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Catrice Lip Foundation Lip Liners

There is five shades of these Catrice Lip Foundation Lip Liners. I managed to find four of them to try. I initially bought two while we were staycation-ing in Kilkenny. Enjoyed the concept, so wanted to grab more shades when I was back in Dublin to do a post on them.

I believe these were part of their Spring/ Summer collection from last year, I hadn’t seen them until now though. I ran out my brow pencil while we were away and needed to pick up. So I just went to the local chemist and they happened to have a Catrice stand. I got one of their micro brow pencils, and then kept perusing. That’s when I came across these little beauties.

The concept of the Catrice Lip Foundation lip liners is that they’re a base colour for your lips. So you can use them to prime for lipstick, contour, or as an all over colour.

I really just like them because of the shades available and the fact that their super creamy and pigmented.

They’re my kinda nude lip colours and within the four that I have, I think there’s a matte nude shade for pretty much for everyone. That alone, made me think they deserved their own blogpost 🙂

As always, I’ll give them an oul swatch and you can make up your mind.

First up is ‘Addicted To Cafè Au Lait’ a lighter pinky nude:

‘Caramel Blonde To Go’ is light pink shade:

‘I Take You To The Chocolate Shop’ is a medium brown nude.

And the final one I have is ‘Cool Brown’, which I think ironically is a warmer toned brown 🙂 :

The shade I am missing just because the chemists I went to didn’t have it is ‘Can’t You Hear That Super Base’. This one seems to be the lightest shade in the collection.

And that’s it! Just to mention, they are super soft pencils, which is great. But it does mean you’ll get through them pretty fast. Thought that was something to note.

The Catrice Lip Foundation lip pencils are available in all good stockists now in store and online. Inish Pharmacy have all five shades online here. And they only cost €2.80 a piece which I think is really decent.

xxx

July 25, 2018/by Gem

Makeup

Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer

I’ve heard and read a lot of mixed reviews about the Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer. I swatched it a while back at an Urban Decay masterclass. And from then, I was super intrigued, so I took the hit and picked it up from Debenhams.

First up, I really like the packaging of these UD primers (they come in different finishes). I always appreciate a pump when I’m spending a few bob on a product. I like that you can see how much product is in the bottle too. You get 28 mls for on average €29. So you’re getting a ml of product per euro. It contains rosehip and argan oil.

So what does the Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer claim to do? Well pretty much that. They say it blurs pores and fine lines. As well giving a velvet like texture to the skin to help foundation go on smoother. It gives the skin a bit of a pink tint. UD say this helps illuminate the skin. I think if you’re my skin tone or lighter that might be the case. But, if you’re darker, it could give a white cast to the skin, that might not be so flattering.

I really like this primer, it works really well for me. I do tend to use it only in my t-zone though. It’s thick in consistency and takes a bit of working in to the skin. I press it into my skin with the tips of my fingers.

The big no no that people say about it is that it balls up as you apply. That definitely can happen with a silicone heavy product like this if you use too much, or use it over a thicker moisturiser. They’re two things I tend to avoid on a daily basis so for the most part it blends out smoothly on my skin. It definitely glides over my enlarged pores and helps fill in my more prominent forehead lines. It gives a smooth base and foundation blends well over top. I find it does help with longevity too. I do always set my makeup with powder as well though.

It reminds me of a thicker Benefit Porefessional, with a drier finish on the skin. I find that as it is thicker, it goes further than Porefessional.

I can whole heartedly say I am happy enough that I spent the €29 on the Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer. It ticks all the primer boxes for me. My skin likes silicone heavy primers and this is definitely that with a more velvet finish. Have you tried it?

xxx

June 27, 2018/by Gem

Makeup

L’Oréal Paradise Waterproof Mascara & Primer

My lash lift has finally given up which is very sad. But, it did happen around the same time I received the new L’Oréal Paradise waterproof mascara in the post. Silver linings and all that 🙂 I used the original formula while my lashes were lifted and really like it!

As you will well know I use waterproof mascara pretty much exclusively. Not because of smudging necessarily, but because it just holds a curl better. And my lashes don’t curl naturally. Lash lifts help with curl so brilliantly, they also cost around €60 a session though, so when I can’t fork out, I go back to waterproof mascara.

Along with the new L’Oréal Paradise Waterproof mascara. I also got the new lash primer from the same range. I don’t really have much to say about the primer really. It’s meant to help boost volume and care for your lashes at the same time. You apply a layer of it before mascara. If you have long luscious, curly lashes it might really be of benefit to you. For me, it’s just an adds product that weighs my lashes down.

It does help with volume a little, but it pulls down the curl I use the eyelash curlers to create and the waterproof mascara to maintain. I prefer my lashes without it. It’s available from Boots for €15.49.

The waterproof mascara however, I really really like. Like the original formula it has quite a large bristled brush, not what I normally gravitate towards, but it works really well. The formula of this mascara is quite thick, so I find the bristles help to distribute it evenly on the lashes.

For me, it gives fluttery volume. What I mean by that is, it beefs up my lashes but not in a gloopy way ha! It gives a decent amount of length and it holds a curl really well.

That’s the thing I want in a mascara the most. It does get a little dry towards the end of the day, but I kind of expect that with most mascaras. I tried it on my bottom lashes a couple of times and if definitely did smudge a few hours in. I tend to be extra and use a separate mascara on my lower lashes. (Most of the time, it’s exclusively this). I know most mascaras smudge on my lower lashes so I use what I know works.

Overall though, I really like the new L’Oréal Paradise waterproof. I’ve reached for it every day since getting it without hesitation. That alone is a good sign for me. At €16.49 from Boots, I think the price is a bit sticky for a more ‘drugstore’ mascara. But having said that, it is one I can whole heartedly recommend. Have you tried it?

xxx

*PR SAMPLE***

June 20, 2018/by Gem

Makeup

Clarins Summer Collection 2018

The Clarins Summer Collection for this year has been something I’ve been waiting with baited breath for. That sounds a bit dramatic I know, but there was one product in particular that I struck up a fancy with.

The theme is Sun kissed, hot Florida vibes. The packaging is adorned with flamingoes and palm trees to get us into the Summer mood 🙂

I have a cross section of all the products, except for two.

There is a limited edition bronzing version of their SOS Primer.

There is two shades to help warm up all complexions. They retail for €31.00.

There’s also limited edition shades of their Lip Comfort Oils. This one is in Blackberry.

These retail for €21.00.

The 4 Colour All In One Pen is back again! I have a post on the one from last Summer here.

This time around, the packaging much brighter to keep within the Miami vibes, as are the pencils themselves.

It comes with three eyeliners. A matte black, plum and bright turquoise green. As well as a bright pink lip liner too. I’ve definitely been getting the most use out of the green and pink, they go really well together. The pen retails for €36.00.

Next up in the Clarins Summer Collection run through is limited edition emerald green Supra Mascara.

I have to be honest opening this I was in awe, but trying to utilise it was another kettle of fish. For me personally it doesn’t add much colour to the lashes if any. I’ll keep trying with it though as I know people think highly of the Supra Mascara formula. This retails for €26.00.

The last product is my very favourite from the Clarins Summer Collection.

This is the limited edition Blush & Bronze Compact for 2018.

I have to be honest it was the cool flamingo and palm tree motif and packaging that made me lust after this initially. But, it’s actually a really nice natural bronzer to boot.

It has three matte shades within going from a matte bronze to a deeper tone. I tend to just swirl them altogether and apply them to the high points of my face and neck. Clarins say it contains skincare so can help protect the skin from pollutants too. This compact retails for €47.00.

All products are available from Clarins stockists now. Any of them tickle your Summer fancy?

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May 30, 2018/by Gem

Makeup

Fenty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer

I have been using the Fenty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer since just after Christmas on and off. It’s definitely been a hot minute. I’ve put off writing about it for ages, just because it took me this long to formulate a logical opinion on it.

I bought this along with the Bomb Baby Mini Lip And Face Set. I really like the gloss, I can understand the hype. Although I will say loads of brands have jumped on the pretty sparkly non sticky gloss band wagon now. So there’s many a lovely gloss out there to choose from now.

The Fenty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer is said to be ‘A shine-stopping, pore-diffusing primer that smooths the way for better foundation application and longer wear with an instant retouch effect’. This description is basically what confuses me. Hear me out 🙂

This is obviously a description that would hook me with my skin being on the oiler side and having pores like craters in my t zone. I’ll start with the pros of this primer. The packaging is so lovely and the matte glass bottle feels so fancy in your hands. The pump is really easy to control. It has a really delicate , sweet scent. The formula is really light, blends really nicely and applies nearly like an extra layer of skincare. It dries down and leaves your skin feeling really soft.

Ok, this is where I get confused. For me, it doesn’t really control oil. I generally use it in conjunction with another more hardy primer like Benefit Porefessional. I apply the the Fenty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer all over and the other primer in my t zone where I know it just won’t cut the mustard. Just because I like how it feels and, well I have it and spent a decent amount of money on it. It also doesn’t do anything for my enlarged pores either, so that were Porefessional comes too.

If they had of marketed this primer towards drier skin types, I could completely concur with the consistency and how it feels. But saying it’s a pore diffusing, shine stopping primer doesn’t really make any sense to me.

Overall, I think it’s nice and it doesn’t put me off the brand at all, this was just a kind of a miss because it doesn’t do what it says on the tin.

The Fenty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer is available from Harvey Nichols in store and online here now.

Have you tried anything from the Fenty range yet? I’d love to know your thoughts.

xxx

May 2, 2018/by Gem

Makeup

Disappointing Makeup Products

I have been in a bit of a creative rut this week. I asked on Instagram stories what kind of content you like. Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to message me and fill my head with awesome ideas. I appreciate it so much. A big shout out to my lovely friend Sinéad aka The Beautiful Truth for giving me the Disappointing Makeup Products idea.

I generally talk about products I really disliked on social media. When I review products I try to be as logical as possible. I like to give the pros and the cons. I rarely dedicate a post to things I have and just generally don’t get on with. But it’s fun to change things up 🙂 Now this won’t be scathing. Everything is up for interpretation and just because I dislike something doesn’t mean everyone does. This is just my opinion.

First up of my six disappointing makeup products, is the Kiko Smart Cult Eyeshadow Palette in Matte Revolution. I did a post swatching this when I first got it here.

I bought this in Brussels after seen it plastered all over social media. The colours looked so cool and generally I am a big fan of Kiko.

This just doesn’t do it for me though. On first swatch some of the colours are grand, but trying to blend them on the eyes is way too much of a chore. They blend away to nothing. Yes, I can make it work if I need to, but this palette has just ended up lying in a drawer not being used. It wasn’t expensive, but still, it was definitely a waste of my money.

My second choice is controversial. So many people would declare this their holy grail. This is the Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer.

For me, this foundation is too thick. I don’t like the doe-foot applicator, and I just find it hard to blend.

I don’t mind a thicker foundation, but I would put this in the same category as Esteè Lauder Double Wear. Although I do say in my review it isn’t as thick, but it nearly is 🙂 It’s just too much for me. At least Double Wear stands the test of time on my oily skin, this only does an ok job. I find it grand, but I haven’t reached for it much at all since buying it.

Third up, is the LA Girl Pro Primer Eyeshadow Primer.

This just doesn’t keep my eyeshadow in check. I have relatively oily lids so I am generally a good judge of eyeshadow primer. This is in the shade Nude. I think it’s more yellow toned, so unless I am covering it completely on the lids, the tone will poke through a bit.

It just doesn’t cut the mustard. I like that it’s in stick form, it’s easy to use and super affordable, but not for me 🙁

The Zoeva Strobe Gel was completely bought on a whim because the jelly like texture intrigued me.

I have the shade Halo.

If you like a more subtle highlight, this might work for you. For me, it just looks like nothing on my skin, especially when applied with a brush. Applying it with your fingers is tricky though, as the formula just doesn’t allow itself to be picked up with your fingertips too well. I tried to incorporate it into my makeup and to make it work, but I just end up reaching for something else. It’s a cool concept, but gets a thumbs down from me.

My next two disappointing makeup products will again, be controversial.

I only have a travel size of the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. I got it within a PR pack.

Waterproof mascara is more my jam, most of the time. But I do try lots of non waterproof formulas and do review the ones that meet my extremely high mascara standards 🙂

So many people adore this mascara. I don’t! I deem it grand. It coats the lashes, helps a little with volume and on me, flakes like a bitch. If a mascara flakes after a long ass, productive day, I can live with that. But this does it a couple of hours into wear on me. For that reason, it’s made the list 🙂

Ok, my last disappointing makeup product is the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk.

Now hear me out because this is definitely a more personal disappointment. I am just not wowed by it. The texture is a bit drying, especially for the price. It’s also super super similar to my lip colour, so it tends to look more brown on me than pink.

I have the lipstick too . (I have a blogpost about it here). You can see both of them swatched in that. I reach for the lipstick way more, although I am not a huge fan of the fragrance, but I can get over that. I have the lip liner literally years, and it’s still very much in tact as you can see. Give me Rimmel’s Eastend Snob liner over it any day!

Do any of my disappointing makeup choices shock you? Are some of your holy grails in here? This is what I love about makeup, one person’s trash can be another person’s treasure 🙂

xxx

April 5, 2018/1 Comment/by Gem

Posts

The Catrice Lip Foundation lip pencils are available in all good stockists now in store and online. Inish Pharmacy have all five shades online here. And they only cost €2.80 a piece which I think is really decent.

xxx

I can whole heartedly say I am happy enough that I spent the €29 on the Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer. It ticks all the primer boxes for me. My skin likes silicone heavy primers and this is definitely that with a more velvet finish. Have you tried it?

xxx

xxx

***********PR SAMPLE*************

All products are available from Clarins stockists now. Any of them tickle your Summer fancy?

**********PR SAMPLE**********

The Fenty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer is available from Harvey Nichols in store and online here now.

Have you tried anything from the Fenty range yet? I’d love to know your thoughts.

xxx

My second choice is controversial. So many people would declare this their holy grail. This is the Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer.

Third up, is the LA Girl Pro Primer Eyeshadow Primer.

My next two disappointing makeup products will again, be controversial.

I only have a travel size of the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. I got it within a PR pack.

*PR SAMPLE***

PR SAMPLE