Glam Glow Thirstymud Mask - Worth the Hype?

Glam Glow masks have been around for some time and only until recently I decided to give into the hype and try them out. Let me put it out there, YES it is an expensive mask especially considering the amount of product you get. However, I wanted to see for myself if the hype was real. The one I chose is the Glam Glow Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment. To find out whether to save your pennies or splurge keep on reading!

Glam Glow Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment

Glam Glow Thirstymud, as the name suggests is a hydrating mask. It claims to provide extreme moisture and is labelled as a  "Thirst-Quenching Hit in a Jar" that defeats dry, dehydrated skin. Among the active ingredients it has: hyaluronic acid and citric acid, coconut, ginger root, apples, raw honey and teaoxi olive leaf. It is free from parabens,sulfates and phthalates. All Glam Glow products except the Thirstymud mask are vegan-friendly, and all of them are cruelty free. You can use this mask in multiple ways which really pleases me. During the day you can apply it as a standard mask, leave it for 10-15 min and rinse with water. For a more intense hydration you can use it as an overnight sleeping mask. Just put a thick layer on your skin 10-15 min before going to bed to let it absorb. This mask can be your best friend when flying. Usually the air is very dry in a plane. Therefore to hydrate your skin and prevent it from going bunkers you can apply this mask at the beginning of the flight and leave it on for the duration of the flight.

Glam Glow Thirsdymud Hydrating Treatment Consistency

In terms of consistency it is very similar to a thick moisturiser. It has a beige tint to it and the scent is just divine. It smells like summer, vacation, coconuts and vanilla. It applies easily to the skin and absorbs within 15 min. You feel right away how your skin sucks in all the moisture. If you have dehydrated skin you know what I mean, it's the best feeling ever! This is the mask I pull out when I have dry patches and my skin is extremely dehydrated. It works wonders. It is important to note that you need a tiny little bit of this product to get the desired results. Unlike with the other Glam Glow masks, this one has lasted me for a good 6 months and is still going strong. I use it consistently once or twice a week. 

Did it live up to my expectations? Yes. I think it delivers exactly what it promises. I can see results when I use this mask. It has great ingredients and it has lasted me a long time. Is it worth the hefty price tag? Well, here is where it gets complicated. I have been gifted this mask and I enjoy using it. However, would I go and buy it myself, I am not sure. The thing is that there are masks out there that perform along the same lines for a fraction of the price.  I would say Origins Drink-Up Intensive Overnight Mask and Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Mask are good alternatives. I have been eyeing the Body Shop's Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask and likely be picking it up once I run out of this one. 

Bottom line is, I am happy to have this mask. It has been working great for me and I know it can get my dehydrated and dull skin sorted. However, if you are new to the whole overnight hydrating masks trend, I say try Origin's or Kiehl's and see how you get along. If you want to treat yourself and get pampered, this is a good one to go for! You can purchase it from Lookfantastic and it's on offer now.

Let me know if you have tried Body Shop's Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask, I would love to know your thoughts!

Cheers,
Muffy

Catrice Blushes Cheap and Cheerful

Catrice is a brand that I haven't heard much about or come across for that matter. However, a friend of mine visited Central Europe and brought me some makeup goodies. Among those were the Catrice Defining Blushes. I put them to the test with low expectations but boy was I wrong!

Catrice Defining Blushes in 020 Rose Royce, 030 Love & Peach,
 090 Mandy-rine

Catrice is an affordable makeup brand that is mostly sold in Central Europe. It is cruelty free and has a wide range of products to choose from. These blushes are dermatologically tested, oil free and infused with Vitamin E. They do contain talc, so be aware of that. Besides blushes I have tried their single eyeshadows and lipliners which are both really good. I have featured them in my recent posts, so if you're interested you can check it out here and here. In their blush assortment they have 6 colours plus 3 NEW shades, which is not bad for a drugstore brand. In my possession I have: 020 Rose Royce - dusty rose, 030 Love & Peach - coral and 090 Mandy-rine - peach.

Clockwise: 030 Love & Peach, 020 Rose Royce and 090 Mandy-rine

L-R: Rose Royce, Mandy-rine, Love & Peach

In the pan they look matte, however when applied to the cheeks they have a slight sheen to them. It is especially evident in the Rose Royce shade. I would say they have a satin finish. In terms of consistency they are not chalky nor powdery. They are well pigmented, some more than others. For instance Mandy-rine swatches beautifully, it's opaque in one swipe. Rose Royce on the other hand needs a little bit of building up. I actually don't mind that you can build up the intensity to your liking. Helps to avoid a clown look if you know what I mean. When it comes to longevity they perform relatively well. They are not as long-lasting as Makeup Geek blushes but they did stay on my cheeks for a good 5 hours. My friend wore Rose Royce in 30°C weather and it did not budge, so there is that.

Normally I am not a fan of drugstore packaging, because 9 out 10 times it looks and feels very cheap. With these I don't actually mind it. I think it looks sleek with no unnecessary bulkiness. It's surprisingly sturdy, so you don't have to worry about your blush crumbling all over your bag. You get 5g of product, which is a decent amount. The best part, these blushes retail only for 3,45€ (at least in drugstores in Austria, so there could be slight price variation based on the location). I say these are equivalent if not better then Rimmel, Maybelline and L'Oreal blushes. The only downside is the availability. We can't get Catrice products in Scandinavia. But I do have good news for my readers in USA, I heard that Ulta started carrying Catrice products! 

Overall my two cents on Catrice blushes are that they are worth checking out if you are on the hunt for reasonably priced, oil and cruelty free blushes. You can't go wrong with these. Next time you are heading to Central Europe I say stop by a Catrice counter and see for yourself!

Do you have any other recommendations for hidden gems in drugstores?

Cheers,
Muffy

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate Is It That Good?

I am sure you have heard about the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate in one way or another. I have been using Midnight Recovery Concentrate consistently for about two years now, and I can say with confidence - it's that good! But let's start from the beginning.

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate 

Kiehl's Mignight Recovery Concentrate, as the name implies, is a serum/facial oil you apply in the evening before going to bed. It can be used on its own or under a moisturiser. I typically use it on its own since I feel it doubles nicely as a moisturiser. The key ingredients are: evening primrose oil, lavender essential oil, jojoba seed oil and squalane (botanical lipid that helps restore skin's natural moisture balance). It's paraben, fragrance and mineral oil free. It claims to regenerate, replenish and repair for a smoother, healthier looking skin. It comes in a 30ml and 50ml glass bottle, which in my opinion is a good amount of product. I have mine in 30ml and it lasts me for a year. It has a dropper applicator and I apply around 3 drops of the product on my face. It doesn't absorb immediately but within about 10-15 min. It doesn't feel greasy or slippery on the face, which is a big plus. It has a slight scent of lavender but I don't find it too overpowering.

With this product I actually see the difference in my skin. Every time I use it, in the morning my skin looks glowy, plumped and redness is diminished. I have combination skin and it works wonders. It soothes aggravated breakouts and helps heal them. It's also effective for getting rid of dry patches. I would imagine this product to be suitable for all skin types. For instance my sister has dry skin and she has been enjoying it as well. It hasn't caused any sort of allergic reaction or irritation on my skin and I have a pretty sensitive one. As with all Kiehl's products they are generous at giving samples, so if unsure I highly recommend trying it out before committing to the full size product. 

Tip: Even though this product is targeted for the face it can be used for multiple purposes. If you have dry hands, cuticles or dry areas on your body you can add a few drops to your hand cream or lotion. This would intensify the nourishment. It can also be used as a bath oil, if you want to treat yourself to a calming, relaxing bath. Lavender is very good for relieving stress.

I am not one to rave about the skincare product unless I have given it a proper long-term test. Therefore, I am comfortable in saying that if you are looking for a new face oil, give this one a go. It's paraben and mineral oil free and is 99.8% naturally-derived. It does what it says on the tin. I am not sure how effective it's in terms of anti-aging, since I am still in my 20s but we shall see in ten years. A 30ml bottle retails for 42,00€ and you can purchase it at your nearest Kiehl's counter.

What is your tried and true serum/face oil/treatment? I'd love know!

Cheers,
Muffy

Charlotte Tilbury The Dolce Vita Palette

Today I am bringing your way something a little bit different. I don't own a lot of luxury makeup bits and pieces but the ones I do, I really like. As said in my previous posts, prior to buying anything higher-end I do thorough research. This time around when I saw this palette I knew I had to have it. It's all and more you need to feel sophisticated, independent and beautiful. 

Charlotte Tilbury The Dolce Vita Palette

As you might have guessed by the title I am referring to the Charlotte Tilbury's The Dolce Vita Palette. Oh it is so breathtaking! It is the most elegant and luxurious palette I have in my collection. This is the one I go to for special occasions, date nights or if I am just feeling like pampering myself a little bit. It comes in a quad format with four stunning shades. Going clockwise: pale pinky-champagne, burnt sienna, taupe-bronze and glittery gold. The first three shades have a sheen to them but they are not shimmery or metallic by any means. The last shade is more intense and has glitter in it but it's finely milled. I call it a grown up glitter. Besides the Dolce Vita palette Charlotte Tilbury has 8 more to choose from, so you are bound to find the one that appeals to you.

L-R: Pale Pinky-Champagne, Burnt Sienna, Taupe-Bronze and Glittery Gold

I can't fault the packaging, it has a classic design and feels expensive. The eyeshadows are buttery, highly pigmented and easy to blend. They pretty much do all the work for you and you don't have to be a makeup artist to create a wonderful look. They do not crease or fade on me, but I always use an eyeshadow primer. I like how versatile it is. You can take this palette from a day look to a night look. The eyeshadows look amazing on their own or blended with other shadows. At the back of the quad you have instructions on how to use each colour. You have them labeled clockwise as: #1 Prime, #2 Enhance, #3 Smoke and #4 Pop. You don't have to limit yourself to using these shades as suggested - the world is your oyster! Charlotte Tilbury also showcases two looks on her Youtube channel that you can re-create using this palette.

The Dolce Vita Quad Application Instructions 
(You can see mine is very well loved)

However I do have one complaint about this palette. I would have preferred if it came with a matte cream colour instead of the pinky-champagne. It would give it a desert island -status for me. I use any sort of matte cream colour every time I do my makeup to create a base, to make a simple natural eye or to blend out excess eyeshadows. In terms of ingredients do keep in mind that it contains talc and parabens.

Overall it is a fantastic palette. It's pricy but it is worth the splurge if you are looking for a good quality luxury eyeshadow quad. Charlotte Tilbury products are cruelty free. I was gifted this palette but I know it was purchased from Net-a-Porter. It retails for 50,00$ but if you compare it to a Channel quad which retails for 61,00$, it's as good if not better.

Let me know what's your favourite higher-end eyeshadow palette!

Cheers,
Muffy

Lancome Le Crayon Sourcils vs Elf Instant Lift Brow

Let's talk brows today. Lately thanks to social media, marketing and beauty trends the importance of brows has been brought back to our attention. Filling in my brows is an essential step in my daily routine regardless if I am embracing my natural self or going for a full-on glam look. I have been putting a few new brow products to the test, so if you want to find out more, then keep on reading!

Up first is Lancome's brow pencil Le Crayon Sourcils in 020 Chatain. It's a dual-ended pencil where on one end you have a spoolie and on the other end you have a pencil. It does not come in a twist up format, therefore you will need to sharpen the pencil as needed. I like the texture of this pencil. It's not too creamy as to where you don't have control and it smudges all over. Nor it's too hard as to where you will be pulling and tagging on your brows to get some colour payoff. I give a big plus for the formula. Shade 020 Chatain is a perfect match for me. It's a cool toned brown. Altogether the offering consists of four shades: 010 Blonde, 020 Chatain, 030 Brun and 040 Noir. The spoolie is alright, I can work with it but it's not the best one out there. It's relatively long-wearing especially if I set it with a brow gel. I don't need to worry about my brows fading throughout the day. You get 1,19g of product and you can purchase it at your closest Lancome counter or Feelunque. 

Elf Instant Lift Brow Applicator and Lancome Le Crayon Sourcils Applicator

L-R:Instant Lift Brow in Toupe and Le Crayon Sourcils in Chatain

Next up is a more budget friendly alternative, Elf Essential Instant Lift Brow Pencil. I got mine in a Taupe shade. The shade selection is not too extensive. It includes: Taupe, Natural Brown and Deep Brown. It's also a dual-ended product where on one end you get a spoolie but unlike with Le Crayon Sourcils, it has a twist up pencil. The texture is slightly creamier compared to Lancome's pencil but I don't mind it. It gets the job done. The colour is very similar to Chatain, maybe a little bit ashier, but nothing major. I am not too fond of the packaging. It does not feel sturdy but rather flimsy and light weight. Also it's white, which means after a few uses it can get pretty dirty looking. What's more, the text has completely rubbed off it and I have been using this product for a couple of weeks only. It's not really a deal breaker for me since the product is good, but something worth mentioning. I am also not a fan of the spoolie. It's very harsh on the skin and a bit too oversized for my liking. The lasting power is not up to par with Lacome's pencil but you can always touch up, especially for the price point. On a positive note, Elf is cruelty free and is extremely affordable. You get 0,18g of product and it retails for only 2,99$ at BeautyJoint.

My final thoughts are that if you want to try a dual-ended brow pencil that is cruelty free and won't cost a fortune I say Elf is a good place to start. Surely it's not as good as the Anastasia Brow Wiz(a separate review here) or the Lancome Le Crayon Sourcils, but if you are on a budget it will get the job done. If you are looking for a more higher-end brow pencil I would still recommend Anastasia Brow Wiz over Lancome's brow pencil just because it's cruelty free, exceptionally long-lasting, has a wider colour range and is ultimately cheaper. 

Let me know know what's your favourite eye brow product, I'd love to hear!

Cheers,
Muffy

Orange - Red Lips Yes Please!

I don't know about you but I have been loving orange-red lips. It is a good colour to rock if you want a statement lip with a retro vibe to it. Since I have warm undertones, I feel like red colours with a little bit of orange suit me best. Today I am sharing with you a set of three lipsticks that fall into that category and tell you my thoughts. 

Let's start with the least affordable from the bunch but the one that surely kicks a punch - Lancome L'Absolu Velours d´Orange #172. It is a creamy matte lip colour that applies fully opaque. It feels very comfortable on the lips and doesn't dry completely to a matte finish. Hence, it doesn't dry out your lips by no means. However if you prefer a matte look you can always dust a little bit of powder over it and it takes the sheen away. The lasting power is pretty good considering that it is a relatively creamy formula. It does stain your lips a little bit. I also like the applicator, it is shaped perfectly to fit the contours of your lips. The colour itself is a vidid orange-red and I like it a lot. Lancome falls under the L'Oreal umbrella which means that it's not necessarily cruelty free. You can purchase it at your closest Lancome counter or Feelunique.

The lipstick that has solidified my obsession with this colour is Rimmel's 660 In Love With Ginger. It is from their re-formulated Moisture Renew line. This colour is just perfection. It is one of my most worn bold lipsticks. It is a perfect mix of orange and red. It is not as bold as the Lancome's L'Absolu Velours but applies opaque in one coat. I can't fault the texture. It is creamy and feels good on the lips. It lasts a good few hours if you are not drinking or eating. If you are sensitive to scents it could be an issue with this one. All Rimmel lipsticks have a relatively strong artificial floral scent. Some people like it, some people hate it. I am not a fan but I can look past it since the colour is so gorgeous. Rimmel is an affordable brand but it's not cruelty free. Rimmel is readily available but I purchased mine from Feelunique. 

L-R: Kiko Cream Lipstick 508 Orange,  Rimmel In Love with Ginger,
Lancome L'Absolu Velours 172

L-R: Kiko Cream Lipstick 508 Orange, Rimmel In Love with Ginger,  
Lancome L'Absolu Velours 172

Last but not certainly least, is the Kiko's Luscious Cream Lipstick in 508 Orange. As the name suggests it has a creamy consistency which simply glides on the lips. It is more of a sheer formula compared to Rimmel but you can build it up. The colour is not as bright as the other two and it has more orange hues. In my opinion it is a wearable orange. You can decide how opaque you want the colour to be. It is the least long-wearing but the easiest to touch up. In terms of price it is extremely affordable. Kiko does not test on animals and this lipstick is hypoallergenic. I get Kiko products from their online shop.

To wrap up, it's a pretty good set of options. If you want to treat yourself and get a more higher end lipstick try Lancome's creamy matte lip colours. If you are looking for an all rounder Rimmel's In Love with Ginger fits right that bill. However, if you are not too familiar with orange-red lippies and looking for a cruelty free alternative, Kiko has a pretty good offering. 

Do you have any recommendations for lipsticks I should try that fall under the same colour scheme?

Until next time,
Muffy

Blushing with Makeup Geek

I have a confession to make: I love blush. It is one of my favourite parts in a makeup routine. A normal person doesn't need a blush of every single rainbow colour, unless you are obsessed with it like me. In order to satisfy my craving but not spend a fortune on it I looked to Makeup Geek. I say if you are a blush addict you need to stop whatever you are doing and check out Makeup Geek blushes now!

I have already reviewed Makeup Geek eyeshadows and pigments, so if you are interested you can give them a read here and here. All Makeup Geek products are talc free, paraben free, cruelty free and are made in the USA. I have a total of 6 blushes in my collection and I believe the range consists of 13 shades. These blushes come in pan format and as compacts. I prefer the pan simply because it is easier to store and I can have all my blushes in one place. I keep them usually in a Z palette, which you can purchase from Makeup Geek website or Beautybay. Now let's take a closer look at the blushes. I have the following shades:

Bliss - light peachy coral

Summer Fling - soft burnt orange

Infatuation - medium matte terracotta 

Secret Admirer - light orchid purple

Randezvous - rosey to medium pink with purple undertones

Love Affair - intense pink - coral

L-R: Bliss, Summer Fling, Infatuation

L-R: Bliss, Summer Fling, Infatuation

L-R: Secret Admirer, Randezvous, Love Affair

L-R: Secret Admirer, Randezvous, Love Affair

Makeup Geek blushes are a dream to work with. They are very smooth and highly pigmented. With shades like Love Affair it is enough to just dab your brush a little bit, otherwise you can overdo it. They blend seamlessly on your cheeks without leaving streaks. In terms of longevity they are the best blushes I have tried hands down. Usually when I put blush in the morning by lunch time it is almost gone. When I use these blushes they do not budge. That is the one quality I appreciate most about these blushes. The shade selection is also very good; you have warm and cool tones. However, I would have liked to see a natural rosy shade along the lines of Tarte Exposed, Mac Cubic, NARS Douceur and Urban Decay Video. 

In my opinion Makeup Geek blushes are comparable to Mac. I don't own any Mac blushes and the main reason is because I am very satisfied with these. Mac blushes are of the same size, can be bought in a pan or compact and have a wide range of colours. However, Mac blushes retail for 22,00$ per compact and 17,00$ per pan, while Makeup Geek for 12,99$ and 9,99$ respectively. Makeup Geek ships internationally.

If you are looking for new blushes that are cruelty, paraben and talc free, affordable, and have some fun colours, Makeup Geek is where it is at. You can't go wrong with Bliss or Infatuation: those are flattering on anyone if you ask me. If you fancy unique colours or a potential dupe for Mac's Full of Joy that was discontinued - Secret Admirer is worth checking out!

What is your all-time favourite blush? Let me know!

Cheers,

Muffy

Behind the Scenes of CosmEthics

Remember I told you that I will be digging deeper into CosmEthics App? Well, I did. I actually contacted the company and had the pleasure of visiting them at their office in Helsinki. Having worked in a startup myself I really enjoy the cosy and friendly atmosphere that it comes with. I had the opportunity to chat with a few people and I am bringing your way some interesting insight into the app and its development. 

The first thing I was curious to discover was what is happening at their end once I attach the pictures for analysis and press the send button. They get a tremendous amount of new products sent to them daily. Hence the time it takes for a product to be added to their database depends on the amount of products they have waiting in a pipeline. They keep track of the time it takes to analyse the product and are aiming to improve it constantly. The actual process consists of three steps: typing the ingredients, verifying the ingredients and checking for toxicity by the in-house bio-scientitsts and referencing scientific research. I really appreciate that they have an actual science team working with them. It is comprised of people from various backgrounds such as chemistry, biochemistry and toxicology. This gives at least reasonable credibility to the validity of their information.

What is also interesting is how they compile their default lists. I asked about the Vegan one in particular. They have put it together based on the concerns vegans usually have and also feedback they received from people who are vegan. I think it is fantastic that they listen to people and want to continuously meet their needs better. A good example of this gesture was also when I mentioned having an atopic eczema. They immediately suggested that I talk with their scientists and see if they can make a corresponding list. Despite their main market currently being Europe they are planning on expanding. You can already get the app in several languages: Finnish, Chinese, Portuguese and French. 

Overall I think this app has a lot of potential. It is not only important for educating people but also increasing visibility for niche brands that have good quality products and ethics, but not necessarily millions to allocate for marketing. It can become a viral hit like Uber (biggest taxi company in the world that doesn't  own a single taxi but provides a platform) bringing a positive impact on how people consume and discover products.

This app is definitely worth checking out if you still haven't. With our society becoming more conscious of what it consumes in terms of food and cosmetics, I believe this app responds to this newfound awareness. 

If you've tried this app I would love to hear your thoughts! What are the things you enjoyed and what could be developed better?

Cheers,
Muffy

Disclaimer : I was not sponsored by ComsEthics to write this post, I wrote it out of my own interest.

LA Girl Cruelty Free BB Cream

As the weather gets warmer I like to go lighter on the base. I put aside heavier coverage products and pull out something that makes my skin look a little bit more even but still able to breath. I don't mind my imperfections peeking through. My all time favourite base that fits these criteria is the Armani Luminescence CC Bright Moisturiser SPF 35. However, I wanted to find a more reasonably priced alternative. That is when I bumped into LA Girl Pro BB Cream and I have been using it religiously ever since.

La Girl Pro BB Creams

La Girl is an affordable US based brand that offers a variety of makeup products. I have previously raved about their concealers. If you are curious you can give it a read here. These Pro BB Creams are cruelty free, paraben free and fragrance free. They come in a variety of shades ranging from fair to dark. I am sure you can find one suitable for yourself. I initially picked up the Natural one but it ended up being slightly too dark, so I placed another order for the Light version. Now that I have a little bit more colour I like to mix the two together. They have one variant in between Light and Natural which is the Light Medium and I am guessing that one is probably an ideal match for me. I am an NC25-30 in MAC for reference. 

L-R: La Girl Pro BB Cream in Light and Natural

The consistency of these BB Creams is very pleasant. It is not too thick nor runny. It blends in easily and you can apply it with your fingers or a buffing brush. If I am in a hurry I just slap it on with my fingers and I am out of the door. It offers a light coverage but it is buildable. It will not cover imperfections, scaring or discolouration. I would suggest using a concealer for those areas. This BB cream provides a satin finish. I like to set it with a powder in any case, just because I have combination skin.  It wears beautifully through the day and you don't feel like you have anything on your face. In about 5 hours I would need to touch up with powder or blotting papers since I do get oily, but that happens with any foundation, bb cream or cc cream. 

The best part about this product besides everything else I mentioned is that it's affordable. It retails for 5,50$ and you get 30ml of product. I purchased mine from BeautyJoint. The only downside and a big bummer is that it does not have an SPF factor. I always apply a separate SPF or a moisturiser with an SPF regardless, so it is not really a deal breaker for me. But I can understand how it can be for some people. Although, if you are going somewhere where you will be photographed it is a good choice. The flash will not reflect off you as bad and cause a stark white face, which usually happens when you wear a base with high SPF. 

Overall I think this is a great product. It is moisturising, evens out skin tone and is good for those days when you can't be arsed to do the whole makeup shebang. If it is crucial for your base to have an SPF protection, I would naturally suggest skipping this one. 

Do you have any suggestions for an affordable light weight BB or CC creams with SPF? I would love to know!

Cheers,
Muffy

Disappointing Products - Vol.1

Since I buy and try a lot of products naturally I come across some hits and misses. Luckily most of the time I do my research before I purchase anything, especially if it is more on the higher end. Today, I figured I would share with you some of the products that I either did not care for or was disappointed with. Please take it with a grain of salt. These did not work for me but they might perform differently on someone else.

First up is Essie Ridge Filling Base Coat. My main problem with this product is that it does not do the job for me. My nails are very textured, therefore if I want to wear metallic or matte colours I need to make sure the surface is super smooth. That is where ridge fillers come in handy. However, this product did not deliver. It actually made my manicure worse. It took ages for it to dry and it did not make a difference in terms of leaving a smooth, filled base. Actually after a while I noticed my nail polish pealing off in one piece. I haven't changed anything except the base coat. 

Armani Rouge Ecstasy lipstick, just look at that packaging! It is to die for. When you hold the lipstick it feels luxurious and has a good weight to it. I can't tell you the exact shade since the number has rubbed off but it´s one of the nudes in the range. I have nothing against the colour, it is a lovely pinky nude. However, the formula is not my favourite. The idea behind these lipsticks was the new innovative formula that combines the Colour & Care aspects. Care - offers comfort and softness to the lips, as if you were wearing a lip balm. Colour - provides an amazing colour payoff and staying power. It does stay true to colour, and the texture is not the most moisturising or comfortable on the lips. I much prefer their original Rouge D'Armani lipsticks.

Kiehl's Scrub, Essie Ridge Filler and Armani Rouge Ecstasy lipstick

Next up is Kiehl's Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub. As the name suggests it is the scrub that is made with real fruit extracts. It is suitable for all skin types. I did not care too much for this product. It had very few grainy particles that are supposed to exfoliate your face. If felt nice on the skin but did not offer enough scrubbing potential to my liking. I ended up using it as a cleanser instead. I think for people with extremely sensitive skin this could be a gentle enough product.

I had high hopes for Essence Single Matte Eyeshadow in Hazel Me Not! When I saw this colour I was sold. It is a perfect neutral mid-toned brown. I heard a lot of good things about Essence Makeup, therefore I decided to give it a go. Unfortunately it did not meet my expectations. The colour is great, however the pigmentation is barely there. You need to build it up and the texture is very chalky and powdery. If you are like me and used to working with Urban Decay eyeshadows and Makeup Geek eyeshadows you would understand the frustration. Nevertheless, I think this would be a fantastic choice for someone who is just starting off with makeup and doesn't want anything too intimidating. 

Makeup Geek Foundation Stippling Brush, Essence Matte Eyeshadow,
Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder

I am always on a hunt for a perfect mattifying powder. That is how I stumbled across the Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder. Innisfree is a Korean brand and you can order it from eBay. I like the fact that it contains natural ingredients like Jeju mineral and mint. It claims to be a replacement for blotting papers making the skin soft and matte. I have tried it multiple times and it doesn't keep my oil at bay. Within a couple of minutes I get all shiny again. Many Korean beauty bloggers swear by this product but sadly it is not my gem. They do have a pressed version of this product so maybe that one is more effective.

Last but not least is the Makeup Geek Foundation Stippling Brush. I adore Makeup Geek products and what the company stands for. Hence, it was no surprise I stalked their website until this brush was back in stock. So many people have raved about it on YouTube and the blogging world. When it was back I put it in my cart without hesitation. When it finally arrived I was quite disappointed. It did not look like the ones I saw other people use. It had a way smaller head. Apparently Makeup Geek changed the design and I had no idea. I learned later that I was not the only one and many people have been equally dissatisfied. As a result, Makeup Geek listened to feedback and brought back the original design. I have not tried that one yet, since I can't justify buying another brush anytime soon.

This is it for now. I hope you found this post useful. If you have tried these products I would love to hear your thoughts!

Cheers,
Muffy

The Battle of Pinky Lipliners

Lip liners, don't they take you back to the 90s? To me that is the time when over-drawing your lips was the coolest thing ever and many wore lip liner on it's own. As with all trends they have a tendency to come back and the 90s are no exception. Right now fashion resembles that of Spice Girls while makeup that of Cindy Crawford. As a result, lip liners are being sold like hot potatoes. I have picked up a few too many recently, trying to keep it in the neutral, rosy and mauve range. Today I would like to focus on Rimmel's Exaggerate Lip Liner in 063 Eastend Snob and Catrice's Long Lasting Lip Pencil in 080 That's What Rose Wood Do!

Let's start with Rimmel. Its lip liner in Eastend Snob has been  popular in the blogging community as many compare it to the Charlotte Tilbury's Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk. I don't own that one so I can't say much about it. Eastend Snob is a pinky mauve colour, which looks very flattering on the lips. It does not wash you out. It comes in a retractable format with a slanted tip applicator, which is good for a precision work. The texture is creamy hence it does not tug on your lips when distributing the product. In my opinion it is a long-wearing formula, even though it doesn't claim to be one. I can also agree with the exaggerate factor, I think it does make your lips look a bit more plumped and defined. But I think that is merely an attribute that all lip liners should have by default. I did not find it particularly drying and I usually wear it on its own. I like to fill in my lips first and later smudge the edges out, so it gives it a more natural, sultry look. I really enjoy the finished look and how it wears throughout the day. The only downside is that it's not cruelty free.

T-B: Rimmel Eastend Snob and Catrice That's What Rose Wood Do!

L-R: Cartice That's What Rose Wood Do! and Rimmel Eastend Snob

Next up is Catrice's lip pencil in That's What Rose Wood Do! Catrice is an affordable makeup brand that has some really good quality products. Besides the incredibly long name it is very close to the Rimmel's Eastend Snob. The texture is equally creamy and makes it effortless to apply. When it comes to colour they are very similar. Rimmel's lip liner is a tad more dusty, but on the lips you can't really tell the difference. Unlike Eastend Snob, Cartices's lip pencil claims that it is long lasting and waterproof. To be honest, I think Rimmel's lip liner performs much better in terms of longevity. Catrice's lip pencil comes in a traditional pencil format, so you need to sharpen it. I personally don't mind that but just something for you to note. Catrice does not test on animals which is a big plus. The only downside is that it is not readily available. You can get it in Germany, Austria (probably other European counties) or on eBay. Rimmel's Exaggerate lip liners are available at Feelunique. 

Bottom line, these lip liners are phenomenal. They are easy to work with, reasonably priced and can rival many higher end ones (I am looking at you YSL and Mac). I will be picking up more of Catrice lip pencils next time I am in central Europe. 

Which one of the two caught your eye? I would love to know!

Cheers,
Muffy

Mac Paint Pot vs Milani Shadow Eyez Pencil

If you want to get into Mac and don't know where to start, Mac Paint Pots are among the first things you should go for. They are very common in the beauty world and many people swear by them. I was very intrigued to try them for myself and after careful deliberation I decided to go with Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Groundwork. I was looking for an everyday eyeshadow base with a slight hint of colour that I can just slap on and go. Little did I know that I could have saved pennies big time!

Mac Paint Pot in Groundwork and Milani Shadow Eyez in Cafe Au Lait

In a nutshell Mac Paint Pots are cream eyeshadows that can be worn alone or used as an eyeshadow base. They come in an array of mostly neutral colours but you can find some really unique shades like sea foam (a.k.a Mac Paint Pot in Clearwater). Finishes vary as well from matte, to shimmery, to frost, to metallic. Mac Paint Pot in Groundwork is a matte neutral taupe colour. It is not too warm and not too cool, it gives just enough colour to make your eyelids look more put together. I really enjoy this colour. I usually wear it on its own. It would work especially well as a base for cooler shadows, since it has that taupe hue. Mac Paint Pots claim to be long-wearing up to 15 hours, water-resistant, stay-true to colour and crease-proof. I do not completely agee with that. In terms of staying true to colour it is so, what you see is what you get. However, long-wearing and crease-proof, not so much. When worn on its own it creases on me after maybe 5 hours of wear. However if used as an eyeshadow base it creases on me within a couple of hours. I need to use a separate eyeshadow primer like Nars Smudge Eyeshadow Base underneath to ensure it stays all day.

Mac Paint Pot in Groundwork

Milani Shadow Eyez in Cafe Au Lait

Now let's look at Milani Shadow Eyez in Cafe Au Lait. Milani is a US based affordable makeup brand that offers a wide range of products, among which are Shadow Eyez. They are eyeshadow pencils that can be worn alone as an eyeshadow base or as an eyeliner. I picked two colours: Almond Cream and Cafe Au Lait. They do have a decent selection of colours and finishes (matte & shimmery), but nowhere near to that of Mac's Paint Pots. Cafe Au Lait is a matte mid-toned, brownish-taupe colour. It is extremely similar to Groundwork. It might not look like it when swatched but on the lids when blended they look identical. One day I wore Mac's Groundwork on one eye and Milani's Cafe Au Lait on the other and nobody told me I look crazy. Shadow Eyez are not as creamy in consistency so you have to work a little bit harder to blend them out. They claim to be long lasting up to 12 hours, water-resistant and crease-proof. Here again I would disagree, as with Paint Pots they last around 5 hours on me until I start seeing a slight creasing. 

L-R:Milani Shadow Eyez Cafe Au Lait and Mac Paint Pot Groundwork

Mac Paint Pot in Groundwork and Milani Shadow Eyez in Cafe Au Lait are dupes in my eyes. They serve the same purpose, the colour is spot on and the longevity is the same. The only difference is that Mac's Groundwork comes in a pot, while Milani's Cafe Au Lait is a pencil which you need to sharpen. It is worth pointing out that the glass jar is not particularly travel friendly, while a pencil you can just throw in your bag. Another substantial difference is that Milani is a cruelty free brand and these pencils are paraben free. In terms of price Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pots retail for 20,50€, while Milani Shadow Eyez are sold for 6,99$. You do get 5g of product in Mac Paint Pots and only 2,8g with Shadow Eyez pencils. That being said, for you to use up an entire Mac Paint Pot before it dries out you have to use it every single day. 

I enjoy both products and iterate depending on my mood. If you have been wondering what is all the rave surrounding Mac Paint Pots and wanted to see for yourself, I say try Milani Shadow Eyez first. I would imagine Milani's Shadow Eyez in Almond Cream to be a great alternative to the very popular Mac Paint Pot in Painterly. You can get Milani products from BeautyJoint. 

Let me know if you will be giving Shadow Eyez by Milani a go!

Cheers,
Muffy

Visit My Stash - Dusty Rose / Mauve Lippies

I am sure if you have been following the blogging world for some time you have heard about the dusty rose / mauve lipstick trend. Everyone is talking about it and you see tons of pictures on instagram and pinterest inspired by the hype. I have always gravitated towards darker nude colours (regardless of the conventions) and have accumulated quite a bit over the years. I thought why not give you a sneak peek into my dusty rose / mauve lipstick collection in case you were thinking of joining the ranks.

Let's start with traditional lipsticks in a bullet and move to the liquid lipsticks. Up fist is Mac Creme in Your Coffee lipstick, I have a separate review on Mac lipsticks here. It is a creamy formula, glides on nicely, but I would suggest using a lipliner for a more precise application. The colour is what I would call a classic mauve: it has hints of rose and brown. Kiko Smart Lipstick in 918 Classic Rose is very similar but has more pink undertones which are barely noticeable. It is a relatively sheer formula, so you would need to put a few layers to achieve the colour that you see in the bullet. The formula is creamy, non-drying and it has the same distinct scent of vanilla as the Mac lipsticks. The staying power is not too impressive but as it is a sheer formula it is easy to reapply on the go. Last but not least is the YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick in 9 Caress Pink. This one is a beauty! I have nothing like it in my collection. In my eyes it still falls under the dusty rose, mauve colour scheme but it has more rosy, pinky or even berry undertones. It has no brown it in whatsoever. It is a unique colour for sure. The formula is extremely creamy, thus you need to use a lipliner with it.

L-R: Mac Creme in Your Coffee, Kiko Classic Rose, YSl Rouge Volupte Caress Pink

L-R: YSL Kiss & Blush Nude Insolent, Sephora Marvelous Mauve, Stila Patina, 
Lush Perspective

When it comes to the liquid lipsticks, let me present you the Oh-So-Famous Stila Stay All Day liquid Lipstick in Patina. It has been pretty impossible to get your hands on it since people went ballistic over it, myself included. It is a lovely dark mauve colour that leans more towards rose rather than brown. Sephora Cream Lip Stain in 13 Marvelous Mauve is almost an identical dupe. The only difference I could see, if I want to be super picky, is that Stila Patina is more muted and darker on the lips. Both last incredibly long but they can be drying as expected with any matte liquid lipsticks. If you are looking for an alternative that is vegan but is still in the same colour family I would suggest checking out Lush Liquid Lipstick in Perspective. It is not as opaque or long lasting as Sephora or Stila, but a good everyday choice. The last one is YSL Baby Doll Kiss & Blush in 10 Nude Insolent. This is a multitasker that can be used as a blush and as a lip stain. The colour has way more reddish brown in it compared to the rest. I haven't used it as a blush but as a lip stain it works pretty good. I think this colour would be especially flattering in the fall.

L-R: YSL Rouge Volupte Caress Pink, Kiko Classic Rose, Lush Perspective
Mac Creme in Your Coffee, Sephora Marvelous Mauve, Stila Patina,
YSL Kiss & Blush Nude Insolent

I know this can appear excessive but these are the colours that I wear the most. I like to have a few options here and there in terms of finishes and shades. If you are interested in giving the dusty rose/mauve trend a go, I would recommend Kiko Classic Rose as a starting point. It is cruelty free, reasonably priced and you can build up the colour to your liking. For you vegans out there, Lush Perspective is a winner. 

I hope you had fun exploring what is in my stash. Let me know if you would like me to make similar posts in the future. I am thinking purple lippies could be next, maybe? Let me know!

Cheers,
Muffy