The Best Cult Beauty Buys According To A Pro

Graziadaily

6 days ago

As beauty experts, we'll be the first to admit that our industry is a highly saturated one. Before even hitting pan on a product, I'm met with the lure of ample iterations of the same thing tempting me to cheat on my go-to. It certainly keeps things fresh and interesting, but the endless options can be confusing, too. Sometimes, you need to enlist the support of a professional to point you in the right direction of your next purchase. Luckily, you don't need one on speed dial to be in the know. Look to Cult Beauty, which has teamed up with celebrity make-up extraordinaire and Grazia Beauty Panel member Lisa Potter-Dixon to bring shoppers an edit of her 24 most-rated beauty buys across the platform. And better yet, there are savings to be had.
By shopping Lisa's Top Picks on Cult Beauty, you can enjoy 20% off each product in the line-up, when using the code 'LISAPICKS' at checkout. From hair heroes like the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo, £27, to skincare essentials like Elemis' Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm, £49, and make-up must-haves including the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter, £39,Dixon's edit certainly covers all the beauty bases.
From her beginnings as the inaugural global head of make-up artistry for Benefit to becoming a regular in the London Fashion Week circuit, Dixon has become a voice of authority in the make-up world, something only backed by her celebrity clientele (including Cara Delevingne), impressive editorial magazine portfolio and countless TV appearances. And when she's not doing all of the above, you'll likely catch her bringing her 105K Instagram followers into the know of the products that should be on their radar. So rest assured, Dixon knows exactly what she's talking about. It also helps that Grazia beauty is pretty obsessed with most of the products in the edit, having tried and tested them ourselves. Here's the ones we rate most. 1.
Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
Specifically made for the treatment of acne, fine lines and redness, this LED mask has become the gold standard in the at-home beauty treatment world, thanks to its professional-grade credentials.
Lisa Potter-Dixon, professional make-up artists, says: 'Using an LED face mask consistently makes such a big difference to your skin, not only does it help to even out the complexion and brighten, it can help with collagen regeneration which helps with fine lines. You have to use it consistently, three to five days a week, even just 10 minutes will work wonders. Dr Dennis Gross is one of the leading experts in the field, so you know this mask is going to be good.' Pros Cons 2.
Larry King Haircare Flyaway With Me Kit
This kit brings together hair doyen Larry King's most-loved products, a hardworking finishing cream and a nifty brush that allows you to get really precise.
Lisa Potter-Dixon, professional make-up artists, says: 'Larry first introduced me to his Flyaway set when we were on set together shooting because I have all these little baby hairs that stick out of my head, so he said "hold on, look at this new product I've got". It literally smooths away any flyaways but at the same time if you want baby curls on the face it will shape them into place, and the little toothbrush it comes with is super handy to do that and comes everything to perfection.' Pros Cons Tube can crack and leak product 3.
ICONIC London Prep-Set-Glow
Whether you're prepping, hydrating or setting your skin and make-up, this multitasking spray is loaded with cucumber, chamomile, antioxidants, green tea, caffeine and vitamin E to leave skin calm, revitalised and glossy instantly.
Lisa Potter-Dixon, professional make-up artists, says: 'I have adored the Iconic London Prep-Set-Glow for years, not only does it help keep your make-up in place, but it's also got caffeine which invigorates the skin. It's also got these amazing little shimmer particles which adds an extra glow to your complexion.' Pros Cons Might be too glowy for some 4.
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo
This hard-working dry shampoo boasts fast-absorbing powders to mop up excess oil and sweat, while providing a dose of conditioning agents to lend all-important softness and shine.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'This is without a doubt one of the best dry shampoos I've ever used. I try to limit my wash days per week to twice maximum because, despite what you've heard you don't need to wash it every day, especially if your hair type can handle it. That said, by day three, my hair does need a little sprucing up, so I lace over my scalp with a few bursts of this. My hair always looks (and feels) instantly more fresh, balanced and revived.' Pros Quickly revives hair with no residue Cons Doesn't fragrance your hair if that is what you look for in a dry shampoo 5.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
Viral and bestselling for good reason, this multi-tasking glow-giver is loved for its ability to lend all-day radiance, subtle coverage and a smooth finish to make-up.
Aimee Jakes, Grazia's former trending content editor, says: 'If there is a skincare product, make-up hack or supplement that promises a lit-within glow, I most likely have given it a go. Honestly, my dedication to achieving that facial-fresh gleam knows no bounds. One product that is forever doing the rounds on TikTok - over 56 million views and counting - and now a bottle of the stuff now sells every two minutes worldwide. It's time to become acquainted with Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter Foundation - a product often imitated but is never as good as the gleamy OG. Simply, the cult formula supplies sheer coverage and a mega-watt glow, whilst expertly smoothing and hydrating skin.' Pros Provides lit-from-within glow Cons 6.
NARS Cosmetics Radiant Creamy Concealer
This cult classic concealer promises to provide lightweight yet buildable coverage to any perceived pesky problems, whether it is your under eyes or pigmentation around the face. It silky smooth finish boasts luminosity and max comfort.
Rachael Martin, beauty director, says: 'A cult classic for good reason, this has been a staple in my make-up bag for…what…ten years now? (Look to my mucky packaging if you need proof) The texture is creamy and rich (without erring on the thick side) making it ideal for layering - it melts into the skin beautifully. I also adore the buildable coverage - under eyes are brightened in an instant - think radiance, without any hint of shimmer. If you're someone who deals with blemishes (raises hand) then this works a treat here too by minimising redness and softening the appearance of the spots themselves. A reminder - always set with powder to ensure ultimate staying power. And stay it does. I can apply the concealer before work at 8am (pre a full day of meetings) and it's still sitting pretty come cocktail hour.' Pros Cons Not suitable for those who like fully matte coverage 7.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm
When it comes to cleansers that have taken the beauty world by storm, Elemis' Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is at the top of the list. A cult favourite among beauty fanatics (ourselves included), is also beloved by A-listers like Cara Delevingne and Victoria Beckham, who swear by its skin-loving properties.
Georgia Scott, beauty writer says: 'The original cleansing balm has always been a favourite of mine, so it's no surprise that the latest edition exceeded my expectations and quickly became my new go-to. I adore the balmy, oily texture that gently removes makeup while providing lasting hydration to my dry skin. While the original fragrance will always have a special place in my heart, this indulgent Black Cherry scent is equally delightful. If you're a fan of exploring new takes on classic beauty products, the Black Cherry Cleansing Balm should definitely be at the top of your shopping list.' Pros A great way to get a classic at a discounted price Cons Fans on the orginal may not take to the cherry scent
Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia's beauty writer, covering all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral).