Liz Earle Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask

RRP: £4 for 15ml, £10.25 for 50ml, £11.00 for 50ml + Liz Earle muslin cloth

*contains borage oil, comfrey, pro-vitamin B5, geranium, glycerin, shea butter and St John's Wort*

--What does the promo say?--
"Calming and deeply nourishing, this nutrient rich mask is a sanctuary for dehydrated, dry skin, or stressed skin. The perfect treat for skin overnight or whilst soaking in the bath."

--Packaging--
Everything about Liz Earle's packaging screams - or should that be whispers? - calmness and serenity. A pastel theme runs throughout the range's packaging - this one is a pale yellow, flat rectangular plastic bottle, featuring the Liz Earle logo and product information in elegant black capital letters. It's easy to open and close (just screw/unscrew the lid) and there is no leakage.

--Application--
Squeeze some lotion from the tube and apply liberally to the face. Leave on for 10-15 minutes (they say you can do this overnight but unless you only apply a little I think it would be quite messy!) before washing off (preferably using the Liz Earle muslin cloth, but any flannel will do). They recommend that you follow this treatment with a toner and moisturiser.

--Appearance--
If you've not used it for a while then it might be an idea to give this a shake before opening, as otherwise a clear liquid will seep out just before the cream. The cream itself, however, is an off-white colour, and when applied liberally enough to the face then the 'mask' is clearly visible. After use, there is no shine - it absorbs really well.

--Texture/consistency--
Slightly lumpy, but it all smoothens out when the lotion is applied to the face. It feels wonderful - very soothing, relaxing and non-irritating.

--How does your face feel afterwards?--
Incredibly smooth. It honestly is the best facial treatment I've ever used in this respect. After applying it, I toned and moisturised as normal before going out, and despite spending half an hour in cold winds, my face was just as smooth when I came back and it stayed this way all day, even after the application of makeup.

--Value for money--
Really excellent for a premium beauty product. Having received mine as part of a set, I wasn't aware of how much it was, but having seen the prices I would undoubtedly replace mine as soon as it ran out. Even though liberal application is advised, I wouldn't say the amount needed is at all excessive and that a tube is therefore likely to last a long time. Buy it now.

MAC Pro Longwear Lustre Lipcolour

RRP: £15.50 for 8ml tube
No. of shades available: 14 in Lustre range, 17 in regular Longwear range

--Packaging--
Comes in a slender black cardboard box, with white writing detailing the name, shade, ingredients etc. Very sleek and stylish, but obviously the box wears with age. The tube itself is actually comprised of 2 small tubes, linked by a black handle in the middle. The black handle has "MAC Pro Longwear Lustre Lipcolour" written on it in silver. Off the right-hand side of the handle you have the lipcolour itself, and off the left-hand side you have the shimmer/sealant.

--What does the promo say?--
"A two-step application of lightweight colour + mirror-finished top coat. Apply the colour. Let it dry. Apply the top coat! Provides sheer to medium coverage with a rich, lustrous, moisturizing finish. Longwearing, comfortable on the lips. Won’t shift, transfer, feather or smudge. Replacement top coats available."

--Application--
Twist the handle and pull to your left to release the applicator for the lipcolour. Apply the lipcolour all over your lips. One coat is fine, but two is better if you're looking for it to last all evening. Push the applicator back into the lipcolour and twist to close. Leave to dry (should take no longer than 5 mins) and then twist the handle and pull to your right to release the applicator for the gloss. Apply as you would a regular gloss and reapply as needed.

--Appearance and scent--
The gloss and lipcolour complement one another really well. Beware that the colours look slightly lighter/more subtle on the website than they do in reality - it's really better to go into a MAC store and try some samples for yourself. There is not really a strong scent - it smells slightly waxy, as most lipsticks do, but that's pretty normal and you don't notice it. The difference between the Lustre Pro Longwear and the regular Pro Longwear is that the Lustre has a slight glitter effect in the gloss, whereas the regular one doesn't. When it's on, the stronger shades in particular are very striking, so I'd recommend minimal makeup elsewhere on the face for maximum impact.

--Texture--
The lipcolour is quite smooth, though while it's drying on your lips it does feel like paint. The lipgloss is lovely - very smooth indeed and I wouldn't wear the lipcolour without it.

--Longevity--
Excellent - just apply two coats of the lipcolour and then keep reapplying the gloss for long-lasting colour. I find it much better than the Max Factor equivalent (Lipfinity).

--Removal--
Slightly tough to remove, but not impossible. You do have to scrub at your lips a bit, so to remove it, I wouldn't recommend using a removal cream with cotton pads like I would normally do - buy some of those makeup removal wipes so that you don't get removal cream in your mouth.

--How do your lips feel afterwards?--
Fine, but I would still recommend using a good lip balm afterwards (Nivea or Vaseline) just to be sure.

--Value for money--
I won't lie, it is expensive, but a tube lasts a very long time, it does what it says on the tin, and is way better than the Max Factor equivalent. Admittedly I am biased (I do have 3 tubes), but I would definitely recommend it as a treat.