They say beauty is only skin deep, but the effects of an incredible product can be so much more than just great hair and glowing skin. After trialling hundreds of lipsticks, moisturisers and shampoos throughout our lives, finding the one that makes you feel amazing can boost your confidence and revolutionise your entire beauty routine.
Here, six women reflect on the one beauty product that changed their routines forever.
1. The ultimate face cream
"I’ve always gone for the natural look when it comes to my make-up and have been using mineral powder foundations for years, mostly because I have problematic oily skin that's prone to breakouts and liquid foundations can exacerbate that. However, I recently discovered Nivea’s Cellular Perfect Skin Illuminating Fluid (a mouthful, for sure) and it’s totally changed my routine. It has a subtle pigment that acts like the best BB cream and matches any skin tone, giving me great coverage and leaving my face glowing, not greasy. I just apply moisturiser, add a lick of mascara and go! No more foundation necessary." – Jasmine, Edinburgh
Cellular Skin Perfecting Day Moisturiser, £15.99, Nivea
2. The oil I can't live without
"My love affair with Bio Oil began by accident. After two serious back operations, I picked up a bottle when a doctor recommended it in the hope it would help heal my scars. Once I'd got it home I noticed the bottle suggested using it on dry areas too, so I started rubbing it on elbows and ankles and soon I was using it as my regular moisturiser. It really gets into the skin and holds the moisture - it feels indulgent but you can see it working, unlike a lot of body oils. I always pack a travel-sized bottle on holiday to soothe sunburn, keep my face and lips hydrated and to keep my thick, curly hair under control in the heat. I even use it on blisters from my heels and on my legs after shaving to prevent shaving rashes.
"I always get comments on my soft skin and glossy hair and I would certainly say it's down to Bio-Oil. My beauty regime before consisted of many different products for hair, for lips, for dry feet, for body, but this does the job of about eight products. I've turned so many people onto Bio-Oil and it's now one of my staple beauty products, and probably with one of the smallest price tags. It did the job I bought it to do (my back scars have completely faded and are just faint silver lines now) but it's been amazing for so much more." – Pippa, London
Specialist Skincare Oil, £8.99, Bio-Oil
3. The glow-giving essential
"When it comes to my make-up, I've always liked a glowy finish. That used to include shimmery eyeshadow and lipstick, until my daughter bought me The Body Shop's Drops of Sun bronzing fluid. I mixed one drop in with my morning moisturiser and suddenly everyone was complimenting me on how great my skin looked. The fluid doesn't even have a shimmer finish, so I was amazed that I loved it so much. Now, I stay away from shimmer eyeshadow unless it's right for my skin tone and use Drops of Sun whenever my skin needs a boost." – Ashwinder, Birmingham
Honey Bronze Drops of Sun, £12, The Body Shop
4. The heat-free hair hero
"I have long, thick hair and drying it has always been a chore. I always had to set aside at least half an hour to brush, dry it and then straighten it, but ever since discovering the Tangle Teezer Blow-Styling Smoothing Tool my hair has been transformed. It now takes me less than 10 minutes to dry my hair and leaves it so smooth and silky. The extra 20 minutes now means I'm not so rushed and stressed before starting my day. My hair has thanked me for not destroying it with heat anymore too; I have less split ends and it looks and feels in much better condition." – Harriet, Chingford
Blow-Styling Smoothing Tool, £20, Tangle Teezer
5. The skin saver
"I spent the majority of my teenage years struggling with the combination of acne, oily skin and a deathly pale complexion, so finding a foundation was always an absolute nightmare. Anything too thick would end up making my acne more obvious and would leave that dreaded orange line between my face and my neck. Two years ago, I started using Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream as a substitute for heavier foundation. It comes in my light skintone, as well as 15 more shades, gives a really natural look and it stays put pretty much all day long. Since using this as a foundation substitute, I’ve found that I’ve stopped topping up my make-up during the day (or even checking it) and feel far more comfortable in my own skin - the acne is also as good as gone. It also acts as a moisturiser and doesn't cling to any bumps on my face, which has boosted my self-esteem." – Hannah, York
Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream, £28, Bare Minerals
6. The nail strengthening saviour
"I swear by Sally Hansen's Hard As Nails. It really does what it says on the bottle, making my brittle nails stronger and prevents them from splitting. Along with a great moisturiser, this has made me feel a lot more confident in my hands and nails, meaning I paint them much more often. I've even passed this tip down to my granddaughter, who has acrylics. Using this, her nails won't get too weak." – Babette, Bristol
Nail Strengthener, £4.75, Sally Hansen
Are you looking for a product to change your skincare routine for good? Try Bio-Oil now, available at Boots, Sainsbury’s, Superdrug, Tesco and other national retailers, RRP £8.95 for 60ml