Victoria Beckham's Beauty Empire: A Financial and Product Review
Victoria Beckham, renowned for her impeccable style on red carpets, at Fashion Week events, family gatherings, and her Instagram feed, has built a beauty brand that allows fans to emulate her elegant makeup looks. Her viral foundation drops have been a sensation since their September launch, with most of the 19 colourways selling out by February despite a £104 price point. However, the brand's financial success is largely attributed to her eyeliner, which sells one unit every 30 seconds at £31 each.
In August, it was revealed that Victoria increased her revenues by a staggering 26% compared to the previous year, achieving a turnover of £112.7 million and a pre-tax profit of £2.2 million. This marks a significant turnaround after years of debt from her fashion brand, which left the couple "millions in the red," as David Beckham confessed in her Netflix documentary. Her beauty line has proven to be a lucrative venture, though it comes at a high cost—a full face of Beckham Beauty products is estimated to set you back around £400.
Our team has tested Victoria's key products to determine which are worth the hype and deserve a spot in your makeup bag. Here are our detailed findings.
1. The Viral Foundation Drops
Victoria Beckham Foundation Drops with TFC8 – Tested by Kirsten Murray in Shade 5: Light with neutral warm undertones.
Why we love it: Priced at £104, this is the most expensive foundation our tester has ever tried. Despite not typically being a "foundation girly," she found it to be the ideal product—easy to apply, offering full coverage while feeling lightweight, and providing a glowy undertone without appearing oily or cakey.
Should you splurge on it? A little goes a long way, so the bottle would last. While justifying the price is challenging, if you seek a luxurious upgrade for your makeup bag, this foundation is a worthy investment.
2. The Highlighter
Cell Rejuvenating Illuminator – Tested by Rebecca Lawrence in Shade Golden: Universal warm bronze glow.
Why we love it: As a hay fever sufferer with dull, red skin, our tester found this illuminating serum instantly provided a healthy glow while feeling lightweight and moisturising. The golden glow is subtle yet buildable, working well as a primer under foundation and as a spot highlighter.
Should you splurge on it? Though the price is surprising, a little goes a long way. It's a cost-effective product per use, but you might need to wait until payday to restock.
3. The Best-Selling Eyeliner
Satin Kajal Liner, Longwear Waterproof Eyeliner – Tested by Kirsten Murray in Shade Fig: a rich matte aubergine.
Why we love it: This eyeliner is creamy and glides effortlessly across the eyelid, allowing for a free, smudged, and smokey look rather than requiring precision. The Fig shade adds a pop of colour, with neutral browns, blacks, and brighter blues also available.
Should you splurge on it? There's a reason it sells every 30 seconds. It's highly versatile, perfect for adding colour to everyday makeup or building up for dramatic looks, though it may not suit smaller eyelids.
4. The Mascara
Future Lash Mascara, Smudge-free Lifting Mascara – Tested by Laura Fox in Shade Cocoa.
Why we love it: The curved brush makes application easy, and it can be layered for volume. Available in black, brown, and burgundy, it's ideal for natural, fuss-free looks.
Should you splurge on it? While smudge-free, it doesn't offer added perks to justify the high price. Cheaper alternatives work just as well, so only splurge if you have the budget.
5. The 2-in-1 Blusher and Bronzer
Colour Wash, Blush & Bronze Water Tints – Tested by Melissa Veitch in Shade Vintage Rose: A sheer berry mauve.
Why we love it: This product blends seamlessly for a natural finish, is buildable, non-sticky, and long-lasting, with colour still visible at the end of the day.
Should you splurge on it? It's pricier than similar tints like Benefit's Benetint, and the packaging requires practice. However, its skincare-boosting ingredients and radiant finish make it worth the splurge.
6. The Lip Balm
Posh Balm, Nourishing Lip Shine – Tested by Rebecca Davison and Caroline Peacock in Shades Colette (sheer poppy red) and Glace (clear).
Why we love it: This balm feels luxurious with a smooth, non-sticky texture, providing a high-shine finish and lightweight feel. It's versatile for solo wear or over lipstick, with Colette offering a punchy colour.
Should you splurge on it? At £31, it's a splurge, but the sleek packaging and premium feel justify it as a treat-worthy purchase, though not an everyday essential.
7. The Lipstick
Posh Moisturizing Colour Lipstick – Tested by Joanna Crawley in Shade Sway: A mid-tone berry pink.
Why we love it: This lipstick moisturises and nourishes lips, with a silky texture that lasts without being sticky. The nude shades are perfect for daily wear.
Should you splurge on it? It's pricier than budget options but offers longer-lasting colour. Note that Victoria recommends pairing it with a £31 lipliner, adding to the cost.
Our Verdict: Is Victoria Beckham's Beauty Line Worth the Price?
While buying all products at once would be a significant expense, individually, there are standout items in VB's collection. The lip products combine buildable shades with hydration and durability, and the Satin Kajal Liner is a must-try for eyeliner enthusiasts. The foundation is a luxurious treat, but once you splurge, you might not look back. Overall, the brand offers high-quality, premium products that justify their prices for those seeking luxury in their beauty routine.
