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2012 has been a year of innovation and groundbreaking new beauty arrivals. In the November issue (on sale today) we can reveal the 100 best launches of 2012 in our ELLE Beauty Awards. Here we reveal the 30 best make-up products, from lipsticks and eyeshadows to bases, blush, the best that money can buy...
Next week we will reveal the winning skincare products, see you then!
The flattering rose-gold cream blends effortlessly into the skin. Press on to the high points of your face for a hit of luminosity that really lifts.
Topshop Make-up Glow Highlighter in Polish, £9
This genius hybrid product delivers a hit of colour along with a lacquered finish, yet still feels comfortable on lips.
YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain Lip Stain, £22.50 at Selfridges
Buff these delicate shadows on to lids for a beautifully understated, matte finish. The palette of shades, like Mulberry and Dark Sable (pictured), are sophisticated and wearable.
Burberry Sheer Eye Shadow, £22.50
A moisturising balm texture and gloss-like finish; imparts the subtlest hint of fresh colour.Giorgio Armani Rouge d’Armani Sheer Lipstick, £25 at Selfridges
The perfect blend of shades to suit all skin tones. The hint of shimmer illuminates tired complexions and sets make-up in place.
Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder, £40
‘So good it’s going in my kit,’ raves Lisa Eldridge. ‘The colours are inspiring, with a creamy formula and long-lasting finish.’
Dior 5 Couleurs Couture Colour Eyeshadow Palette in Bleu de Paris, £40 at Selfridges
An innovative way to add drama to lashes. Twist the cap one way for extra length and definition or the other way for high-impact, full volume. We love this.CK One Mascara, £17 at Debenhams
The best when it comes to highly pigmented, intense colour. The creamy formula means the crayon glides easily across lids.
Dolce & Gabbana Makeup Crayon Intense, £17.50 at Harrods
‘An essential in my kit, this is great for everything from adding gloss to faces to moisturising lips and soothing grazes. The lack of fragrance means that now everyone can use it,’ says Lisa Eldridge.
Elizabeth Arden Fragrance Free Eight Hour Cream, £25 at Boots
This ultra-hydrating and comfortable lipstick ticks all the boxes when it comes to creamy shine with colour pay-off.
Dior Addict Extreme, £24 at Selfridges
‘Love the slightly sweet fragrance and the fact that it lasts so long on the skin,’ says Tanya Burr. Plus the blend of flattering peach and rose shades will suit most skin tones.
Benefit Hervana, £23.50
ELLE columnist and judge Lisa Eldridge loves this: ‘The slight stickiness this left on the skin means foundation will adhere brilliantly. It feels nicely hydrating, too.’
JK Jemma Kidd Instant Lift Skin Perfecting Primer, £14
‘The consistency is great and makes drawing easy. A good all-rounder for small flicks or fat lines,’ says Lisa Eldridge.
Lancôme Hypnôse Star Liner Plume, £22 at Lancome
We don’t know how Chanel does it, but this milky putty is yet another cult shade. The most sophisticated nude we’ve come across.
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Frenzy, £18 at Selfridges
This terracotta shade delivers a touch of sun to even the palest of skin, with a hint of metallic pigment to add a shimmering finish.
L’Oréal Paris Glam Bronze Wild Instinct Bronzing Powder, £9.99
‘Amazing. It gives great coverage, but is so lightweight it feels like you have nothing on,’ says judge Tanya Burr.Estée Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup, £27
The votes were overwhelming – this finely milled powder is a winner thanks to the flawless, featherlight coverage it gives.MAC Mineralize Foundation/Loose, £24
‘Soft and great value for money. I love the clean, professional design,’ says Tanya Burr.
Liz Earle Precision Brush, £13, and Powder Brush, £20
The genius, compact packaging won special praise from Lisa Eldridge, who also commends it for its ‘lovely, mattifying texture and realistic shade options’.
Givenchy Eclat Matissime Fluid Foundation, £32.50 at House of Fraser
‘A good, natural shade with a neat and easy-to-use brush for precision,’ says Lisa Eldridge. A must for your make-up bag.
Maybelline New York Master Shape Brow Pencil, £2.99
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