Can Makeup Really Help Your Skin?

I'm sure at some point in our lives we've all been told that wearing make-up is bad for your skin and yes it is if you don't throughly cleanse your skin after wearing it. One thing we don't hear very often at all is that it's good for your skin! Clinique have formulated a foundation with the view to actually improve our skin overtime for the days we go make-up free. 

Personally, I never view foundation as a skincare product, nor do I care if my foundation has any skincare benefits, however after I was using the new Even Better Glow foundation for a couple of days, I knew there was something different with my skin and I couldn't understand why as my skincare routine hadn't changed. I'd completely forgotten about all of the claims the foundation made as I was genuinely just enjoying wearing it each day. 

Even Better Glow contains salicylic acid which is what helps to retexturize the skin. I'm not 100% on this one yet as my skins texture is something that really bothers me and I'm very aware of. On the other hand, a lot of people have been telling me that my skin is looking great and when I point out the texture they tell me I'm crazy.. so who knows!

It also contains Vitamin C which has been giving my skin that 'glow' that everybody is after these days. As I've mentioned hundreds of times on my blog, I am an oily skinned girl so 'glowing' isn't necessarily on my agenda but somehow this has created such healthy looking skin with and without make-up. I find myself only reaching for foundation when I have to (e.g. work, occasions), and opting for natural skin otherwise. 

Whilst I haven't thrown out all of my skincare products in favour of a foundation, I really struggle to put this down to use something else as I have experienced such positive changes in my skin and I don't want it to stop!

As far as a foundation goes, if you love dewy skin then you will seriously love this. It is so reflective in the most healthy, natural way. It contains luminizing pearl pigments which make you look super radiant. For any oily girls like me, blot down with some translucent powder and you're good to go! 

My verdict is.. yes! I believe it can. I've never fed into claims like this before, but I'm so impressed with my results purely from doing my make-up! Hey, if someone can create a concealer that vanishes fine lines under the eyes.. hit me up!

Makeup That Lasts 25 Hours?!

If there's one thing that I get excited to test out more than anything else, it's foundation. Foundation is the make or break of a make-up look for me, if my base isn't right, my face isn't right! (Proud of myself for that one..).

I was so excited to receive the new Rimmel foundation and concealer by Influenster complimentary to test out as I haven't actually tried a Rimmel base product since my first every foundation which was the super well-known Lasting Perfection! I'm open to trying all foundations as some of my all-time favourites are right out of the drugstore. As far as concealer goes, I'm super picky and I almost get anxious when trying a new one incase it goes horribly wrong. My all-time favourite concealer is from the drugstore, so I usually have high hopes that I'll discover a gem!

Now, these products claim to wear for 25 hours. I don't know about you, but I have never and never intend to wear my make-up for 25 hours, but what I draw from that claim is that the product will be super long lasting! After testing out the foundation, I can absolutely confirm that it's super long lasting. I can't officially say 25 hours, but I can say from morning until I take my make-up off at night. It also claims to offer medium coverage and I agree with that. My skin was totally evened out and looked flawless all day with a natural skin-like finish. I also love love love the wand applicator, it's super soft and helps me deposit just the right amount of foundation on my face. This has shot to the top of my favourite drugstore foundations and I catch myself reaching for it over high-end options. If you're looking for a drugstore foundation, this is a great one to try. 

For me, the concealer was a miss. I love my full-coverage concealers and this only offers a very light coverage. It does dry down beautifully and keep in place, but for someone who likes their under-eye area to look immaculate, I'll have to pass! If you're looking for a super natural concealer then I think you would be a fan as the formula is great and it still remains long lasting. 

I'll definitely be recommending the foundation to people that I know as it's such a great buy! What do you think of drugstore foundations and concealers?

#FREEYOURSKIN

Must Have Products For A Flawless Base

I've been trying so many new products recently, and I have bucket-loads of content to share. I really didn't know where to begin, but I was bursting to share these two items with you as they've teamed together to create my most flawless skin yet. 

Too Faced is a brand I more or less always have successes with, but having products become firm favourites in my make-up routine takes something extra special. 

Too Faced Hangover Primer

I'm kind of late to the party with this primer.. oops. I'd wanted to try it since it was raved about from people I know to huge influencers and finally I have! I struggle to get obsessed with a primer as I'm not entirely sure they're ever 'life-changing', (as I totally expect all of my make-up to be). I usually look at how a primer instantly makes my skin look when judging a primer as opposed to the longevity, (seems a bit silly really), but this is possibly the first time I've felt like my make-up stays put and I can go the whole day without sigh-ing at patchy foundation. In regards to reviving my skin I'm not sure I can comment as I'm quite an oily gal meaning my skin is pretty lively anyway, but it feels so refreshing and rejuvenating. I must comment on the scent which smells just like coconut water. I do like the scent, but it definitely has that 'earthy' vibe. Overall this is a killer product, and I have my eyes on the setting spray next.

Too Faced Born This Way Setting Powder

Please. Stop what you're doing and purchase this powder immediately. It's that life-changing. I really hadn't heard much about this powder before buying it, but like I said above, I'm usually pretty successful when it comes to Too Faced products, so I had reasonable hope. I felt like I hadn't found the setting powder of my dreams. Sure, I love the Laura Mercier powder, the Kat Von D one passes, but I really wanted one that was going to take my base to astronomical levels. (Really, I don't ask for much!). 

PS, if you hadn't already guessed.. I found it!

This powder blurs my skin out to perfection. It's like looking at my skin without glasses on aka a dream. I don't find it drying under my eyes yet it keeps my concealer in place with not a crease in sight. My only complaint is the packaging as it has this odd lid on top that means I struggle to dispense the product. A minor problem but one to mention for sure. 

If you're on the market for a new setting powder, or even if you're not and you couldn't care less about a setting powder, please give this one a go! 

Who knew I could write a short story on a setting powder? Let's call it passion for make-up..

Let me know below your favourite products for your flawless base! 

Multi-Masking With L'Oreal

I've been wanting to do this post for so long, since the first three L'Oreal masks launched actually. I'm glad I held out a little longer as they've added two new masks to the range! It's about time a drugstore brand brought out a range of face masks catered to everyones individual concerns. I wasn't familiar with the concept of 'multi-masking' until L'Oreal launched a huge campaign around it. It's a combination skin types dream. It's so common to have a variety of skin concerns and we should be able to combat them all, and now we can do so on a budget!

Let's begin with the first three masks that L'Oreal launched for this collection. The Detox Mask, Glow Mask & the Purity Mask. I love the Detox mask. It really does give my skin the overhaul that it needs, drawing out built up impurities and allowing my pores to breathe. This is great for the t-zone where most of our 'gunk' builds up, so I like to accompany this with the Glow mask which I use on my cheeks and chin. The Glow mask is great for sloughing away dead skin cells and retexturing the skin giving it the 'glow'. My only qualm with this product is that the exfoliating beads stick around a little longer than I'd like! This is generally a problem I have with most exfoliating masks, and it really bugs me. The Purity mask is similar to the Detox mask in the sense that it purifies and deep cleanses the skin. The ingredients in the two are very similar, so I'd only suggest purchasing one if you're looking at them!

Here are the two newbies on the scene! The Blemish Rescue Mask and the Bright Mask. My eyes were drawn the the Blemish Rescue mask instantly as that's another problem area for me. I have to say, I'm not really won over by this product as I don't feel it tackled any concerns for my skin. My skin felt like it could breathe after use, but I don't feel it treated my blemishes. As far as multi-masking goes with a blemish mask, I love using it as a spot treatment, and using other masks to target other areas of my skin!

I purchased the Bright mask to complete the collection despite it not being something I was too concerned with. It turns out that this is one of my favourites of all of the masks as you can feel it getting to work on your skin. This is another one I would use on my cheeks and chin, and opt for a deep cleansing mask for my t-zone. I 100% prefer this to the glow mask as it has natural exfoliators in it as opposed to actual beads! 

For £7.99, I definitely recommend finding a couple of masks that suit your skin concerns and playing around with multi-masking. Each mask only needs to be on the skin for 10 minutes which is perfect for a mid-week pamper. Let me know in the comments if you've tried any of these masks out, or if you're a fan of multi-masking too!

L'Oreal Paradise Collection - Is It Worth The Hype?

I first spotted this collection rearing it's head through US beauty bloggers social media channels and from the rave reviews, I couldn't wait for it to hit the UK! I was initially only aware of the mascara being released but during my Superdrug sweep, I saw a collection of 'Paradise' products which swiftly ended up in my basket. It's always exciting when the drugstore comes out with new products and it's even better when they rival the higher end brands. The question is, is it worth it? 

L'Oreal Paradise Mascara

The mascara has to be first! I'm sure we all know that L'Oreal do some of the best mascaras on the market, so I was eager to try this one especially as every person who's tried it has sung it's praises. I've used it every single day since I purchased it and it truly is amazing and in keeping with L'Oreal's quality mascaras. The wand is around medium size with a fibre brush and the formula is enriched with castor oil, (amazing for lashes!). 

I'll mention that this is the first mascara that has transferred when used on my lower lashes. I'm not sure what the cause of that is, but I had to resign this as my lower lash mascara and only use it for the top! That aside, it lengthens my lashes whilst also adding the right amount of volume. Whether you're looking for a new mascara or not, this is worth giving a go! 

L'Oreal Paradise Brow Artist Pomade

I had no knowledge of this product until I saw it in Superdrug and I'm so surprised! How is this not shouted about more?! I mean, it's a direct dupe to my holy grail brow product Benefit's 'Ka-Brow'. That conclusion is based on the packaging and innovation solely as the formula is quite different. I got mine in the shade 'Brunette' which is the second darkest shade in the range. I'm so impressed with the components, the brush is super fine and stiff enough to create perfect brows. My stance on the actual pomade formula is that it could do with a bit of work. It's not as creamy as the pomades I'm used to and has the slightest waxy feel to it, but for a drugstore alternative, I'm happy with it. 

I know there is a kajal liner that is part of the 'Paradise' range, but I'm pretty stuck in my ways with eyeliners so it takes some top recommendations for me to pick up something different! 

What do you think of the L'Oreal Paradise range? Is it something you'd be interested in? I'd say the two products I've tried are definitely worth trying out and I hope this brow pomade is paving the way for other drugstore brands to create their own version!

Kylie Cosmetics Vacation Collection - Is It Worth The Hype?

One thing you can always count on with me, is that I'm a sucker for a new beauty launch.

As the years have gone on and I've tried more and more products, I'm so much pickier with what I deem as 'worth the hype'. At the end of the day, if you're spending your hard earned cash on these products, they've got to live up to expectations!

Kylie Cosmetics is a real pain in my bank balance, I can't resist her new launches, I can't resist those bundles!! There is a reason for it though, and it's because I'm consistently impressed with the quality and presentation of the products. However, this is the first launch I've got a hold of where there's a multitude of new product lines, so here's my thoughts!

Kylie Cosmetics Take Me On Vacation Palette

I've been a huge fan of Kylies eyeshadows since the Bronze Palette launched, so I knew I'd love the quality of the 'Take Me On Vacation' palette, it was a case of whether the shades would be enough to my taste for day-to-day wear. I actually think this looks so much more beautiful in person, the colours seem a lot more vibrant. 

I purposely didn't do the classic 'hard swatch' that appears all over social media, although that is usually how I choose to swatch! As this is a review, I wanted you to see how each shadow appears with one swipe on my arm. 

As you can see, the shadows are overall nicely pigmented. There is definitely a chalky theme running through the very pale shades on the top row, but I've used these on the eyes and it doesn't seem to be an issue. The shimmers are creamy to the touch, and they apply to the eye very similar to how they swatch. If you want a more foiled finish, definitely use a wet brush!

Kylies mattes always blend really well for me, and the variety of colours in here can create so many looks that I usually opt for! You even have those pops of colour, which I personally would use on my lower lash-line.

You do get a brush with this palette, as we did with the Royal Peach Palette, both of which are very good quality, and I always add these to my main brush collection. 

Kylie Cosmetics Send Me More Nudes Matte Set

Kylie Cosmetics Send Me More Nudes Velvet Set

I was very excited about these! I had never tried the 'velvet' formula before, and totally matte lips are starting to take a back-seat for me, (although I'll always love them!). The shades are the same in both sets, so essentially you would buy whichever formula you prefer, unless like me you got the bundle which means you receive both!

Shades/Formula L to R Velvets & Mattes - Naked, Birthday Suit, Commando & Bare

So as you can see in the swatches above, the colours are exactly the same, the only difference being the finish. Personally, I prefer the velvet formula as it's super creamy, but still has that 'matte' look. My only complaint is that you do get that ring of colour of the inside of your lips! If you've tried a Kylie Cosmetics matte, the matte formula in these ones is of course no different, they can get a little dry, but they're still comfortable to wear. 

I really wish there was a deeper nude in this collection, these shades are a little too pale for my medium skin-tone, so I wear a deeper lip liner with them. For those with fairer skin, I think Naked and Birthday Suit would be perfect classic nudes, with Commando and Bare being a gorgeous pink-toned nude. 

If you were to buy one set, I'd suggest the velvets, but make sure you know you'd get your use out of the shades as they're all of a very similar colour family.

Kylie Cosmetics Super Glitter Gloss in Glitz

Kylie Cosmetics Super Glitter Gloss in Glamour

My heart stopped when I saw these swatched during the reveal of the collection. Serious heart-eye emojis. 

As someone who's becoming a regular wearer of lip-gloss, (never thought I'd say that!), these were totally up my street as they're perfect to layer over lipsticks too!

Shades L to R - Glitz and Glamour

Look at those swatches, glitter heaven! They come in two gorgeous shades, Glitz and Glamour. Glitz is more of a soft peachy gold, with Glamour being the rich true glittering gold.  I like to layer these over a matte lipstick, and then blot them down so the glitter lasts all day on the lips. You can definitely feel the glitter in them, so if you don't like the feel of anything on your lips, you won't be a fan, but if you don't mind that then definitely grab one, (or both!). I really hope she brings out more of these, wouldn't some holographic ones be insane?! 

Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kit in Dune Bug

This colour is a real head-turner. It's a super bright almost neon purple. It's absolutely not a colour I usually opt for, but I LOVE it. It's so unusual, and with a tan it's just a knockout shade. I'm glad she chose this colour to be the stand-alone lip kit as it's definitely one you could do with having a matching lip liner to!

My pictures doesn't show how bright the shade is, but I can assure you it's not one for the faint hearted. Surprisingly, for such a bright shade, it doesn't apply patchy or uneven, so one coat is all thats needed for an even application. If you love your bright colours, and are looking for something unusual, this is worth checking out.

Kylie Cosmetics Skinny Dip Face Duo

Since I was yet to try out one of Kylies 'Kylighters', I was really looking forward to trying this little duo to see how her face products perform. 

Before I share my thoughts, I just thought I'd point out that both swatches are built up on this occasion, particularly the bronzer as it's a very close match to my skin-tone, only more cool-toned. 

As the bronzer is so close in colour to my own skin, it really didn't show up very well on me. It's a shame because the formula was really nice and it was easy to blend. This would be perfect for fair skin, but wouldn't work on medium/deep skin unfortunately!

'Glow Up' highlighter is a beautiful light champagne gold, a classic shade that I usually wear.

If you like a softer, more natural glow then you would love this. I like it for day-to-day wear, when I'm not trying to take someones eye out with my highlight! Overall, I think the palette is limiting to who can use it because of the bronzer shade, however if it would work for you, it's a lovely set.

Kylie Cosmetics Ultra Glow in Fiji

Kylie Cosmetics Ultra Glow in Santorini

Kylie Cosmetics Ultra Glow in Tahiti

I was the most excited about these three products in the bundle! Besides the Wet Set, (which I didn't manage to get a hold of!), these were the most hyped up out of the entire bundle. I completely agree with the rave reviews, they're stunning!

Shades L to R - Santorini, Fiji & Tahiti

Aren't they beautiful?! Each 'Ultra Glow' comes in a small pot, and is in the form of a loose powder. I've never used a loose powder highlighter before, I'm not sure there's many out there! At least none that are accessible to me with ease. I'm always concerned I'll create a mess when I use these, but they actually apply so well, and incredibly smooth. These are definitely a 'blinding' highlighter, but they melt into the skin, yay for no harsh lines!!

Santorini is a classic pale white gold, ideal for fair skin tones. Fiji is a beautiful soft gold, my favourite out of the three! Tahiti is for those who love a pink glow, and a very rose-y gold.

I'm so into this product, if you can get a hold of it when it's back in stock, go for it! This is another one I hope she brings out in a huge range of shades!

So, is it worth the hype?!

Unless you're a make-up collector like me, the bundle isn't necessary. You do get a lot of products in it that are catered to lots of different skin-tones, meaning you'll have at least a few products that aren't 'perfect', and for the price you're paying, they should be!!

Luckily, you can buy the items individually, and there's quite a few stand-out products that you should jump at. The Ultra Glow powders are a must. I'd go as far to say pick up all three! For $14, it's so worth it. If you're in to glitter glosses, the Super Glitter Glosses are a beautiful new addition to Kylie Cosmetics. I love love love all of the products for the most part, but those two are my stand-out recommendations, and totally worth the hype!

Becca X Jaclyn Hill Champagne Collection

I'm sure you're all fully aware of the collection thats taken the beauty world by storm, of course it's the Becca X Jaclyn Hill Champagne Collection!

Like most people, I was introduced to this with the release of the 'Champagne Pop' pressed shimmering skin perfector. I received this as a birthday gift, and I've been hooked on the shade since, so when Becca & Jaclyn announced the Champagne Collection Face Palette, I was desperate to get it! It was so difficult to get a hold of with it being in such high demand, not to mention the price of it being over in the US! Luckily, on one of my frequent browses on Space NK, I spotted it! It was one of those 'add to bag, pay, done' situations.

The packaging is super luxurious. You can tell love and effort has gone into creating this palette. While having a couple of products in one place can be handy, it is quite heavy, so I'm not sure I'd use it as a travel palette! I travel a lot, and it's hard enough trying to narrow down my 'on-the-go' beauty products without carrying a paperweight!

However, that doesn't mean it doesn't make a beautiful addition to my vanity.. white and gold? Very 'instagramable'. (When is that word going to be added to the Oxford dictionary I wonder?).

Shades from L to R - Rose Spritz, Amaretto, Pamplemousse, Champagne Pop & Prosecco Pop

The selection of blushers are beautiful, although I would probably switch Pamplemousse for a peachy shade, however I think Pamplemousse would be beautiful on deeper complexions. All shades are super pigmented and blend beautifully. A light hand is required! My favourite of the trio is 'Amaretto', the perfect brown toned pink. I loved this so much that I went on the purchase the Champagne split in 'Amaretto & Prosecco Pop'. 

You get a pan of Champagne Pop, (of course!), and the new creation, Prosecco Pop. Champagne Pop is slightly peachier in tone, whereas Prosecco Pop is a lot more gold. I actually prefer Champagne Pop to Prosecco Pop, I find it to look a lot softer and it almost melts into my skin. Unfortunately I don't think is in stock anywhere at the moment, but you can purchase these items individually!

Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector - Champagne Pop

Now here's a product I definitely didn't see myself being enamoured by, but one that's totally taken front seat in my make-up routine. The rest of the products in this post were received as a birthday present from my parents, and I wanted this purely because I'm a huge Jaclyn fan, and I love the Champagne Pop line, not because it was something I necessarily needed. I saw myself occasionally using it as a cream highlighter, or as a base for my powder highlighter, but oh no! I decided to mix it with my foundation, and sweet Lord it was the most beautiful creation known to man. Bare in mind I'm an oily gal, so adding dew to my base isn't my priority, but this added the most beautiful 'lit from within' glow to my skin, bringing out gorgeous golden tones. If you're looking for some glow, (who isn't these days?!), definitely pick up one of these babies, it'll change the game completely. 

Champagne Collection Shimmering Skin Perfector Slimlight - Champagne Pop

Here we have another variation on the Champagne Pop highlighter, and this is aimed at more precise highlighting, you know, the cupids bow, nose & brow bone, that type of thing! Unfortunately, this just doesn't do it for me. Don't get me wrong, the colour is beautiful, but the way it applies is just far too dry for my liking. I like products of this nature to be creamy and bendable, but this requires a little more attention than it should. I love the idea of it, but it's a miss in my opinion!

Champagne Collection Angled Highlight Brush

Who other than Jaclyn Hill to create the most deluxe brush? I couldn't even bare to throw away the gold box it came in!

If you're in the market for a highlighter brush, definitely check this one out, it's super soft and distributes the products beautifully. I'd even consider using this for blusher as it does seem to cover quite a lot of surface. 

I didn't pick up the poured version of Champagne Pop as I can't see myself using it, but if you like a cream highlighter, it's one worth picking up!

Have you tried anything from the Champagne Pop range? Comment below, I'd love to know!

Beauty Trends: The Artis Brush Dupe

Here's my second post in the 'beauty trends' series! I have to admit, these are tougher to put together than I thought! There's so many beauty trends around, but I fund my entire collection myself unlike a lot of beauty bloggers, so I have to be quite selective about what I purchase, and generally only buy into trends I'm interested in/will get use out of. 

I'm sure you've all seen these 'Artis' style brushes plastered all over the internet. Yes, I know that's not their official name, (what is it by the way? haha!), 'Artis' is the brand that kicked off the trend with this new style of make-up brushes. Unfortunately, the Artis brushes are incredibly pricey, and certainly aren't a purchase I'd take lightly. However, these Primark dupes are something I'm definitely willing to part with a few £'s for!

I hate to say it, but I am the biggest skeptic when it comes to Primark beauty products, I can't help it, but I very seldom have a positive experience with the products. I get that I 'shouldn't' expect much for the little I pay, but why do I want to purchase beauty products that don't work? I guess you'd wonder why I have a vast collection of these little toothbrush type-things.. well, they were a huge success! 

Large Face Brush

There is no 'official' name for each of these brushes, so I named it myself.. 'large face brush', pretty accurate!

I picked up this brush first, parted with my £4, and went away to see if it was worth even that. I planned to use this brush for foundation application. I didn't expect much, infact I expected a streaky mess on my face, but not at all! The application was as seamless, if not more than my regular buffing brushes! I found that I needed a little more foundation than usual as the brush does soak up more than I'd care for, but it really doesn't bother me much. The handle is plastic, so it can be a little flimsy if you're heavy handed, but as long as you're careful, you'll have the most beautiful, flawless base.

Medium Face Brush

My favourite brush out of the three! I tried this for a variety of things before settling on using it for concealer application. It wasn't flexible enough to use for cream blush or contour, but it was firm enough to use for patting in concealer. I've never been content with the way I apply my concealer, I've always found it can be a little cakey, or even too sheer, but using this brush to pat and lightly blend has been revolutionary to my make-up routine, my concealer has never been so flawless! If you get any brush from this range, I highly recommend this one, for £3, it's a steal.

Small Face Brush

The final of the three, and the smallest! Also, my least favourite. I tried this for cream contour, and it was a streaky mess. It dragged across my face, definitely a no from me for this purpose! The only use I get from it is for more precise concealer, if I need a little help getting closer to my tear duct for example! I'd love if anyone else could recommend a way for me to use this? For £2.50, I wouldn't say 'don't' try it, if you have smaller areas to conceal, it could be really good for you, but I find it just collects dust in my room now!

I'm not sure if these brushes are going to be here to stay, or as this post suggest, a 'trend', but I'm really loving the idea of them, and the fact that they work beautifully too! I purchased a few back-ups, but I'm looking at expanding my collection of these, venturing into other brands, and of course, Artis!

Have you tried these brushes? What do you think of this beauty trend? Comment below!

Colour Pop Haul & My Experience Ordering to the UK

If you're remotely tuned into the beauty world, there's no question that you've seen Colour Pop Cosmetics circulating the scene and quite frankly, completely taking it over!

I know that since I set my eyes on those lippie stix, (what feels like a million years ago), I had to get a hold of them! I would trawl the website, looking for loopholes in the system meaning I could get a package delivered to the UK, and of course, nothing! I suppose you could say I had the option of using a US postal service, but the whole thing seems a little complicated if you ask me, and low-key expensive. 

When it was announced that on July 12th, we'd be able to have Colour Pop products delivered to our door no matter the location, (albeit a few exceptions!), I think I shed a tear. I was actually at my brothers graduation whilst placing my order, one minute after the international shipping went live, my hefty order had been placed.

As it's been such a long wait for international shipping to begin, there's been ample collaborations that have come and gone, and countless limited edition products, but nonetheless, I managed to rack up my total to $177, plus $35 shipping! I didn't mind paying out for the products, but that is one ridiculous shipping price. I'll touch on that later.

On to the products!

From left to right - Lumiere, Tootsi, Brink, Pillow Talk, Taurus & Climax

Lippie Stix

Possibly my all time favourite Colour Pop product! I had already tried two of the lippie stix out prior to ordering directly from Colour Pop, as a UK website called Lustre Cosmetics was stocking some bits, (for a slightly increased price, I'll add!). I actually repurchased the shade 'Taurus' as it's the most stunning brown shade I've ever used. The one I currently have on the go is a shadow of the product it used to be, writing rubbed off the packaging, covered in all kinds of powders and shadows from my over flowing make-up bag! I'm glad to have a fresh one in my collection!

I purchased a variety of matte and matte X formulas. The matte X formula is stunning, so pigmented, so creamy and a dream to use. The two I have in that formula is 'Pillow Talk' and 'Climax'. I couldn't resist getting a shade out of my comfort zone! 

If you pick anything up from Colour Pop, make sure you grab yourself one (or two) of these!

From bottom to top - Lumiere, Tootsi, Brink, Frick N Frack, Dopey & Taurus

Lippie Pencil

Another product that I already owned one or two of! The perfect partner for your Colour Pop lippie stix, or any other lip product for that matter! These are of a top quality formula, super creamy, pigmented and the shade range is excellent. I picked shades to accompany the lip products I'd purchased, however they go beautifully with the majority of my lip product collection too. 

From left to right - Lumiere 2, Dopey, Teeny Tiny, Frick N Frack, Are & Be & Limbo

Ultra Matte & Ultra Satin Lips

I'd tried one Ultra Matte out before, although I really didn't give it a good test as the shade was totally not for me. (It was 'Kapow' if you're wondering!). But the formula seemed lovely, and the pigmentation was great. I picked up four ultra mattes and two ultra satins, and let me tell you, the ultra satin formula is second to none. It's true what all the US beauty gurus say, it really is incredible! I need some time with the ultra mattes to gage my true thoughts as I really haven't had a chance to give them a go. I can do a full review on just the ultra mattes if you'd like?

Again, there's every shade under the sun, Colour Pop really don't miss a thing! Of course, I stuck to what I know best, the mauves! (I'm sure I'll pick up a crazy blue shade at some point though!).

From bottom to top - Amaze, Sequin, Stereo, Telepathy, Belladonna Lily, Slave 2 Pink & Fantasy

Super Shock Eyeshadows

Okay, this is the kind of product you need to see for yourself, touch in person, these are a whole new world of incredible. I have tried these before, I actually have quite a number of them, and I can agree with most others that the mattes aren't anything to dance about, but the shimmers/metallics? I will DANCE. I will pop, lock and drop for these babies. One swipe, and your eyelid is in complete disco ball mode. I chose a mixture of classic gold/copper shades, and a few pops of colour. How stunning is Slave 2 Pink?! I chose the first two because I've seen Amrezy coat her lids in them numerous times, and if it's good for Amrezy, it's good for me!

Please, if you care about your face, get yourself a super shock shadow. 

Highlighter - Butterfly Beach, Blush - Aphrodisiac

Blush & Highlighter

This looks like the perfect highlight and contour duo, doesn't it?

This 'contour' shade is actually from the blusher section, and I thought it was a dusty rose.. it even says in the description that it's the perfect sculpting shade, so I don't know what I was thinking! Either way, it truly is a gorgeous shade to bronze/contour with, and I'm looking forward to trying out my first cheek product!

The highlighter is slightly darker in person, but for my current post-holiday state, it's going to be an excellent match for my skin-tone. I've already got one of these products from Colour Pop, and I found the consistency slightly difficult to apply in comparison to my other highlighters, but I guess it's about getting used to the unique Colour Pop formula!

Brow Pencil - Black N Brown

Brow Pencil

Alright alright, that attempt at drawing an eyebrow is below average, but I had good intentions, okay! 

I'm quite content with my eyebrow product collection, and there's never anything I particularly want to add to it, but I figured for $6 and a lot of hype behind it, why not pick a brow pencil up! I assumed mine would be in the shade Black N Brown, it's actually a very accurate description of my eyebrow colour, and it's perfect! It's incredibly pigmented and easy to use, and it comes with a spoolie on the end which is always a huge thumbs up from me! One quite bad downside is that you can't twist the product back down again.. what kind of madness is that?! As long as you remember not to over twist it up, you should be fine, but just pre-warning you!

I really want to try the creme pots/pomade next!

Ordering, Shipping & Delivery

On to the less exciting part of online shopping. The additional fees! I have been waiting for the day Colour Pop shipped internationally for the longest time, so I had mentally prepared myself, (and my bank balance) to be open minded about the coming fees. Ordering was the same as any other online retailer. Shipping though.. wow. I had anticipated something along the $20 mark, but I hadn't expected to be hit with a whopping $35 rate! Daylight robbery at it's finest.. or not so finest. When you've got plenty of other US retailers shipping out products for significantly less, it's quite frustrating when such a successful business can put you out of pocket like that, but hey, I'm sure they'll become more accustomed to international shipping in the near future.

Speaking of acCUSTOMed! Customs. The 'C' word. I don't know one person who isn't afraid of getting hit with that poison pen letter through their door. I think it's only me who isn't massively fussed about it. I take it into consideration when making international purchases, and I weigh up whether the total I'll be spending is worth the products, sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't, but it's worth thinking about! I mean, I definitely don't appreciate customs fees, especially as there really isn't a boundary of whether you'll receive one or not, just a case of the waiting game! So I spent $212 in total including $35 shipping, and I received a customs fee of £31.99. From experience, that's not too bad considering the amount I'd spent. 

We're nearly at the end! So I get my package home, I grab a knife, (no no, this isn't going to a dark place), swiftly open my package to reveal my beautiful new products neatly packed, and very carefully packed too, I'll add!

It's only when I come to searching for my 'Where the Light is' quad by Kathleen Lights that I realise something or some things are missing! I specifically remember ordering 30 products, so I whipped out my order sheet, checked off the products that I'd actually received, only to find I was missing my eyeshadow quad and a lippie stix! Quite disappointing, but I thought I'd let you know that I've been in touch with customer services, and they are having them shipped out to me now. A little unfortunate I have to wait again though!

Overall I'm really impressed with my experience and my products, despite a little glitch! I can't say I'll be ordering frequently as the shipping is just so not okay.. but I definitely will be doing large orders here and there, so stay tuned for round two!

You can purchase Colour Pop products here!