To tie up with our COMPETITION we decided it was time to go through the top 10 must-have beauty products.

With a new season, often comes a new make-up bag as summer products no longer suit all our needs. Finding the right products, however, that actually do what they say on the packaging, can be hard. iFashion has sourced the top 10 beauty buys that we most definitely can’t live without.

PRIMER

It moisturises, smoothes pores and helps your make-up stay in place all day long. In short, primer is a wonder product. If you haven’t tried it before, don’t be scared by the thick texture as it sinks into skin leaving it velvety soft. Our favourite is 17 Photo Flawless Skin Primer from Boots.com. At only £4.99, it is cheap enough to try out if you are unsure about whether to use primer, but we’re convinced you’ll love it!

MASCARA

There are so many mascaras on the market, it really would be impractical (and expensive) to try them all to find the best. Our favourite, Max Factor False Lash Effect, has pleased us so much, we no longer need to search. The formula volumises, lengthens and most importantly doesn’t clump. Perhaps even more pleasing, it is only £10.99 from Boots.com

TINT

This can be used on lips or cheeks to give a healthy flush. We like using it on both! The lightweight liquid formula rubs in easily and dries in a minute. Unlike powder blushes, it does not have a flat mattifying effect. Used on the lips, the staying power is far better than traditional lipsticks as it temporarily stains the lip skin. We love posie tint and bene tint for a more daring look, both £24.50 from BenefitCosmetics.co.uk

LIQUID EYELINER

A classic make-up bag must-have, liquid eyeliner is far better than pencil to give a defined cats eye flick a la Kate Moss. Rimmel Exaggerate eyeliner is just as good as more expensive brands and the brush is short and firm which makes for far easier application. We have been using this for years and still haven’t found a better one. Available for £5.29 from Boots.com

EYEBROW PENCIL

Eyes are the ‘doors to the soul’ so need to be beautifully framed. Scruffy eyebrows detract from pretty eyes, so keep yours neatly in shape and fill in any fine areas with a good brow pencil. BobbiBrown.co.uk has the best eyebrow pencil on the market, which create soft and feathery lines. Award winners, the creamy and blendable pencils come in five shades to suit every hair colour. A sharpener is also included. Available for £15 from BobbiBrown.co.uk

MINERAL MAKEUP

Mineral makeup powder is brilliant for sensitive skin. It can be used alone for the most natural finish or fixed on top of liquid foundatin. Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural (£18.50 by Mac) is enriched with minerals to perfect the skin whilst giving the lightest coverage. Used alone it does not make the face look flat and matt like many mineral powders, but instead keeps skin looking radiant and dewy.

HIGHLIGHTER

The Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat has been the number one product in the illuminator/concealer category for many years now-and with good cause. The creamy formula lightens and brightens for a more rested appearance, perfect for concealing under eye circles. The versatile product can be worn alone, under or over foundation/powder. Well worth the investment, Touche Eclat is available at boots for £24.50.

LIPSTICK

We love the Topshop lipsticks! Inexpensive, vibrant and moisturising they really can transform your look. By the makers of MAC, next time you are in a Topshop store be sure to pick up a lipstick in your preferred shade. Our favourite three colours are Confession, Brighton Rock and Desert and are only £8.

LONG WEAR FOUNDATION

For smooth coverage and long wear without feeling caked in makeup-look no further than Estee Lauder’s Double Wear foundation. Award winning with rave reviews, the super product really does have staying power and remains flawless all day. It doesn’t feel heavy on the skin and creates a dewy finish. The best liquid foundation on the market, it is also non-acnegenic so won’t clog pores and create those nasty spots we all hate!

SMOKEY EYE SET

The sexy smokey eye can be hard for makeup novices to achieve, yet with a range of step by step kits on the makeup market even the most inexperienced can learn to create a smokey eye look like a pro. Benefit Smokin’ eyes is a great little set, providing everything you need in one compact box. The packaging and illustrations are fun, so also make the set a great gift. Retails at £28.50 from Benefit counters.