Makeup launched by high street clothing brands is often surprisingly good.
Topshop had a beauty line that was particularly strong on lipstick, H&M has an impressive catalogue of nail polishes, & Other Stories does affordable perfume well, and M&S used to do an excellent cream blusher.
So when another retailer branches out to makeup, the bar is already fairly high.
A few years ago, Zara did dabble into colour cosmetics with a lipstick line, but the frenzy didn’t happen.
This second go at makeup is much more committal with there being over 130 items launching initially (with foundation, concealer mascara, and brow products in the pipeline for a later date).
For nail polish alone there are 39 shades to pick from and they’ve even come out with brushes.
Though a large offering, the products feel considered.
Firstly, the collection has been designed with British runway makeup artist, Diane Kendal, who is renowned in the beauty industry.
Secondly, most of the products are refillable, so you can snap pans in and out of palettes, saving on plastic packaging.
This also means buying single pans is cheaper than buying the whole package – so in theory, you could buy two sets of eyeshadow, but only need one eyeshadow case to pull shades in and out of.
Where things aren’t refillable, glass packaging has been used instead.
And while we’re on the packaging, it’s sleek for a high street retailer – everything is white and stylised with slanted edges to reflect the angles of the letter Z.
They’ve also had inclusivity in mind – the bronzers come in nine shades, which is a mark above the average bronzer launch that usually excludes deeper skin tones (though it’s not perfect yet).
Diane said: ‘When Zara approached me to lead the creative direction of Zara Beauty, I saw an opportunity to make something that everyone would want to use.
‘Zara has always reached such a diverse audience, and I wanted to bring that same big vision to beauty with a collection that is clean, refillable and accessible to all.’
There are a range of lip products in various finishes, nail polishes, eye pigments, and face palettes, among more.
These are our favourite picks from the range, which launches today.
If you’re unsure of what to go for, there’s the option to virtually try shades on online.
Eye Shadow Duo
Either pick up a ready made set like this, or buy individual shades to put into a palette.
Shades vary from bold editorial pops perfect for summer, to neutrals.
Metal Foil Loose Pigment
Wear alone or layer on top of other shadows to get a sparkly metallic finish on eyes.
Nail Polish
As well as stocking all the colours you’d expect (like red and pale pink), the collection has a range of brighter and unusual tones, from forest green to mustard yellow.
We love this fiery orange, which makes a subtle switch from red for the hotter months.
Tinted Balm Lipstick
For sheer easy colour, these lipsticks deliver.
There’s a holographic shade for subtle sparkle, then shades going from neutral tones to a bright cherry red.
Face Palette
This shimmery trio will have your cheeks warmed, tinted and glowy.
It comes in three colourways, so the options could stretch further, but each trio will give a different look.
There’s this one featuring a berry blush, then another palette that is warmer and peachier.
Cult Satin Lipstick
There are more colours to choose from in the satin lipstick formula than in the balm, so you’re bound to find a shade to suit your style.
Bronzer
Available in nine shades, the bronzers come in a range of undertones, some of which are warmer than others.
Buy pans separately for £6.99, or the full price to get the container.
Stiletto Demi-Matte Lipstick
This slim bullet allows for more precise application and the colours available range from muted to bold.
Ultimatte Lipstick
And for a traditional matte bullet, look no further.
We love this fun lotus colour that will brighten any summer makeup look.
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MORE : For easy summer makeup, sheer and balmy textures are the way to go – here are our top buys
from metro.co.uk
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