The British are coming! Or at least the positively addictive drama, Downton Abby, is coming to a PBS station near you on Jan. 6. And along with their tea, crumpets and spotted dick (what is that stuff anyway?), the U.K. has also brought a bevy of cult beauty faves along with them to spoil us stateside. Oh my ladies, do read on for a spot of cheeky fun (said of course, in our most cheesy British accent)!
Clotted Dream Cream: Steamcream. So simple yet so brilliant, Steamcream is a freshly made vegan moisturizer for face, body and hands suitable for all skin types. Loved and adored across the U.K. and Europe and finally available in North America, the heavenly cream is made using an emulsification process that “steams” the ingredients (oatmeal, almond oil, organic jojoba oil and lavender oil primarily) together into a glossy light cream. Comes in a delightful array of colorful and environmentally friendly aluminum tins. $18 at beautyhabit.com.
London Look: Rimmel. Totally affordable and totally British, Rimmel London is the toast of the “London look.” Made in England, Rimmel was created in 1834 and introduced to the U.S. Market in 2000. Colors are inspired by London's trend-setting styles and spirit. Where to start (if it pleases your majesty of course): Sexy Curves Mascara ($7.49), Glam'Eyes Mono Eye Shadow in Posh Peacock and Spicy Bronze ($3.99) and new Moisture Renew Lipgloss with SPF in Pink Spa ($5.99). Available at mass market retailers and drugstores. More at rimmellondon.com.
Brit Girl: Illamasqua. Tagged as the makeup for your alter-ego, Illamasqua is a boutique, U.K.-based fiercely adored brand known for intense pigment, innovative product formulations and incredible imagery created by their artistic director Alex Box. Hot numbers for summer: Nail Varnish in Gama ($14), Lipstick in Flare ($22) and Cream Pigment in Dab ($24). Available at sephora.com.
Royal Bod: Mama Mio. What started in the U.K. has become a stateside phenom. Mama Mio is a U.K.-based skincare brand that zeros in on fixing problem areas. The toast of the line: Boob Tube Bust & Neck Firmer ($45), Skin Tight Toning Serum ($56) and Lucky Legs Cooling Serum ($19.50) at select spas and mamamio.com.
Regal Locks: ghd. Named “Best Styling Tool” by London's The Sunday Times, this U.K.-based hair line has garnered a cult following worldwide since launching in 2001. And get this, they actually coined the phrase, “good hair day.” Primp like a princess with the ghd Gold Professional 1"styler, which flattens out the flat iron competition with features galore. $225 at ghdhair.com.
Holiday on the Riviera: St. Tropez. Used backstage on the “Dancing with the Stars” set, this UK-based self-tanning line is adored by A-listers and beauty editors alike for its unique, flawless formulation. Rumors are that Kate Middleton is a fan – but don't go telling anyone we said that lovelies! $15 to $40 at sttropeztan.com.
Beloved Bottle: Bio-Oil. The best-selling scar and stretch mark product in the U.K., Bio-Oil coats skin with a burst of healing vitamins and extracts delivered in a breakthrough ingredient called PurCellin Oil that dries without residue. $11.99 at mass retailers and drugstores. More at bio-oil.com.
Cheeky Fun: Bath & Body Works. If you and the gals can't get enough royal scuttlebutt, you simply must stock up on Bath & Body Works London Calling Tea and Lemon Wick Candles ($20) or mini candle set ($12.50) available at bathandbodyworks.com.
