Product Reviews - the basics!

Everyday products for a make-up mad girl like me....

Concealer, foundation, bronzer/blusher, eye make-up (inc. mascara), lipgloss - PHEW!

1. Concealer
Ok, so Touche Eclat (YSL) is the concealer/highlighter for hiding bags and blemishes, but it also retails for around £22! I say save that for when you really need it, and in the meantime buy the far more reasonably priced L'Oreal Touche Magique. It really does do the trick just as well and comes in various shades to suit your skintone. And at £6.99 it's far more purse-friendly.

2. Foundation
Although mineral foundations are very popular at the moment, I find that they often don't offer enough coverage so I tend to go for a liquid foundation. Very handily, many of them come with a brush attached to help with application. I've tried the more expensive option, YSL Perfect Touch (£29) which really does give you a great glow, but again, it's a bit steep (I am a student after all!). So instead I tried Bourjois Brush Foundation (£11.70). It gives great coverage, it's very easy to apply thanks to the brush, and because of the 'clicky' action to release the liquid, you shouldn't waste any either!

3. Bronzer/blusher
A firm favourite of mine is Bourjois Little Round Pot Blush (around £6). It comes in a range of fresh shades and isn't very expensive at all. There's a little mirror in the lid of the pot, and a brush inside too - handy or what! I like Rose de Jaspe (95).

4. Eye make-up
My favourite! I wear eye make-up every day without fail so I have a lot of favourites, but I've picked a few of the best. For eyeshadow, I love Sleek Cosmetics (available at Superdrug) Divine Eyeshadow palettes. It comes in 3 varieties and at £4.50 for 12 shades you can afford all 3! Despite being so inexpensive, the shadow lasts all day, and because it's mineral-based it gives a great, deep colour. With a mirror and a brush included, what more could you ask for! I also always fill in my eyebrows to give them some definition, and the absolute best product for this is No7 Amazing Eyes Pencil (around £7). Mine lasts me ages, despite the fact that I use it everyday. Eyeliner next, and I'm a fan of Maxfactor Colour Perfection (around £5) because it's very black, and lasts all day. There's also a brown shade for those who prefer a more natural look. Finally, mascara - every woman's best friend. Diorshow Blackout Waterproof (£19.50) made my boyfriend ask if I was wearing false lashes, so it's definitely a showstopper, but trying to remove the stuff truly is a mission! For a more remover-friendly option, try Maxfactor Masterpiece Waterproof (around £9.99) which still gives you sexy lashes, without the hard work at the end of the day!

5. Lipgloss
I'm addicted to buying lipglosses but the one I always go back to is L'Oreal GlamShine 6hr (£6.99). It really does last that long and it's not too sticky unlike some other brands. A great neutral colour is Amber Fidelity (104), and once you've tried this you'll definitely be faithful!