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Brands that Bring it Across the Board

It dawned on me the other day that if I was to be put on the spot and asked to pinpoint my favourite beauty brand ever, I would probably end up ummm-ing and ahhh-ing for a good five minutes before concluding with a confused shrug. So deep I know. I can only imagine it’s like picking a favourite child (I jest, I jest). Though there are some brands who bring it across the board and who don’t really disappoint whatever product I decide to try and buy from them. So here they are; four VDM-approved suggestions that would be frontrunners for the aforementioned question…

Bourjois: This might seem like a little off-piste choice for me, but after mulling it over I’ve just been really impressed with most things that they launch these days. They really seem to bring it when it comes to base; offering one of the most popular drugstore foundations in the aisles, a bronzer that resides in most people’s stash somewhere and awesome cream blushes. Don’t even get me started on their nail polishes…

Best bits: BB Cream Bronzing Base 8-in-1, Cream Blush in 01 Nude Velvet, Colour Boost Lip Crayon in Peach on the Beach, Healthy Mix Serum Foundation and their Radiance Reveal version.

Laura Mercier: If push came to shove this brand would probably win the award for top dog. In fact I think I’ve touted it as my top choice before. Offering one of the best tinted moisturisers out there and in a pretty good colour range (which she’s planning to extend), Mercier is pretty much the Queen of the au naturale makeup approach. My Mum’s a fan of her eyeshadows, my best mate loves her lipsticks and me? Well I’m partial to a Lip Glacé or two.

Best bits: Foundation Primer in Radiance, Oil-Free Tinted Moisturiser, Lip Glacés in Nude Peach and Orange Tulip, Secret Camouflage, Metallic Créme Eye Colour.

Jouer: This brand is a new-ish discovery to me and almost like parred down Laura Mericer, Jouer bring a sheer and subtle beauty approach to the table. Exactly what I like to see. Nothing too wowzer going on colour-wise, just enhancing colours and natural textures that have that whole ‘no makeup, makeup’ thang down. I’m currently coveting the Lip and Cheek Tint in Honeysuckle, but their Matte Moisture Tint is always up there as a fave.

Best bits: Creme Eyeshadow Crayon, Lip and Cheek Tint, Tinted Lip Enhancer, Matte Moisture Tint.

NARS: Another brand that might seem like an odd choice, but on reflection its one I turn to quite often, especially when it comes to colour. Their lipstick and eyeshadow offerings rock and their range for complexion isn’t half bad either (one day I will get my hands on their Creamy Concealer *shakes fist in the air*). Keep an eye out for their palettes – they tend to disappear from the shelves promptly after release but are ah-mazing.

Best bits: And God Created the Women Palette (or any of their eyeshadow palettes for that matter), Velvet Matte Lip Pencils, Pro-Prime Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base, Pure Radiance Tinted Moisturiser, Laguna Bronzer.

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