LESS is more has never applied to women and their cleavage. Now, as Marks & Spencer relaunches its own version of the Wonderbra, Something for the Weekend gave the egoboost a test run in Newport. REBECCA HUGHES reports.

WHEN egoboost was launched in August 2001, claiming to provide the perfect way to enhance your dcolletage, it proved a big hit.

Available in four colours and three boost levels - natural, enhanced and ultimate - and priced from £16, it allowed wearers to decide whether they wanted to be cheeky, naughty or just plain wicked.

This month, the range is boosted with a new turquoise shade, a balcony shape to push 'em up, rather than squash 'em in, a strapless version and cami top.

For women who don't want to rest their chin on their boobs, M&S has also created a non-padded design for a less lifting effect.

Melissa Wilson, lingerie marketing manager for Marks & Spencer, said: "These new product ranges give women a wider choice of how they would like their cleavages boosted, and we're confident they will be hugely popular with our customers."

But, does the bra actually work? We asked models Raydee Jones, 20, and Rachael Ellen Joynes, 16, to test out the ego-boost in Newport city centre.

The two have been signed to Gwent's newest model agency, Unique Models, launched earlier this year by petite model Helen Urch from her home in Oakdale. The pair were fitted for their bras by experts at the M&S store in Commercial Street, and kitted out with their lingerie.

Raydee, who has done glamour modelling, was given a 36D turquoise natural-effect bra, while Rachael, who has a slighter build, went all-out with a white ultimate version. The difference between the egoboost and their normal bras was subtle on Raydee, but impressive on Rachael, who said it definitely had the desired effect - once she'd made a few adjustments.

"It's really comfortable and it does make me feel sexier and more confident," she said. "But I have tied it on the straps to pull it up a bit more, otherwise it was too big." Raydee added: "It hasn't made any difference for me. In fact, I think my own bra gave me more of a cleavage."

So did the bra pass the Bloke Test in Newport city centre? Eighteen-year-old Marc Lewis, of Corporation Road, Newport, said: "The bras seem to be doing their job very well and I like what I see! My girlfriend buys underwear from M&S and I could see her in one."

Businessmen stopped in their tracks to admire the fabric and cut (possibly) and teenage boys blushed from ear to ear as they struggled to keep their jaws off the pavement. Husband and wife Anne and Don Evans, from Maindee, also agreed that the egoboost was a bra-lliant idea.

"I've got one at home," admitted 55-year-old Mrs Evans. "Wearing it's a very uplifting experience and it makes me feel sexier." Cheeky Mr Evans, 70, added: "It's a great bra - but it's even better when it's off!"

PICTURED: Models Rachael Ellen Joynes (left) and Raydee Jones of the Unique Models agency.