Everything you need to know about the fashion house’s new launch and why it deserves to be in your make-up bag, from dreamy, creamy blush to boujie face glitter
Valentino Beauty
Courtesy of Valentino Beauty Very Valentino perfecting foundation
By now, any beauty brand should know that inclusivity is paramount and Valentino absolutely understood the assignment when it was concocting its Very Valentino foundation. After researching the skin tones of over 5000 women in eight countries, the result is an expansive 40-shade offering that provides a semi-matte coverage that lasts all day long without feeling like it’s even there to begin with. The foundation is made to be used with your fingers (it glides on and is easily built up) and then buffed out with a brush for a flawless finish. As somebody who doesn’t usually wear fuller coverage, I was very surprised at how light it feels after application, still leaving my skin looking like skin.
Verdict: If you’re looking for fuller coverage with a flawless semi-matte finish for 24-hours (!), this is undoubtedly the product for you. You can head IRL to Selfridges for a consultation and foundation sample.
Buy here (£46).
Courtesy of Valentino Beauty Eye2Cheek dual-use blush & eyeshadow
As a fan of wearing a statement eye, I was most excited to try out the eyeshadows that Valentino Beauty had created, and I wasn’t disappointed. Of the 12 shades, I tried Born in Roma (soft pink) and Rosso Valentino (red) and both have a super creamy and luxurious texture that can be applied with the supplied brush or your finger, giving you a real big colour payoff that lasts (even with sweaty eyelids like mine). But there’s more! The Eye2Cheek has a double function, easily switching from eyeshadow to blush. Or, do both, creating an edgy look for a night out.
Verdict: Everything you could want and more from an eyeshadow, but don’t stop there, experiment!
Buy here (£45).
Courtesy of Valentino Beauty V-Lighter dual-use face base & top coat
Any beauty fanatic worth their salt will know a thing or ten about the eternal mission for an effortless glow. Well, stop your plans for that expedition immediately, because you needn’t look further than Valentino Beauty’s V-Lighter. Similarly versatile, it can be used as a base for your Very Valentino, prepping your skin with hyaluronic acid and giving you a subtle glow from within. Want a more sunkissed look? Then simply apply it on top of your completed look. For the minimalist, the V-lighter can also be used alone as a final step in your skincare routine. It seems to have quite a sticky texture at first, but persevere and it’ll sink into your skin without leaving a trace (other than the coveted glow). You shouldn’t need further convincing, but it also smells incredible too.
Verdict: A must-have for glowing skin addicts. Get the most out of it as the final step of your routine.
Buy here (£46).
Courtesy of Valentino Beauty Dreamdust lip & cheek loose glitter
What would a Valentino make-up collection be without some sparkle? Thankfully, that’s not something we need to ponder as Pierpaolo has got you covered with Dreamdust. Much like Eye2Cheek, the loose glitter is completely versatile and can be used on lips and cheeks. The product’s dispenser certifies easy application with absolutely no mess, small enough to carry around in your purse for reapplication. The glitter has a very fine texture, perhaps best on skin for parties, unless OTT glam is your everyday look. On lips, it melds seamlessly, catching the light from all angles.
Verdict: A very easy way to add effortless luxury to your look, best reserved for boujie nights out.
Buy here (£26).
Courtesy of Valentino Beauty Rosso Valentino refillable lipstick
While lips aren’t my go-to, it was a given that Valentino Beauty’s offering was going to be top tier and I wasn’t wrong to think that. In fact, while applying the brand’s 50-shade offering (with both matte and satin finishes) you’ll be wondering why it’s taken so long for this product to come into your life. Trying out shades Rosso Valentino (red, matte) and Roman Grace (blush, satin), both have a vibrant payoff, but can be buffed out with a brush for a more demure look. With the couture approach in mind, the lipsticks are perfectly shaped for easy application and sustainable too – once you’ve finished with your tube, simply buy a refill and start all over again.
Verdict: A staple for lip lovers who want a luxurious texture and longlasting colour.
Buy here (£40).
Courtesy of Valentino Beauty Go-Clutch 2-in-1 face powder and mini lipstick
This is the one you’ve all been waiting for, the (rosso red) cherry on top of a delicious sundae. First teased on the runway at the SS17 show, the make-up/accessory hybrid is at the top end of the collection’s price point, but it’s easy to see why. Comprising a velvety smooth bronzer (which is easily switched for face powder when you first purchase, or on your future refills) that glides over the skin and pairs beautifully with the Very Valentino foundation and a mini lipstick, the Go-Clutch is pushing the boundaries of beauty’s function in your routine, meant to be slung over your shoulder as you waltz out the door. As the mantra inside the box says: “There are no rules anymore”.
Verdict: The future of luxury beauty! If you’re looking to get back what you put in, this is the investment for you.
Buy here (£176).