FAMOUS' Editorial Assistant and resident guinea pig Sophie Penhallow turns super sleuth and sorts the best from the rest in the complicated world of beauty products.

Seeing as the holiday season is almost upon us, I decided I would go out with a bang and do a super-sized, mixed lolly bag of my favourite things that have kept me primped and preened throughout the year. Of all the gorgeous beauty products that find their way into the FAMOUS office, here are my Top Seven of '07 that I've tried, tested and totally loved.

Sophie xx

Inika Mineral Loose Powder Foundation in Unity, $54.95 (1300 146 452)
Hit: I thought I was set in my ways when it came to the type of mineral makeup I used, but then I was introduced to Inika. Not only is it Australian made and owned, it's also completely vegan (meaning it's cruelty-free and no animal ingredients are used). Unlike some sneaky brands that label their products "mineral" but still include many nasties like parabens and bismuth oxychloride, Inika is 100 per cent pure. Just a few light layers and it's goodbye redness, hello glow!

Tip: Like I said, this stuff makes you glow like Cate Blanchett, but if you tend to get a bit shiny, you might want to finish your face off with some oil blotting papers.

L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Mascara, $24.95 (1300 659 259)
Hit: The amount of people that ask me, "What type of mascara do you use?" makes me convinced that Telescopic is a godsend! The short-bristled rubber brush darkens, lengthens and curls while still keeping your lashes looking completely natural. No chance of clumpy drag queen eyes with this one.

Tip: To achieve a sexy, fan-like effect that will give your lashes length, work your mascara outwards to the outer corner of your eyes, rather than upwards.

i.d. Bare Escentuals Lip Gloss in Reef, $40 (1800 808 993)
Hit: This little gem only landed on my desk the other day, but it's already become a firm favourite. Being a girl that's not really big on lip gloss (I know, blasphemy!), I almost glanced over this but decided to give it a whirl just for kicks. And I'm glad I did. Despite its shimmery orange appearance, this is the most subtly perfect shade for my complexion. Better yet, it's not too sticky and has just the right amount of shine.

Tip: Like most glosses, it's not super long-lasting so you might need a few top-ups throughout the day.

Dior Skin Flash Radiance Booster Pen in Shade 002, $63 (02 9695 4800)
Hit: Instead of thick, creamy under-eye concealers that sit in every line and crease, this illuminating formula glides on, smooths out flaws and covers dark circles. Someone once told me it's easier to hide flaws when light is reflecting off them, and after using this for a couple of months, I think they have a point!

Tip: Don't smear. Apply a few dots near the inner corner of your eye and pat lightly.

L'Oréal Professionnel Série Expert Shine Curl Conditioning Masque, $23.55 (1300 651 141)
Hit: If I were Indiana Jones, this would be my Holy Grail. I never really believed that a "masque" could do all that much for my curls, especially when so many other curling products had failed before it. But this is the real deal. When I apply it I can actually feel the curls start to separate and creep upwards. When I rinse it out it leaves me as "flicky" as Farrah Fawcett.

Tip: To make your curls really defined before a big event, pile your hair into a shower cap while you get ready. The heat and moisture from the plastic should turn your hair into a mass of ringlets – you might feel like an idiot but trust me it works!

Jane Iredale Eye Shadow Trio in Brown Sugar, $51 (1300 850 008)
Hit: This is another product I always seem to receive compliments on. The three colours work together perfectly and when blended create a subtle yet striking eye. The delicate shimmer and smoky pigments make you look like you've been made-over by a professional – plus it lasts ALL day. Love it!

Tip: Using an eyeshadow brush, work a light layer of the darkest colour across your lid, focusing on the outer corner. Next, blend the lighter brown across the middle of your eye and finish off with the coral colour in the inner corner.

Kit Cosmetics Limited Edition Nail Polish for Havaianas, $15.95 each (02 9360 7711)
Hit: These are the most fun, most fabulous shades that will definitely be on my toes this summer. A few months ago, Kit released this limited edition range of polishes to match the fruity colours of the Havaianas High Summer Collection. The shades include mango, coral, magenta and my personal favourite, blush – a fairy floss pink. Good enough to eat!

And one more for the Fellas...

Natio for Men EDT 50ml, $19.95 (03 9415 9911)
Hit: I cannot tell you how much I love the smell of this cologne, and the fact that it's only $20, as well? Bargain! Compared to higher-end brands that sell for upwards of $80, this spicy musk scent is the best thing I've ever smelt. Don't believe me? Three of us FAMOUS girls gave it to our boyfriends and it was the best present ever (and they kinda liked it too!).