WEI Gingko Leaf Age-Repairing Face Treatment Review

Gingko leaf is a key ingredient in Chinese Traditional Medicine because of its age-repairing ability. Each pad is soaked in herbal concentrate and hyaluronic acid, so you do feel a slight tingling sensation while it's on. Although the pads are fiddly to put on, the eyes, nose and mouth cutouts mean you don't have to sit still for the whole ten minutes.

Unlike most treatments you don't wash this off once you've removed the pad. Simply massage the remaining treatment into skin with clean hands and follow with moisturiser and make-up.

WEI Gingko Leaf Age-Repairing Face Treatment Pads are £55 for 6 pads and are available from SpaceNK.co.uk. 

Rating: 8/10 - While these pads are pricey, you will definitely get your moneys worth with the six pads. In just ten minutes skin feels instantly tighter (especially around your eyes and mouth) and brighter all over with red patches reduced. 

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus All-Smooth Foundation Review

As foundations go Clinique’s Repairwear Laser Focus All Smooth make-up scores top marks. The thick, creamy consistency offers a really good coverage, smoothing out any imperfections. It’s the perfect base for make-up as it creates a blank canvas with a very slight shimmer, which helps brighten complexion.

Only a small amount of the product is needed as too much can leave skin looking powdery and overworked. It’s fragrance-free and contains the all-important SPF 15.

Clinique’s Repairwear Laser Focus All-Smooth Makeup is available in twelve shades and is £27/30ml from Clinique.co.uk.

Rating: 7/10 – good value for amazing coverage, if you’re looking for a new foundation this one is definitely worth trying.

Smashbox Hyperlash Mascara Review

Just from reading the name you expect good thinks from Smashbox's Hyperlash mascara and as you move on to read the full packaging, 'lifts, lengthens, volumises and defines', you expect miracles.

And this mascara completely smashes the length factor and within seconds lashes are given incredible definition. However what it gives in length it lacks in volume, so much so lashes are left looking a little spidery. (If you're set on this mascara a top make-up tip for making lashes appear more volumised is to apply a good jet-black eyeliner on the base of the lash roots).

The formula has a rich colour but is slightly watery, which seriously lets this product down. Throughout the day the mascara smudges under the eye. Although this makes it easy to remove at bedtime, it does mean you are constantly checking and wiping your eye make-up throughout the day.

Smashbox Hyperlash Mascara is £17 and is available online at Debenhams.com

Rating: 6/10 - overall it gives good coverage and amazing length, but the lack of volume and smudging doesn't match up to the price tag.

Chanel Le Vernis in Denim Blues Review

Inspired by denim, Chanel's new nail polishes are pretty shades of blue and perfect for rocking this season's nail trend. From light to dark Blue Boy, Coco Blue and Blue Rebel might look like unusual colours to wear on your nails, but when worn together make a real statement.

While the darker shades, Blue Rebel and Coco Blue offer instant sophistication, Blue Boy shouldn't be overlooked because of its lightness, instead team it with the other two tones.

Two coats is enough to provide a striking colour, however like all Chanel nail polishes these are still prone to chipping easily.

 Chanel Le Vernis in Blue Boy, Coco Blue & Blue Rebel are £17.50 each. For more information visit Chanel.com

Rating: 6/10 - amazing shades, but the same old formula lets the product down.

La Roche Posay Deep Cleansing Foam Review

Having tried La Roche-Posay's Ultra Fine Face Scrub and loved it, I had high expectations for the Deep Cleansing Foam and it didn't disappoint.

The cleanser has a foamy texture that lathers up as soon as it touches wet skin, which if you're not a fan of gel cleansers, makes it easy to use.  Using circle motions with your hand, you can really work the cleanser into skin for a deep clean.

However, it' only once skin is rinsed and dried that you feel the full effects of this product. Skin is left feeling tighter, fresher and without a doubt cleaner.

It's worth noting that this cleanser is intended for oily to acne-prone skin, so if you have dry skin be warned this is not a product for you.

La Roche-Posay Deep Cleansing Foam is £9 and is available from Escentual.com

Rating: 9/10 - this product is seriously good value for money as it lathers up, so a little goes a long way.

Clarins Instant Liner Review

Anyone that appreciates black eyeliner will understand the on-going quest to find a jet black liner that not only lasts, but doesn't budge. And I think Clarins might have just created it with its Instant Liner.

Jet black, tick. Liquid, tick. Long lasting, tick. Smudge-proof, tick. The last point doesn't deserve the same amount of credit as the first three though as the liner is not actually waterproof.

However Clarins Instant Liner does stay in place and will take you from day to evening easily with no need to touch up. The jet black shade is impressive and the foam applicator brush is sturdy, so you can achieve a thin, sophisticated flick or a thick, kohl-like line.

Top tip - make sure you allow for drying time, otherwise the liquid liner will print onto your lid and smudge.

Clarins Instant Liner is £19.50 and available from Clarins.co.uk

Rating: 9/10 - if it was waterproof it would have easily scored a 10.

Stila Pomegranate Crush Lip & Cheek Stain Review

If you like fruity scented beauty products then you'll love Stila's pomegranate lip & cheek stain (although it doesn't taste quite as nice as it smells).

While brush tip might look like it would make it easier to apply, don't be fooled. It actually makes it much harder to achieve a precise line, so a lip liner essential when using this product.

It has more of a liquid consistency compared to other lip stains and feels a lot glossier when it's on, so if you're looking for a lip stain with a glossy finish this is a product for you. For this reason I'd avoid using this on your cheeks as you could end up with shiny, sticky skin.

Stila's Lip & Cheek Stain is available in seven shades, however Pomegranate is great for achieving a bold, rich red lip and tapping into the ladylike beauty trend for AW11.

Stila's Lip & Cheek Stain costs £16 and is available online at Feelunique.com with free delivery.

Rating: 6/10 - the colour is amazing, however the glossy texture means it doesn't quite 'stain' lips and offer long wear.

Ojon Dry Recovery Intensive Hydrating Hair Mask Review

There's something quite deceiving about hair masks that promise to transform and rehydrate hair in a matter of minutes, however Ojon might have just edged closer to the mark with it's Recovery Intensive Hydrating Hair Mask.

While it doesn't work complete miracles on dry and damaged tresses, hair is definitely easier to manage and comb through with just one use. Packed full of nourishing oils and ingredients such as Jojoba oil and shea butter, just from reading the packaging you can see why this product is good for hair. To get the best out of the hair mask though ignore the directions.

After shampooing, squeeze excess water out of your hair and, in small sections, run the mask through from root to tip with your fingers. Then massage into your scalp gently, leave on for five minutes and rinse thoroughly. If hair is super dry, use hair oil after towel drying, this will help lock in moisture and keep hair smooth.

Ojon's Recovery Intensive Hydrating Hair Mask will be available in the UK later this month. For more information visit Ojon.co.uk.

Rating: 7/10 - if the central heating dries out your hair, this is a great product to introduce into your weekly haircare routine.

Aromatherapy Associates Overnight Repair Mask Review

Frankincense is a key ingredient in Aromatherapy Associates Overnight Repair Mask and gets to work relaxing and rejuvenating skin while you sleep.  Mixed with rose and strawberry seed extract, frankincense also provides the strong aromatic scent, and fatty acids, which repair skin and work against anti-ageing. 

The mask itself is clear, so it won't come off on bed sheets and you don't wake up looking like a zombie.

For the best results exfoliate beforehand and keep the product on overnight.

Without a doubt skin feels nourished and tighter in the morning. While the packaging suggests leaving the mask on after waking, skin does feel fresher after going through your regular morning beauty regime.

Aromatherapy Associates Overnight Repair Mask costs £46, which is expensive especially for 50ml, but a little goes a long way and the results are worth it. It is available at Aromatherapyassociates.com.

Rating: 9/10 - I use this religiously every Sunday night to give my skin a fresh start each week.

Aveda Color Options Eye Shadow Transformer Review

The Color Option's Eye Shadow Transformer could well be a new hero product for Aveda.

When mixed with an eyeshadow, the gel like fluid intensifies the colour and gives it an almost metallic finish. Two drops of Aveda's magical formula reworks old eyeshadows into bold shades, it's a must-have product for creating a statement eye.

While the fluid works on all eyeshadows, the results are better on certain types of eyeshadows, especially Aveda's Color Options eyeshadows.

The Eye Shadow Transformer comes complete with a brush to mix and apply the eyeshadow.

Aveda's Color Option's Eye Shadow Transformer is £22.50 and available at Aveda.co.uk.

Rating: 6/10 - If it worked as well as it does on Aveda's eyeshadows as other brands, it would definitely be a 10.

Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Souffle Body Creme Review

The smell alone is enough to convert you into being the biggest fan of Laura Mercier's Almond Coconut Milk Souffle Body Creme. As soon as you unscrew the lid, a mix of almond, coconut and a hint of vanilla hits you.

The rich, heavy cream has a luxurious feel and gives skin a serious moisture boost. It's the perfect pampering product for your body. Packed full of vitamin A, C and E, the cream leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and conditioned.

Wrapped in a glass pot, this body cream would make an ideal gift too.

Laura Mercier's Almond Coconut Milk Souffle Body Creme is £43.50 and is available from SpaceNK.co.uk

Rating: 8/10 - it's expensive, but it won't let you down. The body cream lost a couple of points though as the scent can be a little overpowering if you use it all over.

Topshop Cheeks Highlighter Review

For a mere £10 it's hard to fault Topshop's Cheeks multi-purpose highlighter. The stick makes it super easy to apply whether you're looking to define your cheekbones or just give skin a hint of colour.

Although it has a creamy texture, it feels more like a lightweight powder when it's on. The subtle shimmer gives skin a healthy glow, so it's the perfect highlighter for the day or evening.

The highlighter also doubles up as a lip colour, although it can dry out your lips so make sure you apply lip balm as a base. 

Unfortunately there are only three shades available at the moment, but hopefully there will be more to come in the future.

Topshop's Cheeks in 'Prism' is available at Topshop.com for £10. 

Rating: 8/10 - this is a great beauty buy with a seriously low price tag.

Avon Supershock Gel Liner Review

This is by far one of the best budget eyeliners I've tried. It literally glides on and you can achieve anything from a fine line to a thick, smudged and sultry smoky eye.

It's a great every day make-up bag buy. There is one flaw though and that is, it's not smudge or waterproof, so while it will go on perfectly, it won't necessarily stay there all day, especially on the bottom lashes.

Avon's Supershock Gel Liner costs £2.50 from Avon.co.uk.

Rating: 7/10 - if it was waterproof it would definitely be topping the 9/10's.

Michael Van Clarke 3 More Inches Treatment Review

Despite promising to transform hair in a matter of weeks, I'm not convinced by Michael Van Clarke's 3 More Inches Pre-Shampoo Treatment. While hair is left feeling smoother and sleeker after the application, the results only last for one wash, so it's doubtful such a formula would definitely prevent split ends and hair breakages by 25%.

Another issue I have with this product is its impracticality. Hair has to be dry and product-free before you use the treatment, which isn't helpful for the majority of people who use heat protection or hair spray.

However, if you are keen to try this product I recommend using it all over your hair and not just on the ends for a fully moisturised finish.

Michael Van Clarke's 3 More Inches Pre-Shampoo Treatment is £29 and available at SpaceNK.co.uk.

Rating: 2/10 - The formula doesn't match up to the high price tag and the results don't last for long enough.

YSL Luxurious Mascara Shocking Volume Review

Yves Saint Laurent's new mascara for AW11 definitely offers a false lash effect. The formula smothers lashes and offers a dramatic look. If you're looking for sheer volume, YSL's Luxurious Mascara Shocking Volume is the ticket.

The best bit is the brush with multi-directional bristles you can apply the first coat with the wand horizontal and the second with the wand vertical, so lashes are separated.

It's worth noting that this isn't a lengthening mascara and can feel quite heavy, so you if you're looking for longer lashes opt for a lighter mascara.

YSL Luxurious Mascara Shocking Volume is £22 and is available from Selfridges.co.uk in six shades.

Rating: 9/10 if you're looking for volume and instantly thicker lashes, 3/10 if you're looking for a good all rounder.

Biotherm Oligo Thermal After Sun Face Cream Review

Biotherm's Oligo Thermal After Sun Face Cream is packed full of goodness to repair and protect your skin from the sun. With pro-vitamin B5 to heal irritation, vitamin E to protect and shea butter to provide the ultimate moisture, this cream really will help relieve sun-exposed sun.

The thick creamy consistency is much heavier than your usual face cream, however it coats skin leaving it feeling cooler and thoroughly moisturised.

Biotherm's cream even works on sunburn and stops skin peeling. It is available at Harrods for £19.50.

Rating: 10/10 - this cream is a holiday must-have for all skin types.