As far as beauty products go, there isn't too many people better versed on what works and what doesn't than Sali Hughes.
The Welsh journalist started out as an assistant makeup artist (working The Pet Shop Boys, Belinda Carlisle and George Michael) before transitioning into journalism.
Hughes held the editorship of ELLEgirl and has since written about beauty for Red, Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan, The Observer, The Guardian and Glamour.
Her second book, Pretty Iconic, follows the success of her first, which was titled Pretty Honest in 2014. The book promises to cut through the magazine and advertising hype to tell you which beauty buys are worth the buzz, and who they are best suited for.
To coincide with the book's launched we asked Hughes to share her all time top five favourite beauty products.
You're welcome.
Chanel No5, $164
"People are pointlessly contrary about this, as though they need to dismiss it in order to demonstrate more imagination. But sometimes things are regarded the best because they simply are the best. A glorious, fizzy, chic, always appropriate, endlessly chic, elegantly sexy scent in the most iconic bottle of all time," Hughes said.
"I try several dozen foundations a year, but I always come back to this, a rich yet weightless, comfortable base that makes skin look flawless. It's extremely expensive and the huge glass jar isn't the most practical, but the product itself remains peerless. I wear it on every photo shoot, on every television appearance, and at every public event," Hughes said.
Lanolips 101 Ointment, $17.95
"A modern classic, born in Australia. I keep this affordable ultra medical-grade lanolin balm in every handbag and makeup bag for moisturising lips and any dry spots. The almost-matte finish means it doesn't cause lipstick to bleed, wander or lose impact, and the handy tube means you're not constantly picking balm out of your fingernails," Hughes said.
Nars Orgasm Blush, $44
"The single most versatile blusher in the world. This perfectly balanced shade of peachy pink shot with subtle gold sparkle suits every skin tone, from palest white to darkest black, and complements most lipsticks. Makes the face look instantly perky, healthy and happy," Hughes said.
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, $59.95
"The first perfume marketed at busy women to buy for themselves with their own pay packets, launched at a time when women had always been encouraged to sit around waiting for a man to proffer perfume, jewellery and a proposal. It's a fabulous, smart and complex scent packaged in a beautiful and endlessly practical stripy metal canister that travels safely in an everyday handbag and keeps perfume fresh for ages," Hughes said.
Pretty Iconic by Sali Hughes is published by HarperCollins Australia and available now.
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