6 of the best beauty brands to watch out for in 2014

2014 promises to be an exciting year in the beauty world, with some fantastic new brands launching in the UK for the first time, while other tried-and-trusted names are launching ground-breaking new products.

1) First up is Japonesque and their new cosmetics range, which has taken the UK by storm since launching late last year in John Lewis.

Famed for their beauty tools – their brushes are used by some of the world’s top make up artists – their recently-launched make up line looks as good as it feels.

The collection includes feather-light liquid foundations, beautiful lipsticks, glosses and eye shadows.

However it’s the packaging which has caused the biggest stir – especially the palettes, which are all adorned with unique designs using pigment dropped onto the outside of the palettes as they move along a conveyor belt.

It’s hard to pick a favourite, but if we had to, the Velvet Touch Concealer (£15, www.johnlewis.com) would be a worthy contender. Look out for several new product launches in 2014.

2) Tru skincare is a brand new, no-nonsense skincare range created by eczema sufferer SaraJane Lynch, whose creations have just launched in Fenwick stores and online at www.thetrubrand.com.

The products have been designed to do exactly what they say on the bottle without stripping away natural oils.

They’re free from nasties and packed with natural goodness – bergamot, castor seed oil, wild pansy seed and comfrey all put in repeat appearances.

Highlights include the Tru Toning Treatment (£28) and the antioxidant-packed Tru Holy Grail Facial Moisturiser (£42).

3) Make up artists don’t get bigger than Charlotte Tilbury, which is precisely why her new skincare and make up range is generating such a buzz.

The products have, according to Charlotte, been designed for women who “are likely to do their makeup on the run with a mobile phone in one hand as they sit down at a vanity table.”

The products are usefully organised into five categories (prep, prime, perfect and conceal, facial framework and colour) and all of the colour products have been inspired by famous women.

So, if you fancy channelling your inner Beyonce, pick a product from the Dolce Vita range, but if you love Audrey Hepburn’s look, the Sophisticate range is for you.

Prices start from £16 and are available from www.net-a-porter.com.

4) Those lucky Aussies don’t just get the best weather – they can also lay claim to one of the best new hair care brands, and the good news is that it’s just arrived in the UK.

O&M (the name stands for Original Mineral) is a stylish new do-it-all range of products designed for all hair types.

The brand’s salons can already be found in the US and Australia (rumour has it we might see one here soon – fingers crossed) and the products launched in Selfridges on 30 January, although they’ve been available online since the start of the month.

They’re free from sulphates, parabens and phthalates – instead, they’re packed with natural ingredients such as macadamia oil and argan oil.

Beauty editors are already raving about the products’ ability to transform their locks, with products like the Seven Day Miracle Moisture Masque (£26, www.selfridges.com) and the No Knott Detangling Spray (£19, www.selfridges.com) receiving particularly impressive accolades.

5) Yes, that’s right – Butter London, the brand behind some of the world’s most gorgeous nail polishes, has created a make up line, and with several new launches planned for 2014, we reckon it’s the brand to watch in 2014.

Ironically, considering the brand’s name, the range launched Stateside first, but launched over here shortly after.

Must-buys include the gorgeous cream blushers, tinted lip balms (great for buildable colour) and super-soft eye pencils, although we’re especially tempted by the Cheeky Cream Blush (£17).

6) Last but by no means least is Lola, a colourful, quirky cosmetics brand comprising top quality treats at high street prices – the pigment-packed products start from just £8.

But don’t be put off by the unbelievably purse-friendly prices, because Lola products offer all the features found in premium brand products, such as pearl-coated pigments and silicon-enriched formulations.

The team behind Lola have also worked with some of the world’s best make up brush manufacturers to create a range of top notch make up tools which won’t break the bank.

Their Lola Foundation Brush (£14, marksandspencer.com) is a case in point.

[Alesha Dixon reveals her £5 beauty secret as she launches her first fragrance Rose Quartz in the UK]

[New Year, new beauty bag: 15 of the best make-up buys to refresh your look in 2014]