Tried & tested: On counter in December

The BD team road-tests new and noteworthy products hitting stores this December.

COVERGIRL TruNaked Eyeshadow Palette - Tamara
What it is: The Covergirl TruNaked Eyeshadow Palette is an offering of eyeshadows in 8 differing shades that are lightly scented.
My experience: I was lucky enough to try out the TruNaked Eyeshadow Palette in the colour ‘Chocoholic’. This eyeshadow was a stand out from the moment I picked it up! It offers 8 shades of shadows ranging from Nude through to a deep shimmery chocolate colour and to stick true to its ‘Chocoholic’ name, some of the shadows are event chocolate scented! With 8 shades on offer there is an endless number of combinations to be had; and on the back of the palette there is a guide to get you on your way to the perfect combination of shades to use to create Natural, Smoky or Dramatic eyes. The colours are highly pigmented to give you good colour and coverage and this eyeshadow glides on like velvet!

Designer Brands Brilliant Skin Bronzer & Contour Duo - Issy
What it is: A compact consisting of bronzer and illuminator duo.
My experience: I used the palette in ‘bronze glow’ to compliment my tanned skin and to brighten and highlight my features. The duo is very pigmented, with the bronzer providing definition to my cheekbones, whilst the warmer shade of the illuminator provided a subtle highlight. Both shades are easily blendable, providing long wear throughout the day.

Ultraceuticals Ultra Smoothing Pore Refiner - Jess
What it is: An exfoliating serum designed to smooth your skin
My experience: I’ve been loving using this serum! I’ve never strayed from hydrating serums so it’s been great to see what else they can do. The night after I use it my skin is noticeably brighter and smoother, and my makeup seems to go on better and give a smoother finish. I’ve used chemical exfoliants that have left a burning sensation on my skin, but this one doesn’t. I thought that would mean it was less effective but no, the results have been awesome. It's a great product to use this time of year as we spend more time outdoors with less makeup on, to get our skin in tip top shape.

Ella Baché BONBON - Steph
What it is: A cute and festive gift-set featuring two-mini’s: Créme Jojoba and Special Eye Cream.
My experience: The fun of this gift set is definitely the packaging! The BONBON is such a cute novelty that still looks gorgeous and luxe. The two mini’s inside have come in handy while travelling recently as they are the perfect size to grab and go. The Créme Jojoba has done such a great job of keeping my skin hydrated and fresh, while the Special Eye Cream has definitely helped pep and revive my complexion after a lot of late nights. This is the perfect duo to have handy this party season!

Bourjois Little Round Blush Pot Riviera Collection - Limited Edition - Tiarne
What it is: A limited-edition collectable blush pot.
My experience: I’ve been using this blush over the last few days, and I’m really loving the results so far! I’ve found it super easy to apply and blend, which is exactly what I look for in a quality blush. Depending on the occasion, you can also go for different looks – less for natural, or more for a bit of drama. I love how pigmented it is – you can see the colour straight away, plus it lasts the entire day! The scent is pleasant without being overbearing and the packaging is definitely a winner. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to add a bit of colour to their face.

Natio Rosewater Hydration Deep Hydration Face Mask - Emily
What it is: A luxurious face mask providing a surge of pure Rosewater, Hyaluronate and botanical moisturisers. Deeply nourishes skin with Rosehip, Sesame Oil and and Shea Butter.
My experience: I have been using this face mask once weekly and can see a HUGE difference in my skin. The mask combines the hydrating properties of rosewater with sesame, almond and shea to hydrate thirsty skin.The cream absorbs fairly quickly and doesn’t leave the skin feeling heavy with product. The rosewater scent is so beautiful and not overpowering. This is the perfect face mask for the hot summer months!

Sisley Paris Le Phyto-Rouge - Rachel
What it is: A long-lasting, moisturising lipstick that combines the best of makeup and skincare.
My experience: I fell in love with this lipstick from the moment I opened the box. The lipstick is wrapped in a luxe velvet cover, revealing cool zebra/gold packaging. The colour - beige tahiti - is my dream nude colour and it glides on my lips flawlessly. The Hydrobooster Complex formula, which brings together two active ingredients - hyaluronic acid and konjac glucomannans - truly puts this lipstick above a lot of others I have tried! Not only does it have great colour pay off and longevity, but my lips feel nourished, soft and supple whilst wearing the lipstick and it even lends a plumping effect. Definitely my new, favourite everyday lippie!

Sisley Paris Izia Moisturising Perfumed Body Lotion - Tash
What it is: A fresh, light and silky body lotion, subtly perfumed with the floral and musky notes of Izia.
My experience: I was so excited for this body lotion to land on my desk as I have been in love with the Izia fragrance ever since I discovered it last year. This body lotion has a beautiful smooth consistency which instantly absorbed into my skin. Perfect to layer underneath the fragrance for long-lasting hydration on the skin plus a day-to-night scent that lasts for this party season.

Medik8 Micellar Mousse™ - Georgie
What it is: An ultra-gentle cashmere-soft cleansing mousse that quickly dissolves makeup and impurities to leave skin soft, supple and moisturised.
My experience: A beautiful cleanser that washes away all dirt and makeup in seconds! Perfect for those evenings when your nighttime skincare routine feels like the only thing between you and bed. It’s gentle on the skin and incredibly lightweight so good for sensitive skin sufferers as well.