Our Big sister SOCIAL & PERSONAL's May issue is out now. This edition is the bumper beauty issue. The S&P beauty team have spent months testing thousands of products to bring our readers the definitive list of the 'Best Beauty Buys' of 2025. We have devoured the issue since it went in store, and now, we bring you our edit of the 10 essentials to add to your makeup bag in preparation for your strut down the aisle.
1/ Kerástase Masque Filler Réparateur
One of the cardinal rules of hair styling is that proper preparation is key! The morning of your wedding, skip your usual conditioner and treat your tresses to an enriching soak in the Masque Filler Réparateur from Kerástase Premiere. A genuine hair saviour, it rebuilds the hair structure, smooths the surface, and radically reduces breakage, restoring hair to its healthiest, strongest, most beautiful state and ready for your stylist to work their magic.
2/ ELEVEN Australia Miracle Hair Treatment Shampoo
A good shampoo is truly a girl's best friend! You might baulk, but high-quality, well-chosen cleanser is an essential building block for shiny, tamable hair; because of this, we're very particular about what we do and don't recommend in that department. Suppose you're on the hunt for a deeply hydrating, lightweight shampoo that vows to promote hair strength, help minimise the occurrence of split ends and protect against up to 220 degrees Celsius. In that case, the Miracle Hair Treatment Shampoo from ELEVEN Australia might be your new bestie!
3/ Dyson Chitosan Post-Style Serum
You've heard of pre-style treatments, but have you considered pairing your heat protectant with the Dyson Chitosan Post-Style Serum? A fabulous innovation from the industry's most exciting hair tech brands, this serum is applied after you've blow-dried and straightened to reduce frizziness and flyaways, even in high humidity. Developed for use in finished styles on all hair types, it promises to give a 2x longer hold without the crunch, brittleness, or residue you expect from hairspray or traditional styling mousse.
4/ Ground Biome Cleansing Oil
Starting with a clean, moisturised base is fundamental for flawless makeup application. Before your first sip of morning coffee, cleanse your skin with the Biome Cleansing Oil from Ground and feel confident that the cottonseed oil, rice bran, jojoba, and castor oil are doing their part to remove any excess oil, buildup, sunscreen or makeup that could run afoul of your foundation application.
5/ MySkincare Lil Cleansing Brush & Eye Massager
In addition to the perfect cleanser, using the right tools to thoroughly remove any excess product can make or break the smoothness of your base application. To avoid dry patches, leftover mascara and uneven coverage, we really love the Lil Cleansing Brush & Eye Massager from MySkincare! This little wonder tool gently massages your skin and works the cleanser into every nook and cranny without harsh scrubbing. Supposing that you're worried about excess pulling on the skin causing premature wrinkles, it also has a heating function, great for reducing dark circles, fine line wrinkles and relieving sore muscles.
6/ Clarins Lip Comfort Oil
The last thing you want for the most romantic 'I Do' kiss is dry, cracked, crusty lips! While you're prepping your skin and hair, why not give your pout some TLC? The Clarins Lip Comfort Oil contains a trio of plant oils, like organic sweetbriar rose oil, to help revive, comfort, and protect lips without the oily, stinky consistency we've come to expect from most high-shine treatments. If you want to be extra caring of your lips, apply the oil before you head to bed the night before the wedding (stick to the shade, honey, assuming that you don't want to ruin your pillowcase!) and let the natural plant oils work their magic while you're having sweet dreams.
7/ Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Or
Are you planning a cute getting-ready shoot with your bridesmaids and want to make sure you look extra flawless from start to finish? Round out your tan with the Huile Prodigieuse Or from Nuxe for an effervescent glow in your photos. This shimmering dry oil with natural-origin golden pearly particles illuminates and moisturises the skin in a single step, without leaving an oily finish that might transfer onto your wedding dress. We've had dozens of real wedding brides raving about this little bottle of oil and for a very good reason! Give your shoulders and collarbones a satiny shine, or accentuate a sky-high leg slip with a tanned, glossy leg.
8/ Bellamianta Lash Illusion Mascara 
Let's be real here, you're probably going to cry on your wedding day, and the last thing you want is your makeup to be ruined before you've even said your vows! Your best friend on your wedding day will be a good quality, water/smudge-proof mascara, and we can't think of a better contender than the Bellamianta Lash Illusion Mascara. In case you haven't heard of a tubing mascara before, don't be worried (or running off to Google it); Unlike traditional mascaras, tubing mascara wraps each lash in flexible, water-resistant polymer tubes for long-lasting, flake-free wear that removes effortlessly with warm water. Meaning you can cry happy tears all night long without messing up your lashes!
9/ Luna By Lisa Rosegasm Cream Blush
2025 has been the year of warm, bright, and romantic blush (Thank you, Sabrina Carpenter!). When applied strategically, it can add a healthy glow, lift the face, and even minimise signs of fatigue, making you appear more awake and full of joy. There's no need to hunt high and low for the right complexion enhancer; we've already done the work and picked the best. Perfect for all skin types, the Rosegasm Cream Blush from Luna by Lisa delivers a buildable, velvety flush of rich colour to your cheeks.
10/ Voya Nerolia Eau de Toilette
Whether it's the final step or the first in your beauty routine, applying the right fragrance can make or break how you feel in a look, and your wedding day is no different! As big believers in olfactory memory, we've often advised brides-to-be to pick a perfume you've never worn before so you can tie the memory and fragrance together and revisit your wedding day with a single spritz. With delicate notes of honeysuckle, neroli and citrus, Nerolia Eau de Toilette from Voya embodies the essence of the wild Irish coastline, making it the perfect elegant scent to accompany you on your walk down the aisle!
To find the winning products worth your investment in 2025, pick up a copy of the May issue of SOCIA & PERSONAL with ‘Best Beauty Buys ’ in partnership with myBlend. It’s in stores now.
- Gráinne