A brief history of ...
Each week, Anna Chesters gives gives you the lowdown on beauty faves
A brief history of No7
Launched 77 years ago by Boots, this skincare line now causes a storm in the aisles with every new product thanks to scientifically proven anti-ageing effects
A brief history of St Tropez
Self-tanning used to mean standing in the bathroom in your naff pants trying to dry evenly. Now, thanks to this market leader, a subtle glow is readily attainable
A brief history of Brylcreem
From Teddy Boys to Mad Men, the slick-backed quiff has come in and out of fashion for decades, and a humble cream from Birmingham has helped keep each hair firmly in place
A brief history of Guerlain
This former family business is now in the hands of a multinational, but some of the original 19th-century products are still available, says Anna Chesters
A brief history of Lancôme
From a French fragrance house with an exclusive clientele to one of the world's largest luxury skincare companies ... Anna Chesters traces the history of Lancôme
A brief history of Olay
Sixty years ago Graham Wulff invented a thick pink liquid which he named 'beauty fluid'. Now someone buys the brand's moisturiser every two minutes
A brief history of Lynx
It has been the smell of male adolescence for the best part of 25 years. Now Lynx is hoping women will buy their new scent too
A brief history of Nails Inc
Not the 1990s boy band, silly. The multi-coloured nail polish brand which began life in the UK
A brief history of Chanel
The cosmetics and perfume wing of the French fashion house all began many years ago with a little fragrance called No5
A brief history of Simple
Remember the advert showing a lily being sprayed with perfume? Simple is still touting its 'no nasties' approach
A brief history of Estée Lauder
Once upon a time, a woman named Josephine launched a little skincare range in New York. Before long she became Estée Lauder: supreme leader of the cosmetics world
A brief history of Rimmel
Britain's best-selling cosmetics brand began in London in the 19th century, and today is inextricably linked with Kate Moss
A brief history of Elizabeth Arden
Anna Chesters on one of the oldest names in the beauty industry
A brief history of Smashbox Cosmetics
Hollywood stars swear by its long-lasting products, but Smashbox has had a troubled history in the UK, says Anna Chesters
A brief history of Clarins
The founder of the French luxury skincare brand was on a mission to make women happy, says Anna Chesters
A brief history of Head & Shoulders
Possibly the most recognisable name in the shampoo aisle, Head & Shoulders has been celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. But what's the secret to its success?
A brief history of Eve Lom
The cosmetics range that encourages a a stripped back approach to skincare (which is fortunate given the prices)
A brief history of Jurlique
Jurlique was originally created as a niche natural skincare range. It is now Australia's leading skincare brand
A brief history of Illamasqua
Edgy new British makeup company that is theatrical, playful – and bold with it
A brief history of The Body Shop
Anita Roddick started The Body Shop in Brighton in 1976, as a small outfit selling just 25 products – now there are more than 2,500 stores worldwide
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