Product placement

I decided to hit the make up counters recently to see what all the fuss is re some new products on the market.

My findings are very honest, but it’s just my opinion of course. Some are fabulous and some ... let’s just say not so ab fab.

First up was Plump It. You guessed it, a lip plumper.

I read lots of reviews saying it was ‘the best plumper they had ever tried’, ‘can’t live without it’ , ‘amazing’ etc. In fact, I didn’t come across a single mediocre review never mind a poor one.

So I ordered it and ... it is not great! It feels nice and moisturising when you first apply it then, as expected, it starts to tingle and sting slightly.

I waited a good five minutes before running to the mirror to discover... absolutely nothing. I thought I’d used too little so applied another coat.

That hurt! It began to sting to the point I tried licking it off quick, big mistake! So a disappointing result for Plump It.

Not to worry, next up was the brand NYX which is available at larger Boots stores.

I’d heard great things about this brand so I decided to try a few items. I got their dark circle concealer as it’s so difficult to find one that doesn’t leave your under eye area looking dry and crinkly.

The miracle ingredient here seems to be coconut oil and it’s by far the best one I have used.

I tend to use Bobbi Brown correctors but I loved this because it is so moisturising. And if you have a more mature skin, then this is for you.

It glides on a dream and says put with amazing coverage. I am delighted with this. One for me and one for the work kit. 10/10 NYX.

I also purchased NYX Born to Glow liquid illuminator in Gleam.

It’s supposed to add a lovely summer glow to your skin and is available in a variety of shades. I buffed it on with a stipple brush and voilà, gorgeous!!

It made my skin glow without looking too sparkly or shiny, it just left it looking healthy, so another 10/10 to NYX

Vivid Brights liquid liner was next so I plumped for violet. My eyes are green so this is a great shade to enhance the colour. Another hit, it’s fabulous!

Its very pigmented with a great felt tip type brush for easy application. They have about 10 shades to choose from and they are all gorgeous. This is more of a statement look, they’re not called Vivid Brights for nothing. It’s also has amazing staying power. 10/10 again for NYX. Finally I wanted to try their lip primer as liquid lipsticks and matte shades are so popular just now.

It definitely makes the lipstick feel more comfortable and not so dry.

I also found my lipstick stayed put longer than usual. So far I’m pretty impressed. It’s definitely one for the professional kit.

So, over to Anastasia Beverley Hills-modern Renaissance Palette.

A stunning 14 highly pigmented shades of neutral, berry and rust tones to create deep striking smokey eyes.

Not the best if you are just starting out with make up as the shades could look a bit daunting to apply.

But if you like to go for it and create deep smokey eyes for evening, this is gorgeous.

So that’s it, my splurge on newbies is complete. I’m definitely branching out into using different brands rather then sticking to my old faithfuls and it’s always exciting to add to my kit.

There are so many new products out there that are wonderful quality at great prices to try which is fabulous for a make up artist... and you.