If your beauty shelf is starting to look like a museum of half-used products, this edit is for you. I’ve pulled together the standouts at LOOKFANTASTIC that deliver visible results without the faff—split by skincare, hair care, and makeup—plus quick routines to help you build a basket that makes sense for your life.
Skincare heroes (that play nicely together)
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
The spa-at-home cleanse that melts makeup and SPF, then rinses to a cushioned clean—not squeaky. Massage onto dry skin, emulsify with water, and remove with a warm cloth. Available in Original, Rose, or fragrance-free “Naked” if you’re sensitive.
Vichy Minéral 89
A minimalist, thirsty-skin rescue. This gel serum layers under everything to add bounce and resilience without pilling. Use morning and night after cleansing; two layers on extra-dry days.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Budget-friendly shine control and texture support. Think of it as your “refine and calm” step for visible pores and post-blemish marks. If you’re sensitive, alternate days and avoid stacking with strong acids in the same routine.
CeraVe Moisturising Cream
A barrier-first staple for face and body. Ceramides + long-wear hydration = fewer dry patches and a calmer complexion. Great base for actives and perfect for winter skin or retinoid newbies.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3
Retinaldehyde is the more “get-it-done” cousin of classic retinol, and this is a brilliant entry strength. Start two to three nights per week, buffer with moisturiser, and wear sunscreen in the day (always).
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+
Feather-light daily sunscreen that disappears on application and sits well under makeup. There’s a tinted option if you want a soft blur on no-foundation days.
Hair icons that actually perform
Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector
The cult pre-shampoo bond treatment to keep in rotation if you colour, heat-style, or just want smoother lengths. Apply to damp hair for at least 10 minutes before washing—longer if you’ve got time.
ghd Platinum+ Styler
A “smart” straightener that maintains an optimal styling temperature for fewer passes and a smoother finish. The rounded barrel makes quick waves or bends easy—one tool, multiple looks.
Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
Your anti-frizz raincoat. Activated by heat, it gives a glossy, humidity-resistant finish that lasts through several shampoos. Best on fine to medium textures that go poufy in damp weather.
Makeup mainstays you can trust to last
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
That healthy-skin finish people notice, not your foundation. Sheer-to-medium coverage with a satin sheen; great for normal to dry and combo skin. Apply with fingers for speed, brush for polish.
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
The rare setting spray that genuinely locks things in. Mist in an “X” then “T” pattern to help base, blush, and eyes stay put through commutes and late dinners.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30
A completely clear, velvety SPF that behaves like a smoothing primer under makeup. Ideal if you hate white cast or want one step that does double duty. (If you prefer SPF50, use Anthelios and skip this.)
Build a routine: 3 quick templates
Balanced / blemish-prone
- PM: Elemis Balm → CeraVe Cream
- AM: Cleanse (optional) → Vichy Minéral 89 → The Ordinary Niacinamide → Anthelios SPF → NARS Sheer Glow → All Nighter
- Hair: Dream Coat before blow-dry; ghd for quick polish
Dry / dehydrated
- PM: Elemis Balm → Vichy Minéral 89 (two layers) → CeraVe Cream → Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 (2–3 nights/week)
- AM: Minéral 89 → CeraVe Cream → Anthelios SPF → NARS Sheer Glow
Damaged / colour-treated hair
- Weekly: Olaplex No.3 pre-wash
- Styling days: Dream Coat on damp hair → blow-dry → refine with ghd
Pro shopping tips at LOOKFANTASTIC
- Hunt the value sets. Limited-edition bundles often cost less than buying singles—especially around seasonal events.
- Check “Trending” and brand pages. You’ll spot new sizes, exclusives, and early access launches.
- Join the rewards programme. Points stack nicely on staples you repurchase anyway.
- Think in routines, not one-offs. A cleanser, hydrating serum, moisturiser, and SPF will serve you better than four different exfoliators.
Final take
You don’t need a 20-step routine—just a tight, reliable lineup that suits your skin, hair, and lifestyle. Start with the basics above, add one “treatment” step that targets your main concern, and make sunscreen non-negotiable. If you want, tell me your skin type, hair texture, and budget, and I’ll turn this into a tailored basket with smart swaps (fragrance-free, acne-safe, curly-girl-approved, pregnancy-friendly—you name it).