10 classic beauty buys for 2010

Cover all bases

Classic beauty buys that will never go out of style

By Natalie Glock

Creating an even base is easy with this beauty classic from Laura Mercier. Renowned for its light formulation that suits all skin types, this tinted moisturiser adds a healthy, sheer glow to the complexion and can be used in place of a foundation. With it\'s subtle hint of colour, moisturising properties and SPF 20 protection, this multi-tasking product is well worth the investment. 

Tinted moisturiser, £32, Laura Mercier

Space NK   

Classic cleanse

Once described by Vogue as \'the best cleanser in world,\' the Eve Lom cleanser will quickly become the hardest working member of your beauty arsenal, not to mention one of the most pleasurable to use. The silky smooth cream cleanses, tones and exfoliates in one go thanks to the specially woven muslin cloth that is used for application. Suitable for all skin types and recommended by the best in the business, this cleanser is an unmistakable classic.

Eve Lom Cleanser, £48, Eve Lom 

Lash fantastic

We all want something different from our mascaras be it volume, length, definition or a waterproof alternative. Fortunately Max Factor\'s Masterpiece mascara has a version for each and every one of these requests and at a price that won\'t break the bank either. The specially designed IFX wand coats each lash individually, framing the eye beautifully, and the results won\'t budge all day.

Max Factor Masterpiece mascara, £8.99

available nationwide from Boots  

A touch of light

Loved by millions, this easy to blend highlighter is used the world over to banish dark circles or blemishes with just a couple of clicks of its pen-brush applicator. You might be feeling tired but you will never have to look it with this bonafide beauty classic!

Touche Eclat, £23 Yves Saint Laurent

available nationwide

A helping hand

L\'Occitane\'s bestselling Shea Butter hand cream is a godsend. It manages to be both thick and creamy, as well as being easily absorbed. We love the oil-paint style tubes and the sweet smells of honey, almond and coconut, but most of all we adore how soft this cream leaves our hands however hard we\'ve worked them.

Shea Butter hand cream, £16.50, L\'Occitane  

Anti-aging wonder

Designed to target the three areas of the face most affected by ageing, the eyes, jaw-line and neck, Olay\'s first super cream has proven incredibly popular and with good reason. Easily used night or day, the cream produces noticeably younger-looking, softer skin quickly. A classic in the making.

Olay Regenerist 3 point treatment cream, £29.99

available nationwide from Boots

Brush with excellence

A Mason Pearson hair brush is a design classic and still made to the same specifications as the 1885 original. The rubber-cushioned bristles are a combination of nylon and boar hair and make for efficient and comfortable brushing, keeping hair smooth and static-free. Whatever your hair type, there is a Mason Pearson brush for you that is guaranteed to last you a lifetime.

Bristle brush, £51, Mason Pearson

HQ Hair 

All-purpose cream

The original multi-tasking beauty product, Elizabeth Arden\'s 8 hour cream, remains a staple of many a makeup bag. Just a small amount of this soothing cream is required to ease dry, chapped skin all over the body, making it a winter must-have that continues to be useful all year round.

Elizabeth Arden 8 hour Cream Skin Protectant, £22, Elizabeth Arden

available nationwide from Boots

Nail it

Whatever your favourite shade of nail polish, all are prone to annoying chips and smudges. Investing in a good top coat will definitely help and there is one brand in particular that beauty insiders turn to; Jessica. Its Brilliance top coat revives the nail colour underneath with each coat, and delivers hard-wearing shine and UV protection. A classic buy with serious staying power.

Brilliance Top Coat, 10.35, Jessica Nails

Noir nails

A timeless shade from a classic brand, Chanel\'s Rouge Noir nail varnish set the template for countless other darker shades of red but has never really been surpassed. Chic enough for the office and dramatic enough for a night out, this shade will work for everyone and it\'s durable formula means that once on, it\'s staying on!

Rouge Noir Nail Varnish, £16, Chanel

available nationwide, 0207 493 3836

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