AS CHOSEN BY SALI HUGHES
“Here are 25 of my all-time favourite products at Cult Beauty. Each is tried, tested, and adored by me” – Sali Hughes.
My Skin Care Picks
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
"A cult skin care classic, this effective but gentle exfoliation solution is the first thing I recommend to anyone suffering from breakouts and blackheads - including my own teenagers. A Hughes household staple."
Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum
"If you like a simple and efficient skin care routine, this gel serum packs a huge amount into one bottle. It delivers gentle exfoliation and potent vitamin C in one shot. Follow with sunscreen and you’re done."
Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF50+
"A literally perfect sunscreen moisturiser from a brand I respect and admire hugely. Suitable for balanced, dry and very dry skin."
Dieux Skin Forever Eye Mask
"I struggle with the waste of disposable sheet masks and patches, but this is the perfect solution. Drench the silicone patches in your favourite skin serum, and place under the eyes. Then rinse and put back in the tin."
LANEIGE Cream Skin Mist
"This is a game changer for getting extra night-time moisture without rubbing off your retinol, for reviving make up, and calming distressed skin without finger-touch. A fantastic product that lives permanently next to my bed."
Paula’s Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50
"I really rate Paula’s Choice’s SPF offering. This, their newest, is a superb all-rounder for all skin types and tones. It gives dewy moisture, glow and protection with no cast or ash."
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Gel Cream
"Sunday Riley makes exceptionally good moisturisers. A glow-giver ideal for dull skin, the light, hydrating texture will appeal to gym goers, oilier skin or those prone to a hot flush.”
Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum
"I use this gorgeous, plumping hydrating serum twice a week to give my naturally pale skin a golden glow. Apply as your serum or add a few drops to your moisturiser for ease."
Ultra Violette Daydream Screen SPF50 Tinted Veil
"My followers must be sick of the sight of this - I’ve barely worn any other base all summer. A light but buildable coverage tint with top-quality, high-factor Australian sunscreen. Easy-peasy to use."
MY MAKE UP PICKS
Surratt Beauty Revelée Lash Curler
"The only lash curlers I use. Impeccable quality and a smooth matte-black finish that prevents slipping and snagging."
Nudestix Nudies
"The hero product from one of my favourite brands, these give a natural-looking flush to cheeks and lips. I love pale, pinky Bare Back for a 1960s vibe, Bondi Bae as a realistic, matte bronzer, and Naughty ’N Spice as a healthy glow."
Milk Makeup Mini Lip + Cheek
"These have been with me on flights, to festivals, and stayed long-term in all of my handbags. Easy-peasy fresh, pretty, portable colour for cheeks and lips. Enigma (rosy beige) and Werk (dusty rose) are my favourites."
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
"I’m a total sucker for luxury lip balm, but my long nails mean I’m put off by pot and jar packaging. This tube delivers rich, buttery balm where I need it. I love the Vanilla and the Vanilla Beige in particular."
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
“I’ve been using this almost every day since it launched. I wear alone, or under foundation – it can also be used as a highlighter. It’s simply the best instant glow-giver on the market.”
SUQQU The Liquid Foundation
"I love all of SUQQU’s foundations, but this is the most versatile. It gives a lasting, polished finish without caking, dryness, or heaviness. Japan makes the most innovative bases in the world, and this is among its best."
VIEVE Eye Wand
"These creamy sticks of eye shadow are the fastest way to look effortful with your make up. I stroke Coffee or Camel on the upper and lower lids and then buff out with a blending brush. Espresso is great as a foolproof smoky liner."
Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Concealer
"Nailed it. One of the best launches of 2023, this full coverage creamy concealer brightens, covers and camouflages without crease, cake or fade. I wear N2, but there’s a shade for everyone."
My Hair Care Picks
Hair by Sam McKnight Happy Endings Nourishing Cream
"If you have floppy, fluffy hair but find most creams and serums impossibly heavy, this is for you. A light, non-sticky balm that feels more like fine skin care, it smooths and de-fluffs instantly."
JVN Complete Instant Recovery Serum
"The first hair serum I have ever been able to use on my fine, soft hair. A heat-protectant, squalane-rich moisturiser and feather light hair finisher, this is what I reach for after every single wash. Genius."
Drybar The Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush
"The fastest, easiest way to a big, bouncy blow-dry. Dries, shapes, and adds volume to even fine, flat hair, in one step. Great value and dependable. I use it constantly."
Slip Silk Pillowcase
"I’m never without one of these. The 100% silk, no-friction and non-absorbent fabric keeps hair smooth and detangled, and your skin uncreased and better able to retain your skincare products."
My Body Care & Fragrance Picks
Bella Freud Ginsberg Is God Candle
"If, like me, you love the smell of figs and tomato plants in a warm greenhouse, this will make you swoon. It lasts ages, but when empty, the cleaned jar lives on as a make up brush holder."
D.S. & Durga Steamed Rainbow
"An extremely clever and original fragrance from an interesting, niche perfumery. Think clean summer skin walking through hot, humid city streets. I bought it from Cult Beauty and was instantly hooked."
Sisley Eau de Campagne
"A masterpiece created by my all-time favourite perfumer, Jean Claude Ellena. Think luxury gardens in Provence, hot herbs and tomato plants, and wild grass under the beating sun. So French, so expensive smelling. It’s perfect."
L’Occitane Shea Bubble Bath
"If you find most bubble baths drying, this is for you. It’s gentle, softening and so delicately scented – I frequently gift it to new mums, or friends overcoming illness or experiencing stressful life events. I love it."