London is definitely calling. It all started when rumours of a royal engagement began to swirl. Slowly and steadily, the momentum continued to build until finally, things reached a fevered pitch and now London’s on our radar like never before. From Will and Kate’s royal engagement to the wedding of all weddings, from the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee to the upcoming summer Olympics, London has been monopolizing centre stage and quite frankly, we think she deserves the spotlight. Whether it’s the high street shopping, the
ever-cool Brit designers, the pub fare and a pint, the centuries old history or the edgy street fashion, there’s an incredible juxtaposition of old and new in London that makes it totally irresistible.

All this London love has made us think of the Brit beauty brands we love. Here are five of our favourite brands that hail from Britain that we just can’t get enough of, as well as one we wish was available in Canada.

Brit beauty brands we love

Rimmel

When
Kate Moss, pictured above, seductively utters Rimmel’s tagline ‘get the London look’ it sounds more like an order than a suggestion … an order we’re all too eager to obey. Because if capturing the London look means mimicking one of our fave supes, we’re in! The House of Rimmel, established on Regent Street in 1834, is as relevant now as it was then, marking the brand’s staying power over the years and across the pond.

Must-try product: Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick

Topshop beauty line

Topshop has been dressing Brits since 1964 and today has over 300 stores throughout the United Kingdom. We were thrilled when they crossed the pond (ok, we admit, we waited in the lines with eager anticipation to snag the first store finds). And we were just as tickled when Topshop brought along their affordable beauty line. The line, launched in collaboration with London runway makeup artist Hannah Murray, offers totally on-trend collections of products but we love the Core Collection, full of everyday makeup essentials. And after filling your arms with cropped tops, skinny jeans and girly dresses, a stop by the beauty counter is always a must.

Must-try product: Smokey Eyes Quad in Smouldering

More Brit beauty brands we love (and one we really hope comes to Canada!) on the next page …


Boots No 7

A favourite with British women for 75 years, Boots No7 products have been available in Canada since 2007, exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores. Their hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested products have made No7 a leading skincare and beauty brand across the pond. And given that the No7 Protect & Perfect Beauty Serum is a bestseller in Canada, it looks like its destined to become a makeup bag essential here, too.

Must-try product: No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum

St. Tropez

Britain’s rainy climes may not call to mind the need for intense sun protection but Brit beauty brand St. Tropez begs to differ. Their luxury line of makeup and sun and skin care products will give even the palest, sun-deprived skin a luminous, sun-kissed glow. Apparently songbird Natasha Bedingfield swears by it as well as other celebs including Ashley Greene, Toni Collette, Emily Blunt, Kim Kardashian, Kelly Osbourne, Miley Cyrus and Sienna Miller. St. Tropez products are available at Sephora.

Must-try product: Rose Skin Illuminator

Jo Malone

Jo Malone was founded in 1994 and since then, has become a brand synonymous with sophisticated British style. Their first fragrance, Nutmeg and Ginger, was soon followed by the launch of what would become their signature fragrance: Lime Basil and Mandarin. We love that you can combine and layer your favourite scents to create a signature perfume that’s truly unique.

Must-try product: Pomegranate Noir Body Lotion

Beauty brand we wish would hurry up and make its way to Canada

Illamasqua’s self-proclaimed rise from ‘an unknown to a cult British beauty brand’ was lightning fast. In just three years, they’ve established three stores in London, Leeds and Liverpool and department store counters in Selfridges. There’s lots of talk of alter egos on their website – their products inspire you to create a you you never knew existed! But until they bring their products to this side of the Atlantic, it’s one more excuse (like you needed one!) to hop on a plane and visit Britain!

Read more:
Luxury London: The best spas in London
The top 5 British fashion brands

Rosy outlook: Our top rose beauty products
Summer spa getaway: 6 totally over-the-top spas to try this summer
Summer skin care: 5 best spa treatments for sun damage