A beauty blogger has shared her top picks for this Black Friday, creating a list ideal for makeup enthusiasts looking to try something new without breaking the bank. In collaboration with Cult Beauty, TikTok’s Valeria Deldinova listed six of her tried-and-tested favourites available from the online retailer, explaining why each product made the cut.
From blush to shampoo, it’s an extensive list. Items featured would make delightful Christmas gifts for any beauty lovers in your life.
Topping her list is Huda Beauty’s Easy Bake Loose Powder, which she hails as ‘perfection’. Other beauty fans and shoppers agree, praising the powder for leaving their skin looking ‘flawless’ and ‘airbrushed’, as the Mirror reports.
1. Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Powder
Price: Was £34, now £28.90
Valeriasaid: “Describing the Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Powder in one word? Perfection. It’s like a real-life face filter. This powder is weightless and sets makeup beautifully, leaving my skin flawless and airbrushed.”
Reviewers said: One tester shared: “Literally the best powder ever, lasts ages and blends so flawlessly. Even if I use cheaper products with it it still looks great, this powder fixes everything!!”
Another thought: “This is a good setting powder and keeps my make up in place. I wouldn’t suggest that it makes it last longer though! You have to be light handed too or can give you a creased look.”
Someone else suggested: “This is hands down one of the best setting powders I’ve ever owned. It is super lightweight and doesn’t make you look cakey. It also helps brighten the skin too,” and a tester shared: “Makeup just comes together so nicely with this.”
However, a different tester said: “Amazing setting powder. Truly lives up to the hype. I’m still learning how much I should use with this as it can sometimes look a bit cakey but it always keeps my under eye in place.”
Alternatives: If you’re looking for another loose powder, Look Fantastic offers the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, currently on offer for £27.95, or the benefit The Porefessional Powder Matte ‘n Blur Loose Setting Mini Powder, currently on offer for £14.63.
2.Amika Blowout Babe Thermal Brush
Price : Was £95, now £71.25
Valeriasaid: “Looking to get that salon blowout look at home? The Amika Blowout Babe Thermal Brush is my go-to! It’s the easiest way to achieve blowout-worthy hair in less than 15 minutes. It’s perfect for layered hair and keeps my look fresh all day.”
Reviewers said: One tester shared: “Gives you salon worthy blow dries with zero effort. I have fine plentiful hair that’s prone to a bit of frizz and this makes it sleek and shiny in minutes.” Another thought: “It leaves my hair very shiny and soft everytime I use it.
“The only problem is it takes some getting used to to get the results you want. When I first started using it I would always accidentally turn it off, as the switch is very easy to catch.”
Alternatives: If you’re looking for another heated brush, Debenhams offers the Shark SmoothStyle Heated Brush & Smoothing Comb HT202UK for £79.99 and the Answr Volumewave Heated Brush, currently on offer for £64.
3.Ouai Detox Shampoo
Price: Was £28, now £21
Valeriasaid: “For anyone with hair that gets oily fast, this shampoo is a game-changer. I use Ouai Detox Shampoo twice a week, and it leaves my hair feeling refreshed, weightless, and voluminous. It’s a must for removing build-up and getting back that shine.”
Reviewers said: One tester shared: “Leaves hair feeling so clean and lasts ages as you only need 1 time a week. I would pair with a hydrating conditioner after as can be quite drying.” Another thought: “Third bottle and I just love it! This shampoo makes my scalp feel incredibly clean and refreshed.
“It has a lightweight formula that removes buildup without stripping my hair, leaving it soft and breathable. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a deep cleanse and a healthier scalp.”
Alternatives: Similarly, Boots offers the OUAI Detox Shampoo, currently on offer for £22.40, and the John Frieda Detox & Repair Shampoo for £5.99.
4. Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Concealer
Price: Was £32, now £24
Valeria said: “This concealer is everything. Lightweight but full coverage, the Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Concealer minimises creasing and wears beautifully all day. It’s hands down the best concealer I’ve tried.”
Reviewers said: One tester shared: “I’ve tried a few concealers over the years, but I’ve never loved one like i do this! I’m an absolute convert. 10/10..” Another thought: “Not my favourite for mature skin. It is full coverage but not as lightweight as I thought, hard to blend out after you leave to sit for few mins. I like it more as a foundation rather than concealer.”
Alternatives: If you’re looking for another concealer, Look Fantastic offers the NARS Cosmetics Radiant Creamy Concealer, currently on offer for £21.60, or the Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Eraser Concealer, currently on offer for £7.49.
5. Hourglass Foundation Brush
Price: Was £46, now £34.50
Valeria said: “I know what you’re thinking—a brush is a splurge, but trust me, the Hourglass Foundation Brush is worth every penny. It helps the foundation apply flawlessly and without soaking up the product, which saves you money in the long run.”
Reviewers said: One reviewer shared: “This is a really lovely brush! Super soft and has made such a difference to how my foundation applies. Love that it is a smaller length as well for my makeup bag.” Another thought: “This brush doesn’t work the best at blending in foundation or concealer. I love all their other brushes, but this one not so much. I think maybe it will work okay if you used it as contour or bronzer.”
Alternatives: If you’re looking for a cheaper foundation brush, Boots offers the Revolution Create Buffing Foundation Brush for £7 or the Ecotools Bamboo Foundation Brush for £5.
6. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid
Price: Was £7.70, now £6.55
Valeria said: “This gem isn’t just for your face. I use The Ordinary Glycolic Acid for everything from underarm brightening and odour control to scalp exfoliation, cracked heels, and bumpy skin. It’s a multitasker that I can’t live without.”
Reviewers said: One reviewer shared: “I love to use this for my skin but is also great for getting rid of kp and strawberry legs! Definitely recommend.” Another thought: “This is great and really versatile, I use it all over my body when my skin is really dry, and top with a moisturiser.
“It also works for any odour under the arms too as a deodorant. Would recommend, just giving 4 stars as it is a but harsh if used more than once a week.”
Alternatives: Boots also offers The Ordinary Glycolic Acid, currently on offer for £6.54 and SPAKE NK also offers The Ordinary Glycolic Acid, currently on offer for £5.78.
Remember, as with all sales, it’s always recommended to think carefully about any purchases and to only spend what you can afford.