Underrated Lip Liners

I don't hear anyone talk about the Kiko Automatic Precision Lip Liners. I have tried many lip pencils and I am always on a hunt to find something better and these are among my top lip liner formulas ever. Besides, the colour range is extremely vivid ranging from nudes to reds to pinks and to deeper tones. So far I have two shades 500 and 502 and believe me when I say, this is just the beginning!

Kiko Automatic Precision Lip Liners

Kiko is an affordable Italian makeup brand. I came across it for the fist time - surprise surprise - in Italy but you can also buy their products online. I have also tried their blushes, lipsticks, eye primer and nail polishes. Out of the entire selection these lip liners are surely the standout products for me. The 500 is a natural rose while the 502 is a deep pink. I use 502 more frequently just because it's closer to my natural lip colour. I get so many compliments when I wear this particular colour!

T-D: 500 Natural Rose and 502 Deep Pink

Let's talk about packaging. As the name implies they come in a retractable format, which I appreciate. On one end you have an actual pencil while on the other a silicone-tip applicator. I don't really use the applicator and honestly fail to understand its function. You can take the applicator out and there's a sharpener, which is quite handy. A similar concept with the NARS Velvet Lip Liners if you are familiar with those. I don't normally use the sharpener these products come with but in case you need to, there is that option. The formula is extremely pigmented and creamy. It doesn't tag or pull on your lips like for example MAC lip pencils tend to do. As such Kiko lip pencils do not emphasise the lines on your lips. The staying power is exceptional. It claims to be long-lasting and water-resistant which I completely agree with. These pencils do not budge. I think in my collection this is the longest-wearing lip liner formula hands down.

L-R: 500 Natural Rose and 502 Deep Pink

In my opinion when it comes to texture they are most comparable to the Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liners, which I also adore. I have reviewed one, in Eastend Snob which happens to be my all-time favourite shade. If you want retractable lip liners that are cruelty-free and in the similar price range these are it. I can't really fault these products, maybe only for the fact that you can't go to the store and buy them as easily as Rimmel, Maybelline or L'Oreal. 

If you love lip pencils and haven't tried Kiko's Automatic Precision Lip Liners you have been missing out! Even if you are not into lip liners but want to give it a go, check these ones out. They are affordable, cruelty-free, long-wearing and have fantastic pigmentation as well as colour selection. You just can't go wrong! I will be surely picking up 501 Salmon Pink next time I am near a Kiko counter.

Let me know what's your go-to nude lip liner!

Cheers,

Muffy

My Go-To Eyeshadow Bases

Nowadays an eyeshadow base is a staple in my makeup routine. I have no idea how I lived without it before. I always thought that it was acceptable that eyeshadows would crease and fade throughout the day. Now I know better. I have tried a lot of bases and primers both from  the mass market and more expensive brands. I have been able to narrow it down to my three go-to products that do not disappoint. If you want to know which are the lucky three, then keep on reading!

First up and the newest one to my collection is the Armani Eyes & Brow Maestro. I have the shade 03. I don't use it for brows as obviously this is not my colour. It's more suited for redhead girls and boys. However it works great as an eyeshadow base. You can wear it on its own or as a base for warm toned shadows. I usually gravitate towards warm tones, therefore it's perfect for me. I would describe the colour as copper or burned orange with subtle shimmer. The shimmer does not translate on the lids at all. The consistency is quite interesting. It's not as creamy as your standard cream eyeshadows like Maybellin Color Tattoos or MAC Paint Pots nor is it as dry as the brow gels that come in pots. It's somewhere in between. It applies nicely on the lids but it dries pretty quickly. And once it sets it's not moving anywhere. It claims to be waterproof and to have 20h of wear time. I don't keep my makeup on for 20h so I can't say much about that. But I agree that you need to use an oil or makeup remover to take it off. I think for redhead ladies and gents out there this could be a true multitasking product.

Armani Eye & Brow Maestro in 03

Next up is the Lancome Long Wear Eyeshadow Base. I have it in the  shade 03 Nude. As the name suggests it's a nude beige colour, very similar to Mac's Paint Pot in Painterly. It has a creamy texture that blends like a dream. You need just a tiny little bit to cover both of your eyelids. I usually apply these types of products with my finger but lately I have been cracking out the Zoeva 142 Concealer Buffer brush and it works well. As with the Armani Eyes & Brows Maestro you can wear it on its own or under an eyeshadow. It's great for neutralising redness and veins on the lids. As you can see mine is very well loved, especially during warmer months. It lasts all day on me without creasing. That being said, it did crease on my friend, so if possible I would recommend testing it out first since it's not cheap. I do want to mention that if you have dry eyelids (like yours truly) you can't use this product regularly. It will dry them out even more. Therefore, it's best to switch it up once and again with another product, like the one I am about to present next.

Lancome Long Wear Eyeshadow Base in 03 Nude

Last and my most used is NARS' Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base. Unlike the other two it comes in a tube with a doe foot applicator. It has no particular colour to it, just a slight white hue but once blended on the lids it disappears. In terms of consistency it's the most liquidy from the bunch. It leaves a faint tacky veil on the lids allowing for eyeshadows to adhere nicely. I usually dust a neutral shadow over it like Wet n Wild Brulee or Makeup Geek Baby Face, which helps eyeshadows I put on top to blend seamlessly. As a matter of fact I use this technique with any eyeshadow base. This is my tried and true eye primer that I recommend to everyone. It's cruelty -free and I know that my eye makeup will stay put all day. You need just a little bit of product, hence the tube will last you for a long time. It will not dry out, which tends to happen with cream products that come in pots. It's also the most travel friendly since it's not made out of glass.

NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

L-R: Armani Eye & Brow Maestro 03,
Lancome Long Wear Eyeshadow Base 03 Nude,
NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

Eyeshadow bases are something I have overlooked for a long time. Now I can't do my makeup without them. If your eyeshadows crease and you struggle to find an eyeshadow base or primer that actually works, try at least one of these. Although a good all-rounder and my favourite has to be NARS' Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base. It's cruelty-free, comes in a handy packaging, has no tint to it (can be used under any makeup) and won't dry your eyelids out. Believe me it will change your eyeshadow game! 

Let me know what's your trusty eyeshadow base or primer, I'd love to know!

Cheers,
Muffy

What´s in My Friend's Makeup Bag

I don't know about you but I am pretty nosey when it comes to other people's makeup, skincare essentials and home decor. I figured why not take a look inside my friend's makeup bag. I might even make a series out of this, lets see. I reckon it's curious to see what other people use on everyday basis and hear their opinion for a change, not mine. So let's get right to it!

 

Let's start with the makeup bag itself. It's a leather pouch from &Other Stories. It is no longer available but in case you are interested you can find something similar here. 

Just for reference my friend has neutral-cool complexion and dark hair. In MAC she is around NC15 and 0,5 in Urban Decay Naked Skin Liquid Foundation. Now let's talk about the most noticeable product from the bunch - an eyeshadow duo by NARS in Parallel Universe from the Christopher Kane for NARS limited edition collection. It comes with two stunning shades: the iridescent pink lilac and the soft iridescent violet. Even thought these are purple hues they are wearable for any day. In terms of pigmentation these perform really well. The texture is soft, however they have particles of glitter in them. The glitter isn't scratchy, but as expected there is fallout with these shadows. My friend recommends applying it with a flat eyeshadow brush and patting the colour onto the lids, not swiping around. This will allow for a minimal fallout. These eyeshadows wear for about 10h without creasing when applied on an eyeshadow base. My friend uses an original Urban Decay Primer Potion.

 NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Parallel Universe

Armani Sheer Blush #10

Next up is the Armani Sheer Blush #10. It's a pinky-neutral shade that is universally flattering. It's texture is soft, slightly powdery but not chalky. It has somewhat of a shimmer running through it, however it doesn't translate on the cheeks. It applies easily and you can build up the colour. The longevity is great. It lasts throughout the day without fading. The only downside is that it has been discontinued. But don't you despair Armani Cheek Fabric Blush in Daybreak (503) is quite similar. 

The lipstick of her choice is a recent purchase that is being put to the test. It's Charlotte Tilbury's Kissing Lipstick in Nude Kate. It's a nude with pinkish-grey hues perfect for fair complexions with cool undertones. The pigmentation is alright, however it applies a bit patchily. My friend has tried it over Mac's Prep & Prime Lip and Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide On Lip Pencil in Ozone. The texture is creamy but it feels heavy on the lips. The longevity is not too impressive either, lasting only for a couple of hours. The finish is slightly shimmery but that doesn't bother her. So far this lipstick has not lived up to expectations. My friend would recommend trying the Charlotte Tilbury's Matte Revolution Lipsticks or Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Naked instead.

Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt,
Charlotte Tilbury Kissing Lipstick in Nude Kate,
Jack Black Intensive Therapy Lip Balm

Jack Black Intensive Therapy Lip Balm,
Charlotte Tilbury Kissing Lipstick in Nude Kate, Mac's Prep & Prime Lip

Staying on the topic of lips, Mac's Prep & Prime Lip is an essential for my friend. As the name suggests it's a lip primer that ensures your lipstick does not feather and lasts longer. She has been using it excessively and it works like a charm. It's most effective in combination with MAC or NARS lipsticks but not so much with Charlotte Tilbury. If you are not a fan of MAC, a good alternative is Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide On Lip Pencil in Ozone but that one you need to sharpen after every use. 

To keep the lips protected and hydrated she uses Jack Black Intensive Therapy Lip Balm in Natural Mint & Shea Butter with spf 25. If you don't fancy a tingly sensations, don't you worry, this balm comes in various flavours. She highly recommends this product and it's already on my shopping list. 

Last but certainly not least is the Jo Malone Perfume in Wood Sage & Sea Salt. Jo Malone scents are fresh, simple, nothing too heavy or sweet, which is great for work or hanging out with friends. The 30ml bottle is great for keeping in your bag and re-applying when need be. The Wood Sage & Sea Salt is not the most enduring scent that Jo Malone makes. If you want something more potent try Pomegranate Noir or Birch & Black Pepper (limited edition). Besides the Jo Malone fragrances the ones my friend favours are by Maison Martin Margiela in Untitled and Lazy Sunday Monday, but those do come in 100ml bottles, which is not too travel friendly.

That's it for now. I hope you enjoyed taking a sneak peek into someone else's makeup bag and exploring these mini reviews. Maybe you'd even get interested in trying one of them!

Let me know what your makeup essentials are!

Till next time,
Muffy

NARS Knows How to Make Lip Products

It was unintentional but somehow all the lip products I own from NARS fall under the same colour family of dusty purple lilac hues. I don't wear purply shades on an everyday basis, however I do enjoy having those options for a pop of colour. If I want to rock a bold lip I either opt for an orange-red or purply shade. Today I will share with you my NARS goodies comprising of Larger Than Life Lipgloss in Anneés Folles, Velvet Lipliner in El Agua and Audacious Lipstcik in Dominique. 

NARS Larger Than Life Lipgloss in Années Folles,
Velvet Lip Liner in El Agua, Audacious Lipstick in Dominique

I am sure most of you are familiar with NARS, and if not, it's a cruelty-free makeup brand that is part of the Estée Lauder group. In their range they pretty much carry everything you can think of when creating a makeup look plus some skincare bits and pieces. If you are in Finland the easiest way to get your hands on NARS is to order online from their EU website where you get free shipping on orders over 50,00€. And believe me it's not difficult to spend that amount, especially if you are just getting to know the brand. But let's jump right into the product, shall we.

L-R: NARS Larger Than Life Lipgloss in  Anneés Folles,
Audacious Lipstick in Dominique, Velvet Lip Liner in El Agua

First up is the NARS Larger Than Life Lipgloss in Anneés Folles. On NARS' website it's described as sheer violet. I would say it's pretty accurate. This lipgloss comes in a sleek packaging with 6ml of product. The main reason why I don't have a lot of lip glosses, and to be fair this is the first one I purchased in years, is because I hate the sticky feeling. However NARS Larger Than Life Lipgloss has converted me back to using lip gloss. I can't speak for the entire range but the Anneés Folles formula is fantastic. It's non-sticky, easy to apply, doesn't gloop and lasts for a really long time considering it's sheer. The colour is everyday-suitable especially if you go for more cool-toned looks. I can't really fault this product. Of course some might find spending over 20,00€ on a lipgloss insane and I get that.

NARS Larger Than Life Lipgloss in Anneés Folles

NARS Larger Than Life Lipgloss in Anneés Folles

Next up is the NARS Velvet Lip Liner in El Agua. I am not going to lie, it was a pain to get this pencil. It was sold out for quite some time. I might have overlooked it if not for the hype. NARS describes it as lavender rose and it's exactly that. It's a mix of purple and rose. The packaging is sleek and is colour coded which is a plus if you are like me and store your pencils upside down to see the colour. You get 0,5g of product. It's a retractable pencil that comes with a sharpener. You can pull out the sharpener from the flat end of the pencil. I think that's pretty neat especially if you want to get a more precise application, but I honestly never use the sharpener. In terms of formula it's creamy and glides on the lips without tugging or pulling. It's extremely long-wearing. However, I would say that it's pricey for what it is. If you are not too crazy about the colour I say Catrice and Rimmel Exaggerate Lipliners are as good. 

NARS Velvet Lip Liner in El Agua

NARS Velvet Lip Liner in El Agua

Last but certainly not least is the NARS Audacious Lipstick in Dominique. It's described as a pinky-lilac. I personally think it's more of a greyish-purple shade. It comes in a black sleek packaging with 4,2g of product. I really like that the packaging is magnetised, it feels weighty and luxurious. The texture of this lipstick is buttery smooth. The pigmentation is on point. With one swipe you get the colour you see in the bullet. This is by far my favourite lipstick formula and I have tried a lot of lipsticks. The finish it gives is not too matte nor too shiny. It's that sophisticated creamy matte look. The colour lasts really long on the lips and when it does wear off it does so nicely. You don't get that weird line in between your lips. This is the only shade I have from the range as I thought it was the most unique. But now I am also tempted to get more of an everyday type of colour. These lipsticks are priced similarly with Charlotte Tilbury, however I really think they are worth it. Plus the colour selection is outstanding, you are bound to find a shade that appeals to you. 

NARS Audacious Lipstick in Dominique

NARS Audacious Lipstick in Dominique

My final thoughts are that NARS do lip products really well. I cant complain about the ones I tried. If I had to recommend just one product it would be the Audacious Lipsticks. These apply like a dream, they are opaque in one swipe and they last really long. Over the years I happened to realise that it's better to buy one good lipstick that you will use every day than have a bunch of mediocre ones that you don't care for. If you have a NARS counter near you I warmly suggest going and swatching a few shades. If you are not so fortunate and don't have Sephora or NARS near you, I suggest looking into shades like Anita (antique rose) or Brigitte (nude rose). Those are universally flattering. 

Let me know if you have tried anything else from NARS and would you recommend it!

Cheers,
Muffy

Budget Pick - Essence Blushes

If you have been reading my blog for a while it's no secret that I have a special love for blush. I am convinced that you can't have too many blushes. They're something I like to collect and also something that actually gets used up. And let's be honest, who doesn't like a good deal. I asked a friend of mine to bring me a few blushes from Central Europe and I have put them to a test. These are Essence Silky Touch Blushes from a permanent line and the Nauti Girl Blush from a limited edition collection. To find out my thoughts, stay tuned!

Essence is an affordable cruelty-free makeup brand that has recently become available in Finland, yes! In Finland you can find it at the Tokmanni chain. I got mine from Austria but now I know if I want to repurchase I can get it locally. In the USA you can purchase Essence at Ulta. Besides blushes, I have also tried their lipliners, nail polishes and lipsticks. A separate review will be coming up on those, so keep your eyes peeled. Essence Silk Touch Blushes come in a round compact and you get 5g of product. I appreciate that the packaging is see-through. This means you can easily find the right colour amidst an overwhelming amount of blushes, if you are like me. It's plastic but doesn't feel flimsy. Sure it's nothing fancy but considering the price point it serves it's purpose well.

Essence Silky Touch Blush in 10 Adorable and 40 Natural Beauty

Now let's talk about the actual product. The shades I got are 40 Natural Beauty (brownish-nude) and 10 Adorable (rosy-pink). On the Essence website they have 6 shades altogether. In Finland I saw only 4 shades on display. I have to say that the colour range isn't too diverse. For example 10 Adorable and 20 Babydoll are very similar. The texture of these blushes is silky soft, hence the name. It doesn't kick off a lot of powder when you dip your brush, which was a positive surprise. In the pan they look pretty matte but when swatched or applied on the cheeks you can see a sheen. I don't mind a slight sheen as long as it's not chunky glitter. They are quite well pigmented. They are not as opaque as the Makeup Geek blushes but they are not bad at all. I would have expected no colour payoff whatsoever, but they swatch beautifully and you can build up the colour to your liking. When applied on the cheeks I haven't noticed any patchiness or streakiness. They also wear nicely throughout the day, I would say a good 5 hours. They have no scent to them, which is a plus. I don't know if you have tried the Lancome blushes, but the scent gets to me every time. In terms of ingredients Essence Silk Touch Blushes do contain talc and parabens. 

Essence Nauti Girl Blush in 01 Anchors Aweigh!

Next I have here the Nauti Girl Blush in 01 Anchors Aweigh! from the Essence Nauti Girl limited edition collection. As the name implies it has been inspired by sailing, marine style and the nautical colour scheme of red, blue and grey. This blush comes in a slightly different packaging. It's still see-through but a square shaped compact with a cute anchor imprint on the actual product. You get 8g of product and it's the only blush in the collection. I would describe the colour as a bright coral. The packaging doesn't feel flimsy but a tiny bit bulky for my liking. In terms of pigmentation I think it's quite sheer and not as impressive as the original Silky Touch Blushes. If you want the colour to translate exactly like you see it in the pan you need a lot of building up. That being said, it could be a good thing if you are starting up with makeup and afraid to overdo it in the blush department. The texture is not as silky smooth as with the Silky Touch Blushes but still decent and not powdery. I wore it the other day and it started to fade after about 5 hours. As with the other Essence blushes it contains talc. 

L-R: 01 Anchors Aweigh!, 10 Adorable and 40 Natural Beauty

Overall my thoughts are that these are good budget options. If you are looking for everyday neutral colours you can't go wrong with these. They are smooth, easy to blend and wear well throughout the day. Would I say these are better than Catrice blushes I reviewed recently? I don't think so. But if you can't get your hands on Catrice then these are really good alternatives. However, if you are sensitive to talc or parabens I would say skip these. Instead try the Makeup Geek blushes, they are paraben and talc free. Essence Silk Touch Blushes retail for under 3,00€ depending where you buy them, but nevertheless it's a bargain! These would be amazing for travel and even if they do get damaged you can easily replace them as they don't cost a fortune. I don't take my expensive powder products with me when I travel and I had to learn it the hard way.

Let me know what your all time favourite blush is, maybe I am missing out on something!

Cheers,
Muffy