Benefit's Hoola Bronzer Review + Swatch!

So, I'm not really a bronzer fan. Since I feel I'm not too good with giving myself a nice bronzed, sun-kissed summer look. Probably need a lot more practice, shhh. Which is why, I only use bronzer for contouring. Hence, I always go for a matte bronzer. Benefit's Hoola Bronzer is maybe the most raved bronzer in the makeup world. It doesn't look too orange, or too red and has no sparkles, whatsoever. I couldn't get the courage to dish out $30 dollars for a bronzer, I wasn't sure if it'd be worth it. So instead, I got the deluxe size in a kit, picture below:

Benefit's Hoola Bronzer is one of their famous box 'o powders. The new packaging is a cardboard flip to open lid, in which there's a small mirror. It also comes with a brush. But since I don't own the full size, can't say anything about it's packaging or brush. The deluxe packaging isn't anything special, just black plastic, but it works.

I'd have to agree that this bronzer really is something different. Not that I've tried numerous drugstore bronzers, but I have tried a few to say it's hard to find one that doesn't look to orange or mud all over your face. Also, this one is long lasting, and lasts around 8-10 hours without fading on my oily skin. It has no fragrance, and is soft to touch. Isn't buttery soft, but I kind of like that. You can easily pick it up with a brush but it doesn't make a mess with too much fallout.

The swatch above is kind of dim, I know. But it's kind of hard to get a dark swatch, since the product isn't too packed with pigment. Which I actually really like about this bronzer. 'Cause I don't have to be too scared applying, thinking I'll look like I have a fake tan.
Overall, I really like this bronzer. And I think it's worth the hype and price! The full size has a lot of product to last quite long, and it definitely gives a very natural contour. It can be bought from benefitcosmetics.com, and sephora.com (online and in stores). Also, the color is universally flattering on most skin tones.

Rimmel BB Cream Matte SPF 15 - Review + Swatch!

I heard a lot about the Rimmel Matte BB cream, being probably the best drugstore BB cream. Which of course tempted me to try it out, especially since I hadn't found any BB cream to my liking. Not that I've tried a dozen, but I've tried  few. And to me they'd either be too runny or too oily. The Rimmel BB cream retails for around $9-11 depending where you buy it from. And is available at most drugstores. It has three shades, very light, light and medium. I got the shade light, and I think it matches my skin quite well. Though maybe its cause its sheer so the shade doesn't make too much of a difference. 

It's a very creamy formula, slightly runny too though. Provides more coverage than most BB creams I think. And has a light fresh floral smell to it. It has 1 Fl Oz/30 ml of product and has broad spectrum SPF 15 sunscreen. It's a 9-in-1 skin perfecting BB cream, which promises 9 things, 1) minimizes the appearance of pores 2) evens skin tone 3) mattifies 4) controls shine all day 5) smoothes 6) soothes 7) conceals dark circles 8) helps prevent blemishes 9) gives all day coverage. 

Though it has sunscreen, I still apply sunscreen before using it. Cause where I live it's really hot, and you need a lot of protection from the sun. The application of this BB cream is quite smooth, but I don't really notice any difference in the appearance of my pores. Also, regardless of it's name being matte, it's not a flat out matte; which I actually like. Neither is it extremely oily like the Garnier BB cream. I do feel though it doesn't control the shine on my T Zone, for which I need to set it. The lasting power is nice too, but wears off after around 6-8 hours. 

Final verdict, I actually like this BB cream a lot. It's not too oily, or too thick, but is a medium consistency. Lasts fairly long, and provides decent coverage. The only cons for me are that it doesn't hold shine too well, and I don't like how it spreads all over the cap. Other than that, great product!

Hope this review was helpful! What's your favorite drusgtore BB cream? 

L'Oréal Color Riche Extraordinaire Lip Color in Molto Mauve (500) Review + Swatch!

Since the weather has been cooling down, I've been going crazy after dull plums/mauves and dull red lip colors for the fall and winter. In a recent shopping spree, I got the L'Oréal Color Riche Extraordinaire Lip Color (boy that's a mouth full) in the shade Molto Mauve (500). They were launched in 2013 in the USA, but took a while to get around to other places. The price tag is a little high, at $9.99. But they come in a beautiful gold packaging, which makes them look kind of high-end.

The tube holds 6 ml of product, and has a flat doe-foot applicator. I really like the applicator, cause it doesn't saturate too much product and evenly applies it. It also has a fruity fragrance, which is a little more than mild. It doesn't bother me at all, and I actually like it. Once applied, I don't feel the fragrance at all. The color is a light mauve-pink with very fine sparkles that don't really show up on the lips but give a 3-D effect and add to the glossiness.

Swatch in indoor lighting.

The lasting power is quite nice too, it lasts me about 3 hours before fading. After which there is light glossiness. Also, it doesn't dry my lips as much as lipsticks do, which is a real plus point for me. 'Cause my lips dry out very quickly. I think this is because it contains Argan oil, Lotus Flower Oil, Camelia Seed Oil and Rose Canina Oil.  

Swatch in outdoor lighting

The pigmentation is quite remarkable I think. It isn't fully opaque with one swipe, but the color is buildable, Though it does feel slightly heavier than an average lipstick on my lips, but isn't sticky, which is why it doesn't bother me.

Overall, I am really impressed by the L'Oréal Color Riche Extraordinaire Liquid Lip Colors, and I really like the color Molto Mauve. I think they have an awesome glossy look and last really well. I really want to get a few more colors now! 

I hope the review was helpful! I'd like to know what your new buys are for the fall/winter. Let me know in the comments! :)

Yourbot - technology taking us further!

Yourbot is an android based device with speech-to-text conversations, allowing your future generations to virtually interact with you. The device allows you to store your memories so that you may share them with your future generations. It does so by asking you a series of questions to create a digital YOU. Just by talking to the device, through the mobile app and/or web, you'll create Your Bot. Your Bot may become exactly you, or the personality you most want to be.
The questions asked by Yourbot are not random, but in fact were put together by researchers at Princeton University, to span all aspects of the human experience, and get an depth idea of your personality. The device then stores your responses and narrates them in video form.
There are several things and experiences of our lives that you might wish to tell your great great grandchildren. Well, now the waits over!

The Body Shop Skin Primer Matte It - Review!

Makeup primers used to be a thing only makeup experts used... Until they hit the drugstore. I never really thought of buying a primer, and never felt I needed one, till I started observing more carefully my skin after doing my makeup. I started feeling there should be something to evenly layer my foundation, because it sometimes tends to be patchy, and there should be something to reduce the appearance of pores. Which is when of course, all the primer hypes started making sense. I currently only own one face primer, which is The Body Shop's Skin Primer Matte it.

I guess I haven't gotten a primer after this one cause of how satisfied I've been with this one. It holds 25ml/0.84oz, and retails for $18 I think. It is available at The Body Shop and can be purchased online at The Body Shop. It has no fragrance whatsoever and comes in a twist up cap. The packaging is decent and travel friendly, and I have no issues with that. The primer leaves your skin very velvety and soft after application. There are some reviews saying that it kind of makes makeup slip off, to which I'd disagree because it is preferable to wait a little after applying primer, so that it's properly adhered to the skin. And also, a primers job is to ensure smooth and even application, so the primer doesn't let too much foundation stick to one area of the face.

The primer is clear and has a gel like consistency. It decreases the appearance of pores and reduces oiliness. It also makes my makeup last longer. Just that I feel it should mattify my face a little more. Maybe I feel like that cause my skin is too oily, but to be honest, that's so far the only problem I've had with this primer. Otherwise I absolutely love it, and I always use it on functions and occasions, when I know I need my makeup to last longer. The downside for some might be that it's silicone based, since for many that triggers acne. But cleansing properly and taking care of your skin can often avoid that. 

Final verdict, I really like this primer and and use it quite often. It's travel friendly, has a lot of product and doesn't bother my skin. Yet, I'd like to try more primers to see if I really can get primers that control oil better, because of my extremely oily skin.

Hope the review was helpful! Have you tried The Body Shop's primer? And what primer do you use mostly?

The Balm Mary Lou Manizer - Review + Swatch!

I absolutely adore highlighters. Whatever color or shade they are, I like to have them in my stash. Not that I have many (I'm still building my collection). In fact, The Balm's Mary Lou Manizer was my first highlighter. And it is, by far one of the most amazing highlighters I've ever tried. I bought it on Amazon, for $16.99 (it actually retails for $24.99 I think, on the official website). I totally think it was worth every penny, which I'll explain in the review. Also, Hautelook every now and then has sales on The Balm makeup where it is for 50% off.

The retro packaging is very cute. It's a sturdy compact, with a mirror on one side, taking good space in the palm. It holds 8.5g/0.3 Oz which is a lot of product. Especially considering how pigmented it is, it feels like it'll never finish. There isn't any fragrance to the powder I feel. And oh, it is so soft! Which is why I use a flat brush and pat it on the compact, to avoid fall out. Since you need very less to get a good glam look. It may give you the disco ball look if applied heavily, so it's better to start off using a light hand. It has some sparkle in it, I wouldn't say too much, since it ends up looking just like a beautiful sheen when applied lightly.

The lasting powder is nice too, even though I have very oily skin. It lasts about 6-7 hours without primer or setting spray. I would say though that the compact is kind of delicate plastic. Since my luminizer chipped from the side, after which I added a little rubbing alcohol and pressed it. So, maybe it's not too great for travel...
Overall verdict, I absolutely love this product. Even though some people feel it's hard to pull it off during day time, I think it's very possible using a light hand. And that it gives a very beautiful champagne highlight to the face.

Maybelline Super Stay 24 Lip Color in Keep Up The Flame! Review + Swatch!

Maybelline Super Stay Lipstick in Keep up the Flame (025), is a long wearing matte red lipstick. It's a 2 way lipstick, from one side you apply the actual color and the other side is to keep your lips moisturized and hydrated, since the lipstick formula is drying. When I first got into long wearing lipsticks, I decided I had to get a red long wearing lipstick. 'Cause red lipsticks feather out of the lips the most, especially if you don't use lip liner. I thought it was a great way to keep your lipstick in place and not having to use lip liner! :D

Keep up the flame is a cool toned red lipstick, it's more like a deep red. It has no shimmer or sparkle whatsoever, and dries to a completely matte finish. The lipstick holds 2.3 ml of product, which I think is kind of less. As you can see in the picture, the compartment holding the lipstick isn't much big either. The lipstick has a very slight floral scent, which isn't overpowering at all. I actually like it, it's refreshing. 

The Balm on the other end, to moisturize the lipstick comes quite handy. Even though I like to keep the lipstick completely matte sometimes, my lips get too dry which is when I use the balm. As far as whether the lipstick lives up to the 24 hour claim, I haven't tested it so long. I never wear makeup for 24 hours really. But it does last straight 8 hours with eating and drinking and doesn't fade. Neither does it transfer. 

The swatch kind of looks funny, cause it's my wrist and it has a straight red line (:P), but oh well.. Swatches on the wrist seem more clear to me. The lipstick retails for $8.99-9.99 depending on where you buy it from. It's available in most drugstores.

Overall, I really like this lipstick. It's very long lasting, I absolutely adore the color, and it doesn't feather. What else can you ask for of a lipstick? Though the fact remains, I am not someone who wears a red lip very often. I wore a red lip on my sister's wedding which was 6 months ago, after which I haven't worn a red lip. But I definitely would want to try more colors in this range, cause of how beautiful the formula is. I'd love finding a more nude/light pink color to wear on a daily basis. 

ELF Studio HD Blush in Headliner Review & Swatch!

I know this is a a late review, but I've recently fallen in love again with cream blushes. I personally prefer powder blushes because of the convenience of applying them, but my love for that radiant creamy look is back I guess.
The ELF Studio HD blushes hold 0.034 Fl Oz and come with a pump. They're popularly referred to a dupe for the MUFE HD blushes ($26), where as these blushes are $3.

These blushes come in five shades. I have the blush in Headliner, which is a pinkish mauve. At first when you dispense some product from the pump it may seem separated (the oil and the cream blush), but the problem can be easily resolved by shaking the blush well.. And voila! A beautiful cream blush comes out of the pump. 

I think Headliner is an absolutely beautiful color to wear on an everyday basis. It does contain really small silver glitter specks here and there, but overall it gives a very radiant finish. On the face the glitter can't be seen. And oh, the blush is intensely pigmented, so a little goes a long way. At first when I pumped out product I thought a lot would be wasted (that's the only complain most people have with this), but I figured if you control the pump you can actually get how much product you want.

The wear time of the blush is also great, it's very long lasting. I love the natural sheen it gives. It doesn't really have any fragrance, so it won't bother smell sensitive people. I apply it with the elf stippling blush and blend it out with a buffing brush. 

Overall, I really love this blush. I'm so happy to have tried it again. I love the color, the finish and the staying power is great too. It's a total bargain, and at $3 I don't think you can really go wrong. On top of that, using Ebates you get 4.5% cash back. And if you're lucky you can find the stuido line on 50% off too! 

Max Factor Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion Foundation - Cream Ivory (40) Review!

Today I'll be reviewing my Max factor Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion Foundation, boy that's a long name. I know most of us are always looking for the best foundation, which isn't too expensive and suits us well. Cause other makeup items aren't too hard to find, since if your skin is looking great, almost anything looks good. And in order to make our skin look great, we need a good foundation to give a light radiant glow and cover up any spots. To be honest, I think I kind of have found my favorite drugstore foundation. Maybe I'll soon find out of a better one, but as of yet this foundation is my absolute favorite! I know a lot of people love the Revlon Colorstay Foundation , I like it a lot too. But I just think it's a little too heavy for a daily basis. Whereas this one on the other hand is great. Anyway, getting to the review..
First of all it's packaging is slightly bulky. 'Cause it's a liquid-cream foundation, the sponge applicator is in a separate compartment than the foundation. That kind of adds to the bulkiness. Also, the foundation is enclosed in a thick glass packaging, I think the product is less as compared to how bulky it is. But that's not too much of a problem to me honestly.

Max Factor Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion Foundation (Shade Cream Ivory 40)

It holds about 11.5g/0.4 Oz which is less than a standard foundation. But I don't really mind that cause it's really light and a little goes a long way, you need to use the slightest amount to cover your face properly. As far as fragrance is concerned it doesn't have any, which is great for the ones who are sensitive to smells in makeup items.

Sorry about how it looks, it kind of melted due to the heat here. 

The shade cream ivory (40) is lightest shade out of 9 shades. I'm not too sure about the other shades, but I selected this one online and it's a perfect match for my skin tone. I don't think it's too cool or warm undertoned, it's neutrally undertoned. It's available at Boots and the official Max Factor website for £ 12.99.

I haven't really read the ingredients in it, but I am guessing it's silicone based because of how smoothly it glides on the skin. Unlike Revlon Colorstay it doesn't feel heavy at all on my skin and I think it does a good job at covering spots and giving an air brushed finish. It lasts quite a fair long time as well, about 7-8 hours without touch-ups.

Overall verdict, I really love this foundation. I think it's great for daily use, especially cause it feels very light on skin and gives a very natural slightly dewy finish. Also, it's wear times is great and it isn't too drying or too oily. I'm not too sure about the shade selection though , maybe that's not too great. But it's a great product and I'll definitely repurchase.
Hope the review was helpful! Please comment for questions or suggestions. :)

L'oreal Extra Intense Liquid Eyeliner Pencil (Black) Review

When I just started buying my personal makeup (after realizing I was old enough now to have my own, as a child I'd use my mother's makeup), the first thing I was into was eyeliner. Nothing too special, just a black line on my waterline was enough back then. But one thing that I hated even then was when that eyeliner would smudge and come below my eye on my dark circles making them darker and more scary, lol. So my hunt for finding the perfect eyeliner has indeed been a long one, but it's finally over! I first fell in love with the Maybelline Line Express Pencil, it was soft, created a nice soft look and would stay. But when I tried the L'oreal Extra Intense Liquid Eyeliner Pencil I was amazed. This is indeed the best eyeliner pencil from a drugstore that anyone can find in my opinion. I've heard a lot of people rave about the Prestige Pencil Eyeliners too, but I haven't tried that so I can't say much.
The L'oreal Pencil is double ended, with one end having the pencil and the other end having the smudger.

The pencil holds 0.03Oz/1.1g. And I know this is weird, but I actually really like how the pencil is completely black. I don't like the wooden colored shavings for some reason (funny I know). The pencil doesn't have any fragrance. I got this for $8.49 I think at Rite Aid.

What I absolutely love about this pencil is that it glides on like a liquid eyeliner, just that it's in pencil form which gives you a lot more control over it. You don't have to apply any pressure whatsoever when applying eyeliner, so you kind of have to be careful because of how creamy the pencil is. Another amazing thing is that even though it's so creamy, you can smudge it right away when you apply it, but a few minutes after that it stick and dries so that even if you try smudging it, it doesn't move. Which to me, is a totally awesome thing.

I don't really use the smudger in the back, though I think it's quite a useful thing. And the smudger is nice too. The pigmentation of this pencil is amazing as well, it's extremely black which makes it all the better! I know it seems like I'm over raving this pencil, but you'll seriously have to try it out yourself because I personally think it's worth all the rave.

In the picture above I just slightly glided the pencil over my hand, I could have made it darker but I wanted to show what's the lightest line you can get from this pencil. As you can see in the picture, the pencil really is true black. Also, it's matte. I personally don't like pencils with shimmer. 

Overall, this is my favorite pencil for everyday use or for a party, I prefer this over my liquid eyeliners as well. It's staying power is amazing too, it stays even after I wash my face even though it's not waterproof. I think it's a great product for the price you pay. I'd definitely repurchase! Hope the review was helpful! Please comment for any questions/suggestions. :) 

Rimmel Lasting Finish 1000 Kisses Lip Tint | Carry On Cherry

Lip tints have become quite a popular product since a while now.. We have a large variety of them to choose from now even in drugstores. They're especially popular with people who find lipstick a little heavy or lip gloss sticky, and also people who like the no makeup look a lot. Today I'll be reviewing Rimmel's lip tint in Carry On Cherry (600).

(Pardon my camera's quality, I'm trying to work on that.)

It is a two way lip tint, with the tint being the first step and the balm on the other end being the second step, to add moisture to the lips. The tint is in the marker form, here is a close up of how it looks: 

Close up for the balm on the other end: 

The lip tint has a light cherry + marker like smell, it's a little weird but it's not too strong or irritating. The balm has an extremely light cherry like fragrance, which to me is pleasing. Both caps are strong and close firmly, which makes it good for traveling too. The shade Carry On Cherry was the second lightest I think after Nothing But Nude, which is one shade lighter. I think it's a beautiful almost natural color. It's a berry like color, and the color of the lip tint is VERY much like the color of the packaging, they're almost identical which offers a good guide for the color inside the tube. Though this a "Transferproof Lip Tint" like the packaging says, it does transfer a little, not too much though. The lasting power is fairly good. It does fade after 3-4 hours though but not too much. I actually like the balm a lot, it's very moisturizing and not too shiny or heavy. As for the marker, this is the first tint I bought in a marker like form, and I'm not too pleased by it. For some reason I just don't like the marker form of application. And having to apply the balm separately. It is a great product and many might love it, who don't find the marker feeling weird. But I guess it's just not my thing. I still do use it, not very occasionally though. The color is bright and beautiful, and can be worn all year round I think. Here is the swatch: 

(The color looks a little faded in the swatch, but it's actually brighter.)

Overall, the packaging and product are great, it offers a good amount of pigment. I just don't really like how you have to apply it in two steps, and also how the tint is in the marker form. The color is beautiful though and is quite flattering on a lot of skin types. 

Hope the review was helpful! Have you tried any of Rimmel's lip tints? What do you think about them? Please leave a comment for any questions or suggestions. :)

Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub Review!

Yesterday I reviewed the Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer.. Today I decided on reviewing the scrub of the same line by Aveeno. The daily moisturizer isn't a product I was too happy with to be honest. I did like it though, but the sparkles and slight greasiness would kind put off my feelings for it. But, I like this daily scrub more. Not that it's an out of world type thing, but it's more like a gently everyday exfoliating scrub. It slightly brightens your face too.

 It holds a lot of product, 5.0 Oz. And I started using this a little after it's daily moisturizer. It still has a lot of product. It's texture is a little gritty but the small beads aren't too rough and just gently moisturizer. I absolutely love the smell of this product, it's very fresh; not to sweet and not too fruity, just like in the middle. I also do think it has brightened my complexion, cause of the light exfoliation on a daily basis. Overall, it's a nice mild product. I think it could suit several skin types. It doesn't over dry my face at all, which I love and which is very common of face washes to do. It was $7-8 from CVS I think. I'm not sure and I don't exactly remember the price. I think it's good for the price, better than the moisturizer which is a tad bit expensive for a drugstore moisturizer, click here to see the full review of the moisturizer.
Hope the review was helpful! Have you tried anything from the positively radiant line of Aveeno? If so, what do you think about it? Share in comments! :)

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 Review

I've been using this moisturizer religiously everyday since I got it. It's almost about to finish now, and I got it about 8 months ago. So that's a long time, as it holds a lot of product (4.0 Fl Oz/120ml). It was $14 I think, from CVS. I love it's packaging, it comes in a sleek bottle with a pump, which makes it all the easier to use. It's consistency is thicker than lotion but not as thick as cream, which makes it easy to blend and doesn't feel to heavy on the skin. Though in the summers, I won't say it particularly feels too light. But it doesn't feel too heavy either.

It's a very basic moisturizer I think. The one thing that I don't like about it too much is that the moisturizer has sparkles in it. Though they don't show up on the face too much, but it still kind of bothers me. Which is the only thing that stops me from repurchasing it. Other than that, I really like it, especially cause it has SPF. Though one other downside is it kind of oils my combo/oily skin a little more. Like after wearing it for 3-4 hours I see shine on my T zone. 

As far as it's claims about brightening the skin.. I would say it does brighten the skin up a bit. Not too dramatically but my skin did look more fresh by using this I think. I think there are several other alternatives that might be able to brighten the skin more than this product, because the effect of this was very mild. 

Final verdict:

I do really like this product, and I really wanted to like it cause I loved the packaging and that it had brightening properties, as well as SPF. But the sparkles in it, and addition to shine on my skin are a downside of this. You might like this if you have more of dry skin. I don't think people with oily skin would really like this. Also, if you don't like any form of sparkles showing on your face, this product is not for you. 

Hope the review was helpful! Please comment for any suggestions or questions. Have you tried anything from the positively radiant line of Aveeno. If so what do you think about it? :D

The Balm Hot Mama Review + Swatch!

So, when I started going crazy about makeup and makeup tips I came across The Balm. Which was popularly known for producing very pigmented products and their cute retro packaging. Seeing the reviews and swatches (and of course, the hype) I would go crazy and definitely wanted to own it. So, well... I guess I couldn't hold for long and ordered Hot Mama from Amazon. I got it for $13.79 (which is actually $21 on the website). And I don't think The Balm products are readily available at many stores, it's kind of hard to fine them. They can be bought on the website, or on amazon. Though sometimes Hautelook, which is a premier members-only site featuring private, limited-time sale events of the world's premium fashion and lifestyle brands, has The Balm products available too.

Anyway.. Coming to the review. I absolutely LOVE this blush. I can't rave about it enough. I use it everyday since I got it. Even though Hot Mama kind of has a prominent sheen to it, I think it's wearable during the day too if you use a light hand. This is how it looks: 

The packaging is really cute. It comes in a paper cardboard type packaging and has a strong magnetic lid. It holds 7.06 grams, 0.25 oz. Which is quite a lot of product. People say its a dupe for the NARS Orgasm (the universally flattering blush). Hot mama is a very beautiful pinky peach colored blush with a golden sheen. It doesn't really have any big chunks of sparkle in it, which I love. And which all together makes it a lot more wearable. It's lasting power is good too, and it lasts me around 5-6 hours without primer. it doesn't really have any scent. It's texture is very soft and buttery, just tapping it with the brush gets you enough product for one cheek for a natural look. 

I wanted to include a swatch on the hand, but for some reason the camera wasn't doing justice to the color of the blush. So I didn't include that.. Regardless, all the pictures were taken indoor without flash. I hope they're clear and give a good idea of blush. Please leave a comment and let me know what you guys think about it too. Also, you feel free to ask questions. :)

Bourjois Blush 35 Lune D'or Review + Swatch!

I wasn't very into blushes as a makeup starter, cause I thought they made me look like a clown. But with time I've developed this special love for them. Especially cause of the healthy glow they give to the skin. I recently got the Bourjois Blush in 35 Lune D'or. Which is a light pinkish golden blush. At first sight I thought it would be similar to The Balm's Hot Mama blush. It is kind of similar to it thought.

It comes in a small plastic round compact, with a brush and a mirror.

Opened:

The blush has a very light sweet powerdy type of fragrance. Which isn't strong at all. The texture isn't very soft. You don't get much product at one time. You might have to layer it up a little for it to show, especially if you have darker skin. The lasting power isn't very great, because it has a lot of shimmer which kind of fades with time. The shimmer in this product is more visible than in The Balm's Hot mama, which has more of a golden sheen. This blush is a more night time blush, for me at least. 'Cause I don't like very obvious products on a daily basis. Though I do love this blush's sheen, it totally brightens up the whole face.

Here are the swatches: 

 

Overall, I really do like this product. But it's not something I'd use on a daily basis. So, no it won't decrease the number of times I reach out for my beloved Hot Mama blush. Unless I'm going out somewhere at night. To read my full review on The Balm's blush Hot Mama click here. For any questions, comments or suggestion. Please feel free to leave a comment.

Maybelline Colorsensational Vivids ~ Vibrant Mandarin 914, Review + Swatch!

Recently I've started obsessing over bright lipsticks. I guess it's just a need sort of thing as the summer approaches. And during the spring I bought a new lipstick, from the Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids: Vibrant Mandarin, 914. It's a bright orange lipstick, as the name suggests. The packaging is sleek, and the color of the lid depicts the actual color of the lipstick. Here is how it looks:

The color is very bright. And very vivid. The lipstick has a faint vanilla type of sweet smell. It's not very orange though, it's more of a bright pink-ish orange type of coral. It's like a neon color. To me, I like the color but I don't think it's very wearable, cause of how bright it is. Though, when I pat it with a tissue it lightens a little, and that's how I can wear it. Otherwise this isn't a favorite lipstick of mine. The finish is creamy/satin like. And it has a beautiful sheen. The color also leaves behind a beautiful stain, which isn't too dark. That's how I use the lipstick mostly, by just keeping the stain.

Here is the swatch:

You can't tell the color very properly. It looks more orange in the picture. Where as in normal lighting it looks more in between a bright orange to coral. The lasting power is great. Cause the lipstick is very opaque. And it doesn't accentuate any dry patches on the lips, which a lot of lipsticks do.

Overall, this lipstick just kind of added to my small collection of lipsticks. I don't like it very much, cause it's too bright. I can pull of a matte red lip, on rare occasions. But this lipstick isn't just bright, it's more like a neon color. Which I think isn't my thing really.

I bought this for Rs. 975 at Beauty Arena. It's available in most leading stores in Pakistan. It's also available at most drusgtores. It rages from $ 7-8, and is also available at most drugstores depending on where you buy it from.

Hope the review was helpful! Please feel free to comment for any questions or suggestions.

The Body Shop ~ Color Glide Lip Shine Lipstick

I've been reviewing lip products mostly, must seem like I'm really into lip products. Well, to be honest I can't really decide which makeup product is my favorite. I'm actually obsessed with all makeup products, lipsticks, eye shadows, blushes, highlighters, bronzers, anything! And today I'm reviewing The Body Shop's lipstick, in the color glide lipstick line, the color I have is Rare Coral (11), available at The Body Shop.

It comes in a beautiful metal packaging, and seems quite solid in the hand. Also, the size is very compact. 

(Click on photo to enlarge.)

The color I'd say isn't coral, even though the name suggests. It's more like a warm peach-ish nude with very beautiful fine shimmer, which doesn't really show up but just gives a glow. 

The finish is shiny, as the name suggest. The lipstick has a very faint sweet smell. I'm not sure how to describe it, it's like that smell which comes from high-end lipsticks. In the picture above the color looks more like a pinkish-coral, but the color is very slightly coral I'd say. Or isn't coral at all. The color is very sheer, it can be build up, but I think since the lipstick is shiny, it feels heavy on the lips if build up. It feels like having a lot of lip gloss on the lips. The finish is creamy satin like. It's a very nice every day sort of color, and quite suitable for the summers.

The lasting power of the lipstick is not very impressive. I guess that's because of it being similar in application to a lip gloss.

Here is the swatch: 

This above picture does justice to actual color I think, since it's more like a light pinkish peach shade. Though in the picture the fine shimmer isn't visible. It's more like golden fine shimmer. I bought this lipstick for Rs. 1400 at The Body Shop. Prices vary in different countries according to the exchange rate. The Body Shop products though are very widely available in several countries.

Final verdict, I'm not very pleased with the lipstick, I guess cause I don't like too shiny lipsticks, they kind of feel heavy on the lips. Otherwise the color is nice. It's a type of color that can be pulled off with a dramatic eye. But I don't really find myself reaching for this lipstick much.

Hope the review was helpful! Please leave your comments for any questions or suggestions. Hope you have a great day! :)