Friday, May 9, 2008

Celebrity beauty secrets

They can take their pick from the world's smartest beauty counters and shop at the most exclusive boutiques, but what do celebrities really have in their make-up bags and bathroom cabinets? From the sheerest tinted moisturiser and the best red lipstick, the beautiful people - actresses, supermodels, musicians and designers - reveal their 21 make-up must-haves, skincare savers and body buffers. By Karena Callen

1. The Skin Cleanser


Mario Badescu Almond & Honey Face Scrub, £13.50, is adored by Helena Christensen, the supermodel and photographer, as much for its gorgeous smell as for its face-freshening effect. 'It smells like marzipan,' says Christensen. 'And gives my skin a clean, velvety feeling.' From hqhair.com

2. The Neutral LipLiner

Unless you want to look like a 1980s throwback, steer clear of a lipliner that is darker than your natural lip colour. Get it spot-on by following Keira Knightley's lead. Revered for her smoky eyes and pale lips combo, the actress found her perfect pencil at none other than Boots. 'No7 Lip Liner [£6.75] in Nude, is the perfect colour,' says Knightley. 0845 070 8090

3. The Classic Red Lipstick

A red mouth is the epitome of glamour. Finding a red that works for every colouring is hard, but you can't go wrong with Mac Ruby Woo Lipstick, £11, a deep, Chinese-lacquer red that works equally well on the English rose and the Californian blonde. It's the signature colour of the burlesque artist Dita Von Teese and the designer Lulu Guinness. 'I'm so low-maintenance,' says Guinness. 'But if you wear red lipstick people think you've spent hours putting it on.' maccosmetics.co.uk

4. The Shiniest Lip-gloss

Along with her platinum-blond hair, Gwen Stefani's trademark is her glossy lips. Her gloss of choice? Urban Decay XXX Shine Lip Gloss, £10.50, an über-shiny syrup that comes in a myriad of lip-plumping shades. Go for Betsey, a toffee-apple red, as worn on the catwalk at Betsey Johnson, Naked, a gorgeous pinky nude, or Stefani's favourite, Ozone, the perfect crystal-clear top coat. From Boots (0845 070 8090)

5. The Lushest Lash Mascara

Bizarre but true, blinc's waterproof mascara creates tiny tubes around every lash to increase staying power. It has a cult following that includes the actresses Jennifer Hudson, Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu and Sienna Miller. It's also a firm favourite with the model Daisy Lowe: 'Blinc Mascara [£18] is my newest beauty discovery. You can literally sleep in it and it won't smudge.' From www.harveynichols.co.uk

6. The Multipurpose Beauty Balm


Originally created to make racehorses' legs look glossy and allegedly used by the SAS to protect their skin, Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, £20, is the stuff of beauty legends. Hardly surprising that everyone from Kate Moss and Penélope Cruz to Rachel Bilson cites it as a beauty staple. 'It gives my skin a dewy look,' says Bilson, who daubs it on to highlight cheekbones, temples and lips. From Boots (0845 070 8090)

7. The Skin Perfecting Concealer

For hiding imperfections, the 'Sex and the City' star Sarah Jessica Parker swears by Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer, £25, a creamy duo that can be blended to achieve the right shade. 'It covers, blends and doesn't look like you're wearing anything,' she says. Other fans include Angelina Jolie and Jade Jagger. 'I love Laura Mercier,' says Jagger. 'I feel like I am still myself, just beautifully enhanced - not painted over.' From Selfridges (020 7318 3378)

8. The Organic Hand Cream

One of the first to offer biodynamic and organic products, Jurlique is a favourite with the eco-aware. Alicia Silverstone cites it as one of her favourites, while Scheherazade Goldsmith loves the Jurlique Lavender Hand Cream, £17. 'It's velvety-rich and leaves your hands feeling supple and hydrated,' she says. jurlique.co.uk

9. The Skin-Enhancing Foundation

With a million and one formulations to choose from, which do the experts rate? Make-up artists, models and actresses alike bulk-buy Chanel Vitalumière Satin Smoothing Makeup SPF 15, £28, swearing by its age-defying properties. 'It glides on to skin so smoothly and leaves it looking radiant and young,' says the make-up artist Kay Montano. 'Salma Hayek, Thandie Newton and Anne Hathaway love it.' www.chanel.co.uk 'When I moved to LA the best thing was meeting Ole, my facialist, and David Bowie, my husband,' says the model Iman

10. The Daily SPF Moisturiser

Witherspoon's favourite moisturiser, Avon Solutions Hydra-Radiance Cream SPF 15, £8. 'I'm a working mother,' she says. 'So I need to keep it simple and quick. I wash my face then apply Hydra-Radiance, which has a built-in SPF to protect my skin.' avon.uk.com

11. The Miracle Hair Treat

Owner of the world's most enviable tresses, Elle Macpherson credits Frédéric Fekkai Overnight Hair Repair as being responsible for keeping her hair in tip-top condition. 'I apply it to my hair before bed when it's overworked. When I wash it out in the morning it feels renewed.' At £135, it's for red-carpet occasions only. From Space NK (020 8740 2085)

12. The Glow-Enhancing Bronzer

Even with her God-given tawny skin, the classical pianist Myleene Klass can't be without a faux bronzer. 'My beauty must-have is Ruby & Millie Complete Bronze Kit [£14],' reveals Klass. 'It makes my skin look great, even if I've had no sleep.' From Boots (0845 070 8090)


13. The Almost-Invisible Powder

Powder-phobes afraid of looking caked would be well-advised to invest in one of Hollywood's best-kept beauty secrets. Kanebo Translucent Loose Powder, £55, not only works with any skin tone, but also feels light as a feather and is almost imperceptible. The actress Helen Mirren relied on it to keep her skin paparazzi-perfect throughout the Oscars. As her make-up artist, Elaine Offers, says, 'Kanebo's translucent powder feels unbelievable.'
www.kanebo.com

14. The Eye-Make-up Remover

There are some products that are worth spending money on and eye-make-up remover is one of them. Take a leaf out of the book of the actress Juliette Binoche and invest in Lancôme Bi-Facil Non Oily Instant Cleanser for Sensitive Eyes, £18. 'I've used it for over ten years and never changed. I love the fragrance, comfort and efficiency.'
lancome.co.uk

15. The Sheerest Tinted Moisturiser

The search for a tinted moisturiser that covers /just/ enough, hydrates skin without looking greasy and protects from environmental damage is to beauty buffs what the Holy Grail was to the Templars. No wonder Lancôme Aqua Fusion Teinté SPF 15, £22, has a cult following devoted to its multiple benefits, including the 24- year-old model and daughter of Isabella, Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann. 'I've always loved taking care of my skin,' reveals Elettra. 'It's an integral part of my job. This is perfect for every day.'
www.lancome.co.uk

Article by : www.telegraph.co.uk