My Thoughts Corner

Occasionally I come close some of the products that miss the mark. Although I tend to make considered purchased, there are some bits and bobs that don’t live up the hype or let me be more specific, they don’t live up to MY expectations. Once again, in these kind of posts, I emphasize that the products didn’t work for me only but they aren’t necessarily bad and might be HG for others. 

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer in Bronzer | This is a product that has been well hyped and everyone seem to go nuts for it except few and I’m one of those. I first had to purchase it online as it wasn’t available in UAE or if it was, the price was 3 or 4 times more. Not only it took forever to reach but also it was shredded. I let you guess my frustration… I took a deep breath though and was hoping that the bronzer will blow my mind and make me overcome my first letdown but since it’s mentioned in this post, it didn’t. It is a smooth powder that’s bordering a cream, gives a warm glow, the smell takes you to a tropical island and all that jazz. BUT it did translate into nothing on my light skin tone, seriously nothing! The packaging, despite the lovely print, is too bulky. The Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer is a good product but only for a niche skin tone, being the pale gals. 

Max Factor Creme Puff Pressed Powder | Max Factor, founded by the man who invented the word “make up”, is a brand I haven’t tried much from. Recently, I have read a touching history about their pressed powder; Creme Puff. It’s a product that has been passed down generations. It’s even mentioned somewhere that it was the only pressed powder back then, unfortunately I’ve got nothing on hand to affirm the said, yet I honestly can’t seem to get how such product survived all these years. The powder is an old-fashioned formula that has a quite rough texture at touch, which perfectly explains the heaviness on the skin once on. It literally felt like an air blocking layer on top and looked chalky and cakey on my skin. The strong baby powder scent it has, was another disappointment adding to it the very dark shade range for a pressed powder. Sadly, the Max Factor Crème Puff Pressed Powder doesn’t meet my makeup concerns at no level.  

Catrice AllRound Contouring Palette | As a contour lover, I have been on the lookout for the best cream contour product for quite some time. Still I have to admit that I enjoy the Maybelline Master Contour V Shape Duo Stick, talked about here, however the more I got to the bottom the harder it gets to apply. Having spotted the Catrice Contouring Palette and for just few bucks, I could only help myself get it and I regret it. The packaging is great; very sleek and travel friendly. Nevertheless, the creams are not soft as a cream product is supposed to be and are truly hard to work with. The pigmentation is again very opaque letting the shades blend into nothing. With this I guess my quest for the perfect cream contour is still on. 

I Heart Chocolate Bronze And Glow | Unusually, this is no dupe. As we all know, the I Heart Makeup rocked the packaging of the chocolate palette range. For a matter of fact, I picked this one for its packaging. The powders are soft creamy yet a lot of fallout is noteworthy. Not to mention that the bronzer is not even visible on my light complexion even when I tried to build it up. Regrettably, the Bonze And Glow palette comes in one shade and would only thrill the pale skin folks. 

Kiko Eyebrow Fibers Coloured Mascara | I picked this product in the hope to find and affordable dupe to my beloved Benefit Gimme Brow but I didn’t. It is quite pigmented I’ve got to admit and has a liquid-y formula which ain’t practical as well as the huge wand as I always end up having some product on my forehead that I have to clean while I prefer a small wand to target the small hair without making a mess. Another drawback is the longevity; the Kiko Eyebrow Fibers held my brows in place but as long as the benefit one does. 

Catrice Re-Touch Light-Reflecting Concealer | My experience with this one was terrible. Simply it’s none of what it claims. It’s way too thick for an under eye, too drying and heavy. In fact, it accentuated my fine lines like no other concealer. The twist was also a nightmare; I kept turning for too long and once the product popped it was way too much. 

This is it for this day.

Here is a post I have been meaning to do since I started this blog but somehow it kept slipping my to-do list. I know I might be the last person to review the Kiko Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadows but I just had to shine a light on them in my blog. 

It is widely said that they are pretty similar to the big boy brands eyeshadow sticks such as By Terry, Lauria Mercia or Bobbi Brown, but I’m sure as we would all love to own some of those, we can’t afford five times the price when the Kiko ones are marginally cheaper and just as good!>

I have to say that I have overindulged myself with these, and haven’t finished as I’m still missing three or four more shades… Yes, they are that good!!! For a matter of fact, Kiko offers a huge array of colors on those including matte, metallic and metallic shimmery finishes. 

I love the idea of a retractable pen type-like. Just twist, apply, blend and off to the doors. Meaning no sharpening needed, very practical and hassle free. The bottom features the color of each eyeshadow stick hence; no problems as well identifying these in your makeup bag. 

It is crucial to mention that the pigmentation and the texture are up a notch. They’re creamy, glide on smoothly without feeling heavy or even sticky wet on the lid. The colors, for some, could be not very opaque but they are easily buildable. Be warned though that they do dry real quick and it’s best to apply on one eye at a time, as eventually they set to complete no “budgeness”; no flaking, no creasing nor smudging. At ALL for the whole day!! … For a suspiciously cheap price, the least to say is impressive!!!

Kiko Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadows are such an effortless product that’s perfect for every day when you’re on the run and you just want some color over the lid. They are great on their own or as a base, not to mention how much these will save you compared to more popular brands. It’s a no brainer, I’m 100% taken by these little gems. 

I leave you with the swatches.

I’m an organizing freak and I loooove a good declutter … Every now and then I go around the house downsizing all categories and my makeup drawers ain’t any exception.  Though, in this process, there are some bits I find myself torn if I should keep or not; afraid that one day I might need them but in reality, if there is no added value then there is no point keeping it… To give an end to my misery, I usually give my maybe pile a last try and settle on which ones are worth holding on to and those to be tossed/given away. 

E.L.F Beautifully Bare Foundation Serum | I have listed this one back in 2016 in my “Disappointing Products”, yet I kept it to give it a proper go as a “tinted primer” and I haven’t. I certainly couldn’t wear it on its own as I love a good coverage, but this time, I went on with my concealer on top of my flaws and to my surprise this little bottle wowed me; it’s insanely lightweight and it makes my skin look so radiant and even. With an SPF 25, this foundation would make a great choice for summer days and the no makeup looks. For the time being, this bottle is going nowhere and will definitely retain it. 

Makeup Revolution Fortune Favours The Brave Palette | Regular readers would know by now that I’m a huge fan of Makeup Revolution as it stands and when I spotted this palette I had to have it. It is certainly a different palette than the MR’s typical ones in terms of design, shadow size pan and versatility. Though I do like the great finish/color diversity, the pigmentation of some shades didn’t do a whole lot for me making them quite hard to work with. I have been trying this one on and off but, despite all the hype it was around it, I couldn’t make myself love it as much as the Iconic Pro 1, Pro 2 or the recently reviewed Neutrals Vs New-trals palette. Therefore, I’m passing this along to someone who could make a better use out of it.

Catrice High Glow Mineral Highlighting Powder | It is the only baked highlighter I own. I was very excited to have it but not so much after I tried it. It is a silvery champagne shade that’s supposed to provide a glamorous glow, but that was too obvious on my skin tone. The texture as well is quiet dry for my liking and has a lot of kick off leaving a chaos of stubborn glitter on my face. Unfortunately, this is a pass. 

Too Faced Rock N Roll Palette | I first got this palette for the packaging. I loved the color theme of the eyeshadows but never thought that’s what I would go for one day. And I did. And I loved it! To make the whole story short it’s a “glam meets pretty”. However, two things not to forget with this palette; wet your brush for an intense metallic/foiled effect and DO YOUR EYES FIRST. The shadows easily last for a good 8-9 hours. This is another one that’s for now going nowhere. It is a KEEP. 

Maybelline Colossal Go Extreme! Leather Black Volume Mascara | It is usually difficult for me to fall in love with a mascara and once I do I stick to it. Maybelline makes some of my favorite ones and when I got my hand on the Colossal Go Extreme I assumed it’s at the same level of quality. But No. I normally look for volume and length, as I’m blessed with none, and this one claims to offer extra volume and that’s not at all what I got… I’m also not a big of the wand shape as I like it to get to the tiniest of my lashes which is not the case here. I couldn’t see any added value. Currently, I have few other mascaras that I love way more than this one. 

At last, I’m keeping 2 products out of 5. It surely makes me feel good despite that’s not a huge number looking at my entire makeup collection. This is it for today. Stay tuned as there is more to come!

I never had the guts to try warm eyeshadows, simply because, and do not ask me where I got that idea from??, such hues aren’t for a brown eyed chick… I’m in fact a neutral shade sucker. Nevertheless, and only by an act of curiosity, I got my hands over the Makeup Revolution New-Trals Vs Neutrals palette. I own it for about a year but I started playing with the warms just two months back... And now, I’m wondering why the heck I waited this long.

The purpose of this palette’s naming is to enlighten folks, such as myself, about the “new” neutral shades (maroons, burnt oranges and peaches) vs the traditional ones. And as with most of MUR palettes, the formula of the New-Trals vs Neutrals is incredibly creamy and buttery and the pigment is absolutely there. However, wetting the brush before application of the metallic shades would be a huge game changer and help them pop even more on the lid.

Once more, Makeup Revolution got me impressed by how beautifully these shades apply and moreover they wonderfully last with or without a primer for a good 6-7 hours. The quality is no doubt up a notch.

And just like the Iconic Pro 1 and Pro 2 palettes, this one also comes in a black matte finish sturdy plastic case with a large mirror and a usable double ended brush, for me at least. I would hope though that Makeup Revolution would start printing the shade names on the actual palettes as keeping the transparent sheet could be a bit of a challenge.

I really appreciate how well balanced this palette is; the color selection is of warms, cool tones and classic neutrals with a variety of finishes; mattes, shimmers and few pops of glitters. It’s certainly a great complete palette that has a solid collection of on-trend shades.

I leave you with the swatch and will talk to you soon …Stay tuned!

Laura Mercier is a brand that has been raved about over and over, specifically their cult classic powders that I had under my radar for quite some time.

I eventually picked the Secret Brightening Powder, and just like most of powders I tried, it turned my under-eye cakey when I first used it, which was quite frustrating in light of all the praise that shadowed this tiny pot.  I then presumed that it’s another over hyped product, still, I didn’t let go that quick. Three weeks back, I decided to give it another go, not sure why but I did and I’m glad I did, using a damp sponge this time instead of a powder brush and that was the winner card that got me completely hooked on this game.

I usually tend to stay away from loose powders because of their messiness. However, this cute little pot contains the finest & most efficient powder that could ever exist for a flawless, luminous & brightening effect. Truly as described, the Laura Mercia Secret Brightening Powder is lighter than air that doesn’t crease or settle into the fine lines. Instead, it boosts the concealer effect & reflects the micronized pigments for an instant eye lift.

Yes, a loose powder wasn’t a part of my routine, and despite the high price tag, I’m being totally smitten with the lightweight, formula and effect of the Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder that now, has a permanent spot in my stash.

Till next time…!!!

Recently I have cut down my blush collection to almost half to allow me keep only the real winners. Yet, for the past couple of months, I found myself reaching for the same three blushes. It seems I had a type as I was in love with the simple & natural flush of color…. Let’s take a look!

Chanel Joues Contrast 15 Orchid Rose:

It has been a 2016 favorite of mine, as mentioned here. It is baked blush that’s a perfect everyday option with the right amount of shimmer. The color is a beautiful mix of muted rose and mauve that looks incredibly natural on the skin and has a silky-smooth texture that feels hard at touch.  In terms of pigmentation, the Chanel joues contrast is pigmented yet sheer which makes it is easier to build up the color to obtain the desired shade. I’m in love with this blush!

Essence Satin Touch Blush in 20 Satin Love

Though I heard/read a lot raving about Essence Silky Touch blushes, I was quite hesitant to pick them up; trying to behave towards my nonstop growing blush collection but of course, once I glimpsed the new blushes for Fall 2016, I couldn’t stop myself. And I immediately fall in love with the Satin Touch Blush in Satin Love which is a warm nude rose with a golden sheen reflecting a healthy natural look which I exactly love. The pigmentation is way intense than I thought it would be and the texture is super soft & smooth and it stays in place for the whole day. It’s certainly a winner!!

Essence Matt Touch Blush in 30 Rose Me Up!

Another Essence blush that comes in a gorgeous light matte brown color with pink undertones and is a completely new color in my collection. Though it is supposed to be matte, this blush grants a fresh luminosity to the skin. The pigmentation is pretty amazing since it delivers just the right amount of product and the formula feels also soft & the lasting power is alright.   

As always, thanks for stopping by!!!

…. Then it should be the Makeup Revolution Beyond Radiance Palette.

Technically it’s a highlighter palette but I use it to set my makeup for that gorgeous glow “from within”. And I admit it’s doing an excellent job. The packaging is a standard makeup revolution shiny black casing and contains three generously sized highlighters/setting powders with a large mirror.

To be frank I was never a setting powder lover. Yet with the Beyond Radiance Palette, the skeptical idea of the powder accentuating my fine lines and pores was no longer there. These powders rather blur the minor imperfection creating an illuminating complexion.

The formula is absolutely stunning; the powders are finely milled, buttery with an almost unnoticeable glitter particles that work beautifully on the skin. And that only made me reach for this gem every single day since I got it.

If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you’ll know for sure by now my love for Makeup Revolution. And with the Beyond Radiance Palette, they simply took their game up!

When it comes to mascara, I can confess that I’m a snob. I never wanted to mess with drugstore ones. But that doesn’t mean I don’t try any; I actually test tons of them and today I’m having a comparison talk between the original Rimmel ScandalEyes Mascara and the Reloaded one.

Both mascaras are presented in the same exact packaging. I’m not gonna claim that it is cute because it’s not. They come in a chunky orange tube that’s pretty bulky. However since this is drugstore, where you have to let go the fancy packaging for a small price tag, then so be it. The wands are both bristly and HUGE, quite a bit, for my small eyes which makes maneuvering them a bit tricky and always ends up into a disaster.

Let’s talk performance! The original ScandalEyes mascara gives an average volume, average length and clumps easily due to its tick formula. It also not worth the hassle of applying it especially when it comes to the inner corner lashes.

The Reloaded Mascara from the other hand has a wet slick texture that’s not clumpy and although the big wand, it is gentle on the lashes, however I can’t say I noticed anything dramatic in my lashes even after 2 or 3 coasts. The best part though for this one; as it claims, it is smudge proof, lasts all day and removes easily.

The original Rimmel ScandalEyes Mascara is certainly a big pass for me nevertheless I can still use the Reloaded version especially if it’s teamed up with another one. But in general, these are not the mascaras I would reach for. If you were, like me, expecting a scandalous volume, as the name stats, you need to skip these ones, but if you were blessed with long natural lashes, you will certainly enjoy the Reloaded mascara.

Since I took part in the beauty community, I read tons of reviews raving about the Lorac Pro Palettes. As I couldn’t legitimize the price, I only picked their dupes from Makeup Revolution, which I reviewed here and here. But, when I first glimpsed their third edition, the Lorac Pro 3, I HAD TO HAVE IT….  And I DID. Let’s take a look!

The Lorac Pro 3 palette features 8 matte and 8 shimmer shades housed into a slim and compact creamy beige cardboard with a mini Behind the Scenes eyeshadow primer, which I have used once and didn’t like.

The color selection here focuses more on light nudes and warm neutrals, presented in a nice mix of highlighting, transition and definition shades, which makes this palette a complete one. The formula of these eyeshadows is simply gorgeous and buttery with a mind-blowing pigmentation. There is though quite a bit of fallout during application but that doesn’t translate to chalkiness or dryness … It’s quite the opposite! The eyeshadows actually blend silky. It’s with no doubt, one of the best formulas out there!

1^st Row

2^nd Row

As of the small size of the pans and the powdery formula that kicks up a bit at each use, it actually results in a messy palette and believe me it’s a real pain to keep it clean.

The Lorac Pro 3 palette is my first from this range and certainly not the last. It is a worthwhile investment in my palette obsession. The eyeshadows are finely milled and easy to work with. There isn’t one shade in this entire palette that I haven’t or won’t use. The palette is a gorgeous option for every day, from “barely there” to “full matte smudged eye”. I’m delighted with this palette and find myself reaching for it every single day since I got it. It is simply the perfect image of a neutral palette.

Several times I mentioned in this blog that I’m not a lipstick person and I tend to stick to the exact same things over and over and the rest of my collection is simply never used. I then decided to start my own “Week in lipsticks” diary to document the shades I’ve been using in a week and it’s also a way of trying different products in my collection.

I’ll be frank, I wasn’t distant from my nudes and pinks but I managed to try and mix my lip products throughout this week. In fact, it’s such a great way to try more products and colors that I normally tend to neglect or forget. The past week was mainly spent at work and trying to get my blogging back into the routine.

Sunday
It is the first day of the week and at work and just like everybody I hate it. I normally go for something that’s very comfortable to wear, surprise surprise. For that reason, I picked the Essence long lasting lipstick in 05 Cool Nude which is a perfect brown pink shade for everyday, which I reviewed here. It is one the super creamy and lightweight lipsticks that I own and enjoy despite the “so not impressive” lasting power.

Monday
Another day at work; having a bit more energy than the day before, I went for the Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in 05. I was totally sold by this product from the first time I tried it. It’s a smart product that combines makeup and skincare. It’s one of the most comfortable formulas out there. It is intensely hydrating while being a gel formula without stickiness and has a lovely sweet vanilla scent. The finish is glossy with slight pigment making this whole combination complete the most natural look.

Tuesday
For Tuesday, I chose the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick in 10 Don’t pink of it!, which I reviewed briefly here. It is a unique and interesting formula that doesn’t dry completely matte and is at the same time lightweight and creamy. The color is a perfect nude pink with an impressive pigmentation as well as the staying power. I probably should get more shades of this range. The color is the perfect nude pink.

Wednesday
I woke up feeling the need of being glowy that day, I wore the Mac Syrup Lustre Lipstick. It is a cloudy pink as MAC likes to describe it. It has certainly been well loved and I’m starting to run out of .. So sad. In fact, it’s a great everyday shade; being a duty pink with a hint of shine and glossiness. It’s another lipstick that’s hydrating and feels like nothing on the lips.

Thursday 
Thursday has been a tame day; getting in the weekend mode. I picked the Mac cremesheen Shangai Spice which is a new purchase that I had my eyes on for quite some time.  MAC describes it as frosted neutral pink shade. I would say, the shade is nude but bordering more peach color then pink. Frostiness, I’m not sure of this part. No doubt it’s a beautiful shade for daily basis that looks very natural with a gorgeous shine. The texture is also soft and very creamy.

Friday
Friday is usually a day at home after a long week at work. Who says home, says NO makeup however I can’t live without a lip balm and especially not in winter time. My one of choice for day wear is the Noviderm Soothing Repair Lipstick which I reviewed here. It’s such an effective lip balm; very hydrating with a light texture.

Saturday
Usually I’m running around on Saturdays in my 2^nd favorite outfit after my PJs; joggings and a hoody. I also like a very minimal makeup on this day, so I picked the Rimmel Nude By Kate in 43, reviewed here. It is such a beautiful shade; a pure nude with peach undertones that has a very soft and smooth texture. It is certainly the perfect lipstick for such relaxed days.

So there you have it, my lipsticks lowdown for the last week! That could be not the most exciting “Week in lipsticks” post as the shades are pretty similar but they’re my favorites.

It’s been quite a while since my last “Disappointing Products’ blog post. And since lot of you (including myself) seem to enjoy this kind of posts, here I come with a new list of products that let ME down. This isn’t to slander the brand in any of the ways, I simply I didn’t get along with these products, which could be a star product for you.

Let me start with the Clinique EvenBetter Dark Spot Corrector for which I really had high hopes. To be frank, I have had experiences with Clinique products and I was nothing but impressed. This, clinically proven serum, is comparable to a leading prescription in fading the dark spot and acne scars. It is made of a more stable form of Vitamin C for brightening effects along with mulberry extract and other exfoliating agents for better product penetration. I have used up 2 or 3 bottles of it already and let me tell you this is so bloody expensive! Nevertheless, I haven’t seen any improvement in my pigmentation or in my acne scars. I’ve got to say that it’s just an average skin lightening product despite its great ingredients.

I don’t use a lot of Max Factor products, though one of my favorite primer is the Face Finity All Day Primer, reviewed here, and that was one good reason to make me curious and try the MaxFactor all-day flawless 3-in-1 foundation. It’s has a matte finish, which I’m all right with, but it tends every single time to make my skin look extremely parched and the foundation clogs each one of my pores and sits in my dry areas. Another con on this foundation is the formula that’s very difficult to spread which made this product a total no go for me.

I love Essence brand and I love how affordable their products are however I hate the feeling of sticky glossy lipstick on my lips and that’s exactly what you get with the Essence LiquidLipsticks. The formula is certainly not of a liquid lipstick but more of a tick gloss that’s quite difficult to apply which results to a patchy finish.

Another lip products that I will include in this post is the Sleek Power Plump Lip Pencils. In fairness to these products, the color and pigmentation are stunning, the application is also just like a dream. However, these pencils are designed with a light tingle to plump up the lips which was quite interesting when I first read it but once the tingling started, the intensity unbearable. It was supposed to end after a minute or so but it was present for almost an hour which was very uncomfortable for me to the level I felt my lips literally burning.

This is it for today. Stay tuned and until next time :)

The contouring is far from over. I have never though been into the super done contouring, well except in the first beginning. But, since I heard about this craze, I always made the link to cream products especially for a defined look. Today’s review is about a cream product; the Maybelline Master Contour V Shape Duo Stick, that’s made to make the contouring fool proof.

Maybelline is known to offer a quality to blow you mind away, and this new product is no different. The Master ContourV Shape Duo Stick is a 2-in-1 product; contour & highlighter, that’s available in only two shades, and I’ve got the medium one. It is presented in a retractable chubby stick which makes it super handy for travelling or just throw in your bag.

The formula is extremely creamy and applies effortlessly. For a fact, it’s as simple as “swipe, switch, swipe, blend and you’re ready to go!”. The shades are intensely pigmented with a matte finish. Once all blended seamlessly, you are left with a very natural but sculpted look and the best of all; it lasts all day. I would though recommend setting it with a powder because of consistency.

Overall I think that the MaybellineMaster Contour V Shape Duo Stick is such a handy stick that’s literally the easiest product for contouring. I was certainly able to get the naturally lifted and sculpted cheeks with this little one instead of the stripes that are better suited for Social Media photos. However, it can be difficult to use each side separately once the product starts to grind down.

Hope you enjoyed this review as much as I enjoy using my contour stick every single day!!

Thank you for reading.

Oh boy I’m so excited about this post and I have no clue how to start it …. As you must’ve guessed it from the title I’m naming today my favorite cheek products which are my all time favorites and what I own the most and that makes it very difficult for me to narrow down the list. My choices have changed quite a bit; I’m more into a matte bronzed definition mixed with a soft blush topped with a subtle highlighter. Does that make sense to you? Probably not… Keep on reading to figure out what goes inside my mind!!

I will cite the products in accordance of my order of application. Hence, let’s first enroll my bronzer list.

On daily basis, I don’t contour, I only use the same product to define and bronze. I’ll start with an iconic product that everybody loves; the Benefit Hoola Bronzer. It’s a classic that lasts all day and looks so natural on the skin offering a silky matte finish. It’s with no doubt my go-to bronzer.

Another universal one that I’m obsessed with is the Urban Decay Beached Bronzer. Having a creamy texture, it provides a gorgeous warmth to the skin with a fresh effect. I love it!

Many were attracted by the smell of this product; that’s like chocolate. Not my case. It is another matte bronzer but deeper in color. Yes! you guessed it; it’s the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer. It has a great  pigmentation and applies like dream taking the contour/bronze to a totally new level.

I love Me a GOOD Blush. In fact, 2 things I can never leave the house without; bronzer and blush. I don’t reach of the too many I own and that’s why I’ll certainly have to declutter this category. For now, let’s see the blushes I’ve been reaching for the most in 2016.

I have no idea how this first one got into my stash; The Rimmel London Lasting Finish Soft Colour Blush in 120 Pink Rose. That’s a long name. It’s with no doubt not the type of blush I used to go for nevertheless I’m very glad to have it. It’s a great day to day powders that’s soft in texture and provides the most natural and fresh pop to the cheeks.

Another everyday choice of mine is the Wet n WildColor Icon Blush in Rose Champagne, which creates the perfect flush. It’s a beautiful dusty rose color with a slight hint of shimmer. The texture is super velvely and the pigmentation is great without being powdery.  

Whenever we travel, I have to pick a Chanel Blush from the airport. Don’t know why. The Chanel Joues Contraste in 15 Orchid Rose is the last blush in the everyday section. It is a lovely pink with very light blue undertones that gives a beautiful glow finish.

For quite some time, I thought there is a huge hype around the Nars Orgasm Blush until I swatched it while in Paris at Sephora and couldn’t resist picking up the super-size. It’s a medium warm pink with golden shimmers that provides radiance and luminosity.

If I have to choose only one peach blush for the rest of my life, it would certainly  be the Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Malice. It’s very close to the Nars Orgasm but not. The shimmer in Malice is barely there but the color is a light still vibrant peachy pink.

My newest addiction is highlighters. Once more I will say that I don’t own many of these. I’m still sticking to the same old highlighter picks I posted last August with a new addition of the Makeup Revolution Shimmer Brick Radiant. I’m really obsessed with this highlighter! It is insanely pigmented and has a buttery texture that makes the application so easy. I love a good swirl of all the shades for a subtle golden glow.

Welcome back to my blog! Wishing all a lovely new year 2017 full of love, health and joy!!

I’m starting this year with a review of the Makeup Revolution Light & Shade Palette which is an obvious dupe of the Kat Von D Shade + Light Palette.

I never imagined myself getting my hands on a complete matte eyeshadow palette, for the reason that I love a versatile one. However, after reading and watching many bloggers raving about the Kat Von D palette, I didn’t mind spending a small amount on the dupe to get an initial thought.  

The Shade + Light is a fully matte palette where the shadows are divided into quads of neutral, cool and warm shades which makes combining them easy for a main purpose of contouring the eyes for more definition. A double ended brush is also included in this palette.

The new talc free formula seems to do its magic here. The shades are soft and apply smoothly and easily with a minimal fallout but nothing that can’t be handled. The blendability and pigmentation are also impressive. I have to admit that I was quite skeptical about this palette when I first got it. And it’s fully matte, I thought there won’t be a lot of choices in term of looks whereas I’m amazed at the variety of looks you can create using the Light & Shade palette.

| Neutral Shades Swatches |

| Cool Shades Swatches |

| Warm Shades Swatches |

The packaging though is a total fail. I wasn’t expecting a cheap quality especially for such a gorgeous palette. I think an Iconic Pro kinda packaging would have been a better suit.

Unlike what I expected I love this palette. Makeup Revolution once more is offering an amazing product. It’s perfect for everyday use offering a wide range of matte shadows to be used in every single look. It’s with no doubt a must have for every beauty guru.

Thank you for reading.