Everything I’ve learned as a beauty columnist about the products that actually work, from £17 body cream to LED masks

Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of beauty products on the market? Curious about shortcuts that can save you time without sacrificing results? We sat down with Anita Bhagwandas, a seasoned beauty columnist, to uncover her expert insights on what truly works—and what to skip. She also shares her favorite beauty bargains for under £20.

Anita, with nearly two decades of experience in beauty writing, revealed that her journey has been driven by two primary goals: streamlining her routine and improving her outcomes. “In recent years,” she notes, “my weekly columns for The Guardian have delved deeper into this quest. I’ve explored the latest viral beauty trends, especially the DIY tips flooding TikTok.” However, she candidly shares that about 80% of the hacks she’s tried have been gimmicky, crafted more for shock value than effectiveness—yet a few gems have emerged.

Anita has been particularly moved by the responses to her discussions on eczema. “When I’m candid about my own struggles with the condition, the feedback is immense. It resonates with so many people who feel the same yet seldom find it discussed openly.” She found that products like Meitrend Natural Face Cream and Avène’s Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream have provided her relief.

Readers have opened up about their beauty insecurities and the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards. Anita emphasizes the importance of addressing these feelings and reframing our views on aging. “Surrounding myself with images of individuals embracing their age—like Chloë Sevigny or Iris Apfel—has been freeing,” she explains.

As her Beauty Q&A column wraps up, Anita is excited to share her top tips and tricks, specifically the products that deserve your investment. For instance, she advises against applying foundation with unconventional methods, preferring the “patchwork” technique favored by professionals. It focuses on targeted application to achieve a more natural look.

Anita’s tricks also include practical hacks, like using hairspray to protect clothing from makeup transfer—a lifesaver, she claims. She encourages readers to embrace makeup as a form of self-expression rather than a tool for hiding. The concept of “unapproachable makeup” has particularly resonated with her, reflecting a shift away from societal beauty norms.

One standout hack involves the “siren eyes” technique, where a softer, elongated eyeliner style can be achieved using a pencil or eyeshadow, creating a striking yet understated effect. Additionally, she swears by Acnecide antibacterial face wash for combating body odor—an unexpected but effective solution.

Regarding beauty routines, she laughs at TikTok’s “everything shower” concept, which captures her regular Monday night ritual of multitasking beauty tasks.

Anita receives countless inquiries about LED face masks and recommends investing in quality treatments to ensure proper care for beauty practitioners. She believes that when it comes to aesthetic procedures, safety and expertise are paramount.

For budget-friendly beauty, Anita suggests exploring affordable yet effective products like Maybelline’s Sky High Mascara and e.l.f.’s Halo Glow Liquid Filter. She also advocates for heatless curling methods, finding success with Silke London’s heatless curler kit.

As for managing stray hairs, she’s found that using dryer sheets or innovative products like got2b’s Brow and Edges Gel can work wonders.

When taking a break from gel nails, she recommends CND Rescue RX to strengthen them, alongside nourishing oil options from L’Occitane and Dior.

For fragrance lovers on a budget, Anita highlights the value in body mists and hair perfumes—an economical way to enjoy beloved scents without splurging.

Anita Bhagwandas’s book, “Ugly: Why the World Became Beauty-Obsessed and How to Break Free,” is now available, encouraging readers to rethink beauty standards and embrace their true selves. Follow her insights in her ongoing Substack publication, The Powder Room.