Colorburst Lip Butter by Revlon

There has been a lot of hype surrounding Revlon lip butters. I got my hands on one a few months ago and thought I would give you my two cents about it. A lot of people don't like these because the colour seems to disappear after a few hours. I have to agree, the pigmentation isn't particularly strong. Their texture is more like a balm than a lipstick.

The lip butter I have is in the colour Brown Sugar, and I like it a lot. It's the perfect sheer nude. I like pairing it with a peach blush and smokey eyes. Of course, it's a lip butter, so I understand that it's not going to last very long. I probably wouldn't repurchase at full price, because they have a rather expensive price tag here in NZ. 

Tina

Sleek Blush by 3 in Lace

I've been wanting this blush palette for AGES and I finally have it! I've heard so many great things about Sleek, from the pigmentation to the price of their products, and wanted to try out their a few of their blushes. So, a week ago, this little treat arrived in the mail and I ran all the way down the drive waving it in the air like an idiot. Isn't she a babe?

I know.

The first thing I thought when I opened the package was : "Wow, this is so...Sleek!"

Seriously. No pun intended. The casing is just so gorgeous, I love it!

My first impressions of the inside were that the mirror was a really handy touch, the blushes were beautiful colours and indeed, amazingly pigmented. Super soft, the blush is easy to apply and I can tell this will last me a long time, as you only need the slightest amount on a brush to make your cheeks look really great. At the moment, for a natural look, I really like blending crochet and chantilly as they are the two matte colours of the palette - guipure is a peachy colour with rosy gold shimmer in it.

At first, I actually wanted the Sugar palette, but many beauty reviewers had commented on how it was the least pigmented trio of all the Blush by 3's, and I didn't feel that the darker plum colours would suit my skin tone. Lace seemed like a safer option and I have no doubt in my mind that it was the right choice for me.

This is becoming a firm favourite of mine. Massive 10/10. Sleek, you are amazing. Good quality and inexpensive, this is a must buy! If this ever runs out, I will be repurchasing. 

xx Tina

Stay Matte Powder by Rimmel

There's been a lot of hype about Rimmel's Stay Matte powder. Tanya Burr, an amazing make-up artist (check out her website or YouTube channel), has often said how much she loves this powder. I saw it a while ago and decided that it would be worth checking out. 

I think one of the reason this is such a widely-loved product is that it is soooo cheap! Absolutely amazing quality, and it is affordable. I have to agree with the majority and say that this is an incredible powder. It really does mattify any oily areas on your face. 

I just take a small amount on a brush, usually my Real Techniques one, and sweep it across my t-zone, which tends to get a little oily during the day. In terms of the actual product, 11/10, but I have one issue, and that is the packaging. I find it very difficult to take with me in a purse or in my make-up bag, as the lid comes off very easily. Also, it doesn't have a mirror, so you will have to carry a portable one with you if you want to have the option of touching up your make-up when you go out. 

xx Tina

Capri by Essie

In a couple weeks, I will be heading to New Caledonia on a school trip, with my friends, for a week. We were all discussing outfits and swimwear when I realized that I needed a nail-polish to wear for the trip. It was an easy choice. For the past few weeks, I have been loving Essie's nail polish. We don't get them in New Zealand very much - you have to really look around to find one. I was at a mass make-up clearance and came across some really pretty colours, but the one that stood out was definitely Capri. 

It's a beautiful, bold orange. I know that half the world is heading into winter, but this is the perfect colour for pretending you're in the middle of a hot summer. I was very impressed by how fast the polish dries. Also, you only need one coat on each nail to get a really nice colour. A 9/10 rating from me!

If you are interested in Essie nail polishes and haven't bought one before, I would recommend looking into purchasing one or two. If you're into pastel shades, I would check out Mint Candy Apple. It's a gorgeous shade of green.

xx Tina

Chubby Sticks by Clinique

Hey there!

This post has been a long time coming. Chubby Sticks by Clinique were introduced to me by my lovely aunts. They gave me two (well, actually, one to my mother and one to me, but they both live in my make-up drawer) and I love them. 

A Chubby Stick is a fairly sheer moisturizing lipstick that looks like a crayon. They are very handy for your purse or pocket. They are perfect for a natural, fresh look - they aren't bold or extremely pigmented.

II apply some clear lip balm, swipe on the Chubby Stick and finish the look with a dab of Vaseline (if you want a more moisturizing balm, try the new "Intense" Chubby Stick). I use them every single day - even at school, and their lasting power is good. You can build up the pigmentation on your lips, too. The colour holds out through a mid-morning peanut butter cookie, so I'm happy. The Chubby Sticks I own have lasted for AGES. 

The two shades I have are fairly similar to my natural lip colour which makes them easy to apply - no mirror necessary. The colours are Super Strawberry - 07 and Woppin' Watermelon - 06. The former is a beautiful berry shade, the latter a bubblegum pink one. I'm sorry I don't have swatches, the camera wasn't cooperating.

These lipsticks are ideal for teenagers - they are not too obvious and can be used without that "overly-done", obvious look. They are quite pricey, so I'll give them a 9/10. I have no other reason to complain. 

xx Tina

Garnier: Pure Active 3 in 1

Hello!

I think I have an obsession with this stuff. Let me just say I don't use this as a facial wash. I find it too drying to be used daily. I do, however, think that this product is amazing as a facial mask. While you apply it, the pumice stone in it exfoliates your skin, and after you wash it off,  it leaves your skin fresh and bright. 

The one I have is aimed at people with oily/combination skin that is prone to pimples and other imperfections. It contains salicylic acid, which I do look for in a face product. At first, the smell of this mask made me want to gag. I think you need to get used to it, as it is probably the worst thing about this product. If any Garnier product maker person (?) is reading this, could you please change the smell to peppermint? I think that would work very well.

II usually put this mask on around twice a week (alright, thrice). If you put it on before you shower and leave it for a while before washing it off, that works nicely. 

xxx Tina