Louise Gray Nail Polish Review

With a reputation for bright colours and bold designs, Louise Gray's make-up range for Topshop was never going to be an array of traditional autumnal shades in traditional powdery formulations. In keeping with Gray's trademark style the collection is a mix of eclectic pinks, oranges, greens and a rather impressive blue eyeliner.

Despite the bold shades, all the products are wearable with the most accessible being the nail polish. With chunky pieces of glitter, the polishes tap nicely into the glitter beauty trend for AW12, while the range of colours brighten the tone.

The pink shade needs at least two layers if you're wearing it on its own, but it also doubles up as a sparkly top coat. Watch out for the painting the glitter pieces too close to your tips though as they chip much easier.

Louise Gray's Nail Polishes are available now from Topshop.com for £6.50.

Rating: 9/10 - Perfect for adding a touch of sparkle to your Autumn wardrobe.

Aerin Rose Lip Conditioner Review

There has been a lot of speculation as to what to expect from Aerin's, heiress to the giant Estee Lauder company, brand new collection which takes her name. Having revealed that the beauty line would be a collection of essentials from a foundation and lip conditioner with lipstick to a hand and body cream and a selection of brushes.

Drawing inspiration from her favourite things, Aerin's aim was to create a range of essential products that offer women effortless beauty. The Rose Lip Conditioner comes in a clean and chic tube, familiar but not too similar to the traditional Estee Lauder packaging, and has a strong rose scent. 

The consistency is quite thick, but doesn't leave a sticky finish - it's more balm-like, which makes it feel instantly moisturising. Coming in 'nude', the lip conditioner gives lips a slight shimmer, but nothing too obvious. 

As far the Rose Lip Conditioner goes, Aerin has succeeded in her aim to make effortless, but still luxurious essential beauty buys. However, the apple does fall too far from the tree and this collection will be an instant hit with loyal Estee Lauder fans, but most people might struggle to define the difference between Aerin and Estee Lauder.

Aerin's Rose Lip Conditioner launches in September from Esteelauder.co.uk.

Rating: 8.5/10 - It does everything required, but hopefully when they add to the range in seasons to come they will add a few tinted conditioners too. 

Ilia Lipstick Review

Using a combination of waxes, Ilia lipsticks are as natural as lipsticks get and have a super soft, balmy texture. Admittedly you do have to reapply the colour throughout the day, but the hint of a tint shades make it possible to slap on your stick without the help of a mirror.

The nourishing formula is focused more on conditioning rather than colouring lips and is packed full of natural moisturisers including jojoba oil, cocoa butter and vitamin E. The actual name for these lip products is actually 'lip conditioners' for this reason, but they look and give the finish of a very slightly glossy lipstick. With a bold vs soft colour range, there is definitely a shade and finish for everyone in the six-shade collection .

While the lip balm texture and natural credentials are impressive, it is the chic packaging that steals the show. Made in the place as Tom Ford, the recycled aluminum gives the collection a luxury finish.

Ilia lipsticks are £20 each and available online from Beingcontent.com.

Rating: 7/10 - it's really rare that you find a natural beauty brand that offers such a luxurious product. Plus the limited edition lipsticks come in amazing pops of colour!  

Clarins 3 Dot Liner Review

Moving away from the standard felt tip or pencil liners, Clarins is transforming the way we use our eyeliner this season with its new and innovative design. Make way for the 3-Dot Liner. With three ink dispensers, the idea behind this new beauty product is that by pressing along the base of the your lashes you can achieve a straight and even line by simply joining up the dots.

The actual pads are soft on your eyelids and the formula dries quickly, so you don't need to worry about smudging. For those wanting to give lashes a thicker more volumised finish, this liner is the perfect companion for any mascara.

While it does take two applications to build up a rich jet black shade and strong line, once the formula has dried it doesn't budge or fade. So much so, you will need a very good eye make-up remover to take it off at night.

Clarins 3-Dot Liner, £20 and is available from Clarins.co.uk from September.

Rating: 10/10 - For those wanting a define their eyes with a classic liner look, this beauty product will put an end to your daily struggle of making both eyes look the same. Put simply, this eyeliner makes eye make-up hassle-free.  

Benefit Ultra Plush Lip Gloss Review

The name ‘lip gloss’ is almost deceiving as Benefit’s new lip product has a sticky-free formula that feels more like a balm. Gone are the days of a mouthful of hair on a windy day, instead Benefit has created a truly intriguing lip product with the soft texture and shimmery finish.

With nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, the Ultra Plush Lip Gloss’ won’t leave your lips feeling dry either.

There’s more to the lip gloss than just a good formula though. Each gloss is paired with one of Benefit’s best selling powders including bronzed Hoola and pretty Dandelion. For a pop of colour to compliment your summer tan opt for Coralista!

Benefit Ultra Plush Lip Gloss is £14.50 and will be available from Benefitcosmetics.co.uk from July.

Rating: 10/10 – Teaming a balm with a gloss is genius and there’s a shade to suit everyone.

Liz Earle Healthy Glow Cream Blush Review

Following on from the successful launch of the tinted moisturiser last year, Liz Earle has created a whole make-up range. In keeping with the brand's style, the collection is straight-forward, easy to use and most products are multi-taskers. 

The Healthy Glow Cream Blush does exactly what it says on the box. With a soft texture you can apply with your fingers or a brush directly onto the apples of your cheeks and then blend down your cheekbones for a more defined finish.

For a fresh country-walk glow opt for the ‘Peony’ shade. While it might look bright in the compact, it is easy to blend and will give your cheeks a gorgeous rosy touch. The Cream Blush can also be used on lips too to complete your look.

Liz Earle’s Healthy Glow Blush is £16.50 and available from Lizearle.com.

Rating: 9/10 – Quick and easy to use – a great handbag beauty buy.

Tom Ford Cream Color For Eyes Review

Mr Ford has done it again and blown the beauty industry away with his latest make-up offerings. Soft to touch and simple to use, the velvety cream color for eyes eyeshadows are easily this summer’s must-have make-up buy.

Whether you apply with your finger or with a brush, the cream glides onto your lids with no need to blend or layer up the colour. The finish is a gorgeous, sexy shimmer without a hint of glitter, making it the perfect eye make-up to compliment your summer glow.  Long-lasting with no need to keep reapplying or fear of the colour fading, makes this beauty buy the perfect investment.

Tom Ford’s Cream Color For Eyes is £28 and available from Selfridges.com.

Rating: 10/10 – it is worth every penny and a little goes a long way, so the pot will last beyond the summer.

Bobbi Brown Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara Review

It's one of the best selling beauty brands - if not the top performer for John Lewis judging by the size of the new counter in the Oxford Street flagship store - and Bobbi Brown has countless award-winning products including the beauty editors favourite, the long wear gel liner and gorgeous the shimmer bricks. Surprisingly though none of Bobbi Brown's mascaras have taken home any prizes.

The Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara launched last year and does exactly what it promises: longer, glamorous lashes in seconds. With widely spaced bristles, the wand combs through lashes, separating and coating each lash without even a hint of clumping. The deep black colour rules out the need for a second coat and the formula stays put all day, so much so you will need a good eye make-up remover to take it off.

Creating a mascara that creates impressively long lashes with no clumps for less than £20 is no mean feat - Bobbi Brown we salute you. 

Bobbi Brown's Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara is £18,  available from Bobbibrown.co.uk.

Rating: 8/10 - Great mascara for adding definition and length, but those who prefer volume might not be 100% content.

Bourjois Liner Feutre Review

With a felt tip end, Bourjois’ Liner Feutre offers optimum precision for those who like a flicked corner.

The black colour does need layering to achieve a jet black finish, but the formula dries within seconds so it is quick and easy to apply. The winning feature of this eyeliner though is its staying power. If you’re someone who likes a bold block of eyeliner on your top lid, but are fed up with the smudging and printing onto your browline, then this is a liquid liner for you. Come rain or shine this eyeliner stays in place all day long.

Bourjois Liner Feutre is £6.99 and is available from Boots.com.

Rating: 8/10 – While it takes a couple of attempts to achieve a rich black shade, the longevity makes this liquid eyeliner one of the best available. Plus you get change from a tenner!

Topshop Sisters Of The New Moon Crystal Lipstick Review

Topshop has definitely put the fun back into make-up with the SS12 Sisters of the New Moon collection, most namely the lipstick in Crystal shade. To look at, the lipstick looks like it might belong to Barbie with the bubblegum pink flecked with glitter. However once it’s on lips the finish is wearable with a gorgeous shimmer and hint of pink.

As ever with lipsticks you will need to reapply this one throughout the day and evening, but it’s a fun colour with quirky packaging, making Topshop’s lipstick perfect for the summer and setting off your sun kissed glow. It’s selling out, so you’ll need to be fast though!

Topshop’s Sisters of the New Moon Lipstick in Crystal is £9 and available from Topshop.com.

Rating: 8/10 – Yes you’ll need to give lips a swipe of lip balms after wearing this lipstick and it doesn’t last all day, but it’s a fun lipstick in a shimmery shade! If you can get your hands on it’s definitely worth buying!

Dolce and Gabbana Perfect Finish Concealer Pen Review

Dolce & Gabbana’s Perfect Finish Concealer Pen is as luxurious as a concealer can get packaging wise and the formula isn’t far off.

The soft brush tip makes it easy to apply and the consistency is silky allowing you to use your finger to blend. The formula dries within seconds and has a discreet, matte finish to disguise dark circles.

Concentrate on the area below the inner corner of your eye and try adding a touch of concealer to the sides of your nose where it meets your eye socket at the narrowest part – you’ll be surprised at how much brighter and wider your eyes look!

Make sure you use your eye cream before the Dolce & Gabbana concealer though otherwise the finish can look a little chalky. 

Dolce and Gabbana’s Perfect Finish Concealer Pen is £24 and available exclusively from Harrods.com.

Rating: 5/10 – It’s tough to give this beauty product too high a rating as it is competing with the original, YSL’s Touche Eclat, which is only £2 more and comes in seven more shades. 

Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen Review

Soft gel liners are rarely smudge-proof and Pixi’s Endless Silky Eye Pen is no exception. While the smudging is disappointing, the softness of the eyeliner does come in handy and makes it easy to apply – it literally glides on to your eyelids.

If you’re a smoky eye fan the softer texture is without a doubt a bonus as you can use your finger or a brush to blend, however the eyeliner doesn’t smudge too much, so you can still frame and define your eyes.

While it might smudge, the formula is relatively waterproof and will make your eye make-up remover prove its worth.

For less than a tenner, Pixi’s Endless Silky Eye Pens are definitely worth trying out as they have impressively intense shades. In fact, they’re definitely one of the better gel eyeliners in this price bracket, especially if you enjoy experimenting with different shades.

Pixi’s Endless Silky Eye Pens are £9.50 each and available from Boots.com.

Rating: 5/10 – Good value for money considering the rich colours, but not necessarily a must-have eyeliner for all ages.

Sanctuary Skin Perfecting BB Cream Review

Yet another BB cream to hit the beauty shelves, but is it as good as the popular Garnier BB cream? The Sanctuary’s Skin Perfecting BB Cream is slightly more expensive and promises to hydrate, illuminate and protect skin.

The ingredients list looks promising with hydrating hyaluronic acid and nourishing grape seed oil on top of several silcas to soak up excess oil and disguise fine lines.

When put to the test, the Sanctuary's BB cream isn’t bad. Although the shade comes out scarily dark, the tone lightens as you apply and does even out skin tone well. The lotion is light and soaks in quickly, and it does contain SPF 15 protection so it's ideal for everyday use.

While it doesn’t provide the same amount of coverage as your foundation and concealer might, the Sanctuary’s BB cream certainly gives your complexion a boost and makes your skin look brighter and healthier.

As with all BB creams though it won’t do the job of your moisturiser, so apply your day cream underneath.

Sanctuary’s Skin Perfecting BB Cream is £14.99 and available from Thesanctuary.co.uk.

Rating: 6.5/10 – There’s definitely enough to like about this beauty product, especially as it’s so light in texture, but it is not revolutionary in its results.

Mii Cosmetics Defining Eye Pencil Review

If you want to master a Bridget Bardot style flick and rock SS12’s feline eye make-up Mii’s Defining Eye Pencil is a must-have beauty product.

The firm pencil eyeliner makes sculpting the perfect flick easy and allows you to draw fine lines as well as thick blocks as your reach the outer corner of your upper eyelid.

As with most eyeliners, Mii’s is prone to smudging slightly once it’s on but you won’t end up with it half way down your cheeks and it doesn’t crumb as you’re applying it.

Overall this is a great beauty product to have in your make-up bag, especially if you want to create a wide-eyed make-up look and should be on your shopping list.

Mii Cosmetic’s Defining Eye Pencil is £8.95 from Miicosmetics.com.

Rating: 7/10 – While it does still smudge slight, for change from a tenner this is still a great value beauty buy.

Rituals Nail Polish Review

It's a fact: Rituals should be renowned for its good quality, high performance nail polishes. The SS12 collection is comprised of pretty shades of pink, from deep Late Night Ruby to bright pops of Rebel Rose. Every colour in the collection is perfect for both fingers and toes, and has a glossy, high-shine finish.

Shades aside, the actual formula is what is most impressive about these nail varnishes. Just one coat will last you for at least three days without chipping and the shade comes out bold enough to pretend that you have painted on two coats. With this in mind, make sure you use a base polish before coating on the colour to make removing the nail polish easier and avoid staining your nails.

Rituals Nail Polishes are £8.90 and available from Rituals.com.

Rating: 9/10 - For less than £10, this is a great nail polish that lasts. Lets hope Rituals brings out more colours! 

Max Factor Fantasy Fire Nail Polish Review

If you haven't already heard Max Factor's 'Fantasy Fire' nail polish has become one of the most coveted shades of 2012 so far. So much so it's been reported that six months worth of this specific shade sold out within three weeks and one customer even purchased fifty at one time to ship off to friends and family around the globe.

Why the sudden craze? 'Fantasy Fire' is almost identical to a discontinued Clarins' nail lacquer and beauty bloggers have been going crazy for it.

From the bottle it looks like any glitter-flecked, metallic burgundy nail polish, but when you apply it comes out like a bluey purpley with glitter. With more of a watery consistency you will need to use at least two coats of polish to build up a solid shade. Some bloggers have experimented and this shade can also work as a top coat over different colours.

While the colour is definitely interesting, unfortunately the formula itself doesn't live up to its description on the bottle and even with two coats, it does chip easily.

Max Factor's 'Fantasy Fire' Nail Polish is £3.99 from Boots.com.

Rating: 5/10 - If you love the colour you probably won't feel too let down by the formula, however if you're someone who only likes to paint your nails once or twice a week this isn't the nail polish for you.

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain Review

Finding the balance between a gloss, a stain and a lipstick is no mean feat, but Yves Saint Laurent might have just nailed it with the new Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain.

With the colour effect of a lipstick, the finish of a lip gloss and the longevity of a lipstain, this is beauty product is revolutionary and definitely one for your make-up bag, especially if you want to tap into the bright lips beauty trend for summer.

The consistency is like a gloss, but smooth and stick-free. While the glossy finish doesn't last much longer than your standard lip gloss, the colour does and lips are stained for the majority of the day. The formula isn't packed full of nourishing ingredients, but lips don't feel or look dry and cracked at the end of the day. Interestingly, unlike some lipstains YSL's has a fruity, almost raspberry flavour, which definitely adds a little more luxury to this beauty product.

On first glance the beauty product could be mistaken for a nail polish with the boxy packaging, however the wand gives it away. The flat, slightly slanted brush with a pointed tip makes application quick, precise and easy to do while you're on the go.

At the moment there are 18 different shades ranging from statement plums and classic reds to soft, feminine pinks. Compared to standard lipstains, the price is relatively reasonable for what you get, but the key is choosing a shade that you will definitely wear.

Yves Saint Laurent's Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain is £22.50 and available from Yslbeauty.co.uk.

Rating: 9/10 - As lip products go this is definitely one to invest in if you like having colour on your lips without having to constantly reapply.

Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam Foundation Review

First things first, be warned when you open this foundation as it can be messy. Lightly press the cap to release the formula. If you press too heavily you run the risk of your hand being covered in the foam.

You only need about a hazelnut sized amount of the foam to cover your face properly.

The foam texture is really easy to use and blends well into you skin, although as with all foundations it is essential that you find the right shade for your skin tone. Maybelline’s Dream Nude Airfoam Foundation has more of a matte finish and while it does provide a good coverage using too much will give you a cakey finish.

It is incredibly lightweight and feels like a second skin once its dried, which is surprising considering the low price point. If you don’t usually wear foundation this is perfect for occasions when you want a bit more coverage as it doesn’t feel heavy, but does do the job.

However, whether you’re a foundation pro or virgin, getting the best results will take practice.

Maybelline’s Dream Nude Airfoam Foundation is £6.99 and is available from Boots.com.

Rating: 5/10 – It’s one of those products that you’ll either love or hate. The foam formula does take some getting used to, but the finish is impressive, especially for the price point.

Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint Review

Liz Earle’s skincare, most namely the Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser has been widely acclaimed as the best available so it’s no surprise that she has turned her attention to make-up. The Sheer Skin Tint is the first of three make up launches to be unveiled over the next year.

The creamy, rich formula feels like a foundation at first touch and if you’re not an avid make-up wearer it might feel too heavy. However, once you’ve blended it into your skin and its dried it does feel considerably lighter.

Available in three shades, ‘Bare’ is very light and provides fair-skin with a fresh-faced, pearly shimmer, while ‘Beige’ the medium shade offers a hint of colour to boost your complexion.

If you’re fair skinned, but do want a natural golden glow you can either mix both the shades together or dilute ‘Beige’ with your moisturiser. The latter is perfect for those who have dry to combination skin.

The formula includes moisturising avocado oil and protecting natural vitamin E, although using moisturiser before applying the Sheer Skin Tint is still highly recommended, as it will sit better on smoother, moisturised skin.

It’s also worth noting that Liz Earle’s Sheer Skin Tint does include a mineral UV protection SPF15 making it ideal for all year round wear.

Liz Earle’s Sheer Skin Tint is £21 and is available from Lizearle.com.

Rating: 8/10 – This is a great alternative to foundation for those who don’t like wearing too much make-up and it gives your complexion a radiant glow that does last a full day at work.

Diorshow New Look Mascara Review

Combining all the qualities of a great lengthening mascara with an eyelash serum gives Diorshow New Look Mascara serious brownie points. With active ingredients, the Lash Multiplier serum treatment helps strengthen and thicken your eyelashes to not only improve the effects of the mascara, but also to promote healthier natural lashes.

Using Royal Jelly extract the treatment nourishes eyelashes and reinforces at the lash line to ensure rejuvenated, thicker lashes. The formula also contains Dior’s exclusive Dior Black Glass pigment, which has light reflecting particles that create a 3D jet-black colour effect.

The most impressive thing about the formula though is its staying power. Come rain or shine this mascara won’t budge, smudge or flake. However it does mean you’ll need a good eye make-up remover to get it off.

Aside from the formula, Dior has also created a new nano brush, which mixes supple rubber with resistant plastic for easier, precise application. The bristles are structured in two parts, so the root of your lashes are fully loaded with formula. The shape and style of the brush is great for coating both your top and bottom lashes, even the shorter, finer ones.

Despite the packaging promising both volume and length, like all mascaras Diorshow New Look is much more giving to the latter. While eyelashes do look instantly longer, they don’t have the volumising va-va-voom of mascaras like YSL’s Luxurious Mascara Shocking Volume.

   

Diorshow New Look Mascara is £23 and available from Selfridges.com.

Rating: 7/10 – If you were just looking for a lengthening mascara this one would get full marks, but for an all round finish it does lack the volumised finish.