Smashbox Photo Finish 24 Hour Shadow Primer

RRP: £19

--What does the promo say?--
"Studio-tested. Life-proven. A shadow primer that locks on more vibrant colour for a full 24 hours. No fading, creasing or smudging! Sweat and humidity resistant. Apply a thin layer to bare lids. Wait 30 seconds, then apply shadow."

--Packaging--
The silver and black packaging is sleek, and would stand out among the frequently flesh-coloured primer packages from other brands that you might see on the shelf. The squeezy tube is a convenient size and the screw-top lid is secure. The only area for improvement might be the nozzle, which could be more tapered.

--Application--
Once you have applied your face primer to clean, dry skin, squeeze out a pea-sized amount of eye primer: this will be enough to cover both eyelids and the under-eye area on both sides of the face (there is a separate under-eye primer available too, but I've never found this to be necessary. Multi-use products for the win!). Blend in until invisible.

--Appearance--
Very pale flesh-coloured cream-gel hybrid that blends in invisibly - so don't worry that this single shade available will not match your skin tone, as it has a transparent finish.

--Scent--
Nothing discernible.

--Texture and consistency--
Completely smooth without being runny or waxy, and blends brilliantly. Has the velvetiness of a cream and the lightness of a gel, so the eye area definitely doesn't feel weighed down.

--Effects on the skin--
Eyeshadow stays put without creasing or fading. Definitely stands up to the 24-hour claim and looks great in photos and videos.

--Value for money--
While the outlay may seem initially like a lot, this primer puts in an excellent performance and is one of the best I've ever tried. A little also goes a long way, so one tube lasts a long time. A great addition to any makeup bag!

perfect partners
Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio, £23
Full Exposure Mascara, £19.50  
Photo Filter Powder Foundation, £29
Photo Finish Primer Oil, £28
Photo Finish Primer Water, £28

Glo Minerals Under Eye Primer

 RRP: £19.50
buy from: www.glo-minerals.com

--What does the promo say?--
"The Under Eye Primer is an anti aging primer that minimizes the appearance of imperfections by filling in fine lines by using light-reflective pigments to soften the appearance of any wrinkles or dark circles you may have. Apply it to the under eye area before you use our Under Eye Concealer to improve and soften your fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles. Silicone Polymers and Organic Form Fillers fill in fine lines while light-diffusing pigments soften the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles. Grant-X "The Super Peptide," has been clinically shown to improve the appearance of wrinkles via nerve synapse interaction. The GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid) in Grant-X is a known neurotransmitter inhibitor that helps improve the appearance of aging and softens expression lines."

--Packaging--
The silver and black tube creates an edgy look that stands out, with information on the tube itself kept minimal and easy to read. The squeezy tube and screw-top lid also makes the product easy to use.

--Application--
Squeeze out an amount the size of a pinhead and gently rub onto clean dry skin under the eye. Once blended in, continue to apply the rest of your makeup base as normal (foundation, concealer etc).

--Appearance--
This product only comes in one shade, so for me it is the right shade, but for others with darker skin tones, it may not suit. However, beyond that, I would say that it blends seamlessly to give a natural appearance.

--Scent--
None.

--Texture and consistency--
Incredibly smooth and velvety - and, as mentioned previously, blends in effortlessly. Comes off when you want it to and stays put when you don't!

--Longevity--
Does not settle into any creases around the eye area, and enables a unified and natural appearance to be kept up all day. Does not fade or become patchy, and can also be used on the eyelid to keep eyeshadow in place.

--Value for money--
One of the best eye primers I've come across. Doesn't have a sticky or tacky texture and yet puts in a determined performance. Best of all, its mineral properties mean it's got inbuilt SPF and anti-ageing, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties too. Although I was sent mine for free by glo minerals' lovely PR bods, I would definitely pay full whack for this.

perfect partners
Lid Primer, £13
Lash Thickener and Conditioner, £13
Brow Gel, £12
Corrective Camouflage Kit, £15.95
Brightener Highlight Concealer, £11.50  
Protective Liquid Foundation, £29.95
Protecting Lip Treatment, £14.50 

Here comes the sun

The sun is finally starting to come out, and we need to protect our eyes. After all, you only get one set. So what can you do to ensure your peepers stay in perfect condition?

1. Use eye cream. Morning and night. Any one will do. The main things you should look for are moisturisation (naturally), to help bust any dry skin around the eye area, and more importantly, an SPF, to protect against ageing and sunburn. I like the eye creams by Avene and Elizabeth Grant - but any pharmacy or department store will be able to advise you.

2. Use an SPF. While many products (including eye creams) do contain SPF, it's still not quite as good as a proper sun cream. The good news is that alongside sun creams intended especially for the face, there are also sun creams intended specifically for the eye area. Try the following:

• Orlane Paris Soleil Vital 25 Sun Block Stick Lips and Eyes
• Shiseido Sun Protection Eye Cream
• Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Eye Contour Cream (white tube)
• ISIS Pharma Light Eyes High Sun Protection
• Avon Anew Solar Advance Eye and Lip Sunscreen
• Lancaster Sun Beauty Stick Eyes and Lips
• La Prairie Ultra Protection Stick Eye, Lip, Nose
• Guinot Yeux Anti-Ageing Sun Protection
• Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Sun Damage

3. Use an eye primer. While many women sensibly avoid makeup at the beach - it's good to give your skin a break and the heat and sea water often make makeup run anyway - I can't blame anyone for wanting to look brighter around the eyes. You may as well stay protected into the bargain, so look for an eye primer with SPF. And for those of you who do wish to wear makeup to the seaside, these should keep your eye makeup in place too.

• bareMinerals Well Rested SPF 20 Eye Brightener
• Larenim Eye Colour and Primer
• bareMinerals Prime Time Eyelid Primer
• Laura Mercier Eye Basics
• Laura Mercier Eye Canvas

4. Get glasses. Sunglasses are an indispensable accessory - not just for fashion, but to protect your eyes so that you can carry on seeing beautiful sights for your entire life. Happily, most brands cover both, providing on-trend styles in conjunction with quality protection. Brand Alley's flash sale (on until Sunday 30th June 2013; Ray-Ban sale until July 2nd) currently sees many major brands on sale at up to 70% off, including Agent Provocateur, Chloe and Fendi. Currently browsing to see what I can get my mitts on :)

Have a great weekend, folks, and enjoy the sun :)

Benefit Stay Don't Stray Primer

RRP: £19.50
# of shades available: 2

--What does the promo say?--
"This dual-action power primer works 360 degrees around the eyes to make concealers AND eyeshadows STAY PUT. Concealers don't crease, eyeshadows stay vibrant & true. Sodium hyaluronate hydrates while Vitamins C & E help fight signs of aging."

--Packaging--
The neutral and black colour scheme reflects the product purpose while remaining edgy. Product info is minimal while the image of the closed eye triumphs. The light/medium shade is a pump-action bottle while, interestingly, the medium/deep shade has a wand applicator.

--Application--
If you have the light/medium shade, pump out a very small amount (about the size of a pinhead. Be careful not to waste any - you do not need to push all the way down!) and dab this on your eyelids and under your eyes. If you have the medium/deep shade you can get straight to the dabbing before rubbing in. Probably easier with the wand than with the pump action if you want to reduce wastage.

--Appearance--
A skin-coloured, slightly lumpy (but not gritty) cream. For me, the light/medium shade works well, but with only 2 shades available, I suspect that many people would not find a shade to suit them.

--Texture and consistency--
Quite thick, but blends well onto the skin with whatever concealer, foundation and/or powder you're using. No irritation was experienced while using this product.

--Longevity--
Stays put as promised, ensuring that eyeshadows etc do too. No creasing, no caking, no fuss. BRAVA.

--Value for money--
At £19.50, it seems a little steep, but is a high-quality product that delivers on what it promises. My only complaint would be that for this money, they NEED to offer more than two shades. Definitely pop into a shop first and see if either of the shades are right for you before splashing out (whether in store or online).

perfect partners
It's Potent! Eye Cream, £23.50
Big Beautiful Eyes, £24.50
Erase Paste, £19.50
BADGal Waterproof Liner, £14  

Benefit Confessions of a Concealaholic

RRP: £28.50

--What does the promo say?--

"Embrace your inner concealaholic! Why deny it when you can hide it, conceal it, camouflage & cover it? This concealing & brightening kit has EVERYTHING you need to satisfy all your concealing cravings!

Kit contains: “that gal” brightening face primer, boi-ing industrial strength concealer in 2 shades (01, 02) for custom concealing, erase paste (02 medium) brightening camouflage for eyes and face, lemon aid colour correcting eyelid primer, eye bright instant eye brightener, concealer brushes and a step-by-step lesson."

--Packaging--

Very cutesy, in Benefit's usual vintage style. Everything inside the kit is nicely laid out, and brushes, while perhaps not strictly necessary for this particular kit (I just get in there with my fingers), are provided. The mirror is ample and the amounts of Lemon Aid, Eye Bright, Erase Paste and Boi-ing are generous (That Gal is a bit more piddly). Some magnetic closures or attachments would be nice: a number of times the That Gal tube has tried to make a quick getaway while I've been on the move and scraped the Boi-ing pans on its way through.

--Application--

Full instructions are included inside the compact, but essentially it goes as follows: apply Lemon Aid to your eyelids and Erase Paste underneath your eyes. That Gal goes all over your face. Mix the shades of Boi-ing to create your own custom shade of concealer (or just use one, as I do), and finally use the Eye Bright around the edges of your eyes to make them look more awake. There's nothing tricky about anything here and the enclosed instructions are detailed yet concise to ensure you can't go wrong.

--Scents--

Slightly chalky in places, but nothing offensive overall. The only one I didn't like much was That Gal, which seems to have a touch of that artificial strawberry type scent about it.

--Appearance--

I was already familiar with Lemon Aid and Boi-ing and continue to be happy with these for the way in which they even out skin tone and blend easily to create a long-lasting base. Eye Bright I was already familiar with but don't use much, as I find it doesn't do much for me. I found the same with That Gal and Erase Paste - I don't have that many dark circles to speak of, and it seems a faff to use one product under the eyes and another on the eye lids when Lemon Aid smooths out both just as well. That Gal just seemed to make my skin look pinker unfortunately (not brightened) - which is not really the effect you're after when you're already sporting the English rose look to begin with, and suffering with acne on top. Overall, the effect provided is that of a good base: you'd look a bit plain without something else to pimp your look (e.g. lip gloss) - so ultimately you do need other products in addition.

--Textures and consistency--

No problems here: Boi-ing, Lemon Aid and Eye Bright are heavy-duty but still blend well and don't weigh your skin down or clog pores. That Gal could be a little creamier perhaps but is ultimately not too runny and still goes on easily. Erase Paste is perhaps a little greasy on the fingertip but again gives a good result in the end without causing any discomfort when worn.

--Longevity--

Erase Paste is very impressive in that it doesn't settle into creases at all, so top marks there. Lemon Aid lasts quite well but begins to waver in this respect. Did not notice much degradation with any of the products, truth be told; this is something that Benefit does well.

--Value for money--

While the price may initially make a potential buyer wince, it's still the best way of trying out several Benefit products in one go without breaking the bank. It really helps to confirm which products suit you and which ones don't - and personally, I'll know to stick to the products from this kit that I already know and love (Boi-ing and Lemon Aid), with the rest just not being that suitable for my purposes. The Benefit kits are always handy, good value, and great fun to have and would make an excellent gift for others (or indeed for yourself...!).

perfect partners

Posie Tint, £24.50

Bad Gal Lash Mascara, £16.50

Clarins Instant Light Eye Perfecting Base

RRP: £20
# of shades available: 2

--What does the promo say?--
"The invisible and lightweight texture gently evens and smoothes the eyelids, for easy make-up application and more youthful-looking eyes. Eyeshadow colour is more beautiful, more intense and very long-lasting. For a flawless, long-wearing make-up result."

--Packaging--
An attractive and fashionable pen applicator, where the white tube is contrasted by the silver pull-off lid and red writing. You don't have to twist the end of the pen too long for the product to appear in the brush tip, but make sure you stop twisting as soon as you see any shadow of the product in the bristles: you only need the tiniest amount of this, so make sure you stop so that you can avoid wastage.

--Application--
Clarins recommends application of the product using fingers or a foundation brush, going all the way from the base of the eyelashes right up to the brow bone. This is to an extent accurate, but don't take them too literally at their word: as I mentioned above, you only need to be very sparing with this product. I set about it by lining the top lashes with the product, and then blending upwards and outwards using my finger, rather than covering the whole eyelid with the product.

--Appearance--
To my mind, this product promises two things in terms of appearance: one is a natural-looking base for eye makeup, and the other is radiance (as implied by the 'instant light' in the product name). I personally didn't find it did either of these things on me (although perhaps strangely, despite the colours appearing to be for Caucasian skin, the makeup artist in the video on the Clarins website seemed more able to make this product look natural on a Chinese person and on a black person than I was able to make it look on my own pale skin). I didn't notice any difference in radiance, but this is not disastrous. The colour, however, was disastrous. I didn't realise initially that there were two shades available (00, and the one I ended up with, 01), so my commentary will obviously not be a full one. However, the shade I had was terrible: it seemed like it was more for people with olivey complexions rather than with skin tones like mine (think English rose), so what I got was more like a reverse tan-line effect: the product made my eyelids and under-eye area look yellower than the rest of my face. Whether I would achieve a more favourable result with shade 00 remains to be seen; however, I get the impression that 01 would only suit a fairly narrow range of skin tones.

--Texture--
Very smooth; quite blendable, too, although the problems delineated above concerning colour perhaps didn't make blending the easiest thing in the world on this occasion.

--Longevity--
This product at least comes through on one of its promised aspects: it certainly does hold your eye makeup well, preventing creases and fading from occurring. However, I wouldn't say that it does this any better or worse than the other two eye primers I have used in the past (Benefit's Lemon Aid, and Fyrinnae's Shadow Primer, both of which are cheaper than Clarins' primer).

--Value for money--
You can probably already guess that on this point the Eye Perfecting Base does not fare fantastically. The price cannot be justified due to the difficulty in colour matching and the apparent lack of radiance provided, even if it is ultimately a reliable primer. For radiance, instead opt for Yves St Laurent's Touche Eclat, and for an equally reliable primer at a less bank-busting price, go for either of the two I mentioned above.

perfect partners
Instant Light Perfecting Touch, £22.99
Concealer Stick, £16
Eyebrow Kit 'Pro' Palette, £29.50