My Top 5 Concealers of all Time

Posted in Beauty, Reviews by denissesamantha

I feel like concealer is one of the most important item to have in a makeup bag. I personally don’t just use it for under eyes and to conceal blemishes but I also use it as a primer for my eyeshadow. Sometimes, when I’m lazy or if I am restricted with what I can bring in my makeup bag I would use the concealer to clean up my eyebrows, to contour and to prime my lips.

Throughout the years, I have used so many different formulas and brands from drugstore to high end. I did love Dior Skin Nude concealer and Bobbi Brown creamy concealer for a long time. However, these five items that I’m about to mention are my ultimate faves.

Here are my top five in no particular order:

Maybelline Fit Me concealer

MAC Pro Longwear concealer

Maybelline Age Rewind concealer

MAC Select Cover Up concealer

Rimmel Match Perfection concealer

Let me first talk about the MAC ones: In regards to coverage both are fine for me depending on how I would want to use them. MAC Select Cover Up is a light to medium coverage. This is perfect when you do not have much to cover. It feels very light and not sticky when applied. On the other hand, MAC Pro Longwear offers a full coverage and will be perfect if you are going for an airbrushed make up look. Even though, the consistency is a bit thicker I find that it is still comfortable to wear and has a natural matte finish. In terms of packaging, I would choose the MAC Select Cover up tube, as you can make the most out of the product. I sometimes feel scared that the glass packaging of the MAC Pro Longwear might break. Both products can be pricey but literally a tiny amount is needed, so they should last for quite a while.

I have repurchased all these three drugstore concealers numerous times, most especially the two from Maybelline. They are my absolute favourite as of now. Al three products offer a very natural look and goes on smooth on the skin. They are buildable and can be full coverage but for me personally I do not like layering my concealer that much. I hate the thick heavy feeling and from personal experience they tend to crease more and settle into fine lines when layered. The amazing thing is they all retail for a very affordable price. I think these are such a bargain for the work that it does! I would highly recommend them.

What are your top concealer choices?

Please let me know by commenting down below.

Lots of love from,

15Oct2016

Lime Crime Velvetines in Red Velvet Review

Posted in Beauty, Reviews by denissesamantha

I have been using this product for quite a while now. I am currently about to finish my second bottle; therefore I believe that I can give an informative review about the velvetines (in shade red velvet in particular). Red lipstick is a must-have staple in every woman’s make up bag, which is why I own a few red lippies and I must say that Lime Crime’s Red Velvet is one of my favourite.

Pros

It is very highly pigmented.

It has an excellent staying power as it last through meals but better to avoid oily foods.

It goes on creamy and dries into a beautiful velvety matte finish.

Lime Crime in general has cute packaging; velvetines comes in a frosted glass tube with a doe foot applicator.

The doe foot applicator makes it easier to apply on the lips.

Personally, I like the smell of it but I just can’t pinpoint as to how it smells like (vanilla cake batter kind of smell).

Cons

It is quite pricey and the price varies depending on which website you purchase it on.

It is not readily available especially in the UK. The UK websites that sells lime crime are usually out of stock of velvetines. Therefore ebay and amazon are sometimes the only options. Unless, you purchase from a US based website but you must remember that there is an extra cost for shipping charges.

The main issue for me is all the controversy of Lime Crime as a company and its owner Doe Deeree regarding identity/credit card information theft, restocking, repackaging and availability of the products.

Tips

Make sure to exfoliate your lips especially if it is dry and peeling. Apply balm to give moisture to the lips before applying the product.

Use a lip liner for a more precise lip application.

I usually scrape off the excess from the applicator on the side of the tube to make sure that I don’t pick up too much of the product.

Stay away from oily foods to make it more long-lasting.

Verdict

I give Lime Crime Velvetines in Red Velvet the rating of 4/5. I took out 1 point due to the controversy regarding the company and owner itself (identity/credit card information theft). However, I love the product because of its formulation and opacity. I feel like it has blue undertones, which makes the colour bright and very flattering on the lips. I like the lovely velvet matte finish of it. For me, the longevity of the product is great as it can last me all day without re-applying it, but of course that is when I’m cautious of staying away with oily foods. Overall, it is still one of my favourite red lipsticks of all time. This is the reason why when I first tried it I had to purchase another two pieces of the same shade, hence why I have the original packaging on the images above (not the current up-to-date packaging). I definitely recommend this product but after I finish the tube I’m using right now I still have a brand new one. Therefore I won’t be repurchasing anytime soon until I finish my third velvetines. I also want to try other similar products such as NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream (in Monte Carlo), Stila Stay All Day Lipstick (in Beso) and Jeffree Star Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick (in Redrum).

I hope my review helped you in any way. Comment below of what your favourite red lipsticks are? Have you used LC Velvetines and what do you think of them?

Lots of love from,

4Jun2016

Ardell Lashes in Demi Wispies Review

Posted in Beauty, Reviews by denissesamantha

Let me start off by saying I love these falsies, they are my absolute favourite lashes. I have tried a few different brands and different styles but I always find myself going back to this one. I like how it is very comfortable to wear as it has a lightweight thin band. I feel that the lashes are versatile as it gives a natural look but can also be glamorous at the same time. The natural criss-cross style adds volume to lashes and it creates a beautiful look. They are perfect for everyday wear and night outs.

Pros

Very natural looking, not too thick

Flexible, thin and lightweight band

High quality and blends in with natural eyelashes

Versatile- natural and glamorous look

Good for everyday use and night outs

Last a long time with proper care

Reusable and made of 100% sterilised human hair

Comfortable and easy application

Cons/Tips

I seriously can’t think of anything in specific as negatives. It is more of tips on how to take care of them, which is applicable to any false eyelashes.

I recommend to first cut the lashes to fit the shape of your own eyes

The band can be fragile so be careful when removing the glue

Carefully clean lashes with a lash comb after use and store in container

Verdict

I give the Ardell Demi Wispies 5/5 because they are very comfortable to wear and I love the natural look it gives. They are high quality and are reusable depending on how they are taken care of. I usually wear contact lenses and it doesn’t irritate my eyes. I suggest purchasing the value multipack, which contains four pair as it so much cheaper than buying four individual packaged ones.