Tried and tested: Old-school make-up favourites versus today's hot new hits

Rebecca Gonsalves compares 24 essential products.

Mascara

Great Lash harks back to a time when nipping to New York for a weekend of shopping wasn't just for 'the 1 per cent' and this was the cheap-as-chips trophy for your make-up bag. It made sense, then, that this was one of the first products that launched Maybelline in the UK – it remains a favourite for the way it subtly lifts and separates. Benefit's bestselling wand will magic a much more dramatic effect.

Classic: Maybelline Great Lash, £5.10, available nationwide

New: Benefit They're Real, £18.50, available nationwide

Highlighter

Not to be caked on – that way panda eyes lie – highlighter pens are simply magical at creating a light-reflecting surface that will hide imperfections as well as radiantly perk up a tired complexion. YSL's classic turns 20 this year and is now available in a dozen shades, though some may prefer the matte finish of By Terry's wonder pen.

Classic: YSL Touche Eclat, £25, yslbeaute.com

New: By Terry Touche Veloutée, £35, spacenk.com

Fragrance

Summer calls for a light, fresh fragrance that won't clash with the heightened scents brought out by the sun. Jo Malone's crisp and spicy signature scent remains a classic 21 years after it was launched. Diptyque's newest fragrance is the first in its floral waters collection and celebrates the rose, that most evocative, romantic of blooms.

Classic: Jo Malone Lime, Basil & Mandarin Cologne, £76, 100ml, jomalone.co.uk

New: Diptyque Eau Rose, £60, 3.4fl oz, diptyqueparis.co.uk

Cleanser

This two-step hot-cloth cleansing method has fans the world over for its gentle, moisturising formulation which removes make-up, dirt and dead skin and is suitable for almost every skin type. Perricone MD is a dermatologist-led line that is creating waves in beauty circles thanks to its problem-solving products. This cleanser uses olive extracts to hydrate and soothe sensitive skin.

Classic: Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, £14.25, lizearle.com

New: Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Gentle Cleanser, £35, johnlewis.com

Lipstick

Hailed by those in the know not only as a true red but one that lends itself to most complexions, Ruby Woo's matte finish is perfect for creating a pin-up-worthy pout. If a pared-down look better suits your style, however, the new moisturising formula of Chanel's Shine melts into lips leaving a flattering, summer-ready shade of coral.

Classic: MAC lipstick in Ruby Woo, £13.50, maccosmetics.co.uk

New: Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in En Vogue, £24, 020-7493 3836

Moisturiser

One of the most important elements of a daily skincare regime, replenishing delicate skin's moisture helps prevent signs of ageing – what's not to love? A bestseller for good reason, Kiehl's lightweight formula is easily absorbed and provides UVA and UVB protection. Malin + Goetz gently hydrates without clogging pores or leaving a residue — and it's ideal for sensitive skin.

Classic: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturiser, £24.50, 125ml, kiehls.co.uk

New: Malin + Goetz Vitamin E face moisturiser, £36, 118ml, liberty.co.uk

Nail varnish

Touted as the first-ever red nail polish, the formula may have been updated since then but Revlon's shade remains a bestseller – largely because of its universally chic connotations. The Dolce & Gabbana make-up range is beautifully packaged but it's what's inside that really counts here – long-lasting, chip-resistant shades that simply glide on and look phenomenal.

Classic: Revlon nail enamel in Cherries in the Snow, £6.49, Boots nationwide

New: Dolce & Gabbana Intense Nail Laquer in Pink, £19.25, harrods.com

Eyeliner

Glide the glossy-finish formulation in this ink-well pot on with a slanted flat brush to create feline flicks that won't smudge or smear. If classic black is too harsh for your skintone, there are 10 shades to choose from. The nib on L'Oréal's new felt-tip eyeliner is so soft that it won't drag against the lash line, ensuring a smooth, precise, super-fine finish every time. f

Classic: Bobbi Brown Longwear Gel Liner, £16.50, 0870 034 2566

New: L'Oréal SuperLiner Perfect Slim, £6.49, available nationwide

Bronzer

Whether you're a sun-worshipper or not, there's room in almost every beauty bag for the right shade of bronzer. The key to appearing sun-kissed and natural is to apply with the lightest of touches. Whether classically charming Terracotta or Clinique's super light oil-absorbing powder, a gentle dusting on the nose, chin, forehead and cheeks will mimic the rays of the sun and lift and slim the face, too.

Classic: Guerlain Terracotta Moisturizing Bronzing Powder, £33.50, harrods.com

New: Clinique Superbalanced Powder Bronzer, £25, available nationwide

Brightener

Known affectionately as 'Cinderella in a tube', Clarins' beauty balm has been a pick-me-up for skin that's tired and flagging after a long day – or an even longer night – for more than 30 years. In the few months since it launched, Nanoblur has already achieved a huge word-of-mouth following for its almost miraculous work, instantly reducing the appearance of fine lines, crow's feet and enlarged pores.

Classic: Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, £27.50, 0800 036 3558

New: Indeed Labs Nanoblur, £19.99, available nationwide

Exfoliator

Dermalogica's cult product has been around for a decade and the ritualistic way it is applied is only part of it. The superfine powder lathers up in wet hands and gently exfoliates without scratching or weakening skin. Wei uses traditional Chinese philosophy and medicinal beliefs to create a modern, nature-driven collection – add these finely-milled pomegranate skins to your cleanser to buff away dead skin.

Classic: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant ,£38.50, 0800 591 818

New: Wei Pomegranate Buffing Beads, £16.50, spacenk.co.uk

Eyeshadow

This intensely-coloured creamy formula delivered in crayon form is one of the easiest ways to achieve a smoky eye for novices and professionals alike – just swipe, smudge and go. Tom Ford's smooth, shimmering cream will gild eyelids and create the high-octane glamour that the designer has become synonymous with.

Classic: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Cocoa, £20.50, available nationwide

New: Tom Ford Cream Colour for Eyes in Guilt, £28, 0870 034 2566