As you will know from our previous make-up features we like nothing better than sharing a must-have beauty bargain. However, sometimes, there is that one super-luxurious, often terribly expensive item you just can’t live without.

Did I say one item? What a massive fibber. I actually have a fair few that make me wince slightly when I hand over the plastic, but I use on such a regular basis I can justify the associated price tag.

As with all of our cosmetics reviews, please do feel free to let us know what luxe products you can’t live without and why… we’ll try our best to ignore you and not make a mad dash to the nearest department store.

RMK Ingenious Powder Cheeks £26.00

If you have not discovered RMK – a Japanese brand which has the sheerest and prettiest formulations as well as super-slick minimalist packaging – then you are missing out.

Ingenious Powder Cheeks is my most favourite blusher in the whole wide world, natural, matt, easy to apply and doesn’t fade into weird patches come 3pm.

I use shade MT-02 Light Pink which is uber-natural on my pale yellow complexion and there are plenty of shades to choose from.

You can browse the RMK counter at Selfridges or buy online at Lookfantastic.com

Chanel Les 4 Ombres Multi-Effect Eyeshadow £40.00

Well this is kind of embarrassing. I’ve owned a Chanel grey/silver toned eyeshadow palette for so long I can’t actually remember how long which is all kinds of bad behaviour (I’m sure they have a two year shelf life max). I don’t really “do” eyes as a rule but when I make the effort I often reach for this quartet of shimmery easy-to-apply shades that don’t crease.

Chanel have just brought out a new range of palettes, similar look, exactly the same quality. I tossed my old one and replaced it with number 208 “Tisse Gabrielle” which contains a charcoal, a champagne gold, a lilac mauve and mid-grey all with subtle gleam.

Gorgeous.

You can purchase Chanel from Boots

Tom Ford Lipcolour £36.00

Tom Ford, you are so incredibly pricey it’s untrue… £36.00 for a lipstick?!

The thing is, this might just be the greatest lipstick in the universe. Soft, creamy, richly pigmented, moisturising without being greasy and lasts longer than most, this is (in my humble opinion) well worth the splurge.

I have it in both Blush Nude and Pink Dusk. Yes, that’s seventy two whole pounds worth. Needless to say I don’t wear it every day.

Tom Ford is available at House Of Fraser

Chanel Levres Scintillantes Glossimer £21.00

For the record I am most definitely not a lipgloss girl, I don’t like the goopy feeling or the fact that if the wind blows a certain way your barnet gets stuck to your face.

I make an exception for Chanel Glossimers however, they have an almost balm-like texture and don’t feel sticky. They look pretty worn alone or to add an extra dimension to your lipstick.

I have shade 148 “Petit Peche” which suits just about everyone I have made try it (they have subsequently gone out to purchase), and 166 “Amour” a bright pinky coral.

Chanel Glossimer is available at Boots.

Illamasqua Hydra-Veil Primer £27.00

This is hands-down the most bizarre item I own. It is literally like a clear jelly in a pot that kind of disappears on contact with the skin. But it makes your epidermis look so smooth! And so hydrated! And it’s not at all slippery and silicone-ish like most primers I’ve tried (and detested.)

Essentially this does what a primer should do – makes your base look better and last considerably longer without being drying or heavy. Hooray.

You can find Illamasqua at Debenhams