Monday, 20 August 2007

17 Lasting Fix Nail Polish

RRP: c. £2.99


--What the promo says--
"Nail Varnish. 17 Lasting Fix Nail Polish, one colour. All week, no chips, promise. Hard Working nail polish that stays put, no matter what you get up to. Shake Well and apply 2 coats for maximum coverage."

--Packaging--
Small, slightly squat glass bottle, measuring no more than 5-6cm in height. The lid of the applicator is black, and the 17 logo and the name of the product appears on the front of the bottle in silver.

--Application--
Same as any other nail polish. After applying a base coat, I'll apply the main nail colour using one streak in the middle of the nail and then one either side; after leaving to dry for 5 minutes, I'll repeat this step again, before leaving to dry and then adding the top coat. However, this takes soooo long to dry that perhaps 5 minutes for each coat is a bit optimistic. It smudges easily and it's difficult to get it on the nail in thin enough layers.

--Texture--
Gloopy and runny. Not good news.

--Appearance--
The first coat of colour looks very weak, so you have to apply a second. To be fair, they do say in their promo description that 2 coats looks best. However, I'd say it still looks streaky even then even though the colour itself is strong.

--Does it do what it promises?--
Frankly, no. It chips after a day or two, even with a top coat. 'Lasting fix' my backside.

--Value for money--
Poor, especially considering the smallness of the bottle. While I liked the colour I chose (white with a sort of peacock blue sheen to it when it caught the light), I wouldn't buy this again. It was a last minute purchase (I bought it from the airport Boots when I realised I was off on holiday for 2 months but hadn't packed any nail varnish) and I wouldn't bother with this brand again.

Benefit Dandelion

RRP: £22.50 for 10g

--What is it?--
Contrary to popular belief, Dandelion is not a blusher. To the contrary, it's intended to be used as an all-over face powder to 'set' your makeup or just to give you an English-rose glow on the days when you don't want to wear makeup. Benefit describes it as "soft, pink, perk-me-up powder for instant radiance and a youthful appearance".

--Packaging--
As per Benefit's usual trend, it's gorgeous. The pale olive green box is c. 5cm square and 2-3cm deep, and it has a simple 50s-style line drawing of a dandelion, tinted pink, on the lid, with the word 'dandelion' written in white and the Benefit logo written in black. They also give you a free brush to apply the powder with, that sits neatly on a plastic tray inside the box on top of the powder. The brush has a black handle and the bristles on the brush are pretty soft for a freebie. However, the box is made from cardboard, and I've heard from others who have had their Dandelion for longer that the box soon falls apart.

--Application--
Simply use the brush provided (or your own brush, whichever) and sweep the powder all over your face, starting with the apples of your cheeks.

--Appearance--
In the box the powder looks very pink, which is possibly why people have mistaken it for a blusher in the past. However, on your face it's very subtle with tiny particles of glitter. As a blusher it would have very little effect as it's so pale. On my pale skin this powder works well, but if you have darker skin you may prefer Georgia or Hoola from the Benefit powder range.

--Texture--
Soft, silky and with very fine particles. On the face it also feels very smooth.

--Longevity--
Not bad, but you'd benefit (ha, ha, see what I did there?) from another application around lunchtime, just to keep your glow looking even.

--Value for money--
Excellent. There is more powder in the box than there first appears and I've heard of people who have had theirs for 1-2 years. However, I'm sure there are other products on the market that do the exact same thing, and I'm very cynical about this brand generally: I've found cheaper alternatives that are just as good in almost all cases, and I'm sure you're just paying for the funky packaging most of the time.

--Does it do what it says on the box?--
I'd say so, yes. I feel and look fresher when I'm wearing it and it definitely helps to keep any other makeup that you're wearing in place.

Tuesday, 14 August 2007

Maybelline Define-A-Lash Mascara


RRP: £5.49
# of shades available: 2

--Packaging--
As you may have noticed, this mascara tube is bright green, and I don't really know what to make of that. On the good side it's funky, young, and stands out among the many black, brown and navy blue mascara tubes. On the bad side it's a bit too acidic-looking and retro for me, but that could just be me being old-fashioned. Anyway, Maybelline's main selling point with this mascara is due to the unique brush - it's made of rubber, meaning that it works with the curve of your lashes more, and it has a rollerball technology just inside the neck of the tube, which is meant to eliminate clumps from the brush every time the brush slides out of the tube (allegedly).

--What does the promo say?--
"Fancy sexier, more defined lashes?
NEW DEFINE-A-LASH lengthening zero-clump mascara.The unique shaped-to-the-lash brush is ultra flexible, designed to reach and accentuate each and every lash. NEW DEFINE-A-LASH mascara has a lightweight formula and unique built-in clump remover leaves zero clumps on brush for zero clumps on lashes."

--Application--
Same as any other mascara on the market. No tricks there.

--Appearance--
On the brush it appears to live up to its promises. No clumps the size of a small island here. Again, when you apply to your lashes, no clumps. So technically it does what it says it does. However, despite the rubber brush, I found it didn't truly separate my lashes, so while there were no clumps, a few of my lashes did cling to one another, meaning I still had to get out my eyelash brush and go through them once the mascara was dry, which rather defeats the point of the exercise really. It also only comes in two shades: black and brown. I usually use black, so this isn't exactly a problem for me, but come on, most mascara ranges can manage better than this.

--Longevity--
Impressively, it doesn't budge, even in the rain, despite not being advertised as waterproof, and yet there are no problems removing it. Good work.

--Value for money--
Perfectly fine, all things considered - it's in the same price range as most other high street mascaras. However, I've not had mine very long, so we'll see.

--Other comments--
I was intrigued by this mascara as I'd never seen anything like it. However, while it's a nice mascara in its own right, and Maybelline have made a pretty good effort with the concept, I'm not sure it totally does what it says on the box. Next time I'll probably just stick with their years-old classic, Maybelline Great Lash.

Monday, 13 August 2007

Too Faced Extreme Lip Injection



RRP: £17.00 (also available in the US and in Europe, though it's only marginally cheaper) for 6g/0.2oz.

--Ingredients--

Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum), Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Butylene/ Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Simmondsia Chinesis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ethylhexl Palmitate, Tribehenin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Palmitoyl, Oligopeptide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Benzyl Nicotinate, Capiscum Frutescens Resin, Pentaerithrityl Tetraisotearate, Silica Dimethyl Silyate, Sodium Chondroitin Sulphate, Atelocollagen, Propylparaben, Flavour (Aroma). May contain iron oxides.

--Packaging--

The box is white with pink stripes, with all information and the Too Faced logo gracing it in black. While the majority of the writing on the box is in quite a neutral, professional font, the 'Lip' in 'Lip Injection' and the Too Faced logo provide a refreshing amount of girliness with the trademark curly writing that's quite synonymous with the vintage image that the company projects in all of its products. The gloss tube itself is c. 7cm long, 2cm of that being taken up by the applicator lid. The applicator lid is black and clear with the Too Faced logo in pink; the tube itself is transparent.

--What does the promo say?--

"Want a permanent plump?Lip Injection Extrême is a lip plumping serum that gives long term results based on four of the most scientifically proven and advanced lip plumping technologies. Increase lip volume and plumpness permanently with continued use! This serum is to be used in the morning and evening along with your normal skin care routine. Apply a generous amount of Lip Injection Extrême on clean dry lips. Wait one minute before applying lip color or balm to allow the unique formula to penetrate your lips. Use the original “Lip Injection” during the day between applications to prolong and increase your plump!"

--Application--

Easy peasy, just unscrew the lid and apply a very thin layer to your lips before rubbing in.

--Appearance--

On the lips it appears as a regular clear gloss, even though through the bottle there appears to be a slight pink iridescence to it.

--Scent--

Slightly fruity, though not overbearingly so. I was quite surprised by this - seeing as Too Faced promote it as a cosmetic alternative to Botox, I had expected it to smell more clinical.

--Sensation--

Too Faced warns you on the box that the product contains collagen and "instant blood vessel dilators", and that as such, you will probably experience a "slightly intense tingling sensation" on your lips that lasts between 5 and 10 minutes. They're not wrong - it's similar to the feeling you get if you've eaten some citrus fruit and you forget to wash off some of the juice from around your mouth. It's uncomfortable rather than painful, and as they point out, it passes quickly, but I can understand how people would find it unpleasant. Still, they do warn you, so if you're still daft enough to buy this knowing that you won't like the feeling...After the 5-10 minutes, your lips feel totally normal again.

--Does it do what it says on the box?--

Yes. I noticed a difference in my lips immediately (my lips aren't as thin as some people's, but they certainly benefit from this product), and while Too Faced recommend applying the product throughout the day to prolong and maintain the plumping effect, I don't think it's really necessary - you could get the effect you want for an evening out with just one application, in my view, and there's certainly no need to use for a minimum of 30 days, morning and night, for maximum long term effects, unless you have REALLY thin lips.

--Value for money--

If you're just going to use it from time to time, then I'd say excellent. However, if you're planning on applying it every day as they suggest to achieve long term results, I probably wouldn't recommend it unless you were really insecure.

--Other comments--

It does what it says on the box, and it's not a bad price either. However, my boyfriend did look visibly concerned at the prospect of me putting collagen onto my lips, and the list of ingredients certainly makes interesting reading, so I would be wary of using this stuff on a regular basis.

Friday, 10 August 2007

Sephora Luminiser

RRP: $22 or 9 euros 90
# of shades available: 4 (white, light rose, apricot, golden bronze)

Available at any Sephora branch in: France, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Italy, Greece, Poland, Spain and USA. This is the bad news. You won't be able to get this in the UK, not even online (well, perhaps on ebay...), so you may be best to save hunting for this until you're on holiday somewhere nice.



--What is it?--
This is basically Benefit High Beam at half the price. As well as being just as effective, Sephora's product also has a greater range than Benefit's equivalent - in the Benefit range, you only have white (Moon Beam) or pink (High Beam) available, whereas the Sephora luminiser provides you with a slightly yellower shade and with a bronzer in addition to the pink and the white.


--Packaging--
Comes in a small opaque glass bottle c. 7-8cm high including pump. The Sephora logo and name of the product appear on the front of the bottle in a black, no-frills font, with product information on the back. The pump is black and is covered by a clear lid.


--What does the promo say?--
"Go for the glow with these versatile luminizing liquids that can be mixed into your foundation or moisturizer for a sheer luminescence ranging from subtle to sun kissed. For a more intense shimmer, dab directly onto clean, moisturized skin."


--Application--
Pull off the lid and push down the pump until the liquid appears. Apply either to cheeks or all over your face using your fingers or a brush, over makeup or on bare face. The one thing I really don't like about applying this is the fact that the pump seems quite stiff - you can't just push it down a little bit for a small amount of liquid, you have to push it down the whole way, which I find produces a slight excess of liquid. Luckily this is not an over-excess and any leftover liquid can easily be got rid of by spreading it on your décolletage.



--Texture--
Slightly runny but still stable (i.e. it's not going to drip off your fingers before you have a chance to apply it to your face).



--Appearance--
While in the bottle it appears quite matte, the luminiser is in fact quite subtle on the face. Even though it contains small particles of glitter, you don't end up looking like an Abba reject.



--Longevity--
Excellent.



--Value for money--
Beyond compare. I was considering buying High Beam before I spotted this, and then I contented myself with quiet laughter that I hasn't spend double the money on what is essentially exactly the same product - just without the in-your-face packaging. Plus, a little seems to go quite a long way, so I can anticipate that my bottle will last the distance. Just watch yourself when using the pump.

Thursday, 9 August 2007

Bourjois Little Round Pot Blush


RRP: £6.25

# of shades available: 12


--Packaging--

Very cute, pretty, girly, compact, convenient and great for travelling. The packaging colour matches the blusher shade you've chosen and has the Bourjois logo and shade name/number on the lid in silver or gold font. You just click the button on the front of the compact and pull the lid upwards to open. It comes with its own compact mirror and brush, and while the brush is never going to be of the highest standards, it is nice to have and certainly beats some of the other brushes that come with certain products *cough*L'Oréal*cough* The brush is also curved to work with the shape of the compact.

The only major gripe that I have with the packaging is that it's quite flimsy and the joint on the lid is not very strong at all. I can guarantee that no matter how careful you are with it (and I've had several of the Little Round Pot blushers and eyeshadows), it WILL break miles before you're finished with it. Happily, as the powder is compacted rather than loose, it won't go all over your makeup bag even then (though you might occasionally find little pink blotches on other makeup bottles and things).

The really clever thing that Bourjois does to make up for this, though, which I really do appreciate, is that the powder is domed rather than flat. This not only means they fit even more into the compact, but it also means the powder runs out evenly, rather than running out in the middle first, leaving you to scrape at the edges for the last traces of powder.


--What does the promo say?--

"Softer and more velvety thanks to a new pearl effect and a skilful blend of pigments. The baked texture is transformed on the skin into a light ultra-fine pressed powder, that is easy to apply and blends impeccably. One stroke of the brush reveals the irresistable aroma of rose scented powder. "


--Application--


Use the brush provided (or your own, it doesn't matter) to sweep small amounts of the blusher over your cheeks until you have achieved the desired effect.


--Texture--


Nice and smooth.



--Appearance--


It's really easy to go overboard with this, so watch it. You don't want to look like Krusty the Clown. Remember, just a little at a time - you can always add more but it's more difficult to take it back when you've done too much. Done right, though, the effect is very subtle and English-rose-esque.


--Longevity--


Excellent.



--Removal--


Easy to remove (I'm thinking this section is getting a little boring! My answer always seems to be the same. Maybe I just have a very good makeup remover...).



--Value for money--


Despite the feebleness of the packaging, I'd say excellent. I've had mine for over a year and it's still going strong.

Tuesday, 7 August 2007

Body Shop Peppermint Smoothing Pumice Foot Scrub

RRP: £5.00/100ml
(also available as part of the Feet Treat Petite, £10, which includes Peppermint Cooling Pumice Foot Scrub 15 ml, Peppermint Cooling Foot Lotion 60 ml, Peppermint Cooling Foot Spray 50 ml, Mini File A Foot and Foot Shaped Toe Dividers; and available also as part of the Feet Treat Complete, £16, which includes Peppermint Cooling Foot Lotion 125ml, Peppermint Cooling Pumice Foot Scrub 100ml, Peppermint Cooling Foot Spray 100ml, File A Foot & Footsie Roller)

--Packaging--
A round blue pot with a teal footprint design gracing the lid, with the Body Shop logo and all the info in white, easy-to-read font. Young, funky-looking design. Tells you everything you need to know on the lid.

--What does the promo say?--
"Cleanse and polish your tootsies pretty with this gel-based potion that feels great after a long walk."

--Application--
Scoop the scrub out of the pot with your fingers and apply to your feet. Massage into your feet using your hands or a pumice stone for as long as you want and wash off.

--Appearance--
Grey, sludgy, slightly jelly-like, looks like wet sand. You can see the pumice granules straight away.

--Scent--
You can smell the peppermint straight away. It's strong, but not overpowering.

--Texture--
Rough. And scrubby. But not painful. As you might expect from a scrub. It's exfoliating, smoothing and soothing.

--Lather--
Some, but not too much.

--Is it easy to wash off?--
Yes.

--How does it make your skin feel afterwards?--
Lovely and smooth. I only began using it a week ago and it's already made a huuuuuge difference to my dry, cracked heels (with everyday usage). I've been following it up with the Peppermint Cooling Lotion, also made by Body Shop, for even greater smoothness...

--Value for money--
I got my pot as part of the Feet Treat Petite set, and while I was initially a little disappointed with the runtiness of the pot, I wasn't counting on how fast acting it is, and now I would undoubtedly buy a full size pot (keeping the smaller pot, so that I can decant some of the stuff into it for travel!).

perfect partners (all from Body Shop):
foot file, £4.50
terracotta pumice, £3
peppermint cooling foot lotion, £8 for 250ml
peppermint cooling foot spray, £5 for 100ml
peppermint cooling foot soak, £7 for 200ml
peppermint cooling leg gel, £5 for 125ml
peppermint cooling foot rescue treatment, £9 for 100ml

Monday, 6 August 2007

Max Factor Colour Adapt



RRP: £11.95 for 30ml (ish)


# of shades available: 9, ranging from 'creamy ivory' to 'soft sable'.


I actually got my Max Factor Colour Adapt as part of a special promotion at Boots, so mine is only a sample size. I'll therefore comment on the full-size product as best I can, though please bear in mind that I have not yet tested the full-size product. My sample came in shade #70, Natural; there was no choice of colours.



--Packaging--


The product comes in packaging that has a similar colour scheme to other lines that are similarly priced (Olay comes to mind), with a tri-tone colour scheme of navy blue, white/cream/transparent and silver. The name of the product is written on the front of the pump-action bottle in a clear, delicate font in navy blue, as well as the Max Factor logo. The colours of the packaging are reminiscent of a working woman's twinset and pearls, suggesting that this product is perhaps not aimed at the younger woman.

--What does the promo say?--

" Don’t Mask Your True Colours. Match them.
Your skin isn’t the same colour all over so why use a foundation that is? Colour Adapt flatters and works with every shade of your face to create the most natural looking base ever. The secret? Clever colour adapting particles pick up and reflect the different pigments in your complexion to give a totally sheer look without masking your skin’s true radiance."



--Application--


Come on, we've all seen a pump-action bottle before. We all know how it works. Push the top of the pump down until enough of the product appears at its end. Apply to face using your desired method (fingers, brush, sponge...).



--Appearance--


While the product appears quite smooth and runny, like most other liquid foundations, when you look at it through the transparent parts of the packaging, when it comes out of the bottle it seems more mousse-like. While light, it doesn't slide off your finger when you're trying to apply it or off your face when it's on. When the product has been applied, it blends quite seamlessly into the skin, and if you have a shade that's a couple of shades above your usual choice (as I do), it has a sort of bronzer effect. (NB - please do not take this to read that when I, normally an English-rose type, wear this, I look like I've been Tangoed, as while I worried about this, my sister told me it made me look healthier and definitely NOT like I'd deliberately painted myself orange.)



--Texture--


Gorgeous. Light, fluffy (I'm aware that this is starting to sound like I'm applying cake to my face - as delicious a prospect as that would be, I hasten to remind you that this is a foundation and not in fact a cake of any description. Shame...) and blends fabulously well. This also works well with non-Max Factor concealers and powders.



--Coverage--


Not bad. No better or worse than any other foundation I've used in the past.



--How does it make your skin feel?--


Very smooth. I'm not sure if it has some kind of moisturising agent in it, but it feels like it does. There is no skin irritation.



--Longevity--


Again, not bad - there's no need to reapply throughout the day. However, I 'set' all of my makeup with powder, so there's no way to tell how it would react without powder.



--Removal--


Easy to remove.



--Value for money--


On the basis of how long my sample has lasted so far, I'd say it's pretty good. A little of this stuff goes quite a long way, which is always good - not only are you not pouring your money down the drain, you're also not going to look like you've caked it on with a trowel.



--Other comments--


While this foundation has a different texture to other foundations I've tried and can apparently also double up as a bronzer, I would need to try a shade that is closer to my skin tone before making any judgements on whether or not I would buy it again.

Friday, 3 August 2007

T-Zone Face Pore Strips


RRP: £4.99 for 6 strips

--Background--(from the T-Zone website)
"Product Category
Deep Cleansing

Product Type
Strips

What is it?
Face Strips

What does it do?
Sticks to blackheads, dirt and grease and lifts them clean away.
Removes the bacteria that can irritate the pores.
Clears pores to help prevent future break-outs.
Specially shaped to target chin and forehead pores.

Who is it for?
Anyone with oily, combination or spot prone skin who wants to target blackheads, open pores or impurities especially on the chin and forehead.

When do I use it?
Use once every 3 days to deep clean your pores.

How do I use it?
Wash your face with T-Zone Face Wash or Cleanser.
Wet the target area.
Peel off the backing paper and apply face strip to chin or forehead.
Ensure face strip is firmly pressed down onto the skin.
Leave for around 10 minutes until the strip is starting to dry then gently lift away the edges to remove strip from face.

Product to use with
Cleanse your face first with Clear Pore Gel Face Wash or Oil Control Foaming Face Wash or Clear Pore Anti-bacterial Cleanser - to remove grease, oil and bacteria that can cause spots before applying the Face Pore Strip. Follow with Oil Control Moisture Lotion - to restore the natural moisture levels to the skin."

Author's product rating: 2/5

How does it affect your skin? It is very gentle / nice

Does it dehydrate your skin? No

Value for money Poor

Advantages: Occasionally remove blackheads


Disadvantages: On the whole very disappointing

Recommend to potential buyers: no

As someone who's suffered from problem skin for c.10 years, I'm at the stage where I'll try anything to get rid of my spots (whether that's from my GP or over-the-counter). While my current medication from my GP has helped my skin on its way to being clearer, my blackheads were still refusing to budge, so I needed some pore strips. I was encouraged by T-Zone's claim on the box that it contained natural anti-bacterial ingredients, and I thought that even though it was a little pricey for what it was (£4.99 for 6 strips!), I couldn't come to much harm by giving it a try.

The company has a very distinctive brand image with its bright teal/turquoise and orange boxes. The brand itself has also been around for a while, so I suppose I trusted the brand. The colours are very fresh and positive, which helps with the company's overall image and fits well with their products.

The smell is not at all unpleasant - smells of tea tree and eucalyptus type smells.I soon discovered that for the size of the area I was treating, I could cut the pads in half and so make the box last double the time. The strips are stuck to pieces of plastic, and they won't gum up your scissors if you do want to shape the strips to your needs. So far, so good.

The strips are also very easy to apply: just wet the area concerned, peel the strip from the backing plastic, and stick it on your face. Leave until it goes hard (10-15 mins I guess), and then rip it off. The strip comes right off and isn't painful to remove - it's less painful than ripping off a plaster, for example - and it doesn't irritate or dehydrate the skin

Unfortunately, despite all these positive factors, the results are very variable. On my first couple of attempts, I could see the results on the strip that I'd just ripped from my face (i.e. it was pretty clear that the blackheads were no longer on my face!). Now, I don't know if my blackheads have built up a resistance to the product or something (stubborn little buggers), but now I rip the strip off and NOTHING HAPPENS. The blackheads are still on my face, exactly where they shouldn't be. I first noticed this on the last strips I used, so about halfway through the pack - and I've still got 2 out of the original 6 left. I was also surprised at the blackheads' speed at reoccurring, particularly since the T-Zone strips apparently contain tea tree, which is meant to prevent this.

I definitely won't be buying this again, and to be honest, I can't understand how T-Zone has managed to survive as a brand for so long if these minimal effects are what is usual for their products. They're pretty pricey for something that doesn't work and I just feel annoyed that I got duped into believing yet another acne treatment brand's empty promises.

(this review was originally published on Ciao)

Yves St Laurent Touche Eclat


RRP: £22.50

Shades available: 4

-- Packaging --
A somewhat chunky golden pen with a smooth shine and the YSL logo on it in understated black font. Black click button at one end, brush in the style of a pen nib at the other. Comes in a similarly styled cardboard box.

--What does the promo say?--
"An ultra-glamorous pen..Just two or three clicks to coat the brush, a makeup tool borrowed from the pros, ideal for applying and diffusing touches of light with absolute precision, with a texture that is ultra light, fine, impalpable, and literally becomes one with the skin. It blends with day cream, a makeup base, foundation or powder, making it ideal for touch-ups anytime, with no overload. It boasts a magical formula combining airy lightness, softness and light. Extremely light oils (volatile silicones) ensure quick, even application. A blend of moisturising, refreshing components provide a feeling of sublime softness on application and extreme comfort throughout the day. A micronised powder combined with crystalline and lamellar structured pigments allow the skin to react to light the way a prism does, giving the complexion new radiance. Their microscopic size ensures an ultra-fine, even film on the skin, and for touch-ups they blend with the pigments of makeup that's already been applied."

--Application --
Click the button at the end a few times until the product starts to appear at the end of the brush/pen nib thing. Apply directly to face.

-- Purpose --
The beauty of the Touche Eclat (and probably why it's become such a classic - it even has its own website, http://www.touche-eclat.com/) is that it seems to have multiple purposes. I use it as a concealer; others use it to brighten the complexion; others use it to disguise under-eye circles.

--Appearance--
On the pen, it appears slightly runny. On the face, it takes on the appearance of powder and it doesn't appear blotchy on the facial areas where it's been applied. It also works very well with any brand of foundation or powder - at present I'm using Max Factor foundation and L'Oréal powder with it.

-- Texture --
Blends into the skin beautifully. Feels powder-light.

--Coverage--
Pretty good, but it's probably more suited as a highlighter and as a dark-circles cover-up than it is for other blemishes such as acne.

--Longevity--
No need to reapply throughout the day.

--Removal--
Easy to remove.

--Value for money--
Frankly excellent - you're getting a very high-quality product that lasts a long time. If they ever stop making it I might cry.