The Standout Makeup Products Defining 2025
According to renowned beauty expert Sali Hughes, 2025 has proven to be an exceptional year for new makeup launches, with several products earning permanent places in her beauty routine. From revolutionary powders to game-changing lip formulas, Hughes has identified the standout performers that have transformed her approach to cosmetics.
Powder Perfection: Givenchy's Remarkable Comeback
Givenchy made a stunning recovery after initially disappointing the beauty community with a poorly received reformulation of its classic loose powder. The French luxury house redeemed itself with the exceptional Prisme Libre Pressed Powder, priced at £45, which Hughes describes as blurring, smoothing and near-perfecting makeup application. The product has become such a staple that it now lives full-time in her handbag.
Following this success, Givenchy released a Bronzer Powder version, also costing £45, which successfully moved Hughes away from cream formulas to achieve what she calls a "filtered, sun-kissed finish." She awards both products full marks with distinction, highlighting their transformative effects on her makeup routine.
Lip Innovations and Cream Formulas
Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk Love Effect lipstick in Naughty Talk emerged as Hughes' most frequently used lipstick of the year. This £29 satin-finish lipstick features a pinky nude shade that's neither warm nor cool, making it universally flattering. After initially launching as a limited edition that quickly sold out, the shade has now returned to the permanent collection.
While Hughes acknowledges that Merit Signature Lip Liners (£21) haven't been her personal most-worn, she highly recommends them for their innovative approach to lip definition. These liners offer what she describes as "an easy and ingenious solution" for those who want defined lips without bleeding but fear the commitment of traditional pencils. She compares them to tinted lip balms versus lipsticks - sheer, moist and mistake-proof.
The Bespoke shade, described as a beloved rosy brown, receives particular praise for looking "pretty and cool on everyone," making it an ideal choice for minimal makeup wearers seeking extra polish.
Eyeshadow Revelation and Nail Discoveries
In a significant development for an expert who typically favours single cream shadows from brands like Bobbi Brown, Armani, Makeup by Mario and Vieve, Viseart's VisePRO Étendu powder eyeshadow palettes have captured Hughes' heart. Priced at £40, these palettes from the professional brand have overcome her usual resistance to powder formulations.
Hughes emphasises that despite Viseart's professional reputation, the palettes are remarkably user-friendly. The shades are so well curated that they eliminate the need for thinking time during application. However, it's the exceptional textures that truly impress her - she claims you won't find smoother, silkier or more easily blendable shadows anywhere.
2025 also marked Hughes' exclusive move to allergy-conscious nail brand Bio Sculpture. For the first time ever, she wore the same shade - Thornbird (£15.50) - for three consecutive manicures. This sophisticated, neutral khaki green has generated more compliments for her "not-pretty hands" than any other colour, adding interest and edge while complementing any outfit.
Hughes also briefly mentions Nars The Multiple (£33), noting that the reboot of this classic cheek, eye and lip cream has improved on the legend with nuanced, muted shades and a soft, lasting, flattering finish, though she recently covered this product in detail elsewhere.
