When Netflix's docuseries Beckham aired last year, letting us into the lives, and wardrobes, of one of Britain’s most prominent couples, for some it was all about the fashion (see: a 608% uptick in searches for Victoria Beckham’s eponymous clothing line). For beauty fans, however, it was her signature smokey eye and Posh Spice make-up that stole the show, serving as a reminder of some of VB's most iconic, and nostalgic, looks.
It was also a visual reminder that her beauty line, Victoria Beckham Beauty, is a veritable ode to them. I’ve been a VB Beauty acolyte since it launched back in 2019. But it wasn’t the brand’s first ever product, a quad of shimmer eyeshadows, or the Augustinus Bader-approved skincare line that made me take note. No, it was the Satin Kajal Liner, now one of the brand's most popular and coveted make-up products.
A beauty mainstay, you’ll find Victoria Beckham's famed eyeliner in many a make-up artist’s kit and, among all the hyped new launches, it’s one of the rare few products that experts continue to preach sermons about. Its unwavering success has caused new iterations to crop up in the same ultra-pigmented, easily blendable formula, including a slew of brightly toned colours that launched this summer; the antidote to the sea of homogenous 'clean girl' make-up filling the beauty shelves.
The latest arrival? A new cinnamon-tinted version, which might be my favourite shade yet. The perfect autumnal switch-up, it's also reminiscent of VB's iconic Noughties look: the brown smokey eye. 'I’ve always loved a brown smokey eye, even in the early Spice Girls days; it is a signature beauty look for me. Over the years, I’ve tried different variations of a brown smokey eye,' Victoria Beckham tells ELLE UK.
She describes it as a fresh, warm and softer update to her classic, sultry smokey eye. For me, another part of the allure lies in the ease. Though I can meticulously apply a multi-step skincare routine and reel off every buzzy ingredient there is, where my beauty intel can often fall short is via make-up application. This eyeliner makes it easier than ever to get right; I can create a subtle winged flick and smokey eye in a matter of seconds, blending out the crease using the brush on the back and emulating the same (well, almost) iconic smokey eye you see on VB throughout the docuseries.
When I’m feeling more daring with my make-up, I’ll even experiment with brighter, more vibrant hues which, for someone who rarely wears bold make-up, is a major turning point. I’ve even been so bold as to add a slick of Green Apple Liner on my lash line or blend out the Cherry Blossom, a rich raspberry tone, over all of my lids. They’re the kind of eyeliners that allow you to have a little more fun with your makeup bag; they let you scribble and play and embrace both nostalgic Noughties trends and current heavy hitters (such as striking graphic lines and washes of all-over colour; a trend seen on the runway at Richard Quinn).
This month, Victoria Beckham also announced her first foray into the world of fragrance. Like the rest of her beauty line, these fragrances are inspired by memories gone by, such as the bergamot-enriched Portofino '97 scent, imbued with the scents of past holidays with David Beckham, and San Ysidro Drive, which evokes memories of her stint in California.
Whether it’s streamlining a smokey eye or bringing back nostalgic Noughties make-up, we have a lot to thank VB for. Personally, though, I’m grateful that I’m experimenting a little more with my make-up, even if it is just a flick of cinnamon or subtle smokey finish.
A New Fragrance Collection
Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Lipstick
Satin Kajal Liner
