Sad but true:  we even go beauty-shopping when on holiday.  (There's probably a 12-step programme for this, but what the heck:  there are worse vices.) And tant pis - because this is how Jo stumbled upon Ellis Faas's range, in a little beautique in Lille.  Whereupon these pen-style shadows became her favourite-ever cream shadows, gliding on smoothly and then setting to a budge-proof finish that would survive - well, even a Jubilee weekend downpour.

These velvety cream-to-powder creations are densely-pigmented so a little goes a long way, but are very 'buildable' if you want serious depth of colour:  just brush-and-blend.  A little like a Touche Eclat, you have to twist the end to 'prime' the shadow, but then it glides on like a dream.  There are some bright and pastel colours but some terrific neutrals, too:  Jo's favourite is E107, a classic taupe.

Dutch-born Ellis has been described by Vogue as 'one of the most influential make-up artists of her time' and we look forward to meeting her someday, because the whole range is pretty darned fab.  (A lot of it is pen-style, for ease - and she even sells an ammunition-style belt, to slip the 'pens' into, if you're really serious.  If you happen to be passing Liberty, incidentally, your can explore the range in the beauty hall.)

We're simply Faas-inated.

UK readers find Ellis Faas Creamy Eyes at www.ellisfaas.com/£23 - click here US and EU readers find the shadows on the same site, which ships internationally:  $36/ €26 (simply input your currency before shopping)