Sali Hughes Reveals the Standout Makeup of 2025
According to renowned beauty columnist Sali Hughes, 2025 has been a spectacular year for new makeup launches. She has curated her definitive list of top products that have earned a permanent place in her beauty routine, from a revolutionary face powder to an eyeshadow palette that finally won her over.
The Face Products That Redefined Perfection
Givenchy made a triumphant comeback after initially disappointing the beauty community with a poorly received reformulation of its classic loose powder. The brand redeemed itself with the exceptionally good Prisme Libre Pressed Powder, priced at £45. Hughes describes it as a product that blurs, smoothes, and near-perfects a full face of makeup, noting it now lives full-time in her handbag. This was swiftly followed by a Bronzer Powder version, also £45, which successfully moved Hughes away from cream formulas to achieve a filtered, sun-kissed finish. She awards full marks with distinction to both.
Another standout is the reboot of the Nars The Multiple, costing £33. While Hughes recently covered it in detail, she confirms the updated version of this classic cream for cheek, eye, and lip has improved upon the legend with its nuanced, muted shades and a soft, lasting, flattering finish.
Lipsticks and Liners for Effortless Polish
When it comes to lip colour, Hughes reveals her most-used lipstick of the year: Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk Love Effect in Naughty Talk. This £29 lipstick is a pinky nude that is neither warm nor cool, with a satin finish. After a limited and quickly sold-out run, it is now back as a permanent item in the collection.
For those who prefer a more defined lip but are intimidated by traditional pencils, Hughes highly commends the Merit Signature Lip Liners at £21. She compares them to tinted lip balms versus lipsticks—they are sheer, moist, and mistake-proof. They offer an easy solution for minimal makeup wearers seeking extra polish. The shade Bespoke, a beloved rosy brown, is highlighted as looking pretty and cool on everyone.
The Eyeshadow Palette That Changed Everything
Hughes admits it takes a lot for an eyeshadow palette to excite her, as she generally favours single cream shadows from brands like Bobbi Brown, Armani, Makeup by Mario, and Vieve. However, Viseart’s VisePRO Étendu powder eyeshadow palettes, priced at £40, have completely stolen her heart. She clarifies that while Viseart is a professional brand, one does not need to be technically skilled to use these products. The shades are so expertly curated that they eliminate the need for thinking time, but it is the exceptional textures that truly impress. Hughes states you will not find smoother, silkier, or more easily blendable shadows anywhere.
Finally, 2025 was the year Hughes moved exclusively to the allergy-conscious nail brand Bio Sculpture. For the first time ever, she wore the same shade for three consecutive manicures. The colour, Thornbird at £15.50, is a sophisticated, neutral khaki green that has garnered more compliments for her hands than ever before. She praises it for adding interest and edge while complementing any outfit.
