Intelligent Beauty

8 Cult Classics From The Last 8 Years

The past eight years have been nothing short of phenomenal. We’ve picked the brains of every {make up} artist, {skin care} specialist and {hair care} guru we have ever come across, to discover their go-to, can’t-live-with-them products, and learn about the latest beauty must-haves from around the globe.

That said, the true test of a product’s success is the way it’s received (and reviewed) by our die-hard Cult Beauties (that’s you). We like to think we’re pretty good at sourcing only the best products on the market, but these eight superstars are in a different league. Consistently amongst the most reviewed, they’ve all earned 5, coveted Cult Beauty stars – they’re the ultimate ‘over-achievers’, so make sure they’re part of your kit…

Emma Hardie {Moringa Cleansing Balm with Cleansing Cloth}
“I’ve used this balm for quite a few years now and it really has changed my skin. I used to have very sensitive, problematic skin, but this is so soothing – as well as effective. It smells absolutely divine and I can’t imagine my routine without it. I’ve used it as a mask as well as cleanser, and it’s amazing on all areas of dryness or irritation. A tiny amount goes a long way – I’ve even used this as a massage product and it works wonders. This is definitely a must-have product of mine and I’ll always have a spare, just in case I run out.”

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Pixi {Glow Tonic}
“You’ll not be disappointed by this. I started using it four weeks ago (after reading some rave reviews) and I can honestly say that my skin has never been better. I used to suffer from really small ‘under the skin’ bumps – especially on my chin and forehead – and they have completely disappeared. My make up applies much better and I can even brave ‘no make up days’ and not feel self-conscious. I’ve just purchased a bottle for my brother for his birthday, and have now got by boyfriend addicted… It’s the best skin care product I have ever used.”

SHOP PIXI >>

Alpha-H {Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF 50}
“It’s the first time I’ve ever felt inclined to leave a review for a product – but this is really great. I suffer from really congested, oily skin, so any other SPFs leave my skin super-shiny and exacerbate the breakouts. With this, I don’t even have to use any mattifying primer (which I would previously always apply after moisturising). As the other reviews say, this makes your skin ultra-soft and velvety, and all with a really high protection factor. It’s the only one I would consider using now.”

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Sunday Riley {Good Genes}
“I was umming and aahing about buying this product for months, but having finally taken the plunge, I’m annoyed at myself for not buying it sooner. THIS IS AMAZING. I suffer from horrible pigmentation marks but having used this for nearly two weeks, my skin looks more or less perfect, with barely any dark spots. It’s 100% a must-have beauty buy!”

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Anastasia Beverly Hills {Brow Wiz}
“This pencil is absolutely the best I’ve ever used. Medium Ash has no red undertone, unlike a lot of other brown pencils, which is great for my cool colouring. It’s not too soft, so you can easily avoid that awful ‘tattooed on’ look. The fine nib lets you apply precisely and it’s not too waxy, so it looks really natural. It lasts all day for me, even when applied on its own.”

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Huda Beauty {Giselle #1}
“As a bridal make up artist, I use these regularly – they’re fluttery and don’t look really fake/plastic-y like many of the high street brands, plus they add just the perfect amount of drama and ‘glam’ factor. They’re great for all eye shapes and sizes, and they’re good for a few uses due to the quality. Totally worth it.”

SHOP HUDA BEAUTY >>

BECCA {Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed – Champagne Pop}
“As somebody with an addiction to highlighter and a very large collection of it, I hope you will understand how much I love it when I say this is my favourite one. The pigmentation is incredible, the shimmer is finely milled and the colour blends well with most bronzers and blushers. It is very smooth to apply and given an intense glow. Definitely worth every penny.”

SHOP BECCA >>

Escentric Molecules {Molecule 01}
“Hands down my favourite fragrance. I am a perfumer and make up artist and product developer – needless to say, I’ve seen it all and this perfume is a truly unique, ‘under the radar’ scent that works beautifully layered with other perfumes or on its own. I constantly get told that I ‘smell amazing’ and it’s no doubt due to this product. It never precedes you into a room and is sometimes barely detectable, even up close, but it’s there. It works with your skin’s chemistry and I have never heard of it not reacting phenomenally well.”

SHOP ESCENTRIC MOLECULES >>

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Verity Douglas

Verity Douglas

Content Editor

Cult Beauty’s Content Editor and a Cult Beauty OG, Verity loves nothing more than the marriage of language and lip balm. A quintessential Libran, she’s a self-professed magpie for luxury ‘must-haves' and always pursuing the new and the niche — from the boujee-est skin care to cutting-edge tech. Balancing an urge to stop the clock with her desire to embrace the ageing process (and set a positive example for her daughter), Verity's a retinol obsessive and will gladly share her thoughts about the time-defying gadgets, masks and treatments worth the splurge...