Revolution was born in 2014 with the aim of democratising beauty. Offering affordable, great quality, beauty products for everyone. In fact, Revolution explains it best when talking about its #OpenMinds hashtag: "Makeup matters, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or sexuality. #OpenMinds is Revolution's call for everyone to celebrate diversity, embrace imperfection, respect self-expression, and support beauty in its many shapes and forms."
And while it started as a brand called Makeup Revolution, it morphed into its simple one-word moniker as it expanded into other areas. Revolution Skincare offers a pretty impressive line-up of serums [1], tonics, masks [2], and more that contain buzzword ingredients at the affordable prices Revolution customer have come to expect. Because as we head towards 2020, we know our makeup looks its best when we're caring for our skin.
There is Revolution Pro, which encompasses the hero products and also I Heart Revolution, the younger, fun sister brand with quirky packaging. Under the different umbrellas it has expanded into hair, body, tools and even accessories, and is on a path to taking over the beauty world. But how has this UK-born brand gained a loyal following in just five years? Asides from its knack for taking, let's call it, inspiration from higher-priced brands, it also has the infrastructure to launch new products in weeks, which means it can listen to what its consumers want and deliver it at lightening speed. It's the very definition of fast beauty, and so it will be interesting to see if or how Revolution factors sustainability [3] into its future plans.
Right now though, with hundreds of beauty products and more launching every month, if you're in the market for an affordable beauty treat we've rounded up the 13 best Revolution products to try first.
Revolution Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Hydrating Mask
Perfect for parched skin, Revolution Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Hydrating Mask [4] (£8) is packed with hyaluronic acid [5] (of course), alongside sweet almond oil and vitamin E to nourish. Apply this over your serums of choice and it will lock all the active ingredients into your skin so they can get to work while you're dreaming.
Revolution Forever Flawless Allure Palette
This Revolution Forever Flawless Allure Palette [6] (£10) works out at just over 62 pence per shadow. With shimmers and matte hues in earthy and rich warm tones this palette will be your go-to now, through Winter, and into Spring.
Revolution Granactive Retinoid 2%
Use this Revolution Granactive Retinoid 2% [7] (£8) at night to speed up your skin cell turnover for a smoother, brighter complexion in no time. Retinol [8] is ideal for anyone dealing with dullness, but also blemishes and pigmentation too (that covers most of us then!).
Revolution Conceal & Define
This liquid concealer was a sellout when it launched a couple of years back and these days one Revolution Conceal & Define [9], £4, sells every five minutes around the world. It comes in 50 shades, is super lightweight but packs a lot of pigment so it conceals with ease but won't settle into lines or pores.
Revolution CBD Nourishing Essence Spray
We know, it's impossible to move without coming across a CBD [10] product right now. But this Revolution CBD Nourishing Essence Spray [11] (£6) is formulated with hemp oil that's naturally abundant in nourishing vitamin A and E, as well as cannabidiol, which is both anti-inflammatory and rich in protective antioxidants. With soothing calendula too, this is the ideal mist to help your complexion survive the colder months.
Revolution 5% ATP Serum
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is something our body creates to give much-needed energy to our cells. As we age those ATP levels decline and our skin starts to look lacklustre and older. Revolution 5% ATP Serum [12] (£8), boosts the cell energy in the skin so you complexion looks brighter and feels more hydrated.
Revolution Brow Pomade
This smudge-proof Revolution Brow Pomade [13] (£6), complete with dual-ended brush, allows you to create your perfect brow look every time, whether you like a supergroomed finish or something more subtle.
Revolution Liquid Highlighter
Revolution Liquid Highlighter [14] (£6) is a liquid luminising formula that can be mixed into face or body lotions, BB creams, or liquid foundations to add a lustre to the skin. Want to ramp up the glow? Use a sponge or brush to apply this to the high points of your face. The drops come in this champagne hue, as well as several other out-of-this-world holographic shades that will give you a glow you could spot from outer space.
Revolution Pro Neutral Satin Matte Lipstick Velvet
For a go-to lipstick that is matte but not flat, long-lasting, and won't bleed, look no further than Revolution Pro Neutral Satin Matte Lipstick Velvet [15] (£5), which comes in seriously flattering shades from postbox red to autumnal terracotta.
Revolution 12.5% Vitamin C Serum
If you want to protect your skin from the environment and brighten up your complexion, factor Revolution 12.5% Vitamin C Serum [16] (£10) into your morning routine. At 12.5-percent ascorbic acid (vitamin C [17]) you'll get a serious complexion boost. If your skin isn't used to it, the concentration of vitamin C in this serum can sometimes cause a little irritation, skin flaking, and breakouts. However, there's a 3% Vitamin C Serum [18] if you're new to this ingredient and want to build up gradually.
Revolution Loose Baking Powder Banana
Made famous in recent years by Kim Kardashian West [19], banana powder is essentially a yellow-hued loose powder that can be used to bake your makeup for a long-lasting, brighter finish. Revolution Loose Baking Powder Banana [20] (£5) comes in three shades: Banana Light, Banana, and Banana Deep providing an option for nearly every skin tone.
Revolution Pro Foundation Drops
Revolution Pro Foundation Drops [21] (£7) are water-based and pigment rich to even out skin without the feel of foundation. You can also use these drops to quickly and easily shift the shade of your foundation to match your skin tone if you have gained/lost a tan and don't want to pay out for a new foundation. There are 18 shades to choose from.
Revolution Cica Tonic
Another trending ingredient is cica (also known as tiger grass), which is calming and soothing on the skin. Revolution Cica Tonic [21] (£10) mixes the cica with antioxidant-rich green tea extract. Simply sweep this onto skin post-cleanse, to add a little extra hydration and comfort to your complexion.