Guerlain Orchidée Impériale Eye and Lip Cream

RRP: 117,10 euros/$155/£80.00 for 0.5oz/15ml

--What does the promo say?--
"The longevity of the Orchid now captured in an extraordinary Eye & Lip Cream. The protective and regenerative benefits of the extract restore firmness, suppleness, density and hydration to these particularly delicate areas:
• Targets under-eye puffiness and dark circles with autofocus reflectors that light up the eye area.
• A tightening agent creates an instant rested look around the eyes.
• Crow's-feet are immediately smoothed."

--Packaging--
Now, mine is a sample that I got free from a shop (please don't think I'm rich enough to buy this stuff, I'm a poor student after all...), so the packaging is totally different. Mine is in a small tube about the length of my thumb with a screw top lid. The entire tube and lid is gold with all of the product information in navy blue. As far as I can tell, the real thing comes in a glass pot with a gold and blue lid, the pot itself being transparent - through it you can see a smaller blue pot in which the cream is kept. All in all very opulent and expensive-looking and surprisingly not at all gaudy, though clearly aimed at older women. (Would I offend anyone if I hazarded my guess at age 45+?!)

--Application--
Easy really. Just take out a really tiny amount of the cream - think an amount roughly the same size as a pinhead - and apply to the eyelid and to the under-eye area using your fingers. You can also apply it to your lips, but personally I think there are better lip creams out there.

--Appearance--
You almost expect to glow from such an expensive cream. No glowing, but it did sink into the skin extremely well - hence it was invisible once applied to the eye area. The cream itself is almost pure white with no iridescence.

--Texture--
On the eye you can't feel it at all. On my finger it seemed slightly watery, but not much, and overall I'd say it's extremely gentle. It's a bit too watery for the lips.

--Scent--
It's utterly odourless, which is sort of disappointing given how much they seem to rely on the whole orchid thing.

--Does it do what it says it does?--
I've been using it as a sort of eye primer while I've been waiting for my Benefit Lemon Aid to arrive from ebay, and it does this very well. Their claims for what it will do seem pretty outlandish: 'instant rested look', 'immediate smoothing of crow's feet' - sorry, my fine wrinkles just under my eyes are still there, unsurprisingly. Nothing is immediate or instant. Why? Because it's an eye cream, it's not magic. Over time it *may* make a difference but I somehow doubt it. The only claim that seems plausible is the rehydration claim.

--Value for money--
Well, it seems nice enough, and you really don't need to use much at a time so I'm guessing one pot would last the distance. However, I have a sneaky suspicion that other eye creams would do the job just as well, if not better, and there's something in my blood that prevents me from thinking that spending £80 on an eye cream is sensible. But do you know what the best bit is? My little free 2ml tube helped me decide that there's no way I should ever buy this, and if 15ml costs £80, then technically I just got £10.50's worth of product for nothing. Sweet.

Sephora Colorful Duo

RRP: €10,90 or $16
# of shades available: 10

--What does the promo say?--
"Each of these pocket-sized duos contains a shimmering, sheer creme shadow that can be applied alone on the lids, cheeks, or lips, plus a complementary powder shadow for layering, highlighting, and contouring. Enriched with green tea to soothe the delicate eye area. Suggested use: apply cream shade over the entire lid as a base, then layer the powder shade over the cream for a multi-dimensional effect and longwearing color. Powder shades can also be used to contour the lid and crease. Cream shades can also be applied to cheeks and lips as a highlighter."

--Packaging--
A small, round, circular black plastic box with a little window so that you can see the shades of the pressed-powder eyeshadow, and the brand name and the name of the product written on the window in black. Simple but effective. Though I'll be honest, it's a flip top lid, and while this is great from the point of view that it won't fall open in your handbag and wreck your stuff, it has no grip on the front of the lid whatsoever for you to grab hold of when you're trying to open it. It's not impossible to open, but occasionally it's been a bit of a challenge. You have been warned.

--Application--
You just treat it like any other eyeshadow - apply to the eyelid using your finger, or a brush (wet or dry). However, for reasons stated under 'texture', I wouldn't second their recommendation of using the creme on the cheeks and lips.

--Appearance--
I have Coral Harmony 04, the pink/gold combination. The pink looks nice in the box, but on the eyelid it's practically invisible, whether it's worn with or without its gold companion - all you can see is the glitter rather than the colour itself. This is OK with me as I like glitter, but I thought it was worth mentioning. It's still very pretty but if you were after a little more pinkness you might be disappointed. It is quite glittery, so go easy with it.

--Texture--
Honestly? Until I'd read the promo I did not realise that one was meant to be a creme and one was meant to be a powder. So I went to the bathroom just now to have another look, and after poking at the shadow a couple of times (before thinking I'd better stop before I wasted the shadow), I can confirm I am not totally dense. I could see/feel absolutely no difference whatsoever. They both feel very powdery rather than creme-like, but not brittle and not heavy. I like the texture of the powder, but I think that if they advertise it as creme and powder then they should make more of an effort for it to be so, or change their advertising.

--Longevity--
Doesn't crease, but this could be because it's mostly glitter.

--Value for money--
Despite the failings in the product's packaging and general advertising, I do still like this eyeshadow very much. You're getting two very nice colours for under £10, and the glitter is very flattering (boyfriend complimented me on it, and he doesn't normally notice differences in the makeup I use). Plus, it's far far cheaper than buying the two exact same colours from Nars in two separate mono shadows (which is what I was going to do before I saw this in the shop, and which would have set me back an eye-watering 46 euros/approx £35-£38). So I believe that puts us up to:
designer brands (Benefit and Nars): 0 Sephora's own brand: 2

On the whole, I think you pay a very good price for what you get in this eyeshadow (if you don't mind glitter, that is!) and I would definitely buy it again.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick

RRP: £33.00 as part of the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Essentials Set (also includes 75ml Moisturising Hand Treatment and 30ml of Skin Protectant); £15 alone if you're in the UK or $16 alone in the US

--What does the promo say?--
"Elizabeth Arden's renowned Eight Hour Cream in a super-protective, portable stick for lips. Enriched with emollients, protective sunscreen and vitamin E. Treat your lips to Eight Hour Care. Moisturizes, softens and smooths lips. Provides antioxidant protection with vitamin E. SPF 15 shields against UV exposure.

The Legend
Created in 1930 by Elizabeth Arden to soothe skin, Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant became an instant and overwhelming success. What made it so effective is a combination of petrolatum, a skin-soothing beta-hydroxy in one of its first cosmetic uses, and vitamin E. The apricot colored balm was so beneficial to her clients, Miss Arden used it to soothe her famous thoroughbred horses' legs. Even its name came about thanks to a remarkable performance - a loyal client used it to treat her child's skinned knee and "eight hours later" the skin was all better. To use: Apply liberally as often as necessary."

--Packaging--
The lip care packaging just looks like a 'normal' lipstick case - 8 or 9cm high, with a lid that you just pull off. White casing with a silver line dividing the lid and the main body of the packaging, and 'Elizabeth Arden' lightly carved into the line. Manages to be simple and sophisticated at the same time and the pure colours are very much in keeping with the Eight Hour Cream's image as well as with the brand generally. I'd say the packaging is aimed more at women aged over 25 rather than at teenagers.

--Application--
Pull off the lid and apply to lips by directly putting the stick to your lips, or by using a lip brush.

--Appearance--
The stick itself is a nice apricot/peach colour. On the lips it is virtually invisible, though I would say it makes the lips look fuller and softer.

--Scent--
Surprisingly citrusy, though not overpoweringly so.

--How does it feel on the lips?--
Rich, luxurious, creamy and smooth. It really is an absolute joy and firmly trumps thinner, stickier lip balms.

--Longevity--
It seems to last slightly longer than other lip care products before re-application is needed and unless you're eating something particularly messy (or doing a lot of kissing!), it doesn't need reapplication immediately after eating. However, you will probably need to reapply at least once if you're planning on keeping this on your lips all day.

--Does it do what it says it will?--
I can't say I particularly suffer with dry lips, but it's a Godsend on long train/car journeys and on long flights (mmm, recirculated air...yummy). So on the whole, probably yes. Lips feel softer after use even if you don't have a problem with dry lips.

--Value for money--
It's a long-lasting, enriching, luxurious, does-what-it-says-it-will lip care product. What more do you want? I got this not only as part of the 3-part Essentials kit but I also got it on duty free while travelling! I would highly recommend buying as part of the kit (on duty free if you can) rather than buying this alone as the other parts of the kit are excellent and also worth having, and you will save money this way too.

perfect partners
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Moisturising Hand Treatment, £18.00
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant, £20.00
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect Firming Body Soufflé, £30.00

L'Oréal True Match Mineral Foundation

RRP: £13.99
Shades available: 5

--What does the promo say?--
"A gentle formula enriched with minerals designed for all skin types. Helps protect the skin against premature ageing from sun exposure. Contains SPF15. Contains mineral pigments for a flawless-looking complexion. Natural and long-lasting result."

--What is it?--
Mineral foundations are made from pure crushed minerals and contain no harsh chemicals, dyes or fillers. This is not only kind to the skin but also has healing properties thanks to the natural presence of zinc oxide – perfect for those who suffer breakouts or have sensitive skin. Some mineral foundations on the market also contain titanium dioxides which provide a natural sunscreen, and light-reflecting mica to minimise the look of fine lines. It can serve as a powder and a foundation in one, though you can use an additional face powder with it if you wish. Other brands are quickly taking up the trend of mineral foundation, such as SheerCover, Bare Minerals, Bare Escentuals, Lily Lolo, Afterglow Cosmetics, Philosophy, Urban Decay, and Sheer Miracle. So L'Oréal, already one of the leading cosmetics brands in the world, clearly decided to take on the challenge.

--Packaging--
The pot, at first glance, seems uncomplicated. Below you have a small pot containing the foundation itself. Above you have a complimentary brush (how nice), encased in a transparent lid. The entire packaging is transparent, with the L'Oréal logo and all other information crammed onto the tiny pot containing the foundation, which made the packaging look a bit 'busy'. I've recently found out that you can't buy refills for this product, meaning that the whole lot has to go in the bin when you're done. Bit of a shame as if you could use the packaging again it would be far better for the environment.

--Application--
I have to say that I was a bit flummoxed by how to work this product and I think I had to read the leaflet two or three times. You can infer two possibilities from this: 1) that L'Oréal is rubbish at explaining their products or 2) that I am stupid. Make of this what you will! Once I'd worked it out, though, it was simple to operate and I got used to it quickly. Once you've removed all the preliminary packaging, you close everything up again, turn the pot upside down gently and then turn it the right way up before pulling off the lid, unscrewing the brush and dipping it in the little sieve-type apparatus that immediately obscures the pot, where some powder should remain. (God, I wish I could draw diagrams on this thing. I think I've just confused myself so I wouldn't blame you if you didn't quite get it!) You then apply the mineral foundation to your face in circular motions. They give you a brush, but it is the cheapest, nastiest, most horrible brush to use, with really rough bristles. Unfortunately, you can't throw it away as it is really the only secure part of the packaging, but I would recommend not using it and investing in a decent one.

--Appearance--
The powder seems very fine and soft - not too grainy or rough. So far, so good.
On the face, it's difficult to apply it so that it doesn't appear patchy. I would say so far that the only way to combat it is to use the tiniest amount at a time, and to start with the cheeks rather than your nose. I've heard reports of people's faces becoming like oil slicks throughout the day when using this, but I can't say I've experienced this problem. This, however, is possibly because I use a face powder on top of it. They say you can use the foundation by itself, but unless you've got perfect skin, I wouldn't recommend it. Once you've built up enough layers for the effect you want, I would say the coverage is not bad. No better than any liquid foundation I've used, but not disastrous, and certainly not wow.

--Texture--
Feels light and fine on the skin.

--Scent--
Virtually odourless.

--Longevity--
I didn't have to reapply this throughout the day, and it didn't slide off my face, but then again, I was wearing extra powder...

--Coverage--
You have to apply several layers to get decent coverage - I would hazard a guess that even if you have perfect skin, one layer is not enough. Even then, I have used better liquid foundations.

--Value for money--
Poor. It's perhaps verging on expensive for a high street foundation as it is, and it has way too many flaws to be worth what you pay. However, it is good that it contains an SPF.

--Other comments--
I was surprised at the sheer averageness of this mineral foundation, particularly considering the high quality of L'Oréal's True Match powder. There aren't enough shades available, the brush is disgusting, and positive effects are minimal. I haven't even noticed any improvement in my skin, as is implied from the ingredients being all natural. However, I haven't been put off trying another mineral foundation - L'Oréal is not a minerals specialist and I'd be more prepared to try a company that is. I've also noticed, interestingly, that this product has been withdrawn from the US and UK sites of L'Oréal Paris, though it is still available on the Boots website and on the L'Oréal France website. Signs of poor sales and poor customer satisfaction perhaps?

"Because we're worth it?" Well, if that's all we're worth, I think I'll leave it.

Anais Anais by Cacharel

RRP: £21.00/30ml of eau de toilette; £25.00/30ml of eau de parfum

--What does the promo say?--
"Since her birth 25 years ago, Anais Anais has expressed the spirit of youth and femininity. She has captured the hearts of millions of young girls and women with her unique fresh floral blend. Inspired by the lily, Anais Anais is a true modern classic. It combines a fresh burst of hyacinth, orange blossom and jasmine with the intense scent of Virginia cedarwood, Bourbon vetiver and musky sandalwood."

--Packaging--
The bottle is small, squat, and somewhat quaint with its white and silver colour combination. The flowers are shown in pink and the Cacharel logo is shown in white or black. The lid is a screw top lid and comes in silver. It's quite sweet and feminine, but in this modern age may not appeal to all women and girls. However, of those it does appeal to, it should appeal to all ages. The bottle is small enough to comply with new hand baggage regulations, though I'd say it's probably better to have the spray from a travel point of view. I've never taken my screw top Anais Anais on holiday with me and I'd be wary of doing so.

--Application--
Depends on the one you have. Either undo the screw top and dab a little directly onto your wrist, or pull off the lid and spray onto the desired area.

--Scent--
As I've said in one of my other reviews here, I don't know enough about botany to know whether it really does smell of all the things they say. However, I do know that the scent is just lovely. It's very light, not at all overbearing, and (so I've been told) very seductive...

--Longevity--
I haven't formally tested this one for longevity at the time of writing, but will edit when I have. I know for sure that it lasts for at least a whole morning without having to reapply, meaning you should only have to reapply once a day if at all.

--Value for money--
I didn't actually buy mine, so I feel pretty impartial on this, but as far as perfume prices go, I'd say this is a pretty reasonable price - especially for a classic that's sustained the public interest for at least 25 years. It seems to go about as far and last about as long as most other perfumes I own. However, I wouldn't pay as much as they ask for the deodorant equivalent.

--Other comments--
I actually have a lot of respect for the company for not capitalising on the public's clear love for this product by jacking up the price. There are many perfumes out there that are twice as expensive without being half as loved. The scent is inexplicably pretty and sexy. I will be buying this again.

perfect partners
Anais Anais Body Lotion, £19.50/200ml
Anais Anais Bath and Shower Gel, £17.00/200ml
Anais Anais Deodorant Body Spray, £14.50/150ml

Efasit Intensive Moisture Balm

RRP: £2.99/80ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Active care for active feet. Conditions, softens and gently deodorises over-dry and rough feet. With natural jojoba and rosemary oils and vitamin E. It penetrates deeply to help smooth and soften dry skin and to protect against moisture loss."

--Packaging--
The tube uses a green, yellow and white colour scheme, which makes it look fresh, revitalising and young. Colours are unisex too, though the diagram of a hand massaging a foot makes the body parts look distinctly womanly. The positioning of the diagram, brand name etc is well laid out and the practical white lid allows you to stand the tube up or lie it down as necessary without liquid seeping out. The lid closes securely and the tube is approximately 12cm in height.

--Application--
After rubbing your feet with a pumice stone and/or exfoliator during your bath or shower, apply a few pearl-sized drops of the cream to clean dry feet and massage in. The cream sinks into the feet easily without too much effort.

--Appearance--
The cream is an attractive pale green colour that looks very natural and not a far cry from various aloe vera products. There is no visible residue after using this product.

--Scent--
I couldn't quite put my finger on what it smelt of until I looked again at the list of ingredients. As well as the ingredients already stated, the cream contains menthol and camphor, and it's these that you get a slight whiff of. However, none of the ingredients seem to have an overbearing scent.

--Texture--
The cream is quite stiff but I would prefer this to a runny cream any day. Despite the cream's apparent stiffness it rubs into the feet easily.

--How does your skin feel afterwards?--
Immediately the skin on your heels and the balls of your feet feels smoother.

--Longevity--
The above effects can be felt throughout the day, and this I was impressed with as you can often lose the effects of a cream as you go about your daily business.

--Does it do what it says on the tube?--
Oh yes. I noticed a difference within a day or two of using this product, and my feet were in a pretty sorry state (probably owing to a combination of previous athlete's foot, walking everywhere I go, and having just started pointe work in my ballet classes). Soon my heels and the balls of my feet were smooth again and I'm continuing to use it for preventative care. It also stops your feet from being all stinky, so yay :)

--Value for money--
This product is excellent in terms of value for money. 80ml doesn't sound like much for your £3 (or $6 to our American friends) but you only need a small amount each day to see a significant difference.

perfect partners
Efasit Super Relaxing Leg Lotion, 200ml
Efasit 18-hour deodorant spray

--Available from:--
Available from Boots, and from a variety of online retailers, including:
http://www.mobilispodiatry.com/
http://www.mobilishealthcare.com/
http://www.petersfieldchiropody.com/
http://www.britsuperstore.co.uk/
For other UK stockists, call 0191 370 9466.

Lush Bare Naked Lady Dusting Powder

RRP: £5.95 for 3.5 oz

--What is it?--
A natural alternative to talcum powder, with far fewer chemicals.

--Ingredients--
Key: Black = Safe Synthetic Products; Green = Natural and/or Organic Products

Ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Calamine Powder, Perfume, Golden Glitter (Polyethylene terephthalate and FD&C Yellow No.5), Rose Absolute (Rosa centifolia)

--What does the promo say?--
"Like all dusting powders, this is best applied when bare naked, Let the sparkling, rose scented powder fall on and get in between your nooks and crannies. Fight the urge to remain nude for the rest of the day - go out and seduce someone instead."

--Packaging--
The image shown above is from the USA Lush website (the UK Lush website is down at the moment) and the packaging is only slightly different - in the UK it's a sort of shocking pink colour pot with a black lid, but all other details remain the same, with the name of the product and the Lush logo on the front of the pot, and all other information going round the label. The top is slideable so that you can sprinkle just a little on your body, or stick your fingers right in there for something more full-on. Packaging seems secure and not something that would send dusting powder all over your suitcase or bottom drawer.

--Application--
After a bath or shower, towel yourself dry thoroughly and then sprinkle a little powder wherever desired on your body and rub in. Not recommended for face.

--Appearance--
The powder is white with tiny sparkles. When rubbed into the body, there is no white residue (unless of course you use too much) but the sparkles remain (though not enough to make you look like a Vegas showgirl!). There will be no white residue on your clothes from this product as it seems to rub onto the skin easily.

--Scent--
They claim it smells of roses, but I don't know enough about botany to know if it really does smell of roses. Smells nice and floral, anyway. The scent is light and not overbearing.

--Texture--
The powder is soft and not at all claggy.

--How does your skin feel?--
Very soft and smooth, doesn't irritate the skin, and of course it looks nice and sparkly too! Bonus!

--Longevity--
This product will in all likelihood rub off throughout the day. However, it seems to bear up quite well as far as talcs/dusting powders go.

--Value for money--
Excellent - you don't need to use much of this product per application and even though I've used my pot many times, there's still plenty left. However, I'd agree with some reviewers on the US site that a free dusting pad or puff would be nice with this product. This is an excellent natural alternative to talcum powder and I'd definitely buy it (or any other Lush dusting powder) again.

No7 Shine-Free Makeup Base

RRP: £9.25/40ml
--What does the promo say?--
"No7 Shine Free Make-Up Base stops shine for a matte finish. All day matte... keep shiny skin under control all day long, with this mattifying oil-free base. Light-reflecting particles help disguise fine lines and flaws, while oil-absorbing Biopol helps minimise blemishes and blot away shine without blocking pores. With watermelon and cucumber extracts to help soothe and cool your skin. Hypo-allergenic."

--Packaging--
Comes in a white, square-ish tube with the No7 logo and basic product information on the front in silver font. Doesn't stand up on the base as the lid is quite slender. Nice simple packaging.

--Application--
Squeeze the tube gently until a small amount of the product appears at the tip of the tube. Apply all over face (though I don't know that I'd recommend putting it on your eyelids - there are more specialist eyelid primers available that are probably more sensitive) and rub in.

--Appearance--
The primer is a white lotion with a vaguely pearlised appearance. On the face, it blends perfectly with the skin, leaving no residue. It does exactly what it says on the tube, combatting shine before applying makeup. I've even used this when I'm not even going to wear any makeup at all as it does its job so well.

--Texture--
It is a lotion, but it errs more on the side of stiff than runny. It might sound a bit strange but it really does work very well.

--How does it feel on the skin?--
Light and refreshing. Doesn't weigh your skin down at all or make you feel like you're wearing more makeup than you actually are.

--Value for money--
It is perhaps a little on the expensive side - there are probably other primers out there that are cheaper while being just as good. However, Boots do good deals on their No7 stuff quite often (3 for 2 etc) so you may be able to save some money. I'm open to experimentation, though, for the purposes of comparison if nothing else.

Bourjois Khol and Contour

RRP: £4.20
# of shades available: 13

--Packaging--
As you see it on the screen is how you'll find it in the shop. Just a simple pencil in the colour of the liner, with the Bourjois logo and the name of the product, ingredients etc embossed onto it in silver, with a lid to keep the nib of the pencil protected. The pencil itself is about 12cm long including the lid, and weighs 0.04oz or 1.14g.

--What does the promo say?--
"Blend and shade to define the shape of the eye or apply to the inside rim of the eye for intensity. Available in a delectable palette of shades, from pearly pastels to dramatic darks."

--Application--
Depends how you want to use it. You can follow the line of your upper lashes on your top eyelid, or you can follow the waterline just above your bottom lashes, or both if you're going for the gothic look. I personally opt for the waterline. Make sure the pencil is sharp (but not too sharp, unless you want a trip to Accident and Emergency...) so that your application is precise. Taking your time is probably the most important bit!

--Appearance--
It's hard enough to create a good line, but not so hard that you can't smudge it a little bit if you want. Answer: it looks however you want it to look...

--Texture--
Perfect. No need to even keep this one in the fridge.

--Longevity--
Obviously it's going to last longer on your upper eyelid than on your waterline, but there's nothing you can do about that.

--Value for money--
Excellent. This little baby will last you AGES, and the range of colours is amazing too.

perfect partners
Bourjois Pump Up The Volume: ultimate volume for your lashes, £7.95
Bourjois Suivez Mon Regard: shimmering loose powder eyeshadow with a built-in brush, £6.50

Estée Lauder High Gloss

RRP: £13.00/15ml

# of shades available: 14

--Packaging--

A transparent, slender tube c.8-10cm high with a gold-effect lid and with the Estée Lauder logo and the product name on the tube in gold writing.

--What does the promo say?--

"All you really need to shine.Love this gloss. Now you can wet your lips with luscious supershine, minus the heavy, sticky feel of traditional gloss.High Gloss gives you irresistible colour and brilliance, as it caresses with feel-good conditioners.Lips look moist, plump and smooth.What's not to love?"

--Application--

The end of the tube is cut at a slight angle for easier application - but then again, other, cheaper brands, such as the Maybelline gloss that I reviewed in my very first post, also manage this. Squeeze gently until enough gloss appears at the end of the tube and apply by moving the end of the tube around your lips. Simple stuff.

--Appearance--

I ordered my gloss off the internet, and while I like the shade I chose (Ivory, #2: a nude shade with tiny particles of glitter), the website swatch makes it appear pinker, so while I got lucky, I'd plan on going into a shop first where you can have a look at the different shades before you buy online. (For the record, it is worth buying from the Estée Lauder website, if you're like me and a sucker for those millions of 'free' samples they give out.) On my lips, I'm satisfied with the effect. The Ivory shade would probably suit any complexion, and my pale one is no exception. It appears a slightly darker colour on the tube than on my lips, and the effect of the glitter is nice when my lips catch the light. It doesn't appear too thick or overdone, and it also looks excellent in photographs.

--Texture--

Smooth, as opposed to the stickiness of some cheaper glosses, so they've ticked that box. However, a gloss is a gloss, and hairs will always stick to a gloss when it's a bit windy outside, regardless of how much the gloss is (obviously. Don't think for a moment that I bought the gloss thinking it would be some magical product that wouldn't do this).

--Longevity--

Pretty good - some glosses will rub off even if you're not doing anything like kissing or eating, whereas this gloss lasts for hours when you refrain from these activities.

--Value for money--

It seems smoother than some cheaper glosses, a little goes a long way and you seem to get quite a lot in the tube, so thumbs up there. However, I'm not totally convinced that this is a better option than some cheaper glosses - it doesn't offer any special qualities (it claims to offer extra moisturisation, but I'm not convinced), and nobody's going to look at you while you're wearing this and go 'wow, she must be wearing a really expensive lip gloss'. Equally, nobody's going to look at you while you're wearing a Maybelline lipgloss and go 'wow, she must be wearing a really cheap lip gloss'. Such is the nature of gloss. Hoorah! Happily for us all, style is about attitude and fashion sense, not necessarily the money you spend on getting it.