The 50 Best Spring Beauty Buys

2. The Body Shop
This Moringa Body Butter is a new addition to the ever popular existing range, and, like the others, is incredibly successful at treating dry skin. It can take a while to sink in as it is so rich, so watch out for marking clothes if you are in a hurry. This is great for holidays, too, as it doesn’t take up too much room  in your suitcase.
Where: www.thebodyshop.co.uk
How much: £14 (200ml)

3. Benefit
If your skin is still looking grey and lacklustre and needs a little pick me up, then you should give Benefit’s Dandelion a go. It’s a pale pink powder that is designed to be swept over your cheeks as well as lightly dusted all over your face, and will give the impression of a rosy glow. Go easy, though, as you don’t want to look like you have just been for a session on the sunbed.
Where: www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk
How much: £22.50 (10g)

4. DKNY
Chinese grapefruit, blackberry and crushed ginger make this a fruity little number, while the addition of myrrh and incense give it a deeper, warmer feel. Delicious Night Eau de Parfum has been created with wild nights in mind though, and isn’t for the faint hearted, so be warned, one squirt goes a long way. If you like the fragrance but find it too heavy for daytime use, try the body lotion instead (£22).
Where: www.boots.com
How much: £35 (50ml)

5. Fekkai
Fekkai Overnight Hair Repair definitely wins the prize for most glamorously packaged haircare product – it even comes in its own embossed box! Frederic Fekkai is a huge name in the US. He styles the A-list in New York and LA, but for us mere mortals, the closest we are likely to get to his magic scissors is this. Apply before bedtime to dry hair, two or three times a week, and then wash out in the morning and your hair will be silky soft and smooth again.
Where: Space.NK (020-8740 2085; www.spacenk.co.uk)
How much: £135

6. Dr Andrew Weil for Origins
Doctor Andrew Weil, the qualified doctor, botanist and skincare guru, is the man behind this range from Origins – and this Mega Mushroom serum is my favourite product. Although designed to be used in conjunction with a moisturiser, I just use this on its own. It is incredibly light, and sinks into the skin instantly leaving you with a good base for applying make-up to. It leaves your skin radiant and soothed, which can only be a good thing first thing in the morning.
Where: www.origins.co.uk
How much: £40 (30ml)

7. Darphin
Darphin Hydroform Toning is a great multifunctional oil – use it directly on dry skin or add a cupful to your bath, and you will smell of macadamia, muscat rose, lemon, orange and bergamot all summer long. It also includes antioxidant vitamins C and E to help prevent skin damage, and will leave your skin feeling supple and shiny. Apply everywhere other than your face.
Where: for stockists call 08700 342566
How much: £35 (100ml)

8. Lancôme
Lancôme Luminescent Ultra Colour Intelligence Eyes is another stunning compact, this time in the shape of a shell, complete with mirror, pearl and two intense eyeshadow colours. Go easy, though, and blend the turquoise with the luminous paler shade for shimmery eyes. Suitable for use on fair skins, which will result in a pastel effect, or darker skins, which will really show off the intensity of the colours.
Where: www.lancome.co.uk
How much: £25 

9. Chloé
The long-awaited new perfume from Chloé has finally arrived, and Eau de Parfum is young and fresh just like the clothing line. The combination of peony, lychee and freesia give it a sweet initial hit, while the inclusion of amber and cedarwood make it warmer over time. The retro-style packaging makes it instantly covetable and the lovely heavy glass bottle, with pretty ribbon tied at the neck, feels like an heirloom that your grandmother might have passed on.
Where: Harrods (020-7730 1234)
How much: £45 (50ml)

10. Bumble & Bumble
This is a godsend for those cold, dark mornings when you know that you should really get up and wash your hair, but can’t quite drag yourself out of bed. Simply spray directly on to your roots and watch the grease disappear for the day – it even leaves your hair smelling fresher, too. It’s a miracle product that you won’t be able to live without, trust me.
Where: Space.NK (020-8740 2085; www.spacenk.co.uk)
How much: £27 (125g)

12. Dermalogica
Dermalogica Multivitamin Bodyblock spf20 is the best all-round sunscreen to buy this summer, because unlike most of the other products available out there, this smells great and sinks instantly into the skin and gives an even result. Use daily in the summer and you will never have to worry about hideous tan lines or flaky skin again.
Where: www.dermalogica.com
How much: £23.80 (125ml)

13. Estée Lauder
If you are lucky enough to have a tan already or have plans to acquire one over the summer, then you will need a suitably tropicalcoloured lip colour to finish the look off. Stick Estée Lauder Pure Colour Gloss in fuschia on and attain instant glamour. All you need to accessorise it with is a slinky bikini and a flower behind your ear, Marie Helvin style.
Where: www.esteelauder.co.uk
How much: £14

14. Kenzo
Jasmine, parma violet, Bulgarian rose, vanilla and musk make this a soft, feminine, floral perfume, and also a very popular one. If you prefer a lighter fragrance, you could also try the Eau de Toilette sprays (30ml or 50ml), or combine the scented shower cream with the deodorant body spray, which will leave a subtle aroma on your skin instead. Flower by Kenzo is a good perfume for women of all ages.
Where: www.boots.com
How much: £39.50 (50ml)

15. Tigi Haircare
As well as coming in a bright pink tube, this also smells of bubblegum, and will definitely appeal to those of you that like your packaging to be pretty. Tigi Headshot Reconstructive Intense conditioner contains rosehip and ginseng extract and can be used as an everyday conditioner, or if left on for 10 minutes, as a deep conditioning treatment. This is also a good one for sunny, summer holidays.
Where: Tigi Haircare 08448 440944
How much: £9.45 (200ml) 

16. Elizabeth Arden
In 1986, scientists in Germany discovered the potency of the key anti-ageing ingredient, Idebenone, in this new beauty product and its capabilities of preventing cell damage. In fact, it has even been used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s for this reason. Further tests showed that when Elizabeth Arden Prevage Eye anti-aging treatment was applied directly on to skin around the eyes, it improved the appearance of sun damage, firmness and fine lines, as well as generally plumping up the surrounding area.
Where: selected department stores nationwide
How much: £75 (15ml)

17. Liz Earle
The secret to glowing, buffed skin is to exfoliate, at least twice a week ideally, and this new Energising body scrub from Liz Earle should definitely be on your summer list. It is scented with damask rose flower water and sweet orange oil, and includes ground olive stones, which gently remove the top layer of dead skin, aswell as pine oil to aid circulation.
Where: www.lizearle.com
How much: £12 (200ml)

18. Prescriptives
With the smoothness of a cream but the lightness of a mousse, Prescriptives Blush More or Less in Thai Orchid is another great way to put some colour in your cheeks this spring. Blend it in with your fingertips to build up as much coverage as you desire, and it will stay put all day long. It comes in a handy pocket-sized compact, which is ideal for slipping into your purse.
Where: for stockists call 08700 342566
How much: £16

19. Christian Lacroix
This "floral chypre" was launched exclusively for Avon by the French fashion designer Christian Lacroix, and includes notes ofwhite pepper, orange, plum blossom, patchouli and musk. The vibrant red teardrop shaped bottle is striking, as is the initial burst of sweetness, but this gradually softens after time revealing a warm, musky scent. Christian Lacroix Rouge Eau de Parfum is an inexpensive choice for spring.
Where: www.avonshop.co.uk
How much: £18 (50ml)

20. Davines
Davines Lovely Smoothing shampoo smells good enough to eat – it contains extract of Indian fig – and is ideal for dry, frizzy hair. It also contains olive oil and rice proteins to soothe the hair and add shine, making it a good choice if you have curly, colour damaged or overstyled tresses. This Italian brand also includes a range of colour-enhancing shampoos and conditioners, and is stylishly packaged in simple, low-key and transparent bottles.
Where: Davines (020-7663 8080)
How much: £11.30 (250ml)

21. Crème de la Mer
This is another new addition to the highly acclaimed range and is my favourite so far. Unlike the original moisturiser, which can be a bit rich for younger skins, this moisturising gel cream disappears straight into the top layer of your skin, leaving it amazingly soft and smelling like a (clean) baby’s bottom. Ideal for warmer climates, as it won’t clog your pores or leave you with a shiny forehead, and perfect as a summer make-up base.
Where: for stockists call 08700 342566
How much: £145 (60ml)

22. Chanel No 5
This body lotion is perfect for the summer as it is light, quickly absorbed, and subtly fragranced. As always, the packaging is the highlight, and will give your bathroom a touch of class. A little treat if you can’t quite afford to splash out on this summer’s most wanted quilted shoulder bag.
Where: www.chanel.com
How much: £28 (200ml)

23. Paul & Joe
This gorgeous turquoise Art Nouveau-style compact is so pretty that you won’t want to use it.However, you must, as it contains a moisturising foundation that can be used with awet or dry sponge to achieve two different looks. Either way, this protective dual powder contains an SPF25 to protect your face, and comes in seven different shades, making it a good all rounder.
Where: Harrods (020-7730 1234)
How much: £28

24. Serge Lutens
This is the latest offering from the esteemed French perfumer. Louve Eau de Parfum features the sweet and heady note of bitter almond mixed with vanilla, which you will either love or hate, depending on whether you enjoy smelling like food or not. As always, the packaging is discreet and chic, and would slip easily into a travel bag or suitcase making it ideal for a romantic weekend away. Next time you’re in Paris be sure to visit the Serge Lutens store at the Salon du Palais Royal Shiseido.
Where: Harrods (harrods.com)

25. James Brown
James Brown, best friend of Kate Moss and stylist to the stars, has recently launched his own range of haircare products and this serum ismy favourite. Rub a tiny bit into the palm of your hands, then lightly smooth on to the ends of your hair, and you will have smoother, shinier-looking hair. It also contains provitamin B5, which will condition your hair while protecting it against the elements. Just don’t apply it to your roots, otherwise you will create an unintentional oilslick.
Where: www.boots.com
How much: £5.99 (50ml)

26. Stella McCartney
Another of my personal summer skincare essentials is this one from Stella McCartney’s Care range – a lovely, rose scented toning water that acts like a gentle wake-up call for morning skin. The ingredients are 100% organic and once sprayed on to your face simply disappear, leaving your skin looking glowy and fresh. Use this in the heat to cool down, or just to refresh your skin throughout the day.
Where: YSL Beaute (01444 255700)
How much: £21

27. Lancôme
This is the crème de la crème of body lotions, in terms of size aswell as results. The inclusion of Royal Jelly makes it super moisturising and will leave even the driest skin baby smooth and glowing. Lancôme Nutrix Royal Body Lipid Enriched Lotion is one to invest in at the beginning of spring, use after showering and then leave in your bathroom – it is way too heavy to drag on holiday with you.
Where: www.lancome.co.uk
How much: £28.50 (400ml)

28. MAC
For sultry, smoky eyes, you must invest in a good eyeshadow, and this new colour, Clue, from MAC will suit most skins. Use it with a wet eyeliner brush for a defined line, or with a dry brush for a sexy evening look. Or if you want something softer for the day, simply blend it along your eyeline with a finger. An indispensable product for the summer.
Where: www.maccosmetics.co.uk
How much: £10

29. Elizabeth Arden
Sicilian mandarin, damask plum and star magnolia combine, with sandalwood and amber in this summery fragrance from Elizabeth Arden. The bottle is made from intensely turquoise glass, designed to be reminiscent of the sea, and is topped with a beaten silver lid. The smell is ozonic and fresh, and Mediterranean Eau de Parfum will appeal to those of you that love cool, airy, summery scents.
Where: www.boots.com
How much: £47 (100ml)

30. Molton Brown
Another essential product if you are planning to spend your summer in the sun. Molton Brown Reawakening Mer-Rouge should help to restore shine and moisture to damaged hair. Mer-rouge, also known as dulse sea extract, contains a potent mix of proteins and vitamins which, if applied once a week and left on for 15 minutes, will improve the general condition and appearance.
Where: www.moltonbrown.co.uk
How much: £22 (200ml)

31. Alpha H
Using a sunscreen is essential if you want to avoid premature ageing, or even more worrying, skin cancer. This new moisturiser has an SPF30 and has even been approved by the Australian Cancer Society, so is a good, reliable choice. Ultra Protector SPF30+ has been formulated without using harsh chemicals, so it shouldn’t aggravate acne-prone skin, but the inclusion of aloe vera and vitamin E will still leave your skin suitably moisturised.
Where: John Lewis (0845 604 9049)
How much: £25 (100ml)

32. Origins Organics
The recently launched Organics range from Origins is the first full line of skin, body and haircare products that carries the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program’s certification. Origin Organic’s Silkening Body Spritz contains 95% organic ingredients, such as sunflower oil and soy lechitin, which are well known for their hydrating properties. Spritz this on all over after a bath or shower and you will smell great as well as feeling revitalised.
Where: www.origins.co.uk
How much: £21 (150ml)

33. Revlon
If there is one thing that is guaranteed to make you feel summery and glamorous, it is a good pedicure with hot, sexy, coloured nails. Revlon One Perfect Coral nail enamel’s lively colour is chip resistant, inexpensive and pleasingly thick, and will cover a multitude of sins, especially if you don’t have the time or cash to fit in a trip to the beauty salon.
Where: www.boots.com
How much: £6.29 (14ml)

34. Suqqu
With top notes of orchid, middle notes of jasmine and rose, and base notes of vanilla and sandalwood, this is another fragrance perfectly suited to spring. Suqqu Eau de Toilette is light and fresh, and leaves a gentle trace of perfume on your skin, rather than a heavy cloud wafting behind you. Visit www.suqqu.com to see other products from Japan’s fastest-growing beauty brand.
Where: (0800 123 4000; www.selfridges.com)
How much: £40 (50ml)

35. Aveda
This dinky, travel-sized pot of conditioner smells gorgeous and is ideal for a long weekend away. Shampure contains Aveda’s distinctive pure flower and plant “pure-fume” and has been tested on people rather than animals,which will please most. It can also be used to restore curls. A very small but multi-functional product.
Where: for stockists call 0870 034 2979
How much: £10.50 (50ml)

36. Shu Uemura
This lightweight Radiance Boosting lotion contains a gentle natural exfoliator and fruit extracts that exfoliate and remove dead cells, while also encouraging skin cell turnover. Sweep it all over your face once or twice a week for gently glowing, fresh-looking skin all summer. Not ideal for holidays though, as it comes in a heavy glass bottle – remember to decant into a smaller, lighter bottle beforehand.
Where: Space.NK (020-8740 2085; www.spacenk.co.uk)
How much: £30 (150ml)

37. Nars
This is the ultimate in multifunctional make-up. You can use it on your eyes, cheeks, lips and body for a sunkissed, flushed look. Nars’ Multiple in Orgasm comes in a chunky tube and is ideal for travelling with, as it will save you loads of space in your washbag. Blend it in like a cream, but watch it turn to powder on application, and use it to highlight cheekbones, décolletage and shoulders.
Where: Space.NK (020-8740 2085;www.spacenk.co.uk)
How much: £27

38. J Soksinhci’asr Heolistic
This intensive hand treatment smells subtly of grapefruit, contains 20% shea butter, which is a natural moisturiser, aswell as marine kelp, which inhibits melanin production and the appearance of age spots. Princess Diana, Gywneth Paltrow and Sadie Frost all swore by his treatments, and now you can experience the Joshi experience, too, but now for a fraction of the price.
Where: www.joshiskincare.com
How much: £16 (150ml)

39. Ineke
Ineke Ruhland creates small scale, independent perfumes from her studio in San Fransisco, where she is inspired by the great outdoors and fresh air. This aptly named fragrance, Ineke Balmy Days & Sundays Eau de Parfum, contains freesia, grass, honeysuckle, mimosa and musk and really does smell like an easy, breezy, sunny Sunday hanging around in a park.
Where: exclusively from Liberty (020-7734 1234)
How much: £54 (75ml)

40. Philip B
This peppermint and avocado shampoo is fantastic. The peppermint actually makes your scalp tingle and smells incredible, and really does wake you up first thing in the morning. The inclusion of avocado moisturises your hair and scalp, and because it has aPHlevel of 5.5, it is gentle and won’t strip your hair of its natural elasticity. Great if you are worried about dandruff, too.
Where: Space.NK (020-8740 2085; www.spacenk.co.uk)
How much: £20 (240ml)

41. Estée Lauder
Advanced Night Repair Protective Recovery complex haswon countless awards and is one of Estée Lauder’s bestselling products. It works at night to repair the environmental damage that skin is exposed to every day, by neutralising 90% of free radicals, then nourishes the upper layers leaving you with a soft, rejuvenated complexion. Apply four or five drops of this intense serum at night before moisturising.
Where: www.esteelauder.co.uk
How much: £47 (50m)

42. Micheline Arcier
This is a personal favourite – the blend of orange, lavender and sandalwood is reviving and invigorating and is ideal for daily use pre and post pregnancy. Micheline Arcier Body Oil Vie Nouvelle helps to prevent those dreaded stretchmarks, and will also leave your skin smelling amazing. Definitelyworth investing in those extra five minutes after your bath or shower every day.
Where: www.michelinearcier.com
How much: £24 (60ml)

43. Givenchy
Accessor’eyes in Indigo Denim is Givenchy’s new range of powder and cream eyeshadow quartets. It was inspired by the different washes of jeans, and comes in great denim-inspired packaging. The four colours – sparkly dark blue, sparkly rose, shiny peach and powdery yellow – are fun and young, but need careful consideration, and shouldn’t be used all at once, unless you want to look like a drag queen.
Where: for stockists call 01932 233824
How much: £27

44. Miller Harris
Fleur du Matin is a lovely, fresh fragrance that contains hints of Provence – pine, marjoram, honeysuckle and basil – as well as zingy lemon. It is green and subtle enough to splash on first thing, and the lovely etched glass bottle that it comes in is pretty without being too girly. A good spring choice from this range of lovely fragrances by Lyn Harris, one of my favourite perfumers.
Where: www.millerharris.com
How much: £70 (100ml)

45. Matrix
Although I’m not a big fan of hairspray, I know that lots of you wouldn’t be seen dead without a quick spritz on the way out. It is also essential if you have a complicated “up-do”, which needs to stay “up” all day. So with all that in mind, you should try Biolage Freeze Fix, a new humidityresistant spray from Matrix, available exclusively from salons from February onwards.
Where: for stockists call 0845 601 0122
How much: £9.95 (400ml)

46. Sisley
As the name, All Day All Year, explains, this anti-ageing cream has been created for everyday use, and as it is moisturising without being heavy, it can be used in both winter and summer. It contains a UV blocker that lasts for eight hours, rather than the usual two, as well as appleskin extract, which is a powerful antioxidant. It comes in a narrow, lightweight tube, making it ideal for travelling with.
Where: Sisley (020-7591 6380)
How much: £165 (50ml)

47. Nails Inc
Nails are often forgotten, except when the sun comes out and so do wintry-looking fingers and feet. However, with a bit of tender loving care and the occasional swipe of this handy little Caviar oil slick pen, yours too could look baby clean and fresh again. The inclusion of caviar nourishes, hydrates and generally improves the condition of the cuticles as well as the nails, so there really is no excuse any more ladies.
Where: Nails Inc (020-7499 8333)
How much: £10

48. Clinique
Although this oil-free skin protector contains an SPF15, it does not include any harsh chemical sunscreens or fragrances, so is suitable for even the most sensitive skins. Clinique’s City Block Sheer Oil-FreeDaily Face Protector SPF15 disappears instantly so you can apply makeup straight afterwards, making it ideal for those of you that work in an office and don’t want to slap on a lot of greasy suntan lotion at lunchtime.
Where: www.clinique.co.uk
How much: £12.50

49. Clarins
Eau Dynamisante is more of an all-over body “splash” than a perfume, but that is its appeal. The refreshing notes of citrus, chypre and wood are light, but leave a subtle scent on your skin that can be added to later in the day without becoming overpowering. One bottle is sold every three minutes in the UK, and it is equally nice when worn by a man, so you may want to keep it hidden.
Where: Clarins (0800 036 3558)
How much: £24.50 (100ml) 

50. Ojon
Ojon tree oil was originally discovered by Central America’s Miskito Indian tribe, and is allegedly the secret to their beautiful hair and skin. They still harvest and extract the oil by hand, and it is great for adding shine and is also good for styling dry hair. So aswell as making your hair look great, Ojon Hair Leave-in Glossing cream will also help to feed and educate the people of Mosquitia, allowing them to preserve their traditional way of life.
Where: Liberty (020-7734 1234)
How much: £24 (125ml)