From cream bronzers to foundation & scent – the best beauty launches of 2024

PICKING my three favourites from the thousands of new beauty products has been a challenge, with many not living up to the hype.

But these are the best beauty launches of 2024 . . . 

BUDGET

No7 Pro Artist, from £12.95, boots.com: There have been so many great budget beauty launches this year that it was really difficult to decide which one takes top spot.

This might be a cop out, as I’m giving it to an entire range rather than one product, but most of the new affordable brands are skewed towards Gen Z consumers, so it’s refreshing to see a make-up collection that doesn’t compromise on quality and feels grown up, yet still costs less than £20.

My hero product from the line has to be No7 Pro Artist Soft Glow Cream Bronzer, £19.95, which outperforms cream bronzers more than double the price.

MID-RANGE

Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick, £43.20 for 10g, johnlewis.com: This was the year I ditched concealer – not because it’s inherently bad, but because a host of new foundation launches made it redundant.

And that was demonstrated most clearly by this clever stick, which not only replaced my foundation and concealer, but because it also controls oil so well, I have found I don’t need to use a setting powder.

It’s long-wearing, has buildable coverage and a true skin finish.

There’s no risk of it spilling in my make-up bag, and it’s solid, so it doesn’t count towards an aeroplane liquid allowance. It’s quite literally saving time, space and money.

LUXURY

MERIT Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum, £79 for 30ml, meritbeauty.com: Though the website says it’s sold out, I can’t say enough good things about this scent.

It completely took me by surprise – not that I didn’t expect to like it, but Merit is a minimal make-up brand, so I expected an inoffensive, crowd-pleasing perfume for its first foray into fragrance.

I was completely wrong. It’s bold and interesting, with a retro feel, echoing Chanel No5, while being modern and unique thanks to pear and bergamot, which stop it being too heavy.

Whenever I wear it I keep raising my wrist to my nose for a sniff, and it lasts for ever.

PICK OF THE WEEK

IF self-care is high on your agenda after the madness of Christmas , it’s worth investing in the M&S Beauty Wellness Box, £30 but worth more than £100.

It includes four full-sized products and six minis to aid relaxation, such as This Works Deep Sleep 5% Retinoid Complex, Apothecary Calm Votive Candle and Bloom Face Massager.

Shop online now at marksandspencer.com, and in stores from January 2.