Tarte Amazon Escape Eye & Cheek Palette Swatches + Review

When I was in New York, the first place I HAD TO GO was the Sephora in Times Square. Whilst there, I picked up this all-in-one beauty, and I have to say I'm really impressed.

Swatches:

Tame: 

Tame is a pearlescent ivory/shell colour and works perfectly as a subtle highlight colour. When applied it looks natural and merged with the skin, it is definitely for those of us who like natural make up. If you were after a drag highlight, this is not the one for you! 

Rope:

I would describe this as a soft matte cool toned mauve. I think those fair skinned eastern Asian skin could use this shade as a facial contour - it is so soft and so blendable, there will be no harsh lines.This works great as a crease/transition colour, and I can't think of any faults.

Canopy:

Canopy is a deep, warm amazon bark colour with a subtle and finely milled silver shimmer. It is super easy to blend out, however it can lose its shimmer when blended. Despite this, if you keep this palette in your purse, it can easily be used to transform a daytime look into a nighttime look.

Rare:

Rare is such a unique eyeshadow shade, and I LOVE to use it as a highlight on myself. It is a satin cloudy peach shade, and I actually also use it on my cheekbones as well to highlight them!

Camo:

This is my most used eyeshadow, it just compliments my skin and my eyes like no other! It's a khaki-based bronze shimmer tone, and so far it has suited EVERYONE I've used it on. This shade is truly fool-proof.

Tribal:

Tribal is a scary eyeshadow at first, it's a deep blue based purple with a hint of a red/berry toned shimmer. I don't use this as much, only because I don't do many nighttime looks. HOWEVER, when playing with different looks, I have added this colour over a brown smokey eye, and it completely transforms it to something very dark, sexy and sultry. This is another one of those day-to-night transformation eyeshadows.

Free:

Free is a bright coral pink shade with a very finely milled gold shimmer. You can see the shimmer in the pan, however it doesn't really translate onto the skin as much. Despite that, this blush is really nice, however if you have fairer skin be veeryyy careful with the application. Definitely use a duo-fibre or a very sparse fluffy brush to apply this blush. it is VERY pigmented.

Exposed:

Exposed is my favourite blush, it's a matte brown toned nude pink colour BUT it is still vibrant. The same rule applies with this blush too - apply with a light hand.

OVERALL...

With ALL of the eyeshadows, there was no fallout, high pigmentation, NON-POWDERY, easily blended. And they apply very well wet, with/without a primer. 

The blushes are also amazing, they honestly last me a full day, even with my super oily skin. Usually I find that towards the middle/end of the day, after blotting, my blush disappears. However, this stuff STICKS. You do have to be incredibly careful when applying it though, as it is super pigmented. It's not powdery and does not let out loadsa fallout, but it's still very strong. I apply it with the Real Techniques blush brush.

I am in love.

Sin

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Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrector (Opal 15): Review + Swatches

Hello again!

After my beloved Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover was discontinued in the shade Creamy Ivory, I decided to go back on the hunt for a silky maximum cover foundation to cover my acne and scarring.

After watching a Lisa Eldridge video on covering acne and scars, and she used this product! It seemed to work a treat, so I thought I'd purchase it and test it out!

I bought the shade Opal 15, it was the lightest colour out of the not very wide colour seleciton. It looks to yellow for my skin, but my face is wayyyy whiter compared to the rest of my body.

Swatches:

In order to cover up the redness, I had to use 3 VERY VERY thin layers on Vichy's Dermablend. If you don't have such HARSH scars (mine have been there for over 6 years) then you will need the absolute tiniest amount to cover  discoloration/acne. This foundation works really well and has a demi matte finish. 

The instruction leaflet advises to use your fingers to melt the product into your skin, which is what I have done here, and keep in mind I have no primer underneath this swatch. I have used the Real Techniques stippling brush and the Real Techniques buffing brush, and I've found that using my fingers has a MUCH nicer effect. When I use a brush, it tends to make the foundation look bitty and patchy.

When I apply this on myself I dab a little amount on each part of my face then pat it out, then rub it in. This usually conceals EVERYTHING but any scarring poling through I dab some high coverage poweder over it before my finished powder.

The thing that I like the most about this foundation is that it feels THIN. It doesn't have a thick consistency at all. Compared to my beloved Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover,it is way thinner, but has the same amount of coverage and keeps the oil at bay longer. The main difference is that ELDWMC was a better shade fit for me, and dried WAY quicker.

Love,

Sin

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MAC 'We're Back' Collection: Kinda Sexy Lipstick Dupe!!! Review + Swatches

Hello there!

I recently purchased a few items from Superdrug, and I chose this Collection Volume Sensation Lipstick in Tea Rose as a surprise buy for myself - I wasn't sure what I was going to get. When I swatched it on myself I was shocked, it reminded me of my holy grail MAC lipstick, Kinda Sexy.

So you know what I'm talking about, here are the swatches:

The main difference between Kinda Sexy and Tea Rose is the finish. Kinda Sexy has a matte finish, while Tea Rose has a more of a glossy finish. I also found that when smoothing out the lipstick with my lip brush, Tea Rose tended to get slightly patchy. However, when I puckered my lips together that problem was solved. Also, because Tea Rose is from the Volume Sensation line, so it has a slight minty tingling feeling - it is also somewhat moisurising and does not highlight dry lips which is really nice.

Kinda Sexy is one of my favourite MAC lipstick's - it's a 'my lips but better' shade for my lips. The formula is creamy and moisturising, and it has that lovely MAC lipstick cake smell which I adore.

CONCLUSION:

Overall, this is not a PERFECT DUPE, however it is a COLOUR DUPE. Therefore, if you do not mind glossy lipsticks and you love the colour of Kinda Sexy, then I would definitely recommend trying out Collection's 'Tea Rose', because at £2.99 what is there to lose?!

Over and out!

Sin

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Garnier Skin Naturals Perfect Blur Eye Primer Review

Hey there!

When I was shopping for skin care at Boots, I saw there was a 3 for 2 offer, so I couldn't help but get this new product by Garnier!

I would say my eyes are quite mature for my age, and I wanted something that prevented my concealer from creasing which would also blur out my wrinkles. Garnier's Perfect Blur Eye Primer claims to smooth and blur out wrinkles, crow's feet, and dark circles. With such claims, I thought I'd put it to the test.

Below are photos before and after the primer, and I waited 2 minutes after application to photograph my eye:

While there is a slight difference, it is not a miracle worker, and I found that the products bunched up in my deep set wrinkles under my eyes...not exactly smoothing out now. One thing the product does to is that it does brighten dark circles and slightly smooths out the not-so deep set wrinkles. 

The way I usually prep my eyes is only with a regular eye cream and eye primer anyway, so I think this is the lesser of two evils, however I wish it could plump out the skin more.

Overall, this is not a terrible product, and does make a difference, though, like almost all products - it is NOT a miracle worker. There is only so much products can do.

Sin

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Cheap Mac Alluring Acquatics Dupe! Review + Swatches

Hey there!
So, I was going through my make up colleciton, when I came across the MUA Eye Dust that I had bought a while ago, and it really reminded me of Sea Worship from the MAC Alluring Acquatics collection!

The only difference between the two is that the MUA Eye Dust is a loose pigment, and MAC's Sea Worship is a pressed eyeshadow.

Now, they are not exactly the SAME shade, but they are close enough! The MUA Eye Dust in Shade 4 has a very intense pigment, goes on creamy, which can be worn both wet and dry - it's very impressive for £1.00!!!!!!

So, if you missed on on the MAC Alluring Acquatics collection, get your hands on MUA's Eye Dust! 

Swatches:

In these swatches the MUA swatch is above the MAC swatch

Without primer:

 With primer:

Sin

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Maybelline Color Sensational High Shine Lip Gloss in Electric Orange: Review + Swatches

Hello! So I thought I would pick this up as a 3 for 2 offer at boots, because I wanted an orange lipgloss to hydrate my lips throughout the day if I decide to wear orange lipstick.I have to say, I was not impressed with this product, so I'll make it snappy.

Dislikes:
- Sugary taste (personal preference)
- Bleeding (the colour dispersed to the edges of my lips)
- Not hydrating
- Not that glossy

Likes:
- Smells like Orange????

All in all, I would not recommend this product!!

See below for swatches....

Sin

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MAC Pedro Lourenco Collection: Nude Palette Review + Swatches

Hey there!

So, I recently purchased the Pedro Lourenco nude palette. I hadn't done so earlier because it's sold out online so had lost hope. However, on a whim, I popped into MAC after work to find that they had this lovely palette in stock!!!!

Here's what it looks like:

Swatches:

Colours left to right: Pink Sands, All That Glitters, Rosé Cloud, Sable

 (No primer used)

(Over primer)

I am seriously impressed with this palette, all the shades glide on so smoothly, and are true to their MAC description. My favourite shade has to be Rosé Cloud - I use it EVERYDAY. I use it to contour my nose, cheekbones, and eyes - it's just the perfect colour to contour with. I know I said the Sharon Osbourne was my go to palette, but I am afraid this Nude palette beats it by a long shot. I've never been so impressed by a palette before, and the fact it is so compact and has a chic design just makes it all the more better!

I would recommend this to anyone that loves their nudes!


Sin

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REVLON COLORBURST™ MATTE BALM Review + Swatches

So, I gave into the marketing and purchased a couple of shades of the Revlon matte balms!

Swatches:

1. Striking

 2. Audacious

When you first put this balm on it glides on and feels velvety. The down side is that it majorly emphasises dryness and is DRYING throughout the day. I wore this lip balm to work, and it was fine when freshly applied, however a few hours later there were MAJOR flakes on my lips (which does not usually happen, and I just had to remove it all together.

I have worn many matte lipsticks which are not drying at all (e.g. MAC), so it is not because of its finish - which by the way it is not. I think the drying of the lips may be caused by the menthol/spearmint the product seems to contain. This is a debatable point, however, I am of the school of thought that menthol/spearmint is drying to the lips, and I avoid it at all costs.

In addition to this, it applies patchy. I had to apply the balm with a lip brush, and even then the way it applied was less than perfect. I find the combination of matte + sheer so unworkable, and an outright fail in my eyes. 

Overall: FAIL!!! Would NOT recommend.

Sin

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Paul & Joe Beaute Haul, Review, Swatches 2013-2014

Hello!

I recently went on a Paul & Joe shopping splurge online, and have decided to put these cute Parisian goodies to the test...

So without further ado, let's get straight into these product reviews and swatches! 

NAIL POLISHES - ICE CREAM PARLOUR SUMMER 2014 COLLECTION

 (Left: 21 Blanket, Right: 22 Siamese)

Here are swatches of both with one coat of nail varnish:

And now with two coats:

I think the formula of both these nail varnishes are just so creamy and opaque, and last really well! The packaging is so luxurious, and it definitely is worth the £12.00 price mark. Also, whilst the nail varnish is drying it does have a perfume scent to it, making it all the more luxe ;)

I have to say my favourite shade is 21 Blanket, but overall they're both beautiful and I definitely recommend these nail varnishes! You honestly can't go wrong.

TRIPLE CHEEK COLOUR - ICE CREAM PARLOUR SUMMER 2014 COLLECTION

 (Shade: 002 Orange Sorbet)

I could not resist this little guy, it's just so cute! I really do think Paul & Joe went a good direction with this summer's collection - cute and vibrant.

Now this product is a cream blush, and yes, unfortunately, when you swirl your finger in the product you swirl all the colours together too...BUT it's okay!! Because it creates the most beautiful soft peach colour:

(Flash)

(No flash)

I applied two layers in the straight swatch and the blended swatch, and the blush is so creamy yet stable. It's definitely not one of those cream blushers which would just SWEEP AWAY your base (foundation/concealer). It is best applied with your middle and ring finger in a tapping motion, building the colour up with thin layers. 

I'm always pleased with Paul & Joe cream blushers, they just look like they are a part of your skin, they're just so seamless and blend in so effortlessly. It really is worth the price mark, and on top of that, you get a product which you can decorate your vanity with!

Paul & Joe Cheek Color I - Spring Carousel Creation 2013 Collection 

(Shade:  02 Re Belle)

The case used is listed as the Paul & Joe Compact Case, and in the description it states it is meant for the eyeshadows. However, the size of the eyeshadows and blushers is the same, so these can also be used for blushers. And besides, who could resist that adorably kitsch kitten print?!

Here are my swatches for 02 Re Belle:

(Swatches of both shades mixed together)

(Swatches of both shades, then separate swatches of the darker and lighter shade)

(First layer of the blush)

  (Layered up, excuse the acne :S)

 So, initially I was really excited about this blusher, I chose a pale shade because I wanted a discreet flush to the cheeks. However, it just did not apply nicely, perhaps it was the wrong shade! But when I build it up it just looked too much like I brushed on pink/silvery metallic glitter on my cheeks. I think this could look great on someone who is fairer than I (cool toned) with, obviously, clear skin. 

The blusher did contain pretty large glitter particles for a brand with a high price tag to it. I also found the formula to be quite powdery. Also, after 7 hours of wear, the blush had COMPLETELY disappeared. Overall, I am not a huge fan of this blusher - it's a shame because that kitty case is too cute!

EYE GLOSS & LIP GLOSS DUO: SUMMER CREATION BEACH BABY 2013

 Eye Gloss

Lip Gloss

(Shade: 003 Monaco)

This has to be the most disappointing product out of the bunch! In the photo above, it was such a task to apply this eye gloss, I had to use about 3 layers. On top of that, I just felt the glitter particles used in this eye gloss could have been more refined, and the formula of the "gloss" could be altered to that the glitter particles do not travel all the way down to your chin!! 

In order to make the look "workable", I layered over MAC's Embark to tone down the glitter party on my eyes, but the eye gloss got flaky and just irritated my eyes. And yes I was using an extremely soft fluffy brush.

I initially bought this product because it seemed luck such a handy, quick tool to have. Pop it in your bag for when you didn't have time to add a little something extra in the morning. However, it was just so disappointing. And whilst the lipgloss is hydrating, it's just clear. Just clear. 

For £28.00 I would expect more from a product. I would expect any quirks to be ironed out, for it to be a possible staple product. However, I think in this case you are purely paying for a gimmicky product.

 Paul & Joe do great products, but in this case, it's just a complete fail product.

 
CAT BLUSHER STICK - SPRING 2012 COLLECTION

 

(Shade: Catfight)

To redeem this blog post, I have included the first ever Paul & Joe product I ever purchased. A product which got me hooked on the brand!

This is probably the most travel friendly cream blusher that I own, and to make it better, it is in the form of a stylish cat! What more could you want?

As I mentioned before, Paul & Joe's cream blushers are flawless, you can apply this onto your face straight from the stick (gently) and it will not budge your base, and again, blends so seamlessly. This has to be my staple shade, orange toned blushers complement my skin tone so well. And to make things better it smells of orange blossom!!

OVERALL

Overall, I am pleased with the products I purchased, and recommend all of them apart from the dreaded Eye Gloss & Lip Gloss duo haha! 

I hope you found that helpful!

Let me know your experiences with Paul & Joe make up products.

Sin


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