From a £5 hair mask to a £200 serum: 6 beauty products I've recently finished as a Beauty Director.

      (Image credit: Lucy Robinson for Who What Wear UK)

      Anyone who knows me can confirm that I have a preference for high-end beauty products. Generally, my skincare routine, makeup collection, and shower shelf are filled with luxury items. However, this isn't because I believe in the adage "you get what you pay for"—in fact, I think the opposite is true. Some of the best formulas in beauty come from the more affordable brands. My attraction to luxury is admittedly more superficial; I simply enjoy feeling special when using my beauty products. Whether it’s striking packaging that delights me, sumptuous textures that bring joy as they absorb into my skin, or an amazing fragrance, these elements are often associated with pricier products. Nonetheless, I do know of some excellent budget-friendly items that encompass all of these qualities, which my recent empties from the past month demonstrate. From my all-time favorite cleanser to one of the most pleasant-smelling shower gels I've encountered, here's a look at every product I used up completely in the last few weeks.

      1. Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Density & Growth Mask

      Dove's new haircare line is undoubtedly my favorite launch of the year. Recently, I've been facing issues with hair breakage and thinning, but the Density & Growth range has genuinely amazed me in turning around my hair concerns. Typically, I'm not one to invest much time in hair masks, but since this one only needs to sit for a minute, I decided to give it a shot—and I'm so glad I did! It left my hair feeling silkier, softer, shinier, smoother, bouncier, and smelling fantastic. Moreover, it strengthens hair and claims to reduce hair fall; I've definitely noticed my hair feeling thicker after a month of applying it.

      2. Sisley Paris Black Rose Concentrate Serum

      Sisley Paris Black Rose might be my all-time favorite skincare line. Yes, it's incredibly pricey, but it genuinely lives up to the hype. I've always appreciated the calming, hydrating, and radiance-boosting effects of the renowned Black Rose Face Mask, and I was also introduced to the Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream last year, which made my skin look and feel its best ever. However, when I began using this new serum at the start of the year, ahead of its official launch, I was instantly enamored. I can confidently say that I've never encountered a face serum with such pronounced plumping, smoothing, and hydrating properties. With potent antioxidants in Sisley's Black Rose complex to shield the skin from environmental stressors and a good amount of biosaccharide solution to aid collagen production, the standout ingredient for me is lemon extract, which offers gentle exfoliation to enhance smoothness—something that my acne-prone skin absolutely responded to. Since I've run out of this serum, I've felt a significant void.

      3. Nécessaire The Body Wash Eucalyptus

      I initially fell in love with this product because of its appearance. Honestly, how chic is this shower gel? While it may not be a transformative formula, it is a genuinely lovely shower gel. The refreshing eucalyptus scent and the artistic bottle elevate the shower experience to pure joy.

      4. Vaseline Gluta-Hya Overnight Radiance Serum Burst Lotion

      This serum-like body lotion captured the affection of every Who What Wear UK editor upon its launch last year, and I've probably purchased four or five bottles by now. The formulation is effective, featuring Vaseline's GlutaGlow™ technology, which promises visibly more radiant skin in just five days, along with hyaluronic acid for intense hydration. The aspect I love most about this overnight lotion? It leaves no greasy residue on the skin, making it perfect for applying to my freshly bathed skin before slipping into bed.

      5. Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser

      I’ve mentioned it before, and I’ll reiterate: Sunday Riley’s Ceramic Slip is the best everyday cleanser for those with oily, congestion-prone skin, like me. I've lost track of the number of tubes I've gone through over the years, and my skin noticeably suffers in its absence. Containing French clay and rice oil esters, it removes all traces of daily grime without drying out or stripping essential moisture from the skin. Rest assured, I'm already on to another bottle as I write this.

      6. Neal's Yard Remedies Women's Balance Foaming Bath

      I’m known among my friends as the bathing queen, as I dedicate an hour to soaking every night. This ritual has become an essential part of my daily routine, and I guard it closely. Given that I have naturally oily and breakout-prone skin (even on my body), I tend to avoid bath oils. Instead, I prefer delightful bubble baths, and this foaming bath from Neal's Yard Remedies fits the bill perfectly. With a blend of patchouli, geranium, rose, and frankincense, it relaxes, rejuvenates, and nurtures all at once. It’s truly