Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation

RRP: £4.99 for 30ml
no. of shades available: 11

--What does the promo say?--
"Unique ColourHold TM formula: pigments are surrounded by a protective and transfer-resistant film. No tight feeling. No mask effect. But the comfort of a lightweight formula which lets the skin breathe. Untouched beauty all day! Leaves skin soft, supple & hydrated. For a natural and smooth coverage that does not clog pores."

--Packaging--
Small and perfectly formed. It's a tube made from hard plastic with a very sexy curve to the shape. It's light and fits well in the hand, with the tube and lid matching the colour of the foundation itself, although the lid is slightly shinier. The bottle is quite flat, and can be stood on its base as well as being laid down. The writing on the bottle is an unusual maroon/burgundy colour: this really helps the bottle to stand out in a market where most of the writing on tubes and bottles is white, black, or metallic. All the essential information such as product name, brand name and shade are on the front of the tube, with ingredients on the back. Looks good. The lid is also easy to open and close, and makes a satisfying click noise as you do so too. It's a great size for travelling and the secure lid means spillages aren't an issue.

--Application--
Twist open the lid until you hear it click, and then pull off. Squeeze a little of the foundation onto your fingertips, or onto the back of your hand if you're going to use a brush, and apply as normal. Very easy and not at all out of the ordinary.

--Texture/consistency--
On the face it feels perfectly smooth. However, in its initial form I'd say it's too runny for my liking, although not ridiculously so.

--Appearance--
Excellent natural appearance and the shade chosen adapts well to the skintone. The range of shades available is impressive for the price, too. You could probably also skip powder after applying this, and perhaps even concealer on a good day, and yet it doesn't claim to be an all-in-one product. Bonus.

--Longevity--
Really excellent. No faults here.

--Coverage--
Again, really really good, especially if you've applied it with a brush. If you have any really awful spots you may need to retouch, but otherwise it's of a really good standard.

--Value for money--
All this for £5, which I think is fantastic. I'd definitely consider trading in my No7 for it, even if the consistency isn't as I'd want.

perfect partners
Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder
Rimmel Clear Complexion Cover Stick

Nivea Repair and Protection Lipcare

RRP: £2.49 for 4.8g

--What does the promo say?--
"NIVEA Lip Care Repair & Protection provides effective care and protection for dry, chapped lips. The soothing formula with skin conditioning panthenol, calming bisabolol, protective vitamin E and UV filters helps prevent dryness and chapped lips."

--Packaging--
Very in keeping with the Nivea brand and easily identifiable as part of a set when compared to the other Nivea lip care types. As well as the trademark Nivea logo, the product information appears on the pale mint-green lid in white, to match the white twisty base. All of the products in the range have this design along with their own pastel colour for the lid. It's distinctive, and of a good portable size too, measuring about 8cm in length.

--Application--
As normal - pull off the lid, smear lightly onto the lips.

--Appearance--
On the lips it resembles Vaseline - sheer but not shiny. The stick itself is yellower than Vaseline, but has the same degree of shine.

--Texture--
Smooth, but not too slidy or sticky.

--Scent--
Slightly of vanilla, though sadly there is no taste.

--Longevity--
Not great - unlike the Body Shop's lip balms, you have to reapply this frequently.

--Value for money--
You certainly can't argue with the low price, especially since it definitely banishes dry skin. However, the frequency of reapplication that's needed lets it down slightly, and it's not in any way luxurious. It's definitely a good everyday product, but if you want something with a little more wow-factor, push your price range up a bit and go for Body Shop.

coming soon...

reviews on:
Nivea Repair and Protection Lip Care (done!)
Boots Deep Moisturising Foot Cream (done!)
Jillian Dempsey Lash Pro Mascara for Avon (done!)
No7 Instant Radiance Brush Foundation (done!)
Hugo Boss Femme (done!)
Bulgari Omnia Crystalline (done!)
Kiss My Face Organic Blemish Gel (done!)
Lush Fresh Farmacy cleanser
Bath and Body Works Cherry Blossom perfume (done!)
Bath and Body Works Cherry Blossom shower gel
No7 Skin Spritz

aaaaaaaaaaand
my top products August 2007-8, from top to toe!