Benefit - Big Beautiful Eyes

Big Beautiful Eyes is a palette by Benefit Cosmetics, which contains the following products:

• Boi-ing concealer in nr.2
• A very light pink, shimmery eyeshadow
• A shimmery, light brown eyeshadow
• A matte, dark brown eyeshadow
• A concealer brush
• A double-ended brush with one end for shadow, the other for liner

Below you can see the three shadows. I use the lightest shade all over my lid, the middle one in my crease, and the darkest one I use wet as a liner, or dry as an extra emphasis for my crease. That way, you can take this palette from day to night, by adjusting the amount of liner and crease drama, so to speak.

Note, though, that even if you use the darkest colour wet, it won't be very dramatic as a liner.

The shadows are all very smooth and almost feel buttery - I haven't experienced any fallout with the shimmery shades, but just a tiny bit (next to none) from the matte one. The colours in the picture are very true to life.

Swatches, L-R: On top is Boi-ing concealer in nr.2. On the bottom are the shadows, lightest, middle, darkest. As you can see, the lightest colour is very light, and the middle colour has a bit of a pink undertone to it, which I don't really like. It is subtle, though.

You can also see that the concealer is way too dark for me, which means that it is as good as useless for me. I do sometimes use it as a base under the shadows, but since it is not meant to be an e/s primer, it doesn't prevent creasing.

The brushes are better quality than I had expected, but they are still not great.

• The shadow brush ("contour") is very strangely cut, it is completely flat on top. I use it for placing the lightest colour on the lid, as well as sweeping the middle colour in my crease.
• The eyeliner brush ("liner") feels cheap to me, and it isn't completely straight, which it is supposed to be. It can be used, though.
• The concealer brush ("concealer") feels way to stiff... but then again, I am not a fan of these traditional concealer brushes. I don't use this one, since it is also too stiff for placing shadow on the lid.

So to sum things up, then this is a nice little palette with good-quality eyeshadows and usable brushes, if you like natural looks, and definitely good for travelling. However, if you are fair (like me) or dark, you won't be able to use the concealer, which is a big downside, since you will pay for more than you will use.

And does it make my eyes look bigger? Well, I think so, yes :)

Product (65%) - 8/10 (love the shadows, but I can't use the concealer)

Value (10%) - 8/10

Would I repurchase? (15%) - 8/10

Packaging (10%) - 9/10 (very cute, feels sturdy and it is made from paper, which makes it lighter and better for travelling)

Overall - 8/10

 

Love, Miss Diorista

Make Up Store - A "Red" Haul!

Have you seen xsparkage's video where she does the candy cane look? If not, then you need to go and see it... I completely fell in love with it, so cute! I really wanted to recreate it, but since I didn't have a red eyeliner, red glitter or a red eyeshadow... I went and bought them :)

My shop of choice was Make Up Store, simply because it had been a while since I last shopped there, and also because they usually have a wide variety of colours. I mean, this has to be the only red eyeliner I have ever seen! I love how they wrap everything up for you - it makes me feel so pampered when I start unwrapping it at home!

The red eyeliner. It is called Very Berry, and is actually usable on its own, as a fun pop of colour. My eyes are of a blue/grey kind of a colour (you can see my eyes here if you're interested!), and this really makes them pop. So I won't only be using it for Christmas :)

The red glitter, called Poison. I love the packaging of it, when you first open it, you have to open a second lid to actually get the product out. Makes it save to travel with, as well as makeup bag friendly.

I also really like how the opening is only wide enough for a small to medium brush to get in there - if you drop it, not all of your glitter will fall out.

Since they were sold out on the eyeshadow that I wanted, I decided to buy this blush called Frozen Daiquiri. How fun is that name :) It is a gorgeous shimmery colour, similar to MAC's Bite of an Apple (check out my swatch here) except that this one is shimmery and way more pigmented. Maybe it has a hint more red to it, too. About the shimmer, I would say that it was kind of a cross between a satin and a sheertone shimmer. Not so shimmery as the latter, but a little more than a satin. Quite nice, and I love the packaging.

Some swatches for you! Unfortunately, I didn't have my usual lighting, so it is a little bit blurry, but the colours are about right. Kind of explains it self, but for reference: Very Berry eyeliner on top, and below are Frozen Daiquiri blush (left) and Poison glitter (right).

I will show you some pictures when I do the candy cane look, so stay tuned!

Love,

Miss Diorista

MAC - Superslick Liquid Eyeliner in Pure Show

This eyeliner came out with the Fabulous Felines collection by MAC, the Leopard Luxe, to be precise. It is a liquid, gold eyeliner. And believe me. When I say gold, I mean gold. This is not yellow with glitter. It is gold.

Here you can see the brush or applicator tip. It is very nice and can be used for fine work.

And some swatches. The upper two stripes are heavily swatched, the lowest one is a bit thinner. The consistency of the liner is great,very workable. It stays on all night, yet comes off very easily with eye makeup remover.

I love this. Period.

Yours,
Miss Diorista

September Hits!

Yes, I know that it's the tenth of October... but I still really want to do my September favourites, so I decided to just forget the calendar for a few minutes! Please turn all forgetful with me, will ya?

First of all, you see Sprinsheen blush by MAC. Do I love this. I wore nothing else the first two weeks after I got this. I absolutely love this. Did I tell you how much I love this blush?

The little pink pot is a concealer, the Erase Paste by Benefit. I'm in the lightest shade, nr. 1. This is a really creamy concealer, stays on all day and covers really well. Yes, it does crease a little bit, but I can live with that :)

And the powder you see is also by Benefit, the Hello Flawless! It is a powder which is supposed to cover like a foundation. I really love this. It covers up pretty decently, and feels good. I'm in the shade "Gee, I'm swell, SHELL". Only downfall is that I am going through this pretty quickly... on the other hand, I have been using it almost every day for about two months now, so maybe that's why I'm seeing pan already!

Here, you see the... long things. Yeah. Good explanation of my behalf, wasn't it? Okay then, Miss Diorista. Let´s see your long things!

First up is my favourite mascara so far, the Voluminous by L'Oréal. This is just beyond words, makes my lashes long and lush, doesn't clump and is very black. I don't like it when mascaras say "black", but come out looking all gray. This one says black, and is black.

The brush is an e/s blender by The Body Shop. Sure, it's a good blender, but the reason it's here, is that it is a great brush for creating subtle shadows for an everyday look. If you just want that extra depth/emphasize on your eyes, without it looking like you have any eyeshadow on, then this is your brush. Love it, have been using it constantly.

Yes, I've been on an eye-lining rush lately... the first one is by Clinique, a Cream Shaper for Eyes in 103, called Egyptian. It is a beautiful kind of khaki green colour. Really dark though, and looks black once on. Just not quite as harsh, which I why I love it. Also really creamy, so to prevent smudging, I would set it with some dark e/s.

The white eyeliner is by Sisley, it is a Kohl eyeliner, in Snow. Has some subtle shimmer to it, and is just a dream. Creamy enough to be used on your waterline, yet doesn't smudge. However, it is also creamy enough to be used under your brow as a highlight... so this is a wonderproduct, I'm telling you! Creamy when it has to be and non-creamy when it is supposed to be exactly that! Lol!

The last long thing I've got to show you is a Velvet Eyeliner from GOSH, in 01 Blue Moon. It is a beautiful blue colour. Not a bright blue, just... the perfect blue. I love it! Adds some bling to your eyes without being too overpowering!

Here are some swatches for you guys. On top is the Springsheen blush, then the eyeliners. First is Egyptian, then Sisley Snow, finally the GOSH one.

So, what have you been loving for the month of September? Please tell me, I'd love to know!

And leave any requests for product reviews in the comments ;)

Yours,

Miss Diorista

The Body Shop - Fall Haul!

Remember back in summer, when I posted some pictures of the gorgeous fall collection that TBS has this fall? Well, probably not :) But anyways, I finally had the time to drop by and I picked up a few items... let's have a look, shall we?

So, here you can see all the products that I got. Of course, I mainly went there to get the blush :) I got mine in the Berry shade, but the other one is a bronzy one (called Chestnut). It was quite nice looking as well, but first of all, I thought it had too much of a metallic look to it, and also, it was maybe a bit too bronzy for my fair skin? Well, I don't know why, but somehow, I just wanted the blush. I'm just addicted to blushes! I really love this blush. Just screams "fall"!

Then, I got one of the three e/s that came out with the collection. This one is in Velvet Green (the others are Peach and Midnight Blue). It is dark green, with loads of green and gold shimmer/glitter to it. Very pretty, but a bit fall-out-y. I actually got this one for the purpose of using it to set the green kajal that I bought.

I also got a green kajal, the shade is called Evergreen. I haven't really tried it out yet, but it sure looks pretty :)

The last thing I got was the blush brush. It is very soft, but not the greatest one for swirling your blush on. Good for precise application, though.

And now the swatches!

First, you see the eyeliner. To the left, it is swatched alone. Then, it is swatched with the green e/s on top. Do you see how the colour just comes alive? Wow. So pretty. Perfect for a "fall" night out! To the right is the e/s on its own.
Then, below those swatches, you can see the blush shades. There are four on top. Starting from the left: A brownish colour, a very pretty pink colour, a cranberry colour (my faveourite) and a highlight colour. Below those, they are all blended together.

A side look at the blush brush. It is rather slim for a blush brush, don't you think? I actually find that it works a bit better as a brush for setting makeup with pressed powder. Does a wonderful job in that area.

And finally, I have here two pics of the beautiful blush. The one above is with flash, the one below is without it. Just decided to post both, so that you could get a better idea of the blush.

So, what do you think? Have you bought anything from the Smoke and Fire Collection, or will you be buying something? And don't you just love the lovely pattern on the blush?

If you have any requests for product reviews, I'd be happy to post those for you, so please leave them in the comments :)

Yours,

Miss Diorista

Haul from Germany (part 1) - UMA

Hi there!

So finally, I managed to get up from my lazy haze, and snatch a few haul pics for you!

I bought way too much while I was in Germany, so this haul is probably going to be split into quite a few parts... A few of the items that you will be seeing the next few days are bought a few days before or after my trip, but most of them come from Germany. So let's get started!

In this part I will be featuring all UMA stuff... UMA is a German makeup brand, but I really hope that you can get their products online (or from stores, wherever you are), because some of their products are really fun to have.

Starting from the left:

1. First up are two eye shadows. The brown one (08 sexy kitten) is a really pretty, light caramel colour, but the blue one (06, peppermint patty) is a frosty blue with a hint of peppermint. Both are really shimmery, but the pigmentation is not so fabulous. Also, there is a whole lot of fallouts... no, I won't start collecting this eye shadow line by UMA, but they are nice to have.

2. The brown thing (beneath the eye shadows) that looks like a liquid concealer is a lip colour base. I've only used it once, but it is supposed to smooth out your lips, make the lipstick show up better, and increase the longevity of your lip makeup. Since I haven't really tried it out yet, I can't tell you how it is...

3. Next, you see two eye liners. One is a beautiful khaki green (Automatic Kajal, 04), the other one is a glittery lilac (Glitter Eyeliner, 169A)! How fun! However, forget ever using those two on your waterline, they are not smooth enough. Plus, you don't want to get glitter in your eyes, so be careful.

4. I "hid" the lipstick in the lipgloss set to keep it open, lol! It looks terrifying, I know! I don't even know why I swatched it at the store. But I did, and I quite like it! Yes, it is really really dark, but if you only use a thin layer of this lipstick, you get a beautiful plum colour - perfect for fall. I look forward to using this when the winter comes. And don't worry - I will never wear it as dark as it seems on the pic! (Unless I apply for a part in a witch movie... wouldn't I make for the perfect witch? LOL!)

5. The small lipgloss set is just too pretty! It is really handy to have, and nice as a small gift. The shades are also really shimmery and pretty, and there is something in there for everyone.

6. Beneath the lipgloss set, you see my two favourite things in this part of the haul. They are cream eye shadows, and oh my! At a quick glance, those two seem to be the same colour, but they are actually not. The one to the left is a golden one, but to the right is a golden colour with more pink to it (they don't have numbers). Both are really beautiful, very shimmery (almost metallic), pigmentation is great, and they last so long! Also, the packaging is so handy to throw in your purse on your way out! It comes with a doe foot applicator, and the colours can be built. That way, you can create a whole smokey look with just one of those! Think about how handy that would be if you decided to go the movies last-minute!

7. The last item is a clear brow and lash gel (clear mascara, though I haven't used it as a mascara...). I don't like the idea of putting this on my lashes, and I don't really see the point of doing so. However, this is a lovely gel for your brows! It holds them, but doesn't dry to a crispy finish. Looks really natural. Also, the comb is great.

So that is it for this part! If you would like me to review any of those items, please let me know!

My best regards,

Miss Diorista.

P.S. A review of MAC Blushcreme in Lilicent is coming up - I don't have it anymore, someone stole it (along with my blushes and eye shadows - even my MAC Shell Pearl is gone, so sad!). But I remember how it was and I always planned on doing the review, so I'm doing it soon!

Skincare and Makeup Haul!

Today, I went to the store... and of course, I found a few items that were right up my alley! This was not a cosmetics store, (it was a grocery store, actually!), so the only cosmetics they sold was Maybelline. But I'm okay with that!
I also got quite a few masks and skincare items. So let´s get started!

Starting with the makeup, I got three things.
1) First comes a lipstick, Color Sensational (by Maybelline) in the color 240, called Galactic Mauve. It is a really pretty colour, a rosy pink mauve, with a hint of lilac, very subtle brown undertones(can't really see them, unless the lighting is dim) and beautiful golden shimmer. Maybe a bit dark for summer... but with lipgloss over it (I'm thinking a nude one...), it would look a bit lighter. Swatched on top.

2) Next comes a mascara! I'm so excited about this one! It is the Maybelline's Colossal! Mine is in Glam Black. They also had plain Black, (they promised it was 100% black...) and I don't know what the difference is, but Glam Black definitely sounded more fun to me! You maybe remember (from my Mascara Wishlist post) that one of my friends uses this mascara, and her lashes look amazing. So since I saw it today, I decided to give it a try, and I ran back home to try it on! I have to say, that I was not disappointed! Wow! I've only been using it for a few hours now, but so far, I really really like this! Thanks for recommending this to me, friend (lol, no names!)! My niece actually recommended Clinique's Naturally Glossy Mascara for pretty and natural lashes... I might give that one a try too, it sounds good!

3) Last but not least is an eye liner, Maybelline's Line Definer in Brown Bronze Gleam. I also tried this on when I came home, but I'm not ready to say whether I love it or not... I think I like it, the colour is nice. It is a dark brown bronzed colour with a hint of shimmer, and actually goes well with a natural look (which I have on today). I like the fact that it has a twisting thing (lol). I will tell you more once I'm sure about what I think! Swatched on the bottom.

I like the bristles on this mascara a lot, the brush is pretty big and dense, and easy to use!

Then on to skincare items! Starting from the left ;)

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1) First we have Nose Pore Strips (with Tea Tree) by Botanical Choice (by Purederm). I'm going to try those tonight or tomorrow... I´ve never used anything like this before, and I'm super excited!

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2) The next two items are also by Botanical Choice (by Purederm), and they are Anti-Stress Heat Therapy Masks, one in "Apricot" and one in "Oatmeal". Once on your face, these are supposed to heat up and give you the feeling of a warm towel on your face. Sounds good!

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3) Then we have a Ultra Hydrating Shea Butter Mask in "Coconut" by Botanical Choice (by Purederm). Basically, this is simply supposed to moisturize and soften. Contains shea butter, coconut and lavender.

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4) The tube is Apricot, a Facial Scrub Cream. This is an exfoliating scrub with natural apricot oil and finely crushed walnut shell. I can't wait to start using this, it smells good too!

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5) Now on to the second row! First, we have a Pearl Essence Mask by Purederm. This actually has vitamin E, collagen, and pearl powder! How good does that sound, you tell me!

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6) Next comes Nivea's Gentle Peel Off Mask. I am obsessed with the idea behind this (if I get this right...) This is supposed to set on your face, and then you can peel it off... we'll see if it works!

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7) Then comes a Pore-Shrinking Mud Masque by Andrea. This is said to really... well, you guessed it: shrink your pores! I don't really have visible pores, except on my nose and the top of my forehead, so that is where I will use this. Hopefully it works!

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8) And lastly, we have Firming Leg Gel by Andrea. It is supposed to really rev up tired legs and tone them a bit too... we'll see!

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So that is all... it is quite a lot, IMO... have you tried any of this? Would you like a full review on any of those products? Please comment and tell me!

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Yours,

Miss Diorista.

The Body Shop - Fall Makeup Collection 2010

Tomorrow, the 6th of July 2010, The Body Shop releases its fall collection for 2010. I only heard about it today, from the great blog http://hebrideanspritebeauty.blogspot.com/. Go check it out, she only features non-animal testing brands.
This collection is called Smoke and Fire, and I have to say, that I am kind of excited... First of all, I have never tried a kajal eye liner, like the ones below. They come in three colours, black, silver and green. I'm thinking about getting the green one (if it isn't too bright), even though the review I read on those was not too good...

Now, on to the really exciting stuff. The blush below, has me drooling... It is so beautiful! I love love love the pattern, it looks so delicate and well done, but I also LoVe the colour! Multi-coloured blushes are a favourite of mine, since I think they give a more complex and natural glow (if you think about it, your natural flush is not just one colour). I also really like the fact that this blush seems to be a bit shimmery (doesn't seem to be glittery, whew!) but not matte. Last but not least, this blush seems to be a rather warm shade, which I like.

This blush also comes in a "bronzer" kind of shade, but I don't think, judging just from pictures, that I will be very keen on it. It has a bit of yellow in it, and I'm not really interested in having a yellow hue on my cheeks... just personal preference, I guess!

What do you think about this collection? Will you be getting anything from it? Tell me in the comments below!

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Yours,

Miss Diorista.

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P.S. Thanks, theNotice (beauty blog) for the pics!