What exactly is it that makes a product 'cult'? Discover the hair and beauty buys the world can't seem to get enough of

Whether it's a celebrity favourite or simply an outstanding performer, certain beauty products are so coveted that people will go to great lengths to get hold of them, from sitting on a waiting list to selling their personal belongings. Andrew Gerrie, CEO of pioneering cult brand Lush comments: 'Achieving cult status is intriguing. Many customers strive to be different, and like to know that what they are buying is out of the ordinary and ahead of its time. Because Lush is not in every shopping mall and high street, our customers have to go slightly out of their way to get to us. The mix makes for a fan base who are really in the know - hence the cult status.'

Jo Malone Vitamin E Gel, £60 (020 7720 0202)
Vitamin E Gel started out as a product that skincare guru Jo Malone made up herself for her facial clients, who subsequently begged her to make it available to buy. Since then the product has been a bestseller, selling out frequently and promoting huge waiting lists in the past.
Cult status rating: 8

Aveda Shampure Shampoo, £8.50 for 250ml (01730 232 380)
Aveda's top-selling product since it launched in 1989, Shampure is fortified with Morikue protein, an ingredient derived from Brazil nuts which have been consciously collected to help preserve virgin rainforests. Gently formulated and suitable for all hair types, it's infused with a calming mix of 25 pure flower and plant essences.
Cult status rating: 7

Ruby & Millie Lip Gloss, £11 (available from larger Boots stores nationwide)
This lip gloss started the obsession with twist-up applicators. Ruby & Millie worked with Mitsubishi to create the mechanism, and many imitators have copied the design since the original launched. And it seems as though celebs can't get enough gloss either - Angelina Jolie wouldn't walk down the red carpet at the BAFTA's without it.
Cult status rating: 8

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Serum, £5.95 for 50ml
Apparently, one bottle of Frizz-Ease Hair Serum is sold every 16 seconds in the UK, and this can't-live-without product for unruly, kinky, frizzy or processed hair is also loved by the A-list, including curly girl Nicole Kidman.
Cult status rating: 7

Marks & Spencer Shavata Brow Perfection, £18 (0845 302 1234)
Developed exclusively for Marks & Spencer by eyebrow guru Shavata Singh, the Brow Perfection eyebrow shaping kit went on sale last October and sold out by end of December. Further stock was sent to stores in March this year, by which time a waiting list of at least 200 had formed.
Cult status rating: 9

Pout Pop My Bubble Lip Gloss, £10 (020 7379 0379)
When Harvey Nichols Edinburgh celebrated their 1st Anniversary, Pout's bubblegum pink lip gloss was the best-selling product in the whole store throughout the year. Also adored by many glam celebs, when Kylie was in concert at Wembley last year, she requested for Pop My Bubble to be biked to her dressing room.
Cult status rating: 9

Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream, £16 for 30ml (01386 792 642 for details or www.drhauschka.co.uk)
The most popular product in the holistic range, One tube of Rose Day Cream is sold approximately every six minutes in the UK. Made with extract of rose petals and ideal for dry, sensitive and mature skins, the cream has a calming effect on the skin and is loved by celebrities including Madonna, Kate Moss and Jade Jagger.
Cult status rating: 9

SKII Facial Treatment Essence, from £50 for 75ml (0800 072 1771)
Labelled 'Holy Water' by the Japanese who can't get enough of it, this complexion beautifier contains over 90% pure pitera, which helps boost moisture levels to improve texture and clarity. A fan once wrote to the company to tell them that she had sold her car, bought a bike and started cycling to work so that she could afford to never be without it.
Cult status rating: 9

Terax Crema, from £8.25 for 150ml (available from www.hqhair.com)
Constantly on the bestsellers list at Harvey Nichols and HQhair.com, Terax Crema hair conditioner revitalises split ends and makes hair ultra-soft by altering the pH level through imparting natural proteins into the capillary fibres. Loyal followers include a number of well- known names, including Madonna, Gwyneth and Charlize Theron.
Cult status rating: 8