Saturday 22 November 2014

Review : Maybelline Colour Drama Lip Crayons.

Hullo
Me again,back with a short review of some exciting beauty finds from the drugstore. 




Although I'm not best familiar with the entire line of Maybelline lip products,something drew me to the sleek packaging of these crayon-shaped lip pencils. I picked up three shades in the range - 


Berry Much : A typical 'berry' shade with intense pigment.
Keep It Classy : A warm antique pink.
Essential Red : A basic and clean cherry red.
All three shades dry down to a satin finish with sheen.


Now,don't get me wrong,I love the packaging,but it can make application a tad bit messy and uncontrolled. I find touching up with a lip brush to be the best option. I like that Maybelline opted to put colour codes on the outer pencil as well,which helps a lot when choosing a shade.




For some reason,my instant reaction was thus : 'Surely they'll wear down in no time at all!'. It seems I was wrong - I've worn 'Berry Much' around 3-4 times now and the tip doesn't seem to show many signs of wear at all,minus a little bit of 'smoothing' around the edges. Hopefully this means I won't have to bust out the mega sharpener any time soon!

I love the finish and the wear time of these lip crayons,which last until I take them off at the end of the day. I find I have to touch up,lightly,after eating. Drinking only seems to take off a tiny amount of product too. 


L-R
Berry Much,Red Essential,Keep It Classy


I would strongly recommend a pre-exfoliation and lip balming before applying these as they can be slightly unforgiving. Regardless,if your lips are of the 'normal' variety (no significant dehydration or chapping troubles),you should fare just fine. These are great for layering too,I used Dior's Vie d'Enfer fluidstick over Red Essential and used it to create the most beautiful glossy red lip.



Each pencil cost a neat £4.99 on Superdrug right now - will you be picking any up?

x ~ x


Friday 7 November 2014

{Strictly Swatches} L'Oréal Paris La Palette Nude - Rosé

L'Oreal Paris are often recognized for their luxury products,and this palette is no exception. For a neat £14.99,this palette offers a mash-up of the beauty world's most up to date and trending colour schemes. Roses,taupes and warm matte shades make it a definite must-have. Wear time is good (8-9 hours),all shadows are smooth and blendable. 

Wouldn't this fit perfectly in a Christmas stocking?








x ~ x

Sunday 2 November 2014

Review : Benefit Cosmetics Sweet Shoppe 'Cheeky Sweet Spot' Holiday Blush Palette.


Okay guys,this may just be the cutest make-up item that I now own - just look at that packaging!

 I must confess that upon learning about this products existence I was thrilled and I think I may have cried a little. It was emotional. How could it be that Benefit Cosmetics had actually released a full palette of every single Box'O'Powder they've made?! It sounds too good to be true,and for the price,even I had to pinch myself a bit (Y'know,just to be sure I wasn't dreaming!)

But here it is,possibly one of Benefit's best ever Holiday sets,the 'Cheeky Sweet Spot' Blush palette.

Within this palette you will receive -

Dandelion - Pale candy pink.
Bella Bamba - Shimmering medium pink.
Sugarbomb - Frosted light peach. (Swirled together)
Hoola - Milk chocolate bronze shade.
Coralista - Light coral with shimmer.
Rockateur - Satin finish dark rose gold.

1.5g sample of Watts Up! cream highlighter.





Each blush comes in a range of servings (from roughly 4.0-6.0g per blush.),which works out to be an actual steal,and good news for bank accounts everywhere when you consider it's £29.50 price tag!

What I love about this first off,other than the packaging,is how each blush/bronzer harkens back to it's original scent. There's nothing worse than receiving a make-up item with an awful smell to it. The palette has that same sweet Box'O Powder fragrance,subtle enough to refrain from being offensive. 

I love the layout of the blush pans and since the box itself is durable tin,I'm pleased that they didn't go overboard with extra packaging just to make it look pretty. The embossed feature on the tin is a very nice touch also. 



L-R
Dandelion,Bella Bamba,Coralista,Hoola,Sugarbomb,Rockateur.


I can't vouch for them all being exactly the same as their individual counterparts,but I really love how each blush swatches and looks on the skin. I'm especially excited for Dandelion,which seems like it does a pretty good job of brightening my pale cheeks. Each blush is smooth in texture and blends well on the skin. Wear time between 5-8 hours depending on the blush. 




Included in the set is a miniature Watts Up! highlighter sample and a mini blush brush (usually supplied in every Benefit box powder,in a slightly larger size). The quality of the brush isn't amazing but I'd rather use one of my own brushes anyway. For those lacking other tools,you could certainly give the brush a go! The mini highlighter is a lovely addition to the palette and really rounds off the whole set.

Overall,this set is great quality and plenty of bang for your buck. I cannot recommend it more highly for the upcoming season. I think this would be an awesome holiday gift for any beauty junkie!


Will you be picking up Benefit's Cheeky Sweet Spot Palette this Christmas?

x ~ x



Tuesday 2 September 2014

Review | Lime Crime Clueless Witch Velvetines - Wicked & Salem.


Lime Crime has once again come up with a winning,budge-proof formula for their latest collection. Both shades that I own (there are three in the collection) of their Clueless Witch Velvetines are resistant to water,wear well and require very little maintenance throughout the day. These last until they are removed and dry down to a matte finish. Neither are particularly dehydrating nor hydrating,though I would recommend using a lip balm before application.





'Salem' is a chocolate brown shade upon application which fades to a more neutral toned brown as the velvetine 'sets' on the lips.











'Wicked' is a rich berry red (much darker in tone than 'Red Velvet' from the same Velvetine line.)
which harkens to an oxblood undertone. 






The Velvetines in this particular collection sport much smaller doe-foot applicators,which aids precision.




        Salem                                                                                                                     Wicked                  

                                   
Price-wise,these are no more expensive than the regular line of Velvetines from Lime Crime. I would argue that the packaging (the introduction of the new doe-foot applicator and colour change to the tube) have improved the line. With this in mind,Velvetines have had a place in my heart ever since Red Velvet was first released. I cannot praise them more highly and applaud LC on their improvements!


I bought mine from Love-Makeup priced at £13.50 each.
                   

x ~ x

Sunday 20 July 2014

Review - Eylure Shape&Sculpt Brow Trio (Dark)

Hey all!

I was browsing (as you do) in Superdrug about a week ago and stumbled upon a new Eylure shelf/display. The display seemed to be primarily brow-taming products. The very first thing that popped out to me was this : The Shape & Sculpt Brow Trio. After swatching the sample palette,I decided on the darkest trio (you can choose from three;light,medium and dark) to match my hair colour. 

It may be worth bearing in mind throughout this review that I don't have any particular brow ailments or scars,so I can't comment on the product's effectiveness in that way.


The packaging design of this product is simple and effective,a classic hinged compact with three square pans,a space for a dual-ended applicator and finally,a mirror in the top. I enjoy the sleek,basic feel of the trio and I like that it doesn't feel cheap,despite being made of plastic. 

The applicator they've provided could be used on the go,though I personally wouldn't be inclined to use it. I find the bristles of the angled end far too rigid,which means it cuts into the wax rather than picking up product. The sponge works fine with the highlight though. If you were truly in a fix,you could use the sponge for all three pans.





L - R
Wax,Powder,Highlight.



The product in the pans work very nicely for their intended purposes,although they do not appear to swatch as well. The wax is fairly emollient once it's been warmed up with fingertips but the dark powder can seem slightly dry. I'm quite impressed with the powder highlighter they've provided though,which,though still a dryer formula,really brightens up the arch of the brow when applied. The 'lack of' pigment lends itself to anyone with a heavy hand,making it easier to prevent over-the-top application! In order to test this,I took photos (before and after) of my first time using the product -


* First Attempt *

Before.

After.
I applied the wax first and filled in with the powder,with highlighter underneath the arch as instructed on the packaging. My brows were set in place all day and did not move until I removed the wax and powders.


~



Overall I'm happy with this palette,it's easy to use,travel friendly and suits my personal needs. I have a feeling this product will get knocked for it's dry texture in places but for me,this isn't much of an issue. The palette can be found in Superdrug and online at around £9.00.


 Let me know what you think of this palette in a comment below! 
x ~ x

Thursday 12 June 2014

{Strictly Swatches} Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipsticks.





Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipsticks make for the perfect summer lip. The finish leans to a cream- matte and opacity (for the two shades that I own) is medium for it's type. They apply beautifully and wear extremely well - around 9 hours,before looking tired or cracked.


















  • Framboujous is a medium,warm pink with a slightly 'antique' feel about it.
  • Personne ne Rouge is a muted tomato red.




Both shades are buildable to full opacity.




L-R:
Personne ne Rouge,Frambourjois.

~


Frambourjois.


Personne ne Rouge.

x ~ x

Tuesday 3 June 2014

Review & Swatches : Dior Addict's Fluid Stick in Wonderland (575) & Vie D'Enfer (869)


Hey guys - so I'm back with another review. A couple of months back,I visited my local Dior counter and made a blush purchase ( See my video review of Dior's Rosy Glow blush here <3 ). I received a sample of Dior's newest lip products along with my blush. Inside of the sample were four neat little sample pots of Fluid Stick. I immediately fell in love with Wonderland and ran out to get it! 

But one is never enough. Oh no. 

On with the review!


Wonderland.

Vie D'Enfer.


As you guys can see,the packaging on these babies is as good as it gets. Gorgeous,sleek and luxurious. The Fluid Sticks *feel* weighted as well,which adds to the overall luxury element. I absolutely adore the teardrop applicator in the lipstick-shaped tubes. They make application a dream,as the tip sort of 'moulds' around the shape of your lips.
~



Wonderland.




Vie D'Enfer.




Wonderland is a hefty pink shade which applies with light - medium opacity.

Vie D'Enfer is a muted terracotta-leaning red with a bitter berry undertone. It applies with medium - full opacity.

~

Let's talk formula for a moment,cos these are beautiful. I'm seriously in love with how easy they are to apply and their glossy finish. I find that I'm satisfied with Wonderland in one coat,whereas Vie D'Enfer can be slightly patchy on the first try. With another coat though,the problems are solved. Personally,I don't find this to be much of an issue,simply because Vie D'Enfer feels like such a unique shade of red. 

In terms of wear,I can get around 5 hours without any major touch-ups. There's a surprising amount of hydration from these too,which lends itself nicely considering the £26.00 price tag. 

Will you be picking up any of the Dior Fluid Sticks? :)

x ~ x


Friday 9 May 2014

{Strictly Swatches} Illamasqua Neutrals Palette.


Illamasqua's classic Neutral Palette combines four beautiful and versatile shades for a simple yet stunning result on the eyes. This palette is perfect for the busy make-up junkie's life and works well with most skin and eye tones. Application is easy and the colours are great to blend.





Top L- R : Stealth, Vintage.
Bottom L - R : Wolf, Obsidian.




Stealth,Vintage,Wolf,Obsidian.

x ~ x


Tuesday 25 March 2014

{Strictly Swatches} Revlon Photoready Cream Blushes in Charmed & Flushed.

Though Revlon's offering of a cream blush formula may seem small in range (only four colours to date), the shades themselves are wonderful to work with. Flushed appears as a hot pink which blends to a subtle rosy glow on the skin while Charmed leans deeper in tone and gives a moody but warm hint of colour.

Flushed can apply slightly patchy if blended incorrectly so using the right brush with these is essential, as with most cream products in the drugstore. ( I'd recommend a duo-fibre of some description.)















                                                        

                                                                          

L - Flushed.
R - Charmed.
Swatched without a base.


x ~ x

Wednesday 12 March 2014

Review : Topshop Gloss Ink in Cruel.


Hey guys! Today I'm bringing you a review of a product I am absolutely loving at the moment. It's no surprise to my long-term followers that I love lip products - but this one is unlike anything I've ever used before. 

On with the review! 

Starting off (as we always do.) with packaging. The sleek, black tube is certainly appealing and definitely something I'd be proud to brandish during an evening out. Strangely enough, I actually really like the font they've chosen, along with the reflective coating on the words 'Gloss Ink',plastered on the side. 

On the underside, the colour name is clear and comes with a shade swatch, although this isn't entirely accurate. The applicator is a typical doe foot with a slightly more rounded tip for easy angles. The entire tube itself measures at little more than 8cm, so it's perfect for handbags! 







The product itself is a beauty. It's something I could only describe as a cross between a lip lacquer and a one-coat-wonder gloss stain!

 Application is smooth and opaque on the lips in one coat. Although the formula does feel sticky, it doesn't feel like it's going to move around all over my face. Once the ink is properly set, it won't budge easily. Through eating and drinking, I only had minor touch-ups to add after about 4-5 hours. When removing the gloss ink, there is some noticeable staining and pigmentation. 

What I love about this shade is how comfortable it feels. There's no tightness or major creasing issues,which means happier lips afterwards.



Swatched without lip primer.


So I'll definitely be going to pick some more of these up. Once again, Topshop have exceeded expectations and have gone above and beyond! I've got my eye on a lighter shade in the range, called 'Sugar Rush'.


Will you be picking any of these up? Have you tried them? If so, let me know in a comment! 


x ~ x

Wednesday 5 March 2014

{Strictly Swatches} Lime Crime Velvetine in Red Velvet & MUA Luxe Velvet Lacquer in Reckless.

Although I've featured Lime Crime's offering of a lip lacquer on this blog before, I took the liberty of reviewing and comparing both products in a video on my channel and decided to add a swatch post to match! 




L - MUA Luxe in 'Reckless'
R - Lime Crime in 'Red Velvet'

MUA's appears to be ever so slightly more sheer than Lime Crime in one coat and though they are basically the same shade, LC's Red Velvet gives off a tad bit more 'tomato' in it's hue. For more information on these products, visit my Youtube channel - www.youtube.com/youe3 


x ~ x

Sunday 2 March 2014

Where Am I?

Hey guys,

It's been well over a month since I last posted. I thought I owed an explanation as to why I'm so absent most of the time. Quite frankly, I've never been quite as busy in life as I am now and that's crazy to me. Every day is a new challenge or event or job and I love it. Being more active in real life really does take its toll on internet interaction.

Although I cannot say whether I'll be posting this day or that, I will try to get a blog post up now and again if I'm able. At the moment,I'm even struggling to upload a video a week on my Youtube channel but I do want to thank you for your continuous, unwavering support. I love you all, each and every one. I couldn't ask for a more epic following.

x ~ x

Friday 31 January 2014

Sleek Blush-By-3 Cream Blush Palette - Californ.I.A.


Sleek's offering of a cream blush palette is innovative and extremely travel friendly. Each pan contains an emollient cream blush,which are thin and buttery in consistency and last for around 6 hours on a combination skin. These would be perfect spring shades for 2014 but may compliment fairer skin tones the best. 



              L-R : OC, The Surf, Newport Peach.




L-R : OC, The Surf, Newport Peach.

Swatched without a base.



x ~ x

Tuesday 28 January 2014

My Favourite Eyeshadow Highlight | models own Powder Eyeshadow in White Pearl.


I can't believe I've never spoken about this before,but it must have slipped under my radar. This beautiful little drugstore gem has been a firm favourite of mine for almost 3 years now and I know what you're thinking,it looks barely touched. That's because you need so little to get such a great payoff!




White Pearl is a shade I received when I visited The Clothes Show live in 2011. It came in a package of other products,y'know - one of those goody bag type things? 


It's a true pure white pearl colour with micro shimmer and absolutely no glitter chunks.It's smooth,easy to blend and compliments a universal range of eyeshadow looks. A definite staple in even the most basic of make-up kits!

I generally apply this to the inner corners of my eyes to draw light and brighten up the look. This colour also tends to make the whites of the eyes look even whiter,which is always a bonus.


Swatched without a primer.

If you can get your hands on it,go ahead and grab it! From what I have researched though,it may be difficult to find. I wish you the best of beauty luck in any hunt you may pursue.

x ~ x