Get your beauty fix with our guide to who to follow on Instagram now, if you have a penchant for skincare and all things beauty.
From Instagram to real life, discover the top beauty insiders; from editors, journalists, influencers and bloggers, and be inspired by their top picks one Instagram post at a time. If you want to get your beauty fix, see my selection below.
Emma Hoareau, @emmahoareau
Emma Hoareau is a writer, photographer and ‘skinfluencer’, and she shares all her tips and tricks on the amazing Lolita Says So blog. In terms of photography, her pictures have a vintage feel and her self-portraits and thoughts on self-care are a must in terms of her work. Apart from skincare and beauty tips, follow her for her amazing travels.
Her top product:
‘I don’t have one favourite product, just a good routine.’ Don’t miss The Lolita List on Hoareau’s blog, featuring all the top products to help you built or add to your skincare routine.
Amy Lawrenson, @amy_lawrenson
Amy Lawrenson is the former editorial director of top beauty website Byrdie UK, with access to the leading products and new launches. She also often speaks to doctors and insiders on her personal
Her top product:
‘It’s really tough to pick just my top beauty product, but I really do love the It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC SPF50 cream, which gives great coverage without feeling cakey or heavy. It comes in Original, CC+ Illumination, for added glow, and CC Oil-Free Matte if you’re prone to spots or prefer a matte finish that isn’t flat. I’ve tried them all and the CC+ Illumination is definitely the one that has garnered me the most compliments: people will often say “your skin looks great today” when I’m wearing it, which has to be the ultimate beauty compliment.’
It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Illumination SPF50 cream, £30
Madeleine Spencer, @madeleinelovesthis
Madeleine Spencer is a freelance beauty editor and make-up artist, who also hosts her own podcast, Beauty Full Lives, with various exciting guests so far including Dolly Alderton, Trish McEvoy, Millie Mackintosh. Her voice is very soothing to listen to and her podcast is a must. Spencer often does make-up tutorials on her IGTV showing all kinds of looks, from natural to going out, and also answers questions. She also posts in-depth reviews on beauty, travelling and more on her blog, Madeleine Loves.
Her top product:
‘Without question, Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage is the best concealer I’ve used – it covers the redness with ease, blends to fuse seamlessly with skin, and isn’t too greasy. Plus the two shades in every palette means you can customise your perfect shade every time.’
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage concealer, £27.50
Lydia House, @lydia_house, @beautyverified
Following freelance beauty editor and consultant Lydia House (née Thompson) is a must if you want inspiration on new beauty that works, as well as shots of beautiful trips, photo shoots and pictures of her amazing wedding day (including a very detailed pre-wedding routine). Also follow her just-launched Beauty Verified account for expert beauty tips and tricks.
Her top product:
‘Post-30, the texture of my skin started to change (not for the better!), and I never thought I’d get back the soft-to-touch skin that I’d taken for granted in my 20s. That was until I tried these Exuviance capsules. Applying daily before bed, the high-grade vitamin C made a noticeable difference to my skin: it was smoother, brighter and, best of all, more youthful looking. I would advise everyone to use these, even those with sensitive skins can benefit by applying just two or three times a week. Yes, they are expensive but so is Botox – if you’re not a needle kinda person then add this into your routine.’
Exuviance AF Vitamin C20 Capsules, £59
Samantha Freedman, @samfreedman1
Samantha Freedman is a freelance beauty editor and former associate beauty editor at Grazia and Look Magazine. This year she founded Just Add Beauty, an innovative concept that connects fashion and beauty brands, which aims to change the way we buy beauty products. Discover new launches, interesting events, travel and tips, and interviews with brand founders.
Her top product:
‘I would have to say my favourite product right now is my Aurelia Miracle Cleanser as it quite literally is a miracle worker! I scoop out a small amount and rub it over my eyes and face, and it literally melts away my make-up (even stubborn mascara). My skin feels plump, hydrated and super clean, and when I have a breakout it calms redness and balances out any oiliness.’
Aurelia Miracle Cleanser, £45
Elle McNamara, @bambidoesbeauty
Elle McNamara is a natural skin advocate who focuses on encouraging people to embrace their skin and focusing on good-for-you skincare. Don’t miss out on her monthly favourites in her Stories and her product reviews. Plus, she has brows to die for! For more in-depth recommendations, follow Elle’s monthly column on the Glamour UK website.
Her top product:
‘At the moment it’s retinol. I’m obsessed with Allies of Skin’s Bright Future – I wake up with such glowing skin!’
Allies of Skin Bright Future Overnight Facial, 50ml, £110
Lisa Potter-Dixon, @lisapotterdixon, @benefitcosmeticsuk
Lisa Potter-Dixon is the head make-up artist and national brow artist for Benefit. Apart from her enviable brows, follow Lisa for many detailed make-up tutorials both on her Instagram and YouTube channel, as well as her Backchat Beauty Instagram Live videos with Elle beauty director Sophie Beresiner, full of tips and friendly chat. If you like sequins, metallics, animal prints and shoes, you must follow Lisa!
Her top product:
‘Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil is my “can’t live without” product. I’m all about brows. They make such a difference to your face and this pencil has an ultra-fine tip meaning you can create hair-like strokes to fill in any gaps, lengthen the brow and create a feathered front.’
Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil, £20.50
Joely Gabrielle Walker, @joelygabrielle
The beauty and health director of Grazia, Joely Gabrielle Walker posts about her favourite perfumes, new launches, behind-the-scenes shots from Grazia, as well as her travels, delicious food and her love of printed dresses. Her wedding will also give you all the inspiration you’ll need if you’re getting married soon!
Her top product:
‘This Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra Longwear is hands down the best concealer I’ve found this year – creamy, comfortable and basically budge-proof, be it under eyes or over spots, it gets the job done and leaves a lovely glow in its wake. Plus, the wand applicator makes swiping it on-the-go a doddle.’
Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra Longwear Concealer, £24
Jennifer George, @jenniferrosina, @elleuk
Jennifer is the beauty editor at Elle and, apart from new products, behind-the-scenes shots from beauty shoots and top tips, she serves excellent captions. If you love dogs, her dachshund is ridiculously cute and if you’re getting married soon, follow her for wedding inspiration.
Her top product:
“The Redken No Blow Dry Just Right Cream means I can wash and go while creating curls and controlling frizz. I wash my hair everyday so cutting out time is a win.”
Redken No Blow Dry Just Right Cream, 150ml, £18.50
Sarah Jossel, @sarahjossel
Sarah Jossel, the beauty director of the Sunday Times Style magazine, is also known as the Beauty Boss (she even has her personalised stamp). Jossel loves bright lipsticks, glowing skin and printed dresses – not to mention she’s hilarious. Look out for the #BeautyBOSSapproved hashtag for her recommended products and watch her guest appearances on ITV’s This Morning. She has many amazing guests on the Style Play channel and has also recently launched a beauty box with Latest in Beauty, which contains a few of her must-haves.
Her top product:
‘Dr Sam’s Flawless Cleanser. It’s a refreshing jelly-like gel that’s brilliant for blemish-prone skin and takes off all make-up without leaving any residue.’
Dr Sam’s Flawless Cleanser, £16
Originally written for Global Blue
