Category New Purchases

Jul 6 2020

Natasha Denona Love Eyeshadow Palette

 

Natasha Denona Love Palette

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My husband said he would treat me to a new eyeshadow palette as a little pick-me-up and I chose the Natasha Denona Love Palette.  I’ve never had anything from Natasha Denona and I thought the mix of pink, red, purple, gold and silver shades looked beautiful in this palette.

I have been loving using this palette and feel so inspired every time I pick it up.  The range of shades, finishes and tones means I can use it to create any type of look, from everyday to colourful or smokey.  I find the palette layout extremely helpful too for coming up with eyeshadow combinations.

Whilst the palette is by no means cheap (£60), it costs significantly less than Natasha Denona’s larger palettes, so I thought this might be a fun way to try her products.  It’s so wonderful to have a little bit of luxury and it feels like such a lovely treat whenever I pick it up to use.

Click ‘Read More’ below to read more on this product, see photos and view swatches.

You can see some looks I have created using the Natasha Denona Love Palette here.

Continue reading →

Jun 25 2020

Ordering Internationally from Makeup Geek (Matrix Palettes)

 

Makeup Geek parcel with make-up goodies!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The very first make-up tutorial I watched on YouTube was by Marlena Stell on her Makeup Geek site.  It was a white and green MAC eyeshadow look and I remember finding it so interesting as it was in the early days of make-up blogs and YouTube beauty videos.  Marlena started her own make-up brand (Makeup Geek) several years ago and the brand was recently re-branded and re-vamped earlier this year (2020).

One of the big releases as part of the Makeup Geek re-launch has been their Matrix system for eyeshadows (you can see Marlena’s videos on the Matrix system here and here).  I’ve seen several people on YouTube (and some blog posts) showcasing, swatching and reviewing the Makeup Geek Matrix Palettes.  They looked amazing and so I couldn’t resist ordering them to try myself, along with some other products from their range. 

Makeup Geek is based in the USA, so I had to place an international order to be shipped to Scotland, where I live.  I’ve only ever placed a small-ish order on the Tarte official site before, so this was my first experience of placing and receiving a large international order.

I thought it might be helpful to provide some information on my experience ordering from Makeup Geek, in case you are interested in what it’s like to place and receive an order if you live outside of the USA.   This post provides details on the following aspects: what I ordered; customs, duties, import and handling fees; delivery timescales; shipping options; parcel packaging; and customer service.  I’ve provided several photos as well so you can see how the parcel and all the contents were packaged.

I will try to get a post together on the Matrix Palettes, along with combination ideas for the eyeshadows, so stay tuned!

Continue reading →

Jun 15 2020

Tarte Chrome Paint Shadow Pots

 

Tarte Chrome Paint Shadow Pots in Unleashed (left) and Frose (right)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve been using the Tarte Chrome Paint Shadow Pots (Unleashed and Frose) for some time now and think they are amazing for creating a beautiful but quick eyeshadow look.  I found myself reaching for them again and again when I had my second child, as I was able to create an eyeshadow look so quickly when time to get myself ready was (and still is!) very tight.  They continue to be a go-to-product for me, particularly when I need something quick to use but still want to add a little extra something to my eyes.

The Tarte Chrome Paint Shadow Pots have the most amazing metallic, shimmery and intense sheen when applied to the lids.  They can be used on their own with a quick sweep of mascara, or combined with other eyeshadow colours if you have more time to spare.  I highly recommend these pots if you want a high shine, metallic and beautiful look in minimal time!

Click ‘Read More’ below to read more on this product, see photos and view swatches.

You can see some looks I have created using the Tarte Chrome Paint Shadow Pots here.

Continue reading →

Jul 1 2019

Morphe Live in Color Artistry Palette

 

Morphe Live in Color Artistry Palette

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Morphe recently released their Live in Color Artistry Palette as part of Pride celebrations across June/July 2019.  This is the first time I have purchased a product from Morphe; I couldn’t resist this palette as I love colourful eyeshadows!

I think the Morphe Live in Color Artistry Palette is a fantastic choice if you love colour or want to add some colour to your existing collection.  There is an incredible assortment of shades, tones and finishes in the palette, giving so many possibilities for different looks and colour combinations.  The eyeshadows are incredibly pigmented, give fantastic colour payoff and are blendable, making them easy to work with when creating looks.

I feel so inspired every time I pick up this palette and find myself reaching for different shades to create fun looks.  It’s so easy to stick with the same shades in a palette, so I think it is fantastic that this palette encourages me to experiment and try out all sorts of colours.

A wonderful aspect to this palette is that 100% of net proceeds from the collection (there is also a brush set available) will be made to The Trevor Project.  The Trevor Project is a US-based non-profit organisation which helps to fund 24/7 suicide prevention and crisis intervention services for LGBTQ+ youth.  It’s really nice to feel you are giving something back through purchasing this beautiful eyeshadow palette.

You can view various looks that I have created using the Morphe Live in Color Artistry Palette on my site here.

If you are looking for inspiration for Rainbow combinations, you might enjoy my Rainbow Series of looks.  You can find the series on my site here.

Click ‘Read More’ below to read more on this palette, see photos and view swatches.

Continue reading →

May 9 2019

Inglot 10 Cream Pressed Pigment Eyeshadows

 

Inglot 10 Cream Pressed Pigment Eyeshadows and Palette

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inglot recently released the ‘Inglot 10 Cream Pressed Pigment Eyeshadows’ collection, a new formula for the brand which is part of the 10 year anniversary celebration.  The 10 shades are unique to the brand and inspired by their loose pure pigment range.

The amazing feature of this release is that you have the option to purchase all 10 shades, along with the limited edition Inglot 10 Palette (discounted to £56, usual price £65) or buy shades individually (£5 each).  It’s not often you have the choice over which shades you select, as there are times when you purchase a palette but only want – or end up using – some of them.

The Cream Pressed Pigment eyeshadows are available for purchase elsewhere in the world, if you live outside the UK and Ireland.  The ‘Inglot 10’ palette isn’t available for purchase if you aren’t in the UK or Ireland.  However, Inglot is instead offering a Freedom System Partylicious Palette, along with 10% off when you purchase the full set of 10 eyeshadows.

This post is slightly mixed, in that whilst I think these eyeshadows are amazing, there are some issues with them. I’ve discussed the versatile and beautifully sparkly nature of these eyeshadows, as well as the issues concerning their fragility, in the post in detail below.  I think the eyeshadows are definitely worth getting but it is helpful to know about the issues I have found so you can make a more informed choice on whether to purchase them.

Continue reading →

May 6 2019

MAC Strobe Cream in Gold Lite

 

MAC Strobe Cream in Gold Lite

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I recently purchased MAC Strobe Cream in Gold Lite after seeing the product used as part of a MAC Masterclass event (you can read more about the event here).  I thought it looked – and sounded like – an extremely versatile product when I saw it being showcased at the event.   I’ve read so much about this product being amazing in magazines and online, so I thought it would be fun to try it out myself.

I’m so pleased I decided to try it out as I have been enjoying using it so much! This product gives my face a subtle ‘lit from within’, glow, making it look incredibly healthy and naturally glowy.

The cream adds in a little extra moisture to my skin and absorbs quickly to leave a non-greasy, smooth, glowy finish. I think it is a great option for anyone who wants to add some extra radiance and moisture to their face without having any tackiness or too much dewiness.

There are five shades of Strobe Cream available, as well as a mini version of one shade (Pink Lite). The range of shades means you can choose whichever one you prefer or one which works well with your skin tone.

Interested in reading more about MAC products? You can find more articles on the site here and read my ‘Spotlight on MAC’ posts here.

Continue reading →

Apr 11 2019

Kiko ‘Green Me Collection’: 02 Feisty Saffron Eyeshadow Palette (re-released in 2019)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last year, I posted about the Kiko 02 Feisty Saffron Eyeshadow Palette, which was part of Kiko’s limited edition ‘Green Me’ collection. Kiko has released the Green Me collection again this year and included the 02 Feisty Saffron Palette.  I thought it would be helpful to flag up my post from last year, in case you are considering purchasing this palette.  I thought that this palette was a great smaller and cheaper alternative to Urban Decay’s Naked Heat Palette and Tarte’s Toasted Palette.  

Last year’s post included a sneak peek of products I picked up from a recent trip to Kiko.  Click here to see the post.

Interested in reading about other Kiko products? You can find my other Kiko posts here or by going into Faves, Hauls & Brands/Brands/Kiko on the menu bar.

Continue reading →

Mar 28 2019

Anastasia Beverly Hills Riviera Palette

 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Riviera Eyeshadow Palette

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I recently purchased the Anastasia Beverly Hills Riviera Palette as I found the colour scheme incredibly appealing.  The palette has the most beautiful mix of colourful shimmers and colourful mattes, alongside more neutral-toned shades.  The blend of shades enables you to take your looks in all sorts of directions, whether you want to go all out with colour or go more neutral.  I’ve felt so inspired by the colour scheme that I been using it again and again for my eyeshadow looks!

Looking for eyeshadow combination ideas? You can view various combinations I have come up with using this palette here.

Continue reading →

Mar 18 2019

NYX Swear By It Eyeshadow Palette

 

NYX Swear By It Eyeshadow Palette

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I purchased the new NYX Swear By It Eyeshadow Palette at the end of January 2019 (you can see my sneak peek post here) and since then, I been using it regularly for my eyeshadow looks.  The palette includes 40 eyeshadows in a wide spectrum of colours, from neutrals, brights and smoky hues.  I’m planning on posting some look combinations using the palette soon, so keep an eye out for these!

I think this palette is a fantastic buy for anyone looking to create a wide variety of looks and have an incredible choice over shades.  You can use the palette for creating simple or complex looks, natural combinations, smoky eyes, adding the odd pop of colour or go all out with colour.

One point worth mentioning is that whilst there is a huge choice in shades, there are some small gaps in colours within the palette (more details in the rest of the post).  It’s not a deal breaker for me but if you’re looking for a palette that has ALL colour families (particularly cool-toned purples and light, icy blues) then this might not be the right fit for you.

You can find more posts on the site featuring NYX make-up here.  You can also search for make-up posts on the site featuring various brands under ‘Faves, Hauls & Brands’/ ‘Brands’ on the site menu bar.

Continue reading →

Jan 24 2019

Sneak Peek: New NYX, Bare Minerals and Stila Make-up!

 

 

NYX Swear By It Eyeshadow Palette (top), Bare Minerals Gen Nude Blush Trio and Blush Palette (bottom left), Stila Glitter and Glow Liquid Eyeshadow (bottom, second to left), Bare Minerals Bare Pro Long Wear Lipsticks (bottom, three to the right)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I purchased some new make-up goodies this week and am super excited to share them with you! I found some great deals online and couldn’t resist picking up these items.

I’m currently trying out the products and would love to hear if there are any you would like to hear about first! That will help me decide what order to work on and post the articles to the site.  I’ve summarised what I purchased below.

I’ve been seeing so many great reviews of the new NYX Swear By It Eyeshadow Palette and couldn’t wait to get it. The palette contains 40 eyeshadows in a variety of shades and finishes.  You can read my full post, view photos and see swatches of the palette here.

I’ve always wanted to try the Bare Minerals Gen Nude Blushers and came across this fantastic set on QVC.  There are three blushers and a brush included in the set, for £26 (plus £3.95 P&P).  I think that is a great price, considering the blushers cost £22 to purchase individually.

I’ve been wanting to try out the Stila Liquid Glitter and Glow Eyeshadows for so long and found a couple of reduced shades on Look Fantastic.  I ordered Sunset Cove to try and am looking forward to trying it out!

Bare Minerals just released their Bare Pro Long Wear Lipsticks and I have been curious to see what they are like.  There are so many beautiful shades that I found it hard to decide which ones to get.  I came across a set of three on QVC UK for £33 (plus £3.95 P&P), which is a great deal as the lipsticks cost £20 individually.

Have you tried any of these products? It would be great to read your thoughts on them.