It’s that time again… time for a li’l round up of the most impressive new beauty loot that crossed my desk and to kick off, allow me to introduce you to Lancôme Artliner 24H bold color precision eyeliner (R305).

If you’ve ever used a Lancôme Artliner before you’ll know it’s the shizzle’s nizzle; a fast-drying liquid liner with a sexy vinyl finish. The best bit, however, is that once it’s set, it doesn’t budge. I also like that the precision point felt tip applicator, if laid flat against your lid, covers a large surface area to create a nice, fluid line.

Anyway, Lancôme’s now launched ‘bold color’ Artliners, a new collection of the liners in super striking hues like blue, teal, purple and an array of metals that include silver, gold, copper and chrome. I was given one of the more metallic shades, a colour called Jade, which could best be described as being a metallic olive. It’s the kind of shade I think would look awesome on anyone with fair skin and brown eyes.

Having given it a bash a few times I can attest to the fact that yes, it’s super easy to apply, even for any eyeliner novices, and that once it’s on the colour stay put. No smearing, fading or shade mutating; it’s all good from dusk til dawn.

Moving on, let’s chat about Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream The Iconic Collection.

On the 14th of this month, Arden will launch yet another limited edition Eight Hour Cream collection consisting of their bestselling Eight Hour Cream skin protectant (R165) and lip protectant stick and this time it’s called The Iconic Collection. Inspired by current fashion trends, the packaging features colour blocking, the bright gem-like hues of the season (tres Gavin Rajah) and striking gold figure 8’s.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a fab beauty gift for any of the meisies in your life, either the balm or the stick are total goodies. I mean, do you know anyone who’d go ‘Gosh, I can’t think of a way to use this up?’ Yes. Exactly.

Next up? Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream Eyes (price TBA, selected Woolworths stores).

My first thoughts upon spotting this product in store were a bit of a bitch fest: ‘Really? Yet another YSL Touché Éclat knock off? But this time it’s riding the BB bandwagon? God…’ Still, this totally surprised my jaded snarky ass in that yes, it does conceal and illuminate a la TE, but also promises to treats dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles over time thanks to hydrating hyaluronic acid, soothing chamomile and decongesting caffeine.

While I haven’t used it long enough to tell you if it lives up to its treatment claims, I’m impressed that all the actives needed to do the job are listed right at the top of the ingredients list, meaning they’re in there in good concentration.

As far as concealing goes, this pen’s a gem in that the formula’s nice and thick so it actually offers very good coverage. Also, once it’s on, it stays put and doesn’t feather into the fine lines beneath my eyes. In short? Two very satisfied thumbs up.

Last but not least let’s talk about Avon’s new cruelty-free nylon-bristle brushes.

There are actually six in the mix and the price tags are all very decent in that you’re looking at between R59,95 and R129. I wasn’t in love with the kabuki or powder brush; the bristles aren’t concentrated enough for my liking, but I’ve really enjoyed using the foundation brush (R89,95, currently on special for R49,95), eye shadow brush (R54,95, currently on special for R34,95) and concealer brush (R59,95, currently on special for R49,95).

The foundation brush’s bristles are perfectly ‘dense’ and the brush itself is just the right size to work around my nose and eye sockets. The finish it creates is fabulous.

The flat-topped eye shadow brush is also perfectly sized and does a great job of getting shadow onto my eye lids and, whoever thought of adding a smudger to the back end was a total genius. I still reach for my trust MAC 217 bullet brush though; I like to use that to work colour into the crease and blend, blend, blend.

As for the concealer brush, I’ve been using it as a lip brush. For me, it’s the perfect size and transfers colour in smooth, even strokes. This works just as well for its intended use too – under the eyes – but I simply prefer a slightly bigger brush for my eye area if I’m not simply using my fingers.

So, did you spot anything you’re keen to try yourself? Chat to me in the comments section.

Love, love

Leigh