Best Beauty Buys 2016: The Winners Are In!
Being a beauty editor can sometimes feel a bit like being a doctor (bear with me on this one…)
Whether you’re at a dinner party or in a queue for the portaloos at a festival the one thing people want to know (after they’ve asked you to diagnose their greasy roots/persistent pimples/dry elbows) is what you use. Not what you write about – the products that actually make it home from our legendary Instyle ‘beauty cupboard’. And it was the same for me whilst poring over the results from the judges - the industry’s God’s gifts to hair, make-up and skin (we’re talking THE beauty heavyweights here in case I didn’t stress the point enough). The products they genuinely use both professionally and personally are the products I personally want in my make-up bag and on my bathroom shelves – afterall, these guys are our beauty heros.
We’re now in our 15th year of Best Beauty Buys (I know, I know, we look so young on it too…) and with 110 winners, the awards are bigger (and in my humble, if slightly weary, opinion) better than ever before with a couple of cheeky new category additions (quite literally in the case of ‘best contouring product’) reflecting how quickly the beauty industry responds to demand (thank you Kim K et al).
Whether you’re looking for a quick fix (aka the beauty equivalent of polyfiller) or a longer term skincare strategy we have the product for you. Better still, they’ve already been road-tested by the best in the biz. It’s always nice to see my personal favourites win (Urban Decay’s 24/7 eyeliner, MAC’s Blot Powder, Sisley’s Black Rose face Mask and Pureology haircare for those interested) but I loved the fact that the judges threw a few curveballs in there too (I’m totally trying Evo’s leave-in conditioner next time I wash my hair).
This year’s beauty booty sorted? You’re welcome!
Best Cleansing Wipes: Simple Kind To Skin Micellar Cleansing Wipes , £3.49
We're all about a double cleanse, but sometimes only a wipe will do. 'Gentle, fast and effective, these are a must-have' says consultant dermatologist Dr Nick Lowe.
Best Essence: Shiseido Ibuki Softening Concentrate, £23.50
Move over, Mr Toner. 'This concentrate noticeably hydrates and nourishes the skin, prepping it for the rest of your skincare,' says super-facialist Debbie Thomas.
Best Wash Off Cleanser: Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, £14
'We've become a nation of muslin cloth devotees thanks to this cult product,' says eyebrow queen Shavata Singh.
Best Micellar Water: Bioderma Sensibio H2O, £10.50
'I recommend this to most patients regardless of skin type as it's so brilliant at removing both face and eye make-up in one go. I love it,' says top derm Susan Mayou.
Best Eye Make-Up Remover: Lancôme Bi-Facil Make-up Remover, £21.50
'At shows, this allows me to quickly remove all eye make-up without causing irritation and it breaks through all that stubborn residue left between lashes' says make-up maven Lisa Butler.
Best Facial Exfoliator: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, £41.75
There's a reason this dead-cell-sloughing saviour has won a whopping 12 times. 'With beads gentle enough for daily exfoliation, this product leaves skin smooth and soft,' according to beauty guru and facialist Vaishaly Patel.
Best Facial Oil: Sisley Black Rose Precious Face Oil, £136
'This beats any face oil on the market - it's ultra-nourishing and a real treat for my skin. I can't live without it,' says tanning legend James Read. It also smells pretty darn good, if you're wondering.
Best Eco/Organic Range: Pai From £6
'Pai's Soil Association-certified ingredients are not only interesting from a formulation point of view, they actually work,' says top facialist Yvonne Martin.
Best Inexpensive Anti-Ageing Cream: Olay Regenerist 3 Point Super Age-Defying Cream, £31.49
'The Regenerist range packs a powerful yet economic punch. This cream brightens, firms and boosts the skin's barrier function,' says cosmetic dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting.
Best Inexpensive Serum: No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum, £24.95
'This serum has a lovely light consistency. It also has a smoothing effect, so it's great under foundation and means you don't need a primer,' says make-up pro Katie Hughes.
Best Serum: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair, £50
There's a reason this legendary skin star has made it into every beauty hall of fame going. 'This magical anti-ageing serum not only hydrates, nourishes and protects, it's also my perfect work accessory as it ensures an evenly (self) tanned face for days,' says the 'Tom Ford of tanning' James Harknett.
Editor's Choice - Skincare: Elizabeth Arden Superstart Skin Renewal Booste, £45
'Like a "turbo" button for your skincare, this serum not only fortifies your skin, but boosts the effectiveness of any product you put on top of it,' says our beauty director Cassie Steer.
Best Moisturiser - Normal/Oily Skin: Crème de la Mer The Moisturizing Gel Cream, £108
'If I use this radiance-enhancing gel before doing someone's make-up, the difference is evident immediately,' says make-up artist Amanda Grossman.
Best Moisturiser - Normal/Dry Skin: Crème de la Mer, Crème de la Mer, £108
There's no two ways about it - this is the daddy of moisturisers. 'The comforting, rich, luxurious texture is a total winner with me,' says facialist Anestasia Achilleos.
Best Anti-Ageing Cream: Chanel Le Lift Crème Riche, £89
'This is packed full of plant-based ingredients, smells divine, sinks in immediately and feels heavenly on the skin,' says brow guru Shavata Singh.
Best Night Cream: Sisley Supremÿa at Night, £475
Because it's all about that beauty sleep… 'I like to balance my own formulations with plant-derived ingredients, so I appreciate the active botanicals in this luxurious treatment,' says celebrity skin specialist Dr Harold Lancer.
Best Moisturiser With An SPF: Estée Lauder DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Crème SPF 15, £42
'Moisturisers with an SPF can often be greasy, but DayWear keeps my skin protected while leaving it shine-free,' says Maria Hatzistefanis, founder of Rodial and Nip + Fab.
Estée Lauder DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Crème SPF 15, £42
Best Face Mask: Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask, £95.50
When facialist to the stars Nichola Joss says she likes a product, we take note. 'This is one of my all-time favourite masks,' she says, 'Its packed full of magical ingredients to give radiance and comfort.'
Best Eye De-Puffer: Origins No Puffery Cooling Roll-On For Puffy Eyes, £24
Fake some zzzs with this bag-banishing gel, which skin specialist Sarah Chapman says feels 'instantly cooling- like an ice pack for the eyes'.
Best Spot Treatment: Origins Super Spot Remover Blemish Treatment Gel, £15
Don't let a pimple ruin your party. 'This is a great blemish-fighting product thanks to its gentle yet effective ingredients,' says beauty acupuncturist John Tsagaris.
Best mask For Problem Skin: Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment, £44.99
'This mud-based masks helps draw impurities from your skin while gently exfoliating away pore-blocking dead skin cells,' says facialist Debbie Thomas. 'You can really feel it working.'
Best Age Spot Treatment: Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector, £42
'I bought this for my mum and the results were amazing. Her dark spots faded and were less dry,' says make-up pro Polly Osmond.
Best Eye Cream: Crème de la Mer The Eye Concentrate, £140
'This product is the real deal.' says Una Brennan AKA the 'Superfacialist'. 'It does everything from banishing fine lines and brightening dark circles to moonlighting as a primer.'
Best Eye Pencil: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil, £15.50
Doing eyeliner can be such a drag… Not with this smooth operator though: 'My Urban Decay pencil goes everywhere with me. It's my speedy trick for making eyes come alive, says backstage guru Sharon Dowsett.
Best Inexpensive Mascara: Maybelline Big Great Lash Mascara, £4.99
Maybe she's born with it. Chances are it's her mascara… 'A cult classic, this affordable jet black mascara gives instant results for dramatic lashes - it's untouchable,' says make-up pro Eli Wakamatsu.
Editor's Choice - Make-Up: Max Factor Velvet Volume False Lash Effect Mascara, £11.99
'When it comes to mascara, this is sort of the don,' says our resident beauty writer George Driver. 'A big chunky brush helps coat all of my annoyingly blonde lashes with a formula that won't smudge or flake.'
Best Cream Eyeshadow: MAC Pro Longwear Pain Pots, £16 each
'I use these cream eyeshadows on everybody,' says make-up pro Lynsey Alexander. 'My favourite shade is Groundwork, which also doubles up as the perfect cheek contour colour.'
Best Powder Eyeshadow: MAC Eye Shadow, £13 each
'MAC has an almost endless selection of shades and gestures that I use on eyes, brows and even to contour the face. These are my make-up kit staples,' says make-up artist James Molloy.
Best Mascara: Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara, £23
'I always use Hypnôse mascara on my red carpet clients,' says A-list go-to artist Mary Wiles. 'It creates long, full lashes, which never clump or smudge.' The 'multi-award' winner does it again.
Best Liquid/Gel Liner: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, £18.50
This liner not only has the staying power at the top of our charts, it really doesn't budge. 'The rich intense pigments and the fact that it stays on for hours make Bobbi's the best,' says make-up pro Thomas de Kluyver.
Best Brow Filler: Anastasia Beverly Hills Perfect Brow Pencil, £18
'Soft and easy to blend, with a comb to brush brows into place, this is perfect for both professional kits and personal cosmetics bags,' says make-up artist Georgina Graham.
Best Waterproof Mascara: Lancôme Hypnôse Waterproof Mascara, £23.30
Got a wedding? Get this. 'This was an obvious choice when I got married; not only does it separate lashes and give fantastic volume, but it'll stay put until you decide to wipe it off,' says make-up maestro Linda Andersson.
Best Contour Product: Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate, £56
Contouring isn't going anywhere, but cakey caricature stripes are. Instead you need a product that subtly enhances your angles. 'The creamy consistency means it blends seamlessly, so you can sculpt and define your features with ease,' says make-up whizz Lisa Potter-Dixon.
Best Cream/Gel Blusher: Stila Convertible Color Dual Lip & Cheek Cream, £16
'This multitasking handbag hero comes in suits-all shades that liven up the skin with a creamy texture that helps plump up the cheekbones,' reckons make-up pro James Molloy.
Best Bronzer: Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna, £27.50
The Holy Grail of bronzers? A non-orange, non-TOWIE tone: 'This is the perfect shade for those who are nervous about bronzer. It has a great texture and always looks natural' says co-founder of BeautyMart, Mille Kendall.
Best Powder Blush: Nars Blush in Orgasm, £23
There's a reason this cult classic is lusted after year after year: 'I love how it gives heat and highlights at the same time,' says make-up guru Sharon Dowsett. 'It gives a rap-life flush with an extra glint. I've got through three, which is very telling.'
Best Illuminator: Burberry Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base, £34
'A true multitasker,' according to make-up legend Ruby Hammer. 'I love that you can wear it on its own, under your base or effortlessly draw light to the tops of the cheeks, bridge of the nose and Cupid's bow.' We say glow for it.
Best Powder: MAC Blot Powder Pressed, £20.50
We love a healthy glow, but an oily T-zone? Not so much 'Super fine and light, this powder does an amazing job of taking down any unwanted shine without looking heavy or cakey,' says make-up legend Diane Kendal.
Best Compact Foundation: MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, £22
'This is a wonderful multitasker,' say make-up pro Caroline Barnes, and we'd have to agree. 'Apply with a brush to lightly set your make-up or use with a cotton bud to conceal.'
Best Tinted Moisturiser: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser - Illuminating, £34
Proving that the oldies are still the goodies: 'This has just the right amount of coverage with a luminous glow. I use it both personally and professionally,' says make-up pro Polly Osmond.
Best Primer: Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, £29
'I love the added skin benefits of this primer. The lightweight formula blends seamlessly into the skin, keeping make-up looking flawless all day long,' says make-up artist Kirstin Piggott.
Best CC Cream: Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream SPF 30 Hydrating Colour Corrector, £28
'An amazing moisturising formula with an in-built SPF 30 that corrects skin tone leaving your complexion flawless,' says make-up guru Kirstin Piggott.
Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream SPF 30 Hydrating Colour Corrector, £28
Best Liquid Foundation: Chanel Vitalumière, £36
'This is my favourite foundation thanks to its lightweight natural coverage and ability to create a luminous glow while still covering imperfections,' says make-up artist Mary Wiles.
Best Stick Foundation: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick, £29.50
'Any good foundation should accommodate all skin tomes and this comes in a whopping 24 shades, more than half of which cater for tones other than light, fair or light tan,' say blogger favourites Pixiwoo.
Best BB Cream: Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35, £29.50
Last year's winner does it again: 'I love how this combines skincare with make-up to create a beautiful finish that looks perfected but natural,' says make-up artist Kenneth Soh.
Best Mineral Base: Bare Minerals Original SPF15 Mineral Foundation, £26
Sensitive souls, take note - 'The paraben-free formulas are beautifully delicate on skin,' says make-up whizz Katie Hughes.
Best Inexpensive Foundation: L'Oréal Paris True Match Foundation, £9.99
'This leaves a "believable" luminous finish and at a really reasonable price,' says Naomi Campbell's go-to make-up whizz Alex Babsky.
Best Under-Eye Concealer: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat, £25
It's top marks again for this cult classic. Why? 'It brightens, gets rid of dark circles and is so lightweight it doesn't look or feel like make-up,' says NYC-based make-up artist Hannah Murray.
Best Concealer: Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, £26.50
'Secret Camouflage is a super hardworking, bulletproof concealer with a rich texture that's still dry enough to hold it's ground,' says the fashionably avant-garde make-up pro Alex Box. Take that pre-date pimples!
Best Lip Stain: Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Vernis À Levres Glossy Stain, £26
'This is the dream lip stain with lots of pigment and moisture, not to mention the ability to stay on for hours - even through cocktails and kissing! says make-up pro Georgina Graham.
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Vernis À Levres Glossy Stain, £26
Best Lip Balm: Sisley Nutritive Lip Balm, £44
When legendary make-up artist Val Garland loves a lip balm enough to give it a thumbs up, you know it's a winner. 'Sisley's balm is a handbag must-have for everyday lip lushness,' says Val.
Best Lip Liner: MAC Lip Pencil in Spice, £12.50
'MAC's Lip Pencil in Spice is the go-to-liner for anyone who grew up in the 80s, 90s and 00s. Its ability to mimic the natural tone of your lips makes it such a good colour match for so many people and a true icon, says beauty expert Millie Kendall.
Best Lip Gloss: MAC Clear Lipglass, £14.50
'MAC Lipglass is THE heavyweight of lip glosses,' says make-up queen Mel After. 'The texture is so easy to wear - it feels like a pair of comfy slippers. It's a make-up weapon!'
Best Red Lip Shade: MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo, £15.50
'This is the most brilliant, highly pigmented red out there. The blue-red shade suits almost every skin tone and it looks great tapped on with your finger for a romantic stain,' says make-up maestro Hannah Murray.
Best Nude Lip Shade: Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Nude Kate, £23
'Charlotte Tilbury is an utter genius, she's created the most perfect nude lip colour that suits EVERYONE,' says make-up artist Zoe Taylor. 'The formula is creamy with great staying power.'
Best Tweezers: Tweezerman Slant Tweezers, £20.95
We defy you to find a make-up artist who hasn't got these in their kit. Lynsey Alexander agrees: 'I love the precision and speed Tweezerman tweezers allow you to work with. They never pinch and stay sharp for years, after which you can get them re-sharpened for free.'
Best Brush Range: Shu Uemura Make-Up Brushes, from £9
'Everyone knows it's impossible to get a perfect make-up result if you don't have the right tools to work with,' says make-up legend Nicolas Degennes. 'I love the excellent quality of Shu Uemura's professional brushes, which are perfectly adapted to their purpose and allow high-precision application.'
Best Inexpensive Brush Range: Real Techniques Core Collection Set, £21.99
Just because you're a legendary make-up heavyweight doesn't mean you can't appreciate high street products. Val Garland is all over Real Techniques, thanks to their 'great quality and unbelievable prices which help you do make-up like a pro!
Best Eyelash Curler: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, £20
How to look wide awake in three seconds flat? Get your paws on this cult classic. 'A design and function iconoclast, these have passed into legend status - and with good reason,' says make-up extraordinaire, Alex Box.
Best Shower Gel: This Works Energy Banks Shower Gel, £16
'This accompanied me on a seven-week road trip and saved my skin. It's a clever blend of uplifting essential oils and the bottle is super-portable,' says Arabella Preston, co-founder of Votary.
Best Instant Tan: St Tropez Instant Tan Wash Off Face & Body Lotion, £10
Because sometimes you need a tan and you need it now. 'This natural golden colour is easy to apply and doesn't streak,' says Linda Evangelista's favourite facialist Georgia Louise.
Best Suncare Line: Sisley Suncare from £69.50
Nothing is knocking this SPF star off its top spot. 'I'm a Sisley girl all the way,' says top facialist Anastasia Achilleos. 'I love that it treats your skin while also protecting it.'
Best Self-Tan For Body: St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse, £20.50
The A-list staple strikes another score: 'This mousse glides on effortlessly, leaving my skin golden and silky soft,' says skincare guru Amanda Lacey.
Best Inexpensive Suncare Line: Nivea Sun, from £3
'This is a nice light lotion with good SPF protection that's easily absorbed without any stickiness,' in skin supremo Vaishalay Patel's expert opinion.
Best Cult Fragrance: Escentric Molecules Molecule 01, £66 for 100ml
'I adore this fragrance,' says skincare expert Nichola Joss. 'It's totally addictive and the unique scent mingles perfectly with my other fragrances.'
Editor's Choice - Fragrance: Miu Miu Eau De Parfum, £66 for 50ml
'The first fragrance from Miu Miu and the first time I've properly fallen in love with a scent - it's deliciously optimistic,' says our beauty editor Charlotte Moore.
Best Self-Tan For Face: James Read Sleep Mask Tan Face, £25
'This creates a great natural colour without any streaks or patches,' says make-up artist Eli Wakamatsu. The best bit? 'It contains hyaluronic acid, which hydrates skin as you sleep.'
Best Inexpensive Firming Cream: Nivea Q10 Plus Good-Bye Cellulite Gel-Cream, £10.39
'Non-greasy, smooth application, real results and a price tag that you can't go wrong with,' says cosmetic nurse and skincare expert Nurse Jamie.
Best Gadget/Tool: Foreo Luna Facial Cleansing Brush & Anti-Aging Device, £145
'This steps up your cleanse enough to see a visible improvement while still being gentle on the skin,' says top facialist Abigail James.
Best Body Exfoliator: Clarins Tonic Body Polisher, £31
Behind every fabulous set of limbs is a great scrub. 'This leaves skin amazingly soft and it has a deliciously uplifting scent,' says podiatrist Bastein Gonzalez.
Best Firming Cream: Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Control, £37
You can keep your orange peel for the marmalade, we want peachy. 'It's exciting to find a product that actually works to minimise the appearance of cellulite where so many fail,' says Una Brennan.
Best Bath Oil: Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath and Shower Oil, £45
Loved by industry experts and A-listers alike, this year's win is bittersweet as Aromatherapy Associates founder Geraldine Howard sadly passed away in January.
Best Body Moisturiser: Kiehl's Creme de Corps, from £8.50
The multiple award winner aces it again: 'This combines natural oils and butters to alleviate dryness and leave skin soft and comfortable,' says top plastic surgeon Dr Marko Lens.
Best Nail Art Product: WAH London Immerge The Flame Set, £18
A manicure game-changer, WAH London's Immerge Varnish sets make nail art 'user-friendly - something that appeals to all age groups and artistic abilities', according to nail pro Adam Slee.
Best Tool: Tweezerman Stainless Steel Cuticle Nipper, £20
'I always carry the Tweezerman Cuticle Nipper because it's perfect for removing any raggedy cuticles or hang nails before you're tempted to pull them off,' says A-list manicurist Trish Lomax. 'Try using the other end to gently push cuticles back during your weekly manicure.'
Best Top Coat: Seche Vite DryFast Top Coat, £9
Our judges can't sen to stop voting for this exceptional nail enhancer, which has now hit a winning streak 15 years in a row. 'Seche Vite is the quickest, glossiest finish top coat I know - I wouldn't dare be without it,' says nail expert Jessica Hoffman.
Best Inexpensive Nail Polish Range: Rimmel London 60 Seconds Super Shine Nail Polish, £2.99 each
Because sometimes you just want them all… 'I love Rimmel's nail range. It really delivers on it's promises - a huge choice of colours with a fast-drying, high shine formula,' says make-up artist Zoe Taylor.
Rimmel London 60 Seconds Super Shine Nail Polish, £2.99 each
Best Nail Polish Range: OPI Nail Lacquer, from £12.50 each
'OPI nail polishes always look fabulous and there's a colour for every occasion,' says Pixiwoo's Sam Chapman. 'Two coats guarantee a professional finish.'
Best Base Coat: Nails Inc Nailkale Superfood Base Coat, £15
All hail the kale! 'This great value base coat actually helps protect the nail while creating a really smooth surface to apply colour onto - it's a must have staple in my professional kit,' says make-up artist Dani Guinsberg.
Best Foot File: Margaret Dabs Professional Foot File, £24
'I used this for all my S/S 2016 shows,' says Fashion Week's hottest pro manicurist Marian Newman. 'It's super-substantial, the metal core is easily sanitised and the peel-off disposable abrasives in two grades make it the perfect, heavy-duty file.'
Best Nail File: Leighton Denny Large Crystal Nail File, £15.50
This is every pro manicurist's go-to-file, according to nail tech extraordenaire Adam Slee, who adds: 'It does what it says on the tin, but it's soft enough to make sure that the nail edge is never left rough or uneven.'
Best Nail Polish Remover: Chanel Dissolvant Doux Nail Colour Remover, £18
'This breaks down even the most stubborn of polishes with ease. Plus, it's chic packaging adds a touch of luxury,' says celeb manicurist Jenny Longworth.
Editor's Choice - Body: Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing Nail Pain, £4.99 each
'I love the durability of a gel, but hate the fadd of having it removed when I decide to move on. These genius polishes have the finish and staying power of a pro gel but the removability of a standard varnish,' says our beauty director Cassie Steer.
Best Hand Cream: Sisley Global Anti-Age Hand Care, £99.50
Sisley's hand hero flawlessly covers all the basesL 'A Silky and non-greasy texture exceptional hydration, a divine scent and that all-important UV protection,' says manicurist Anatole Rainey.
Editor's Choice - Hair: TRESemmé Oleo Radiance Oil Elixir, £8.99
'Unfortunately, I have naturally frizzy 80s mum hair, but applying this to damp locks is my solution for a smooth millennial do,' says our beauty writer George Driver.
Best Range For Coloured Hair: Pureology, from £16
'The shampoo and conditioner are my must-haves for anyone with dyed hair,' says colour maestro Lyndell Mansfield. 'It's creamy, sulphate-free formula leaves hair soft and strong.'
Best Eco Range: Pureology, From £16
Want holier than thou hair? Pail Percival, co-founder of Percy & Reed, reveals why Pureology is his top pick: 'It's hard to find eco haircare products that truly deliver. I'd choose Pureology for the results alone - the fact that it's a natural range is a bonus.'
Best Conditioner For Oily/Combination Hair: Phillip Kingsley Moisture Balancing Conditioner, £21
'This conditioner doesn't make the hair feel heavy like some tend to do,' says red carpet stylist Ken O'Rourke. 'It doesn't counteract the volume - it still feels lightweight with no residue.'
Best Deep Conditioning Mask: Phillip Kingsley Elasticizer, £30
Hair in need of TLC? 'Elasticizer is the only treatment of its kind - I've been using it for decades,' says top colourist Sibi Bolan. 'Use once or twice a week for soft hair without breakage.'
Best Conditioner For Dry Hair: Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner, £46
Session stylist Peter Gray recommends this luxe conditioner for maximum damage control: 'This conditioner is great for all hair types that require fast, effective moisturising and frizz control.'
Best Home Hair Colourant: Clairol Nice 'N Easy Permanent Hair Colour, £5.99
'I always have a few different shades of the Root Touch-up in my kit in case of an emergency,' says James BRown, Kate Moss's hair hero. 'It's multi-tonal and has such a wide shade range.
Best Hair Oil: Moroccanoil Treatment, £31.85
Tame, smooth and nourish with the original multitasking oil. According to celebrity stylist Ben Cooke: 'It's a must-have in my session kit. The oil is amazing quality, full of nutrients and leaves hair smooth and shiny.'
Best Shampoo For Dry Hair: Kerastase Bain Satin 2, £17.50
'This is my go-to fro thirsty, dehydrated hair,' says Chris Appleton, Rita Ora's hair supremo. 'It leaves hair feeling smooth and adds shine while maintaining volume.'
Best Shampoo For Oily/Combination Hair: Kérastase Bain Divalent Shampoo, £17.50
'This is an incredible shampoo for reducing an oily scalp,' says backstage maestro Syd Hayes. 'It purifies, leaving hair feeling lighter, softer and shinier - a must-have for your bathroom.'
Best Leave-In Conditioner: Evo Day Of Grace Leave-in Conditioner, £13.70
'You can use as much or as little as you like with this - straight out of the shower or on the beach it's so light and weightless,' says session stylist Kenna.
Best Wash-Out Hair Colour: Bleach London Super Cool Colour, £5
Commitment-phobes rejoice. 'These non-permanent hair colours are a really fun way to experiment without having to worry about going long-term,' says hair guru Luke Hersheson.
Best Dry Shampoo: Batiste Original Dry Shampoo, £4.99
When a hair SOS is required, this is the go-to spray. Hair legend Sam McKnight says: 'It's perfect for hair that needs a refresh, some volume or a bit of texture - an essential in my kit.
Best Mousse: Tigi Catwalk Strong Hold Mousse, £13.95
'It's the most reliable mousse, even for hair that's difficult to hold,' says Neil Moodie, co-founder of Windle and Moodie. 'It's strong, but doesn't weigh hair down.' The perfect combination of brawn and brains, we think.
Best Heat Protector: Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Primer Spray, £15.80
'I love how this aids blow-drying,' says Adam Reed, backstage pro and Percy & Reed co-founder. 'It allows me to create the most beautifully textured hair with minimal fuss and time.'
Best Hairdryer: Parlux 385 Power Light Ceramic Ionic Dryer, £89.95
The dryer that blew us away? 'Parlux has such a great heritage in the industry,' raves hair favourite Mark Hampton on the backstage staple. 'Being both powerful and light really helps in transporting kit worldwide.'
Best Texturiser: Oribe Dry Texturizing spray, £39
'This was one of the first texture sprays on the market and it remains the best,' says backstage trailblazer James Pecis. 'You'll find this product in just about every session stylist's kit because there's nothing else like it.'
Best Everyday Brush: Mason Pearson Junior BN2, £69
'Mason Pearson brushes are pulled out at every hair set-up,' says stylist extraordinaire Eugene Souleiman. 'It's the combination of plastic and pure bristles - they impart shine with every stroke and detangle the hair with ease.'
Best For Instant Shine: L'Oréal Professionnel Tecni Art Crystal Gloss, £11.29
'This fast-fix product makes hair super-shiny without taking away any volume,' says celebrity hairstylist Lisa Laudet.
Best Volumiser: L'Oréal Professionnel Tecni Art Pli Thermal Modelling Spray, £14.99
Stylist Leigh Keates loves Pli's versatility: It's as perfect for salon as it is for session work. You get amazing volume without any residue. A definite essential in my kit.'
L'Oréal Professionnel Tecni Art Pli Thermal Modelling Spray, £14.99
Best Flat Iron: GHD V Gold Classic Styler, £129
We now think of hair in terms of BGHD and AGHD (before and after GHDs). Making light work of unruly hair, these irons are a kit essential, according to stylist Earl Simms: 'They give the hair a smooth, polished finish like no other and they're so easy to use.'
Best De-Frizzer: John Frieda Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery Crème Serum, £5.99
'Frizz Ease is a well-established tried and tested brand that has been around for years. I trust the integrity of the products,' says trichologist Philip Kingsley.
John Frieda Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery Crème Serum, £5.99
Best Curl Enhancer: Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Defining Creme, £23.50
Not just for curly girls, according to session stylist Duffy, this product's more versatile than you think: 'Use it to define curls, enhance texture or create a sleek pony. I love multi-use products.'
Best Straightening Product: Bumble and Bumble Straight Blow Dry, £23
'I love how this makes even the curliest of hair smooth and straight,' says Chris Appleton, celebrity stylist. 'It takes all the work out of blow-drying and gives hair an amazing finish.'
Best Curling Iron: BaByliss Pro Tongs, from £35 each
Buy one or collect them all, like stylist Eammon Hughes: 'I have these tongs in every size and they're an essential part of my kit. There are so many reasons why I love them - they're super-light, quick to heat up and have great temperature control.'
Best Hairspray: L'Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray, £6.69
The classic with major staying power in the BBB ranks. 'I remember my mum using this before going out,' days George Northwood, super-stylist to Rosie H-W and Alexa. 'Nostalgia aside, it really has stood the test of time and remains the ultimate hairspray - light hold, which brushes out easily.'