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