Tried and tested: Putting tools and tints to the test
I’ve used this pro-quality brush for as long as I’ve worn foundation. The synthetic bristles make application super-smooth, quick and even. I need a tiny amount of foundation for it to completely cover my face. It is easily cleaned and lasts for at least 2 years.
Origins’ synthetic-bristle brushes are incredibly soft and feel great on sensitive skin. They apply foundation comfortably, quickly and evenly. The tapered, bevelled edge makes it easy to blend into contours.
This brush is slim and very easy to keep thoroughly clean. The bristles are synthetic and disperse the product evenly. The brand says the graduated tip makes for controlled blending. While it blended quickly and efficiently, I find this edge scratchy and uncomfortable, especially when I’ve recently exfoliated.
This brush has synthetic bristles but still seems to absorb foundation. I needed to use more than usual and the bristles were clumpy after just two applications. They are also very hard to clean. The tapered tip is good for getting into contours.
MAC’s latest Viva Glam lippy is a Christmas-y burgundy. The full retail price (less VAT) goes to the MAC AIDS Fund. This is a creamy, pure-colour lipstick that best suits a warm or dark skintone. A colour this dark can shrink lips, so try using a tonal liner just outside the lip line (keep it very close) and dab clear gloss at the centre of the lower lip.
A stain is the most natural way to wear this trend and creates Jolie-esque, just-bitten lips. It is not as spreadable as balm, so is best applied with a lip brush (or the tapered edge of a concealer/flat shadow brush). This shade is subtle and let me play up my eyes with metallics without looking overdone.
This two-step product includes a long-wearing liquid lipstick and moisturising gloss. Long-wear formulas tend to dry lips out, so the gloss is a plus. This lippy is especially good for work because it is durable and the ingredients are nonirritating. It will settle on dry patches, so lips need to be exfoliated before application.
Semi-sheer glosses are a great way for fair-skinned ladies to wear berry shades. This glitter-free gloss can be worn day or night, but needs regular touch-ups to prevent fading. Unfortunately, the formula contains peppermint oil. This potential irritant can cause dryness and collagen breakdown over time. The price also seems excessive for the product size.
This was created for the 2012 MAC collaboration with ex-Vogue Paris editor Carine Roitfeld. It is very similar to Shu Uemura’s much-praised original curler, which I’ve used for years. These are much cheaper. The rubber-padded clamp (pad-free curlers are useless) is easy to angle close to the lid and the curl is very strong.
The late Kevyn Aucoin was the original supermodels’ favourite makeup artist. I am thrilled with his curler. I have a lot of lashes and had never used one that captured them all in one clamp (even Shu Uemura’s can’t manage it). This broad, padded one is perfectly tailored for big eyes with lots of lashes. It didn’t catch my lids or crimp my outer lashes once.
Bobbi Brown is a great proponent of the natural look and her padded curler helps you make the most of bare lashes. This black metal curler is sturdy and very gently curved, making it easy to capture short lashes. The curl is considerable and makes eye look wide awake. The clamp didn’t quite manage to capture all my lashes but I’d recommend it on balance.
I’m very disappointed with this one. When it finally heats up, the wand gets hot enough to make your lid smart but not to hold a decent curl, it seems. The “teeth” do more to clump lashes than separate in a uniform fashion. It’s slim, lightweight and comes with an AA battery.
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