The year is drawing to a close and the biggest parties of the year are about to take place as we countdown to 2012. There really is not a better time to look for some fabulous beauty solutions, so this week I have decided to review some regulars in my makeup bag and weigh up the pros and cons of each to find THE PERFECT CONCEALER.
First on the agenda is an old favourite of mine that I often splurge on whilst roaming the aisles of Duty Free shopping in the Airport. Benefit’s Erase Paste comes in a small pot which you would think is pretty bad value, but actually it lasts for a surprisingly long time. It is one of those products that lives by the philosophy “a little bit goes a long way”.
Price: £18.00
Why buy?
· Good value for the amount it lasts
· Great coverage
· Compact design and packaging- a handbag MUST
Why not?
· There are cheaper alternatives
· Thick substance with a not-so-matte finish means that it can look shiny! Add a layer of powder to minimise the shiny face look
Overall: A solid 7.5/10
Next up is the more expensive option of the three. Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Eclat has been branded as one of the best and most revolutionary make up product of its time. So, naturally back in the early 2000’s, I ventured out to the shops to buy this so-called “miracle product”. I have to say that I was rather disappointed. It was going to take some astounding results to live up to the hype that was surrounding it but frankly, I just do not see how it works that well. It works best for under the eyes as the brush is soft for the thinner skin surrounding the eye and it gives light and natural looking coverage. But if you want to use it anywhere on the face, it is quite a disappointing product and lacks decent coverage.
Price: £22.00
Why buy?
· For tired eyes and older skin that is not as prone to blemishes, this product could be just perfect
· Made with some (and I mean only some!) nice natural ingredients that promote anti-aging
Why not?
· Far too expensive for how long it lasts
· If you have skin prone to blemishes, this is not the product for you
Overall: A solid 6/10 if you accept it for what it is. Good coverage for under the eyes, the rest…forget it.
So, some may say “saving the best till last” and in my opinion, this is certainly the case! I came across STILA when I was receiving some PR samples and I must say, I fell in love with the brand. The mascara is delightful as well as the stunning shades seen in their seasonal eye pallettes. However, the best product in the range is definitely the Perfecting Concealer. It comes in a few shades but all blend in very well and the coverage is very impressive. It is lightweight, natural and it lasts forever. I bought one of tubes back in October, use it every day and its still at least ¾ of the way full!
Price: £16.00
Why buy?
· Great coverage
· Great value
· Lasts FOREVER
· Tiny tube- perfect for any handbag
Why not?
· I really don’t have anything for this section. Says it all!
Overall: A solid 10/10 product- one which I think I would struggle to cope without!!
Right beautiful people- it is time for me to get prepared for my NYE party. So, enjoy the rest of the year, and I shall see you back here in 2012 with more posts about the best beauty must-haves!
Peace,
Olivia x
