A small step into the unknown

MAC make-up artist, Emma Cox, urges you to try out some of the best cosmetic brands you may not have heard of

Let's be honest, walking through a beauty department in a shop can be a pretty daunting experience, right? Even for the most seasoned make-up junkies. Not only because of some 'Stepford' sales assistants – the sheer amount of different brands on offer is pretty overwhelming. It's probably easier to stick to your current brand, right? I mean, where do you start? Do you stay true to your current products? Or venture out to test the water?

Make up is big business at the moment, new brands are popping up all of the time, and old brands are bringing out wonder products every five minutes. I know only too well the struggle to keep up with every new trend and change in technology, but making one small change in your routine really can be an epiphany moment!

Something new

I'm a true believer of 'variety is the spice of life' when it comes to make up and skincare products. I find trying a new brand extremely exciting and rarely stay loyal to a product for long.

I’d suggest that you don't get stuck in a rut, give some of these lesser-known brands a try, you wont be disappointed...

Chantecaille

Chantecaille is a premium French brand with make up palettes (from £62) to die for! Palettes so beautiful, you’ll almost not want to use them – they feature beautifully sculpted animals such as horses and tigers, in magnificent fashion forward colours. Its skincare products are made solely using natural botanicals, with rich and heavenly scents.

I urge you to try this brand – it's pretty pricey but with massive pay off. The best bit? The company's family ethos is to spread awareness of global issues so it’s guilt-free shopping too!



15 Year Anniversary eye shade trio, £63.00, Chantecaille, www.uk.spacenk.com


Charlotte Tilbury

Charlotte Tilbury is a superstar in the fashion world. Charlotte is from London and has worked as a make up artist for over 20 years, and is known for her signature 'feline flicks' and celebrity clientele. She launched her make up brand in 2013 exclusively at Selfridges and her make up collection is absolutely genius! It’s tailored towards 'normal' women, with step-by-step guides and box sets including everything you could possibly need.

The products are all packaged in old Hollywood style and named after iconic, powerful females – Kate Moss being one of them – try the Nude Kate lipstick £23 (all hail Moss!).

Charlotte’s ethos is all about empowering women to feel beautiful, something she feels is achievable by all, by themselves, with a little bit of her help – I love this!

The 'Magic cream' (£70) is carried in LOTS of celebrity make up bags and I have to agree, it really is magic.



Magic Cream, £70.00, Charlotte Tilbury, www.charlottetilbury.com


Kevyn Aucoin

The late Kevyn Aucoin from the US, changed the faces of fashion – using sculpting and believing that all fashion should have a beautiful face, using the power of make up. “Trends come and go,” he said. “But true beauty transcends in time.'

Kevyn's books Making Faces and Face Forward are in every make up artists' collection, and I would recommend taking a look at them yourselves.

His make up line reflects his passion for beauty, his brushes are lusted over by everyone who comes across them, coming in sleek packaging with luxurious components.

His iconic Sensual Skin Enhancer (£38) is my all time favourite foundation, EVER. The fullest coverage product I have worked with and a tiny, tiny amount goes a long way and gives the most flawless, smooth and hydrated skin. It’s well worth a look.



Sensual Skin Enhancer, £38.00, Kevyn Aucoin, www.uk.spacenk.com

Hourglass

Hourglass is the brand of the hour! This American brand launched in 2004 with the aim to change the face of luxury cosmetics. This company has made a huge ripple in the cosmetics world, somewhat coming from nowhere, but it's here to stay in a big way.

Hourglass prides itself on being state-of-the-art in both its packaging and ingredients. The eye shadow palettes (£56) definitely reflect this ethos. The most coveted Hourglass products are the highlighting and blush palettes (£56) and they’re oh-so amazing! Think pretty pastels and shimmering golds, subtle sheens and heavy highlights. They look almost too good to touch, but they give the most beautiful colour results. The active ingredients melt into the skin, making you glow from the inside out – a must-have brand in your bag.



Ambient Lighting Palette, £56.00, Hourglass, www.uk.spacenk.com


This is just a small glimpse into the huge world of lesser-known brands, why not try something new today...?