The British people are in a very patriotic mood right now after a weekend of Regal partying. To continue the celebration here is our pick of the best British beauty products the country has to offer.
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Topshop has long been synonymous with the British High Street. We were eager for a make-up range from Topshop for as long as I can remember so it was hugely exciting when its range finally went on sale in May 2010. At just a year old it is now hard to believe the range hasn’t been around forever. The Skin Glow (£10) and Gel Liner (£8) are already make-up bag must haves. The range has expanded during its short life to everything from wipes, tweezers, eyelash curlers, nail varnish removers and brushes and now the cutest leather make-up bags. Each season it introduces a limited edition collection and the spring/summer Sandstorm collection will definitely get a lot of use this festival season.
From its humble beginnings in a cowshed (hence the name) in 1998, Cowshed have gone on to become a highly coveted brand found in the most luxurious hotels around the world. It was first created at Babington House hotel in Somerset, initially for use only in the Cowshed spa behind the hotel. Keeping true to its heritage every product still contains a herbal infusion from the gardens at Babington House and all the botanical ingredients are organic and from sustainable sources. The blends are given quirky, playful names such as Grumpy Cow, Lazy Cow and Bullocks. The Knackered Cow Relaxing Bath & Massage Oil (£20) is a favourite as is the nourishing Cranberry Seed Rejuvenating Facial Oil (£36).
Penhaligon’s is another British Institution - the brainchild of Englishman William Penhaligon, it has been part of our perfume culture since the Victorian era (1870 to be precise). From the first fragrance, Hammam Bouquet which launched in 1872 to its latest offering, Amaranthine, all the classic scents are made in England. Forgetting the fragrances themselves for just a moment, the bottles are a thing of beauty and loyal to William Penhaligon’s original design - a clear glass bottle with a distinctive stopper wrapped in ribbon. The most iconic fragrance to come from the brand is Blenheim Bouquet (£52 for 50ml edt), originally created in 1902. The discreet lemon, lavender and musk fragrance ensures it has remained popular its entire 109 years.
As a make-up artist for over 20 years, British born Daniel Sandler brought a wealth of knowledge to his make-up brand when it launched in 2004. His cult product the Watercolour (£14.50) has won award after award and is loved by many a beauty junkie for the gorgeous blush stain it gives to cheeks. Daniel has painted such famous faces as Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Rachel Weisz. His Urban Retreat Makeup Studio in Harrods serves high profile celebs for red carpet events as well as lucky customers.
Nothing is more quintessentially British than Green & Spring – all its products are hand-blended in the British countryside and the products are produced with herbs and flowers native to the isles – even the packaging components are sourced in the UK. Created by Jessica and Peter Frankopan in 2009, the brand grew out of the Cotswolds. Many of the products use spring water from Cowley Manor (an idyllic country manor hotel) in the Cotswolds, which is also where you will find the Green & Spring treatments at the C-Side spa. Favourites include the Indulging Light Bath Oil (£24) and heavenly scented Relaxing Home Candle (£29)
Began in 1730 when founder Juan Famenias Floris and his wife Elizabeth began selling perfume, combs and shaving products. They opened a shop at 89 Jermyn Street which still serves as the hub of the company today. The store itself is like a little piece of history and feels as though you are setting foot in to the pages of a Jane Austin novel. Resident Perfumer Shelagh Foyle is on hand by appointment to help you find that perfect scent or to even help you come up with your very own, bespoke creation. In 2010 Floris celebrated their 280th anniversary with the launch of ‘280’ – a limited edition fragrance with only 280 bottles to ever be produced. Florislondon.com Enq: 0845 702 3239