The Beauty Houses I’ll Always Repurchase From
From skincare to fragrance, these names have my trust for life.
I’ve been testing beauty for more years than I can count. Even though Apologies is new, I am definitely not new to the beauty writing game, I’ve been doing this since my Journalism degree in 2010. Here are some of the brands that have gained my trust over the years, that I keep coming back to.
nars
There’s a reason this one is first on my list, and rightly so. One of the first big girl brands I purchased from and this is ringing true for many other beauty lovers out there.
Since its launch in 1994 with just 12 lipsticks, NARS has always been about pushing boundaries. Founded by makeup artist François Nars, the brand quickly became a staple in editorial artistry, known for its fearless use of color and unapologetic approach to beauty. Today, cult classics like the Laguna Bronzer and Orgasm Blush remain beauty icons, while their complexion products continue to earn top marks from makeup artists and consumers alike. What I love about NARS is that it feels both timeless and edgy. Whether you’re reaching for a sheer tint or a power pigment, the formulas always deliver. For me, NARS is proof that true artistry never goes out of style.
My staple: Nars Sheer Glow Foundation
Sadly Missed: I have to mention I was DEVASTATED when they took their blush Madly out of the rotation.
hourglass
I first purchased Hourglass for its mascara back in 2020, when it first became available in Mecca NZ. I swiftly was captured by their palettes, eyeshadows and pretty much anything else they released.
Founded in California in 2004, Hourglass has built a reputation for merging luxury performance with ethical innovation. Best known for their Ambient Lighting Collection, the brand has mastered the art of creating that lit-from-within finish that beauty lovers can’t get enough of. What sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to values: they’re fully vegan and cruelty-free, even pioneering a vegan alternative to carmine—an ingredient still used by many luxury competitors.
Most recently, Hourglass made headlines with the opening of its first global flagship in New York City, a space designed not just for shopping but for immersive brand experiences and artistry events. They also announced singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams as their new Global Brand Partner, a move that cements their connection to a younger, culturally plugged-in audience. Add in their recent Allure and Cosmopolitan award wins, and it’s clear Hourglass is having a major moment.
Hourglass is a brand I trust because they never compromise on quality, ethics, or on artistry. Hourglass feels like the perfect balance of luxury and conscience, and that’s something I value in beauty.
My staples: Ambient Blush in Mood Exposure, Vanish Seamless Foundation Stick, Illusion Seamless Glow Foundation are just a few of my many loves from this brand.
tom ford beauty & Fragrance
The few products I have from this brand, I adore. This is one where I find myself slinking around in Mecca more and more swatching their beauty products, waiting for a gap in my collection. I’ve never been disappointed and they add a classic luxury to my collection that is effortlessly me.
Since its debut in 2005, the brand has carved out a space where sensuality, sophistication, and cinematic beauty intersect. Its fragrances are legendary—Black Orchid has become a signature scent for so many, while the Private Blend collection feels like wearable luxury in a bottle. On the makeup side, Tom Ford’s lipsticks and eyeshadow quads are the ultimate indulgence, offering both performance and aesthetic perfection. Even after its acquisition by Estée Lauder, the brand has held onto its DNA: seductive, polished, and elevated. Tom Ford is the brand I turn to when I want beauty to feel like an experience, something special, something unforgettable.
My staples: Lost Cherry EDP & Soliel Shimmering Body Oil (watch this space for the tried and true beauty edit).
kerastase
I started using Kerastase when I was only 18 and started regularly attending the salon. This is another brand I can say I use the same products I used all those years ago, although I follow the new released quite avidly.
Founded in Paris in 1964, Kérastase has always stood at the intersection of luxury and science. It’s the brand you’ll see lined up in top salons worldwide, but it also brings that professional expertise into our everyday routines. Their Elixir Ultime Oil and 8H Magic Night Serum are staples for anyone who craves healthy, shiny, nourished hair. What makes Kérastase stand out is its diagnostic approach, products are designed to solve specific concerns, from damaged lengths to sensitive scalps, with salon-level precision. With Sydney Sweeney recently named as a global ambassador, the brand continues to bridge timeless French heritage with a new generation of beauty lovers.
My staples: Resistance Strengthening Shampoo, Conditioner & Blow-Dry Primer, Genesis Anti-Hairfall Heat Protectant
bobbi brown
Launched in New York in 1991 by makeup artist Bobbi Brown, this brand has always stood for enhancing natural beauty rather than masking it. Known first for its wearable lipsticks and neutral palettes, Bobbi Brown quickly became synonymous with that “no-makeup makeup” look long before it was a trend. Today, cult favorites like the Vitamin Enriched Face Base and Skin Foundation Stick remain go-to staples for artists and beauty lovers who want skin to look like skin. What I admire most about Bobbi Brown is its consistency, the products are practical, polished, and never overcomplicated. It’s the brand I trust when I want my makeup routine to feel timeless, reliable, and chic.
My staples: Skin Foundation Stick & Long Wear Brow Pencil
Sadly Missed: Glow Stick in Nude Beach
These would have to be my top 5 favourites, however, there are a few more I can mention here - let me know if you want to see a part two!
