By Louise Emma Clarke
Founding Editor of The-Beauty-Pages.com

Today is St George’s Day – and being a proud English girl at heart, I’ve never really understood why it isn’t a national bank holiday. We should be holding street parties underneath streams of bunting, sat in pub gardens swigging jugs of Pimms, or heading to the high street to boost the British economy – but instead, most of us will be sat at our desks, bemoaning the fact that it’s still only Monday.

I refuse to let the occasion go unmarked, so have decided to give this week’s post a patriotic theme – but I don’t want to leave out our fellow countrymen so have extended it to the whole of Britain. What are the best British beauty brands? And what are the most covetable products on their shelves? Here’s my pick of the ‘Best of British Beauty’…

MILLER HARRIS

Lets start with a quintessentially British perfume brand, which was founded by the London-based perfumed Lyn Harris. We do, however, have the French to thank, as this is where she trained at prestigious fragrance schools and learnt the trade. I absolutely adore the range of unique, wearable scents, which aim to capture moments and memories – but if I have to pick a favourite, I’ll plump for Citron Citron Eau de Parfum Spray, from £60. The combination of fresh citrus, crisp mint, and green basil notes is perfect for the spring and summer days ahead.

TIGI BED HEAD

Moving to a brand at the other end of the spectrum, TIGI Bedhead also well deserves a mention. Quirky, youthful, and at the very pulse of fashion, the fun haircare brand was started by British stylists Toni and Guy in 2003. Their latest collection, Candy Fixation, is one of their best – a range of styling products that do exactly what they promise, with the addition of good-enough-to-eat candy-inspired scents. My highlights include Sugar Dust Root Powder, £8.75 (instant root lift with the scent of Tutti Fruttis) and Sugar Shock Bodyifying Sugar Spray, £9.40 (for extra body and movement, with the scent of pink spun sugar).

TISSERAND

Tisserand was founded by Robert Tisserand in 1974 when he was just 17. The young entrepreneur bottled aromatherapy oils in his South London bedroom and then walked to his Post Office to dispatch to customers. Since then, it’s grown into a huge multinational brand – and we are very lucky for that, with new formulations and scents hitting virtual shelves on a regular basis. I love the brand’s Remedy Roller Balls, which allow for aromatherapy on the go. Try Energise, Head Clear, Travel Ease, or De-Stress, all £5.25.

DANIEL SANDLER

Daniel Sandler is one of Britain’s most highly respected makeup artists, so it’s little surprise that his signature makeup collection is so effective.  The products are known for their ease of use, making it possible for everybody to get a professional look from the comfort of their own dressing tables. I’m a big fan of the highly moisturising Super Gloss, £11.25 and range of super-soft, professional-quality Makeup Brushes, from £10.25.

STELLA MCCARTNEY

How could I compile a list of the best British beauty brands without including style queen Stella McCartney? The designer’s range of feminine, wearable, and ultra-fashionable fragrances are some of the best on shelves. Her latest launch L.I.L.Y, from £44, is another huge success, with a delicate heart of Lily of the Valley, blended with surprising notes of black truffle, black peppercorn, and patchouli. It’s got pride of place on my dressing table.