Beauty laws, brilliant formulas and the most vibrant make-up imaginable all form the hushed secrets passed from woman to woman. Let’s face it, a recommendation from a friend is more powerful than any advert could ever be.

And so, the middle of the summer seemed like a perfect opportunity to take a peek into other women’s make-up bags. What foundation have they been stocking up on this summer? Which mascara is keeping British women’s lashes dressed in a glossy black jacket? Which scent is the one they’re investing in now, to be committed to memory as the smell of 2013 in years to come? 

So, we asked London’s most prestigious department stores to find out what the biggest beauty hitters of the summer are so far. 

Click through to see this summer’s 12 best-selling products so far. They might just surprise you.