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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

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

Giorgio Armani Smooth Silk Eye Pencil

RRP: €20/$26/£13.50
# of shades available: 10

--What does the promo say?--
"This silky soft formula allows for precise, easy application and versatile looks. Use it to subtly define or to intensify your eye look. Glide the smudger over eyeliner for a sexy, smoky result. Available in a subtle palette from pale taupe to soft black."

--Packaging--
Comes in a sleek-looking black cardboard box, with the brand logo embossed onto it in shinier black. Unfortunately the box bends and becomes dirty quite easily, especially if you're carrying it in your handbag. The pencil itself is equally sleek, with the smudge brush at one end and the actual pencil nib at the other end. The lids on both end secure easily and mean you can easily carry it around without the box. My sole criticism would be that the end with the smudge brush is not well indicated on the pencil - it has a small ridge around the top of it, which the pencil end doesn't, but that's all the indication there is and it took me a while to work it out.

--Application--
"For an ultra-glamorous look, extend the eye pencil slightly outside the outer corner of the eyes. Build in other eye lining colors with the eye liner brush and moistened eye shadow."

--Appearance--
The colour of the eyeliner varies its appearance according to which colour eyeshadow it is used with, and whether it is used on top of or underneath the shadow. Clever. Mine, the grey one (#8), is also incredibly versatile in this regard: it can be used equally easily with blue shadow, brown shadow, purple shadow, or silver shadow, while still looking incredibly natural.

--Texture/consistency--
Perhaps a tiny bit too soft, but you could always keep it in the fridge. However, the only time I had a problem with this was when it was brand new and a tiny bit broke off the end - I've had no problems with it since. Works better on the top lashes than on the waterline, perhaps because of this. It is, however, easy to control: you can blend a little or a lot with the brush according to your mood and the liner 'responds' accordingly.

--Longevity--
It doesn't move an inch on the top lashes once applied. On the bottom lashes, it fares no better or worse than other liners.

--Value for money--
While this isn't perfect, I'd still say that you get your money's worth: the pencil is a generous size, it's a dream to apply because of its creamy texture, and when you compare the price to other mediocre high-street brands' eyeliners, you get an astonishingly good deal when you consider that you are buying into one of the world's biggest and most luxurious brands for surprisingly little money.

*available at: Saks, Nordstrom, Harvey Nichols, Galeries Lafayette, Printemps

perfect partner
Giorgio Armani Eye Liner Brush
Giorgio Armani Star Lash

Bulgari Omnia (Crystalline)

RRP: £22 for 65ml @ Fragrance Direct (also available in 40ml and 25ml)

--What does the promo say?--
"Omnia Crystalline Perfume by Bvlgari for Women was introduced in 2005. Omnia Crystalline is a delicate, sensual, sparkling fragrance. A floral woody eau de toilette.

FRAGRANCE NOTES
Bamboo, Japanese Pear, Lotus Flower, Balsa Wood."

--Packaging--
The white box stands out on the shelf as it's simple and not overadorned. Just has the Bulgari logo and the name of the perfume on it in bronze, in a refreshing and uncomplicated design. The bottle itself is circular, but a sort of 'raised' or 'inflated' circle rather than a sphere. Half (the lid) is silvery and engraved with the Bulgari logo; the other half is transparent so that you can see the clear perfume. It's a really nice, simple, unusual and striking design that's easy to use and protects against leakage and wastage.

--Application--
Spritz wherever desired.

--Scent--
It's one that people immediately react to: I was complimented on it instantly after spritzing it on at work. It really piques your interest: it's floral, but it's got depth, and as the description says, it has a slight 'woodiness' to it. However, despite its clearly beguiling effect, it isn't overpowering and it quickly becomes subtler. There is also definitely something unusual about it, and I can't think of any other fragrance to which it can be compared.

--Longevity--
Average. Needs to be reapplied every 3-5 hours, so it's not one to stay the distance. However, one bottle does seem to last ages: I've had mine for about two years and there's still loads left.

--Value for money--
The price quoted from Fragrance Direct is so low because it's an ex-tester (which doesn't mean it's been used, probably just that it was intended for distribution to the press or retail outlets but then either never was or was simply never opened). If you feel uneasy about that, you're talking approximately £45 for the largest size, £33 for the medium, and £24 for the small, which is no better or worse than most other fragrances on the market. It's probably worth the money for its unusual scent and the fact that one bottle lasts such a long time. Buy from reputable online retailers to maximise the value-for-money factor.

perfect partners
Bulgari Omnia Crystalline Bath and Shower Gel, £18 for 200ml from www.escentual.com
Bulgari Omnia Crystalline Body Lotion, £23 for 200ml from www.escentual.com

*Bulgari's Omnia is also available in its original incarnation (left) and in its newest version, Amethyste (right).

Lancome Naturelle Seduction

RRP: $42 USD from www.evecare.com; $60 NZD

--What does the promo say?--
"Naturelle Seduction contains 1 x Blush Subtil, 1 x Rouge Absolue, and 4 x Color Focus Eyeshadows. The perfect kit for a natural look. A universal range of colours to suit all complexions."

--Packaging--
Comes in its own black velvet pouch, which picks up dust quite easily, but in doing so keeps the palette itself clean and undamaged. The palette is made from shiny black plastic, and has a very small gold Lancome logo at the point where the palette opens. It's easy to open and close, and everything is laid out very nicely inside, including three different applicators, one of which is double-ended. It also has a very generously-sized mirror.

--Application--
The blush and lipstick are easy enough to use, but the four eyeshadows provided can make things more overwhelming. You can of course use them separately; if you wish to use them all together, however, the best course of action seems to be to use the yellow up to the brow bone, the pink up to the eyelid crease, the brown as a liner along the top lashes, and the white as a highlighter just at the outer corner of the brow.

--Appearance--
All of the colours combine beautifully to create a really natural look, no matter what your skin tone. In the palette, the colours are really shown at their best against the jet-black packaging. Depth is created around the eyes, a healthy rosy glow is given at the cheeks, and the lip colour is a very natural pinky red.

--Texture/consistency--
The blusher is not too powdery, which is good, as it means mess is minimised. The lipstick is really lovely and soft without being glossy. The pink and yellow eyeshadows are more powdery, but the liner and highlighter are more difficult to describe: they seem denser and less powdery, and travel across the skin much more smoothly (though they are more difficult to pick up with the brush).

--Longevity--
The lipstick puts up a good fight, but will need to be reapplied by lunchtime. However, the blusher lasts ages and the eyeshadow stays flawless all day.

--Value for money--
This is mostly available in airport duty-free areas, so is bound to be at a fairly attractive price (must be: it's how I got mine!). However, this is worth purchase alone for its top-notch eyeshadow and to-die-for soft lipstick.

Chloé Eau de Parfum

RRP: from £35 for 30ml (also available in 50ml and 75ml)

--What does the promo say?--
"Feminine, elegant, natural, sexy, with heart notes of magnolia, lily of the valley and rose petals. Chloé Eau de Parfum is created with a mix of natural and couture materials. The bottle is made with genuine silver plating and graced with a finishing touch - a hand-tied ribbon. This unique example of craftsmanship and sublime rose scent perfectly capture the house of Chloé spirit, effortless chic and femininity."

--Packaging--
The extent to which I can comment is limited, having tried this product on a sample basis. However, I will say this: I don't think the bottle really gives the impression of a young, fresh, modern company. The design and materials also seem heavy, obtrusive, and to make the bottle look overembellished, which surely only adds to the price of this perfume. If it's any consolation, though, it looks pretty easy to operate, though the weight of the bottle (that's a lot of glass and silver plating there) would perhaps hinder how well you can travel with it.

--Application--
Spritz into hair as well as onto body for a particularly beguiling effect.

--Scent--
At first sniff, this doesn't seem much different to a lot of other perfumes on the market, particularly resembling the Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel, which is perhaps actually nicer than this product. But then again, the Chanel is more expensive, so this is perhaps fair! However, as time goes on, a fruitier smell emerges from all the musky stuff, though I can't quite pinpoint what that is. It's nice that it seems to become more unique and individual as the base notes kick in.

--Longevity--
Sadly quite poor given both the price tag and the fact that this is an eau de parfum rather than an eau de toilette. I refuse to layer with the other products in the range - with an eau de parfum you shouldn't have to do that anyway, and to recommend that particular course of action just seems like a cheap ploy from the company (who, let's remember, ARE trying to extort money from you...). Be prepared to reapply this frequently.

--Value for money--
Overall a disappointment, given the bulky packaging and the fact that the scent doesn't really last. You may be able to find this cheaper if you shop around, but if I were you, I would just find a different perfume.

perfect partners
Chloé Perfumed Body Lotion, £25 for 200ml
Chloé Perfumed Shower Gel, £22 for 200ml

Helena Rubinstein Stellar Gloss Showlights Lip Gloss

RRP: £13.00 for 9.2g
no. of shades available: 6

--What does the promo say?--
"Dazzling Shine and Dewy Moisture. Inspired by the fascinating beauty of music hall showgirls dancing under the cabaret spotlights, Helena Rubinstein creates a new staging for your lips. A mesmerizing show of sparkles and glitter for truly dazzling lips."

--Packaging--
Lovely to look at - the clear plastic bottle that the gloss comes in is quite voluptously shaped, as is the lid (when I was given mine the lids were a gold-effect colour; they appear to have now changed this to silver). The applicator provided is a synthetic brush rather than being a sponge, which I must admit I prefer. There is no information given on the bottle itself, with the exception of the Helena Rubinstein logo on the top of the lid and the shade colour on the bottom of the bottle.

--Application--
Twist the lid, pull out the applicator, and apply directly to your lips.

--Appearance--
I have to say that the appearance of this gloss really does live up to the concept of showgirl glamour. However, it's subtle at the same time: rather than making you look like a hooker, despite the visible particles of glitter it's really very pretty. The colour swatches on the internet look rather brighter than the real deal, so don't be worried.

--Texture--
Smooth, not sticky.

--Longevity--
Longer than a lot of other lip glosses I've tried, actually (though of course you do have to reapply after eating etc).

--Value for money--
Even though this isn't as expensive as I thought it would be, and I'm loving the showgirl glamour, I think I'd still have to go for the Estee Lauder High Gloss, as it's a similar price but they have a far wider range of colours. Plus, when my sister left hers in her room, the sun poured through her window and actually made the colour of her lipgloss fade - I believe it was a pink colour before, and it is now white. Not impressed.

--Other comments--
Helena Rubinstein is apparently ceasing trade in the UK, though certainly for now their products can be easily found on other websites.

Yves St Laurent Touche Eclat

RRP: £22.50

Shades available: 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--Removal--
Easy to remove.

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