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Who would've thunk it that I would be a consumer of French fashion house extrodinaire, Chanel? Certainly not Mr Bank Manager and certainly not my 'you-are-a-graduate-and-need-to-save-your-money' thinking mother. It won't be until I win the lottery, or receive an anonymous donation that under arm I will be clutching a vintage Chanel of my own and a Chanel wardrobe to rival the stars. Until then, I get my Chanel fix from the distinctly unglamorous beauty counter at House of Fraser Epsom, rather than the glitzy cobbles of Bond Street. In my lavish Chanel carrier? The to-die-for Pro Lumière Professional Finish Make-Up SPF 15. 

Such a die-hard fan of Chanel make-up am I, that the girl on the beauty counter knows me by name. For years, her and I have shared heart-to-hearts. She has seen me progress through high school and university, from an adolescent, to a young woman. We've had laughs, tears and joy over the years. Regrettably, I still do not know her name but to me, she is a guardian angel on Floor 1; supplying me with lotions and potions to take home and work their magic.

Pro Lumière offers a flawless complexion in any light. I feel like a new, empowered woman when it is laden upon my skin. Colour adapting, its density adjusts depend on the desired effect. Highly concentrated with high-tech radiance-emiting ingredients, it is rich in reflecting pigments to leave the skin look flawless. I blend mine in completely, which gives a semi-matte and luminous result, but when less blended, provides a smoothing effect with even skin and tighter pores.

Karl Lagerfield: thank you. I may not be one of your big spenders yet, but one day I will be. For now, I am enjoying your make-up offerings.

Girl at House of Fraser, Epsom beauty counter: Please tell me your name, I'll add you on facebook. P.S - Thank you for giving me a Chanel carrier every time I buy a product, it is useful for carrying lunches and library books. (and also I feel the absolute BIZ when I have one in hand!)

Price: £33.00

www.chanel.com

The Body Shop is always my first stop for gorgeous smelling moisturisers, but they have upped their fashion ante with their new Spring make-up range.

A collaboration between London College of Fashion entitled a 'Brush with Fashion', the new make-up collection includes eyeshadows, cheek tints, lipglosses and an illuminating face base that adds a warm peachy glow to your skin.

Each product features collectable packaging designed by tthe London College of Fashion and as always The Body Shop products are cruelty-free and at amazingly affordable prices.

Tailored Cheek Tint - £10

Illuminating Face Base - £14

Limited Collection for Eyes - from £15

Limited Edition Hi Shine Lip Treatment - from £9.50

Available from The Body Shop www.thebodyshop.co.uk

For a feminine look that is perfect for spring, YSL's new colour palette is a combination of soft pearly blush to a modern bright pink available in lipstick, highlighter crème blush and eyeshadows.

The inspiration for the collection is passion and sensuality for the wild bohemian within you. The star product of the new collection is the highlighting powder called Pink Celebration.

These beautifully packaged products are such a treat and are definitely on my wishlist for my make-up bag.

Prices start from £22

Available from most department store beauty counters or online at House of Fraser www.houseoffraser.co.uk

For those who suffer from open pores and less than perfect skin, Benefit is here to help with their new Porefessional.

I love Benefit products as behind all the pretty fun packaging, their products really do work. The latest Porefessional is a silky, lightweight balm that promises to quickly minimise the appearance of pores.

It’s oil-free so can be used even if you suffer from oily skin and can be applied under your foundation. However best of all, it can be used during the day if any touch-ups are needed.  

Price: £23.50

Available from Benefit www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk

The new Topshop make-up range for S/S 11 launches this week.  The Topshop make-up range is affordable and has a brilliant selection of pigments. The newest additions for SS11 is their CORE collection - considered a range of essentials for every beauty junkies' make-up bag and the second, a Limited Edition Capsule Collection entitled Sandstorm.

Topshop says its been heavily influenced by the 'Burning Man' festival in the Nevada desert and you can see this in the coppery metallic hues and bright corals, reminiscent of a glowing sunset.  With online make-up tutorials, this tribal warrior look with dramatic statement eyes is perfect for recreating the festival season. The range includes eye shadows, nail polishes, lipgloss sticks as well as a semi-permanent eye liner.

Prices start £5 for nail polish

Shop the range and view make-up tututorials at www.topshop.com