TRINNY LONDON Match2Me Experience

by Sarah Cross

--What does the promo say?—

“Say farewell to overwhelming make-up palettes and hello to a personalised stack.”

BFF SPF 30 CREAM SKIN PERFECTOR £35

“The perfect base product; we set out to create one ultimate skin perfector and so BFF SPF 30 Cream was born.”

EYE2EYE EYE SHADE £18 

“A range of moisture-enriched cream-based eye shades and liners, Eye2Eye is the ultimate eye enhancer.”

Lip2Cheek £25 

“A multi-tasking lip and cheek hero that makes your entire complexion come alive.”

Sheer Shimmer £22 

“A real glow-getter, Sheer Shimmer is our little pot of temptation that adds dewy glow and iridescence to anything it touches.”

--Process— 

Having seen a video on Facebook for a 5-minute make-up routine using TRINNY make-up, I decided to go onto the website to see what I could find using the “Match2Me” procedure. I confess that this is what attracted me the most to TRINNY products - the personal nature of them - and I was not disappointed. I have never seen a make-up company where the products are so beautifully ‘tailored’ to fitso many different types of skin colour. Quite incredible.

Once on the website, you select your eye colour, hair colour and complexion from a range of colour photos and descriptions. The website then keeps your profile in order to recommend the colour tones in all the different product ranges. When searching through to purchase, the website automatically shows the colours ideally suited to you. The website retains this information for whenever you visit it. (You can also have this profile sent to your email address so that you can keep it for future reference.)

The profile selection is quite detailed with descriptions about how your skin tans in the sun and there are varying shades for hair colour. For example: for ‘blonde’, you choose from ‘dirty blonde’, ‘dirty cool blonde’, ‘dirty warm blonde’.

Once you have completed your beauty profile, there are various Stacks to choose from: Softly Smokey, Fresh Face, Statement Lip, Smoky Eye, Starter Stack, Holiday Glow, 5 Min Makeover and Skin First. I chose the 5 Min Makeover, which included a tube of BFF SPF30 Skin perfector cream (Trinny provide an additional pot free so that you can include this in your ‘stack’ should you so wish) and the following stacking pots: Just a Touch foundation concealer, Eye2Eye eye shade, Lip2Cheek blusher/lip colour and Sheer shimmer Lip to Cheek pot of shimmer highlighter.

If you cannot find what you want in one of the proposed ready-made stacks, the profile also gives you the opportunity to shop via the LookBook: a series of photos and ‘looks’ showing models similar to you, for even more inspiration!

--Packaging--

TRINNY products come in a lovely sealable silver bag with the TRINNY logo. This bag is perfect to take away on holiday with you and encourages you to go ‘minimalist’ when travelling. My stack and face cream easily fit into it alongside my mascara and eyebrow brush. Inside the bag you will find silver boxes containing all your chosen products in neat transparent pots with silver lids. Once opened, you can clip your pots together in a stack. A detailed list of your products and what they are is provide with your order, which is extremely useful for remembering which is which, until you have committed it to memory. Made in Italy, the overall result is minimalist, stylish and very good  quality.

However, the pots can be tricky to unscrew if you have greasy fingers from, say, applying moisturiser. 

--Application--

Although the pots seem quite small, a little really does go a long way. Application is easy with a fingertip and works well for blending but, if you have long nails, you will eventually need to invest in a T-kit brush to get inside your pot. (In fact, I’m thinking of getting one anyway as it prevents contamination of the product and I don’t want it wasted in my nails.) Similarly, I have quite thin lips and so I find it hard to apply the cream to my lips with great accuracy as I am used to lipsticks and brushes. T-kit brush definitely on the cards for this reason too! First I apply BFF SPF30 skin protector. Again, you only need a tiny amount for each side of your face and you can blend this in all over. I then apply Trintron concealer.

--Appearance—

From left to right: ‘Trintron’ concealer, ‘Wisdom’ Eye2Eye, ‘Freddie’ Lip2Cheek and ‘Bunny’ Shimmer. ‘Bunny’ has a slightly different texture to the others, and will possibly run out before the others as a result. The colours are natural, with the Bunny Shimmer adding a little extra sparkle.

--Scent—

The products do not have a strong scent at all, which is a bonus. The BFF cream is delicately perfumed and very pleasant. Similar French products - where the cream adapts to your skin tone - have a strong and slightly pungent, unpleasant smell, so Trinny wins hands down on this score.

--Texture and consistency—

The products are superbly creamy and are easily applied. They are extremely blendable and buildable. You can have a light, almost make-up free look for daytime, or a more accentuated look for evening. Just apply as much or as little as you wish. However, the Lip2Cheek is a little dry for those with already dry lips, especially for those users who are already normally used to using extremely moisturising and hydrating lipsticks. 

--Effects on the skin—

This makeup helps to create a natural look and provides good coverage just where you need it. You can use it to conceal blemishes or dark shadows, and the concealer can also be used as an eye primer before applying shadow. The multiple shades give options for different looks and enable you to add as much or as little colour as suits the mood or time of day. All the products leave your skin looking moisturised, fresh and slightly shimmery. They are light, so your skin feels as though it can breathe. No clogged pores. And all of this can be achieved in 5 minutes.

--Value for money--

The products may seem expensive when you splash out on your first stack but since they last for ages and are of a high quality, they are well worth it. Future expenditure can easily be staggered as you gradually increase your stacks. I will almost certainly be adding to mine. I love the concept and it will be great for travelling. Oh to travel again!!

--Additional Information—

Hats off to Trinny for setting up a website so that people like me, living in Europe, can still buy our favourite products without the addition of extortionate customs duties. Even when ordering from abroad, if you order enough (and my 5-Min makeover fitted into this category) delivery is also entirely free! In the dark days after Brexit, this came as a breath of fresh air and was a very pleasant surprise indeed. The company’s website has loads of useful video tutorials and their customer service (e.g. via email) is fast, friendly, helpful and efficient.

You can even book your own personalised make-up appointment (£25 for 30 minutes, redeemable against product, via Zoom).

perfect partners

BFF Eye serum concealer £26 

BFF De-Stress Tinted serum £39

Miracle Blur £26

T-Kit 3-in-1 Brush set £28

The Jubilee Small Travel Bag £24

Soin des lèvres au Lait de Jument de Camargue

RRP: 8€

--What does the promo say?—

"Moisturisation and protection guaranteed with our SOIN DES LEVRES! This lip balm is so rich that it will quickly repair and protect your lips from the effects of the cold and the sun. Good for cracked and sore lips, it is rich in moisturising ingredients such as shea butter and beeswax, which reinforce the qualities of Camargue mare’s milk. It nourishes, softens and protects your lips to the maximum. It does not contain a UV filter and is a natural product containing no chemical ingredients. (Any conservation agents used have been approved by Ecocert.) Suitable for daily use."

--Ingredients--

Shea butter, grapeseed oil, beeswax, aloe vera, jojoba oil, argan oil, lemon essential oil. 

--Packaging--

The SOIN DES LEVRES comes in a standard lipstick format. It has a paper wrap- around label with discreet logo of a horse’s head, the Camargue cross, the name of the product in black and green lettering and an attractive picture of mares in the Camargue.

--Application--

Apply like a lipstick, to top and bottom lip, and rub lips together to smooth the product in thoroughly.

--Appearance--

The SOIN DES LEVRES is a solid creamy-yellow stick.

--Scent—

The scent on this is very faint indeed, which I prefer to other lip balms I have used. You are not left with a strong taste on your lips. It feels completely natural.

--Texture and consistency--

The texture is quite solid and hard. I have a feeling that it will last longer than most sticks of this type because it doesn’t ‘melt away’ or wear down quickly as some do.

--Effects on the lips —

My lips feel instantly hydrated and the effect lasts a long time. A bonus: I also apply it around the contours of my lips to reduce the fine lines and it works a treat. Used before going to bed, it keeps my lips moisturised all through the night.

--Value for money--

Very good value for the quality of the product and the fact that it will last a long time.

perfect partners

CRÈME DE SOIN VISAGE (Face cream) 30€

LAIT DEMAQUILLANT (Make-up remover), from €9

CRÈME PEAU SECHE ET SENSIBLE (Cream for dry and sensitive skin), from €9

SAVON AU LAIT DE JUMENT NATUREL ET HYDRATANT (Natural moisturising mare’s milk soap), from €2

CRÈME POUR LES MAINS (Hand cream), 11.90€ 

CRÈME POUR LES PIEDS (Foot cream), 11.90€

COMPLEMENTS ALIMENTAIRES (dietary supplement capsules), 29.90€ 

https://laitdejumentdecamargue.fr/

Pepsi Lip Balms Tear 'n' Share

RRP: £2.50

--What does the promo say?--
"Share a guilt-free sweet treat with your bestie! Keep your lips soft and hydrated with these Pepsi and Pepsi Cherry flavour lip balms."

--Packaging--
The heart-shaped cardboard backing is emblazoned with the Pepsi logo and the brand colours of red, white and blue. This tears neatly down the middle thanks to a perforation. The two lip balms themselves are protected by a plastic casing, with the Pepsi Cherry lip balm distinguished by a red lid. Both lip balms can be twisted up from the bottom as normal in order to reveal the product.

--Usage--
Twist the bottom of the casing up to reveal the product. Apply liberally to dry lips, as often as you feel is necessary.

--Appearance--
The Pepsi balm is a light brown colour, while the Pepsi Cherry balm is a vibrant red. Both, however, go transparently onto the lips.

--Scent--
Playful, fizzy, and in the case of the cherry variant, fruity. Taste-wise, however, they are more beeswaxy (which is probably just as well).

--Texture and consistency--
Smooth without being greasy or indeed overly waxy.

--Effects on the lips--
Chapped lips feel immediately soothed and smoothed - so the desired effect.

--Value for money--
At £2.50 for the pair (i.e. £1.25 each) these are cheap, cheerful, fun, and in short, do what they say on the tin. Primark does it again!

No7 Moisture Drench Lipstick

RRP: £9.95
# of shades available: 35

--What does the promo say?--
"Nourish your lips with No7 Moisture Drench Lipstick, this moisturising formulation keeps your lips smooth and soft. Hypo-allergenic. Fragrance free. SPF 15. Intense lip colour. Satin finish."

--Packaging--
An ergonomic tapered design whose lid closes securely. The No7 embossed logo, as well as the black casing, is equally elegant, and the lipstick itself is cut to a curve that sits well on the lips during application.

--Application--
Use the stick itself, or a lip brush to apply colour directly to the lips, taking extra care around the Cupid's bow to ensure neatness.

--Scent--
Fragrance free, as mentioned in the promotional materials. Not overly chemical or waxy either.

--Appearance--
As promised, the finish is satin-like: mostly matte with a slight shine. New shades have also been added for autumn: Honey Bloom, Caramel Silk, and Tawny Rose, which I was sent to test by No7's PR. These new shades are dusky and flattering in appearance; even those that on first glance might appear too dark or bright look far more naturally flushed on the skin.

--Texture and consistency--
As promised, these lipsticks moisturise impressively, making them perfect for autumn and winter, when the colder weather begins to dry out skin.

--Longevity--
Lasts impressively, especially given the product's moisturisation qualities (which can make lipstick fade more quickly). You can eat and drink with this on and still not need to reapply for a while.

--Value for money--
This delivers function and form - i.e., luxury and utility. It's also inexpensive, with value increased further thanks to Boots' frequent special offers on No7 products. Would recommend!

perfect partners
Match Made Concealer, £7.50
Natural Blush Tint Powder, £8.00

Glo Minerals Exfoliating Lip Wand

RRP: £9

--What does the promo say?--
"Exfoliate and moisturize lips in one quick step. Jojoba and nourishing wax microcrystals combine to soften, smooth and hydrate lips. Apply throughout the day as needed to exfoliate and hydrate lips. Nourishing wax microcrystals gently slough away dry skin particles to reveal a softer, smoother lip surface then melt on contact and seep into the exfoliated surface to deliver supreme moisturization."

--Packaging--
The silver tube is sleek and futuristic, and the lid fastens securely.

--Application--
With winter on its way, I'd recommend applying this one daily, or perhaps even more frequently. Apply to lips using a brush or straight from the tube as preferred. Can be worn alone, or as an undercoat for lipstick or lip gloss.

--Appearance--
Virtually invisible. Possibly a slightly pale sheen, but nothing more.

--Scent--
None, particularly.

--Texture and consistency--
Delightfully scrubby without being rough - and thankfully, as promised, the exfoliating beads really do dissolve, meaning that you don't feel like you've just been for a walk along the beach in a windstorm.

--Effects on the lips--
Eliminates dry patches and moisturises perfectly.

--Value for money--
Again, this one was free, but is worth every penny of the £9 asking price, in my view. Trumps even my previous favourite - the £8 Body Shop Lipscuff.

perfect partners
Protective Liquid Foundation, £37
Bronze, £30.50  

Mary Kay Limited Edition One Woman Can Creme Lipstick

RRP: £13

--What does the promo say?--
"Limited-edition Beauty That Counts^®Mary Kay^® Creme Lipstick,  in the shade One Woman Can™, celebrates Mary Kay’s 50th anniversary as the creme lipstick that gives back. Berry-pink shade looks great on everyone. Long-wearing, stay-true formula glides on easily. Helps protect lips with antioxidants. Provides instant moisture."

--Packaging--
The pale gold tube is fairly standard, in all honesty. Something at least partly transparent would be better so that the beautiful swirls of lipstick could be seen more immediately. However, it does the job, with the lid remaining secure.

--Application--
Apply straight from the tube or using a lip brush to clean dry lips. For a subtler look, apply just to the bottom lip before pressing together with the top lip for a paler result. Two dots of lipstick on each lip, and then blending, will do the same thing.

--Appearance--
Depending on which side of the lipstick you get more of when applying, results can vary from a darker berry to a brighter fuschia. The latter may be a bit full-on for some, so I'd recommend blotting for a more muted effect as mentioned above. Nonetheless, both colours in the stick should suit just about everyone. 

--Texture and consistency--
Beautifully smooth and soft thanks to the oodles of natural waxes and oils this contains. Lipstick's come a long way from those very drying days.

--Longevity--
About the same as most modern lippies, to be honest - although longer than you'd expect perhaps for something that glides on so smoothly and has so few artificial additives.

--Value for money--
This is a high-quality product that uses ingredients straight from nature, and its price tag of £13 competes favourably with lipsticks from brands with similar ideologies (Aveda, Origins and Bare Escentuals charge the same for their lip colours in department stores). With that in mind, I'd buy again once my free lippy from Mary Kay's lovely PR people has run out :)

perfect partners
TimeWise Age-Fighting Lip Primer, £16
Satin Lips Set, £19
Retractable Lip Brush, £2

Bohemian Chic Minerals Lip Gloss

 RRP: £15
# of shades available: 19
purchase from http://bohemianchicminerals.co.uk/lip-gloss

--What does the promo say?--
"A natural and organic lip-gloss, made from the finest natural, organic oils and waxes for a smooth application with the right amount of colour and shine to give your  lips a perfectly enhanced appearance of fuller, gorgeous lips! Suitable for acne prone skin and sensitive skin. Preservative free. Nano-particle free; bismuth-oxychloride free; 100% pure and  natural minerals. Suitable for Vegans and Halal use."

--Packaging--
A standard plastic tube with application wand included. My only complaint is that all of the writing on the tube is a bit small, meaning it's quite difficult to read and wouldn't necessarily stand out as being from this particular brand.

--Application--
Dot onto the bottom lip and blend in with your finger for a subtle effect, before pressing lips together to transfer the colour. Use the wand across both lips for a more dramatic look.

-Appearance--
The shade I was sent, Burlesque, is the one that's sampled above. In reality it's less of a red wine colour and more of a slightly rusty or coppery red, which sounds worse than it is! In fact, it's a very natural-looking colour that suits my lips perfectly when applied using the 'subtle' method mentioned above (I felt that using the wand all over my lips would be a bit full-on for me). The wide range of shades available online means that there should definitely be a shade to suit everyone - although the French resident and general pedant within me does hope that by "Bourdoux" they actually mean "Bordeaux"!

--Texture and consistency--
Smooth and not at all sticky. Strangely, not like a gloss at all! More like a lip tint (think Benetint or its numerous copies) in that it 'dries' on the lips. It does this, though, without cracking or being paint-like, and it is marginally thicker than a traditional lip stain (these tend to be more liquid). 

--Longevity--
Excellent - it doesn't quite last as long as traditional lip tints, but will mostly get through a meal, and as its consistency is less like a gloss than normal, it definitely goes above and beyond most products marketed as a gloss. Its lip stain-style qualities are such that it could also be used as a cheek stain.

--Value for money--
£15 initially seems expensive. However, when you consider its longevity, natural-looking colour and multi-use properties, I would definitely purchase another when mine runs out. An excellent product for travel, swimming, and any other moment where you need to save on money, space and time. 

perfect partner
Lipstick, £14 

Mary Kay Limited Edition Celebrate Nourishine Plus Lip Gloss

RRP: £10
Sold via www.marykay.co.uk until November 15th, 2013. £1 from each sale will be donated to charity.

--What does the promo say?--
"Celebrate is a shimmery peachy-pink shade created from the fun swirl of two Mary Kay® lip glosses: Cream & Sugar and Pink Parfait. This versatile colour looks great on any skin tone. From the moment you glide on the creamy, ultracomfortable formula, you get brilliant shine plus an instant boost of moisture that leaves lips feeling soft and supple. The nourishing, nonsticky formula contains antioxidant-rich vitamins and plant-derived minerals to smooth, protect and condition lips."

--Packaging--
The swirl of pink and gold glosses in the plastic tube is definitely new and different, but it's practical as well thanks to the standard lipgloss wand. The pale gold lid also matches the golden gloss nicely while giving a classy aspect to the product and contrasting the pink gloss.

--Application--
Apply on its own, or over lipstick for a multi-layered effect.

--Appearance--
I was initially worried that the pink aspect of the gloss would make the overall effect garish. However, I needn't have been concerned: the result was pale, pretty, and multi-dimensional. The pink and gold combine very naturally together to create an authentic effect that worked well with my skin tone.

--Texture and consistency--
Non-sticky as promised. I like that it contains vitamins and minerals, too (though SPF would be even better).

--Longevity--
Doesn't last a meal, but then again, what lipglosses do?

--Value for money--
The £10 price tag means that it costs the same as Philosophy and Jurlique, so given the quality of the ingredients and the brand's profile, this seems about right. This is a high-quality product that does what it promises, and at £9 for the individual Cream And Sugar gloss mentioned in the promotional material (curiously, Pink Parfait is apparently unavailable), it's easy enough to create the same sort of effect again even after this promotional anniversary period is over. With £1 going to charity too, it also has that feel-good factor. However, I'd say that what this complimentary (thanks, Mary Kay!) lipgloss has most done for me is to reconsider the brand. In all honesty, the only experience I'd ever had with it before was an overly made-up advisor coming to visit us at home in the late 1990s or early 2000s. However, looking at the website, they seem to rival Avon quite nicely in terms of the quality and range of their products, perhaps even going one better. Even though some of their website photography is terrible, they offer something for everyone, whether it's funky neons or anti-ageing skincare. This makes it a brand I would definitely consider more in future, as I can already see some products that appeal.

perfect partners
Dance To Life Anniversary Fragrance, £40
Dance To Life Shimmer Lotion, £15
Special Edition Compact Mini, £56
Limited Edition One Woman Can Lipstick, £13  

Green People Scent-Free Soft Lips SPF8

RRP: £4.95

--What does the promo say?--
"A natural lip balm which keeps your lips soft and protected. Conditions and protects, giving a natural sheen. Excellent for dry, sore and chapped lips. Gives SPF8 UV protection. ‘Scent Free' formulation ideal for sensitive lips (very mild taste from natural plant oils used as the product base). Contains organic coconut, cupuaçu, vitamin E, and berry wax. Green People Scent Free Soft Lips SPF8 is made without artificial perfumes, alcohol (ethyl alcohol, ethanol), parabens, petrochemicals, colourants, lanolin and phthalates to bring you the purest lip salve that nature can offer. 65% certified organic ingredients. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans."

 --Packaging--
A small white plastic tube that'll fit right in even the smallest pocket. The orange band is distinctive and cheerful and the screw-top lid proves secure and hygienic.

--Application--
The website advises applying a small amount of Scent Free Soft Lips only, and it's true that you'll only need a pea-sized amount. You also can apply from the tube to your lips directly, with no need to go via your fingers. Wear alone, or over lipstick for a subtle gloss effect.

--Appearance--
An opaque cream-coloured gel, which turns into an attractive sheen on the lips.

--Scent--
As promised, it's completely scent-free. They warn that a mild taste is possible, but I couldn't detect it.

--Texture and consistency--
While it appears slightly thick and lumpy, it still comes out of the tube easily without control being lost or product being wasted. On the lips, it's completely smooth and without stickiness. Definitely the love child of gloss and balm; Green People should definitely make colour versions!

--Effects on the skin--
Moisturises lips, protects from cold winds and sunshine, and is definitely scent-free. Top stuff.

--Value for money--
At £4.95, it's not the cheapest balm out there, but it's probably the cheapest it can be given the high quality of the ingredients and the brand's ethical credentials. The price means it's also competing with brands such as Burt's Bees, Avene, and Cowshed, meaning it's appropriately valued at worst and excellent value at best. Would recommend.

perfect partners
Neutral Scent-Free 24 Hour Cream, £14.95
Scent-Free Sun Lotion SPF25

Chapstick Lipsations Shimmer

 
RRP: £1.99
Number of varieties: 2 (Berry and Tropical)

--What does the promo say?--

"Add a bit of glamour to your lip care as the sun starts to shine, with new ChapStick® Lipsations Shimmer. This fabulous new duo offers the perfect combination of moisture, softness and protection with a beautiful pearlescent shine.

Perfect for making lips irresistibly kissable, the smooth formulation gives a subtle highlight with fine shimmer particles.  Available in two tempting flavours, Berry and Tropical, these glamorous new additions to the ChapStick range are a perfect pick to add a touch of sparkle, while 10 different moisturisers help to keep lips soft and looking healthy.

ChapStick Lipsations Shimmer has a special formulation to:

·         Give lips a radiant shine

·         Provide a subtle accent to ensure lips look beautiful and healthy

·         Maintain moisture balance to keep lips protected and soft

Why not also try using ChapStick Lipsations Shimmer as a top coat to your lipstick to give it that extra special shine and radiance? Perfect for taking your look from day to night!"

--Packaging--
A compact tube whose colour immediately shows you the flavour you've chosen (red for berry, orange for tropical). The lid stays on securely, yet pulls off easily when you want to use it. There is a screw wheel at the bottom of the tube to push more lip balm up when needed, and this is easy to use, working immediately (no sitting there endlessly and fruitlessly twisting the wheel for us!).

--Application--
Sweep over lips whenever more protection is needed. Can be used alone, or as a top coat to lipstick as suggested by Chapstick for extra shimmer. You could do the latter, but you may find the Chapstick gets messy if you do it often.

--Appearance--
On the lips, the berry version appears a very natural colour with a hint of shimmer. The tropical version is a nude/clear shade.

--Scent--
The red berry version is definitely faithful to the product concept, and tastes like it on the lips as well (in addition to being slightly sugary). This applies equally to the tropical variant, which smells and tastes primarily of pineapple and secondarily of coconut. (The kiwi featured on the packaging with these two fruits does not really figure, however.)

--Texture and consistency--
Smooth and soft; not a hint of stickiness. 

--Effects on the lips--
Provides an effective barrier against sun and wind. No complaints here.

--Value for money--
At a mere £1.99, this definitely counts as an affordable luxury. Even though I was sent these for free by the lovely folks at Chapstick, I would without doubt purchase these myself and recommend them to others. 

Blistex MoistureMax

RRP: £2.49

--What does the promo say?--

"A refreshing and super-hydrating lip balm that contains soft melting moisture beads. Each visible bead contains Shea Butter and Aloe Vera for intensive, long lasting, super-hydration from first application."

--Packaging--

The transparent tube means you can always see how much is left of the pale blue gel, which has dark blue particles suspended in it. The dark blue decoration at one end of the tube is a nice touch and the flat applicator is practical and easy to use.

--Application--

Use whenever your lips need revitalising, say Blistex. No problems here: just twist off the lid, squeeze the tube lightly, and massage the gel onto your lips with your fingers or the tube applicator, or simply by rubbing your lips together.

--Appearance--

The blue of the gel may strike fear into the hearts of some, but there's really no need - this gives a great natural sheen without making you look frostbitten. The dark blue moisture beads also absorb instantly and invisibly for an added hit of hydration.

--Scent--

This lip balm is scented with a blue raspberry flavour, which I love - but then again it always was my favourite Slush Puppy flavour. It's also not too overpowering, meaning it shouldn't put off too many people, but does mean it isn't as unisex as some of Blistex's more medicinal products.

--Texture and consistency--

In spite of my description above of this product as a 'gel', it's silkier and more velvety than this, making it feel like a really luxurious product. It's not at all slimy or sticky, and it sinks into the lips perfectly.

--Effects on the skin--

Rehydrates lips significantly, making them feel smoother for days after use even if the product is not used daily. This means your tube should last longer as a result too - great for moneysavers.

--Value for money--

As mentioned above, this product is terrific value for money. The long-lasting effects of the product combined with the low RRP mean one tube should last anyone a long time, and its utilitarianism (don't forget it has an SPF of 15 too) combined with a hint of luxury make it one of my new faves. Who can resist a product that does it all? Well done, Blistex.

Vani-T Mineral Lip Colour

RRP: £23.25

Purchase online from www.nuusuite.com or www.sotanned.co.uk

UK stockists: Gemini Beauty Supplies (0774 3879 336), Beauty Revolution (07731950627)

# of shades available: 12 (Babydoll, Bare, Bombshell, Earth Angel, French Kiss, Frisky Business, Glamarazzi, Goddess, Negligée, Screen Siren, Sugar Sugar, Viva La Glam)

--What does the promo say?--

"Infused with Vitamin E, Coconut Oil and Aloe Extract for hydration, Vani-T's diamanté-encrusted lipsticks are the ultimate in creamy, long lasting, colour-rich mineral lip colour. The latest in organic and natural beauty, these luscious lipsticks don't contain any nasty chemicals! Available in an array of 12 colours, you can choose from nudes to apricots, to dusty roses, pinks and reds. A shade for every dance floor, desk, and dinner date!"

--Packaging--

Large chunks of diamanté-style plastic (it is hardly fair to call them actual diamanté) adorn these lipstick canisters to give a bling effect that differentiates entirely from products that are currently available. You'd definitely have no trouble picking these out on the shelf, especially thanks to the metallic peach cardboard boxes they arrive in too. The box has a handy cutout circle on the base so you can see the shade of lipstick clearly, and there's a vintage look to the thing overall thanks to the swirly black script on the box. It's very different, too, to other mineral beauty brands, which tend to go for pale pastels and often shy from anything bolder. The tube twists up normally like a regular lipstick.

--Application--

Slap it on straight from the tube or use a lip brush for extra contouring.

--Appearance--

Quality-wise, the strength of colour competes well with major commercial brands. Unfortunately, though, I didn't especially like either of the two shades I was sent for testing: the bright red Screen Siren proved too brash against my pale skin, while Frisky Business, a pale beige, blended almost too well, making my entire face seem almost the same colour all over. Clever use of bolder cheek and eye colours is needed to compete with it. However, as these are just two out of 12 available shades, it proves that there's almost surely a shade for everyone (I'd be surprised if none of the remaining 10 fit my needs).

--Scent--

Just a very light hint of beeswax: no overwhelming wax crayon or Playdoh-type smells here.

--Texture and consistency--

Super-smooth and soft both to apply and to wear; not at all slippery, greasy or drying. In short: perfect! The coconut oil is probably responsible for that along with the beeswax.

--Longevity--

Sadly I didn't find that the colour lasted any longer than a conventional lipstick. Still, you can't have it all I suppose.

--Value for money--

For some people the mineral concept is extremely valuable, and avoiding putting parabens, mineral oils, preservatives, petrochemicals, artificial colours and so on into their bodies is very important to them. Sometimes this can be achieved cheaply (Green People's organic lipsticks go for around £11, with other mineral brands like Bellapierre and Inika also pitching their prices here), but it seems from a quick sweep of Google Shopping that the £20-£25 price bracket is about standard for mineral lipsticks, so Vani-T certainly aren't out to fleece the concerned consumer. Garden Pharmacy and Tender Loving Skincare's lipsticks go for this price, too. But all depends on people's budgets, and the point is that proper mineral makeup (unlike the highly dubious 'mineral' makeup peddled by brands like L'Oreal and Maybelline) is widely accessible to all from about £10 per lipstick. So even if you can't afford Vani-T, it can at least serve as an impetus for you to support the mineral makeup industry, whose products can be just as good, rather than running to the big brands every time. I know it's changed my attitude.

perfect partners

Pure White Tooth Whitening Gloss, £22.05

Mineral Lip Glaze, £14.85

Mineral Lip Crayon, £16

Mineral Lip Definer, £13.75

Lip Brush, £17.15

Blistex Lip Brilliance

RRP: £2.49

--What does the promo say?--

"Blistex Lip Brilliance is an exciting multi-benefit lip balm with real silk extracts to condition your lips, along with a touch of subtle colour and shimmer to keep them looking beautiful. The addition of Hyaluronic Filling Spheres provides a natural fuller lip effect, and SPF 15 protects from sun damage. Lip Brilliance is the only lip product you will need to ensure your lips are feeling and looking their best."

--Packaging--

Nothing radical about the dark baby pink colour, plastic pull-off lid and twist-up mechanism. Lid stays on when you want it to, comes off easily when you don't. Simples, as they say.

--Application--

Apply to lips regularly to combat dryness and protect from sunlight. Nothing hard about that.

--Appearance--

Despite the dark pink colour of the stick, on the lips a very natural, non-glittery sheen is given. Great for men, women and children.

--Texture and consistency--

Slides on easily without being slippery or sticky. Moisturises more than satisfyingly.

--Scent--

My only major bugbear with this product! It has a very artificial strawberry smell which reminds me of a Haribo product that's sold in France (not in the UK, though) which I dislike (if any of you are familiar with the Tagada sweets, you'll know what I mean). Very disappointing. Girls under 10 would probably like it, but I think it counts out just about anyone else.

--Effects on the lips--

As mentioned, it moisturises, soothes and protects adequately for those who don't require a more heavy-duty product, like some of the other more medicated options from the Blistex range. I can't say I noticed any extra-special plumping effect, though. To have SPF in a product is always nice :)

--Value for money--

There are lots of choices in this price bracket, including other high street favourites such as Carmex, but I think Blistex remains competitive thanks to its stick format: many of the other products for this price are in tins/pots or squeezy tubes. However, I would ultimately not purchase this product - the smell, for me, just makes it far too off-putting. A shame, as it has a lot to offer in other areas.

perfect partners

Blistex Intensive Moisturiser Lip Cream, £2.59

Blistex MedPlus Balm, £2.59

Blistex Relief Cream, £2.85

Montagne Jeunesse Weather Screen Lip Balm

--What does the promo say?--

"Are you a Busy outdoor Bee? Then protect your best feature from the elements with Wheatgerm & Black Pepper for a subtle tingly sensation, and flavour with a kick. The Olive Oil safeguards your skin whilst Shea Butter and 100% pure Beeswax soothes and locks moisture in."

--Packaging--

The honeycomb cartoon on the front of the tube is cheerful and the pull-off plastic lid stays secure, but is not difficult to remove when you do need to use it. More balm is exposed by twisting the bottom of the tube. It also features the Vegetarian Standard mark from the Vegetarian Society, but I don't know if the tube itself is recyclable (although the paper and plastic sleeve it comes in definitely is).

--Application--

Slap on to clean, dry lips and go about your daily business. Simples.

--Appearance--

The balm is a fairly solid white-yellow creamy block that leaves a slight, barely detectable sheen on the lips once applied.

--Scent--

The smell of shea and cocoa butters is dominant, which is a little boring; given the emphasis on beeswax, a honey-scented product might have been more pleasant and different.

--Texture and consistency--

Smooth, soft and absorbs well.

--Effects on the skin--

Softens and smoothens lips, but no better or worse than any other commercial lip balm. I also don't really "get" the weather screen part - it contains no SPF, so I don't see how it would provide any beyond-superficial protection to your lips. If the variety of essential oils that have been used do in fact have this effect, it needs to be explained on the pack, as it isn't really common knowledge.

--Value for money--

The main appeal of this product is its 99.5% natural claim. However, there are definitely other products out there for the same price that do just as well or better - Fair Squared's lip balms, for instance, are not only 99% organic but also vegan due to their lack of beeswax; Jason and Optima also offer natural lip balms for this price, and Optima's contain SPF too. This means that Montagne Jeunesse needs to constantly keep its eyes on the competition so as to constantly develop its products for the better. I'm loving the all-natural thing, but would prefer such a product to have a more obvious SPF in it - and if that SPF can be natural, so much the better.

Beauty Byte: Free Blistex Raspberry Lemonade Lip Balm

Blistex have recently launched a new product: Raspberry Lemonade Blast.

A summery, fun lip balm which contains moisturising ingredients and sun protection, its launch is being celebrated with Blistex giving away FREE samples of the lip balm via its Facebook page. Like the page, fill in your details, and a sample will be winging its way to you.

Samples are limited, so make sure you get in there quickly. Enjoy!

Blistex Lip Massage

 RRP: £1.83 (Boots.com)

--What does the promo say?--

"A softening treatment formula of shea butter, aloe vera and squalane applied with its unique massaging tip for smooth, refreshed and gorgeous lips. Dermatologically tested. SPF15."

--Packaging--

The shiny dark blue is an unusual touch and the tapered, textured top of the plastic tube only furthers this. The pull-off lid is secure, stays on well and comes off easily when you want it to. Simples! One complaint by other reviewers has been that the textured top becomes dirty too easily and requires constant cleaning; I personally haven't found this. Just remember that a little of this stuff goes a long way and you'll be fine.

--Application--

Blistex say: "Twist the cream and use the applicator tip to gently massage all over your lips (first use may take up to 10 turns, subsequent uses should only require one turn). Reapply frequently during prolonged exposure to dry, cold or sunny environments - the soft touch tip smooths away rough spots to achieve soft, smooth and gorgeous lips." No reading between the lines here; does exactly what it says on the tin.

--Appearance--

An opaque, creamy-coloured stiff lotion that gives a slight sheen to the lips once applied.

--Scent--

An overwhelmingly fruity scent which contrasts the menthol and vanilla scent you get from Blistex's other products. Could put the blokey contingent off, but I like it - it's a natural fruity smell too (although I can't work out where it comes from), unlike Carmex's fruit-style confections.

--Texture, consistency and sensation--

As mentioned, this is a stiff and creamy lotion, but it absorbs easily and is not at all sticky. Slight tingling sensation which fulfils the refreshing feeling promised by the promotional material. Equally, the textured tip offers a comforting and soothing 'massage' feeling when dragged across the lips, which is so simple and effective that I can't believe other lip care manufacturers haven't yet seized on similar devices.

--Effects on the lips--

All as promised: lips are soothed, smoothed and massaged. Top stuff.

--Value for money--

Prices vary widely across the web, even running as high as £3.50, so be careful. Boots offers it at £1.83 on special offer, but even at its normal price of £2.50, I'd say it's still a steal for an effective and unique product.