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Estée Lauder DayWear Plus Multi Protection Tinted Moisturiser

RRP: £22.50/50ml
# of shades available: 4

--What does the promo say?--
"This tinted moisturising lotion enhances skin with a hint of healthy-looking colour. Plus, like all DayWear Plus formulas it actively shields skin to help prevent lines before they appear — so your skin looks smoother and healthier, longer. Contains anti-oxidants (red tea, grape seed, vitamins C & E, white birch extract, eukarion), SPF 15, and Estée Lauder's Tri-Lipid Blend for extra moisture."

--Packaging--
Bearing the trademark gold Estée Lauder logo with matching long gold lid, you feel like you're buying into a luxury brand from the start. Beautiful aqua colour bottle to fit right in with summer.

--Application--
A pea-sized blob is enough for your whole face. After cleansing and moisturising, rub onto skin, making sure you blend in evenly at the edges.

--Appearance--
A creamy, stiff lotion that looks luxurious and lump-free. On the face, it provides extra colour in a very natural way, with a dewy finish that really wakes up skin. Sadly, though, it provides little or no coverage, so make sure you have your usual concealer at the ready.

--Scent--
I can't say that the cucumber scent that they promise was really detectable; however, before reading that this was supposed to be present, I'd have said it was scent-free. Take from that what you will...

--Texture/consistency--
Really excellent - blends in easily, is completely smooth, doesn't clog pores or feel heavy...lovely. What more could you want?

--Longevity--
Lasts pretty much all day. Again, though, this doesn't mean much for people with blemishes.

--Value for money--
This is starting to be a bit steeply priced for a tinted moisturiser; however, you need to use less at a time than with cheaper brands, so perhaps it ends up being worth it in the end. Inclusion of all those anti-oxidants and the SPF is encouraging, and this would be good for any girl or woman's skin during summer time. If you want a nice present for someone with a summer birthday, you can't really fail with this.

perfect partners
Idealist Pore Minimising Skin Refinisher, £49 for 50ml
DayWear Plus Antioxidant Creme SPF15, £30 (available for both dry and normal/combination skin)
DayWear Plus Multi-Protection Antioxidant Lotion SPF 15, £32 (available for both oily and normal skin)
DayWear Plus Base SPF30, £29

Thierry Mugler Innocent Secret Crystal Shower Gel

RRP: £21/200ml from www.escentual.com

--What does the promo say?--
"A delectable new fruity fresh fragrance that sparkles with charm and daring sensuality. Mouthwatering and mischievous, it wets the appetite for what lurks underneath seeming innocence. An enticing mix of citrus and sun-drenched fruits with delicate, dewy petals and a luscious praline swirl."

--Packaging--
A small pale pink tube, funked up by a black flip top lid and the Thierry Mugler star. The only irritating thing about it is that the nozzle is slightly inset compared to the rest of the lid, making it difficult to make contact with your fingers as well as resulting in excess gel spills all around it. The lid closes securely, though, so there should be no leakages while travelling.

--Application--
Lather up and rub over wet body during shower or bathtime before rinsing off.

--Appearance--
A pale rose-pink gel with no sparkles, shimmer, or other unnecessary hooha. This turns into delicate off-white bubbles that leave no visible residue on the skin after being washed off.

--Scent--
Lives up almost completely to the description provided in the promotional material: there is a light duskiness, but the fruitiness packs a powerful punch too. Infuses the shower with its intensity, making for a pleasurable showering experience. On the skin, it is lifted to something that's completely wearable for sunny days. Only thing missing is the "praline swirl" that's talked about, but I don't think that this really leaves a gaping hole in the shower gel's concept. The innocent floweriness gives way easily to the punchy fruit secret before fusing into an overall veil of youth, femininity and summer. Surprising and sweet, it completely fits with the Thierry Mugler and Victoria's Secret brands.

--Texture/consistency--
Lovely smooth gel - so light that it feels like water. Very little viscosity, but still completely controllable. A high quality gel.

--Longevity--
It didn't last for as long as I would have liked it to (not sure if it even made it to lunchtime), but after the intensity of the shower experience, it's entirely possible that after a while you just stop smelling it anyway, with it only being really perceptible to other people.

--Value for money--
This is undeniably expensive. However, you're buying into a high end brand, so it is to an extent only to be expected (especially given that said product is on its way off the shelves completely). You might need to ebay or Christmas/birthday-list it, but it's definitely a great and unusual addition to any girl's shower.

perfect partners
Thierry Mugler Innocent Secret Delicate Body Lotion, £23/200ml
Thierry Mugler Innocent Secret Eau de Toilette Spray, £29/50ml

also available at: www.amazon.co.uk, Macy's. EDT still available also at Victoria's Secret.

Guerlain Paradis Exotique Ombre Eclat

RRP: £33
available from www.slapiton.tv and at Harrods

--What does the promo say?--
"Guerlain Paradis Exotique Ombre Eclat 4 Shades Eyeshadow is a beautiful limited-edition collector's item for riveting eyes. Discover Guerlain Guerlain Paradis Exotique Ombre Eclat 4 Shades Eyeshadow is vibrant, exotic, sparkling and extremely sexy that gives the eyes a bright fashion look with a modern bronzy twist, for a truly captivating look. An exhilarating palette of four shades: pink, orange, green, brown embellished with an exotic leaf motif in pearly green. The celebrated metallic compact designed by Herve Van der Straeten dons a new dress for spring, in a pure and fresh bronze-green subtly etched with delicate plant motifs and an elegant, slender bird of paradise."

--Packaging--
Simply gorgeous - just opening it is like unwrapping a present. To begin with you have the black box, shot through with grey lines and bearing the Guerlain logo. Then you have a black velvet drawstring bag (again bearing the Guerlain name, this time in curly silver script), and inside the bag, along with the substantially-sized compact, is a little booklet of instructions giving details of possible combinations to help you make the best of the eye colours. The compact itself contains two sponge brushes, one smaller and more tapered than the other, opens and closes easily, and the compact lid has an embossed design of beautiful tropical fronds, as well as the curly Guerlain logo engraved at the bottom of the lid. It contains a goodly sized mirror and a plastic tray to protect the shadows and hold the brushes, and the shadows themselves are embossed with an extra fronds design in gold powder. Sadly, this powder is gone after the first application, but the colours are just as lovely even when it's gone. The only disadvantage is that it's very easy to get fingerprints all over it, so just pick it up at the edges.

--Application--
As mentioned, the instructive booklet is really helpful for giving you room to try out lots of different looks - all of them successful. This means that application is made easy for even the most inexperienced of makeup wearers, although a little patience is required to work up the amount of colour needed on the brush.

--Appearance--
A really unique, subtle look that's great for spring and summer. All of the colours are visible individually as well as blending seamlessly together for an opalescent rainbow look. Boyfriend didn't like the green quite so much, claiming it looked more yellow than green, but the other colours are sublime, especially the pink. The finished look is surprisingly matte, and, as previously mentioned, not too in-your-face either. I can also see this colour combination working for all ages and complexions.

--Texture/consistency--
Finely pigmented, so, as I said before, you need a little patience to get the necessarily buildup of colour on the brush prior to and during application (as is in keeping with other Guerlain eyeshadows, such as the now defunct Meteorites Eyeshadow Pen). However, it's worth it in the end for the excellent results.

--Longevity--
This is part and parcel of the aforementioned excellent results. Lasts all day without even a hint of a crease (though this is with the help of an eyeshadow primer, of course, but not all eyeshadows fare as well with one). Absolutely no complaints.

--Value for money--
I can completely understand people baulking at the price of this; indeed, I myself dithered for quite some time before making my purchase. However, it has already proved to be a worthy, versatile eyeshadow. Buy it now, before it disappears off the shelves to make way for Guerlain's Autumn/Winter 2009 collection.

perfect partner
Paradis Exotique KissKiss Gloss, £16 (available in 3 shades)

Guerlain Paradis Exotique KissKiss Gloss

RRP: £16
# of shades available: 3 in the Paradis Exotique range (Pomme de Désir, Cerise Tentation, Orange Interdite); many more in the normal range

--What does the promo say?--
"Guerlain Paradis Exotique KissKiss Gloss Pomme du Desir is a delicate, non-sticky gloss that boasts lasting hold. Guerlain Paradis Exotique KissKiss Gloss Pomme du Desir is a pale golden green shimmer donating you a vibrant and fashion focused look veiled in sparkly transparency."

--Packaging--
The box this comes in is quite edgy, with gold and red pinstripes penetrating black. The lipgloss canister is disappointingly made of plastic (well, this has obvious benefits for travel and general carting around etc, but for the brand and price you sort of expect something more substantial), as is the screwtop lid, but the lid is nicely decorated with the Guerlain logo and with good use of a gunmetal-type sheen. The canister itself is see-through, and the brush is very fine and soft without feeling fragile or cheap.

--Application--
Stroke over lips, making sure you apply evenly and avoid tide marks at the edges of the lips.

--Scent--
None. Disappointing, that - with such a juicy name you almost expect something similar to bombard your senses in terms of scent and/or taste. Still, having it smell of nothing is infinitely better than the unpleasant smell or taste that some lip glosses can have (waxy/soapy).

--Texture--
The glitter particles in this gloss are quite large, and you can feel them on your lips. This didn't bother me, but it might bother other people, even though they're not really physically irritating.

--Appearance--
Provides a really unusual, pretty, and not-at-all scary sheen which is perfect for spring and summer time. The glitter is clearly visible without making you look like a disco ball either.

--Longevity--
Sadly not fantastic; expect to reapply every couple of hours.

--Value for money--
This is definitely at the upper end of expensive for a lip gloss. I only really bought this because the colour was so innovative (not to mention that I'm a sucker for anything limited edition), and on that score I was certainly satisfied. I'm equally sure that the Orange Interdite would fulfil expectations on that score. However, if you want a more commonplace colour, go for something a little less hard on the bank balance: there are plenty out there that are cheaper and that last longer too.

perfect partner
Guerlain Paradis Exotique Ombre Eclat 4 Shades Eyeshadow, £33

Sisley Soir de Lune

RRP: from £48 for 30ml at www.forget-flowers.co.uk

--What does the promo say?--
"Exploding into an array of scents, Soir de Lune provokes you to indulge in midnight love & fantasy. It's delicately encased in a luxurious round vessel that glows so lustrously it reminds you of the magnificent full moon on a romantic starlit night. The crowing glory is a sculpture that represents a passionate kiss."

--Packaging--
The bottle is inspirational and original, encapsulating the modernity of scribbled handwriting with a more classical moon and sun stopper. A beautiful bottle that would look great on any dressing table. The little box my sample came in is also lovely, with pink and gold glittery dots decorating a white background.

--Application--
Spritz around your pulse points (wrists, behind ears) for a subtle impact.

--Scent--
Containing rose, chypre, and patchouli, this sounds inviting from the start. However, unless I'm missing something, it was a huge disappointment. It was cloying and thick, not subtle and light as I'd hoped. It was extremely difficult, if not impossible, to pick out the ingredients used individually, and the overall result was almost suffocating. It also seemed to have little or no development - normally fragrances change harmoniously over the course of a wear, having distinct base, heart, and end notes, but this remained impregnable and 'old'-smelling - completely unsuited, in my view, to younger wearers, despite the innovative and appealing bottle design.

--Longevity--
It has this in its favour, lasting very well on the skin (bit of a shame when you can't wait to take it off though).

--Value for money--
The older generation may find this reasonable, but for the younger and more cash-strapped, there are better, more age-appropriate fragrances out there that are also a little kinder to your bank balance (think Jeanne by Lanvin for the more feminine among you and Jean-Paul Gaultier's Madame for those after something a little funkier).

perfect partner
Sisley Soir de Lune Body Cream, £57

Lancôme Ôscillation

RRP: £23/$34/€35
# of shades available: 3 + a waterproof version (black only)

--What does the promo say?--
"The first vibrating Powermascara by Lancôme: 7000 oscillations per minute. Press the button and experience a breakthrough sensation in application. In one easy new gesture, let the vibrating brush combined with an exquisitely smooth formula wrap every lash up to 360°. Instantly see a fascinating gaze: lashes appear ultimately extended, remarkably separated, and virtually multiplied in number."

--Packaging--
This is understandably a little heavier than most mascaras thanks to the motor battery system inside it. However, the weight is not prohibitive and it feels very ergonomically satisfying in the hand. The black shiny case is straight up and down with a subtle matte black button and a gold band for decoration. The button is very sensitive - you don't need to press very hard to set the vibration going, and the second you take your finger/thumb off the button, it stops. Surprisingly user-friendly.

--Application--
Just press the button gently and slowly stroke the wand through your lashes. Perhaps the only obvious proviso as opposed to other mascaras is the precaution that you shouldn't use this while on the move (e.g. while using public transport), but otherwise there's nothing different regarding the use of this mascara.

--Appearance--
While the colour is fabulous and delivers a definite wow-factor (it's also available in gun metal as well as the more conventional brown), there are definitely clumps, with the lashes not really separating properly. Nevertheless, this is pretty good if you like the babydoll look.

--Texture/consistency--
Smooth, and yet quite thick with it. It also seems very wet/creamy in its formula, which can make it difficult to apply (see the above comment about clumps). The brush tends to pick up too much of it thanks to the formula's thickness, which leads me to believe it may be easier to use once the mascara is a little more dried out/older.

--Longevity--
Perhaps due to the thickness of this mascara, this seems to take a long time to dry, and consequently there are smudges at the outset. However, once it's on and dry, it definitely lasts all day (and I'm not even talking about the waterproof version here).

--Value for money--
The price of this is obviously pushed up by the vibrating wand technology, and to be honest I just wasn't that impressed by the whole thing. While it's easy enough to use, and has encouraging staying power and great colour, it didn't really separate my lashes that well, and for this price I would pick one of Givenchy's or Versace's mascaras.

perfect partners
Cils Booster XL, $21.50/£18/€26.50
Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover, $26/£18.50/€27.20

Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect

RRP: $25.50/€22,80/£16.50
# of shades available: 14

--What does the promo say?--
"An ultra-shimmering reformulation of Dior's cult-favorite, Dior Addict lip gloss. Lips go high-tech with shimmering, multi-dimensional reflective pigments that deliver mega-watt shine and color that lasts for hours. The innovative, "water-like" formula goes on smooth and fast with a silky brush applicator that keeps you in perfect control."

--Packaging--
A very sleek, glamorous affair, with the canister of gloss suspended inside a transparent, larger, square container. The lid is square and silvery, with a rounded decoration on top that bears the Christian Dior initials. The word 'Dior' is also subtly visible on one side of the container in raised letters. Disappointingly, the whole lot is made of plastic, but this somewhat obviously makes it more travel-friendly, and most glosses, even the high-end ones, come in plastic these days.

--Application--
Just as the promo says; the brush is small and smooth, allowing for very precise application, and the whole thing runs very smoothly. One coat is OK, but feel free to add more to make one application last longer.

--Scent--
None.

--Appearance--
Really shimmery, pretty and yet somehow still natural. With the gloss available in various shades of pink and brown, there is bound to be something to suit everyone, from the darkest Carribean skin tone to the lightest alabaster.

--Texture/consistency--
Very light - as they say, it's almost like water. Smooth, refreshing, and not at all sticky.

--Longevity--
This is the only part of the promotional material that lies. This cannot stand up to eating, kissing, or even doing nothing. Useless. Be prepared to reapply often (although perhaps applying multiple layers at a time may help to combat this, it ultimately won't help the tube to last any longer).

--Value for money--
Very interesting, especially if you shop in the UK and normally use the euro, particularly since the lowering of VAT there recently. There are certainly a few weaknesses - the poor tenure of it, for instance, and the lack of any vitamins and SPF - but if you want to buy into a high-end brand for a good price, this is definitely a good way to start.

perfect partners
Dior Lip Maximiser, $29.50/€27,70/£19
Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen, $34/€30,90/£22

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle

RRP: from £51.99 for the eau de parfum (available in 50ml and 100ml)
Also available in eau de toilette - £25 for 100ml from www.tyrers.com

--What does the promo say?--
"A floral jasmine-rose accord, light as a petal. COCO MADEMOISELLE embodies all the modernity of the spirit of Mademoiselle CHANEL. Bold and resolute, she proved that elegance can be found in simplicity, and understated luxury. These values are shared by women in the twenty-first century, and restated by CHANEL in COCO MADEMOISELLE."

--Packaging--
Although I've only trialled this on a sample basis, I have confidence just from my sample that the real thing is nice: it just LOOKS sleek. The Chanel logo oozes elegance and frankly does all the work on its own.

--Application--
Spritz behind ears, onto wrists, and perhaps a little onto the breastbone for maximal yet subtle impact.

--Scent--
Deep and yet floral without being too 'old' or overpowering. It is charming, beguiling, romantic, and suitable for young women as well as those who are more mature. It is also a clearly high-quality scent - there are many inferior imitations on the market - and while it has been available for some time, it corresponds well to the image projected by the use of Keira Knightley in Coco Mademoiselle's latest advertising campaign (capturing the qualities of beauty, youth, timelessness, and something slightly showy and high-class).

--Longevity--
It's difficult for any scent to last well on the wrists, assuming that like any normal person you are washing your hands a few times a day. However, this lingers on other parts of the body (e.g. behind the ears) until night-time.

--Value for money--
There's no denying that the prices for this are slightly out of reach for many. However, the price of the eau de toilette and the bath soap are both encouraging and allow most people to buy into this delightful fragrance. It's also worth remembering that as well as buying into a highly luxurious and world-famous brand, you are also buying a high-quality fragrance that stays the distance (not just day to day, but also across the years). Definitely one for the Christmas list.

perfect partners
Body Cream, £64.50 from StrawberryNet
Hair Mist, £35 from StrawberryNet
Fresh Deodorant Spray, £22.50 from L'aura Perfumery
Fresh Body Satin Spray, £30 from L'aura Perfumery
Fresh Body Lotion, £41.63 from perfumechoice.com
Fresh Bath and Shower Gel, £25 from L'aura Perfumery
Bath Soap, £22 from StrawberryNet