Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Palette

Let's address the elephant in the room, I have been slacking out on content lately. Truth be told I haven't really been buying makeup. However, this was about to change when I heard that Urban Decay was collaborating with Gwen Stefani to create an eyeshadow palette! Yes, I was one of those people that were counting down the days until it would be available at the nearest Urban Decay counter. I snatched the palette as soon as it hit the counters in Finland. As such I had some time to play around with it. If you want to find out my thoughts and if it's worth picking up or not, then keep on reading!

Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Eyeshadow Palette

Let's start from the beginning - the packaging. I am pretty sure most of you are familiar with how it looks like, so I won't be spending too much time on it here. The palette comes in a sleek cupboard packaging with a gold and white graphic print. In my opinion the outer packaging is very pleasing to the eye. I heard a lot of people complaining how they expected the actual palette to have the same pattern as the box it comes in. I personally really like the black "polkadot" design, it's sort of mod. The actual palette is pretty sturdy and magnetised.

Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Eyeshadow Palette

Magic's In the Makeup 

It comes with 15 shadows and unlike other Urban Decay palettes (e.g Vice, Naked palettes etc) it doesn't include a brush. I don't really mind it since I have a whole arsenal of eye brushes, but wanted to point that out in case anyone is interested. I thought they did a pretty neat job incorporating a small text on the mirror at the bottom right corner which says Magic's In The Makeup. Together with the palette you also get 4 lipstick samples which I assume will be coming out later as part of the Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani collaboration. 

Now let's talk about the actual eyeshadows. There are 12 shadows that are exclusive to this palette and 3 shadows that are permanent to the Urban Decay line (Skimp, Stark and Blackout). I actually own Skimp and Stark as they come in the Naked Basics 2 palette, and funnily enough they are the two shades that I almost hit pan on. Below you can see the swatches of all the shades, but please excuse the horrible lighting (it doesn't do them justice). In Finland the sun refuses to come out during this time of the year, so I have to work with what I have.  

L-R: Blonde, Bathwater, Skimp, Steady, Punk

L-R: Baby, Anaheim, Stark, Zone, Serious

L-R: Pop, Harajuku, Danger, 1987, Blackout

When it comes to the selection of the shades, it's a pretty neutral palette. You get three pop's of colour but nothing too in your face. I know a lot of people have been saying that it's boring, it's not exciting but for me this is damn exciting! If you look at Gwen's makeup she doesn't wear dramatic, smokey eyes. She prefers to wear a statement lip. And I think this palette resembles her style and choices in makeup very well. At the end of the day she created a palette that she would use daily. This palette has a good mix of shimmers, mattes and even one glittery shade (Pop). I would say that some shimmery shades do look very similar (e.g Steady and Baby). In terms of quality they do not disappoint. These eyeshadows are creamy and blend effortlessly. Some shimmery shades do kick off a lot of powder but that happens with quite many of Urban Decay shadows.  

Are these shades unique? Something that hasn't been seen before? Something that can't be duped? No, it's not. However, if you have been thinking of getting Urban Decay Naked palettes but couldn't decide which one to get, I say get this one instead. It's not too warm or cool toned. It's a good middle ground. In terms of price, it's slightly pricier than the Naked palettes, however the packaging is much sturdier and you get 15 shades instead of 12. So, I think it's pretty good value for money.

Should you pick this up? Yes, if you are a lover of neutral shades, if you are a fan of Urban Decay or if you are starting out with makeup. And not to forget this palette would make a great gift for yourself or perhaps a makeup lover in your family.  

Hope this review was useful. Let me know what's your trusty all time favourite neutral palette!

Until next time,
Muffy

Kiehl's Deep Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Treatment

Let's talk a little bit about hair care today, shall we. If you have been following my blog for a while you know that I have raved about the Kiehl's Scalp Purifying Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. As such I was pretty excited when I saw the Deep Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Treatment which comes from the same range. Plus, an exfoliator for your scalp, really? Sure we are all familiar with using scrubs for the body, face, feet but scalp? That concept is pretty new to me. As a result I decided to give it a go in case I was missing out on something amazing in my life. 

Deep Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Treatment

First things first, what's this product for? Simply put it helps loosen flaky buildup, purify and restore a healthy balance to the scalp. The lady at the Kiehl's counter also told me that this product stimulates the scalp and promotes faster hair growth. Sounds really promising if you ask me. In terms of ingredients it contains: argan exfoliators, vitreoscilla ferment, apricot seed powder, menthol and rosemary leaf oil. It's dermatologically tested. It's recommended that you use it 1-2 times a week or as needed. You apply this prior to shampooing on dry or wet scalp. Gently massage and leave for about 5 minutes before rinsing.

Deep Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Treatment

Now, my thoughts. I really enjoy the minty scent. It's very refreshing, but that is pretty much where my liking for this product ends. It's very difficult to work into the scalp be it dry or wet. As naturally you have all the hair in the way. I would imagine this would be easier to use for people with short hair but if you have anything shoulder length or longer it will be a struggle. Once you have managed to get the product distributed into the scalp it's a pain to rinse off. My hair never feels completely clean after using it. There is always a greasy residue. When it comes to purifying and balancing the scalp I haven't honestly noticed any difference. 

Would I recommend this product? Hell, no. I think it's a gimmick. If you want an effective treatment for your scalp I would highly suggest the Scalp Purifying Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. It's fantastic and you can actually see the difference. Deep Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Treatment on the other hand made washing my hair a very tedious and unpleasant process.

Hope this review was helpful for some of you.

Until next time,
Muffy

Budget Pick - Essence Lipliners

It has been a while since I posted on my blog and I decided to get back on track with a budget friendly product review. Today I will be talking about Essence Lipliners. I've had these in my collection for sometime now and they are among my top lipliners that I grab for especially if I fancy a darker lip. Let me walk you through the shades I have and why I love them so much.

Essence Lipliners

T-B: Wish Me A Rose, Satin Mauve and Soft Berry

In my current possession I have three shades: 12 Wish Me A Rose - rosy pink, 06 Satin Mauve - dark mauve nude and 05 Soft Berry -  purply mauve. My favourite out of the bunch has to be Satin Mauve just because I wear darker nudes and mauves on regular basis. It has that Kylie Jenner vibe to it, therefore if you want to be rocking the Kylie Jenner lip I suggest you pick this one up. Soft Berry is particularly great for this time of year. It goes so well with purple and berry hues. 

The formula of these lipliners is incredible. They are creamy, non-drying, easy to apply and are long-wearing. I mean what else would you want from a lipliner? I think these are hands down one of the best lip liner formulas at the drugstore (besides of course my all time favourite Rimmel Exaggerate Lipliner in Eastend Snob). My only complaint would be the colour selection. I think they should definitely extend their colour range and introduce more every day type of shades something along the lines of Mac Subculture & Mac Soar. For instance Wish Me A Rose is a tad too pink for my liking. I would have preferred it to be slightly more dusty and muted for everyday wear. Needless to say Essence is a cruelty-free brand in case, like me, you are looking for more ethical makeup alternatives. 

Wish Me A Rose, Satin Mauve and Soft Berry

L-R: Wish Me A Rose, Satin Mauve and Soft Berry

Overall I think you can't go wrong with these lipliners. If you have been unsure about lipliners and consider them as an unnecessary step in your makeup routine I say check these ones out. They will change your mind. They are creamy, glide on the lips like a dream and are extremely affordable. They will make your lip colour last for ages without making your lips feel uncomfortable. In Finland you can find Essence products including these lipliners at Tokmanni. 

Let me know if you have tried these lipliners and what is your favourite shade!

Cheers,

Muffy

Mud Mask That Actually Works

I have tried an array of mud masks both affordable and higher-end. The thing is that none of them have ever left me feeling like they were doing anything to my skin. Well, that was about to change when I discovered the Sephora Collection Purifying and Mattifying Mud Mask. If you want to find out what is so special about it then keep on reading!

Sephora Collection Mud Mask Purifying & Mattifying

First of all it comes in a pretty large jar, you get 60ml of product. You don't need a lot so this guy will last you for a really long time especially compared to the Glam Glow Masks. It claims to cleanse the skin, remove impurities, unclog the pores and reduce the appearance of pores. The formula is enriched with copper, zinc and white clay. It's dermatologically tested and non-comedogenic. It's formulated without parabens. 

Sephora Collection Mud Mask Purifying & Mattifying

Many people compare this mask to the Glam Glow Supermud Clearing Treatment. I have tried a few samples of the Glam Glow Supermud Clearing Treatment and have to say that the concept is similar but the texture is slightly different. Sephora Mud Mask has a thicker texture while Glam Glow is more liquidy. They both follow the same logic. You apply an even layer on your face and let it dry. Eventually you are left with a dried out mud mask and you can see certain areas on your face, usually the T zone, where the impurities have been pulled out. I personally enjoy that since I can actually see that it's doing something! 

Sephora Collection Mud Mask Purifying and Mattifying

Sephora Mud Mask does have a pretty strong scent to it but I actually like it. I think what also sets it apart from the Glam Glow counterpart is that it's less abrasive to the skin. I have sensitive, prone to eczema skin and I feel like Glam Glow Supermud Clearing Treatment can be a bit too harsh for me. I don't have this problem with Sephora Mud Mask. I think Sephora Mud Mask delivers what it says. After I use it I feel like my skin looks radiant and the pores have been cleared out. I can see that the access sebum has been absorbed. What I also highly appreciate is that it does not dry my skin out, which is the case with the majority of mud masks. And of course let's not forget about the price point. Sephora Mud Mask is extremely affordable so you can't really go wrong with it. Of course for those of us who don't have Sephora nearby it can be harder to get.

Overall I am very happy with this mask. It gets the job done and does not break the bank. If you have been eyeing the Glam Glow Supermud Clearing Treatment and could not justify buying it, I highly suggest opting for Sephora Mud Mask Purifying and Mattifying instead. It's as good if not better. Now that I think about it, Sephora Mud Mask also reminds me of the Murad Blemish Control Clarifying Mask, but again it's cheaper and has a more pleasant scent!

Let me know if you have tried Sephora Collection Purifying and Mattifying Mud Mask and what are your thoughts!

Cheers,
Muffy

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector SPF 30

Today I am bringing your way a product that is somewhat a hybrid between makeup and skincare. It's the Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector SPF 30. I have been using this product consistently throughout the summer and have formed a pretty solid opinion. To find out what I think about it, just keep on reading!

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector SPF 30

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector SPF 30 is quite a recent addition to the Kiehl's Clearly Corrective range. I have previously tried the Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution from the range but it didn't do much for me. Thus I was a little bit sceptical about this product. It comes in a handy 15ml squeeze-tube. It claims to instantly brighten the under-eye area, visibly correct dark circles and protect from UV damage & future discolouration. It contains Activated C and Licorice Root Extract. It's paraben and fragrance free. It's safe for sensitive eyes and formulated with 100% mineral filters. As you can see this little guy promises to deliver a bunch of benefits. 

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector SPF 30 Packaging

The first thing to note is that the actual product is tinted, like if you were to use a concealer. Unlike concealers that are available in an array of colours this product comes in one shade. The consistency is slightly runnier than your average concealer and you need just a tiny little bit as it's extremely pigmented. It blends out like a dream without emphasising the fine-lines. It seriously brightens and conceals. I don't need to use a corrector underneath to counteract the darkness anymore. As said a little goes a long way with this product. Prior to purchasing a full size I got a few samples, and one sample sachet has lasted me for a couple of weeks at least. Just to give you an idea how little of this product you actually need. A 15ml tube will last you for a very long time. 

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector SPF 30 

I have really been enjoying this product. For now it has replaced my trusty Bobbi Brown Corrector in Bisque and La Girl Pro Conceal in Creamy Beige. I highly appreciate the fact that it has an SPF 30, especially as I am getting older and want to take better care of the under-eye area. I don't use this product as a replacement for an eye cream but for lazy days or if you don't have any major concerns, why not. In my opinion it's not painfully expensive for what it is and how well it seems to work for me. As with all Kiehl's products you can ask for a sample and see how you get along. I would especially recommend trying out a sample first for ladies and gents with medium to deeper skin tones.

This is for sure one of my favourite makeup/skincare discoveries this year. It's a great multitasking product. It conceals dark circles and helps to look more awake. It blends into the skin seamlessly with fingers and with a brush. It does not crease throughout the day (I do set it with the powder though). If you are looking for a product that will work magic in concealing those pesky dark circles and at the same time offering skincare benefits and protection from UV damage, look no further!

Let me know if you have tried this product and what are your thoughts!

Until next time,
Muffy

Armani Eye Tints Worth The Splurge?

I am no stranger to Armani makeup. I have tried their foundations, blushes, lipsticks and mascaras (my all time favourite mascara is the Armani Eyes To Kill one). As such I was pretty intrigued when they launched their Eye Tints which were a little bit more exciting then your average powder eyeshadows. I picked two shades and have put them to good use so I can tell you my honest opinion and provide hopefully an insightful review. Shall we get right into it?

L-R: Armani Eye Tints 9 and 6

A little bit of background: Armani falls under the L'Oréal umbrella and is one of their most luxurious makeup brands. In Finland if I am not mistaken you can find an Armani counter only at the Helsinki city centre Stockmann Department Store. Since it's a higher end brand it comes with a hefty price tag. I decided to get two shades just to see if the formula is consistent throughout or not. I have the following shades: 9 Cold Copper - a brownish-taupe and 6 Green Iron - a bronzy-green. Altogether they have 12 shades in a range plus 3 new shades. I think the colour selection is great, you have  neutrals, deeper tones and pops of colour. 

T-B: Armani Eye Tint in 9 Cold Copper and 6 Green Iron

L-R: Armani Eye Tint in 9 Cold Copper and 6 Green Iron

Armani Eye Tints come in sleek packaging. You wouldn't expect anything less from Armani. It's very classy and neat. I personally like the tube-like packaging, it reminds me of a mascara weirdly enough. Unlike with mascaras that come with a brush wand you have a doe foot applicator. I think the idea is brilliant, since a lot of cream eyeshadows come in pots and you have to dip your finger to scoop out the product. The texture of these eyeshadows is somewhere in between a liquid and a cream, so it's very easy to apply and blend out. You actually get a decent amount of time to work with these before they set. They provide a smooth metallic finish to your lids. They are not shimmery or glittery by any means (at least the two shades I have). In a tube you get 6,5ml of product and that will last you a very long time, as you need just a tiny little bit. You can use these shadows as a light wash of colour for a day look or you can intensify it by layering the colour for a little bit more drama. Either way these work beautifully. 

Armani Eye Tints Applicator

L-R: 9 Cold Copper and 6 Green Iron

On the Armani website they claim for these to have 16 hours of fault-proof, smudge-free and crease-free wear. I would have to disagree with this statement. On their own without a primer I have to say they last about 5 hours before I can start seeing some creasing. With an eyeshadow primer you can get an 8-9 hour wear out of these with no smudging, creasing or fading. I have to say this is not the most long-wearing formula of cream eyeshadows I have tried and for the price you pay I would have liked the longevity to be slightly better. That being said they are extremely easy to work with and I believe would be a lifesaver for women on the go with busy schedules.

Overall I really do like Armani Eye Tints. I can't fault the texture, the quality is great, you get a variety of colours to choose from and they are especially good for those days when you don't have time to fuss with eyeshadows. However, in terms of longevity and being cruelty-free they are not the best on the market. If that is your priority I would highly recommend trying out By Terry Ombre Black Stars. They are fantastic and around the same price point.

Let me know if you have any budget-friendly alternatives for cream eyeshadows, I would love to try some!

Cheers,
Muffy

The Best Cream-Coloured Eyeshadow

If you have been following my blog for some time you know it's not the first time I mention Wet n Wild single eyeshadow in Brulee. I decided why not make a separate post on it since it has a special place in my makeup collection. As a matter of fact it's the only single eyeshadow that I have used up completely and as soon as I did I had to get a new one. If you want to find out why this little guy is so special then keep on reading!

Shortly Wet n Wild is an affordable cruelty-free brand. In my opinion they make one of the best eyeshadow pallets on the market which can easily rival some of the higher-end ones. One of my all-time favourites is the Comfort Zone palette which I have raved about earlier. Recently I have tried their Megalast Liquid Lip Color but more on that in another post. From their single eyeshadows I have used obviously Brulee, but also Nutty. Both are fantastic, but Brulee is a definite winner. 

Wet n Wild Single Eyeshadow in Brulee

Wet n Wild single eyeshadows come in simple plastic packaging, nothing fancy. I personally don't mind the design and think it's quite sturdy for what it is and pretty compact for travelling. You get 1,7g of product which is a good amount for an individual shadow. For comparison Makeup Geek single eyeshadows contain 1,8g of product. Brulee to me is a perfect creamy-nude colour. It's not too warm and it's not too cool. For example Makeup Geek's eyeshadow in Baby Face is more cool toned while Peach Smoothie is warmer/peachier. The texture is buttery smooth and you need a tiny bit of product to get full opacity. It can be slightly powdery, but I don't see it as a problem with such a light colour. Plus you can always tap your brush to get the excess product off. Now that I think about it, in terms of consistency it reminds me of the Urban Decay eyeshadows. When you apply Brulee on the lids it doesn't feel or look chalky and it doesn't leave any streaks or gaps. I use this colour every time I do my makeup. It works great as a base to help other colours blend easier or you can wear it on its own with a darker colour in a crease.

Wet n Wild Single Eyeshadow in Brulee

The only downside I can think of is when you hit pan on it big time, it can crumble/fall apart easily. To be fair I witnessed it happen to other powder products such as powders and blushes. Just don't take it with you on the go when it's in that state. Besides great quality this eyeshadow comes at an extremely affordable price point. Of course that varies depending on the location but I got mine from Bulgaria and it was around 1,99€. For my Finnish readers out there you can get Wet n Wild products from Pretty.fi or BeautyJoint (ships internationally). 

If you are looking for a staple to be added to your makeup collection I suggest you check Wet n Wild's Brulee out. It's a perfect cream-colour eyeshadow that can be used in multiple ways. Once you try it I guarantee you will never want to use any other skin-toned, neutral, cream-colour shadow. At least I haven't found anything better and I have tried a ton!

Let me know if you know of any other hidden gems out there that I should try!

Cheers,

Muffy

Murad Environmental Shield Jet Set Starter Kit

I am pretty new to Murad skincare. I heard a lot of good things about it but never really tried mainly due to the hefty price tag. Recently while browsing Feelunique I stumbled across Murad's Gifts & Sets section. I thought it would be wise to try a starter kit first before investing into a full size product that can potentially cause a breakout. I think Murad sets offer good value for money. You actually get a three step system which is all you need for a complete skincare routine. I settled for the Environmental Shield line so let's get right into the products, shall we!

Murad Environmental Shield Jet Set Starter Kit

The Environmental Shield line is aimed at targeting dull skin, fighting dark spots and wrinkles. I am up for anything that helps with dark spots and hyperpigmentation. To do so the key active ingredient is Vitamin C. I really like the fact that it's not the last ingredient on the list which is often the case with products that claim to be brightening and contain Vitamin C.

The Murad Environmental Shield Jet Set Starter Kit comes with three products. You get a Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C Cleanser (45ml), Murad Environmental Shield Advanced Active Radiance Serum (10ml) and Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30/PA+++(21ml). You also get a cute polka dot makeup bag where you can put your brushes as well. Let's start with the Essential-C Cleanser. It comes in a squeeze tube which I like. The texture is gel-like with orange micro-beads that help to remove oil and cell build up. It doesn't foam and you don't really feel the micro-beads on the skin. It has a natural slightly orange citrus scent which I enjoy especially in the morning. This cleanser does not irritate or dry my skin out, which is a big plus in my books. I can't stand cleanser that makes my skin feel squeaky clean and tight. Then again that is a personal preference. In addition to Vitamin C it contains Vitamins A and E. This product is one of the standouts for me from this kit. Usually Vitamin C products irritate my skin but not this one. Once I finished it, I missed having it around. The 45ml tube lasted me for about 4-5 weeks. I used it every morning.

Advanced Active Radiance Serum,
Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30/PA+++,
 Essential-C Cleanser

Moving on to the Advanced Active Radiance Serum. As with the cleanser it comes in a tube. I do wish that it would have come in a bigger size. This serum has a light-feel consistency and absorbs quickly into the skin. It will not sit on your skin. This is great for mornings if you will be applying moisturiser or primer afterwards. It's recommend that you wait for 1 min until applying  the next step in your skincare routine. I did just that every time I used this product. It has a fresh orange citrus scent like the rest. Besides Vitamin C it contains Green Tea Extract and Indian Fig. I really liked the texture of this serum and used it consistently until I ran out. The 10ml tube lasted me for a good three weeks. I used it every morning. It did not break me out or caused any irritations. Even though I enjoyed using this product I did not notice any major difference or improvement in my dark spots or scarring. I think that you need to use this product for a longer period of time to see any changes. 

The last one is the Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30/PA+++. It comes in similar packaging as the other two. In terms of texture it's a white light-weight cream that can leave a subtle white cast on your face if not blended well. As with the other products it has that orange citrus scent but it's rather mild because it's overpowered by a traditional sunscreen scent. It's packed full of Antioxidants which I appreciate. Now, this is the product I was least impressed with. Mainly because to me it's no different to any other moisturiser with an SPF factor I have tried before. I expected it to deliver more considering how pricy the full size product is. Don't get me wrong it's not bad. It's a good moisturiser but that is that. I haven't finished it yet since I am trying other products that do the same job. Also for people with oily skin I would not recommend this particular product since it leaves a slightly dewy finish to your face. 

Overall, I am very content with this purchase. I think it's a fantastic way to try out a brand that you are not familiar with before committing to spending the money on the full price product. The top picks from this kit have to be the Essential-C Cleanser and Advanced Active Radiance Serum. If you have been curious about this range I say try this kit out. Currently Feelunique is running a 20% off promotion on Murad products, so this is the time to grab it if you want to save a few pennies. 

Let me know if you have tried any of the Murad products and which would you recommend!

Until next time,
Muffy

Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Eye-Opening Serum

Let's be honest, it's hard to tell if an eye cream is doing anything unless your wrinkles disappear miraculously over night. On the other hand understanding if the eye cream is not working for you is way simpler. You can figure it out after several uses. I've had Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Eye-Opening Serum for some time now and let me share my thoughts!

Kiehl's Multi-Corrective Eye-Opening Serum

It promises to visibly lift, firm and restore youthful looking shape to eyes. You can use this eye cream underneath your eyes and for the lids. It contains 10% of Botanical Extract and Sodium Hyaluronate. It comes with a pretty standard amount of product for an eye cream - 15ml, but what's not so common, it has a pump. I think it's a big plus since you don't have to dip your finger into a pot (that can be pretty annoying if you have longish nails). The packaging is made out of a light weight material, my guess it's aluminium but don't quote me on that. This makes it fantastic for travelling as it's not prone to breakage as glass would be. You can also control how much product you squeeze, meaning you can press lightly and get a small amount or apply more pressure and pump a larger amount of product. 

Kiehl's Multi-Corrective Eye-Opening Serum

When it comes to the actual product it has a relatively light weight texture. It's not heavy by any means. I haven't noticed any overpowering artificial scent to it. So far so good, right?  It absored pretty quickly when I tried it on my hand, but when I applied it on my lids it was a totally different story. It would just sit on the lids and under the eye area. After waiting a good amount of time for it to absorb (around 10-15 min) it still felt tacky. The best part was when I tried to put my eye-makeup and concealer on and it started to crumble. It was not a good look nor feel. Frankly speaking I was really disappointed. It's not cheap and I was hoping that it would at least help in the moisturization department, needless to say have eye-opening properties. I tried to work with it multiple times. I would stop using it and later come back to it and give it another shot. Every time I would do so, I would catch myself thinking that I know why I stopped using it on the first place. I actually started to wonder maybe I got a bad one and it's just a bad luck. My friend has tried a sample of this product and she experienced exactly the same problem with it crumbling off.

My final verdict, I would not recommend this product. If you want a good all-rounder that will absorb quickly, keep your dry eyelids at bay and one that would come with a pump, I say look in the direction of Biotherm Aquasource Biosensitive Fragile Eye Contour. This eye cream has not let me down and one of a few I can actually see working for me. If you are not concerned with dry eyelids and want something more potent for the area under the eyes that would also brighten I would suggest getting a sample of Kiehl's Rosa Arctica Youth Regenerating Eye Balm and see how you get along.

Let me know what is your all time favourite eye cream or have you found one!

Cheers,
Muffy

Milani Amore Matte Lip Crèmes

Today I am bringing your way a truly exciting post. If you follow beauty blogs, instagram and other social media you know all the hype about liquid lipsticks. Pretty much every brand is coming up with their version. I am all about matte lips regardless of the trend or season, therefore I am the first to jump on the matte liquid lipsticks bandwagon. The ones I have tried come at a relatively high price point since they are not from a mass market. Imagine me going all bananas when I heard that finally a mass market brand was coming out with matte liquid lipsticks, I just could not resist. I am referring to the Milani's Limited Edition Amore Matte Lip Crèmes. If you want to know if you need to run out and get them, then stay tuned!

Milani Amore Matte Lip Crèmes

Milani is an affordable USA brand. I haven't tried a lot of their products, just the Shadow Eyez, because it's not readily available where I live. I was very happy to discover that Milani has an actual European website, so there is no need to order directly from USA. Amore Matte Lip Crèmes come in 8 shades and they are limited edition. This means if you want to get your hands on these you need to be quick. They are cruelty-free and infused with Vitamins A & C for added hydration. I picked up two colours: Lust, a muted-pink and Crush, a brownish-red shade. I figured for me to make a proper review on these I need to try both lighter and darker shades. I honestly think these are the two stand out shades from the entire collection. 

L-R: Milani Amore Matte Lip Crèmes in Crush and Lust

Milani Amore Matte Lip Crèmes in Lust and Crush

Now let's start with the packaging. I personally like it. It's sleek, non-bulky and doesn't feel cheap. You get 6g of product which is a standard amount. For comparison Sephora Cream Lip Stains contain around 5g of product, while Sleek Matte Me Lip Creams have 6g of product. Milani Amore Matte Lip Crèmes come with a flat doe foot applicator which I find easy to work with. You need just a tiny bit of product, therefore prior to application I suggest you wipe off the excess from both sides. The consistency is quite liquidy compared to some other formulas that are creamier or mousse-like. In my opinion it's most similar to La Splash Lip Couture's and Aromi Liquid Lipsticks textures. They have a sweet vanilla butter cup scent to them which I don't mind. I much prefer it to the La Splash chemical scent, which puts me off every time I use their products. 

When it comes to longevity they work really well. I have been wearing Lust for the whole day including drinking and eating. It did fade a little bit in the centre of the lips but nothing major. Since it's such a "my lips but better" colour you don't really notice the stark line as much. With Crush it's way more noticeable. In my opinion these are not as drying as for example the La Splash Lip Coutures and feel comfortable on the lips. Both colours applied beautifully with one coat and no streakiness was detected. I would say that you need to exfoliate your lips especially if you are planning on wearing darker colours. This is applicable to all liquid lipsticks brands. You will see why in the lip swatch below. 

Milani Amore Matte Lip Crème in Crush

Milani Amore Matte Lip Crème in Lust

Overall I am very content with these lippies. Would I recommend them? Hell, yes! I have been wearing Lust non-stop for the past few days and I just can't get enough. The formula is comfortable, cruelty-free, stays all day and is affordable. I wanted to get this post out as soon as possible so you could have a chance to try these out before they are gone. If you have been wanting to try liquid lipsticks but could not justify spending twenty euros and maybe not liking it at the end, give these ones a go. They retail for only 7,16€ and have a pretty good colour selection. If I had to recommend one, Lust would be it, as I think it's a universally flattering shade. If you want something more unique and bold, Crush fits right that bill. I would not suggest Flirt just because I read some negative reviews of it being streaky and hard to work with. I like these so much that I am contemplating of buying a backup of Lust and that's unlike me as I think there will always be something better.

Let me know if you have been converted to the liquid lipsticks and what are you favourites! 

Cheers,
Muffy

Maybelline The Nudes Palette - Take It or Leave It?

I haven't tried anything from Maybelline in a while, but I got pretty intrigued when I saw they were coming out with The Nudes Palette. Who doesn't like a good neutral palette, right? I have been playing around with it and have formulated quite a solid opinion. If you want to find out what I think about this palette just keep on reading!

Maybelline The Nudes Palette comes with 12 shades. The packaging is nothing special. To me it does feel a little bit cheap and flimsy, but I am willing to overlook it as long as the product is good. You also get a dual-ended eyeshadow application sponge, which I honestly never use. I think the concept behind this palette is pretty neat as you get both shimmery and matte shades which is perfect for creating any look, be it an everyday simple no-makeup makeup or a smokey eye. At the back of the palette you get instruction as to how you can pair various shades together. For beginners or people who struggle with eye makeup this is pretty handy. It says you can get 13 different looks using this palette. 

Maybelline The Nudes Palette

Maybelline The Nudes Palette

When it comes to the actual product inside I am not a fan and I'll tell you why. First of all the texture of these eyeshadows is chalky, especially with the matte shades. I think the shimmery ones are creamier but still nothing to be impressed with. In terms of pigmentation it's also hit or miss. The matte shades are not too pigmented while some of the shimmery shades do surprise. For example my favourite of the bunch is the 4th shade on the top row - a bronzy-gold, while my least favourite is the sparkly white shade which is the first one at the top row. These blend out poorly. Due to their chalky consistency you don't get an even colour distribution but a rather patchy one. The lighter matte shades you need to seriously build up in order to get any colour payoff in your crease. I do like the actual colours they chose to include in this palette, but I wish they would perform much better.
  

Maybelline The Nudes Palette - Top Row

Maybelline The Nudes Palette - Botton Row

Overall I say skip this one. Even though it's visually appealing and you feel like you get more bang for your buck, don't give in. If you want an affordable and good quality neutral palette I highly recommend Wet n Wild's Comfort Zone Palette. I have a separate review on it here. Plus if you are concerned with animal welfare Maybelline is not cruelty-free, while Wet n Wild is. Another alternative would be Urban Decay's Naked Basics palette which is a bit more pricey but frequently on offer at Feeluinque. I hope this post was helpful in case you could not make up your mind whether to take it or leave it!

Let me know what's your go-to neutral palette!

Cheers,
Muffy

Budget Pick - Essence Nail Polishes

Let's talk a bit about nails today. I have to say I can be pretty fussy when it comes to nail polish. If I am going to paint my nails I want it to be fast, easy and opaque. Very often I wouldn't do it just because I don't want to go through the trouble. Therefore I need a nail polish to meet the above criteria for me to even get motivated! My all-time favourite nail polish is YSL La Laque Couture. Let's be honest, nobody has the money to spend on a luxury nail polish, including myself. Surely I can treat myself once in a while but that is that. Recently a friend of mine introduced me to the Essence Gel Nail Polishes. To find out if it's a hit or a miss, then keep on reading!

Essence The Gel Nail Polishes

I spoke about Essence blushes shortly in my recent post, which I think are great especially for the price. I am still quite new to the brand but there are some products that have impressed me more than others. The Gel Nail Polishes come in cute little bottles containing 8ml of product. For comparison Essie nail polishes have 13,5ml of product and YSL contains 10ml of product. I don't mind that the bottle is smaller than average since I never go through an entire bottle of nail varnish anyhow. In terms of colour range I think it's alright considering it's an affordable brand. You will not find as wide a selection as with Essie but you can get some pretty good basics. They vary in textures as well: some are creamy, others have a slight shimmer and if you like glitter they got you covered too! There is a reason why they are called The Gel Nail Polishes. When you apply them they actually dry to a glossy finish, so you don't necessarily need a top coat. 

L-R: 36 Dare It Nude, 37 Serendipity, 18 I Don't Care

I picked up three shades: 36 Dare It Nude, 37 Serendipity and 18 I Don't Care. I think this is a good set that will take you from day to night. You have your average nude that is great for work or job interview type of situations. You have your classic orange-red for special occasions and classy look, and you have your purply-grey that is a modern twist on an everyday colour. My favourite out of the colours I have has to be the 18 I Don't Care. It's that perfect mix of orange-red and applies beautifully on the nails. I would say with all these nail polishes you need two coats, which is fine by me. The brush is flat and wide just how I prefer it. This makes it so easy to distribute the polish just with few swipes. The reason why I avoid OPI nail polishes altogether is because I can't work with their brush, it's too skinny. 

Essence nail polishes wear on me for a good 3-5 days without a top coat. Usually Essie nail polishes chip on me the next day or within a couple of days. With YSL the longevity depends on the colour. For instance YSL Rose Baby Doll stays put for a week, while YSL Bleu Celadon chips within couple of days. Overall I think if nail polish doesn't chip within 4 days it's a keeper! 

Overall I really like these polishes. The formula and finish (in particular of the 18 I Don't Care shade) reminds me of the YSL nail varnishes but for a fraction of the price. I can speak only for the shades I have tried, so I can't guarantee that it's consistent throughout the whole line. Essence is cruelty-fee and you can find the nail polishes in Finland at Tokmanni and they retail for 1,99€. 

Let me know if you have tried Essence nail polishes and what nail polishes are your favourites!

Cheers,
Muffy