There are few people who know who quite know their beauty stuff the way author, TV presenter and beauty industry advisor Alison Young does. (Jo has the pleasure of collaborating with Alison on her book, The Beauty Insider, and was blown away on a daily basis by the tips and wisdom that Alison shared. And that’s despite us having been doing this job ourselves for over three decades.)

So when this collaboration box landed on our desks, we had a hunch it was going to be fab. And it really is: everything wearable, useful – and as a package, incredibly good value: the price-tag is £45, but the value is £128.50. Find it here.

It’s a six-piece collection, and every one’s a corker. This is what you’ll fine – and our impressions.

Dewy Skin Vitamin C Glass Glow Primer (normally £28). This gives a truly radiant but not shiny glow, under make-up – but we’ve also discovered that a dab or two, over foundation, works like a light-diffusing concealer, to minimise the ‘11 ‘ lines, between brows.

Pump Plump Lip Gloss, in Blossom (£20). This looks like a pale pink in the bottle, but actually just glides on as a super-conditioning, not-too-shiny gloss that enhances the natural lip colour.

Dewy Blush, in Papaya (£19). A pretty, peachy pink with a buildable formula, sheer enough to wear on bare skin, perfect over foundation, and works well if you need to add an extra perkifying flush, later. (Lasts well, though.)

Wonderwand Mascara (£19.50). Ideal if you like a bristle brush – and of course, it’s a classic black.

Extraordinary Translucent Setting Powder (£18). So finely milled and soft, just taking the edge off shine without looking flat.

Everyday Vacay Palette (£24). Well, this is the superstar of the lot, for us. Every shade is wearable. And, lacking any tools when this arrived on our desks, we had a go at applying the shades for cheeks and eyes with a finger. You know what? That worked just fine, for a quick zhoosh. But honestly, all of these neutral matte, shimmer (and even one slightly glittery) shades are go-ers, as far as we’re concerned.

On the website page here, Alison talks you through all the products with her how-to – and it’s quite the transformation.

£45 – buy here

Prize Draws