Marimekko for Avon Eyeshadow Palette

RRP: £8
# of shades available: 2 (Poppy Bloom - grey/green/pink/peach - and Poppy Bouquet - blue/purple/pink/green)

--What does the promo say?--
"A stunning collection of four beautiful toning shades of silky soft eyeshadow in designer packaging. Glowing ultra-blendable shadow glides on effortlessly and lasts for hours."

--About the brands--
Noted for their simple styles and printed coloured fabrics, Finnish brand Marimekko has been around since the 1950s but became especially prominent after featuring in the series Sex and the City when Carrie Bradshaw wore some of their clothes and swimwear. It began opening concept stores worldwide in 2007 and collaborated with Avon in 2008. Avon has been selling high-quality and affordable cosmetics for 50 years across Europe, and as the new millennium draws to the end of its first decade, Avon now sells lingerie, accessories, children's ranges and homeware products as well as its more famous cosmetics and fragrances.

--Packaging--
The eyeshadow box reflects what you'll find inside: bold, flower-print eyeshadows encased in black. The flip-top lid is transparent so that this design is constantly visible, and the container seems durable overall. However, you get very little eyeshadow for your money, as half the tray is taken up by the black plastic, and because of the flower design, you don't get equal amounts of each colour either, though this hasn't proved problematic so far.

--Application--
You can easily and adequately apply this using your fingers, though a brush may be needed for the smaller parts of the eyeshadow setting (e.g. the centre of the flower design). It would have also been advantageous if Avon had included an instruction leaflet similar to the handy instructions given for application in the brochure.

--Texture--
Very fine, smooth eyeshadow that isn't too powdery. Glides over the skin easily.

--Appearance--
The colours mix and match harmoniously, though since I have the Poppy Bouquet version of this palette, I'm doubtful about the inclusion of the peach in Poppy Bloom and am not sure how well it would sit with the other palette colours. However, as previously mentioned, some sort of application leaflet would be helpful in making maximal use of and impact with the colours provided. In any case, a young fresh look is achieved almost effortlessly, no matter what combination you use the colours in.

--Longevity--
These shadows seem pretty durable, only creasing a little towards the end of the day.

--Value for money--
This is sadly reduced by the fact that you only get half the amount of eyeshadow that the box size leads you to believe, and by the fact that £8 is frankly pushing it for what you do get (though if you buy strategically during one of Avon's sales you can get a much better deal). However, what you do get is good: a versatile, easy-to-use eyeshadow in durable and pretty packaging, which lasts almost all day on your eyelids too. Further to this, it is a promising output from Marimekko, apart from one or two packaging improvements, and once the brand becomes better known, its products could become much more expensive. So perhaps, on the face of it, this is a pretty good deal after all.

perfect partners
Marimekko for Avon Supershock Mascara, £8
Marimekko for Avon All Over Face Palette, £8

Rimmel 100% Waterproof Mascara

RRP: £4.50
# of shades available: 2

--What does the promo say?--
"A truly waterproof formulation, 100% Waterproof Mascara provides lashes with a natural looking, long-lasting coverage. This formulation is fast drying with a waterproof and run resistant finish. The combination of brush and formulation also helps to volumise, lengthen and separate the lashes."

--Packaging--
Rimmel is known for its brightly-coloured packaging and this is no exception: the bright blue tube with its silver writing is bound to stand out from the crowd, and I'm sure it looks particularly good on the shelf next to Rimmel's newest offering, the bright purple tube of Sexy Curves mascara.

--Application--
As usual - gently zigzag the brush through your lashes, building up layers for desired impact.

--Appearance--
A really delicate, natural look initially, which can be built up with more layers for something bolder. The two colours available are also very natural-looking and are sure to match most people's colouring, unless you are very pale.

--Texture--
One or two clumps are present, but not many. It's also quick-drying, meaning no smudges on your eyelids while you proceed with the rest of your makeup routine.

--Longevity--
This is most definitely waterproof, protecting your face against any wetness, from rain to swimming pools to tears, meaning no more panda eyes. Saying this, however, it is a little difficult to remove, so make sure you use a gentle eye makeup remover while persevering (try Liz Earle's Eyebright).

--Value for money--
At less than £5, who can possibly argue? Its value is added to not only by its sheer fulfilment of its advertising but also by the fact that this mascara is usable for so long without the risk of infection (I've had mine for longer than I care to admit), while still retaining its waterproof quality. This is a Rimmel mainstay, and deservedly so. Hats off.

perfect partners
Colour Loose Eyeshadow, £4.99
Exaggerate Automatic Waterproof Eye Definer

Dermalogica Oil Control Lotion

RRP: £23.40/€28/$36.75

--What does the promo say?--
"Dermalogica MediBac Oil Control Lotion is recommended for blemished and breakout-prone skin, or for areas of excess oil production. A feather-light lotion containing microsponges to absorb oil on the skin's surface, helping to combat shine and maintain an all-day matte finish. Niacinamide, zinc gluconate, yeast extract, caffeine and biotin purify and inhibit overactive sebaceous gland activity while soothing aggravation. Salicylic acid clears congested follicles to minimise future breakout activity, while enantia chlorantha bark extract controls over active oil glands, helping to reduce oily shine on skin's surface. Naturally-soothing camphor, balm mint and cornflower cool and calm aggravation."

--Packaging--
Classic Dermalogica: white, with their usual logo in a cool, unisex, professional dark grey. The green band is, I think, a recent addition, but it works well, emphasising the natural element of the product's ingredients list. Has a tapered nozzle for more controlled application.

--Application--
After cleansing and toning, use this to moisturise face and neck twice a day. Simply squeeze onto fingers, and then rub into skin and allow to absorb.

--Scent--
Citrusy, medical, and clean, though it's difficult to tell what specific ingredient this is down to. Certainly pleasant and nothing that the boys would be embarrassed to use.

--Texture/consistency--
Smooth and without lumps. However, it is VERY runny and this often also hinders application, as it can consequently spill through your fingers/eject too much moisturiser in one go. This is a shame, as this is the only thing rendering its use more difficult.

--How does your skin feel afterwards?--
OK, but not as moisturised as with some other moisturisers I've tried, such as Liz Earle's. It does, however, keep skin feeling and looking matte and non-greasy.

--Value for money--
While this is a rare being - a moisturiser intended specifically for acneic skin - it's a little bit more than I would normally spend on a moisturiser, and I just didn't feel it improved my skin enough to put up with the runniness. Value for money is certainly down to the individual, and everyone's skin is different, so if you think you can put up with the in-desperate-need-of-improvement consistency, give this a try; it may be the miracle your skin's been begging for.

perfect partner
Dermalogica Clearing Kit, £35/€42/$54.75

Benefit Primpcess

RRP: £24.50/$34/$34.50
Contains:
- 0.04 oz Boi-ing concealer in 02 Medium
- 0.04 Eye Bright
- 0.11 oz Creaseless Cream Shadow Liner in R.S.V.P. (sparkling champagne)
- 3 Powder Shadows (for contouring, accenting, and lining)
- 0.14 oz BADgal Lash Mascara mini mascara
- Dual ended Fluff Shadow & Talent Brush
- Concealer Brush

--What does the promo say?--
"Benefit Primpcess gives you the tools and skills to conceal, contour, accent, line, shadow, and brighten your eyes. Take the guesswork out of loathe-worthy eyes with a step-by-step primping lesson. With your lesson plan in hand, and the perfect products at your fingertips, you'll have a sexy stare in no time!"

Available at: www.asos.com, Sephora, Debenhams

--Packaging--
This packaging combines country girl and showgirl with bold colours and fringe styling, all packed into one box. Benefit manage to fit an impressive amount of products into this box, though it's a pretty big box for something that only covers the eyes (though if you want something to include products for other parts of your face too, I guess you'd go for Benefit's Justine Case, or, from another brand, any of Lancôme's travel cases). It also has a mirror, and a magnetic mechanism, which allows the box to be opened easily when you need it, but stay securely shut when you don't. It's lightweight enough to carry around with you, and despite my previous comment on the size, it will still fit into most handbags and is also slender enough for briefcases and carry-cases for the city slickers among you.

--Application--
Included in the box is a small leaflet providing step-by-step instructions for each product, from the commonplace eyeshadows to the more obscure Eye Bright. Brushes are also provided, and you're told in the leaflet how and when to use them. An excellent touch and very helpful when on the move. The Boi-ing concealer can also double up as a general face concealer if you have nothing else with you.

--Appearance--
The eyeshadows are generic shades of brown and cream, allowing them to be suited to any complexion. The mascara is black and the shade of concealer provided is a far more inspired choice than the shade of Boi-ing provided in the Realness of Concealness kit. The Eye Bright is a surprising shade of pale pink, which seems at odds with the yellowy concealer and brown eyeshadows/liners, but works well on the skin to provide brightening and highlighting effects. On the face, the overall look is natural, though as pointed out in my previous reviews, there are still some blending problems with Boi-ing, so make sure you are thorough in your application to avoid any patchiness. Bad Gal separates and lengthens lashes well, though doesn't provide the wow-factor that the extollers of Benefit's virtues all seem to swear it to possess.

--Texture/consistency--
Boi-ing, as previously mentioned, has some blending problems, but is easily helped along with water. It's of a slightly stiff, slightly slidy consistency that is normal with most compact products of this type. The eyeshadows are slightly too powdery, with some being left loose in the box even with most careful manipulation of the brush, although the shadow liner is better. They are all versatile and easily manipulated. Eye Bright is of a similar consistency to Boi-ing, but far exceeds it in quality when it comes to blending.

--Longevity--
I was disappointed that Boi-ing's effects on my blemishes seemed to degenerate throughout the day, despite its heavy-duty reputation, but apart from this, all of the products last very well.

--Coverage--
Only Boi-ing is designed for coverage, and it fares averagely, both under the eyes and on facial blemishes.

--Value for money--
Shopping in the UK is becoming more and more interesting with its near-parity with the Euro. However, our American friends marginally have an even better deal, with $34.50 being equal to £23.64, although shopping in the US is not currently as profitable as it once was for Brits. You get many products for the money paid, although its overall 'value' is perhaps diminished by the fact that it's for the eyes only, not for the whole face. Saying this, this is perhaps offset by the fact that this set is limited edition only, so may well shoot up in monetary value and yield profitable resale prices on auction sites when it is no longer available in the commercial mainstream.

--Which products would I buy?--
I was distinctly underwhelmed by Boi-ing and by Bad Gal, even though the latter in particular is something that Benefit fans rave about. The eyeshadows are of solid quality, but you can get better ones for the same price or less from MAC or Prescriptives. The one at the top of my list from this set, however, would be Eye Bright: it's innovative, easy to use, and adds a new dimension to making up your eyes.

perfect partners
Benetint Lip Balm, $20/£14.50
Get Even Compact Powder, $30/€30.50/£21.25
Posie Tint, $28/€31.50/£22.25

Coming soon in January...

Rimmel 100% Waterproof Mascara (done!)
L'Occitane Red Rice Exfoliating Powder (done!)
Dermalogica Oil Control Lotion (done!)
Clarins Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm (done!)
Calvin Klein Euphoria (done!)
Nivea Visage Refreshing Cleansing Lotion (done!)
Benefit Primpcess (done!)
Benefit Her Glossiness (done!)
Avon Shimmer Swirls
Marimekko for Avon Eyeshadow Palette (done!)

Cosmetics and Beauty News December 2008

Avon in the spotlight
Avon has recently announced that Courteney Cox Arquette, of Friends fame, will be fronting their newest fragrance, Spotlight. Marketed as a 'perfume for the stars', it will contain notes of citrus, mandarin, and bergamot, and it will cost $22.50 when it is released in the US in April (UK launch scheduled June). The bottle will have 'spotlights' on the packaging that give the impression of a dressing-room mirror. Also in June, Patrick Dempsey of Grey's Anatomy is due to promote an Avon fragrance for men, 'Unscripted'.


NuBo casts its veil of beauty over Harrods
An intriguing line of revitalising anti-ageing products has just hit Harrods in time for 2009: NuBo not only offers the standard day and night creams, but also introduces a product that lesser brands are sure to start copying. The star product in question, 'Voile', comes in three shades (Transparent, Nude, and Tan), and takes the form of a clear gel which dries powder-light, corrects skin tone and hides lines, as well as treating the latter with a truckload of hyaluronic acid. Just apply over moisturiser, and for £39.15 you're allegedly ready to go.

Hollywood skincare is coming to Britain
A-list skincare guru Kate Somerville will finally be making her UK debut in January, with products retailing exclusively at SpaceNK and promising to be just as successful as her already well-known 'ExfoliKate' exfoliator.

Earthly delights from Aveda
Set your face to 'dazzled' with these natural cosmetics from Aveda. Making a return to the UK in 2009, Aveda's Uruku cosmetics range builds on a sustainable business model and partnership with the Yawanawa tribe of the Amazon rainforest. The urukum trees guarded by the tribe yield the seeds which provide the natural pigments used in this makeup range, which comprises a range of products from shampoo to lipstick. The earthy colours, combined with traditional tribal packaging designs, should make a very merry sustainably-sourced gift this holiday season - or at any other time.

Sources:
Fashion Monitor Daily
www.plurielles.fr
www.marieclaire.co.uk
www.marketingweek.co.uk
www.daylife.com
www.nubobeauty.com
www.harrods.com
www.aveda.com
www.pannachesalon.com
www.condenast.co.uk

Yves Rocher Pivoine

RRP: £11.50/€17 for 60ml eau de toilette; also available in 30ml (£8.60)

--What does the promo say?--
"Envelop yourself in tenderness! Surrender to the voluptuous allure of peony; a large, yet delicate flower that fascinates us with its fragile, romantic blossoms. Its fresh, delicate scent envelops you in soft, floral notes."

--Packaging--
Surprisingly reminiscent of Givenchy's Irresistible, in a sculpted, angular, tall pink bottle. It is the opposite of what one might expect on first smelling the fragrance - more of which shortly.

--Application--
Spray appropriately into hair, onto sternum, onto wrists, and behind ears. Layer with other products if desired.

--Scent--
On first application it smells 'deep' and 'old' - not as fresh and modern as the packaging leads you to expect. In all honesty, it doesn't seem to be a fragrance aimed at young people and is completely at odds with the marketing concept. It develops into something slightly fresher and more subtle, but the change is not great and I still wouldn't describe it as a young, innovative fragrance. It's not unpleasant to smell, however, and the peony comes over very well, as per the description given by Yves Rocher.

--Longevity--
Not bad: it does fade, but very slowly, and this fading is in fact becoming to the fragrance, rather than proving a negative aspect, as this allows it to become 'younger' and more girly.

--Value for money--
The larger 60ml bottle is clearly better value than its half-size opponent, and it's very affordable no matter how you look at it; however, for your money you're getting an inferior fragrance that doesn't suit the young audience at which it's aimed. I'd advise upping your budget and going for something with more wow factor, such as Cacharel's Anais Anais.

perfect partners
Pivoine Shower Gel, £3.90
Pivoine Handwash, £3.20
Pivoine Body Lotion, £6.50

Benefit Posie Tint

RRP: $28/£22.50 for 12.5ml

--What does the promo say?--
"The cheekiest flush you can get from a bottle. Our petal-pink stain plants a kiss of see-through tint on cheeks & lips. With hours of smudge-proof, just-picked perfection, you'll be the prettiest bloom in the bunch!"

--Packaging--
As with everything Benefit, very sleek, fun, and in keeping with their classic, slightly cheeky, 1950s image. The bottle is a shiny pink deal in an equally pink box, with white decoration, though I'd say the box is too big for the bottle and therefore a bit of a case of much ado about nothing. The applicator is much like that seen on nail varnish bottles, and it seems weird to be using this kind of brush to apply something to your face rather than to your nails.

--Application--
The Benefit website provides what it calls 'tips and tricks' for using Posie Tint. "Brush three strokes on the apple of your cheek," it says, "and blend quickly with fingertips. Do the same on your other cheek. Dot on lips & blend with fingertip. For a deeper "pop" of colour, repeat."

--Appearance--
A lurid, bright, almost neon pink liquid is what you first see on drawing the brush from the bottle, which is a little concerning. However, on the face it endows you with a very natural-looking flush on both lips and cheeks, though it is very subtle, and most people (apart from the very palest redheads) will probably need to apply the stuff twice to achieve the desired effect (during my first test, a one-layer application to the lips only, I wasn't even sure if it had worked properly as I could barely see the results).

--Scent--
No discernible scent.

--Texture/consistency--
Liquidy without being too runny, lumpy or sticky. It doesn't cause any irritation to the face, and in fact feels very moisturising on the lips. It also dries in perfect time: not so slowly that you can't continue with the rest of your routine, but not so quickly that you can't finish fast enough.

--Longevity--
The results on the cheeks are excellent: Posie Tint provides a natural blush that lasts all day. However, on the lips, results are poor, with the colour being barely visible to begin with, even with multiple applications, and fading quickly.

--Value for money--
Posie Tint certainly provides the best blusher I've ever used, giving a natural look that lasts all day. However, performance on the lips is disappointing: it's all very well to have a multi-use product, but only when all of the multiple uses work well concurrently (though I realise that this is difficult to achieve). As with the majority of Benefit products, it's also quite expensive for what it is, with the company relying on its pretty packaging to draw the suckers in (luckily for my wallet, mine was a Christmas present). My advice would be to try to procure this on ebay or via other online retailers for less money than the RRP if possible, rather than going directly to the Benefit website or franchises. Once you have done so, you'll have permanently charming winter-flushed cheeks, and a happier bank balance.

perfect partners
BadGal Lash Mascara, $19/£14.50
That Gal Brightening Face Primer, $28/£19.50
Lust Duster Loose Powder, $18/£13.50

T Leclerc Matte Liquid Foundation

RRP: £26/$37 for 30ml
# of shades available: 6

--What does the promo say?--
"This matte-finish foundation is a hybrid of fluid and powder foundations, ideal for oily and combination skins. The formula contains rice starch, providing an opaque coverage."

--About the brand--
Théophile LeClerc formulated a rice-based face powder in 1881. Its popularity exploded and a range of LeClerc face powders are still available today alongside eyeshadows, lipsticks and other cosmetics. (Not to be confused with E Leclerc, which is France's nearest equivalent to Tesco.)

--Packaging--
An attractive opaque glass canister with pump mechanism, in a grey and pink box. The brand logo provides classiness and timelessness and the bottle itself is easy to use: just shake before use, and then press down once on the pump for a perfect amount of foundation. The only small problem is that the opening does 'weep' a little after you've pumped once, but there is also a see-through plastic lid to prevent leakage from this area.

--Application--
"Shake the product well before use," advises the T Leclerc website. "Warm the foundation in your palm then apply sparingly with your fingers. Starting from the centre of the face, blend it off on the neck line." No problems here.

--Appearance--
Unfortunately I was unable to choose my foundation shade, and the one I ended up with is a little too dark. However, it's versatile stuff and responds well to being blended with moisturiser, tinted moisturiser or suncream to achieve a better match. Once applied, it evens out complexion and provides a healthy glow.

--Coverage--
No complaints - even especially prominent blemishes are made less noticeable.

--Texture/consistency--
Again, no complaints: it's creamy, but doesn't feel comedogenic on the skin; it's not runny or sticky.

--Longevity--
You only need a small amount to cover your whole face, so certainly a bottle lasts an encouragingly long time. It also seems to adhere well, not coming off even if you're inclined to frequently touch your face without meaning to. It does, however, come off easily when you do want it to.

--Value for money--
It's perhaps a little pricey and certainly is the most expensive foundation I've ever used (it also contains SPF15, which in my view they don't publicise enough). In the right shade it would be excellent and you need have no qualms about how long one bottle lasts you: a small amount goes a very long way, it dries powder-light, and is still great for those who require extra coverage.

perfect partners
Corrector Palette, £22
Professional Concealer Pencil, £19
Loose Powder, £28
Pressed Powder, £28

Avon Gloss Stick for Lips

RRP: £5
# of shades available: 4

--What does the promo say?--
"An ultra-glossy finish, in a stick! This medium coverage lip liner and lip gloss in one lasts for hours, leaving lips soft and moisturised."

--Packaging--
This clever pencil doesn't need sharpening - you just twist the coloured end of the pencil for more gloss. No mess OR fuss. In addition, the black teamed with the colour of the gloss you have chosen and the travel-friendly lid makes for an attractive overall concept.

--Application--
Pull off the lid and twist the other end of the pencil for more gloss if needed. Apply directly to lips.

--Appearance--
This product's versatility is certainly commendable, as the result can be a full-on blast of colour with all-over application or a sheer translucent slick with just a little applied to your bottom lip and then rubbed in. There is a slight shimmer to the colour which can be natural or glitzy as you so choose. It's also appropriately shiny without looking unnatural.

--Texture/consistency--
Perfectly smooth and without stickiness. Despite the aforementioned shimmer you can't feel any particles of glitter on your lips either.

--Scent--
No discernible scent.

--Longevity--
Just your average normal gloss here, I'm afraid - I certainly wouldn't promote it as lasting for hours.

--Value for money--
A good and innovative product at credit-crunch-busting prices: what more can you ask for?

perfect partner
Perfect Wear Liquid Eye Liner Pen, £6