Boots’ own brand 17 make up has made a splash with beauty bloggers, but does it pass the Y! Lifestyle test?

With celebrity fans, Boots are hoping their new, more grown up 17 collection will become a cult classic. We put the range through its paces

17 Semi Permanent Liquid Eyeliner, Autumn Collection Eyeshadow Trio and Falsifeye mascaraHere at the Y! Lifestyle office, it's officially autumn. We're dressed in chunky knits, sipping Starbucks Pumpkin lattes and longing for evenings spent by the fire.

So what better time to indulge in some new make-up, but at the start of a new season?

One collection that's caught our eye for autumn is Boots' own brand 17, which we played with as teens in the 90s. But keen to attract an older, more discerning audience (with rather more disposable income) Boots tells us that 17 has received quite a re-brand. And it seems to have done the job as we've seen the range popping up on must-have lists for even the snobbiest beauty blogs and celebrity make-up fans (Millie Mackintosh even admitted to us she's addicted to the bargainacious £6 mascara).

Here's what we want in our makeup bag:

Autumn Collection Eyeshadow Trio

These trio eyeshadows are great for throwing in your handbag at the last minute as the three shades can be used separately or altogether. I like the shade Nude Smoke, which includes a matte brown, a shimmering nude and sparkling beige, as you can create a nude smoky eye in minutes. I insist on using an eyeshadow primer, normally Urban Decay's Primer Potion, as I find it makes the shadow last longer on my lids. These eyeshadows last all day without smudging - although they do fade slightly so I'd recommend layering on some more shadow at lunchtime.

17 Autumn Collection Eyeshadow Trio in Nude Smoke is sold exclusively in Boots stores and Boots.com, RRP £5.49.

[Related article: My top 10 tested make-up products under £5]

Semi Permanent Liquid Eyeliner - Tattoo Me
I set out to challenge this eyeliner and see if it lasted the two days it claimed, especially on my oily lids - after all, who doesn't want a liquid eyeliner that lasts 48 hours? First, I dabbed a little on my hand to see how long it would last - it stayed put for around three days without smudging. Thumbs up so far.

I didn't find the consistency very easy to work with as it was rather gloopy, but that may be the trade off you make for super longevity. It also left bits in my eyelashes, which wasn't very attractive…

[Related article: The ultimate BB cream guide – tried and tested]

It does do what it says on the tin, though, and it stays in place for at least 48 hours, until you want to remove it with an oil based make-up remover. It finishes to a wet look, which won't be everyone's cup of tea, but if you're looking for a liquid eyeliner that lasts all day, this definitely fits the bill. Just make sure to be careful when you're applying as it's very difficult to remove if you make a mistake.

17 Semi Permanent Liquid Eyeliner is sold exclusively in selected Boots stores and Boots.com, RRP £4.99.

Falsifeye mascara

I've used Falsifeye for around a month now — ever since Millie Mackintosh personally recommended it — and I'm totally hooked.  In this product I've found something I didn't even know I needed until now. It claims to give you ultra thick, voluptuous 'wow' lashes with a nice curl. On me, it separates and lengthens my lashes but doesn't give them as much volume as I'd have hoped for. But add another coat and the volume ante is upped, taking the look into nighttime.

[Related article: Millie Mackintosh reveals the secrets behind her new make-up line]

I never thought I'd budge from my two favourite mascaras - No7 Exceptional Definition mascara for daytime use, and Benefit's Bad Gal lash for the evenings, but I've found Falsifeye works really well as an in between mascara. It doesn't cause the dreaded 'panda eyes' and is easily removed with normal make-up wipes.

17 Falsifeye mascara is sold exclusively in selected Boots stores and Boots.com, RRP £6.49.

What are your favourite bargain beauty products?

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