ORIFLAME Giordani Gold Jewel Lipstick in Rose Blossom and Plum Desire swatch and review

Hello dear readers,

I have planned to review Orifalme Giordani Gold Jewel lipsticks in series of three, but cloudy days prevented me from taking all the photos so I only have two shades for today.

You can find the swatches of Peach Kiss, Pink Secret and Mauve Dream as well as some general info about the packaging and price here.

Today I’ll review Rose Blossom and Plum Desire.

—–

Pozdrav dragi čitatelji,

Željela sam recenzirati Oriflame Giordani Gold Jewell ruževe za usne u serijama po tri nijanse što nije bilo moguće zbog oblačnog vremena, tako da samo imam ok slike za dvije nijanse.

Swatcheve nijansi Peach Kiss, Pink Secret i Mauve Dream, kao i neke opće informacije i cijenu možete pronaći ovdje.

Danas ću, dakle, recenzirati nijanse Rose Blossom i Plum Desire.

Rose Blossom is a dirty medium dark pink. It looks darker on the skin swatch, but on the lips it becomes the prefect elegant neutral shade appropriate for all occasions.

—-

Rose Blossom prljavo je roza nijansa. Na koži izgleda tamnije, ali se na usnama pretvara u bezvremensku, elegantnu neutralnu nijansu koja je prikladna za svaku priliku.

—-

Plum Desire is that kind of shade which I always want to wear but I know it won’t look good on me. The lipstick looks almost black, but it is considerabley sheerer once applied. It is a burgundy plum, still dark enough to make you look vampy.

—-

Plum Desire nijansa je ruža koju bih voljela nositi, ali mi nikako ne stoji. Ruž u sticku izgleda gotovo crno, ali je puno transparentniji nanesen na usne. Bodo ljubičaste je boje i dovoljno je taman da bih ga svrstala u vamp nijanse.

–

Both shades apply evenly (Plum Desire a little less). As the previous shades, these shades are silky smooth, too, but they won’t stay on for longer than two hours. The lipsticks are very pleasant to wear plus they moisturize the lips.

Well, that was it for today. I hope that the weather will be kind and that I’ll manage to swatch other five shades soon.

Have a great weekend.

Love,

Tamara

—–

Obje se nijanse ravnomjerno nanose (doduše Plum Desire ipak ne tako dobro). Kao prethodno spomenute nijanse, i ove dvije su svilenkaste, ali ne traju duže od dva sata na usnama. Ovi su ruževi jako ugodni i hidratantni na usnama.

Evo, to bi bilo sve za danas. Nadam se da će mi se vrijeme smilovati i da ću uskoro uspjeti poslikati i ostale nijanse.

Želim vam ugodan vikend.

Voli vas,

Tamara

ORIFLAME Giordani Gold Jewell Lipstick in Peach Kiss, Pink Secret and Mauve Dream Review and Swatch

Hello dear readers,

as I have promised, today is the time for me to start reviewing Oriflame Giordani Gold Jewell lipstick line. I received one shade in full size as a GWP and I have ordered the mini samples of all other shades. So far, I’ve managed to get a decen swatch of only several shades – the rest turned out too dark.

The lipstick is really a step-up from Oriflame’s typicall packaging – the lipstick case is a heavy gold coloured with a relief at the bottom. The lipstick contains 4 grams and retails for approximately $18.

There are 10 shades in total and today I’ll review three shades: Peach Kiss, Pink Secret and Mauve Dream.

———-

Bok dragi čitatelji,

kao što sam obećala, danas ću započeti s recenziranjem Oriflame Giordani Gold Jewell Ruža za usne. Jedan sam ruž dobila kao poklon uz kupnju, a usput sam naručila i mini uzorke ostalih nijansi. Trenutno imam swatcheve samo nekoliko nijansi, jer su ostali ispali pretamni.

Ruž je sam po sebi veliki korak naprijed od Oriflameove tipične ambalaže – pakiranje ruža je teško, zlatne boje s reljefom na dnu. Ruž sadrži 4 grama i, ukoliko se dobro sjećam, košta oko 100 kuna (a na sniženju se može naći i jefitinije). U liniji postoji 10 nijansi, a danas ću recenzirati tri: Peach Kiss, Pink Secret i Mauve Dream.

The shade Peach Kiss is in fact nude peachy shade (peachy beige). It doesn’t seem as pigmented – I had to pass several times to get a decent coverage, but surprisingly a thin layer of it covers the natural reddish colour of my lips well.

———–

Nijansa Peach Kiss je breskvasta bež nijansa. Nije baš pigmentirana – na swatchevima sam morala nekoliko puta proći kako bi dobila dobru pigmentaciju. S druge strane, i tanak sloj ruža dobro neutralizira moju prirodnu crvenu boju usana.

—-

The shade Pink Secret is the one I wanted to order, but mistakenly I have ordered Dusky Nude. Pink secret is pinkish coral – just my kind of shade. On the lips it looks lighter than in the tube.

———-

Nijansa Pink Secret je nijansa koju sam željela naručiti, a zabunom sam uzela Dusky Nude. Pink Secret je roza nijansa s primjesama kroaljne. Na usnama izgleda svijetlije nego u sticku.

—-

The shade Mauve Dream is a berry plum. It really isn’t my kind of shade. Also, it turns out to be less pigmented on the lips than on the skin. It gives my lips slightly darker, dusky rose colour, but it doesn’t darken them too much.

——————

Nijansa Mauve Dream je bobičasto ljubičasta. Ova nijansa baš i nije nijansa koju bih ja tipično nosila. Na usnama je slabije pigmentirana nego na swatchu na koži. Malo potamni moju prirodnu nijansu usana u prljavo ružičastu, ali nije pretamna.

—–

As for the formula, it is same for all the shades. It is very silky, smooth and moisturizing. However, this affects the wear, so don’t expect the lipstick to stay on for longer that two hours.

The lipstick is scented, but the scent disappears upon the application.

All in all, the lipstick is a definite step-up when it comes to the presentation. The quality is here, but the choice of shades is not quite to my liking. So far I’d only repurchase Pink Secret.

Have a great week.

Love, Tamara

—————-

Što se teksture tiče, ista je za sve nijanse. Ruževi su svilenkasti i hidratantni. Doduše, nisu baš najtrajniji – ne traju mi više od dva sata na usnama bez popravljanja.

Ruževi imaju miris koji nestane nakon nanošenja.

Sve u svemu, kad je riječ o pakovanju i prezentaciji, ovi su ruževi iznad Oriflame razine. Kvaliteta je tu, ali mi izbor nijansi nije baš po guštu. Za sad bih jedino kupila nijansu Pink Secret.

Želim vam dobar tjedan.

Voli vas, Tamara

MAC Lipstick in Lady Danger Review and Swatch

Hello lovelies,

today I have prepared the swatch of one of the best discoveries in the last year – MAC Lady Danger lipstick. I have to admit that I didn’t really like MAC cosmetics, but curiosity got the better of me. Lady Danger was the logical choice, since it was the shade I first noticed in the store.

Lady Danger is a bright, orange based matte red (like a more pigmented version of Guerlain Rouge Automatique in Nahema). Since the shade really sticks out, it is not the lipstick for those who want to blend in the crowd, because people will notice it.

This lipstick is really pigmented – probably the most pigmented out of all the lipsticks I own and not so easy to remove so you have to be extremely careful when applying it. I haven’t noticed that it bleeds out, so I don’t wear it with a lip liner, but lip liner would certainly help the application look more neat.

The lipstick has a vanilla scent which doesn’t disappear as quickly as I’d want, but it doesn’t bother me.

However, there are some bad sides.

———

Bok dragi čitatelji,

za danas sam pripremila swatch jednog od najboljih otkrića prošle godine – MAC ruža u nijansi Lady Danger. Moram priznati da me MAC kozmetika dosad baš i nije zanimala, ali kad sam bila u Grazu nisam mogla odolijeti znatiželji. Ruž Lady Danger bio je logičan izbor, budući da je to bila nijansa koju sam zapazila još s vrata. Inače, MAC se još ne može nabaviti u Hrvatskoj, a u Grazu cijena je ruža 20 eura.

Nijansa Lady Danger je jarka mat crvena s narančastim podtonom (kao pigmentiranija verzija Guerlain Rouge Automatique ruža u nijansi Nahema). Budući da se ova nijansa zaista ističe, ovo nije ruž za one koji žele ostati neprimijećeni.

Ruž je zaista pigmentiran – vjerojatno najpigmentiraniji od svih ruževa koje sam imala priliku probati i ne skida se lako, tako da ga treba oprezno nanositi. Za sad nisam primijetila da se razmazuje i prelijeva preko ruba usana tako da ne koristim olovku za usne, ali smatram da bi moje nanošenje bilo urednije kada bih koristila olovku.

Ruž ima okus vanilije koji se zadržava koji sat, ali me okus ne smeta.

Since Lady Danger is a matte lipstick, it has a drier texture. Luckily, it doesn’t dry out the lips, but neither does it feel comfortable. I can remedy this with a lip balm or a transparent lip gloss, but I still prefer the consistency of, for example, Guerlain Rouge Automatiquer or YSL Rouge Pur Couture lipsticks.

Another minus is that the lipstick wears off irregularly – usually the lipstick in the centre of the lips is gone after an hour or two, but it remains on the edge of the lipline. I have small lips and it makes me look ridiculous if I don’t touch-up often.

Still, in spite of its minor flaws Lady Danger is still one of my favourite lipsticks ever.

——

Ruž ima i neke loše karakteristike. Budući da je ovo mat ruž, tekstura je ruža suša. Ruž doduše ne isušuje usne, ali nije ugodan na usnama. To se može popraviti ukoliko se preko ruža nanese balzam ili prozirno sjajilo, ali meni je još uvijek draža tekstura Guerlain Rouge Automatique i YSL Rouge Pur Couture ruževa.

Još je jedan minus činjenica da se ruž skida nepravilno, to jest, u sredini usana nestane u roku od sat ili dva, a ostane na rubovima usana te, ukoliko ga stalno ne popravljam, izgledam smiješno budući da imam male usne.

Sve u svemu, usprkos svim manama Lady Danger mi je i dalje jedan od najdražih ruževa ikad.

Lady Danger swatch:

–

Lady Danger lip swatch.

SISLEY Phyto Blush Eclat in #05 Pinky Coral Swatch and Review

Hello, dear readers,

as you know, Sisley is one of my favourite brands (despite its price) and today I’m going to show you the swatch of their new version of Phyto Blush in the shade Pinky Coral.

But first, let’s say something about the product. The blush comes in a black and white plastic compact with mirror and brush included. The cover of the compact has a zebra print and the compact itself doesn’t feel like it is of a good quality.

Unlike the old version, this version contains considerably smaller amount of the product – 7 grams vs. 10 grams in the old one. The price remained the same – $85.

The brush included is nothing special – it is very wide so it will serve for touch-up, but I prefer to apply it with a proper blush brush.

The blush inside the pan is zebra patterned and it contains two complimentary shades, which in spite of the name aren’t coral – light peachy pink and dark peachy pink. The ligher shade still leans more on the pink side, while the darker shade is more peachy. Both shades contain a barely visible shimmer.

It is possible to use both shades separately, but to do so you’re going to need a very narrow blush, so it might be easier to use them mixed.

I fell in love with this blush the moment I saw the promo pictures. I’ve been looking for a perfect peachy-pink blush for ages and this one is a pure perfection. It compliments my skin-tone well and it doesn’t turn orange or pink after several hours. It stays on from the moment I apply it to the moment I take it off in the evening without fading.

As for the pigmentation it is pretty good – pigmented enough but still fool-proof and it is extremely hard to overdo it. I have to add that I’m not a fan of super-pigmented blushes (Illamasqua, Inglot) because it is hard for me to find the exact amount and I always overdo it.

All in all, I adore this blush despite the price.

__

Bok, dragi čitatelji,

kao što znate, Sisley spada u meni jedan od najdražih brandova (usprkos cijeni), a danas ću vam pokazati swatch nove verzije rumenila Phyto Blush Eclat u nijansi 05 Pinky Coral.

Ali za početak nekoliko riječi o proizvodu. Rumenilo dolazi u crno-bijeloj plastičnoj ambalaži s uključenim ogledalom i kistom. Poklopac rumenila ima zebrasti print i ne djeluje kao da je kvalitetan. U usporedbi sa starijom verzijom, ovdje dobijete osjetno manje (10 nasuprot 7 grama). Cijena je ostala ista – oko 480 kuna.

Kist koji dobijete unutra nije ništa posebno – može proći ako trebate popraviti rumenilo, ali ja preferiram pravi kist za rumenilo.

Rumenilo ima zebrasti uzorak napravljen od kombinacije dviju nijansi iste breskvasto roze boje. Razlika je u tome što svijetlija nijansa vuče na roskasto, dok tamnija vuče na breskvasto. Obje nijanse sadrže jedva vidljivi shimmer.

Moguće je koristiti svaku nijansu zasebno, ali za to će vam trebati jako uzak kist, tako da je jednostavnije koristiti kombinaciju obje boje.

U ovo sam se rumenilo zaljubila čim sam ga ugledala na promo slikama. Dugo sam već tražila odgovarajuće breskvasto-rozo rumenilo i ovo je kao napravljeno za mene. Jako dobro paše uz moju nijansu kože i ne oksidira na koži. Rumenilo ne blijedi – ostaje onakvo kakvo je i bilo kad sam ga stavila.

Pigmentacije je prilično dobra, ali ipak ne previše, tako da je jako teško pretjerati s rumenilom. Moram napomenuti da baš i ne volim jako pigmentirana rumenila poput Illamasquinih ili Inglotovih jer mi ih je jako teško dozirati u uvijek nanesem previše.

Sve u svemu, ovo rumenilo usprkos cijeni obožavam.

 

 

 

Sisley Phyto Blush Eclat 05 Pinky Coral swatches:

The swatches are made in this order (from left to right): both shades mixed, darker shade, lighter shade.

Swatchevi su poredani ovim redom: obje nijanse izmiješane, tamnija nijansa, svijetlija nijansa

GUERLAIN Eye Liner in #00 Metal d’Or Review and Swatch

Hello, dear readers.

It’s been awhile since I’ve reviewed any Guerlain product. Today, I’ll review Guerlain liquid eye liner.

When it comes to eyeliners, I’ve always preferred a stiff applicator to the brush one. However, finding Guerlain Eye Liner in the shade Metal d’Or for like $11 (the full price being close to $40), I couldn’t resist.

Guerlain Eye Liner comes in a pebble-like frosted glass bottle which contains 5 ml. It is a bi-phase product, so you have to shake it well prior to using it. When it is not used, it will separate to watery and pigment phase.

The brush is thin, but not too soft. The handle of the brush is long, making it very easy to manipulate. I can get all sorts of lines with it – from the thin to the thicker.

The shade Metal d’Or is a metallic gold with a hint of copper. I find it very appropriate for either holiday or summer season – it goes well with the festive gold or summer bronze skin. It is very pigmented, so you won’t have to worry that it will leave transparent patches.

The eye liner is very longwearing. Once applied, it quickly dries and it won’t budge until you remove it with the make-up remover, no matter how much you rub your eyes. My huge fear was that if would simply flake off the eyes, but it doesn’t.

All in all, this is a HG. Once I spend Chanel Mirifique and L’Oreal All Night Blue eyeshadows, I’m switching to these.

Guerlain eye liner in Metal d’Or swatch:

SISLEY Phyto Lip Star in Deep Tourmaline Swatch and Review

Phyto Lip Star contains 7 ml and retails for around $50. It comes with a brush applicator. As almost all Sisley make-up, the packaging feels a bit on the cheap side.

I got this lip gloss as a part of a set called White Orchid Make-up Pouch which I have found on an insane sale, so it made the price much easier to bear.

Deep Tourmaline is the second lip gloss from the Phyto Lip Star range that I own (other being Rose Quartz).

Deep Tourmaline is a warm muted medium dark burgundy red with a lots os tiny shimmer in various colours – from silver to pink, red and burgundy. My major problem with shimmering lip glosses is that the shimmer feels gritty (even when it comes to the high-end lip glosses). Fortunately, this is not the case with Sisley – I cannot feel grittiness at all. Another bonus is that when it fades, it fades evenly, so you are not left with shimmer on dried out lips.

The lip gloss feels slightly heavy on my lips, but it is not sticky. In this weather heaviness is a bonus, because the lip gloss doesn’t budge for hours, so it protects my lips, too.

The lip gloss is pretty pigmented, although on my lips this is a bit hard to see, because it is practically the same shade as my natural lip colour.

I also have to warn that the lip gloss has a pretty strong fruity scent. The scent has grow on me, but some might not like it.

Overall, this is my go-to sparkly lip gloss and I still think that it is one of the best sparkly lip glosses on the market.

P.S. I haven’t put the photo of the lip swatch, because I couldn’t get any even half-acceptable photo. I will upload it when I get a good one.

YVES SAINT LAURENT Rouge Pur Couture #17 Rose Dahlia Review and Swatch

YSL’s Rouge Pur Couture contains 3,8 grams and retails for 30 euros in Europe. It comes in a golden case with YSL logo on. The case is unfortunately a magnet for fingerprints.

Rose Dahlia is a shade I tend to gravitate a lot – it is a hot creamy pink with a hint of coral. This shade is very pigmented, although on my lips it looks much brighter in the tube than on the lips. It contains no shimmer, but it leaves the lips looking shiny and creamy.

While my favourite lipsticks were always from Guerlain, YSL Rouge Pur Couture has certainly given them a run for their money. Rouge Pur Couture is very pigmented, smooth and creamy – absolute perfection. It moisturizes lips and it stays of for at least three hours.

The only bad point I can find is that in Croatia, they are a bit more expensive than Guerlain. Still, this probably won’t stop me if I find other shades I like in the range

CATRICE Nail Polish in Sand Francisco, Fred Said Red, No Snow Petrol and Am I Blue or Green review and swatches

Here is another round of Catrice nail polishes. This time, there are two discontinued (Sand Francisco, Am I Blue or Green?) shades and two regular shades (Fred Said Red and No Snow Petrol). I won’t talk much about the discontinued shades, but I will give a brief description.

Sand Francisco is a shimmery sandy gold. Two coats are necessary for complete opacity.

Fred Said Red is a jelly tomato red. Compared to Bloody Mary To Go, Fred Said Red is visibyl more orange. It is very pigmented and only one thin coat is necessary.

No Snow Petrol is a blueish green polish with a cerulean blue shimmer which is visible under a certain angle. One coat gives a full opacity.

Am I Blue or Green? is a creme turquoise. It reminds me of Chanel Riva. A minimum of two coats is necessary (as stated on the packaging).

I generally don’t comment the wear of the nail polish, because every nail polish on my nails (be it a high end or drugstore) lasts for about a day or two withot the base and top coat.

Ever since I’ve started using Eveline 8 in 1 as a base coat, every nail polish that I have lasts up to a week, with minimum tip wear. The nail polish even survives washing dishes.

I recommend Catrice nail polishes. They are very cheap (around $3.5) and offer a huge range of shades which is constantly updated.

When it comes to my favourites among these four shades, these are definitely Fred Said Red and No Snow Petrol. Which one is your favourite?

SISLEY Phyto Ombre Eclat in #9 Garden Rose Review and Swatch

Hello everybody,

this eyeshadow was purchased several months ago, because I wanted something pink that I could use as a blush and this was the perfect shade.

Sisley eyeshadow contain 1,5grams and retail for around $50 (very pricey). It comes in a matte plastic black box which catches fingerprints quickly. The mirror and the spoonge tip applicator are included.

Garden rose is a warm pink with peachy gold shimmer. The shimmer is not very noticeable – it is here to give an extra dimension, rather than in-your-face sparkle.

The texture is soft and buttery. There is no fall-out or chalkiness. The pigmentation is just right and it is easy to blend. It is very longlasting, both as a blush and as an eyeshadow.

Although I intended to use it as a blush, I prefer to use it as an eyeshadow because this shade perfectly emphasizes the blueness of my eyes.

As a blush, it gives a light, healthy looking flush. When I wore it, I got instant compliments (and I don’t usually get them). I really hope that in Sisley, they will make a blush similar to this. If they don’t, I know that this will be the shade I’ll repurchase a lot

In spite of its extravagant price, I’m a huge fan of Sisley eyeshadow and I recommend them.

SISLEY Phyto Lip Shine in #11 Sheer Baby Review, Ingredients and Swatch

Sisley Phyto Lip Shine lipstick stood ignored in my traincase for some time, but having finished the majority of nude shades I’ve had, I’m ready to use it again.

Sisley Phyto Lip Shine lipstick has 3 grams (less that average) and retails for $50.

It comes with a black velvet pouch.

Sheer Baby is a nudeish peachy pink shade with tiny golden shimmer which is visible under certain angles. Even though the name claims that it is sheer, I wouldn’t say so – 2 coats give a pretty decent opacity and cover my natural lip colour very well.

The lipstick has a slightly weird taste. I can’t describe it, but it bothers me slightly.

The texture and consistency of this lipstick are not as creamy and smooth like, let’s say Guerlain Rouge Automatique or YSL Rouge Pur Couture. Phyto Lip Shine is moisturizing, but it has a slightly waxy feeling to it and it feels heavy on the lips. However, this waxy appearance is a bonus during winter, when it successfully protects the lips from the cold wind.

The lipstick is very longlasting – it lasts for 3-4 hours if I don’t drink or eat.

I’ll probably repurchase it again because this shade is a good neutral/nude lip shade which doesn’t wash me out.

SISLEY Phyto Blush Eclat #4 Duo Pinky Rose Swatch, Ingredients and Review

Hello, dear readers. Get ready for Sisley week

This version of Sisley blush is being discontinued and replaced with newer version (you can read more about it in my blush comparison post).

However, you don’t have to worry if you like this shade because it is repromoted in the new version (only the lesser amount).

This version has 10 grams and retails for $85.

It comes in a shiny black compact with mirror and brush included. The brush that comes with it is very wide, but flat. It is softer than their regular, full-sized blush brush.The compact is housed in a black velvet pouch.

The blush is divided into two parts: the larger one is a slightly cold hot bright pink, while the smaller one is a warm pinkish highlighter. Both shades contain a tiny, tiny microshimmer which is not visible on the skin, but it prevents the blush from looking too flat.

Because of the size of each part it is like having 3 blushes in one.

The blush is very silky and pigmented, especially the brighter pink side. The pigmentation is a bit too much for me, because I always get too much and in the morning I don’t have much time for blending. If you mix the two shades the pigmentation is just right.

The blush stays on for hours without fading, even on my oily skin.

GUERLAIN Rouge Automatique Rouge d’Enfer Swatch and Review

Rouge d’Enfer is my third Rouge Automatique and the only red in my collection. I have to admit that what made me pick exactly this shade among several reds is the name.

I’m a huge fan of all Guerlain lipstick formulas (with the exception of Rouge G, which is a bit too drying for my lips).

Rouge d’Enfer is in my opinion a universally flattering neutral red – neither too pink nor too orange.

The formula is silky, moisturizing and very pigmented – one swipe deposits a truly rich colour. As for the wear – it is pretty good – three hours if I don’t eat or drink too much.

The lipstick almost doesn’t bleed, but just to be on the safe side, I’d suggest using the lip liner. I’ve done a swatch without the liner, since I don’t have a red one.

When it comes to Rouges Automatique, I only have the problem with the packaging. While the packaging is pretty, it is very impractical – you need to pull out almost the whole bullet to apply the lipstick.

This shade will fit everyone and for every occasion being neither too bright nor too vampy. The perfect shade to add a bit of glamour to your life

SISLEY Phyto Ombre Eclat #17 Stardust Review and Swatch

This eyeshadow was love (more like obsession) at the first sight. I’ve had it on my wishlist for ages and this spring I have caved in and finally bought it.

Sisley Phyto Ombre Eclat eyeshadow contains 1,5 grams and retails for around $50. Definitely pricey, but in my opinion, worth it.

It comes in a compact with mirror and sponge tip applicator. On the outside, the compact is matte and holds the finger-prints. Inside, the compact is shiny black.

Stardust is a very complex colour – medium dark shimmery silvery-greyish-olive green. There is one similar shade: Lancôme Erika F (which is repromoted in the newest Lancôme Ombre Hypnose mono eyeshadow collection).

It could be a bit more pigmented, but it is possible to layer it to get the full intensity.

The shimmer stays put, so there is no fallout.

The texture of the eyeshadow, especially when compared to my other Sisley eyeshadows, is a bit on the drier side (probably because of the shimmer). However, once I pick it with a brush, it goes on smoothly and evenly.

As with all other Sisley eyeshadows, I cannot complain on the wear – with the primer on my super oily lids lasts for well over 10 hours without creasing.

The shade is definitely unique one, but depending on the price of Lancôme, Lancôme might be the first choice for many.

I only have one objection to Sisley Phyto Ombre Eclat Eyeshadows in general. The pan does not stick well to the compact. At first I though that this was the problem with only one eyeshadow, but I have 5 Sisley eyeshadows and in each the pan moves slightly when lightly prodded. The pan didn’t fall out, but I don’t think this is acceptable for $50 eyeshadow.

MAX FACTOR Max Effect Nail Polish in Ivory Swatch and Review

Max Factor Max Effect Nail polish comes in a small 6ml bottle and it retails for around $5.

It seems that this shade is quite popular, as I can think of several shades from the same family that were launched this summer.

The shade Ivory looks more golden-like. It is pale warm champagne with metallic shimmer. It reminds me of Illamasqua Swinger, Chanel Diwali or Revlon Gold Coin. Max Factor Ivory is the warmest of the bunch and not streaky at all.

The polish is not completely opaque, although it is possible to get away with only one coat. The consistency is slightly runny, but I can work with it.

I don’t comment on how long the nail polish wears since without the base and top coat on my nails every polish lasts for a day or two. Naturally, top and base coat can prolong the wear up to 5 days.

CHANEL Vitalumiere Aqua Compact Swatches

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Compact foundation replaces the old Teint Innocence compact foundation. It is a cream foundation which promises fresh, moisturized skin. The foundation is intended for those with normal or dry skin. It contains Vitamin E, antioxidants and SPF 15.

It comes in a 12 grams refillable compact. The full price of the compact is 48,90 euros, while the refill costs 36,90 euros.

Several months ago I have swatched all the shades of Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Compact foundation available in Croatia.

Since I don’t think I’ll ever try the foundation, here are only the swatches. I haven’t even tried the foundation on the face at the counter, I can’t say much about its properties. It seems very creamy, blendable, but the coverage appears light.

The foundation is swatched from the darkest (left) to the lightest shade (right). You can click on the picture to englarge it. These are the shades available in Croatia. Depending on the country, the shade selection may vary.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Compact in 50 Beige –dark, neutral to yellow undertone

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Compact in 42 Beige Rose – medium dark, strong pink undertone

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Compact in 40 Beige – medium dark, neutral to yellow undertone

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Compact in 30 Beige – light/medium, neutral to yellow undertone

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Compact in 22 Beige Rose – light medium, pink undertone

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Compact in 10 Beige – light, neutral to yellow undertone.

If I had to pick one, I’d go with the shade 10 Beige, although even this one would be a match only during summer, when I get a bit of tan.

INGLOT Matte Eyeshadow M352 Review and Swatch

This is the second eyeshadow from my palette.

M352 is a matte light pink. It is very pigmented and the colour in the pan is true to the colour on the skin. I use it mostly on the browbone as a highlight.

The texture is a bit on the drier side (this is typical for matte eyeshadows), especially compared to P393, but it doesn’t affect the application. There is no fallout.

The wear of the eyeshadow is very good, too. It lasts for 10 hours without creasing (with the primer).

So far, I’m happy with every single Inglot eyeshadow I have and I’d definitely recommend them.

RIMMEL Lycra Pro #433 French Ivory Review and Swatch

Rimmel Lycra Pro nail polish in #433 French Ivory is a semi-transparent crème ivory colour. I suggest at least two coats, and even then the colour will not be opaque, but two coats will give the effect of groomed nails.

Rimmel nail polishes have a wide flat brush (just like a Dior nail polishes) which covers my nail with only one stroke.

There is a bit of unevenness in application – it leaves a streaks which aren’t normaly too obvious, but which can be seen if you look closely.

I don’t comment on how long the nail polish wears, because on my nails (without the top or base coat), every nail polish lasts for a day or two.

It is a nice natural-looking everyday polish.

L’OREAL Color Infallible in All Night Blue Review and Swatch

Even though I’m on “no eyeshadows” project, I couldn’t resist this shade. I’ve heard a lot about these eyeshadows and I have found the perfect opportunity to try it for minimal price when I found one on the super sale (around $3) in my local drugstore. I think this shade will be discontinued, though.

The consistency is like a pressed pigment. It comes in a small jar and has additional black plastic cover. Do not throw it away, because it helps preserve the product.

The colour is a vibrant shimmery royal blue. I’m going to primarily use it as an eyeliner – I wanted a blue eyeliner for ages, but majority was either too dark, almost black looking, or too bright. This shadow is perfect.

As you can see from the swatch, it is super-pigmented. I was afraid that it will be more black than blue (a common problem with some eyeshadows), but it remains true to pan even applied in a thin layer.

And finally, the staying power is amazing. I have tested it on the probably hottest day in Croatia (the coldest room in my house was 31 degrees Celsius) and outside was 40 Celsius. I have extremely oily lids, and the heat certainly didn’t help.

However, L’Oreal Color Infallible has an amazing wear. I have tested it with a primer (Essence I Love Stage) on one eye and without a primer on the other. The results were excellent. After 10 hours there was just a slight creasing, but no fading on the eye without a primer. Over the primer, the eyeshadow looked as good as it did the moment I applied it. There was no creasing and the colour hasn’t faded a bit.

I am very impressed and I recommend those if you are on a hunt for affordable, longwearing eyeshadows.

CLINIQUE Superbalanced foundation in 05 Vanilla Swatch and Review

I’m not a huge fan of Clinique and the main reason is their insane prices in Europe (for that reason I avoid several more brands). I can understand that if something costs $25 will cost 25 Euros. It is a bit expensive, but not too much (1 euro is around $1,22), but when something costs almost double the price, no way. I don’t mind paying much for make-up, but please, don’t make a fool of me. I can count the exchange rate.

This is another Clinique foundation I’ve been wearing for the past month. I also got 1,5ml sample which lasted for 8 days. The full size foundation comes in a 30ml bottle and cost $23 or 31 euros (or $38) in Europe.

Superbalanced is also very runny, but less than Superfit. A little goes a long way. It blends easily and it takes some time to set, so I don’t have to hurry.

The shade 05 Vanilla is a bit too dark for me (NC15-20) with neutral that leans to yellow undertone. It doesn’t oxidize on me. The finish is luminous matte. The coverage is light to medium, but leaning more towards medium.

I have oily but dehydrated skin which often flakes. I don’t even have to mention huge pores. Just like Superfit, Superbalanced doesn’t emphasize flakes at all. However, it does nothing for pores.

Unlike Superfit, Superbalanced is much better at oil control. I need to touch up with blotting paper after 5-6 hours, but otherwise my skin is pretty matte.

I haven’t noticed any breakouts or clogged pores.

Superbalanced wears well – the foundation started disappearing only after 8 hours, which is pretty decent in my book.

This is the foundation I could see myself wearing if I get bored with current HGs (and only if I can get it at US price).

CLINIQUE Superfit Foundation in 05 Neutral Review and Swatch

Clinique Superfit foundation is only the second product I have tried from this brand (other being Mild Clarifying lotion).

I got 1,5ml sample which was enough for 12 days of use. The full size foundation comes in a 30ml bottle. I have to mention that this foundation is discontinued (that’s what I get for keeping the sample in the drawer for so long), but I’ll publish the review for reference.

The shade 05 Neutral is too dark for me (I’m NC15-20) with rosy undertone. The shade adapts to my skin colour to an extent several minutes after application, but even then it is far from a good match. The foundation doesn’t oxidize on me.

The consistency is very runny, the foundation is surprisingly thin and liquid. Because of the consistency a little goes a long way. It blends easily and it takes some time to set, so I don’t have to hurry with application.

I have oily but dehydrated skin which often flakes. I don’t even have to mention huge pores. The foundation doesn’t emphasize flakes at all. While in summer my skin is less flaky, there are still drier areas and that the foundation doesn’t emphasize any is a huge surprise for me.

Unfortunately, the foundation does nothing to minimize appearance of huge pores. The foundation didn’t control oil well. I got greasy after an hour.

I haven’t noticed any breakouts or clogged pores while I was using the foundation.

The coverage is light to medium. The finish is natural.

What is the huge deal-breaker for me is the fact that despite proclaiming the foundation long lasting, it is not long lasting at all. In fact it is probably one of the worse-wearing foundations I have encountered. It has started disappearing after only 5 hours of me sitting in an air-conditioned room. With other foundations I can get at least 8 hours (without a primer). In the evening, there was almost no foundation when I wanted to remove it.