The Rundown: Victoria Beckham x Estee Lauder Make-Up Collection

A few weeks ago my mum called me with a singular mission: she wanted to know if the Victoria Beckham x Estee Lauder collaboration hype was merited. As I hung up, my phone beeped: “Victoria Beckham make-up: yes/no?” read the message from a make-up obsessed friend. I then fired up my computer to see a frenzy of posts about the 14-piece collection – Vogue called VB’s efforts “wearable, covetable and – ultimately – effective”, Sali Hughes wrote in the Guardian “what is good here is exceptional” (Sali also rightly pointed out the similarity between the slick black packaging and Tom Ford’s…).

Rarely has a celebrity collaboration been met with such widespread interest. But, to return to my mum’s question, was the furore well-founded? On the most part, I would say yes; of the eight products I have from the capsule collection, four have made it into my ‘never without’ make-up drawer. Here’s a closer look at my top picks //

Victoria Beckham x Estee Lauder Morning Aura / Part primer, part highlighter, part skincare product, Victoria has called this her ‘must have’. If you like her sheeny skinned look, make it yours too. Use it as a primer before or in lieu of foundation, and pat where needed to highlight skin. It also works really well as a make-up refresher padded on over tired foundation.

Victoria Beckham x Estee Lauder Kajal Eye Pencil Black Saffron / This is a double-ended pencil that is ridiculously creamy and easy to blend. For a 60s wide-eyed look, line your lower waterline with the nude and smudge black around the outside, otherwise just run the black along your upper lash line and massage it onto lids with fingers for a smoky eye.

Victoria Beckham x Estee Lauder Eye Ink / This is another clever hybrid between eyeshadow and an eyeshadow cream. Either apply it all over lids with a brush (this will offer a sheer wash of black), or for more colour, pad your finger into the colour and pat it onto the outer corners to build up intensity. When layered, you’ll end up with the very black, reflective finish that Victoria often sports.

Victoria Beckham x Estee Lauder Eye Palette / The third eye product I’m raving about is a trouper. These six tightly curated colours offer great colour pay off. On standard office days, mix the neutrals (palest: Blonde Cumin, bronze: Metal Saffron, deep brown: Black Nutmeg), adding darker Grey Amber at the outer corners for evenings. If feeling a little jazzier, throw on a cloud of blue Fired Sapphire or green Burnished Sage.