The ELF Camo Liquid Blush Review + Swatches - Comin' In Hot Pink, Peach Perfect, Pinky Promise & Suave Mauve

The ELF Camo Liquid Blush Review + Swatches - Comin' In Hot Pink, Peach Perfect, Pinky Promise & Suave Mauve

Friday 29 March 2024

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 Beauty companies are throwing caution to the wind, and deciding, heck, let's just copy each other, it'll be fine. We see more and more dupes from high end and drugstore brands every week, when once upon a time it was really only Makeup Revolution that was coming up with dupes. Back then, people would get so annoyed with Makeup Revolution for not releasing their own creations, and instead 'copying' everyone else, but nowadays consumers don't seem to care that brands are ripping off other brands, because at the end of the day, we all want to save much-needed pennies where we can. Rare Beauty revolutionised the beauty market when it released the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, they were sold out everywhere and you couldn't get them for love nor money, and so ELF decided to cash in from that and release their own version, the ELF Camo Liquid Blush, which of course I had to try...

The ELF Camo Liquid Blush retails at £7.00 for 4ml, compared to Rare Beauty's Soft Pinch Liquid Blush which retails at £22.00 for 7.5ml, so there is definitely a big price difference there, even if you are getting less product, but if you have tried this kind of liquid blush before, you will know that you only need the tiniest amount, so size isn't an issue here. As with the majority of ELF products, the packaging is basic and simple, but that's fine by me - it is nice to have beautiful packaging, but not if you are paying a premium for it. The applicator is an odd little thing, and one I haven't come across before - kind of shaped like a mini bee hive, but it allows you to place a dot of product on each cheek easily and precisely. LESS IS MORE with these liquid blushes, you literally need the smallest dot, and then you can either blend it out with your fingertips, brush or sponge.

There are nine shades available, (why not make it an even 10?), in hues of orange, pink, peaches and nudes. I started off by ordering two (as I have mentioned before I have to do a lot of my shopping online as I live a 2 hour round trip journey from anywhere that has a decent beauty-selling shop - eurgh), but then I kept seeing swatches online and had to order another two naturally. I went with Comin' in Hot Pink, a true hot Barbie pink, Peach Perfect, a pale nude peach, Pinky Promise, a coral pink, and Suave Mauve, a mauve shade obvs. When you look at the Blush under a light, you can see they all have tiny flecks of sparkle running throughout them, but don't fear, you don't look like you have glitter on your cheeks, it just helps to make your complexion look healthy.

The formula blends out really easily, and I actually prefer them to the Rare Beauty versions, only because with the Rare Beauty one it is too easy to apply too much, but with this you don't have to think about it, and I am all for an easy makeup life. They are very comfortable and weightless on the skin, and once dried down they don't budge or smudge, with a hydrating formula that doesn't dry out the skin. I love these, I would definitely recommend and you could even double up their use by applying them on the lips as well for a monochrome look. Maybe even the eyelids too!

You can find the ELF Camo Liquid Blushes online at Beauty Bay here.

All the Loves,
Kathryn x

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The NYX Ultimate Vintage Jean Baby Eyeshadow Palette Review + Swatches

The NYX Ultimate Vintage Jean Baby Eyeshadow Palette Review + Swatches

Wednesday 27 March 2024

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 I had looked at the NYX Ultimate Vintage Jean Baby Eyeshadow Palette a couple of times instore at Boots, and kept putting it back because I knew I didn't need anymore eyeshadow palettes, and would I really wear a blue eyeshadow palette? But after going through my eyeshadow palettes, I realised I had lots of bold, bright colours, a lot of glitter and shimmer, but not many everyday palettes, and whilst this does have a few blue shades in there, they are very wearable, and the palette as a whole is an absolute hidden gem for everyday and occasion wear.

I love that the NYX Ultimate Vintage Jean Baby Eyeshadow Palette has simple packaging, so you can see through the lid when browsing through your palettes, and the cute denim jean pockets embossed on some of the shades is so sweet. There are 16 shadows included in this palette for £15.99, so excellent value, and there are some other fabulous colour options to choose from. The pans are not large, but who these days even needs huge eyeshadow palettes? Plus, this is a great option if you travel a lot.

I really enjoy the mix of textures and colours - there's a shimmery white (perfect for the inner corners of the eye), a cream matte, light, medium and dark browns, a matte peach, grey matte, shimmery and metallic greys and blues, all of which are great on their own or paired with other colours or textures within the palette. The darker shades would also be great to use for eyeliner, by wetting an eyeliner brush and then dipping it into the pan, or using dry. 

I have had a great deal of use out of this palette since I bought it, and I think that's because you can create something simple or something fancy, and you don't really need to think about it. I have not seen anyone else online talk about this palette, and I can imagine it gets overlooked - I myself did just that a couple of times, but I am so glad I picked it up. I get very little to no fall out when applying the eyeshadows, and they are very well pigmented, so little work is required to get a fabulous eye look. I have a quite sensitive eye area, and I don't find this formula drying, nor does it irritate my skin or eyes, and because the pigment is great and not dry, I don't have to go in heavy with pressure on the delicate eye area. I feel like most people need this in their makeup kits, and will get a lot of use from it.

You can find the NYX Ultimate Vintage Jean Baby Eyeshadow Palette online at Boots here.

All the Loves,
Kathryn x

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The One/Size Fantasize Mascara and Point Made Eyeliner Review + Swatches

The One/Size Fantasize Mascara and Point Made Eyeliner Review + Swatches

Monday 25 March 2024

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 I am a huge fan of One/Size Beauty, everything I have used of theirs works really well, and for the current market, they aren't overly expensive either. I wanted to try their Mascara, as I love trying out new mascaras, and due to festive sales, it was cheaper to get this duo than buy the Mascara separately, and so you get both the One/Size Fantasize Mascara and the One/Size Point Made Eyeliner included. This set is no longer available, but you can of course buy the products separately.

Patrick Starrr has done such a good job with his brand - the packaging is so cute with smileys, products are innovative, and as I just said, his products work. I am super hard to please when it comes to beauty products, because I have tried a lot, and I am continuously trying a lot, and things aren't cheap anymore, so if you are spending a lot of money on something, you want it to work and I have never been disappointed with any of the products I have tried so far.

I'm not a huge fan of liquid eyeliners, because I have hooded lids, so they are something I rarely use, but as I mentioned, it was cheaper to get the set in the sale as it was the Mascara individually and I love to try things to share my thoughts with you. The One/Size Point Made Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner Pen (£19.00 for 1.2g) comes in the brand's signature red packaging and has a felt tip applicator that tapers off to a super fine tip for precise application. It has a comfort grip, and the felt tip glides smoothly and easily along the lash line. The formula is cruelty and gluten-free as well as being free of nasties including parabens, oxybenzone, formaldehydes and more. You don't need to apply any pressure as it glides so easily onto the lids, and it dries down fairly quickly, so once set, it doesn't budge or smudge. It states that it is waterproof - thankfully I didn't need to cry whilst wearing it so I cannot comment on that, but it didn't bleed into any lines, and was very easy to use even for a novice like me. As I mentioned, I haven't tried a gazillion liquid eyeliners, as my eyelids don't allow it, so I don't have a whole lot to compare it to, but it stayed in place, was comfortable to wear - didn't irritate my sensitive eyes, and the narrow tip made it easy to apply.

The One/Size Fantasize Mascara costs £25.00 for 13.2g, not super affordable, but not the most expensive Mascara by far. I love the fun, shiny red tube filled with smiley faces and it has a wand that features a rubber applicator which has lots of tiny short bristles on it, which are great for catching each and every lash, even the difficult and/or short ones. The six-pointed fan brush helps prevent breakage and adds length and volume to each lash, as well as giving them a slight curl. This is a lifting and lengthening mascara that is also smudgeproof, so you are not going to look like a panda later on in the day. One/Size states that it gives you up to 24 hours of flake-proof long wear, but I have never worn a mascara for that long, and hope never to have to, but it definitely stayed on my lashes all day without flaking or moving. It has rich black pigment, which I wanted to mention, because another black mascara I recently tried was quite a light black, almost charcoal. This formula isn't drying, nor is it super wet, which for me is perfect, as I find that this kind of mascara always tends to coat the lashes really well without them drooping, keeping them upwards and lifted. The Mascara includes ingredients such as Castor Seed Oil to nourish and thicken lashes, Coconut Oil to soften and strengthen and Argan Oil which is great for conditioning the lashes, so it is not just an instant result you are getting with this product, you are also getting nourished lashes with continued wear. For reference, I have quite short, fine, fair, straight lashes and I find that I only need to apply 2-3 coats to get excellent results, and it builds easily too, so doesn't become clumpy. Another winner for me from One/Size!

You can find the One/Size Point Made Eyeliner online here, and the One/Size Fantasize Mascara online here.

If you would like to check out more One/Size reviews, you can find my One/Size Primers review here.

All the Loves,
Kathryn x

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Five Lip Oils You Need To Try - Fenty Skin Kalahari Melon Lip Oil, Barry M Coco Loco Lip Oil, ELF Glow Reviver Lip Oil, Sunkissed 24K Lustre Lip Oil, Clarins Lip Comfort Oil

Five Lip Oils You Need To Try - Fenty Skin Kalahari Melon Lip Oil, Barry M Coco Loco Lip Oil, ELF Glow Reviver Lip Oil, Sunkissed 24K Lustre Lip Oil, Clarins Lip Comfort Oil

Sunday 24 March 2024

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 Apologies for the super long title again, but a lot of you loved my Five Lip Glosses You Need To Try post, so I thought I would do the same for Lip Oils. I have once again chosen a range of brands, and prices rather than going for the super popular options. Here are my hidden gems of lip oils...

The Fenty Skin Cherry Lip Oil was super popular last year, but as someone who doesn't LOVE that kind of scent, I was thrilled to see the release of the Fenty Skin Kalahari Melon Lip Oil. These retail for £20.00 for 5.6ml, and come in cute chunky tubes with a large doe foot sponge applicator, much like the Dior Lip Oils. These Lip Oils are ultra-hydrating, non-sticky and keep the lips' moisture barrier locked down. They apply clear on to the lips, and the Kalahari Melon fragrance really takes me back to some melon flavoured sweets I used to get in Orlando way back when. The Antioxidant-rich formula defends against environmental stressors, and lips are conditioned and softened instantly, but the lips' texture is also improved over time. Key ingredients include Jojoba Seed and Rosehip Fruit Oils to help lock in the moisture and soothe dry lips and Sweet Cherry Seed Oil to infuse lips with essential fatty acids, to moisturise and nourish. As someone with sensory issues, I love these lip oils because they are not at all greasy or too 'oily' and are really comfortable and hydrating to wear. You can find the Fenty Skin Kalahari Melon Lip Oil online at Harvey Nichols here.

For a more budget-friendly option, the Barry M Coco Loco Lip Oil is an excellent choice. This Lip Oil costs just £4.99 for 2.5ml and comes in simple packaging with a slim tapered sponge applicator. The Coco Loco Lip Oil has a true coconut scent to it, but it isn't overpowering, and I love anything coconutty so I am happy with that. The Lip Oil is clear in colour and has a conditioning formula that gets rid of any dryness and chapping. Silky and non-sticky, the formula is enriched with Camellia to replenish deep hydration, soften the skin and leave them feeling super smooth and nourished. Once again, the formula isn't sticky or greasy, and it has a consistency similar to a lip gloss, so slightly thicker than some lip oils, but I actually prefer that as it doesn't feel as slippery. The Coco Loco Lip Oil also adds glossiness to the lips, so you could wear it over the top of a lipstick for adding hydration. You can find the Barry M Coco Loco Lip Oil online at Look Fantastic here.

ELF recently released their version of a lip oil, the ELF Glow Reviver Lip Oil, which retails at £8.00 for 7.6ml and is available in six different shades and a clear. The one I have here is Rose Envy, a light rosewood colour. The Glow Reviver Lip Oil comes in simple ELF packaging and the wand has a large doe-foot sponge applicator like the Fenty Skin Lip Oil, but this one holds a LOT of product, so I have to wipe the applicator before applying. This is an ultra-glossy oil that leaves a hint of colour on the lips, and is very comfortable to wear. Once again, the formula is not sticky or greasy and gives a nice glossy finish to the lips. It does have a slight minty scent to it, which you can feel for a few seconds on the lips, but it isn't uncomfortable like the burning lip plumping products you can get. Infused with skin-loving ingredients such as Squalene, Apricot Oil, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil and Pomegranate Oil, this is a truly nourishing formula that leaves lips feeling healthy and hydrated. You can find the ELF Glow Reviver Lip Oil online at ELF here.

Another excellent budget option is the Sunkissed 24K Lustre Lip Oil, which retails on their website for £4.99 for 4.2ml, however I found this in my local Home Bargains for around £1.99! The tube is clear and comes with a rose gold lid and is adorned stars, complete with a slim slanted sponge applicator. This Lip Oil is clear but has tiny flecks of real gold flakes inside, which is super cool! It has a slightly fruity scent to it, but nothing overpowering and the formula is cushiony soft. It adds shine to the lips without being glossy and is very lightweight and comfortable to wear. I can't see online which key ingredients it has, but it does say it is enriched with moisturising properties, and it does feel that way whilst wearing it. Because it is so lightweight, I often reach for this because it is such a great everyday lip oil, fuss free and comfortable. You can of course wear it alone or on top of a lip colour to keep lips in excellent condition. I haven't really tried anything from Sunkissed before, but they seem to have a lot of fab looking products on their website! You can find the Sunkissed 24K Lustre Lip Oil online at Sunkissed here.

One of my all-time favourite lip oils is the Clarins Lip Comfort Oils, which were first released many years ago and I think were definitely one of the originals on the lip oil scene. They are definitely quite a bit more expensive than they used to be at £25.00 for 7ml, but luckily I live not far from York Designer Outlet and they have a Clarins there so it makes it a little cheaper. There are ten shades to choose from and here I have the shade 10 Plum, which looks very dark purple in the bottle but which is much, much sheerer on the lips, leaving a hint of warmth behind. The Lip Comfort Oil comes in a chunky clear and metal tube, a little like the Fenty Skin Lip Oil, and with the same large doe foot sponge applicator. The formula contains Organic Sweetbriar Rose Oil, which is rich in Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids, to help nourish and comfort lips, Cold-Pressed Organic Jojoba Oil and Hazelnut Oil to nourish, hydrate and protect the lips whilst also plumping them with all day hydration and nourishment. There is a candy-like scent to the formula, which I quite enjoy and overall these are some of the best lip oils around in my opinion. They are very silky smooth on the lips, adding the appearance of glossiness and plumpness and super hydrating. Because they are not too pigmented, you can of course also wear them either on their own or over the top of other lip products. You can find the Clarins Lip Comfort Oil online at Clarins here.

Top to Bottom: Fenty Skin Kalahari Melon Lip Oil, Barry M Coco Loco Lip Oil, ELF Glow Reviver Lip Oil in Rose Envy, Sunkissed 24K Lustre Lip Oil, Clarins Lip Comfort Oil in 10 Plum

All the Loves,
Kathryn x

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The Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil Review + Swatches - Pink Cloud, Blush Dreams & Soft Mauve

The Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil Review + Swatches - Pink Cloud, Blush Dreams & Soft Mauve

Friday 22 March 2024

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 I am a huge fan of the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balms, and so when the Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil was recently released, I had to grab a shade, or three...

There are four shades available in the Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil - Pink Cloud, a candy pink, Blush Dreams, a medium nude, Soft Mauve, a mauve nude and Rosewood Nights, a purple/rosy nude. The only one I don't have is Rosewood Nights. I had originally ordered Pink Cloud and Blush Dreams but then when I saw the swatches for Soft Mauve, I had to order that too, because I love mauve lip colours on me.

The Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oils retail at £26.00 for 4.5ml, so once again, with a lot of these lip oils lately, they aren't the cheapest products around, but there are more expensive lip oils out there. The packaging is simple, with a frosted matte bottle and a cream coloured lid. The fairly large doe-foot applicator is soft, spongey and slanted for quick and easy application. I like the colour pay-off with these - you definitely get a colour similar to what's in that bottle, a little more sheered out obviously once it is applied to the lips.

Summer Fridays boast that the formula includes a blend of nine moisturising plant-based oils and hydrating plant-derived vegan collagen along with Vitamin E to prevent the lips from getting dry as well as protecting them from environmental aggressors. The formula isn't sticky, or gloopy and feels very comfortable to wear. You only need a small amount per application so this should definitely last you a decent amount of time. As someone with sensory issues, I like that this doesn't feel oily or greasy on the lips, even though it is, obviously a lip oil, but some similar products can feel unpleasantly slick on the lips.

The Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oils are the perfect Spring and Summer addition to your makeup collection and you can find them online at Space NK here.

All the Loves,
Kathryn x

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The NYX Fat Oil Slick Click Shiny Lip Balm Review + Swatches - Clout, DM Me & Trending Topic

The NYX Fat Oil Slick Click Shiny Lip Balm Review + Swatches - Clout, DM Me & Trending Topic

Wednesday 20 March 2024

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 I feel like at this point, my blog is becoming a lip product blog rather than a beauty in general blog - we have yet another new lip product release - the NYX Fat Oil Slick Click Shiny Lip Balm, which of course I had to get three of because I couldn't decide and there was also a 3 for 2 offer online at Superdrug at the time.

The NYX Fat Oil Slick Click Shiny Lip Balm comes in twelve shades, of which I chose 02 Clout, a baby pink, 07 DM Me, a pink mauve and 12 Trending Topic, a chocolate brown with pink and red glitter running throughout it. Once again, I tried to steer away from the typical nudes and choose shades I might not normally go for. These are based on the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Balms, but at £8.99, they are less than half the price, and still come from a brand we all know and love.

The application process is simple - you click and then apply on to the lips, but remember not to get too click happy as you can't twist the product back down like you can a lipstick. These do give you a good amount of colour pay off, which is great for a lip balm product, and the chocolate shade Trending Topic looks so nice, and adds warmth to the lips without being too dark or bold. They are comfortable on the lips, and feel nourishing, like the formula is protecting the lips, helping to smooth out any fine lines. The balm isn't sticky and applies well onto the lips, the layers aren't too thick or heavy, but you can build it up if you want to. There is a fragrance to these Lip Balms, which I think is raspberry, as the vegan formula is made up of Avocado, Cloudberry and Raspberry Oils, and you can smell it whilst wearing the product, which I don't mind, but I like to mention just in case.

I would definitely recommend these Slick Clicks, as I love the Tarte Maracuja ones, but they're no better than the NYX ones and much better value for money. I love how moisturising they are on the lips, and the colours are really pretty too, giving you glossy, colourful lips in seconds.

You can find the NYX Fat Oil Slick Click Shiny Lip Balms online here.

All the Loves,
Kathryn x

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The Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara & Lip Power Gift Set Review + Swatches

The Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara & Lip Power Gift Set Review + Swatches

Monday 18 March 2024

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 I have yet to try a Giorgio Armani beauty product that has been anything other than superior, so when I saw the Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara & Lip Power Gift Set on offer back in the January sales, I had to get it to try it out.

The Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara & Lip Power Gift Set was on sale for £25.50 and it is still available at the time of writing this post. The Lip Power Lipstick that you get with it is pretty much a sample size, but if you were to buy the Mascara on its own, it would cost you £33.00, so it is firstly cheaper to get the set, and the handbag-friendly lipstick is a nice little addition. The Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara is only available in Black as far as I can tell, and it comes in a sleek, glossy black tube, with an applicator that is full of tiny little bristles to coat each and every lash.

The formula of the Mascara is not wet, but nor is it dry, I would say it is definitely somewhere in the middle, so it is not a messy Mascara to use. Colour wise, it isn't super dark black, so if you are fairer skinned or fair haired, this will work really well for you. I personally find the formula to feel very lightweight on the lashes, comfortable to wear, and easy to build. So if you are wanting a more natural lash look, this will be great for that, but if you are wanting to add more definition, you can absolutely go ahead and layer this formula.

Giorgio Armani state that this Mascara adds volume, length and definition, but for me, I found it to give me quite a natural finish to my lashes. Different products work differently for different people, and so for reference, I have quite fair, fine, shorter, straight lashes and so not all mascaras work well for me. If you have naturally full, long lashes, then this will be great for adding definition as I did find it clump-free, and once applied, it dries down well, without drying out the lashes and didn't budge all day long.

I will quickly mention the Giorgio Armani Lip Power Lipstick, as I do have a full-sized version in a different shade and it is one of my most go-to lipsticks. This is in the shade 400, a stunning blue-toned bright red, think Taylor Swift for inspiration, and the formula on these lipsticks is delightful. Lightweight, comfortable to wear, and very long-lasting. One of the smoothest lipstick formulas I have come across. I definitely want to add to my collection.

You can find the Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara & Lip Power Gift Set online at Boots here, and the Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara online at Sephora UK here.

All the Loves,
Kathryn x

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The Benefit Rosy Twilight PomPom Blush & Sugarplum Twinkle Highlighter Duo Review + Swatches

The Benefit Rosy Twilight PomPom Blush & Sugarplum Twinkle Highlighter Duo Review + Swatches

Friday 15 March 2024

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This is the Benefit Rosy Twilight Blush & Highlighter Duo, and I have quite a few of these little Benefit cheek product palettes as they are superb for travelling with, as they are really quite tiny but with a good amount of product. I have had a lot of use out of the Blush & Bronzer duos, so recently saw this version and decided to pick it up.

I could only find the Rosy Twilight Duo available direct from Benefit Cosmetics, so I am guessing it is a limited edition drop, but I hadn't seen it talked about online until I saw it whilst browsing the Benefit website. Anyway, these sweet little palettes retail for £22.00 and you get a total of g of product. As I have mentioned in previous posts lately, I like to try and get the smaller version of something, as these days for a lot of us, it is impossible to get through full sized makeup products, especially if, like me, trying new makeup products is your hobby. There is a little mirror on the inside of the lid, so great for on the go, and in this particular palette, you receive the Benefit PomPom Blush on one side and the Benefit Sugarplum Twinkle Highlight on the other.

PomPom is described as a pomegranate rose shade, and Sugarplum Twinkle is described as a lilac highlighter. I did notice that the Sugarplum Twinkle formula felt very dry, but it does add a nice glow to the skin, but it is definitely not typical of Benefit's cheek product's formula and isn't a blingy highlight, but some people will prefer a more natural highlight. I did have PomPom in a full sized blush, but I did pass it on to a friend when I was having a declutter, just because I had to be cut-throat and get rid of a lot of bulkier products, but I am glad to have it in this mini compact as it is a lovely shade that works well year-round. I really wanted to love this duo, as I love the other variations, but the highlighter formula really lets it down, and even the PomPom Blush doesn't work as well as the original PomPom Blush in it's stand alone box.

I have been a Benefit fan since I was 17 years old - I remember going down to Harrods in London with my Aunty and Nanna and had my first makeup experience at the Benefit counter, and I often feel they have always been ahead of their time, and their products haven't always been understood and appreciated, but then a few or more years later, other brands are going viral for producing something Benefit did before them. This Duo didn't hit the mark unfortunately, but I would 100% recommend the Bronzer & Blush versions of these palettes, I have had so much wear out of them and continue to reach for them all the time because they are effortless, they perform well and it is quick and easy to reach for a product I can use as a bronzer, blush and even eyeshadow at once.

You can find the Benefit Rosy Twilight Blush & Highlighter Duo online at Benefit here.

All the Loves,
Kathryn x

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The Max Factor Face Finity Universal Primer Review

The Max Factor Face Finity Universal Primer Review

Wednesday 13 March 2024

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I haven't seen many new releases from Max Factor over the past few years, and so it was a brand that fell off of my radar, not intentionally, because they have created some amazing products over the years, and are one of the original drugstore makeup brands, but just because I didn't see much about them in store or online. I live in a small town, where there's no Superdrug anymore, and Boots only carries No7 and a couple of other brands, but they rarely have stock of different shades. My nearest stores with decent sized makeup stands and higher end brands are an hour away from where I live, so a two hour round trip, but I did recently go out of town to Sainsbury's (yes, look at me living the dream), and there were a few larger cosmetics stands and I spotted this Max Factor Face Finity Universal Primer, which is something I have never seen before, not necessarily because it is new, as I am not sure if it is, but probably just because I don't have frequent access to the brand. So I popped it in my trolley to try out, as I love trying anything like this, that claims to be pore minimising and mattifying.

When looking online, I could only find it available at Superdrug, Boots and a couple of home shopping websites like Very and Simply Be. The Primer comes in a squeezy black and gold tube, and you get 30ml of product for £10.99, which is very reasonable these days. A lot of pore minimising primers tend to be quite silicone heavy, with a thick texture, but this formula is quite hydrating and creamy, but with a small amount of silicone in it. I cannot tell that it has a fragrance to it, which is good for those with sensitive skin types.

The Primer is a vegan formula that is enriched with Antioxidants and Vitamin E that protects the skin and it does feel hydrating on the skin, and not at all drying, which can be the case with some mattifying primers. It dries down quickly and gives a slight airbrushed appearance to the skin. We all have pores, we will always have pores, there is nothing we can do about that, but if a Primer, like this one does, is able to fill them in a little, it will allow your foundation to look smoother, rather than it settling into pores. It is a lightweight formula that feels very comfortable on the skin, and the silky cream to powder texture keeps the skin mattified to prevent oiliness coming through and ruining your foundation, without causing any dryness.

I find that my foundations apply well over it, and the Primer helps to give my complex a smooth, healthy finish. You only need a small amount per application and as with any primer, I would recommend waiting a few minutes to allow the product to settle in to the skin before going in with foundation. I think this is a really great budget-friendly option for those that suffer with enlarged pores or oiliness on the skin.

You can find the Max Factor Face Finity Universal Primer online at Boots here.

All the Loves,
Kathryn x

P.S. Today I turn 40 years old! Happy Birthday to Me! Maybe I should be looking into wrinkle-reducing primers now... 

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The Estee Lauder Turbo Lash High Powered Volume + Length Mascara Review

The Estee Lauder Turbo Lash High Powered Volume + Length Mascara Review

Monday 11 March 2024

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 I haven't noticed Estee Lauder releasing a new mascara for a good while until recently when they brought out the Estee Lauder Turbo Lash High Powered Volume + Length Mascara, and as someone who loves trying out new mascaras, I had to give this a go.

Something I really appreciate about this launch is that there is a travel sized version available, which is the one I have here, which costs £12.00 for 3ml, and the reason I appreciate this so much is that I never ever finish as mascara, because I am constantly trying out new products, and that's my passion, so to be able to get a smaller version, but still one that is a decent size to hold and to use, I think that is super helpful for people. Also, it enables those who want to try something without buying a full size, to try the product at a lower price. For those interested in a full size, that one retails at £30.00 for 8ml, so quite a difference.

The Estee Lauder Turbo Lash High Powered Volume + Length Mascara only comes in black at the moment, I haven't seen any information about a brown shade being released. This Mascara comes in sleek dark packaging that is pleasing to the touch, that also feels very much like a full sized product. The applicator is full to the brim with lots of tiny little brushes, which is great for both shorter and longer lashes, therefore grabbing each and every lash and coating it with colour. 

For reference, I have fine, fair, straight lashes, which are normally short too, but due to using the Grande Cosmetics Lash Serum, they are much longer than they ever have been. I like the wetness of this formula - it isn't drying at all, and neither is it too wet where it would be messy to use. I personally don't find it super volumising, but I do find it very lengthening for sure, and it also lifts my lashes up, and whilst normally they would droop after ten minutes or so with some other mascaras, this formula keeps them in place, so you can tell I have lashes, which is a bonus for someone like me with hooded eyes.

Estee Lauder claims that this Mascara provides you with 12 hours of wear, and I would absolutely agree with that - I didn't find that it smudged or budged throughout the day, and there was no clumping during application. This Mascara is definitely buildable, but as the formula coats your lashes from the very first application, I didn't find that I needed to use many coats. With ingredients including Argan, Castor and Maracuja Oils, it is also a very nourishing and conditioning formula, so not only will it make your lashes look good instantly, but also help to keep them feeling and looking healthy even once you have removed the Mascara. Whether you have long, thick lashes or short, fine lashes, I would definitely recommend giving this a try!

You can find the Estee Lauder Turbo Lash High Powered Volume + Length Mascara in full size online here at Look Fantastic, and the Travel Size online at Beauty Bay here.

All the Loves,
Kathryn x

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