The best new beauty buys to try now

There is good hair and then there is great hair. And while haircare products enhance your hair, the right hair accessory can transform your style. The humble headband is now a standout trend in beauty – and for good reason – as its revival has seen it be part of many style repertoires. While most are feminine in their texture and style, Balmain’s genuine-leather headband is bold, masculine and gives strength and versatility to any look. Designed with Balmain’s signature golden details, wear as a headband, tie as a bow or use to accentuate a sleek ponytail or messy braid. Danielle Fox

There are many reasons that Westman Atelier beauty products excite the beauty team, from the second-skin highlighter (Lit Up Highlight Stick) that leaves the most beautiful ethereal glow, to the Super Loaded Tinted Highlight, which looks dewy, natural and never too ‘done’. But makeup artist Gucci Westman’s latest launch is truly special. Each Eye Pod palette comes with a classic ‘core’ shade that can be used as a base or a smudgy liner, one ‘accent’ shade for an amplified pop of color, and one ‘highlight’ shade to brighten lids and inner eye corners. Not only do they have staying power and a rich color pay-off, but the innovative magnetic pods snap together or apart for easy portability. DF

Many matte lipsticks can feel drying on the lips (we suggest always moisturizing before applying), but this one from Gucci Beauty is comfortable and creamy, gliding on smoothly to stay put for hours without ‘cracking’ or looking patchy. The velvety, matte finish makes lips look plump rather than parched – just remember to always line your lips before applying to avoid feathering. DF

Sleep-in masks make real sense, as we know that night-time is when cell repair takes place. So swapping your usual cream for a more targeted, potent mask can make a real difference come morning, especially on stressed or generally tired skin. Rich in vitamins and deeply nourishing, this smart mask from Aesop treats skin without feeling heavy, too rich or greasy. In fact, the texture is so lovely, it’s tempting to layer it up over extra-dry areas, such as under-eyes, cheeks and neck (even the backs of hands) – just to maximize the velvety, soft skin texture you will wake up with. Newby Hands

If not quite bringing the experience of a facial at Kate Somerville’s famous LA clinic to your own bathroom, then slotting this truly amazing product into your twice-weekly regimen will certainly get your skin looking and feeling so much better. Blending physical, chemical and enzyme exfoliation, it ensures skin is beautifully polished and healthy. If it sounds a little strong, don’t worry, as this is the product that Kate herself uses on her eczema-prone skin. NH

As foundations go, this really is rather special. This almost watery, ultra-light, hydrating base could be the perfect foundation for those who love a natural and shine-free, but not flat, matte finish. A clever blend of hydrating skincare with great color, it’s also pleasingly versatile, as you can easily build up coverage, layering on a few more drops as and when desired. But what I particularly love is the finish, as it seems to work just as beautifully on those with a more oily complexion as it does on my super-dry skin. NH