An intriguing range of British cosmetics has been keenly making its way onto my radar in recent months, and ever eager to find out just what it is that sets Delilah apart from the plethora of offerings appearing alongside it on Space NK, I set about finding out whether we should be reaching into our purses now, or saving our shopping until later.
The brains behind this intriguing operation are a trio made up of former makeup artist and creative dorector Rupert Kingston; photographer Juliet White; and experienced beauty buyer Hannah White – and together they boast a pretty impressive set of credentials.
While Hannah’s long career has seen her working with some of the world’s most prestigious cosmetics manufacturers, Rupert has been responsible for the development of a number of award-winning beauty products and has for Juliet, her expertise in the areas of imagery, graphics and design is such that her work has been seen in the likes of The New York Times and Rolling Stone.
Driven by the distinct lack of British boutique brands, the team joined forces in a bid to create something truly special – and by all accounts, it seems they have succeeded.
Inspired by an abundance of quintessentially English influences – from its namesake, the Delilah rose, to the semi-precious, pewter-coloured Britannia metal that influenced its packaging – Delilah offers up a capsule collection of luxury cosmetics that are – in the creators’ own words – ‘simple to wear and easy to love’. Rather than bellowing from the rooftops and clamouring to be heard, the brand prides itself on being ‘subtle and under-stated, with the confidence to speak softly, rather than shout’.
With its seductive and beguiling name, this is a brand that relies on high-quality products that speak for themselves. Delilah, after all, was the name of the woman who famously used her beauty to enchant Samson, and the air of self-assurance that the brand aims to project is evident in each and every beautifully-packaged item in the collection.
Highlights of the Delilah Collection
Delilah Time Frame Future Resistant Foundation SPF20
A paraben-free, dermatologically tested fluid foundation that is the epitome of the ‘no make-up make-up look we all crave. A flawlessly natural finish that is light yet buildable, it boasts a plethora of skin-friendly ingredients, including powerful antioxidants to protect against environmental factors, and a special blend of peptides to delay the early signs of ageing.
Delilah Colour Blush Compact Powder Blush (Clementine)
Not nearly as orange as the name might suggest, this silky-soft coral blush gives a natural flush of colour that lasts the distance. The micronised formulation helps to blur imperfections, and while this may be a shade more typically worn through the warmer months, I, for one, am a year-round convert.
Delilah Fade Away Future Resistant Concealer
Available in four shades, this is some seriously impressive stuff, and for those of us who suffer from the dreaded under-eye dark circles, a dab of this in the right place can work wonders. Better still, it’s crease-resistant – and topped with a good finishing powder, its staying power is strong.
Delilah Colour Intense Compact Eyeshadow in Flamingo
Smooth, highly-pigmented and easy to apply, the Colour Intense Compact Eyeshadows come in either matt or shimmer finish. Flamingo is a beautifully wearable, shimmery champagne pink that works well as an everyday lid colour as well as to highlight the inner corner of the eye for an evening look. Easily a makeup bag staple.
