Review: Colourpop Ultra Satin Lip - Aquarius and Screenshot

I once got a mini sized Colourpop Ultra Satin Lip in Frick 'n' Frack with my order and ever since then I wanted to try some other more nude shades. The formula is one of those rare mattes that actually feels comfortable on the lips. When I was ordering their eye palettes, I also order two Ultra Satin Lips in shades Aquarius and Screenshot.

Review: Catrice LE Genderless Peel-Off Brow Tint - C01 Mudstone

I've spoken about sheet mask from Essence Genderless LE and Catrice also has the same concept for their latest limited edition called Genderless. Products that are universal and can be used by men and women. In the range was also a peel-off brow tint and I immediately got curious about it. I was hoping for a waterproof or at least very long lasting tint, but this is more of a one day effect.

Review: Colourpop Yes, Please! Shadow Palette

When I was ordering from Colourpop, I knew I wanted to get my hands on one of their best selling eyeshadow palettes - Yes, Please! Pressed Powder Shadow Palette. It is full of warm tones that I love and a mix of shimmers and mattes. It's no wonder that this is one of their best selling products, since the quality did not disappoint.

Review: Nivea Aloe & Hydration Body Lotion

When I think of Nivea, I think of body products. I still remember their universal cream in a dark blue tin packaging that was a staple in many families, when I was little. I never really like their face creams, because they're too perfumed and basic, but their body lotions and shower gels always work for my skin. I especially like nourishing abilities. I've already talked about their Nivea Rich Nourishing Body Milk which is one of my favorites from their brand and great for creating super glowy skin all over the body. Today I'm writing about their Nivea Aloe & Hydration Body Lotion


Packaging

It comes in a white plastic packaging with minimal design. I like that they have a slanted top which means you can actually place it on its head and it stands. This makes it easier to get out every last drop of the lotion. 

In it is 250 ml of product and it costs something around 4€.  


Formula

Nivea says that their body lotion contains intensive Nivea hydrating serum, nourishing oils, aloe vera  extract and helps to keep your skin hydrated with the help of lipids. It should protect the skin from water loss and make it feel more hydrated.

Aloe vera is a fairly commonly used ingredient in skin care. It's great gentle ingredient that helps to hydrate and calm the skin. Nivea also says that aloe vera is rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes



It has firm, but slightly transparent white lotion cosistency that is very smooth and spreads with utter ease. It's super lightweight in its way, but once you massage it in, you can still feel slight nourishing layer on the skin, although it's completely matte looking

It has a subtle herbal, but also a bit sweet scent. Pleasant, but not overwhelming. 



Performance

I have much drier skin on my body in the winter than in the warmer months, which I'm sure is the usual with most of you too. My problem area is my lower half of legs, which sometimes get so dry that they look white and small patches of skin start to flake off. Ever since I was using this lotion religiously every morning or night, I don't have that problem. I can apply it on in the evening and in the morning my skin still looks hydrated. It's not ultra nourishing, like their rich version, but it's much more lightweight and feels like nothing on the skin. It also never felt irritating on my sensitive skin.


This would be perfect for summer time or for transitioning into winter, if you're like me and love a good heavy balmy nourishing lotion for the winter. However, if you hate anything too rich and noticeable on the skin, you would love this regardless of the season. I even caught my boyfriend using this on his dry legs and I'm assuming he likes it that much because of the no-grease residue


When it comes to body products I go for something that is nourishing, hydrating and doesn't irritate my skin. This Nivea Aloe & Hydration Body Lotion is lightweight, but has nourishing and hydrating abilities without leaving your skin looking or feeling greasy. It doesn't irritate my skin at all and the fragrance in it is subtle enough that it doesn't bother me through the day. If you want something lightweight, but that does the job, you would probably like it.

*PR product

Review: Colourpop Super Shock Cheek - Flexitarian

So far I've mostly just ordered Super Shock Shadows from Colourpop, but I was really curious about the Super Shock Cheek formula, their highlighters in particular. I ordered shade Flexitarian, which is KathleenLights' favorite Colourpop highlighter in this formula and supposedly also one of the most reflective highlighters out there. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint.


Packaging

It comes in the same packaging as Super Shock Shadows, just a bit bigger. Pot is made out of white plastic and it has a transparent lid. Minimalistic. Make sure you really close it well, otherwise the product will dry out.

In it is 4.2 grams of product and it costs 8$. You can buy it at Colourpop.




Mine came shrunken and I didn't know what exactly happened to it. I didn't even know, if these also have an embossed design on them or not. It might have been faulty in the production or it might have shrunken in the midst of transport. I used my fingers and spread it out to fit in the pot and the formula still works fine, thankfully. 


Formula

It has that same creamy, almost mousse like formula as their Super Shock Shadows. But once it touches the skin, it turns into a powder. It applies very smooth, glides on the skin like a dream. You can apply it over cream products or over powders and it won't grab or look weird. 

It has really good pigmentation with just one swipe and a light touch of the pot. This is definitely one of the best pigmented creamy, yet powdery highlighters I own. 

Shimmer in it is super fine and almost unnoticeable. It definitely gives you an intense, almost glossy looking metallic finish. But all you see is intense sheen, no visible shimmer. It's currently the most noticeable and reflective highlighter in my collection. I love it so much, because it doesn't have super pigmented base and it seems like you can almost see your natural skin through it.


Colors

I got it in the shade Flexitarian which is described as intense white champagne. Description is correct. Base looks very much like a light champagne shade in the pot, but once you apply it on the skin, you see this very intense metallic white sheen to it. White sheen makes it look slightly cool toned, but the base is initially warm. Shade in general is very light and would suit fair as well as light skin tones. On anything darker than that, it would really stand out and be very obvious. 

Colourpop currently has 25 different shades to choose from. They have highlighter for fair to pretty dark skin tones as well as some more colorful purple and blue options. 


Dupes

I compared it to some of my other highlighters to get you an idea of how it compares.

theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer - peachy gold champagne shade. It's darker and a lot warmer.
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Moonstone - yellow gold shade that is also light, but a lot warmer.
Catrice Kaviar Gauche Highlighter - champagne gold shade that is light, but has more of a golden sheen to it.
Sleek Solstice Highlighting Palette Equinox - this one is the most similar to it, because it has that cool white sheen to it, but the base is a lot darker and more peachy. 

Performance

You can try to apply it lightly and you get a more subtle, transparent sheen. But in general, if you apply just a bit more pressure while applying it on the skin, it will look very intense. I prefer applying it with fingers, because it works best. You pick up the most color and get the most intense look. You can also apply it with a makeup sponge or a brush. Fluffy brushes will give you very natural look. You can also use a small dense brush which picks up a lot more product.

Formula is very long lasting. It looks practically the same at the end of the day as it looked when freshly applied. It doesn't move, sticks well and stays on without fading. 

You can use it as a highlighter on the cheeks as well as on the eyes. It makes a killer inner corner highlight - really opens up your eyes and makes them pop. 

Left: no highlight, Right: very light application of highlight

Heavily applied

Left: no highlight, Right: heavy application of highlight 

Inner corner highlight


Lips: Bourjois Rouge Velvet The Lipstick - 02 Flaming'rose

I have to say the quality of Colourpop Super Shock Cheek in Flexitarian is well worth the price, even though it's on a more affordable side of pricing. Formula is creamy, but turns powdery once it touches the skin. Pigmentation is amazing without looking too opaque, it stays on the skin all day and gives you almost glossy metallic finish. It's not for those that want a very natural highlight, because this packs a punch, but without looking too artificial. It's great for fair and light skin tone. 

On me it almost looks a bit too light, but that just makes it stand out more. I usually go for warmer shades that are closer to my skin tone, but I can't seem to put it down ever since I first tried it. I definitely recommend you to get it, if you like the sound of it. I have my eye on some other shades that I still want to get - Lunch Money and Wisp

Review: Essence LE Boys & Girls - Facial Sheet Mask

Essence and Catrice both came out with two limited editions that are concentrating on products for both female and male population. Essence LE Boys & Girls includes a lot of basics for grooming and creating that perfect base. I got to test out their Facial Sheet Mask and it has positively surprised me. 


Packaging

Sheet masks are gaining popularity in Europe as well and I have to say I really like them. It's the funnest and easiest way of including some great ingredients into your skin care routine for when you have some time on your hands. I've mostly been trying out Korean brands of sheet masks and only a few from our drugstores, which underwhelmed me. 

Essence sheet mask comes in a simple plastic bag with stripes design in neutral black, white and blue colors. 

I can't find information on the packaging about how much essence is actually in it, but it costs 2.19€

Here is the ingredients list. Niacinamide is high on the list, on 5th place and since there is no alcohol in it, it is already better than most of our drugstore sheet masks. 



Formula

It has a thin, but viscose, transparent essence. I find there's plenty of it in the bag, so the sheet is well saturated and there is also some leftovers. I always use the rest as a serum on the second day. 



Sheet and Fit

Sheet is fairly thin and it sticks well to the skin. I like the fit, because it covers my brows and has big enough eye opening. It almost covers my long nose, there's only a bit of the tip left out. It's also wide enough to cover my whole face. 

Performance

I loved the fact that the sheet didn't dry out too fast which meant it was well saturated. Some drugstore sheets have dried out really fast on me. 

It felt very soothing and moisturizing on the skin. There was no irritation. After I took it off, it left behind a slight sticky layer which I love, because to me it means that it's nourishing. The sticky layer never really vanishes completely, but it's a good base for makeup.

It definitely made my skin look a bit brighter, probably due to niacinamide in it (although nothing like some Asian masks I've tried before). My skin looked very glowy, felt nourished and even a bit plumper. This is definitely good sheet mask for sensitive and dry skin in need of nourishment. It reminded me a bit of Etude House 0.2 Therapy Air Mask - Ceramide sheet mask which also has that lovely nourishment to it. 

It has a mild soothing scent which for some reason reminds me of creams. 


I didn't expect much from this sheet mask, but I really liked it. It's great moisturizing mask that also gives you descent nourishment and a bit of brightening effect which is much more than most of the sheet masks that we can find in our drugstores. If you have dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin, I recommend this one for you. I already bought myself another one of these last week.

You can already find this Limited Edition in all the places that sell Essence Cosmetics - DM, Müller, Merkator Hipermarket, Spar megamarket, Ličila.si, Click2Chic, Leclerc Maribor and Ljubljana. 

*PR product

Soft Valentine's Makeup

Almost every year I do a Valentine's Day inspired makeup look. It's not that you should wear a certain look on Valentine's Day or even that you should only where it then, but I just like to take advantage of this occasion to post another romantic makeup look. Usually, I think of red lips or something pink toned. This year I had in mind this diffused, almost worn out, red lip look, so I paired it with a very warm toned brownish eye with just a bit of sparkle. It's a very natural and subtle looking makeup that won't make you feel like you're wearing a ton of makeup, but will just make you feel more romantic. 


I wanted the eyes to have a very warm feel to them, neutral, but also a bit sparkly. I used eyeshadow primer, bone colored matte base color and then started building up the crease with a caramel brown matte shade. Then I used slightly darker warm matte brown and concentrated it on the inner and outer corner, leaving center of the lid empty. On the lid I applied a light golden shimmery shade and then went over it with even lighter golden shade that has a bit of pink sheen to it. I applied lighter shade more in the center. 


I didn't want to use liquid eyeliner, but I wanted just a bit of definition and also something to help me hide false eyelashes. So I used dark chocolate matte brown on an angled brush as a soft eyeliner with a slight wing. Because this eye look is so simple, I added light layer of shimmery shades that have silver and gold glitter to them all over the lid. Just for some subtle sparkle. I applied the same shades around the lower lash line to again create that lighter glow in the center and getting darker towards the edges. 


In the inner corners of my eyes I used a shimmery gold shade. I also applied defining mascara and very natural looking fluttery false eyelashes. These are longer at the outer corners to give that slightly winged out look, but are in general very natural look, not too thick nor too long. Later I also added white eye pencil in the inner rim on the lower lash line to make eyes look even more opened up and fresh. 



I had this look in mind paired with a diffused red lip. To create this I started by applying a medium matte red shade in the inner part of the lips. Almost like, if you would do an ombre. Then I applied a slightly lighter more peach toned shade on the outer edges of the lips. Because it was still very light, I decided to apply a darker chocolate red in the very inner parts of the lips, almost like you've been eating berries. To make this look even softer and more worn looking, I used rounded eye brush to make the edges of the lips blend out and soften. I think this looks very romantic and effortless in a way.



On the face I applied matte looking foundation with a bit of concealer and powder. I warmed up my complexion by using light bronzer with a slight sheen as well as a more warm yellow toned powder to make it look even warmer. I also used a liquid champagne highlighter on my high points of the face and went over it with a golden champagne powder highlighter. It was still pretty subtle looking, since I wanted the whole look to be softer and nothing standing out too much. For the blush I went with a brownish peachy red shade that compliments red lip and makes me look like I'm naturally blushing. 


I think the look feels effortless and not too done up. I used all my favorite warm colors and I think it looks kind of romantic, but still makes you look alive, especially, if you're as pale as I am right now. False eyelashes are so light and natural looking, that won't be bothering you either. 




I also took a photo of the makeup products that I used. More details are below. I always write them in the order that I use them on the skin.



Products used:
Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation - 010 Light Beige
NYX Pro Foundation Mixer - White Blanc
Look by Bipa Matte Camouflage Concealer - 010 Light
Paese Rice Powder
Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer - Bronzer
Bourjois Healthy Mix Powder - 04 Light Bronze
Makeup Revolution Liquid Highlighter - Liquid Champagne
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed - Moonstone
MAC Blush - Pinch Me

Eyes:
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Original
Colourpop Yes, Please! - Full Zip
Nabla Eyeshadow - Caramel
Colourpop Yes, Please! - Note to Self
Colourpop She - Chick
MAC Vanilla Pigment
Colourpop Yes, Please! - French Kiss
Colourpop Super Shock Shadow - Birthday Girl + Essence Metal Shock Eyeshadow - 01 Solar Explosion
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed - Moonstone
NYX Eye And Eyebrow Pencil - White Blanc
La Roche-Posay Respectissime Mascara Extension
Ardell False Eyelashes - Natural
Duo Adhesive

Lips:
Avon True Colour Perfectly Matte - Red Supreme
Avon True Colour Perfectly Matte - Peach Flatters
Bourjois Rouge Velvet The Lipstick - 12 Brunette

New In (15)

Yet another New In post about the products that I got mostly back in January. I've tried most of them, so here are short reviews.





This is a repurchase. I've already posted a review of it here. It's currently my favorite cleansing oil that I use as a first cleanse. It washes off makeup well, doesn't leave greasy layer behind and doesn't seem to break me out. I really like it.



Another repurchase and this time I decided to just get two bottles. I've spoken a bit about it here. It's great lightweight serum for those that have problems with dry or dehydrated skin. I use this under my moisturizer and it really helps to keep my skin moisturized and prevents dry patches. Plus, it's very affordable.

The Ordinary "Buffet"

It's a viscose lightweight gel like serum that basically contains everything you would need for a basic anti-aging serum. Apparently it uses technology of several peptides in a base of amino acids and multiple hyaluronic acid complexes. I got it, because I wanted a good basic serum to layer under my daily moisturizer. So far, it's been working fine, but I don't see any major difference with my fine lines. It's just a good overall base for keeping my skin plump, moisturized and healthy looking. 


Essence LE Boys & Girls - Facial Sheet Mask*

This sheet mask positively surprised me. I'll have a full review on the blog in the upcoming week, but it's actually a really nice hydrating and nourishing mask. The sheet is also fairly thin and one of the first ingredients is niacinamide which gives a very subtle brightening effect. It's surprisingly nice.


Catrice Camouflage Cream - Anti-red and Anti-Shadow

I already have the wake up effect concealer and I decided to purchase other two colors as well, since Catrice is discontinuing them. I don't understand why, because they seem really nice. I love the thicker, but spreadable texture that covers well and neutralizes any unwanted tones. The yellow one works great for purplish toned skin, like mine is in the inner corners of the eyes and under the eyes in my hollows. Green is great for neutralizing red patches on the face. I sometimes use it over breakouts or on my redish cheeks. It's a good color corrector at a drugstore price. 


La Roche-Posay Toleriane Teint Mineral Compact Powder - 13 Sand Beige*

Obviously this is too dark for me to use as a powder, so I try to use it as a bronzer or at least as something to warm up my skin tone. But I haven't tried it enough, so I can't say how good it is. I'll probably update you on the formula on Instagram story.


Bourjois Healthy Mix Powder - 04 Light Bronze*

Another powder that is way too dark for me, so I also use it as a bronzer. It actually works with my skin tone, because it has a warm tone to it and I have yellow based skin tone. This I use as a warmer bronze shade on top of my regular bronzer, when I want to look warmer. It lasts fairly well and has a nice matte finish.



I've already posted a review of it here. It's a great blush with multiple color combinations. Pigmentation is actually really good, so you have to apply it lightly. You also get a variety of different finishes from matte to slightly more shimmery. It's a great one, if you're looking for a palette that has it all - highlight, blush and bronzer. 


H&M Pure Velvet Cream Blusher - Cameo Brown

I got this in the sale section of H&M beauty and I really like it. It's that perfect muddy mauve shade that will suits so many skin tones. It looks very natural on the skin and on my warm skin tone it looks even a bit warmer which I love. Shade Cameo Brown reminds me a bit of their Rosy Brown shade in the powder format. It's creamy, but not too greasy and has a descent staying power. I used it in my All Creams Natural Makeup look. I love H&M blushes and would gladly buy their whole range, if I had too much money. 

H&M Eye Colour-To-Go - Appaloosa

Another product from the sale aisle and another disappointing cream eyeshadow. I don't know what it is with me, but I'm on a constant search for that perfect warm copper bronzer shade in a cream (but preferably stick) format and I can't find anything good. So, if you have any suggestions, let me know. It's not as warm as I would like it to be and the more you blend it, the more it disappears. There's also an obvious chunk of gold glitter in it. Money wasted.


Ebelin LE Beauty Moments - Lid Brush

I've found a rose gold collection by Ebelin in Austrian DM (and I believe it's also in Slovenia) and it looked so pretty, I couldn't resist. The rest of the brushes didn't seemed such good quality, but I loved this small precise lid brush. I always need something flat and small to pack on the lid - different colors and pigments. It's just one of those versatile small brushes. I also use it to apply shimmery highlights in the inner corners of the eye.


Catrice Prisma Lip Glaze - 010 Enchanted Gold

I've wanted this ever since I saw it on promo photos. It's a transparent lip gloss with small shimmer that has a duo chrome look to it. It gives off gold and pink sheen. I can't catch this color on the photo, but it's so pretty. It has a nice nourishing feeling on the lips and isn't too sticky.

Catrice LE Genderless Peel-off Brow Tint - C01 Mudstone

I've already tried it out a few times and it's not what I expected. This will stain your brows, but I find it's just not as powerful as I would have wanted it to be. Plus the stain only lasts until you wash it off. The color is a bit off too. I'll have a separate review.

Essence Style Your Brows! Eyebrow Tool Kit

I only got this, because it was discontinued and I need a mini tweezer for on the go. The kit also contains a small spoolie, which is actually also practical to carry with you and small angled brush for filling in your brows. It's a cute set to travel with.


Bioderma Atoderm SOS Spray*

I've spoke about my skin allergies before and I wish this product would be available when I was little, because it would make my life so much easier. It's basically a spray for anti-aching and it offers immediate relief. If you suffer from atopic dermatitis, eczema or in general very dry skin that's itchy, you need to look this up. I've been trying it for a few weeks and it works. This offers you an immediate relief. I spray this on my eczema hands and it coats them with a milky nourishing layer that starts to relief the feeling of itchiness. It also creates a protective barrier on the skin, so the skin doesn't feel too dry. It's a must have for anyone that is prone to allergies and knows how difficult it is not to scratch your skin. I'll post a full review of it on my blog. 



I also have a full review of swatches of these here. It's a great basic creamy formula with very nice pigmentation. The color range includes mostly pinks and reds, but there are also some nudes and very bold vibrant colors. It's basically like an upgraded version of Avon Mark Plump It Lipstick. 


Beyu Ultra Violet Makeup Pack*

Beyu decided to send me package full of their purple products to celebrate this year's color of the year - Ultra Violet. I got some eye and lip products that I'm already testing out. Some I already own, so maybe there will be a giveaway for you. Keep in touch.

These are the products that I already reviewed:


Beyu DIP Eyeliner - 03 Certain Charm

I've already tried this out and it's one of my favorites from this kit. It's a liquid liner with sponge tip applicator that has a very precise tip. Color is darker brownish purple that has small shimmer in it which gives it lovely sheen. It also stays put for the whole day. Really nice colorful alternative to regular eyeliner.

Beyu Color Kajal - 106 Provence

This is a proper softer kajal pencil that is great for smudging out and creating a smoky eye look. I haven't worn it yet, but the shade seems like that perfect berry cool purple. 

Beyu Soft Liner For Eye And More - 615 Dark Purple

I actually used their lip liner as my eyeliner, so now I finally have the one for the eyes in purple shade. Another lovely creamy eyeliner in a pen form that applies with ease. I love purple on brown eyes, so I'm sure I'll use this a lot.

Beyu Colorplay Lash Tip Mascara - 09 Lilac Poison

I've always wanted to try colored mascaras, but I never found a good purple shade. Usually they offer greens and blues, which don't think suit my brown eye color. So I was so excited to receive this. I tried it only on the tip of my lashes on top of black which gave me just a hint of purple to my eyes. I still have to try it all over the lashes, but I hope it works for that too.


Beyu Color Touch Lip Biggie - 41 Pure Passion

This is that perfect balmy, almost like a colored lip balm, crayon. It's great for creating a soft stain on your lips that looks effortless and it's low maintenance. Great product for those that just want a light wash of color. Also great for on the go.

Beyu Pure Color & Stay Lipstick - 167 

Very creamy lipstick formula that gives you that perfect medium berry shade. The shade is gorgeous. I haven't worn it yet, but they claim it to be long lasting and mat. It's definitely not matte, but it has that typical creamy finish with a bit of sheen. I have to further test it out.

*PR products