A new launch by L'Oreal is always big news in the world of beauty; an addition to their infallible range is even more pleasing as they don't seem to have put a foot wrong yet with their infallible face products (the setting spray, powder and foundation are all solid offerings). With an admittedly lengthy name, the Total Cover Full Coverage Longwear Concealer Palette is now here, but, how do it's claims stack up and does anybody really need a five pan concealer palette?

Concept-wise, I was skeptical. Palettes in general are losing their allure (which was primarily of value and choice) and I am certainly favouring a more carefully selected make up collection over a stack of unopened palettes. Thankfully, this one is just about on this side of sensible in terms of size and packaging, with a decent amount of product included over a mirror or superfluous applicators.

The first three shades are your concealer shades - realistically you will only use the one closest to your skin tone and that's assuming you fall in to this limited shade range. The lightest shade is bordering on too dark for me and yet the darkest shade isn't really dark at all. Come on L'Oreal, you're better than this.


A purple/lilac shade for dark circles and veins comes next - I do think this helps to brighten the under eye although I had always understood a salmon/peach colour to be key here. I can only assume this is make up homeopathy - to eliminate purple you must add purple? Finally, a classic green corrector, a saviour to those plagued by redness, breakouts or rosacea.

The consistency is even across all the shades - thick and opaque without being chalky and a slight silicone texture which gives it some slip. This definitely is to be used under foundation though, as a corrector would, even the concealer shades; if you try layering these on top of foundation it's a bad scene. I use the green and the lightest shade in a similar way to a primer, targeting particular areas prone to redness or oiliness to prolong the wear time of my base make up.

As a corrector and as a primer, it really does work for me. I have, in times of desperation, used a MAC paint pot to prime my nose and chin to help combat redness and keep foundation from wearing off instantly. The effect is similar but the consistency and finish of the Total Cover palette is infinitely better and less heavy.

It is an extra step though, one that I generally don't have time for, passed up in favour of some strategic powdering, priming and looking like I've been rubbing extra coarse sandpaper on my face by 5pm.

For £12.99, I don't regret the purchase and it will be employed on long days and leisurely mornings. If you are similarly afflicted by redness and the shade range works for you, I can't help but recommend the formula. As for whether you've room in your life for another palette, that's your call.

If you're mystified by the concept of the 'bio-cellulose' mask, then you are in the right place my friend. A bio-cellulose mask is a sheet mask made of, you guessed it, bio-cellulose - i.e. tiny natural fibres which are biodegradable, toxin free and perhaps most interestingly, have a high capacity for retaining liquid.

A bio-cellulose sheet mask, just like any sheet mask, lives or dies on the serum the mask is soaked in. The bio-cellulose is just a vehicle for that serum. As these masks are generally a lot more expensive than their fabric counterparts, it feels there is a misconception about the bio-cellulose itself being the key benefit. However, as good a delivery method a bio-cellulose mask is, it won't be worth a penny unless the delicious serum it is drenched in is up to scratch.

Bio-cellulose masks lay closer to and mould easier to the skin, increasing your skin's contact with the serum. They also hold on to the serum, making them less drip-prone and allowing that valuable liquid to end up on your skin and not the bathroom floor.

The first I tested out was the 111Skin Bio-cellulose Facial Treatment Mask (£20). A brand developed for post-surgery treatments, this is supposed to be perfect for sensitive skin. It has a light, fruity scent - definitely not overpowering. The mask is nicely saturated with fluid and is a good size, minimal annoying folds and flaps to smooth over.

Bio-cellulose masks generally come between two sheets of a mesh like material to protect them although they are no more delicate than a fabric sheet mask really. The 111Skin mask adheres well to the face and you could definitely move around with it on, unlike most fabric masks that are dripping wet and require you to lay down completely still for 20 minutes.The overall effect was very hydrating and soothing, great for dry or sensitive skin.

I also tried the Skimono Anti-Aging Mask (£14.95) - I really like the packaging here, it feels a lot more cosmetic and less medical. The mask itself is not as drenched in serum as the 111Skin mask and the scent is quite chemical. It adheres well and is very cooling but the scent is really quite unpleasant.

I persevered with the Skimono mask in the name of skincare research and the most striking effect was more of a smoothing and tightening sensation, as you might expect for an anti-aging mask. However, as my skin is so dry, I miss the hydrating effect and I do believe that some products offer both hydration and smoothing.

On the whole, I like the 111Skin mask for my skin type. If you can live with a chemical smell and want a more tightening feel, the Skimono mask might be one to try out. For the price, I wouldn't say that either is a necessity - there are plenty of affordable sheet masks in Boots and Superdrug now - but as a luxury or as part of a beauty box like Latest In Beauty, I think they are well worth a try and are a great technology for getting more of that precious serum on to your skin.