Afterglow Cosmetics.co.uk

The Afterglow Organic Lip Love Lipstick is made from a range of natural and organic ingredients and there is a wide selection of colours available.

In my opinion there are a couple of critical criteria for a good lipstick; that it does not dry out lips, and that the colour is long lasting. So I gave the Afterglow Organic Lip Love Lipstick a try to see how it performed. Firstly, it has a standard consistency and is easy to apply and get good coverage either direct from the tube or using a lip brush. It also has quite a typical, not unpleasant, lipstick taste. In terms of being long lasting, I found this product to perform as well as other lipsticks I use. I also discerned no drying effect, making it a pleasant product to use. Overall, therefore, this lipstick ticks all the performance boxes.

In terms of price, the Afterglow Organic Lip Love Lipstick retails at a rather high £18. The plastic tube should be able to be recycled but would need to be cleaned out first.

UK Energy Saving Ratings
Performance - 5/5
Value for Money - 2/5
Packaging - 4/5

OVERALL RATING - 4/5 

The Afterglow Mineral Eye Shadow is 100% mineral and includes organic antioxidants. A range of 25 different shades are available.

The Afterglow Mineral Eye Shadow is in a classic pot (which is 100% recyclable) but is a loose powder rather than pressed like many products. I wondered whether this would be as easy to apply as my usual product, but actually there was no problem. The information I received with the eye shadow stated that it could be used dry or wet, so I tried both methods and both were effective. It was easy to get an even coverage and you didn’t need to use much product. The shimmer effect is not over the top so I found it suitable for day or night wear. Eyes can obviously be quite a sensitive area, so I think many of us stick to what we know, but I had no reaction to this product, and it is promoted as being gluten-free so suitable for those with a gluten sensitivity.

At £16 the Afterglow Mineral Eye Shadow is not a cheap product but prices for eye shadow vary massively, even amongst mineral eye shadows, so this doesn’t stand out.

UK Energy Saving Ratings
Performance - 5/5
Value for Money - 3/5
Packaging - 4/5

OVERALL RATING - 4/5

Hot on the heels of all things natural and organic, mineral make-up is everywhere at the moment, but look before you leap on the bandwagon. Not all mineral products are any better for your skin than ’standard’ make-up. Many contain parabens, dyes and fillers, along with a chemical called bismuth oxychloride which can give a rather unatural orangey glow. 

Our current fave for quality mineral
make-up is US brand Afterglow. Their organic mineral foundation contains pharmaceutical grade minerals and pigments, natural sunscreen and age-defying antioxidants. A worthy investment, especially if you have super-sensitive skin.  It’s even suitable for people with gluten sensitivity.

Afterglow Organic Mineral Foundation, £28 (20 shades)
www.afterglowcosmetics.co.uk