I’ve been fortunate that over the years my job has allowed me to play around with more beauty products than I could ever have dreamed of. I’ve tried countless products from so many brands across the market and along the way have discovered some truly brilliant things. Some of these products I have never let slip out of my routines since, some were lovely but it was a short-term love affair (like the time I fell in love with a face cream that costs more than my utilities) and some were very much loved but slipped out of favour for one reason or another.

Throughout these years of product testing though there have been a few products that have always ended up finding their way back in again after dropping off my radar for whatever reason. These are the products that I go to when my skin is freaking out, when I want to know what to expect and when I want products that I know I can rely on to deliver a certain result. Some of these have been rotated in and out for over 5 years, there’s nothing like a product that truly stands the test of time.

Clinique Take The Day Off Balm: A complete classic when it comes to cleansing balms; this is silky, smooth and literally destroys all of the makeup on your face, but it does so very gently. It’s fragrance and fuss free, just take a bit, massage into your skin and remove with a warm damp flannel. A tub will last me at least 3 months, sometimes longer, and a little is all you need to remove even waterproof mascara and matte lipsticks. I’ve tried countless balm cleansers but now always make sure I have one of these in my cabinet because honestly nothing compares.

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish: Another cult classic on the skincare front. This has now won over 100 awards and was the first beauty product that I was desperate to try and lusted after for ages. I’ve used this on and off for literally years and my skin is always happy when I do. This is quite heavily scented but if that doesn’t bother your skin then there’s no reason not to give this one a try.

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream: If you haven’t got a tube of this in your life then quite frankly what are you doing? It’s incredible, great for literally anything and I’m never without it. It’s the one beauty product that even non-beauty lovers adore and if someone isn’t already a fan I’m very quick to convert them. Chapped lips, dry skin, lip balm, highlighter, keep your brows in place, soften your cuticles, soothes sun burnt skin (literally a life saver in Bali!)…whatever it is, 8 Hour Cream has you covered. And if you really can’t stand the smell then they also do an unscented version.

L’Oréal Paris Brow Artist Plumper: In my opinion there is no brow gel that I have tried that compares to this one. I have used it for years and my brows always look so much better and generally more under control when I wear this. The tinted brown one helps to give my brows a slightly fuller look and the formula keeps everything in place (even my stray curly long brow hairs, sexy huh?) but without leaving them feeling or looking crunchy. It comes in a variety of shades including clear, it lasts for ages and is perfectly affordable.

MAC Soba: I’m such a flake with eyeshadow but Soba has a special place in my heart. It is the perfect everyday shade for me, adding a little definition to my eyes but without being too noticable. The warm tones and very subtle shimmer mean that it’s flattering all year around and when I have a little more of a tan it is the perfect sculpting shade. Of all my MAC eyeshadows this is the one that I have actually hit pan on. I never thought the day would come.

Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfector & Rimmel Lip Liner in Cappuccino: This lip combination is one I discovered a year or so ago and is honestly my lip colour happy place. The Clarins Lip Perfector is the perfect consistency for a gloss, it isn’t sticky, gives hydration and just a little lift of colour to the lips whilst the cappucino lip liner helps to add more definition to my lip line and leave my lips looking a little fuller. I always apply the gloss then pencil as I find this gives a more natural look. It doesn’t last all day, of course it doesnt, but it’s quick to apply and never fails me, whether I’m wearing hardly any makeup or I’m going out for an evening.

Playing around with beauty products is half of the fun, trying out the new formulas, finishes and shades but it is nice to know that I have a few products that I can always rely on for the perfect look.