Collection Illuminating Touch Foundation

RRP: £5.99
# of shades available: 6

--What does the promo say?--
"A luxurious silky foundation that gives medium to full coverage for a flawless, radiant finish that lasts. Joining the infamous Illuminating Touch Concealer, the Illuminating Touch Foundation provides a radiance-boosting, hydrating base in six classic shades."

--Packaging--
The mixture of opaque and transparent glass, combined to make outward-springing rays, creates an illuminating effect that cleverly fits the concept of the product. The black lettering and lid against the foundation colour adds a further sophisticated touch and the pump-action mechanism is practical as well.

--Usage--
One pump is generous and likely enough to do your whole face, so be careful! Blend into a clean dry face, possibly after the use of other base products, such as primer. You can then follow up with, for example, concealer and powder.

--Appearance--
As the 'illuminating' name suggests, the effect is more sheer than matte, so do ensure that this is what you are after (I prefer a matte appearance normally). The lightest shade (Porcelain 1) works reasonably well for me (although is perhaps better for summer), and 6 available shades gives a reasonable range of choice.

--Scent--
Baby-powder style scent, which may appeal to some but not all.

--Texture and consistency--
Quite thick, hence why one pump affords generous coverage. It also blends well, which is a plus too.

--Coverage and longevity--
Overall, excellent.

--Value for money--
The staying power means it could easily retail at £8 or £9 without anyone batting an eyelid. Mine was sent for free by Collection's PR, and while I wouldn't repurchase this particular product due to my preference for a matte effect, I would recommend this to those looking for an illuminating foundation, and would be keen to try Collection's more mattifying products for myself.

perfect partners
Lasting Perfection Concealer, £4.19
Pressed Powder, £1.99
Sheer Loose Powder, £2.99
Primed and Ready Invisible Setting Powder, £3.99
Contour Kit, £4.19
Illuminating Primer, £4.99
Primed and Ready Concealer Kit, £4.99
Speedy Highlighter, £3.99
Cover Up Stick, £1.99
Contour Stick, £3.99

Crabtree & Evelyn Verbena and Lavender Cologne

RRP: from £20

--What does the promo say?--
"Creating a magical scent to last all day long. Our cologne has been created to subtly scent the skin with just a few sprays of this light fragrance. This light and easy to wear fragrance has been created with French lemon verbena and lavender essential oils blended with notes of cedarwood, white amber and tonka bean to create an uplifting scent. Perfect for both day and evening wear; by men and women alike.

• Fresh, herbaceous scent of Verbena and Lavender de Provence
• Inspired from the beautiful French countryside, with the natural perfume of two of the regions favourite botanical treasures carried on the warm breeze
• Travel size

Fragrance: Vibrant, fresh verbena combined with the herbaceous, soothing lavender create a luxurious and lively lemony-lilt scent."

--Packaging--

The green and purple lettering on the glass bottle give an elegant and unusual effect while echoing the plants from which the fragrance is made. The spray mechanism is also targeted and effective.

--Application--

Spritz onto pressure points to diffuse the scent across your body, including wrists, behind the ears, and across the decolletage.

--Appearance--

A clear liquid that leaves no visible residue.

--Scent--

The verbena and lavender are clearly present without being overbearing. The citrus notes of the verbena are also complemented by the lemon and grapefruit that the perfume also contains, and the jasmine is also detectable.

--Longevity--

As promised, this perfume lasts all day thanks to the high-quality ingredients that it contains.

--Value for money--

This scent retails at around the same price per ml as other high-quality brands' fragrances, such as Ferragamo, DKNY, and Vera Wang, as well as certain 'celebrity' brands such as Christina Aguilera and James Bond. The provenance of the ingredients, and their subsequent staying power, makes this fragrance equally good value, and even though mine was free from Crabtree & Evelyn's PR, I would repurchase this sophisticated scent.

perfect partners

Verbena & Lavender Conditioner, £12

Verbena & Lavender Shampoo, £12

Verbena & Lavender Soap, £7

Verbena & Lavender Hand Therapy, £16

Verbena & Lavender Body Lotion, £16

Verbena & Lavender Body Cream, £22

Clean and Clear Hint of Tint Cover and Correct Cream

RRP: £6.99
# of shades available: 2

--What does the promo say?--
"Instantly conceals and helps clear spots for clear, beautiful skin. NEW CLEAN & CLEAR®Hint of Tint™ gives you instantly clearer, beautiful skin in one quick & easy step!"

--Packaging--
A bit functional and dated in its design, but as this suggests, it works well nonetheless.

--Appearance--
The limited number of shades available means that this definitely won't suit everyone. The 'light' shade (which I was sent for free by Clean & Clear's PR) is acceptable on me, but I would still maybe prefer to only wear it in summer. Furthermore, the result is a bit sheer for me, but that's a matter of personal preference rather than being an inherent fault in the product.

--Scent--
Nothing of note.

--Texture and consistency--
Smooth and blends well.

--Coverage--
Doesn't really deliver on this score; you will likely need to top up with concealer and/or powder.

--Value for money--
As I prefer a more matte, heavier-coverage finish, I probably wouldn't purchase this. However, others with different needs could give it a go.