I has been hit by makeup and device dominance in 2024, after years of skincare mania in the market. Saiea reasonably priced American makeup startup, has taken it by storm. With the notable exception of its complexion products (to be improved), the range is excellent. Dew bronze (£20)an extremely simple and natural-looking liquid bronzer, was its best launch. I grabbed it again and again, making it swell on my cheeks and temples with their now indispensable Basic brush (£21). Saie could get away with less bang for his buck, but especially with overdeliveries.
Speaking of awards, the mainstream hits kept coming. Elf is not stained, seven pounds XTNDR Eyelashes would have been my mascara of the year at all costs.
Garnier, born again, is now so consistently good that I get bored of my own praise. Suffice it to say that 2024 launches Sheer Glow Vitamin C Daily UV Lightening Fluid (£12.99) and Soothing cleansing cream with hyaluronic aloe vera (£9.99) are worth your money. A bigger financial commitment, but well worth it to access one of Britain’s best dermatologists, is that of Dr Emma Craythorne. Kliraa tailor-made subscription-based skincare service.
Hermès Barenia (£70), a grown-up, glamorous and quietly elegant blend of sweet woods and dried fruit, was my go-to scent of last year – and only partly because it’s so at odds with the trendy, sweet scents of pudding of the day.
There have been more complexion launches (foundations, primers, concealers) than anything else. The best of them were the most publicized Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Stick Foundation (£35), a glow stick that really isn’t a foundation at all, and is almost entirely ignored Make Up For Ever Hydra Glow HD Skin Foundation (£38), which absolutely is.
I’m not usually drawn to expensive beauty gadgets, but 2024 has me turning the corner. I bought the Dyson AirStrait (£449.99) with plans to return it, but it’s the best tool ever for straight hair – if one can get past the cost, James Dyson and a caravan-sized plug from tourism. It gives a smooth, shiny and long-lasting blow-dry with no creases, little frizz and minimal effort, without the need for a damaging straightener.
I am even more devoted to my Halo Ziip (£379), the most effective facial gadget I’ve ever used. Its immediate tightening and sculpting effect throughout the day, particularly around my jaw, is a big victory for me and, unanimously, for the many friends who now have one. I thought I lost mine last summer and immediately panic bought another one – that’s how addicted I’ve become to it.
