Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara

2010 has most certainly been the year of the eye lash. Whilst sales of falsies climb by the day (this year it was reported Debenhams had seen demand rise by an astonishing 1000%) the mascara market has declared competition by promising consumers their own slice of permanent enviable eyelash action. One company joining the race is Rimmel, who launched their own growth-promoting formula back in August.

Lash Accelerator is advertised as an ultra lengthening formula containing a unique Grow Lash Complex - an element that claims to promote natural growth by up to 117% in just 30 days. In all honesty I haven't been using this mascara religiously enough to say whether or not these claims are true, but the Rimmel website seems to be bursting with happy customers.

The elegant thin wand grips the lashes nicely and provides an even, clump free application. A slightly wet formula, the product dries reasonably quickly to leave the lashes nourished from root to tip. I don't experience any brittleness with this product; a mascara trait which I truly hate.

Before:

After:

1 coat of mascara undeniably lengthens the lashes and feels extremely comfortable to wear. The light weight texture prevents the hair's natural curve being weighed down and creates an instant bright eyed effect - ideal for those who love a slightly bolder take on the natural look. In general I think this formula holds up well, yet I do really wish it gave a tad more thickness to the lashes.

If you're a one-mascara-at-a-time kind of girl then this is probably worth a punt. However, if like me, you have several tubes in rotation then a lot of the selling points for this formula will be irrelevant due to infrequent use. I do enjoy wearing Lash Accelerator as an occasional day to day basic, but I don't love it enough to commit myself to 30 days use.

Rimmel's Lash Accelerator mascara is available at selected chemists and boots.com for £8.99

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Rimmel Vinyl Gloss

Hands up who fancies plumped up, gorgeously glossy lips this summer? Well, this week sees the launch of the brand new Rimmel Vinyl Gloss - a magnifying formula claiming to give up to 80% more shine. Seriously, with potential like that who are we to resist?

Rimmel Vinyl Gloss in Be Famous and Pin Up

Available in a range of 14 shimmering shades, we picked up the peachy 'Be Famous' and full on fuschia 'Pin Up'. Practically brimming with subtle shimmer, both glosses possess a smell not too dissimilar to sherbet. In all honesty, we kind of like it. The sugary colours swirled with the sweet scent make for an all over pleasurable experience. Not the most sophisticated of traits, but sometimes we like our lippie resembling a pick'n'mix counter. Is that so wrong?

Rimmel Vinyl Gloss Be Famous and Pin Up swatched

Without a doubt our favourite element of Vinyl Gloss is it's superb non-sticky formula. Once applied, the consistency feels almost velvety against the lips and sits happily - shift free - for up to two hours. During wear we didn't notice any dryness, yet the heavy pigmentation of our natural lip colour did cause the brightness of 'Pin Up' to streak.

Be Famous applied to heavily pigmented lips

'Be Famous' is a fantastic versatile colour. An absolute breeze to apply, if you're thinking of picking up just one shade, make it this. We love it!

Pin Up applied to heavily pigmented lips

'Pin Up' - when not streaking - really is vibrant pink at it's best; we love layering it over lipstick to add longevity to it's tone. Easy to dress up or down, we can see this easily becoming a favourite in our routine.

Overall we're hugely impressed with Rimmel's newest addition to the family. Upon application our lips felt both smooth and hydrated, plus instantly appeared more plumped and curved. At only £3.99 a pop, we're seriously tempted to stock up on the whole lot. A summer handbag essential for sure.

Rimmel Vinyl Gloss is currently available exclusively at Superdrug for £3.99 (rrp £4.99).

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*