Whenever I am at a state that is in the middle of happy and absolutely depressed, which is always, I go shopping. It is a very dangerous, but a very satisfying predicament. Having been beaten up by job applications time and time again – last week, I went out and bought some bits whilst in a (sort of) trance-like state.
When I want a quick and ‘restrained’ fix, I would go for beauty products. It is my warped logic that beauty products are (mostly) less expensive than clothing, shoes or bags. I feel less guilty.
A word of warning though: Everyone should realise by now how twisted the mind can be when it comes to rationalising purchases. We all know that it is an illusion that beauty products make less of a dent in our wallets.
1. Anna Sui Eyeshadow Palette (HIT) £35
I have always loved the sultry-opulent-fun packaging of Anna Sui’s products. This time, I was drawn to the black and gold packaging. The palette also includes a nice brush and a large mirror (always a bonus). In terms of colours, I think the palette carries a very nice range from warm to cool tones. Personally, I am not a fan of neutral palettes because they are one and the same. Also, shimmery eyeshadows are my weakness. This palette allows me to try out bolder colours eg. Black with blue shimmers, the pink and the chartreuse. In terms of quality, the shadows are pigmented. I have tried out the black colour for a smoky eye – and it looked great. The white colour is also perfect for highlighting. The drawback is that the shadows are a bit chalky. Also, I wish there were a matte transition shade, which allows this palette to become an all-in-one eyeshadow palette
2. Urban Decay Moondust Liquid Eyeshadow – Recharge (HIT) £15.50
This has been on my wish list for months now – and I have finally gotten a hold of it! As a lover of all things pink, I went for this metallic colour with rusted pink glitters. I totally understand why it is so hyped up – contrary to many liquid eyeshadows (like the ELF ones), this one is surprisingly blendable. When well-blended, it is the most gorgeous shimmery sheen on your eye-lids: truly like moondust. A little bit goes a very long way. One caveat when using that is that the glitter particles do tend to fall off and land on the face – but not excessively so.
3. Urban Decay Mascara Resurrection (HIT) £10.00
This product intrigues me – a translucent mascara. I was told that it should be applied after mascara throughout the day for voluminous lashes without clumping them up. However, I used it as a sort of lash primer/fixer before applying mascara. The problem with my lashes is that they do not hold any curl (just like my hair), which causes another range of problems eg. that notorious black ring of mascara. I applied this after curling my lashes, and already, they add volume to my lashes. I then added one coat of mascara and good heavens – they have not looked this curled, this voluminous before. The lasting power is also mind-blowing and it should come off easily with any oil-based remover.
(Picture: Left - without product ; Right - with product)
4. Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser (MISS) £40
I have always been a bit of a skincare junkie. I have heard great things about Eve Lom, and Lisa Eldridge (and many revered beauty experts) have raved about this product. I went for a travel size, since this was an impulse buy and my trusty Caudalie cleanser has not run out. Right off the bat, the travel size was very generous, and you only need a tiny bit each time. It has a balm-like consistency and goes on quite thick. I think this product would be perfect for dry/normal skin types. My skin type is a bit unique in that it is very sensitive, and I have abnormally small pores that clog up easily (some say small pores are a blessing – guess there are always two sides to a coin). This cleanser was too heavy-duty for my liking, and the scent is off-putting.
5. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Compact – Translucent (MISS) £38
My favourite has always been the Shiseido powder (also in translucent). That powder was extremely finely milled, slightly brightening and not drying at all. Those were the things I was looking for in my new powder. I have heard wonderful things about the luminous silk line, so I took the plunge. I think it is definitely a good product and does what a powder should do, but it does not wow me. Sadly, it is slightly drying. And for that price point, it is underwhelming.
6. Rimmel Clear Brow Gel (HIT) £4.99
My hair is a dark auburn and my brows are very pronounced. I never go for a coloured brow gel, because it would make them heavy. This clear brow gel does what it should do – separates, adds shape and volumises my brows. The brush is reasonably small (which I love for brows) and the lasting power is great as well. I even think it is comparable to higher-end brow products eg. Eyeko.
7. Rimmel Royal Cream Blush – Majestic Pink (HIT) £5.50
This purchase I can justify – I am a huge fan of cream blushes. My skin is a bit dry, and I dislike the way power blushes can look patchy and unnatural. This pink is just a neutral true pink - it can be layered. When applied, it gives you that natural-looking flush. I think the best way to apply it is with your fingers and then blend out with a damp sponge.
8. Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner – Brown (NOT) £5.99
This is actually the REAL REASON why I went out in the first place. Ironic though – it is also the product that I do not love. The tip is very thin, which I always opt for, as I never do winged liner. However, I have used the eyeliner for less than a week, and it has already started drying up on me. The colour application is uneven. The tip is also too rigid for my liking.
- ROUND UP -
Hits - Anna Sui Eyeshadow Palette, Urban Decay Mascara Resurrection and Moondust Eyeshadow, Rimmel Clear Brow Gel and Royal Blush
Misses - Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser ; Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Compact ; Maybelline Master Precise Eyeliner
xoxo 1-3-8