We’re all a sucker for Zara. As much as its website might induce a migraine during sale season and the queue for its changing rooms age us by a millennia, the retail giant gets it so right when it comes to affordable clothing that’s taken inspiration from luxury labels. But did you know that Zara’s beauty range is just as well-curated as its fashion?
I’ve already extolled the greatness of Zara’s extensive fragrance line, which has an incredible range of higher-end dupes and just generally luxurious scents. But it isn’t just perfume where Zara is pulling out the big guns; for its debut beauty line, the brand worked with legendary makeup artist Diane Kendal, who has painted faces across the fashion industry’s biggest magazines, runways and beyond. The result? Editorial-worthy makeup, futuristic packaging, and all at a high street price.
Zara’s beauty line launched in 2021 with a range of colour products, including eyeshadow palettes, nail polishes and lipsticks. It’s since expanded to an array of fun and creative products such as decorative face gems and high-performing base products like the tinted moisturiser.
Want to know what you should be immediately *adding to basket* from Zara beauty? These are the products that have seriously impressed me…
Zara Hydro Glow Tinted Moisturiser, £14.99
I’m a hoarder when it comes to tinted moisturisers and skin tints, but the one benefit that makes up for my lack of space is that I know exactly what makes each of these products worth the money.
At under £15, this is one of the best affordable tinted moisturisers I’ve tried. The lightweight texture blends seamlessly, leaving a natural, glowing veil over the skin. I love how this melts into my skin (which leans heavily to the dry side) without clinging onto any rough patches,
Zara Nail Polish, £5.99
If bold, editorial-worthy nail colours are your jam, Zara’s candy-coloured lineup of nail polishes deserves your attention. The range includes everything from vivid pistachio greens to silvery glazed top coats, which last just as long as more expensive polishes I’ve tried.
Zara Liquid Eyeshadow, £11.99
Holographic and duo-chrome eyeshadows are having a much-deserved moment, and achieving the look just got easier than ever with these liquid eyeshadows.
These do have a slightly more liquid texture than other cream eyeshadows, but they dry down to give the effect of a shimmering pool of light. Dot the shade ‘Iridescent Dawn’ in the inner corner of your eyes for an ethereal look.
Zara Nourishing Jelly Lip Oil, £7.99
This product doesn’t just look cute, it delivers all of the nourishment of a lip oil with the glassy, non-sticky finish of a lip jelly. Slightly tinted, shades ‘Decadent’ and ‘Swell’ deliver two hues of cool and rosy pink to your lips – they’re gorgeous shades to pair with lightweight, summer makeup.
Zara Cream Eyeshadow, £9.99
Another eyeshadow winner from the Zara range is its curated line of metallic cream shadows. Each one of the colours is stunning, especially ‘Los Angeles’ and ‘Helsinki’, which show a subtle shift in the light.
‘Helsinki’ has to be my favourite though. It’s ideal for creating a grunge, smokey eye. You can wear it alone or use it as a base for layering more metallic pigments on top; the formula feels beautifully soft and is easy to blend out.
Zara Ultimatte Matte Lipstick, £11.99
IMO, Zara has some of the most luxury-looking lip shades on the high street, with a range of sophisticated brick reds, dusty peaches, deep crimsons and rich roses. Its matte lipsticks are my favourite in the range (high praise, considering I’m not a matte girl), with a soft, velvety finish that doesn’t dry out on your lips thanks to a nourishing blend of oils and fruit extracts.
FYI: the pigments are incredibly intense, so you’ll only need one swipe for an immediate colour payoff.
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