:: Can a vibrating gadget give you flawless foundation? Laura Wurzel finds out.
"The Starskin Applicator was inspired by the patting techniques of celebrity make-up artists, using a high-speed pulsating motion to deliver an airbrushed look.
"To give it a go, I start by squeezing some foundation on the back of my hand before dabbing it with the oval silicone sponge on the applicator, and then positioning the device against my cheek before switching it on.
"It's tempting to move it around in circles, like I usually would with a brush, but by gliding it over my face using a sweeping movement, I find I use up less product but end up with a beautifully even texture on my face.
"There are two speed settings – I use the slower one on tricky areas around my eyes, nose and chin, and the faster one everywhere else. The pulsating sensation's really soothing, and my make-up looks so even and toned after using it that friends ask if I've invested in a new foundation.
"The Starskin does take a bit of taking used to, but once you master it, the results are amazing."
:: Starskin Artist FX Auto-Patting Makeup Applicator, £79.95 launches in Harrods this month (www.harrods.com)
BUY IT NOW
Ten years in the making, Sarah Jessica Parker's new fragrance is a major departure from her previous scents, but that's no bad thing at all. Blending top notes of black pepper, sage and grapefruit zest with the warmth of cedar wood, pistachio and ginger lily, the 'genderless' Stash is deep, heady and as addictive as its name suggests.
:: Sarah Jessica Parker Stash Eau de Parfum, £48 for 50ml, Boots (www.boots.com)
BEAUTY BULLETIN
:: SHARE YOUR HAIR
Forget 'bad hair days' – it's a bad hair life for most of us, as a new survey by Charles Worthington reveals that only one in 10 women are happy with their hair, and 36 per cent think their current style is just 'OK'.
Hair unhappiness peaks in Scotland (34 per cent), while Londoners report the highest hair-satisfaction rates (19 per cent), and a quarter of women in the South East say there's nothing they can do with their hair.
More than half of those surveyed (61 per cent) agree that when their locks looks good they feel more confident, which is why the Charles Worthington Love Your Hair campaign is encouraging women to experiment with new styles and products, and share their tips online with the hashtag #ShairTheLove.
STEAL OF THE WEEK
Among the most expensive of all beauty products, serums can cost upwards of £100, but they're also some of the most powerful - which is what makes Avon's latest launch so attractive.
Anew Ultimate Supreme Dual Elixir, £28, is a two-part oil and gel blend that has been proven to be five times more effective than a big brand rival that retails at almost twice the price.
The age-defying elixir launches at the end of September (www.avon.uk.com).
