light and fresh rose water. It smells and feels like a bit like a luxury hotel but from the comfort of your own bed.”
Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial, £45
“I’ve had this pump of hydrating and cooling night mask for at least a year. I don’t use it every night but either when I’ve overdone it with my best retinol, if my skin is particularly dry or post Botox when my skin needs something calming and repairing. It contains electrolytes that lock moisture in as well as all the good stuff to strengthen the skin barrier such as niacinamide, squalane and antioxidants.”
Skinny Tan Face Tanning Wonder Drops, £9.99
“These shimmering golden drops make adding some warmth and health to your skin so easy so I have to put my loathing for the brand name to one side. Simply add three to four to your serum or moisturiser and apply all over, remembering to wash your hands after. They have a light coconut scent and the formula is vegan and cruelty-free and it really does deliver flawless results.”
Amy Rostas, GTG Beauty and Social Media Assistant
Bali Body Self Tan Eraser, was £18.95 now £10.42
"If you like to fake tan but hate the process of removing it, this is for you. This clever mousse removes fake tan quickly and easily. Apply to dry skin, leave for five minutes, shower with warm water and gently exfoliate with a mitt (no harsh scrubbing needed) and you've got a fresh base that you can either leave or you can re-apply your fake tan the same day. This bottle has lasted me nearly a year and with frequent use is great bang for your buck."
Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer, £21
"Naturium launched in the UK at the end of last year and this has quickly become one of my favourite moisturisers. I have used it day and night for three months and I’m hooked (I’ve already started my second tube). I have really dry skin, and this moisturiser is the perfect blend of feeling lightweight but delivering high levels of hydration without feeling greasy. It contains powerful peptides that help strengthen your skin barrier as well as vitamin C to prevent skin ageing and get complexions looking more glowy."
Phlur Apricot Privée Travel size 10ml, £26
"Small but mighty, this fruity musky perfume from cult fragrance brand, Phlur packs a punch and although only a 10ml bottle it has lasted me a long time as you only need a spritz or two. It's the perfect size for travelling or keeping in your bag. The scent has the rare ability to be fruity but also sexy at the same time. I'll be purchasing the full size soon."
Biossance Marine Algae Eye Cream, £43
"This eye cream is rich and hydrating, making it perfect for use day and night. It's gentle enough not to make my eyes water, which is something I struggle with eye creams. It also works well under makeup and doesn't cause any pilling, which is one of my beauty pet peeves. This cream is formulated with marine algae, which helps to brighten and firm the skin around the eyes, leaving you looking radiant and more awake – you’d never know I get 5 hours of sleep a night."
YSL Mascara Lash Clash, £23.20
"Though on the more expensive side of mascaras this has become my new favourite (I was a big fan of Charlotte Tilbury’s Full Fat mascara, £26 before) but this has taken first place. The thick brush is perfect for lengthening and adding maximum volume to my lashes. The formula doesn't clump or smudge, even after a long day, making it ideal for everyday wear - it's worth treating yourself to on payday."
Ingeborg van Lotringen, Contributing Beauty Editor
Ultrasun Body Tan Activator SPF30, £54
Apart from having skin that burns easily, I’m allergic to most fragrance molecules and have a tendency to develop heat and even UV rashes. I’ve learned there are not many body sunscreens that solidly prevent all this – apart from Ultrasun’s. Every time I try something else I get into trouble, so I don’t bother anymore and go through gallons of this (they constantly update the hi-tech formulas to offer the most cutting-edge technology);I just finished this bottle in Australia. Non-oily, hydrating and traceless, the SPF30 is a such a fierce broad-spectrum protector that I usually choose it over the SPF50 which, when topped up, will throw a mimimal white cast.
Cultured Biomecare Vitality Cleansing Milk, £13
Every brand and its dog now claim to be ‘all about the barrier’, but few were focused on it from the get-go. Cultured has always secret the road to better skin is a healthy skin microbiome and a strong lipid layer; all its products aim to bring balance and calm. Everything I’ve tried from them seems to instantly cool and comfort, and so it is with this soft, fresh-feeling cleansing milk. Unscented, with sugar-based, non-stripping surfactants and nourishing ferments, you apply it on a cotton pad and wipe –there will be no stinging, just calm, clean skin.
Oskia Moon Salts, £68
I’m actually doubtful that bathing in magnesium (which is one ingredient in these pimped-out Himalayan salts) helps you relax or sleep better (I believe it needs to be taken internally), but I do like the re-mineralising effect of the salts, the calming rose oud and lavender perfume and the coconut powder which turns the tub into a softening milk bath – I love the idea of a milk bath. Shame you go through them so fast – the recommended ‘generous handful’ never seems enough.
Christina Callaghan, GTG Commercial Director
Curaprox Be You Whitening Watermelon Toothpaste, £9.50
"My main issue with whitening toothpaste is that they make my teeth really sensitive but amazingly this whitening toothpaste has not caused any sensitivity whatsoever. The watermelon flavour is delightful and not overpowering. The brand has a big range of unique flavours including Gin & Tonic and Peach. The product is SLS free which means it doesn't foam like other toothpastes you might be used to, but that’s not an issue for me. I've been teaming it with my Curaprox electric toothbrush and the combo has left my teeth feeling really clean"
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam Dark, £14.99
"As an Australian who has been an OG Bondi Sands girl for years, I can confidently say that their self-tanning foam is a game-changer when it comes to achieving a natural-looking tan. The formula is lightweight, easy to apply, and dries quickly, making it perfect for busy schedules. The resulting colour is a beautiful deep bronze that looks like a natural sun-kissed glow. I also love that it doesn't have that strong tanning smell . The only downside is that it does transfer onto your sheets, but the results are worth it- no streakiness at all."
Kora Organics Renewing Hand and Body Wash, £43
"I’ve really been sticking to my Aussie roots this month, Kora Organics is the brainchild of Miranda Kerr and a new brand for me that I have been loving. This body wash has a luxurious and gentle formula that leaves my skin feeling clean, soft, and nourished. I love that it's made with organic ingredients and free from harmful chemicals. Packed with antioxidant-rich botanicals and essential oils, the body wash protects from urban pollutants and replenishes skin with moisture. The scent is refreshing and clean, perfect for starting your day or winding down in the evening. The only downside is that the price is on the higher side, but makes a great gift to yourself or someone else, also the 300ml has lasted me over 5 months."
Marie Louise Pumfrey, GTG contributor
Faace Daily Moisturising Cream, £34
"No surprise with this wintery weather rolling on, I’ve run out of all my favourite hydrating face creams, so my beauty empties are littered with them this month! First up is the new Faace daily moisturising which rightly calls itself 'the luxury cruise ship of skincare'. This ‘does-it-all’ face cream has a rich balm-like texture leaving my skin pillow-like plump. It’s been formulated with a cocktail of anti-stress, brightening and soothing ingredients. There’s niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier, allantoin to soothe, neurophroline to improve the tone and Japanese rice bran oil for hydration. This has been my go-to day cream and works wonderfully under foundation. It does contain essential oils and has a fresh floral fragrance, so if you are not keen on strong-smelling skincare, this might not be for you."
Marine Elements Ultra Soothing Face Mask, £32
"Next up is the marvellous Marine Elements, Ultra Soothing Face Mask which my skin has been lapping up. I’ve been slathering it for an overnight, deeply hydrating face treatment, and you won’t believe how soft it leaves your face in the morning, with no need to wash it off. It’s been specifically formulated for dry and sensitive skin with natural ingredients from the ocean, including green algae and sea chamomile. This one is fragrance-free, reduces any redness and delivers excellent, long-lasting hydration."
Skinician Daily Body Lotion, £17.50
"I find all year round, whatever the season my body needs a deeply hydrating product. It’s got worse the older I get, and being a post-menopausal lady, I also suffer from itchy skin, especially on my back. The Daily Body Lotion by Skinician is a quality, good value product which is one of the most effective hydrating creams I’ve come across. It applies easily and is instantly absorbed leaving my skin satiated and calm. It contains shea butter, vitamin E and smells of eucalyptus and orange. It’s divine and I need more."
St Tropez Self-tan Purity Face Mist, £17.60
"Ah, my winter skin self-tan saviour by St Tropez Self-Tan Purity Face Mist is down to its last few spritzes now. This is its second feature on my beauty empties and is my daily go-to instant face livener. I’ve been sharing it with my husband too, hence its rapid demise. It’s a gentle, super lightweight mist which spritzes either under or over makeup and gives the best natural glow and skincare boost I’ve come across. It doesn’t streak or smell of self-tan and is also infused with hyaluronic acid for extra hydration."
Kerry Potter, GTG Associate Editor
Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, £33
"See how I’ve butchered the tube to eke out the final drops – it’s that good. The formula is more muscular than your average tinted moisturiser, so provides excellent coverage yet makes your face look radiant rather than “done”. It blends like a dream and, Brucey bonus, contains SPF. I keep it to hand all year round – in fact I have a winter shade and a summer shade. It’s a cult beauty classic and deservedly so."
Les Mains Hermès Nourishing Oil, £50
"OK, OK, this is insanely expensive for a nail oil and, no, I’m not a billionaire. This was a gift from GTG’s beauty editor Inge van Lotringen a couple of years ago and it’s had pride of place on my bedside table ever since. A mix of five oils (including sweet almond and sesame o), squalane (an emollient) and white mulberry extract, it works its magic on my nails and cuticles, and smells divine as I apply a few drops each night. It’s an indulgent treat and, to be frank, likely to be the only bit of Hermès I ever have in my life."
Beauty Pie Soul Providers Re-Energizing Dry Oil Sugar Scrub, £16 (member price)
"I can’t bear a body scrub that’s too weedy (what’s the point?) but this, another cracker from Beauty Pie, is the real deal, a ‘take off the top three layers of skin’ affair – and I mean that as a compliment. It sounds more like a cake than a beauty product – demerara sugar, lemon peel, apricot kernel, Indian gooseberry – and, as a result, your bathroom is filled with a heavenly fragrance. Your limbs meanwhile emerge from the shower smoother than Craig David." Not a member of Beauty Pie? Sign up with Code GTGSENTME and Get £10 off an annual membership.