This week saw the arrival of Poundland's in-house cosmetics range, Makeup Gallery, which showcases products for, you guessed it, a pound each. Vogue's Lottie Winter contemplates both sides of the coin…
Of all the associations you might make with Poundland (my primary example being the rat infestation at the Croydon brand circa 2012), the very last one you might expect to make is with lipstick. Lipstick doesn't belong amongst borderline-stale digestive biscuits and multi-packs of plastic "Moshi-Monsters". And yet, that is exactly what greeted me at my desk this morning, along with Poundland eyeliner, blusher and foundation that can be all yours for, well, a pound. But such a price tag begs the question - is it any good?
My decision to trial the new Poundland Makeup Gallery range was not made without trepidation - the hypochondriac within me had already conjured up the hypothetical prospect of Poundland Pinkeye, that would flare up upon application of Chic Flick Liquid Eyeliner. But after recognising my anxiety was probably more indicative of my pretentiousness than anything else, I endeavoured to conduct a fair trial. I'm glad I did; the products went from strength to strength.
Ripping the plaster off, I went straight for the liquid eyeliner. The brush is so precise it creates the finest of flicks with utmost precision and the smudge-factor matches that of its most esteemed counterparts. The Gorgeous Flawless Long Lasting Foundation creates a silky smooth veil without being cakey (although I probably wouldn't use it, but only because my skin has deep-seated emotional issues and any changes to its routine would warrant some serious diva behaviour). Another tester, though, has found it to be a genuinely long-wearing formula and it also claims to be infused with vitamin E, as well as UVA/UVB filters, which we all know is a good thing. The real star of the show was the Time To Shine Quick Dry Nail Colours - the wide brush made application a dream and the colour came out so rich, I ended up only applying one coat. Add that to the nominal drying time (four minutes and totally budge-proof) and you've got a formula to rival the best in the business.
The only let-down came in powder form. The Feeling Blush Blusher and Good To Glow Bronze Shimmer didn't deliver much (if any) colour and felt a bit furry to the touch - but, to be honest, at £1 a pop, who gives a rat's ass. Oh wait…
