Advanced Night Repair
Estée Lauder

As one of the world’s most popular anti-ageing formulas, a bottle of Estée Lauder’s award-winning serum is purchased every 8.5 seconds. It was upgraded in 2013, when the consistency thinned a little and a few ingredients were added.

£70; esteelauder.co.uk

Creme de Corps
Kiehl’s

Creme de Corps has been around since the 70s and is often praised for its buttery texture and non-greasy feel. Although some bemoan its lack of scent, it is this very quality that has made it a highly successful unisex moisturiser.

£27; kiehls.co.uk

FRACAS
Robert Piguet

This iconic tuberose scent has had a cult following since its release in 1948. Robert Piguet intended to create a disruptive, carnal fragrance. Judging by the lifelong fans it garnered (which include Madonna, Uma Thurman and Courtney Love) he most certainly succeeded.

£135; robertpiguetparfums.com

Eight Hour Cream
Elizabeth Arden

This iconic product has spawned several offshoots including lip balm, sunscreen and body moisturiser but you can’t beat the original skin protectant
for all-round healing. Whether the problems are dryness, burns or chafing, this potent balm always seems to be produced from someone’s handbag.

£26; elizabetharden.co.uk

Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion+
Clinique

Gentle, odourless and hydrating, this familiar little yellow bottle achieved cult status soon after its launch 32 years ago due to its effectiveness on all skin types, regardless of colour or condition. It has received a few upgrades recently, not least to the bottle which finally has a pump.

£30; clinique.co.uk

Birkin Brown Matte Revolution Lipstick
Charlotte Tilbury

British make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury’s sterling career backstage was brought into the spotlight when she launched her own range in 2013. Since then, the entire brand has gained a dedicated following; the Matte Revolution Lipsticks are now a celebrity staple.

£23; selfridges.com

Cellular Energising Body Spray
La Prairie

Many a beauty obsessive has lusted over their pricey pots and potions but La Prairie’s body spray trumps them all. One spritz of this body spray really does leave you feeling energised on a cellualar level.

£90; laprairie.co.uk

No Foundation Foundation Serum
Perricone MD

Perricone MD have long been associated with excellent and effective skincare; their No Makeup range which launched in 2015 is based around the same idea; the serum in particular provides coverage at the same time as firming and hydrating skin.

£45; perriconemd.com

Original Balm
Dr Paw Paw

This brilliant balm has had a firm following Down Under for several years and now Britain is in on the action. The Aussie answer to Eight Hour Cream, Dr Paw Paw can be used as lip balm, relief for burns or even a salve for damaged hair.

£6.95; drpawpaw.com

Cleansing oil
Votary

It might sound counterintuitive but all skin, especially oily skin, benefits from oil treatments. Make-up artist Arabella Preston launched Votary last year at Liberty and the range immediately gained cult status for its natural ingredients, simple philosophy and excellent results.

£45; votary.co.uk

Slant Tweezer
Tweezerman

Winner of InStyle’s Best Beauty Buys 2015, Tweezerman’s Slant Tweezer is a make-up bag essential from a company that has dominated beauty bags for the last 30 years. Traditionalists may prefer their classic Granite Sky colourway but we fall for Signature Red every time.

£20.95; tweezerman.co.uk