Showing posts with label KIKO. Show all posts
Showing posts with label KIKO. Show all posts

Sunday, 2 March 2014

Winter Favourites


What better time to write this post than when the first hints of spring are starting to show; the plants are starting to grow, days are getting longer and the promise of the Easter Bunny is looming. 
 

This collection of favourites has a definite neutral theme to it that is for sure. In my opinion there is nothing better than 'no make up' make up look that pulls you together when the dark days are getting to you. Classic and timeless. All of these items have seen sufficient use over the last few months in a bid to banish me of my winter blues!

From left to right

This perfect nude nail polish has been gracing my tips almost constantly since Christmas and my desire to wear all things red and/or glittery had run its course. Aptly named shade 372 in 'Nude'. Ever since I discovered KIKO I have loved their nail varnishes. Easy application, a great range of colours, long lasting and a bargain too boot!


I am lucky enough to have a International Santa and one of the things top of my cross-Atlantic wish list was the L'oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in the US only shade of 'Amber Rush'. Many a UK beauty blogger has raved about this and I can tell why. This is without a doubt the perfect rose gold eye shadow and I know that is a bold statement. I cannot tell you how many people have commented on it when I am wearing it and I have to admit a little bit of me delights in telling them it can only be found in the US.


The swatch below is literally a small press into the pigment and a swipe which shows you just how intense it is. Use a primer underneath and it lasts and lasts and lasts!


Onto some skincare and a desperate need to pep up the moisture levels in my severely winter dehydrated skin! Hydraluron is a sticky gel that you put on your face before your full moisturiser and eye cream. There is lots of science behind it - I'll leave that for you to find out for yourself - but it definitely keeps things the right side of moisturised on those cold and windy days. 


Continuing on the KIKO theme this was more of an impulse purchase whilst standing in their packed Westfield Stratford store on the 27th December. The Crystal Sheer Glossy Lipstick in 'Coral Pink' won me over with the packaging. A push down top and iridescent finish *swoons*.


Luckily the product itself is just as awesome. It looks like a bullet of highly pigmented colour but what you are left with is exactly what it says on the tin - a sheer glossy coverage - that leaves enough moisturing colour to perk up that dull winter skin. Its' lasting power is in the same realm as a lip gloss but it is certainly easy to re-apply and even easier to wear.


More eyes and another drug store winner in my opinion. The Rimmel Scandaleyes Shadow Paint in Rich Russet also gives a great intense shimmer to the lids. Can anyone tell that I love a good shimmer finish! This stuff is a great neutral bronze colour that stays and stays and stays. Blended with a fluffy brush and a slick of mascara your eyes are good to go!


Last but by no means least is the piece de resistance in this group of seasonal favourites, the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette. I literally squealed like a child when I opened this on Christmas Day and it has had a special place in my heart ever since. 


Any type of look needed is easy with this beauty. Paired down neutral, sparkly date night or full on smoky this does not disappoint. I definitely now want the Naked 2. 

Enough said...this is all over the blogosphere with rave review after rave review and much better swatch photos than I would ever achieve so instead I will just leave you with some photos so that you can salivate to yourselves. 


Sunday, 24 March 2013

*Nars Dupe* KIKO Blusher

This was a purchase from months ago, after my first visit to Westfield in Stratford and my total make up freak out when I found KIKO - that shop is totally amazing!

I indulged in some nail items and skin care, but this is one of the stand out products, mainly because I could not believe my little green eyes when I realised how closely it resembled Nars Orgasm blusher. 

First the packaging. It is in the Nars style rubber like packaging with KIKO in emblazoned on the front in white. The only thing with this material, and just like Nars is that it shows up all of the marks. It is also a much smaller compact, with a full lid size mirror in the top, perfect for on the go applications.




The colour is apparently Golden Peach (it just gives a number on the packaging) but I think it is definitely more pink, with those golden flecked undertones that make the Nars equivalent so coveted. A quick sweep, gives a light flush, but it definitely builds nicely into something more vibrant if that is your thing. It's not quite as smooth to apply and isn't quite as long lasting as the Nars product, but for almost £20 more for the 'designer' version that would be expected, and this isn't really a negative for the product. I totally love this and would definitely treat myself to some more KIKO products if I'm ever lucky enough to be in Stratford again.


The blushers can be brought from KIKO online for £7.50 which I think is a totally bargain price. 

Have you found any Nars Dupes recently?