Speed Review: Bobbi Brown, Marks & Spencer, Institut Esthederm, Inlight, Revlon

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge For Lips And Cheeks in Powder Pink
This has become a daily staple for me, but I can’t understand why it is sold as being for lips and cheeks. It far out-performs on cheeks and leaves lips looking way too matt and lacklustre for my liking. In fact, I’d say it highlights any dryness. As a crème blush, however, it’s a winner. £16.50.

Dupe Scoop From Marks & Spencer
I’m more than impressed with this Lip Gloss Wand from Marks & Spencer in Nude. A light shimmer with milky beige undertones makes this a perfect dupe for pricier nude glosses. It lasts as well as any other gloss I’ve used and costs £2.50. Need I say more?! www.marksandspencer.com

Institut Esthederm Eau Cellular Energizing Skin Care Water
A refreshing spritz designed to replenish vitality: I love Institut Esthederm products – especially their amazing Sun range that is the best I have ever used, but I just don’t get this product at all. The spritz got minerals and trace elements that supposedly help other products work more effectively, but I challenge whether it actually can or does. I suspect that there is probably no way to tell whether it does or it doesn’t, and it looks and feels like a product that is unnecessary. It’s only £13-ish compared to their suncare that comes in at around £35 a tube, so something isn’t adding up.

Revlon Lipgloss In Lilac Pastelle
In the tube, this looks scary-lilac, but on the lip translates to a nude-like shade with a lilac hint. Predicted to be the sell-out shade of spring, I can see why – it just has an edgy look with a pastel wash that is wearable and flattering. Impressed. £6.49 from March.

Estee Lauder Take It Away Make Up Remover Towelettes
I’m really having a Lauder moment – recently they’ve upped the ante colour-wise which has in turn made me relook at other products. These wipes (yes, it really is no good giving them the fancy name above – they’re wipes) are some of the best I’ve ever used…they get every last scrap of make up off the face and leave a moisturising film on the skin. Definitely a holiday or weekend away essential, where heavy bottles are a no-no. And, I liked the costing breakdown on the website; at £18.50 for a pack, it works out at 41p a swipe. www.esteelauder.co.uk

Mavala Nail Shield
If you suffer from weak nails, as I do, then this is your salvation. It seriously out-performs any other nail strengthening product I have ever used and it has found a permanent place in my beauty cupboard. Using firstly a coat of nylon fibres and strengthen the nails followed by a coat of sealer to smooth over, I’ve found my nails are unrecognisably improved and have a sneaky feeling it is making my nail varnish last longer, too. I found it for £13.50 on www.salonskincare.co.uk (RRP £15.95).

InLight Organic Night Balm
A blend of botanical oils – macademia, carrot and Evening Primrose – combined with lavender, sesame and sunflower make for probably the most moisturising balm I’ve ever used. It’s really for those with ultra dry skin, and if you are suffering from a chapped or very dehydrated complexion, I’d challenge you to find something to out-moisturise this gorgeously soft and pliable balm. The only downside I found was the smell, which is very botanical and earthy – but maybe that is a plus for those who love organics (and this brand’s credentials are impeccable) and skincare that doesn’t contain artificial fragrancing. £34, www.inlight-online.co.uk.