Artdeco's winter look

Here at Running in Heels we’re always on the lookout for new beauty brands;  ethical and organic, luxury or budget, we just love trying out the newest products. So when we heard of Artdeco, a German brand that the make-up junkies on Make-up Alley were raving about, we were naturally very curious! Testers were uber-enthusiastic about Artdeco’s products – especially as it’s a brand that doesn’t require forking out huge wads of cash, yet offers great quality products.  But can you really rely on online opinions?

Artdeco states that the reason for its success as Germany’s number one make-up brand is due to its “constant focus on the individual wishes and needs of all women, combined with uncompromising quality and reasonable pricing”. The Artdeco range includes skincare and spa products, but we were particularly interested in their cosmetics as they offer a dazzling variety of colours as well as seasonal collections. How did Artdeco’s winter collection stand up to RIH’s rigorous testing?

Firstly, (call us shallow) considering the packaging – the design is sleek, functional but perhaps not as decorative as you might expect from a brand called Artdeco. However their refillable “Beauty Boxes”  are a different story; these little wonders allow you to create your own unique palettes, using magnetic eyeshadows and blushers. And they’re absolutely adorable.

The mirrored compact in the winter collection is really pretty and an item that you’d be quite happy to show off in public! The shadows come in matt, pearl and iridescent finishes, so you can create a variety of looks. They work equally well wet or dry and have impressive staying power, which is what you’re really looking for in an eyeshadow. The winter collection comprises a selection of dark shades, perfect for creating this season’s smoky-eyed styles. We tried the Green Jewel and Smoky Blue Night colours which blend beautifully together for a sultry look with a twist. More daytime-friendly were the Frozen Amethyst and Iced Winter Rose shadows which provide an alternative to everyday beige-toned shades. Whilst some pinky colours can make you look like you need to catch up on sleep, the shimmery finish of the shadows adds a touch of radiance.

One of the Artdeco Beauty Boxes

Another essential item to try when testing out a new brand is their lipstick – let’s face it, staying power and colour intensity are ultra important. Artdeco’s High Performance Lipstick in Precious Plum is an on-trend shade which delivers just the right amount of colour as well as moisturising thanks to vitamin E. It has a soft, subtle finish with a slight shine and also contains Maxi Lip™ which promises to boost lip volume. Our verdict? This is a great seasonal lipstick and stays on pretty well. The moisturising properties are ideal for the current chilly temperatures too. If you’re a gloss girl rather than a lipstick lady, Artdeco’s Lip Brilliance is for you. Their Brilliant Carmine shade would suit most complexions and it really lasts too – something that not all glosses can claim.

Having subjected the Artdeco winter collection to our intensive laboratory procedures (yes, lipstick needs to stand up to the four-cocktail test!) we can certainly stand by the comments on Make-up Alley – the gurus know their stuff. High quality products at great prices that can withstand four dry martinis; what’s not to like?

For a list of stockists see Artdeco’s website or you can also visit their online shop.