REVIEWS

Large eyeshadow palettes can be very appealing, especially if they include pigments for the face which is why the UCanBe Mirror palette caught my eye.

It appeared to cover all the bases and some more. I had visions of creating endless new looks. With make-up brushes and sponges included, this promised to be my cue to get really creative.

Sold as part of a set containing brushes, sponges and primer

Here's a weird thing about this palette - it's called Mirror, but there isn't one in the kit. It is not jam-packed with all-shimmers, either. So, why it's called Mirror is a complete mystery. Maybe, it is the inclusion of glitters or the embossed silver branding on the packaging. Or it could be the reflective panels either side of the main pigment selection. I am not sure.

About the Palette

Price: £26.99 Measurements Width: 22cm Measurements (closed)

(open): Height:

Height 23.5cm.

23.5cm.

Highlighters: 2 Eyebrow products: 0 Lip colours: 0 Eyeshadow primer: Yes Make-up brushes: 15 Make-up sponges: 2

My initial reaction when the palette arrived was one of disappointment. So much so, I left some seller feedback pointing this out. It is a lot smaller than I expected.

A bit bigger than A5 in height, it opens out to reveal three panels of make-up. There is definitely plenty of choice, but the pan sizes are very small.

The brushes included with this palette aren't bad quality - a definite bonus.

The palette is front opening (in the middle) with a magnetic close.

Mirror Palette Eyeshadows

The quality of the pressed pigments in this palette is good. In fact, excellent. The fallout is minimal, and you benefit from UCanBe's trademark buttery formula. Because of their size, I have never tried the face pigments in the Mirror palette.

With such a vast array of eyeshadows, you can create tons of looks. The palette contains six colour themes and offers day to night variations as well as seasonal switches. With plenty of mattes (always important), it also has some striking shimmers and a good selection of glitters.

What I like about it: The palette is original. It's not attempting to be a dupe of something else. It's delivered in unique packaging and does offer plenty of shade choices. Due to its size and slim cardboard packaging, this palette is ideal for travel. It's not going to fit in a clutch bag, but it will easily fit into almost any other size bag.

What I don't like about it: The price and small pan sizes.

I would like to see this palette made available on its own - to bring the price to below £20. Overall, it's good to see a brand coming up with its own, original palette design. If you are a collector or creative MUA, this one is worth taking a closer look at. Reviewed by Belinda Bennett

With so many serums competing for our attention, Boots' Glow Peach Serum was one of those harder to find bargains.

It's £4.50, 100 per cent vegan and promises to support the skin's moisture barrier and promote a healthy-looking glow.

Sold in a generous 35ml glass bottle with pipette, I bought it to complement the Glow Peach Moisturising Jelly that I already use as a make-up primer.

The serum has a medium-weight consistency and a peach scent, which isn't unpleasant.

The first time I used this product, I felt a very slight tingling sensation and worried I might suffer a reaction. I didn't. My skin felt instantly hydrated and the product took the standard 60 seconds to be absorbed into the skin.

A budget serum from Boots' Glow range

I have used it every day since. While I wouldn't say my skin is 'glowing' , it does feel hydrated and soft.

For a budget product, I think this serum delivers. It works well day or night, and I've even used this product under make-up before applying a primer.

Only available from larger Boots stores or online, it isn't quite as accessible as some other serums. However, for the price, I think it is worth going out of my way to purchase another.

If you are on a tight budget and want a serum that tackles dryness and dull skin, this isn't a bad choice. For further information, visit Boots' online store.. Review by Belinda Bennett

If LaRoc Pro's The Artistry Book Chapter 2 palette looks big online, wait till you get your hands on one! Its size will literally blow your mind not to mention dwarf practically everything else in your makeup collection.

I didn't have to force myself to try another palette from this brand after being seriously impressed by my previous purchase of its 'Lost In Paradise by Saskia' offering.

LaRoc's The Bakery Box, also from its Pro range, was my first choice - until I clapped my eyes on this mega palette.

Once again, I was in for an amazing surprise. In fact, I'm raving about this purchase.

Attracted by the range of pigments, the design of the palette and, of course, its size, it ticked every box for a serious eyeshadow addict.

LaRoc Pro's follow-up offering to the original Artistry Book

First Impressions

This palette is huge, size-wise. I didn't have to open the packaging to confirm it, either. It was obvious.

Unlike the Lost In Paradise packaging, this palette arrived in a transparent sleeve with an inner cellophane wrap - so I could see straight away what I was getting.

It's got some weight to it, which I like, and is the sort of eyeshadow purchase I can't resist having on display.

This is a book-style palette, with a clear cover.

It contains a truly comprehensive collection of pigments in no less than eight themes, which can be mixed and matched.

About the Palette

Measurements: 22cm x 29.6cm x 1.4cm Eyeshadows: 48 Mattes: 31 Pressed glitters: 10 Foils: 7 Price: RRP £34.99. Currently available between £11.99 and £19.99 at

The pan sizes are extra-large, so it offers real value for money. No itsy-bitsy pans here!

It is worth mentioning that the eyeshadows are cruelty-free, ticking yet another box.

The Pigments

Consistency: Velvety smooth Pigmentation: High Buildable: Yes

With an easy-to-work-with formula, these eyeshadows blend effortlessly. And the foils make the palette suitable for the party season and special occasions.

It has that 'something special' feel to it that goes beyond its size. The design is clean and neat, making it stand out from bog standard 12 or 18-pan alternatives in printed cardboard packaging.

I recommend it if you are looking for a gift for a makeup lover. Trust me, they won't be disappointed.

The biggest criticism levied at The Artistry Book Chapter 2 is that it is just too big. I don't agree. Having said that, I am a fan of large palettes. Apart from generally offering a wider choice of shades, they make me feel I've got my money's worth. However, I would have liked to have seen an extra one or two pale nude shades. As its name suggests, the palette follows on from LaRoc Pro's original The Artistry Book.

This second offering has shades that can be used throughout the year, with seasonal favourites including nudes. It will comfortably see you through an entire year of different makeup styles.

The foils are stunning with a high-shine effect - perfect for that finishing touch to a look.

Again, LaRoc Pro has not ignored the need for plenty of mattes. There are over 30 in this palette, vastly extending its versatility and making it attractive to everyone - not just creatives.

This is a gown-up's palette. If you are tired of collabs that feature cartoon characters and the same old palette formats, it makes a refreshing change.

I bought the palette in a Black Friday sale for £11.99 but, even at full price, it's a bargain. Review by Belinda Bennett