Review: Inglot Eyeshadow Trio No124R, Magenta No74, Purple No445, Light Pink No48 & Gold No25

Recently, I had a bridal group that needed their makeup done for the pre wedding function and the wedding itself. Now for me, as a norm in the way that I work, I always request at least a picture of the outfit prior to the day so I am not caught off guard only to realize that I don't have a particular shade of eyeshadow to complement or match the outfit. I am not the type of artist that would simply be content with applying auxiliary or alternate colors like silver/ gold only as the lid shade if I do not have the color of what the person is actually wearing. And.....so it happens that one of the girls from the bridal party had the most exquisite magenta outfit and I couldn't find anything in my makeup collection that would,for me, be the perfect color for the look that I envisaged creating. So, amidst a very hectic morning, I drove off to my nearest Inglot store to purchase just ONE eyeshadow....and ended up purchasing 9 Freedom Palette eyeshadows and a blusher. So with just over R1000.00 worth of makeup later(so much for self control), I created an amazing pink/purple palette that has become 1 of my favorite favorites...lol.

Notice how satiny and shimmery the # 445, 48 & 25 looks. Inglots Pearl finish eyeshadows are a dream to work with.

What I love about Inglots Freedom system is that you are able to buy refill eyeshadows, blushers and lipsticks individually to create palettes with colors of YOUR choice and know that every shade on that palette will be used as opposed to a pre built palette where most times you end up purchasing a palette just for one or two colors while the other colors remain totally unused. Money wasted....! You additionally score when you purchase more than one refill product by getting the palette absolutely FREE.

Back to my favorite favorite.....I created a 'shades of pink/purple' with the 5 eyeshadow palette with:

No 124R: this is a trio which is made up of burgundy/red/pink. The colors on this trio feels a bit hard initially to the touch and needs a bit of pressure to pick up the color. It has a matt texture which is heavily pigmented and all the colors in this trio have fine, gold reflective shimmer in them.

No 74: is a deep magenta color(the color that I really needed for that day), with specks of silver shimmer. Also deeply pigmented. This is more of a matt finish which blends really well. Easy to build up to an intense finish.

No 445: this is a lovely mix of a medium plum/ deep lilac color blended into one. It has quickly made its way as one of my favorite colors now and is certainly one of the most beautiful shades that Inglot  has invented. It has a pearl finish and is soft and smooth in texture. They are intensely pigmented and requires no effort to blend as I've come to expect from Inglot's Pearl eyeshadows.

No 48: is a light pink color. It also has a pearl finish. Super soft and smooth and literally requiring no pressure to pick up color with the brush. Easy to blend as well as to build up color from a light  to intense look.

No 25: this is a gorgeous warm bronzey gold which is not too bright/shiny or dull. It has an equal blend of shimmer and pigment(one does not overpower the other)- just perfect for day or evening use. Now, I know that this is not a pink/purple shade but it was a must have after I swatched it and I certainly have no regrets purchasing it as whenever I am looking for a gold shade to use, I most often than not, find myself reaching for my #25. It's a pearl eyeshadow that is very easy to work with. The soft, smoothness of its pearl texture is felt immediately when you swipe it.

I've always used a primer and base with these eyeshadows and found them to have sufficient staying on power with little or no creasing. There may be a little fall out- but that also depends on how you apply the shadow. If you pat it into place, it reduces the fallout rather than sweeping the brush over
the lid.

More Inglot eyeshadow reviews coming up shortly.....!

Review: Mac Mineralize Blush Fad-Dabulous

Am I on a roll or what?? This week has been a week for reviews, reviews and more reviews. Thanks to the many Christmas vouchers that I have received, my makeup collection has literally grown by the day. This is my second blush review that I've ever done- I get so caught up with eyeshadows that I barely reserve time for other makeup products.

Mac Mineralize Blush- Fad-Dabulous

I had purchased this blush a while back and had even used it a few times but it failed to impress me to a point where I'd label it as one of my favorites. It's an ok overall performer but I find that it just does not give me the outcome that I've come to expect of Mac blushes- probably due to its mineralized nature.

Notice the peachy/brown colors with the fine shimmery gold specks.

The color can be described as a very warm, neutral brown which when swatched or applied has a peachy pink undertone. I know- it sounds like it has too many colors all infused in one. It is also marbled with fine reflective gold shimmer. I've read many reviews where people complained that the shimmer was very overpowering but I honestly don't believe so. I feel it gives you the perfect amount of sheen and glow perfect for day use. Some may differ with my opinion and would prefer to use it at night but I find that although the shimmer in it may make it perfect for evening use, the blended color is not intense enough to be used at night. It truly is a dream to blend but I feel that there is way too much fallout. You have to make sure you tap out excess product each time you pick up the product. It's staying power is commendable and when it does start to fade, it does not become patchy. It is almost half the normal amount of other Mac blushes- 3.2gr compared to the regular 6gr.

It's quite nicely pigmented and would be good to use to complete any neutral look- so if you are a fan of neutral shades then this is a blush you should really consider getting. In the mean time, I will be giving Fad-Dabulous  another chance to work its charm on me....

My overall rating would be a 4 maybe 4.2 out of 5.

Did you like what Fad-Dabulous did for you??? Share your experience with us....we'd love to hear from you.

Review: Mac Springsheen Blusher

It seems that I have been bitten by the review bug this week as I have been drawn to doing only reviews this week- don't know if its my way of making up for the past few weeks when I was MIA. I have mentioned previously that I am an out and out eyeshadow girl. You would rarely find me buying many different shades of lipsticks and blushers. I have very few but very versatile shades(apart from the WOW lipstick haul that I recently purchased) of lipsticks and blushes that I have become comfortable using and never really wanted to be adventurous and expand on my collection. My blusher collection mainly consists of many tones and shades of coppery reds/plums and pinks. Unable to restrain myself at Edgars Red Carpet sale 2 weeks ago, I ended picking up my very first peach/ apricot toned blush.

I could literally kick myself for not getting this color earlier as it's such an enticing shade. It gives you a warm, youthful look(and who doesn't mind looking youthful all the time) and it is great for everyday use. It gives you a healthy glow without looking overly done. I am slightly fair in complexion but not pale- so on my skin, I've never had the problem of it going on too heavy or dark. It has very fine shimmer in it but when it's blended out, it leaves an iridescent glow on your cheeks. It's great for giving any dull skin an instant splash of glow...

It comes from Mac's Sheertone collection and is part of their permanent range. It's 6gr in quantity and would last you longer than you would expect. It applies on like magic and blends into the skin magically. It's very pigmented and you can build up from a sheer to intense look quite effortlessly. It lasts quite long if it's not humid but begins to fade in about 4-5 hours if you get hot and sweaty.

Final verdict....I love, I love, I love....if ever I go through this, a replacement is definitely finding its way in my palette.

Have you had any good/ disappointing experiences with Mac's Springsheen??? Why not compliment or vent in our comment section below....

Review: Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer

Here in South Africa, we are never spoilt for choice when it comes to makeup brands and their products. Although in recent years, the makeup market has been opening up, there still is a lot of products that are readily available in other countries, which are not even heard of here in SA. One of these products being eyeshadow primers. With Mac being a popular brand here, most artists multi- use their products meant for other purposes to substitute for products that are not readily available here. I know I'm speaking in circles here and you are probably cursing me for not getting to the point.

I am venting my frustrations on the lack of availability of decent eyeshadow primers here in SA. Whilst overseas, I came across numerous brands offering quality primers that make even the most chalkiest eyeshadow stay on until YOU decide its time for it to come off. Recently, my backup Urban Decay primer started showing signs of depletion and I was back on the search for a suitable substitute.

Not wanting to spend a fortune on a trial brand, I shopped most Clicks, Dischem and Hub makeup counters with no luck. Eventually, I settled on Smashbox's Photo finish Lid Primer. I think more so because it resembled Urban Decays Primer Potion(a primer that I believe is the best in the makeup industry). I silently prayed that its performance matched that of Urban Decay's as well.

The Price: R185 for a 2.5ml tube. Now that's pretty expensive for such a little amount.

The Packaging: The primer comes in a neat little rectangular box which has enough printed information on it about the ingredients used, suggested application method, shelf life etc and even a photo of the exact size and picture of the tube on the front of the box. I especially love this layout as it saves me the time needed to open the box and pull out a pamphlet that's folded over a hundred times to get the necessary information that I need. It's a 'made in USA brand' that supports animal cruelty free manufacturing.

The Product: It comes in an elongated round plastic tube with a doe footed sponge applicator at the end of the wand. It comes in a universal shade and is oil free- making it perfect for increasing the longevity of the eyeshadow and in reducing creasing to a minimum. It contains Phytomoist, which is a plant based ingredient to help in maintaining the moisture in the area that it is used in. Once opened, it has a shelf life of 12 months.

What Did I Think: I must admit that I found this primer easy to work with. It glided on easily and smoothened out to a soft finish. The one advantage that Smashbox's Lid Primer has over Urban Decays Primer Potion is that it does not dry tight on the lid. It feels silky smooth and gives you ample working time before it sets. My eyeshadow stayed on well over 5 hours without creasing or fading. A little goes a long way and u'll find yourself just needing a tiny dot of product which spreads out quite nicely.

So I guess, until I find a better primer, Smashbox Photo finish Lid Primer will be my choice of eyeshadow primer. It has met all my expectations: a creamy formula, easy to blend, and a little going a long way.... with the exception that I find it heavily overpriced.

My Overall Rating.... a well deserved 9.5 out of 10(minus half for the price).

If you have come across any good lid primers, please let me know. I'm eager to see if there are any other brands that can match the competency of Smashbox.

Review: Mac Nocturnals- Green & Teal Set

I normally do not purchase makeup that comes in pre built sets as I prefer buying individual items(although you do end up spending a bit more) that I know I will definitely be using rather than cluttering up my draw with items that I would never use. I made an exception this past week when I bought Mac's Holiday Edition- Nocturnals, the Green & Teal set. I am a bit disappointed with this buy and need to remind myself why kit purchases are not for me.

The Price: R530 for 5 little vials- 3 of which are pigments and 2 glitters.

The Packaging: The mini vials come in a neat gift box with a transparent lid that allows you to see the product and product shades without opening the box itself. The store assistant told me that the vials are stackable- which unfortunately is not true, with or without the lid...unless I'm doing it all wrong. Each vial is smaller and works out much cheaper than the full sized Mac pigment or glitter. This has an advantage for those that prefer buying makeup in kits as you end up getting more for your money for the quantity- and honestly speaking, I'm sure majority of us will not even be able to get through the entire amount.

The Product: As mentioned earlier, there's 2 vials of glitter and 3 vials of pigment.

• Reflects Gold: is a super fine shimmery white powder that has a glint of gold in the reflecting light. I remember seeing something similar at the Inglot stands. I think this is perfect for applying over your completed eyeshadow look to give it that dancing stars effect for bridal and evening makeup. It can also be used on the body as a highlighter.
• 3D Gold: is a much grainier sparkly gold glitter. This as well can be used on the body and on the nails.
• None of Mac's glitters are recommended for eye use- which is a pity as nobody really wants to spend a lot of money on glitter that you are just going to sprinkle on your hair/ body or used on your nails. I have to admit though that I have used Mac's glitters over glitter glue to create glitter lines without any hassles. Don't know if this is just a way of Mac protecting themselves but I strongly suggest that if you have sensitive eyes or if you would just prefer to be cautious, then do avoid using their glitters on the eye area.
• Old Gold: I have been using Old Gold for the past 10 years and have come to realize that this is one of Mac's most sought after pigment in their permanent range. It's a highly shiny, metallic, olive green gold that looks very antiqued at certain angles in the light. It's highly pigmented, very easy to blend but without a primer on my lids, tends to crease after a few hours of wear time. When I've used it over a primer, I got a longer use from it with little or no fading. 
• Deep Blue Green: This is an intense blueish steel grey color that would be perfect for smokey evening looks. This is the first time that I've owned this color and already I'm loving it... It's color pay off is excellent and is soft and smooth to work with. I haven't used it to create a look with it as yet- so I can't really comment yet on it's staying power. I'm sure like any other pigment, used with a primer, will give you good wear time.
• Just Before Dawn: I was a bit hesitant to purchase this set after seeing this brown pigment in it as browns are really not my favorite shade. After playing around with it, I realized that its an excellent color to use in the crease area and when blending the outer V to a gradient. It's a medium brown that is matt in its finish and very soft and smooth to work with.

I know I will not succumb to impulse buying in the near future as when I got home, I realized that only two vials of the five really catches my eye. If I did not already own Old Gold, I would've been happy with 3 out of the 5- finding uses for the other 2 is really not my idea of intelligent shopping. But all does not go to waste as thankfully I have nieces who would be only too glad to become owners of them. 

Review: WOW Moisturizing Lipsticks with Swatches

I've never been one to buy a lot of lipstick shades. I generally stuck to the few shades that I was happy with. Recently, I've become more adventurous and ordered a whole lot of shades from the WOW range and find myself recommending it to my clients as touch up lipsticks for their functions as they are very inexpensive and safe to use- (by safe, I mean they are not the 'made in China' brand)

They have 2 types of lipsticks in their range- the moisturizing lipsticks and the long lasting, matt lipsticks. The ones I have swatched is the moisturizing lipsticks which has about 90 different shades. I hope to slowly buy a lot more to build up a collection as I really like the quality of the product-especially since it is not overly priced.

They apply very easily with little effort and have a glide on application with no tugging on the lips. As the type suggests, it's moisturizing and has an amazingly pleasant smell. They are creamy and highly pigmented. The color pay off is excellent and did I mention that they are cheap??? Lol.

I realized after swatching them that I was attracted to shades very similar to each other in color. But, I'm not complaining as I'm thoroughly happy with each and every shade that I've bought. Right now, in Durban, u can purchase it through individual agents and the prices range from R25/R30 for a 3.8gr tube.

The swatch colors on my hand are bang on but the pictures of the lipstick itself is not the best. My apologies....

Review: Essence 3D Duo Eyeshadows- Irresistible Mermaid Kiss, Irresistible Green Dreams, Irresistible Purr-ple

Last week I purchased 3 of Essence Cosmetics 3D duo eyeshadows. Each shadow comes in 2 tones- a lighter shade which can be used as a highlighter or on the inner corner of the eyes and a deeper, darker shade that can be used across the entire lid, on the crease line or just to smoke out the look.

Each of the shadows has a nice soft feel to it and the darker shades are extremely well pigmented. What I like about them is that they are packed with fine, blend-able shimmer(and who doesn't love shimmer?) If you want a deeper intensity, try applying them wet and watch the colors POP. They have a long enough wear time on their own but if you want more than 6 hours of wear, apply them over an eyeshadow primer and base. One thing that I really loved about these eyeshadows is when a bit of pressure is used to apply it, it did not go on patchy- instead it leaves a very evenly pigmented layer that is very easy to build and blend. The lighter colors in this duo pick up powdery but once applied, gets the job decently done. They are currently retailing at R39.95 for 2.8gr of product and can be found at most Clicks, Hub and Dischem pharmacies.

Essence 3D Duo Eyeshadows

The colors that I purchased are:

• Irresistible Mermaid Kiss(No 06)-  this is a mint green color, just like the green of the deep ocean waves.
• Irresistible Green Dream-(No 01)- the lighter shade in this duo leans more towards a very pale mint green but the darker shade is more of a darker avocado green. It's an amazingly beautiful shade which you would definitely enjoy using...alone or accompanied by a complementing shade.
• Irresistible Purr-ple(No 02)- this duo comprises of 2 shades of purple from either extremes...the lighter shade borders more on a silvery lilac shade whilst the main color is an intense mauve color with shimmery blue specks. Here again....a color not to be ignored.

Swatches

Irresistible Mermaid Kiss- No 06

Irresistible Green Dream- No 01

Irresistible Purr-ple- No 02

Colors swatched without any base or primer.

Review: Catrice Eyeshadows(420- Talk Like an Egyptian, 640- Don't Touch my Mosserati)

I've always been an eyeshadow gal and I can never resist the temptation to buy when I come across a good brand that offers quality and affordability. I usually end up with many similar shades of eyeshadows made by different companies simply because I just cannot resist them. Tempting my weak sense of makeup willpower is another brand that I have recently discovered- CATRICE. Catrice is the 'sister' brand of Essence which was launched by ex Miss South Africa Cindy Nel and her husband Clive Roberts. Now Essence has been a hit ever since it was launched here in 2009 and I can see that Catrice is going to be giving it some stiff competition. Both products are European brands and we can all breathe a sigh of relief as that eliminates the 'made in China' phobias.

Like Essence, Catrice offers an extensive range of makeup products which are priced well below the budget of the average buyer. It's a very trend focused brand that revises their range every 6 months and releases one trend edition every month to keep up with the ever changing trends. Once a color is taken off the shelf, the chances of a reappearance is very slim- so if you see something that you are super impressed with, purchase backups upon backups as you may never be able to set your hands on it again- and with their crazy low prices, you certainly will be able to afford many backup purchases for future use, lol. Their products are of premium quality and are not tested on animals.

I purchased 2 of their eyeshadows a week ago despite me having so many of those colors already in my collection.

The Price:  R34.95 for 2gr and it has a shelf life of 24 months

The Product

• 420- Talk Like An Egyptian: which is a pearly beige gold color. It feels a bit sheer but when packed on with a brush, has good color payoff. It's excellent for creating a shimmery, luminescent sheen on the eyelid and can be paired beautifully with almost any other color. It's perfect to use as a highlighter on the brow one and on the inner 1/3rd of the eye.
• 640- Don't Touch My Mosserati: this is a rich dark green with shimmery gold specks. It picks up effortlessly and applies like heaven. Once it's packed on, the gold specks even out leaving you with an intense pearly green color with a goldish undertone that dances in the moving light. It kind of reminds me of the 'mother of Pearl' effect without the multi colored hue.

Swatches

Pros

• I love the packaging- very elegant looking. The eyeshadows come in a transparent case without any distractions of labels and images allowing you to appreciate the color the minute you lay your eyes on them and without you having to open it.
• It has a luxurious, soft, velvety feel to your touch.
• A firm, single swipe is all it takes to pack on the color.
• It is extremely blend-able and lasts the whole day with an eyeshadow primer.
• It is intensely pigmented.
• It is very affordable- the price is definitely not an indication of its quality.

Cons

• There is heavy shimmer fall out from the gold shadow- which I couldn't remove as I had already applied my foundation. Although on the lid, I loved the shimmery effect, under the eye area, it was a nightmare. To overcome this, apply a thick layer of powder under the eyes and once you are done, use a fan brush to clean up. Leave foundation application for after applying the eyeshadow.
• Be wary...u might develop a strong addiction!!! They've got me addicted and I can't help purchasing LOTS more from their product range...

Review: WOW Cosmetics Gel Liner

One of the greatest makeup inventions in my opinion are gel liners. Gel liners offer the same application technique and purpose without all the fuss and mess of pencil and liquid eyeliners. My very first gel liners that I owned were Macs Fluidline in Blacktrack, Sweet Sage and Jadeye. My next purchase of a gel liner was Inglot's No.77- as much as I loved the fact that they stayed on all day without smudging or fading, it either dried up after just ONE use(and trust me, I was very careful with regards to air exposure whilst I was using it) or it dried tight onto the lid after the application, leaving me a bit uncomfortable. Despite them hardening very quickly if proper care is not taken, I don't think I would ever go back to liquid and pencil liners.

With my experiences of gel liners hardening up on me, I wasn't going to invest a lot of money this time round and decided to purchase something that is not quite as expensive as Mac or Inglot. Which brings me back to my latest discovery of an affordable, quality makeup brand.....WOW.

Now, I have reviewed 2 other products of WOW cosmetics and I must say that so far....I am quite impressed. I have been back for my second makeup haul purchase and am seriously loving every use that I am getting out of their products thus far. My experience with their gel liner is also worth raving about....

Comes in a durable, plastic tub

The Price: R60 for a 5gr tub

The Packaging

The liner comes in a neat, clear, plastic square tub that is nestled in WOW's brand labelled box with sufficient information about the product and it's application on the back. Ingredients are listed clearly and it comes with its own mini brush applicator. The container is sleek and small enough to comfortably fit into your handbag or carry along makeup purse.

The Product

I did not use the brush that came in the box to apply the liner. I used a very thin synthetic brush. The consistency of the gel is very creamy allowing for a smooth, glide on application. It does not dry quickly, giving you ample working time. I was able to play around with it to eventually settle on an elongated winged application. It has a brilliant depth of pigmentation and I just had to apply it once over for an intense color pay off. Despite my slightly oily eyelids, I found that there was no smudging or fading and the product stayed on throughout the day... it did not leave a tight, dry feeling on my lids like I've experienced with some major brand gel liners. It dried to a semi-matt finish, which is exactly how I like it.

Applied as a single stroke- look at the intensity
of the pigmentation

My Overall Impression

I honestly believe that this is real value for money. R60 for 5gr of product is certainly a budget friendly replacement for any major brand gel liner. It is long lasting, easy to work with, gives excellent color pay off, is inexpensive and definitely worth the try...now that's certainly getting all the boxes ticked...

My Personal Rating: with eyes closed, a non-hesitant 10/10

Disclaimer

Please note that all products that I review are purchased with my own money and I do not get paid to provide any sort of positive or negative feedback on ANY product. All opinions are solely my own and is 100% honest. What may work for me, may not necessarily work for you. This is just to provide a guideline on what you can expect if you are considering purchasing the product.

Review: WOW Cosmetics Liquid Eyeshadow

I remember purchasing a liquid eyeshadow many years ago and somehow back then, it just failed to tickle my fancy. Thereafter, I found myself steering clear of them despite the attractiveness of some of the shades and colors. In my vague recollection of my experience with it, I recall that it hadn't totally met my expectations and since then, they have never made my favorites list.

With my recent makeup haul of WOW makeup, I couldn't resist a duck egg blue(which happens to be my new favorite color for ANYTHING) shade liquid eyeshadow(No 08). I tried it on the previous day to test its wearability and to see if maybe this time round it cut the grade.

WOW's range of liquid cream liners

The Price: R25 for 5ml bottle vile

Shade No 08

The Packaging

There really isn't much to say about the packaging except that it comes with a sealed, see-through,
tamper- proof plastic and label around it. The label has the importer and ingredient details. Imprinted
on the clear bottle which allows you a view of the shade and color is the company logo. Nothing fancy, pretty simple....

Soft, velvety applicator

The Product

Wow's liquid eyeshadows come in a range of 9 metallic colors. The color range consists of some bright, funky colors (01, 02), a few pastel shades (03, 05, 08) and the basic neutrals (04, 06, 09). They seem to have skipped 07 for some reason, lol, but we can forgive them for that. The mix of colors
cater for every type of makeup lover which is a definite plus.

Applied as a double layer

I swatched the shadow on my inner wrist as well as on my eyelids up to the crease area without any base or primer. It comes with a doe foot applicator for quick and easy application. It applied quite effortlessly to a silky smooth finish. I didn't try building up the color as the metallic aspect served well for an intense enough look- so at this stage, I can't comment on whether it's a build-able product. If I remember to do that on my next use, I will include it in here later.

I have slightly hooded eyelids that tends to fall over my lid area which is also a bit oily. I noticed that the area where the lid touched whilst blinking, the color had faded a bit leaving that area looking a bit patchy. The area below the crease remained intact throughout the day and it resisted color loss exceptionally well. It stayed fast despite me intentionally trying to rub it off. Those that do not have hooded eyelids will especially benefit from this.

I like the fact that due to its excellent staying power, and it can also double as a funky eyeliner. The swatch on my inner wrist stayed on for more than 8 hours despite all the rubbing and touching. I expected it not to budge when washing it off, but warm soapy water was all it took to leave my skin clean and stain free.


My Overall Impression

Pros

• Quick and easy application
• Comes with own applicator
• Dual performance....eyeshadow/eyeliner
• Dries to a silky, smooth finish
• Good range of colors
• Smudge and smear proof 

Cons

• If you do not know how to apply it evenly, it ends up looking a bit blotchy.
• For those that are cursed with hooded lids, keep the shadow away from the crease line to avoid the shadow from fading away.
• Not everyone is fond of metallic, shimmery colors...range should include a few simple colors .

Liquid eyeshadows are an excellent alternative to traditional eyeshadows which require little or no blending skills. It's endless staying power certainly gives it an upper edge over powder shadows. Try it...you may just find yourself a gem product that you are unable to do without. However for me, I'll just wait for WOW to introduce some non- metallic shades in their range...

Was this review helpful...??? Feel free to comment and share your experiences with us.

Review: WOW Cosmetic Liquid Foundation

I generally am not fanatical on foundations as I've previously never had much luck with finding shades that complement my typical Indian skin. My skin has a pronounced yellow undertone leaving me looking too grey, ghost-ish or pale with the majority of foundations that I have tried. In all my years of using makeup, there were only TWO foundations that I used that gave me total satisfaction- Kryolan's cream based foundation in OB3 for event and occasion use and Clinique's 'Even Better' liquid correction tint with SPF in Sand(09) for everyday use.

My latest foundation discovery is totally impressive and I just couldn't wait to share it with you. It's from a make up brand called WOW cosmetics which was introduced in South Africa in 2007. You can read the little that I managed to research about the product range and company here.

Back to the product itself...

The Price: R55- R60 for a 30 ml bottle

Packaging

Wow cosmetics liquid foundations come in a black box with their logo printed in white and all product ingredient information is found on the back of the box. The information regarding the manufacture and use of the product is absent with just the South African importer address listed. The product itself comes in a press, dispense bottle similar to Mac's Mineralize Satin Finish foundations.

Product

The foundation itself is a thick, creamy liquid that has a soft, satin feel to it. What I love about the consistency of this product is that there is no real need for a brush or sponge application. Just dispense onto the palm of your hand and apply as you would any cream or lotion- at least this is the way I like to apply it- this I find is super advantageous for those of us who need a 'slap and run' application for those mornings where every second is precious. I set the foundation with Kryolan's translucent powder. It provided a light, sheer coverage which I normally prefer for day use. However, it is build-able to provide medium to heavy coverage as well. For the duration of the wear, my skin felt moisturized and silky to my touch. It also gave my skin a lovely glow and radiance so much so that I am comfortable and satisfied enough to use it on its own without any blusher or eyeliner. I got a decent amount of wear time (about 5 to 6 hours) after which it starts to fade. Apart from consistency, wear and texture, it has a really pleasant fragrance which was one of the first things I had made a mental note of.

Improvements

Being the type of person who loves to be armed with the knowledge and know how of everything that comes across my path, I find myself always researching anything new in my life- be it  a new development, renovation to even buying makeup. The one disappointment for me on this product is that I cannot find enough of background information about the brand and company itself.
Another property that I feel can elevate the ratings of this product is the addition of SPF. This is not really a huge train smash though but in terms of keeping up with makeup production trends, built in SPF is something that is taken for granted in all foundation types. Other than this, I really cannot find any other fault with this product. I hugely recommend this foundation and it has certainly made it on my 'less money! more makeup- feeding your makeup addiction on a budget' list.

Feel free to share your experience with WOW cosmetics with us.....

Review: Coloressence Shimmer Highlighter in Silver SS-1

I've  often come across many shimmer highlighters and powders whenever I've  perused makeup studios and beauty shops but was never really drawn to it. I felt it was basically a useless buy as I could never see much use for it. It felt too sheer and well 'un- pigmented' lol. However, my opinion of shimmers have drastically changed ever since I saw a makeup video tutorial that used the Make-up Atelier Paris shimmer as an eyeshadow with no base color at all. Wow....what an effect....I was awe -struck with the outcome and just HAD to get my hands on some shimmer...any shimmer...and I have not been disappointed.

I ended up purchasing the Coloressence Shimmer Highlighter in Silver. I dappled around with it and found that for the price that I had paid, I couldn't really find any fault with the product.


The Price: R100 for a 3g jar

The Packaging

Comes with a removable dispenser cap

It comes in Coloressence's signature packaging...a black outer box with the brand name in Silver. The container itself is a round cute lightweight plastic tub which is very user friendly and as I am constantly dropping my makeup around, I am loving this tub as it will take quite a bit of knocking around before it gives way.

Once the screw on/ off lid is removed, it has a neat dispenser cap which allows for easier control on the amount of product you would want to dispense. This also serves as a hygiene control measure as you don't have to dab your brush into the entire content of the container. If you find this as a hindrance, it can be easily removed and replaced.

The Product Itself & What I Thought of It....

Even the camera captures how light and silky this shimmer is.

• The shimmer is made up of fine micronized pigments to give you any look an accentuated glow.
• There is a GENEROUS amount of product which should last you a very long time. 
• The texture and consistency formulation of the shimmer is a loose snow-white, super fine pigment powder that resembles flakes of crumbling stars or crumbled snow flakes.
• I was impressed by its incredibly soft and silky feel which could be applied sheer for an illuminating glow or a pigmented, dramatic eyeshadow application. 
• Comes in 3 shades- Silver(SS-1), Gold(SS-2) and Bronze(SS-3)

Uses

Swatched directly onto skin with no base color.

• This highlighter is not restricted to use only on the body as a body shimmer. Due to its build-able property, it works exceptionally well as an eyeshadow too.
• It is perfect for use on the inner corner of your eyes to open up the eye area or to give the illusion of wider set eyes.
• It is not heavy and could also be used as a highlighter for contouring and on the arch of the brow bone.
• When used with a mixing medium, you could apply it as a shimmery eyeliner.
• Use over your lipstick or lip gloss to add sex appeal to that pout.
• Above your blusher to catch the light just above your cheekbone.

Overall, this is a soft, shimmery powder that has the perfect combination of sheer and pigment to give any look a radiant, sophisticated glow. 

Rating

I would give this an overall rating of 9.5 out of 10. This product has really impressed me and would certainly buy it again once I have finished off this bottle.

Review- Coloressence 8 Palette Pearl Eyeshadow, EP1

I have already reviewed the Coloressence Pearl palette EP2, and the colors on that palette were bold, bright and bridal. The colors on the EP1 palette are more earthy tones with more the bronzes, gold and green shades. This palette comes in handy when you want to do a simple, neutral look with a hint of glamour. The earthy tones also worked well to highlight the brow bone.

I created 2 looks from this palette to give you an idea of what you can do with this palette, however the colors in this palette is so versatile that if you let your imagination run wild, the possibilities are endless.

Coloressence EP1 8 Color Pearl Palette

EP1- is a true burgundy/ brick red color, ideal for smoking out a bridal look. In the picture, it looks more like a pinkish, plum red- but in reality, it's a maroon, reddish color.
EP2- is a dark brown with a slight hint of plum hidden in its depths.
EP3- a beautiful bottle green shade that can be paired with either silver or gold and smoked out.
EP4- a pure satiny white perfect for highlighting the arches of your eyebrow area or to use at the      inner ducts to open up your eyes.
EP5- a mustard/ gold color that has a hint of orange in its undertones good to be paired with EP1 for the perfect bridal finish.
EP6- is a bronze, gold shade and blends beautifully onto the lid.
EP7- is more of a dull silver with lots of shimmer.
EP8- the most beautiful copper, bronze shade I've ever set eyes on. However, I'm not sure where I could use it just yet...hmmmm...!

Green Smokey Look

Here too, I loved the intensity of the colors. The shades in this palette provided a rich, one stroke application and I was able to blend out the colors in the crease area without much effort. Layering was possible in increasing the depth of the smokey effect. The one thing that one cannot argue with, on these 2 Pearl palettes(EP1 & EP2), is the intensity of the pigment in each color.

I also need to add that with these 2 looks, I used a creamier, softer base primer which was the NYX jumbo pencil.

Silver Smoked out with Coppery Red

The company claims that these eyeshadows are crease proof, fade proof and smudge proof. I did find a bit of creasing, but that could be due to the creamy texture of the base primer. To further enhance the duration of the wear of these eyeshades, you could try using an eyeshadow sealer to lock the colors in.

If you love earthy, neutral tones and if you want to get more out of your buy, then I would suggest giving this palette a try.

Was your experience with the Coloressence Pearl palette any different? Good or bad, we would love to hear from you....

Review- Coloressence 8 Palette Pearl Eyeshadow, EP2

Coloressence is a sub-brand of the company Natures Essence which has its roots in India. It has been available in South Africa for quite a while now but I had never really given much attention to it until a few weeks ago when I happened to see it on display at a local beauticians shop. I was attracted to the intense depth of the dark colors on the 8 shadow palette and it's satiny feel to it. I placed my order for both palettes and received them last week.

 A bit about the cosmetic range of Natures Essence- all products manufactured by Natures Essence are 100% natural ingredients and have NO animal content in them. They have a vast range of beauty products used for facials etc and a complete range of makeup products from foundation to lipsticks. They are well within the reach of the average and below average consumer but as I always say, makeup is a personal choice and what may work for one, may not necessarily work for another.

Having said that, let me tell you about my experience with the Pearl 8 eyeshadow palettes. The packaging is sleek and classy being black in color and slim and light enough to slip into your handbag without causing an unsightly bulge. It comes in a similarly designed box and the eyeshadows are nestled in a plastic casing. When you open it, you have a large mirror, a firm double ended sponge applicator and 8 eyeshadows of 3.5 gr each. The shelf life of the palettes are 2yrs.

I loved all the colors on this EP2 pearl palette with the exception of the light yellow gold and lime green colors. I found that the majority of the colors in this palette are highly pigmented and they scoop up quite a bit of product in a single swipe. They have a satiny, pearlised finish which I love. It packs on perfectly but certain colors move out of place easily leaving certain areas uneven & patchy. You would have to go back and pack on a bit more if this happens to even  it out.  The duration of the wear was about 3-4 hrs after which it started to fade. When applied without a base primer, the lighter colors were sheer and a bit powdery. A good base primer is a MUST.

The white & gold shimmer colors I used as a highlighter in these pictures.

So to sum up my pros & cons.....

Pros

• Darker shades are highly pigmented
• Has a beautiful satiny finish with a lot of sparkle and fine glittery look
• Excellent packaging
• 100% natural ingredients
• R250 for 8 x 3.5gr eye shades(now that is a steal even if 1 or 2 colors  turn out to be not your favorite)
• It has lovely, shimmery bridal colors
• Doesn't really have to be paired with a second color to give it a rich glamorous look(check pictures above) but looks even better when paired with a second shade.

Cons

• Doesn't stay on as long as I would like it to(3-4hrs max before it starts fading)
• Lighter shades are a bit sheer and powdery- BUT this can easily be overcome if you use a good base primer that will grab the product and give it some intensity and depth
• Not as blend-able as I would prefer... takes a bit of time and patience. If you are using it as the lids main color, and another product color to blend out the edges, it will work perfectly to give you the desired look. 
• Slight fallout- but not much more than I've experienced with some Mac and Inglot Matt shades

Would I buy these again? I don't want to be quick to jump the gun just yet and commit to either a yes or no without having another go at it but I certainly am eager to try out their other products eg the eyeliners and jumbo pencil eyeshades.

What do I rate it??? 7 out of 10

What have your experiences been with Coloressence eyeshadows? Let us know if it's worked any better for you than it did for me....

Eastern Bridal Fair 2013

Last night was the first day of the Eastern Bridal Fair at Kendra Hall. The last that I attended the Bridal Fair was about 4 years ago as having attended it many times previously and saw that there was a lot of repetition with the same companies advertising year after year. I decided to use up my two VIP tickets that I received and found that although the decor styles with the stage and lighting companies had advanced, and some where really breathtaking might I add,  the advertising businesses itself remained pretty much the same. I was hoping to see new and younger businesses showcasing their work but was a bit disappointed at seeing that they hadn't changed much. The number of business stall holders had significantly decreased  from the initial years when I would make a concerted effort to attend it every year. I can't help wondering if its the cost of taking up a stall that is preventing new businesses from joining this expo or is it other contributing factors. I can't deny that the attendance of the fair certainly had not waned... Having said that, the items on sale were of high standards and quality unlike the India/Eastern fairs that we are so used to and if you are shopping for jewelry or clothing in particular, you are certain to pick up some great deals and bargains. BEWARE of the fake MAC products being sold here- I noticed at least 2 stalls that were claiming to sell authentic MAC makeup...remember, if its not directly from MAC, its fake! Simple as that...

Outfit from the Dadar Paaneri stand

The planning and layout seemed a bit unco-ordinated especially for the main attraction which was the fashion show. Directions were poor and seating the huge number of attendees was poorly organized. It left many people standing in the aisles for the duration of the show which was more than an hour.

However, I must compliment the co-ordination and quality of the fashion show that showcased the work of fashion designer Mansi Malhotra and Dadar Paaneri of India, dances(choreographed by Shampa Sonthalia of Jalak Dikalaja & Smitha Maharaj of Nateshwar Dance Academy) and  the stage acts of 'Gudda' and 'Guddi' who introduced each segment with some excellent comedy who for me, were the highlight of the show.

The performance of Mrinalini Tyagi(Teju) and the hunky Shakti Arora(Onir Dutt) of popular TV series Pavitra Rishta was brief and I'm sure everyone would have appreciated a longer performance from them. Their interactions with the audience was however, outstanding!!!

All in all....for me it was a good Friday night getaway from home. If you need to while away some time this weekend, then maybe this will be a good alternative to the mall, if not, don't fret....you are not going to be missing much or not seeing anything that you haven't seen before.

Review: NYX Jumbo Pencils

I am generally not the type of person who buys makeup on a whim or without constraint. If its a color that is missing from my collection or if its a real deal and I find the color attractive, I may spend but not without the 'should I, shouldn't I?'...lol. But that doesn't mean that I have never splurged on makeup in a moment of weakness. Having been an ex e-bay shopaholic, I had once made a purchase of ALL the NYX jumbo pencils after watching many makeup gurus using them. I made a bit of use with the pencil in Milk but the rest was tossed away at the back of my draw and was soon forgotten. After doing the review on the NYX eyeshadows, I decided to dig up these long forgotten babies from their hibernation and give them a chance to impress me once more.

I have mentioned previously that I am a die hard Mac fanatic, and anything not Mac always slipped under my beauty radar. Having said that, I also realized that not all products in a brand range will be definite hits....u will get a few misses amongst them, be it Mac or be it Rimmel. I also learned that if you give a product a chance, you are sure to find items that are worth much more than what you've paid for them and which you will find yourself really treasuring. One of those products are the Essence range of Long Wear cream eyeshadows that I've reviewed recently and another is the NYX makeup range.

I have swatched my long lost beauty budget friends and the results were quite pleasing. Check out which ones were a hit for me and which I would give a miss....

Pros

After swatching all of the colors that I own, there are a few colors that I would definitely be making more use of. I found that they were astonishingly pigmented and the texture of the pencils were creamy and very blend-able. They were easy to apply with no tugging and pulling of the skin like most shadesticks or pencil eyeshadows. It is soft and glides evenly without much pressure. Most of the colors had a radiant shimmer to them especially the darker shades. For me, the big plus is that it doubles as a sticky base when you need something for your eyeshadow to grab onto. Also, if you have a very sheer shadow which is not well pigmented and you want to deepen the color, these will be an excellent buy. I found whilst washing it off in between swatching that it did not come off easily with water and soap and that I needed a cotton wool ball soaked in hand wash with a pressured rub to wash them off. For me that's a quality we all want in an eyeshadow or base. 

Cons 

The only problem I foresee with these is that creasing is a possibility especially if you have very oily eyelids. I for one would not want to wear it as an eyeshadow on its own but for those that donot have a problem with oily lids and creasing, it provides a foolproof application and may be a good buy for those mornings where time is of the essence and you need a quick slap of color on your lid. Some of the lighter colors applied were very sheer and looked somewhat blotchy- so watch out for that if you intend buying one of the light, pastel shades. To overcome the problem of creasing, make sure you blend it out well try not to apply it past the lid crease. The other problem I foresee is sharpening the pencil. I would suggest placing it in the fridge for a few minutes to harden before sharpening to prevent it from breaking. 

Overall for me, this is a win . The colors that I loved were Horse Raddish, Pacific, Bronze, Baby Blue, Black Bean, Milk, Gold, Rust and Hot Pink.

Review: Inglot Eyeshadows DS#491, #492, #493, Pearl #415

Recently at our free standing Inglot store, I noticed that they had a few items that were reduced by more than 50%. I often walked right past it for fear of purchasing something that I didn't really need. Well, what do you know....I gave in to temptation yesterday and decided to check out their discounted items. I managed to pick up a few colors that was absent in my collection and I must say that I am glad I made those purchases. I picked up 4 full eyeshadows at a ridiculous price of R45 per shadow(toothy grin...). Inglot has discontinued their round eyeshadows for a square look. The consistency and quality of both remain the same- the only thing that has changed, is the packaging.

Inglot shadows come in 4 different textures and are labelled accordingly with a shadow number.

Matt- this is a flat finish that has no shine, sparkle or shimmer
Pearl- this finish is more pigmented and has a satin, frosty finish
DS(Double Sparkle)- a Matt based shadow with a hint of reflective sparkles or fine glitter
AMC(Advanced Makeup Component)- semi- Matt finish with some sparkle and a bit less glitter than the DS shadows
AMC Shine- this is a highly pigmented, pearl, frost, satin finish shadow

To see a look created using the shades of purple, click here

DS#493- is a sparkly matt, light mauve, lilac color that has a hint of lavender to it.
DS#492- is also a matt, sparkly pinkish, purple color but quite different from #493 when placed on
                skin.
I found that #492 & 493, when used without a base was a bit too sheer and lacked the vibrance that I expect from an eyeshadow. But this was easily overcome when I paired it off with my NYX jumbo pencil in MILK as a base.
DS#493- is a deep purple color that has an underlying black hue, perfect for creating a
                purple smokey look.
Pearl#415- I almost didn't get this one as I was a bit unsure of the color when applied. I am glad I
                    didnt leave it behind as it is the most gorgeous blue and when used over a black base,
                    has a slight blue green hue which makes it such an attractive color.

From the 4 colors that I bought, my favorites are the 491 & 415. I can see myself making good use of these colors. I did however find them to be a bit powdery but nothing that a little tap on the side of your container can't sort out. With a base, you will get at least 5-8hrs of use. They are extremely blendable and for me, at R45 a piece, I'm prepared to overlook the ever so slight fall out that one may experience.

Review: NYX Eyeshadows

I can't exactly recall when my obsession with eyeshadows began but I do remember the time when my makeup draw just consisted of a few basic shades from Yardley. I guess as I started earning my own money, I splashed and splurged on any shade that was attractive to the eye and not really focussing on a particular brand. After being introduced to Mac in 2003, I became incredibly loyal to the Mac range of makeup and didnt bother with any other makeup brand. I do however recall buying a few shades of a makeup brand called NYX(and was reasonably happy with its performance) which was not available in South Africa at that time(2003). Then on my visit to America in 2005, I noticed that NYX was extremely popular there. Recently, I was thrilled to see that Clicks carried the ENTIRE range of NYX products.

Part of Clicks NYX range 

I decided to swatch a few of their eyeshadows to see if there was any improvement in their quality which would break my loyalty to Mac, lol. What I did find, was pleasantly surprising and therefore decided to add these products on my 'less money, more makeup' list.

The eyeshadows that i swatched felt smooth, creamy, intensely pigmented and there was consistency in the performance of majority of their colors. They have a range of about 50 some odd eyeshadow colors coming in textures of matt, shimmer, sheer, frost, glitter and metallic. There was sufficient product in a single swipe and the need to go back to the shadow to pick up more product was really not necessary.

I always apply eyeshadow over a primer and base. Having said that, I found that there was a POP in color and it felt really soft on the skin.

In terms of the duration of the wearability, for the price, I think that it is excellent giving you a wear of non creasing and caking for a minimum of 4-5 hours which is pretty good considering I have oily lids which are ever so slightly hooded:(

I did however find a slight bit of fallout, but this I experience with a lot of Mac eyeshadows as well.

Finally, the price.....the pressed or flat shadows are priced at R79, with the pearl flat shadows at R89. Their pigments and glitter come in 5ml bottles and are just R44. This may look small but will definitely last you a long time. Their trio eyeshadow palettes are priced at R120. Not bad at all

What I also noticed was that they have a lot of colors very similar if not identical to many Mac eyeshadows. I will be swatching them and creating a list of NYX colors that can be used in place of the Mac shades.

So follow me as I compile my NYX- MAC dupes(duplicates).

Review: Essence Stay All Day

Less money, more makeup...!

We often judge makeup by their brand popularity and their price tags. In sure that we've all had some experience where we've broken the bank to invest in a single piece of makeup only to come home and realize that the product turns out to be a complete and total dud. Top rated eyeshadows range anything from and above R190.00. If you are like me, then you've definitely splurged well over R300.00 for a single eyeshade which turned out to be an absolute beauty buy bust. Lesson learnt, I now know never to judge products by its price tag. Apart from that, we all now-a-days cannot afford to be lavish with our hard earned money. There are many quality products that is being introduced into the South African market making it accessible to everyone as it can fit even into the tightest of budgets.

I accidentally came across one such product yesterday whilst browsing at my local Clicks store. I found myself swatching one product after another from this brand and left there with my hand looking like I was in a pre-scholar who was just introduced to painting.

The brand I am raving about is called ESSENCE. Most of us will be unfamiliar with this products but after much research last night, I  learnt that it is a European brand that has hit over 50 countries including U.S.A and Switzerland. Its manufactured in Germany. They pride themselves in keeping up with the latest makeup trends and their products include eyeshadows, mascara, nail polish and liners to name a few. And, and, and...what's even greater is that their prices start as low as R30.00.

I couldn't help but grab a few items that impressed me and with what I have swatched, I have no regrets and feel that some of their products could give some high end makeup brands a run for their money.

I will be reviewing more of their products, so keep watching this blog if you want to learn of other quality makeup at affordable prices.

Today, I review ESSENCE'S creme eyeshadow from the STAY ALL DAY range in No 08.

Thicker swatch is product applied alone as eyeshadow & Thinner swatch is used as a base with a  lilac pigment.

PROS....

*What initially attracted me to this eyeshadow was its pearly, dazzley effect that it has as I twisted and moved it around. I found that true to the range name, it certainly was long lasting and stayed put for over 5 hours. It  could be used alone as a creme eyeshadow and still have super color pay off or  as a base which serves a dual purpose of allowing your dry shadow to last all day AND also intensifying its color as can be seen in in picture above. After leaving it on for over 5 hours, I literally had to use a sponge and soap to scrub it off.

*It has a soft, silky feel and texture.

*It only costs R31.00 and you will certainly get many, many uses out of it- so it's definitely worth the buy.

CONS....

*The packaging is not that great and looks like its meant to target teens but their products ARE suitable for all age groups.

*Can get a bit lumpy if not applied evenly.

All in all I feel that this is certainly a must try and would rate it an absolute 8 out of 10.