Tried & trusted: more makeup palettes

U-pick refillable compact, Precriptives

from £54, available from Prescriptives counters nationwide

Does anyone ever use all of the colours in a makeup palette? Doubt it, there are always a few dodgy ones! The upside of this palette is that you get to choose what to put in, the downside is this makes it more expensive. Still, it should last you longer as you'll use every shade. With space for four eyeshadows and one blush, all have a creamy texture which makes them easy to apply and - nice touch - the stylish metallic casing opens to reveal a very practical large mirror. It is quite pricey however - a definite splash-out treat. 4/5

Ombre Eclat Exotic Paradise, Guerlian

£33.76, available nationwide

The Paradis Exotique eyeshadow four-pack features a tropical scene etched into the silvery case, echoed inside with a ferny pattern of iridescent lime topping the green, orange, pink and brown shades. The iridescence transfers to your lids for the first few applications. Colourwise the applicators give away the fact that the green and pink are my favourites. The green is a perfect fresh shade, not too acidic, not chalky. The pink is neither shocking nor pastel but very flattering. The orange looks intense in the tin but blends away to almost nothing on the lid. The brown is a rich cocoa, good with blue eyes. Also included are two sponge applicators, one rounded, one pointed, and of course a mirror. 4/5  

Sunlit Bronze beauty kit, Elizabeth Arden

£25, available from June nationwide

This summery palette contains four limited edition eye-shadow shades in Beech Nut, Coral Sands, Sand Dollar and Lagoon, as well as a blush/highlighter duo for cheeks. The eye-shadow colours work well together as the lighter shades are perfect for daytime wear, while the brown and blue make for a sultry evening look. Whether or not the sun is shining the highlighter gives cheeks and eyes a sweep of iridescent shine and the blusher adds touch of sun. The built-in mirror and palette brushes make the shades easy to apply and blend, with the finished result lasting well. 3/5

Les bijoux eye definer palette, Chantecaille

£51.87, available from SpaceNK

Ever wondered how other women get that effortless and perfectly slanted eyeliner? I now know: they use applicators like the brilliant one in this palette. It's slanted so that it doesn't rely on me to sort the gradient out. Of the five colours, three were gorgeous on me- the bright blue, the charcoal and the purple. The texture of the shadow is smooth and the colours are strong and they have good staying power. I love the box - it's luxurious and sleek and it's great that it's wide enough for you to see both eyes in at at the same time! 4/5  

Silky Eye Shadow Quad in Flora and Fauna, Shiseido The Makeup

£26, available nationwide from Shiseido counters

I wasn't sure about the colours in this palette - a dark olive green with a bright yellow, sand and even brighter lime isn't the colour combination that would usually have grabbed my attention on the make-up counters. However these soft, sparkly shades blend remarkably well and can be used in a wide variety of ways for day and night-time glamour. Colours build up well using the provided sponges and brush and the sparkle is subtle and makes eyes glow. I would definitely look out for more Shiseido eye colours and the versatility provided fully justifies the cost. 3/5

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