Make Your Summer Sparkle

POST SUPPORTED BY WWW.MYJEWELRYBOX.COM

So they say that diamonds are a girl's best friend? Fine - until your jaw hits the floor at what are normally stratospheric prices. You're very often looking at three figures before you even begin - and that's often for a diamond that you need a magnifying glass to look at. But as with most things these days, if you shop around a bit (thank you, Google Shopping) you can often get what you want closer to the price you want.

Another way to get diamonds more cheaply than having a socking great rock on one finger is to think smaller: diamond earrings, for instance, will be cheaper than a diamond ring. One such website bringing you the sparkly stuff for less is MyJewelryBox.com, and you can also look around for sales at the major retailers such as H Samuel and Ernest Jones. If the prices at MyJewelryBox.com are too good to refuse, but you balk in the UK at the $50 shipping charge, it's equally easy to go in with friends or to take the chance to buy some dazzling gifts in order to get maximum value out of your order.

If you're not really into jewellery, though (after all, this is a beauty website), there are still plenty of other ways to inject some sparkle into your summer, both on the high street and off. Starting with the body, you can find lots of glitter on your local high street, whether this is with Body Shop's Brilliance Powder (which has slightly flawed packaging but still does a good job) or with the ethical competitor, Lush's Iridescent Glitterbug or their Shimmy Shimmy glitter bar (which you just rub over your body until the desired effect is achieved). If you set your sights a little higher in the sophistication stakes, though, you could always try Cacharel's Noa Perfumed Body Lotion, which starts at just over £20 online and provides a divine glow as well as smelling gorgeous.

There are also seemingly infinite numbers of options for adding some sparkle to your face. For the eyes, try Avon's Colour Sparkle Lash and Line, which incorporates a glitter liner and a mascara all into one handy tube, or for a more full-on look, try MAC Pigments for wow-factor and easily achievable fairy princess looks (or their less expensive cousin, Stargazer Eye Dusts). Even the nails can carry off a Dorothy-style look as you paint your nails with Barry M Nail Paints, whose sparkly variants can make you feel like you've stepped straight out of The Wizard of Oz.

Want something more subtle? No problem. There's a plethora of glittery products out there for even the most shrinking of violets, including Bourjois' Little Round Pot Blusher, which has colours carrying the tiniest glitter particles you ever saw, and Sally Hansen's Diamond Lip Treatment, which looks natural while still making you sparkle. It's good for your lips, is hard-wearing, and is even decorated with a small faux diamond on the front of the tube. However, that's not to say that perhaps a real diamond would not be better.

Avon SpectraLash

RRP: £10
# of shades available: 2

--What does the promo say?--
"Innovative mascara gives three looks in one tube - just twist up the unique packaging to customise your preferred level of volume, from a full everyday look to dramatic high-impact look. Clump-proof and flake proof. 10ml."

--Packaging--
Very inventive, as expected, with delicate grey swirls cutting through the black as a contrast to the chunky bright purple dial on the end of the mascara tube.

--Application--
With the lid still firmly screwed on, choose your level of mascara intensity. Dial up 1 for a light everyday look, 2 for a still everyday look with a little more 'hey, look at me!' factor, and choose 3 for a volumised nighttime look. Then unscrew the lid, pull out the wand, and apply normally.

--Appearance--
There is a very definite difference between all three of the stages in terms of volume, length of lashes, and intensity. In addition to this, they are all clump-free too, giving a really professional finish.

--Texture/consistency--
As mentioned, the formula is clump-free; it's also very smooth and easy to apply, while drying quickly (but not too quickly).

--Longevity--
Almost too good - it can be difficult to remove properly.

--Value for money--
£10 might seem a lot for what is essentially a high street mascara; however, the quality of the formula is excellent, and you're effectively getting three mascaras in one. I'm also so entranced by the genius of it that I can't wait to try the SpectraColor Lipstick. With a bit of luck, Avon will soon bring out a dial-up foundation à la Revlon too.

perfect partner
Avon SpectraColor Lipstick, £7

Avon Bond Girl 007 Eau de Parfum

RRP: £16 for 50ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Velvety florals, cool freshness and warm woods."

--Packaging--
While the box is perhaps a little tacky (silvery, with viewfinder-style swirls), the bottle itself is much better, embodying a womanly figure while still incorporating a James Bond gadgetry-style application point. The half-ring at the top helps rather than hinders application, and the top of the bottle is chunky and impressive. The spritzer works well, and because it's small it's also very targeted (you spray your wrists and it doesn't go all down your skirt or top).

--Application--
Spray onto pulse points at wrists and behind ears. Another new one I've heard recently is spraying into the hemline of your skirt so that the fragrance may be effectively diffused, but I don't much fancy having to wash out perfume stains.

--Appearance--
The liquid is a gorgeous and fashionable coral pink that is invisible when sprayed onto the skin.

--Scent--
While this is perhaps not the most refined scent on the market, it does at least deliver what it promises (which is more than can be said of some other fragrances). Florals? Check. Warm woods? Got it. Cool freshness? Perhaps not as obvious as the other two characteristics, but it is there. The result is a fragrance that not only transcends generations (you can wear it with style, but so can your mum) but is also light enough for summer while still being intense enough for winter. It also fits extremely well with both the celebrity chosen to front it (Gemma Arterton, who starred as Agent Fields in Bond film Quantum of Solace ) as well as with the Bond theme. The packaging and fragrance together make this perfect for the gutsiest of girls as well as the most feminine.

--Longevity--
Lasts longer on the neck than on the wrists, but the quality in this area is sadly generally average. Expect to reapply every few hours.

--Value for money--
This fragrance is full of personality, both in terms of its advertising campaign and in terms of the scent itself, so it doesn't surprise me that it's been such a success (Avon are still running it after nearly a year: PRs had word of it last summer, it came out in October 2008, and was a Christmas best seller in that year also). As compared to other commercial perfumes, the price is also right, and the scent matches up to its description, even if the longevity of it falls slightly short for an eau de parfum. As someone who's coveted this ever since she first got wind of it, I'm pleased to have finally got my greasy little mitts on it (though I don't know why I hadn't managed to procure it before now, since it came out when I was still an Avon representative, meaning that I could have had a discount on it!) - it completely fulfils my expectations and continues to fly the Avon flag high.

perfect partners
Avon SpectraColor Lipstick, £10
Avon SpectraLash Mascara, £10

Avon Celestial Eyeshadow

RRP: $8
# of shades available: 2

--What does the promo say?--
"Make eyes glisten with the Jillian Dempsey for Avon Celestial Eyeshadow, a marbleised baked shadow that blends on as smooth as stardust in shades inspired by the ocean and sky."

--Packaging--
A sophisticated yet simple sturdy black circular container, made from plastic, with a clear domed lid so that you can see the colours all the time. The lid clips closed well, and being a baked shadow, no flakes of shadow come off and litter your bag when you're on the move. However, as with several Avon/Jillian Dempsey products, they could play up the association with her a little more - the signature appears in white on the black cardboard box, but that's all.

--Application--
This can be applied wet or dry, so if preferred, just wet the brush before application and proceed as normal. Make sure it's dry before you add any other colours or liners (but this doesn't take too long).

--Appearance--
The Sunset Sky shade laces blue with pink, while the Moon Sand shade has veins of brown in the gold. This provides a subtle and nuanced effect that also conveys great realism - their sources of inspiration in this Spring Colour Collection are immediately apparent. The finish is metallised, but even when applied wet for extra intensity, the effect is still quite subtle and can be worn for day or night. It also mixes well with other shadows - I have used this with all ranges of eyeshadow, from Stila to Prestige Cosmetics.

--Texture/consistency--
Doesn't flake off at all when using the brush, and yet the brush picks up the colour well. The lack of powderiness suggests it's quite finely pigmented, and the colour glides over the eyelids smoothly.

--Longevity--
This creases more when used dry, so I'd suggest using this wet for a more flawless look that you don't have to touch up as often.

--Value for money--
As always with Avon, you're getting an up-to-the-minute product that's of a good standard as well as having the association with the celebrity makeup artist Jillian Dempsey. While not perfect, this is a fair backup and competitor to the similar baked shadows by Stila and Urban Decay.

perfect partners
magiX Tinted Face Perfector SPF15, $10
Spectralash Mascara, $9.50
Big Colour Glossy Lip Pencil, $6*

*While this is an existing Avon product, there are four new shades available for spring (Glossy Rose, Glossy Celestial, Glossy Sand, and Glossy Sunset). Glossy Celestial is a bit redder than the website makes it appear, so think carefully about your shade choice (though I am ridiculously pale!). Check out my review of the original Glossy Lip Pencil here.

Marimekko for Avon Eyeshadow Palette

RRP: £8
# of shades available: 2 (Poppy Bloom - grey/green/pink/peach - and Poppy Bouquet - blue/purple/pink/green)

--What does the promo say?--
"A stunning collection of four beautiful toning shades of silky soft eyeshadow in designer packaging. Glowing ultra-blendable shadow glides on effortlessly and lasts for hours."

--About the brands--
Noted for their simple styles and printed coloured fabrics, Finnish brand Marimekko has been around since the 1950s but became especially prominent after featuring in the series Sex and the City when Carrie Bradshaw wore some of their clothes and swimwear. It began opening concept stores worldwide in 2007 and collaborated with Avon in 2008. Avon has been selling high-quality and affordable cosmetics for 50 years across Europe, and as the new millennium draws to the end of its first decade, Avon now sells lingerie, accessories, children's ranges and homeware products as well as its more famous cosmetics and fragrances.

--Packaging--
The eyeshadow box reflects what you'll find inside: bold, flower-print eyeshadows encased in black. The flip-top lid is transparent so that this design is constantly visible, and the container seems durable overall. However, you get very little eyeshadow for your money, as half the tray is taken up by the black plastic, and because of the flower design, you don't get equal amounts of each colour either, though this hasn't proved problematic so far.

--Application--
You can easily and adequately apply this using your fingers, though a brush may be needed for the smaller parts of the eyeshadow setting (e.g. the centre of the flower design). It would have also been advantageous if Avon had included an instruction leaflet similar to the handy instructions given for application in the brochure.

--Texture--
Very fine, smooth eyeshadow that isn't too powdery. Glides over the skin easily.

--Appearance--
The colours mix and match harmoniously, though since I have the Poppy Bouquet version of this palette, I'm doubtful about the inclusion of the peach in Poppy Bloom and am not sure how well it would sit with the other palette colours. However, as previously mentioned, some sort of application leaflet would be helpful in making maximal use of and impact with the colours provided. In any case, a young fresh look is achieved almost effortlessly, no matter what combination you use the colours in.

--Longevity--
These shadows seem pretty durable, only creasing a little towards the end of the day.

--Value for money--
This is sadly reduced by the fact that you only get half the amount of eyeshadow that the box size leads you to believe, and by the fact that £8 is frankly pushing it for what you do get (though if you buy strategically during one of Avon's sales you can get a much better deal). However, what you do get is good: a versatile, easy-to-use eyeshadow in durable and pretty packaging, which lasts almost all day on your eyelids too. Further to this, it is a promising output from Marimekko, apart from one or two packaging improvements, and once the brand becomes better known, its products could become much more expensive. So perhaps, on the face of it, this is a pretty good deal after all.

perfect partners
Marimekko for Avon Supershock Mascara, £8
Marimekko for Avon All Over Face Palette, £8

Avon Gloss Stick for Lips

RRP: £5
# of shades available: 4

--What does the promo say?--
"An ultra-glossy finish, in a stick! This medium coverage lip liner and lip gloss in one lasts for hours, leaving lips soft and moisturised."

--Packaging--
This clever pencil doesn't need sharpening - you just twist the coloured end of the pencil for more gloss. No mess OR fuss. In addition, the black teamed with the colour of the gloss you have chosen and the travel-friendly lid makes for an attractive overall concept.

--Application--
Pull off the lid and twist the other end of the pencil for more gloss if needed. Apply directly to lips.

--Appearance--
This product's versatility is certainly commendable, as the result can be a full-on blast of colour with all-over application or a sheer translucent slick with just a little applied to your bottom lip and then rubbed in. There is a slight shimmer to the colour which can be natural or glitzy as you so choose. It's also appropriately shiny without looking unnatural.

--Texture/consistency--
Perfectly smooth and without stickiness. Despite the aforementioned shimmer you can't feel any particles of glitter on your lips either.

--Scent--
No discernible scent.

--Longevity--
Just your average normal gloss here, I'm afraid - I certainly wouldn't promote it as lasting for hours.

--Value for money--
A good and innovative product at credit-crunch-busting prices: what more can you ask for?

perfect partner
Perfect Wear Liquid Eye Liner Pen, £6

Avon MagiX Face Perfector

RRP: £10 for 30ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Introducing Avon's secret weapon. This colourless perfector is a magical way to get super-natural, flawless skin. The colourless formula suits everyone, and evens skin tone with SPF20. Reduce the look of pores and banish shine for up to 10 hours. The velvety soft formula visibly smooths fine lines. Illuminate with exclusive Optix light-diffusing technology. Wear alone or under foundation. Available to order from the 9th September 2008."

--Packaging--
Fits in well with the Avon brand, and particularly with their tinted moisturiser. Black shiny plastic lid, matte skin-coloured squeezy tube, with their usual classic minimalist logo and general design, jazzed up only by a calligraphed-style rainbow metallic 'MagiX' embellishment.

--Application--
Squeeze out a 10p-sized amount and rub all over face, being careful around the eye area.

--Appearance--
The gel itself is white, and somewhat pearlescent. After application the skin seems softer and more matte, with the complexion appearing less raw, more even, and with the appearance of pores minimised. However, it in no way comes close to achieving the perfection that Avon promises, especially if you have acneic skin. Spots etc are obviously still visible.

--Scent--
Actually sort of chocolatey, but not in an overbearing way. Delicious.

--Texture/consistency--
Thick and luxurious, but you somehow don't get the feeling that it'll clog your pores. It also feels really smooth on the skin.

--Longevity--
While it certainly seems to keep shine at bay for the day, the pore-minimising effect is extremely short-lived. When used as a primer, it isn't any better or worse than my usual No7 primer in terms of making sure makeup stays put.

--Value for money--
Seeing as my No7 primer is cheaper (marginally) and doesn't make outlandish claims about attaining perfection and flawlessness, I think I'll stick with my usual brand. If you've got pretty perfect skin already, however, I should think this would be a valuable addition to your makeup bag.

Avon Clearskin Deep Cleansing Cloths

RRP: £3.50 for 25 cloths; currently on promotion at £1.50 a pack

--What does the promo say?--
"Speedy wipes remove makeup, oil and pore-clogging impurities in an instant. A refreshing, purifying, and revitalising experience! 25 wipes per pack."

--Packaging--
The packaging is perhaps slightly dated, and while this is an Avon mainstay (most of their products don't survive for 2 years+, as they are constantly changing the range), the company really needs to move with the times - if they could change the packaging of this so that it is more easily linked with their more modern, edgy Clearskin Professional line that's just been released, then that might be an improvement. The wipes packet is white, with a blue, white and purple logo at the top of the packet. The protective screen that you pull off the front of the packet each time is clear and white, and effectively keeps the wipes moist. The protective screen also closes easily and remains easy to open every time.

--Usage--
Pull back the protective screen, pull out one wipe, rub over face and neck, and then discard. Remember to stick the protective screen back down afterwards so that the remaining wipes keep their moisture.

--Scent--
Quite clinical, which in a way I almost prefer to something flowery: it makes you feel like the wipes are doing something.

--Appearance--
The wipes are white, but the liquid in which they are soaked is not visible.

--Short-term effects--
Makeup and excess oil is removed effectively; skin feels soft and like it has been treated to improve skin condition.

--Long-term effects--
Skin condition is maintained at the very least; improved at the very most.

--Value for money--
I'd be loath to pay full price for these, even though I do quite like them: this is a 'value' brand, and it shows. However, when on offer these wipes are an excellent buy and an essential for keeping skin healthy.

perfect partners
Avon Clearskin Dual Action Cleanser with Microbeads, £4
Avon Clearskin Immediate Response Blemish Treatment, £3.50
Avon Clearskin Clarifying Cover SPF 15, £5
Avon Clearskin Concealing Blemish Stick, £3

Avon Personal Match Barely There Tinted Moisturiser

RRP: £7 for 30ml
no. of shades available: 3 (light, medium, and medium deep)

--What does the promo say?--
"No ordinary tinted moisturiser. It starts out colourless then magically adapts to your skin tone as the encapsulated colour beads blend onto skin. Contains exclusive Personal Match technology to match over 98% of skin tones."

--Packaging--
It looks suspiciously slim, in a 'is there REALLY 30ml in there?' way, and the nozzle is quite slim too, which helps with controlled application. The plastic squeezy tube is flesh-coloured, and the lid is black, to match the simplistic black lettering on the front of the tube. A nice, sophisticated-looking thing.

--Application--
Just untwist the lid and you're away. The consistency of the tinted moisturiser, combined with the tapered applicator nozzle, allows just the right amount to be dispensed, minimising wastage. Apply to the face after concealer using your fingers or a brush.

--Consistency--
Wonderfully creamy without being too rich. It's fabulously light on the skin.

--Appearance--
The tinted moisturiser itself is actually white, and tiny skin-coloured particles can be seen dotted around in it. When applied to the face, it stays white for a few seconds before gradually adapting to the skintone, and it does excellent work: I was really impressed with the flawless look that it gave to even my troubled skin, and while the number of shades available seems initially really poor, it adapts so well that there's really no need to worry.

--Coverage--
Really excellent. Obviously not as heavy as a normal foundation, but I found that it was certainly more than adequate even on less than perfect skin.

--How does your face feel?--
Moisturised, but not overloaded, although of course it doesn't have the effect of a more intensive moisturiser.

--Longevity--
Also great. No complaints here. You may have to reapply once if you want to carry this from day to night, but that's it.

--Value for money--
Given that it's the same price as other high street products (or even cheaper!), there's not really much to argue about. It's a really high-quality, impressive product suitable for all skin types.

perfect partner
Personal Match Smooth Mineral Makeup, £7 for 15g

Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Eyeshadow

RRP: £6
no. of shades available: 3

--What does the promo say?--
"A clever 3-in-1 for an expert finish. The soft blending formula can be worn alone or layered under the powder shadow for long-lasting colour."

--Pacakging--
Pretty boring, if we're honest. The container is a black flip-top plastic thing, with the Avon logo embossed onto the lid. And that's IT. No mention of Jillian Dempsey until you open the thing - perhaps it's a mistake to not have it more in keeping with the Jillian Dempsey for Avon mascara, which makes the association with the designer more obvious? It does come with a nice double-ended brush though: sponge applicator at one end, actual brush at the other.

--Application--
Apply the palest shade first all over your eyelid, until it just touches the brow bone. This base shade is more of a cream than a shadow, so you may want to apply it with your fingers rather than mucking up the brush and wasting it (as it will soak into the sponge for certain). Use the brush to then apply the middle shade all over the eyelid without going up as far as the brow bone, then finally use the darkest shade as a liner to follow your upper lashes.

--Appearance--
The three shades in this product are very well chosen and complement each other perfectly for effortless and sophisticated smoky eyes that are easy to create.

--Longevity--
I found this quite strange: it doesn't crease, but the colour definitely fades over the course of the day, so you may want to retouch/reapply just to keep up the vibrancy/depth of the colour. I've never used an eyeshadow that fades but doesn't crease. Hmm. Anyway, one reapplication, or two at the most, should do it.

--Value for money--
It is inexpensive and allows us as amateurs to recreate professional effects easily. However, the range of colours available is limited (brown, copper/greenish, and purple compacts are the only ones available at present) and it's a shame that the depth of colour fades as it does. By all means buy this product if you're a bit intimidated by the thought of creating successful smoky eyes without help; however, if you consider yourself more advanced, go forth with your products of choice and smoke away.

perfect partner
Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Kohl Eyeliner, £5
Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Mascara, £7

Jillian Dempsey Lash Pro Mascara for Avon

RRP: £8
no. of shades: 2

--What does the promo say?--
"Maximise the full potenial of every lash with a macro brush at one end, and a micro brush at the other for smaller lashes in the corners and lower lashes."

--Packaging--
It's a good-looking thing, it's got to be said. The contrast between the dark tube and the silver writing is nice and the cursive writing of the Jillian Dempsey logo really helps it to stand out from the rest of the mascara market (as if the fact that it's double-wanded isn't enough! I don't think I've ever seen this feature in a high-street mascara). The wands are clearly marked as to which one is the normal size and which one is the mini size, and it's easy to operate.

--Application--
The middle part of the mascara's three-part outfit holds the two wands. Work out which end you want to use first (maxi or mini) and twist the middle part AWAY from your selected end. Probably best to start with the normal wand and then finish up with the mini wand to keep everything nicely in proportion. Despite its truly minuscule size, the mini wand is easy to use and really does reach into those corners satisfactorily.

--Appearance--
Really excellent as it definitely allows for more definition and finer detail. Clumps are minimal. However, it doesn't really lengthen or curl the lashes very much and so for that I would choose Avon's Daring Curves, which is of a similar price.

--Texture--
Smooth with no clots and really separates the lashes nicely. Not clumpy or runny.

--Longevity--
Almost lasts too long as it is slightly difficult to remove.

--Value for money--
Definitely stands up to its high street competitors, especially when on offer (as it is now, for £5 instead of the usual £8). You should go for this if it's definition you're after, but if you want lengthening or curling, choose another mascara. Does what it says it will do and is a really high quality product at a reasonable price, with the added bonus of a famous name in collaboration with the Avon brand.

perfect partners
Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Kohl Eyeliner, £5

Avon Footworks Moisturising Socks

RRP: £4 (one size fits all)

--What does the promo say?--
"Team up these lavish treats for twice the delight - massage on the luxurious cream then wear the moisturising socks to intensify the treatment! (Socks 92% cotton, 8% elastane)"

--Packaging--
These socks come in their own delightful little stripy plastic travel pouch, which is a really nice touch. Think they probably come wrapped in cellophane or something when new as well (it's been a while since I bought mine so memory is slightly hazy...).

--Usage--
Pretty simple really - massage into your feet whatever cream you want or need, whether medicinal or luxury, pop on the socks and let them work their magic while you walk around the house or while you sleep.

--Appearance--
I apologise for the picture I've had to use for this entry, it really is awful and cheesy. The picture in the catalogue is much better - the socks are white, and it appears that the pink design on the bottom is a recent addition. They've also apparently made another inferior change - the 'old style' socks, the ones I bought just a few months ago, have a sort of v-shape on the top of the foot, kind of like pop socks/trainer socks, which just looks a bit cooler than the ankle sock style in the picture. The socks also get dirty quite quickly. Shame.

--Texture--
The socks themselves are very soft and because of the high levels of cotton, they won't irritate your feet at all. Hoorah.

--Fabric quality--
First of all, I don't believe the one-size-fits-all claim. While I think the elastane would stretch nicely for the larger foot (up to a women's size 8 I'm guessing), these socks would probably be seriously baggy on a smaller foot. I'm a UK size 6 and these socks really sag on my heels (meaning they come off really easily during the night as well, even though they don't fall off if I'm walking around them during the day). They would probably, then, best suit women of a UK size 5-8 foot. Any smaller and they'll probably fall off, any bigger and they probably won't fit. Beyond that, their shape and size doesn't change during washing (good thing), and as already mentioned, they're kind to your feet too.

--Efficacy--
These socks really do their stuff, both medicinally and in terms of luxury. Recently I had a bit of a case of athlete's foot on one foot, while my other foot was fine. I slathered the normal foot in Body Shop Body Butter and popped on the sock, while on the other foot I did the same but with athlete's foot cream. A few hours of walking around the house later and BOTH feet were perfectly soft and smooth. I kid you not. Athlete's foot = gone. Definitely much more effective than the usual rubbing into the skin and hoping for the best.

--Value for money--
These socks are of course reusable, and despite the slight sagginess and general non-fulfilment of the one size fits all claim, they really do their stuff and restore your feet to soft tootsie heaven. Brill.

perfect partner
Foot and Elbow Cream with AHA, £4 (75ml)

Avon Ultimate Age Repair Elixir

RRP: £25 for 30ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Ultra luxurious, highly concentrated light cream immediately reactivates and reawakens skin by stimulating youth protein. Smooth over face and neck every morning and evening."

--Packaging--
An elegant (but nonetheless definitely pitched at the older market) gold-coloured container approximately 8cm long, this package sports the Avon logo and product name in black on the front of the bottle, and a dainty pump-action mechanism on the top. The product is released by pressing the top of the bottle. It's a very aesthetically pleasing design whose size, weight and shape sits very well in the hand, and looks great on your dressing table. However, when empty the package is still heavy, indicating that the luxurious packaging is unnecessary.

--Application--
1-2 pumps is a more than ample to adequately moisturise the face. The hole from which the moisturiser is released is small and it is therefore easy to control the amount released.

--Appearance--
The moisturiser is of a creamy, foundation-like colour. However, the colour is not visible at all on the skin.

--Texture/consistency--
The moisturiser is light, but not runny, and absorbs well into the skin. The consistency is more liquid than creamy or watery.

--Scent--
Has a distinctively fresh, perfumed, slightly melon-like smell that is olfactorily pleasant.

--Anti-ageing effects--
The tester reported a visible reduction of lines around the forehead area, and also reported that it served as an excellent moisturiser.

--Value for money--
The tester reported that she would buy the product again, although said that one canister only lasted a couple of months, even without everyday use. She also said that even if she wasn't totally satisfied with the product, she would choose another Avon product as an alternative as she has found other Avon products more than satisfactory.

perfect partners
Ultimate Age Repair Day, £18 for 50ml
Ultimate Age Repair Night, £18 for 50ml

Avon Color Trend Kajal Stick

RRP: £2.50
no. of shades available : 4

--What does the promo say?--
"Lines and defines without tugging or pulling. Won't smudge or budge!"

--Packaging--
Silver pencil, decorated with pink and white hearts. The product logo and all information is written on the pencil in small white writing. The protective lid is clear and while the design is distinctively girly to reflect the target audience of the Color Trend range (say age 12-16), it doesn't put us older girls off.

--Application--
Use as either a top liner (following the line of your top lashes) or as a bottom liner (on the waterline).

--Appearance--
Apart from the silver liner, which is obviously a bit sparklier, the other available colours are generally quite matte and can be worn for everyday. Consequently I'd say only the silver one can be worn on its own, whereas the others look better worn with eyeshadow (and thus as part of an overall look rather than as a stand-alone product).

--Texture/consistency--
Soft (in that it doesn't pull at or dig into your eyes during application) but not too hard, meaning that a good clear line is created whether on the eyelid or on the waterline. It does tend to smudge up from the bottom waterline onto the top one immediately after application because of the consistency, but I don't consider this a bad thing as it adds extra depth.

--Longevity--
Frankly it's the best eyeliner I've ever owned. It lasts ALL day without even a hint of a smudge, even on the waterline. Reapplication simply isn't needed.

--Value for money--
Excellent in all respects. The colours are strong, the consistency is perfect, the price is right, it lasts all day and the pencil itself is huge at 17cm long (not including the lid). It's also easy to remove when you want to do so. The only possible disadvantage is that it's not available in a wider range of colours to cover nights out as well as daytime looks. If you can look over this small hiccup, I urge you all to go and add this to your makeup bag posthaste.

perfect partners
Avon Color Trend Pretty Eyes Case, £4.50
Avon Color Trend Curling Mascara, £4

Avon Arabian Glow Eyeliner

RRP: £4
no. of shades available: 3 (emerald, gold and turquoise)

--What does the promo say?--
"Glides on easily for a gorgeous glow. Lines eyes with waterproof, smooth colour."

--Packaging--
Just as you see it in the picture - a simple but glamorous gold pencil, with a clear lid and the Avon logo and product name written on the pencil in white.

--Application--
I normally apply my kohl eyeliners on the waterline, but I found that this didn't go on the waterline too well at all - probably because it's so smooth. However, the upside of this is that it doesn't drag on the upper lash line, and it's easy to apply below the lower lashes too.

--Appearance--
Gives an excellent line (well, except on the waterline, but I've already explained that), and because of the metallic colours in which it's available, it actually looks lovely when applied on both the above and below lash lines, not looking too Gothic or over the top. Plus, despite the fact that there are only 3 shades available, there should be one here to suit any eye colour. However, they're definitely shades for younger makeup wearers, or at the very least, older makeup wearers would need to wear the eyeliner differently, perhaps as an enhancement to eyeshadow rather than being worn alone.

--Texture--
Smooth, but not too soft. Could do with being a little bit harder for waterline use, but this looks so lovely when applied on the lash lines only that I'm prepared to make that sacrifice.

--Longevity--
Brilliant, except near the outer corners of the eyes, where it tends to smudge.

--Value for money--
Despite being essentially a budget brand, the quality of Avon's products is generally brilliant, and at £4, this eyeliner is far cheaper than its high street competitors, as well as challenging (and in some cases exceeding) them in terms of excellence.

perfect partner
Avon Arabian Glow Embossed Eyeshadow, £5

Avon Daring Curves Mascara

RRP: £7 (or, at the time of writing, 2 for £10)
no. of shades available: 3

--What does the promo say?--
"Contains an exclusive complex that lifts and curls lashes up to 65%. Holds curl for up to 12 hours."

--Packaging--
A black, curvy container with a chunky, slightly curved lid. The brand name is written in small capitals and the mascara name in cursive, both in silver writing.

--Application--
I'm convinced there's an art to effective mascara application. Unfortunately, I don't seem to have worked out what it is yet. However, application seems rather easier owing to the twisted/curved brush that this mascara uses as its trademark, as it seems to cover the lashes more easily, without multiple applications being needed.

--Appearance--
Perfectomundo. No clumps, no lashes clinging together, strong colour.

--Texture--
Smooth with no clots.

--Longevity--
This is where this mascara falls down. It slides off easily and leaves you with panda eyes. Fine if you can be arsed to check your mascara every few hours, but disastrous if you can't.

--Value for money--
The twisted brush is a stroke of genius, so I'm tempted to say it's almost worth the £7 for that alone. However, they really need to make the formula more long-lasting. I'd be tempted to try Avon's long-lasting mascara if it also had this magic wand, but beyond that, I'm not sure.

perfect partner
Color Trend Kiss 'n' Go lipstick, £2.50