Not ready to head to your favorite store IRL? These five Marie Claire beauty editors from all over the world have you covered.
The thought of strolling into a store to check out beauty products feels a little...strange. Do you wear gloves? Do you look without touching? Is that better than simply looking online? It’s something that every beauty lover—literally across the globe—is trying to figure out right now. So, we asked five Marie Claire beauty editors from different countries how they’re handling hair, skincare, makeup, and fragrance purchases in the age of socially distanced beauty buying—and what’s in their online carts. U.S. shoppers can snag the editors' exact picks below from Dermstore, a trusted retailer for some of the best beauty products the industry has to offer.
My top tips for buying products online: Online shopping is becoming the norm after the spread of Covid-19 in Greece. The first step is to know your skin, [and] go for the products and the brands you love and swear by. For those who would like to try new products, you could look for online stores that offer samples. [If you can’t find samples,] buy the smallest size or a travel size. You spend less money, and if you don’t like it, you will cry less! Also, [look for deals via] email exclusive discounts or rewards programs based on purchases.
My beauty aesthetic is: In the last few years I became a huge fan of minimal, natural, no-makeup-makeup looks. This happened because I learned to love my skin the way it is, even if there is a pimple on it. I believe real beauty is not flawless and does not rinse off. I wake up every morning, clean my skin, wear my moisturizer, add a bit of mascara and some flush of color on my lips, then a bit of perfume and in just 10 minutes I am ready to start the day with positive vibes.
My derm suggested a cream from Avène [when I had acne] and I couldn’t believe my skin was crystal clear a month later. I use Hydrance Light Hydrating Emulsion daily. It soothes, softens, hydrates, and calms the skin immediately.
Greek yoghurt [has] wonderful ‘good bacteria’ which helps to balance the digestive system, but it can also help in the anti-aging process as well as with [inflammation.] It prevents skin from getting dry, giving you a glowing complexion.
This has an amazing sparkly, floral scent. It delivers antioxidant-rich plant collagen deep into skin while imparting a radiantly healthy glow, without leaving the skin looking greasy.
It's infused with multi-dimensional micro-pearls suspended in a crystal-gel formula. A little bit can help instantly open up the look of my eyes, define my face, and create symmetry. I also apply it on my body when I want radiance for a night out.
This has a buttery texture that melts into the skin and blends seamlessly. I apply it as a lip balm and on my cheeks because it offers a fresh flush of color, hydrates, and softens...Everyone believes I have been to the sea!
My top tips for buying products online: It is best to have a virtual appointment with a [beauty] specialist or dermatologist. They can help you understand if the products you're thinking of buying will work with your hair or will be suitable for your skin. There are also virtual try-on apps that can help you find what makeup looks best on you.
I always have this on my shopping list: I'm always looking for new cleansers, sunscreens, and moisturizers, especially for the eye area. I am also interested in the universe of fragrances—I always want to know about new perfumes and their composition.
This has a light texture with just the right fragrance, and it leaves my skin feeling smooth. Plus, it’s gentle.
It's the perfect serum to use at night. It leaves the skin soft, brilliant, and with fewer wrinkles. It’s easy to apply and the bottle lasts a long time.
Vitamin C is very important in skincare. This product is not oily and it helps to revive my skin instantly.
The texture and fragrance are very good—it leaves the skin around the eyes with the right amount of hydration and shine.
I recommend using this twice a week. It’s a great formula— not abrasive—it exfoliates and hydrates at the same time.
It is perfect when your face is feeling very dry. It moisturizes quickly and has a long-lasting effect.
My top tips for buying products online: Other than buying from a reputable online store, you must know about your skin type and read reviews of products (especially reviews from people who share the same skin type with you) before making your purchases.
My beauty aesthetic is: I would say natural, no-makeup-makeup. With good skin, you just need to put on a base with sunscreen, draw a perfect eyebrow, and put on some mascara, and then you are so ready to go.
I've used this as a makeup remover for more than five years. It quickly removes my daily makeup without any irritation.
A must in my nighttime routine. It has a light texture and helps to smooth my wrinkles.
A face oil that’s suitable for all year round, I love to mix it with foundation to create a dewy, glowy look.
I started using this during summer time. The light and creamy texture provides enough moisture for the whole day and leaves a matte finishing, which is perfect for hot weather.
I use this every day after removing my makeup, and the radiance of my skin has increased. Plus, it’s very convenient to use.
Compared to the bigger one for the face, I prefer this smaller one meant just for your eye area. It’s easy to carry around, and it actually works for both eyes and face.
My top tips for buying products online: Women should first read and do their research online about products and ingredients they want to get—look for websites or apps that use augmented reality to help you see what certain makeup would look like on different skin tones—and always buy from legit websites that have valid customer reviews and enough information about the listed products.
My beauty aesthetic is: I usually opt for a fresh makeup look. I like earthy eyeshadow colors and a good mascara that enhances the look of my lashes. I also love bare skin. It is very liberating and feels more real. Makeup should look natural—and less is always more!
I love a good quality bronzer, and this one is one of my favorites. The color is so refined once it's applied, it feels so smooth on the skin.
I like its natural formula and how it cleanses the hair without damaging it.
I love to keep my lips hydrated, and this product does the job really well throughout the year.
My top tips for buying products online: Take a chance on a mini size! You can test it out, and if you (and your hair, skin, lips…) fell in love with a product, you can buy it—consciously!— in the full size.
My beauty aesthetic is: I’m a wet hair, lot of blush, sprinkle of highlighter, touch of burgundy matte lipstick type of person.
My monthly rendezvous is with Monsieur Christophe Robin. I couldn’t miss a date with him. It’s delicate, light but warmly scented, it cleans perfectly and plumps every strand.
Before buying it, I said to myself, ‘This is that last thing you need, Fabrizia,’ but I did buy it...and it changed everything. It changed the styling and the final result of my hair. [It] helps to maintain the fluffiness of the curls and helps the strands dry faster.
Every time I hold this comb, I break into song. It’s the gentleman, nah, the Prince Charming of combs!
I didn’t want to be [basic], but there's a reason this is a cult favorite hair perfector. Everyone should give it a try.
A-d-o-r-a-b-l-e. It’s so easy to use and blend. After applying on my cheeks, I usually ‘kiss’ the fingertip to give my lips a natural pop.