BEAUTY FOR ALL, FOR LESS

Words: Lindsay Samson

L’Oréal has long been one of the most-trusted brands in cosmetics. Affordable, diverse and constantly innovating, the brand’s motto is “Beauty for All” – and for good reason. It’s something the L’Oréal group has explored for over just over a century, offering shades for a wide variety of skin tones and developing formulas that work for multiple skin types. Now for the good news. From Monday 28 October to Thursday 31 October, Superbalist is offering you some of the best L'Oréal products, including L'Oréal Paris, Men Expert, Studio Line, Essie and Maybelline, for up to half the price. But where to start shopping? We asked team Superbalist to tell us what they’re bagging from this exclusive beauty sale this week.

1.Essie Nail Polish in Fifth Avenue

“I am loving this bold shade of tangerine for summer, so I'll be painting the town and my nails in this gorgeous shade. I like to think of it as a modern update to the timeless red nail.”

2.L'Oréal Infallible Fixing Mist

“My number one pet peeve is makeup moving in the heat while I'm on the go. A fix spray is a non-negotiable when avoiding that 4pm face melt. Use in the morning to set your look for the day, then hit another spritz around midday for a sneaky refresh.”

What are some of your favourite beauty and skincare trends at the moment?

I like taking a minimalist approach to my beauty regimen, so I’m not too trend obsessed. What I am obsessed with is clean skin. I prefer a simple look with zero eyeliner, but a subtle slick of mascara, stained lips and a smattering of freckles.

What’s your top tip for shopping cosmetics?

The best advice I can give is put more of a focus on your skincare purchases. It’s best to spend some time learning about your own unique skin concerns and then shop accordingly. When it comes to makeup, however, there really are no rules. Go wild and experiment.

1.L'Oréal Rouge Signature Matte Liquid Lipstick in I am worth it

“Every now and again, we all need to rock a classic red lip. It’s something that should be in everyone's makeup bag, as it has the undeniable ability to add confidence and power to your look and mood.”

2.Maybelline Tattoo Brow Waterproof Gel in Deep Brown

“I don’t really wear a lot of makeup, but I’m super pedantic when it comes to my eyebrows. I’m not joking when I say that I can’t leave the house unless they’re well groomed.”

3.Essie Nail Polish in Sand Tropez

“I love this one because it's a simple neutral-colour nail polish that goes with everything. Like red lipstick, this kind of shade should be a beauty bag staple. Nude colours are also very on trend currently.”

What are some of your favourite beauty and skincare trends at the moment?

No-makeup makeup with pared-back lips and eyes and polished skin. By far my favourite effortless beauty trend. 

What’s your top tip for shopping cosmetics?

Take your time to figure out what works for you. Everybody’s skin is different, so simply going with what is trending is probably not the best idea.The most beautiful thing is when you are comfortable in your own skin.

1.L'Oréal Men Expert Pure Charcoal Anti-Blackhead Daily Face Scrub + Hydra Energetic Wake-Up Effect Face Wash

“It’s important to balance a hydrating face wash for daily use with a deep-cleaning exfoliant once or twice a week. The scrub helps with oil reduction, which is great for the summer months when my skin kicks into hyper-oil-production and the face wash perks up my skin in the morning.”

2.L'Oréal Men Expert Pure Power Active Moisturiser + Hydra Energetic Quenching Gel

“The moisturiser has active ingredients that remove excess oil, diminish fine spots and smooth your skin texture. It’s everything you could need in a skincare product. I’d recommend alternating with the soothing gel to really pack in the moisture.”

3.L'Oréal Men Expert Barber Club Beard + Face + Hair 3-in-1 Wash

“I may not be the biggest fan of an all-in-one product, but its convenience is undeniable. One simple solution to three problems. Win!”

What are some of your favourite beauty and skincare trends at the moment?

I don’t think you could call it a trend, but the importance of hydration is a real revelation for men’s skincare products. Men have always thought of skincare regimens as “by the way”, but at the very least, we should all be using a super-hydrating moisturiser daily.

What’s your top tip for shopping cosmetics?

Research your skin type. This will help you find the answers you need about what your skin needs to be in tip-top shape, what types of products you should use and how often to use them. Listen to your skin. Using the same products every day might not be good for you. Your skin signals you and you should change up your routine accordingly. Also, check the ingredients. Never buy the first thing you see. Some ingredients can be really damaging and pore-clogging, no matter what the packaging says.