There are few things as satisfying, beauty-wise, as a pristine, crystal-clear lipgloss. It’s the cosmetic equivalent of fresh, untrodden snow. It’s virtually impossible to keep a transparent gloss clean and so I spent more time than was probably necessary taking photographs of this gorgeous Clarins Gloss Prodige, making the bubble rise to just the right level, painstakingly angling the wand and lid into a jaunty position. (Is harder than it looks, I’ll have you know!)

I like the Gloss Prodige range from Clarins – the glosses give a great sheen without feeling sticky and the Crystal shade (limited edition for spring) is handy for adding spotlights of shine over your existing lipstick or balm. Of course, the moment you touch that perfectly clean applicator onto another product, it will be instantly and irreversibly sullied, but such is life.

Clarins Gloss Prodige in “Crystal”, £17 at clarins.co.uk

Read about my previous Things of Beauty