Review: Sephora Pro Lesson Palette: Smoky Eyes

Hi guys :D
I'm here with a review for a palette (FINALLY) and it's the:
Sephora Pro Lesson Palette: Smoky Eyes!

Sephora Pro Lesson Palette in Smoky Eyes

If you've read my latest blogposts, I mentioned receiving palettes from my sister. Well, hers.

This was one of them but I returned it.

Reason being that it was a gift from her husband and I don't think it's good that I should keep it!

I did get to try it out and test it though.

Anyway, moving on~

Simple and Sleek.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

What it is: A makeup palette and illustrated lesson to help you create two looks: a brown smoky eye and a black smoky eye.

What it does: Pro Lesson Palettes are the easiest way to learn new makeup effects. You'll get illustrated instructions for two looks. Easy to follow without flipping between pages or looking for cards, the instructions are printed directly on the palette. Once you learn a new technique, the six included eye shadows create endless options. 

What else you need to know: Each eye shadow is made with a high-payoff and blendable formula. The eye pencil is highly pigmented and designed to avoid tugging. Colour products are stored in a high-quality compact that features a magnetic closure. Size: 5 x 5"

This palette contains 6 eyeshadows that are 1.67g each and also a 0.62g eyeliner. There are no brushes nor sponge-tip applicators. It has a big mirror and 2 step-by-step instructions on how to achieve a brown smoky eye and also a basic black one. Three other palettes from the Pro Lesson Palette collection also exist (Green Eyes, Blue Eyes and Brown Eyes) and it's from the Fall 2011 collection (yikes!). The product is made in China.

I'm not sure about the price, sorry.

The back of the palette (click on the photo to zoom in)

Anyway, I think my brother-in-law got this this year or late last year from Sephora Singapore or Malaysia. The palette's still good though!

It says to use up in 6 months ( '-' ) I thought eyeshadows can last up to two years? Hm.


The palette itself has a weight to it, nothing TOO heavy, but it's not travel-friendly either. It could work as a travelling palette but there's just so much wasted space due to the concept, bulking it up more than it should.

Inside of the palette (with an invisible black eyeliner lol)

The instructions are printed directly onto the palette. Sure, maybe it's better than a separate booklet that you can lose, but with that concept, look at how much space is wasted. This palette could have been far more compact than it is, don't you think?

As for the pigmentation, I was pleasantly surprised. I didn't really expect highly of it (oopsies) but I really loved how it goes on the eyes. 

The swatches are swatched once on bare skin, no primer.

From the Top:

- Midnight Black Eyeliner
- Ivory
- Catherine
- Must Have
- Californian Blonde
- Marie
- Dark Brown

It's pigmented on its own, coupled with a base, it'd be even better. I was really impressed by the two mattes in this palette (Dark Brown and Must Have), it's so pigmented (although my swatch of Dark Brown is a bit clumsy) but they are quite prone to fallout. The same goes for Californian Blonde, with its shimmers.

These are wonderful eyeshadows! They are quite buttery and blends easily. Coupled with a good primer, these are awesome!

As for the eyeliner, it's quite a smudgy one (due to it being a Smoky Palette), so you can use it as a base to intensify the colours a bit more. Once it sets, it'll stay on quite well, but it's not waterproof.

There's just one complaint: The instructions don't really work.

My sister tried doing the smokey eye look on me using it and I just looked like someone had punched me! I don't normally follow instructions myself, because only you know your eyes and everyone has different eye shapes!

You cannot get the intense black as shown in the instructions. 

They didn't even include the black liner in them!

Kinda disappointing.

But if you just use it as you would everyday, it is a good palette.

My favourite shade in this is Marie. It's just a gorgeous taupe brown colour.


---

PROS:

- Eyeshadows are pigmented and buttery.
- There are instructions for beginners.
- It has a big mirror.
- Has a good black eyeliner with the palette.
- Has wearable shades for everyday.
- Shades easily transition from day to night.


CONS:

- Not available locally.
- The instructions don't correspond with the pictures.
- Waste of packaging when it could have been a compact palette.
- No applicators (some may like this because not everyone likes them)
- Fallouts, especially with the matte shades.


Rating: 4/5 (Love the eyeshadows!)

Will I buy this again?

After trying this out, I'm open to buying Sephora eyeshadow in the future :D not particularly this palette.

Do I recommend this?

If you can still find this I guess! Although the colours aren't that unique.


Where can you find this?

It's still available on Amazon :)
But it's sold out on Sephora's website (discontinued I guess).
Maybe you can still find it at locally available Sephoras.


---

This definitely showed me the quality of Sephora eyeshadows, definitely.
It's not particularly helpful now, I believe, but look at that pigmentation!

The matte colours are gorgeous.

I hope you found it interesting!

'til then, take care!

-Nisah-

Etude House Play Color Eyes Palette

This is the palette that caught my eye last night @_@
Since I missed out on the EH Rose Flowering Eyes Palette, I really want this.

There I go again ( >A< )

Kinda fixed SOME of the wordings.
Some I ignored LOL.
You can find the original on some sites.

Out of the two, I am gravitating more toward #2 So Chic Play.
I am in LOVE with #1 So Hot Play's 'Burning Red' and 'Temptation' BUT not the last 5 colours. I don't do smokey eyes that much.

As for the second palette, the only colour I might not like very much is 'Midnight Star' and 'Glam Forest'. So basically, 2 out of 10 is out but the rest is in.

That beats the first palette, no? LOL


I was in love with 'Blossom' from the Rose Flowering Eyes, so I'm tempted by the red and orange.


EEK.

Well, I MIGHT get this.

Or I'll wait for reviews and swatches.

I DON'T KNOW.


IF I DO GET THIS, THEN IT'S PALETTE FASTING.


UNLESS I GET IT, I SWATCH IT AND I DON'T LIKE IT THEN IT MIGHT GO ON A BLOGSALE.

HELP.



Another negative is that I prefer #1's packaging over #2.

Sigh.

I am NOT getting both, that's for sure.


Should I get it???


I really should write more reviews lol, rather than rambling or ranting.


If you guys are gonna get it, which palette do you like more?
Tell me!

'til then, take care!


-Nisah-

I don't need sleep.

...I was gonna sleep but I kept thinking about death.
It's been a few days since it's like that. I wasn't depressed.
Well, now I am.


It's nothing too bad. I can still control it, so far...
I decided to do chores like laundry and feeding the cats, cleaning the area, washing some dishes, etc.

Kinda feel like playing games too.


Sleepy...but I'd rather do some stuff, y'know.



I wanted to clean my room and organise my makeup but my room's just too small for this.
Makes me wanna have a small room just for makeup.


Sigh.

Kinda contemplating on selling my still new UD Naked 2 because I have the MUA 'Undress Me Too' that I won from a giveaway held by Ka Sheila. It's not the same payoff, I'm sure (well based on reviews online, plus UD makes awesome shadows) but then again, I don't think I need it. I WANT to keep it for the sake of keeping it. I bought that as a birthday present for myself.

...but it's like, I kinda want MORE.


I'm eyeing this new palette I saw last night.


I don't even know about the colour payoff yet.

It's just that...I want it.



I told myself after Balm Voyage, I'll stop, but this palette is just...so cute.


Limited edition too.


But forget about that.

I'm just frustrated because I have less space now.
If I organise my makeup space well, I can at least use my makeup in a good balanced rotation.


The only palette I've made a dent on is the Sleek Au Naturel, which is funny because it doesn't WOW me. I just love to use it lol.


My sister gave me (I think I mentioned this) three of her TooFaced palettes and one Sephora (although I've convinced her to take it back because it was a gift from her hubby) so that added to my collection SIGNIFICANTLY.

Interestingly, the only palette I liked so far was the Sephora one LOL.


A review will come soon hopefully.


Makeup kinda made me depressed. Well, it added to it.


Maybe I can get a new vanity place. Or a better drawer for them.


( =_= ) sigh.




Well, maybe I should take a nap.

I don't wanna break.


'til then, take care!

-Nisah-

Thankful (Cystic Acne and Scars)

Tonight, just after my shower, I looked into the mirror and said: "Alhamdulillah".

This is for my face right now.

My face is not perfect, far from it. I have an oily T-zone, with very difficult blackheads but the acne scars that I used to have on my cheeks, my forehead and my jaw, are almost gone.

I have acne here and there, mostly from periods and maybe stress, but nothing like from last year.
I get paranoid from trying out products, afraid it'd give me cysts, but so far, nothing like that.

Nowadays, my skin scars soooo easily, so I cannot be laidback about my skincare or my diet. I still mostly use what I know fades them: Eskinol Papaya and a pigmentation fading serum. I try different moisturisers from time to time. I try use other toners and stuff...but when I have stubborn scars, I take out my Eskinol and the Papaya Gel.

If the scars are fading, I rotate my skincare to kinda save the products lol.

But I do use the serums everyday (I have two, sometimes I combine both lol I don't know if that does double or what, or just use one of them).

Sometimes I use T3 Mycin when I think I need it, and most of the time, I spot treat using Mario Badescu Drying Cream. Sometimes even Nixoderm.

I still need to put up a review of the Dr. Pico Hydrogel but unfortunately I didn't really take photos of the after. I KNOW there was a difference, I just dunno if it's sufficient lol. I did like it, that's for sure. Especially the Whitening Serum.


I try and steam my face but it's soooo troublesome so I'm like bleh.
I do masks here and there, mostly clay/mud masks, and I do use an abrasive exfoliant (don't copy meee) because I like the feel.



I don't wanna take my face for granted, ever again.
Gonna take care of it, even though my makeup obsessed self wants to slather thick foundation and creams just for the sake of it (but I don't lol)

So yeah.

Remember this face:

( > < ) HMMM.

With enough effort, maybe it'll get better.

I didn't edit the photos other than editing my horrendous dark circles and 'stache shadow lol.

I also colour corrected it, but that's about it.

The pictures aren't that clear but the photos above were also taken with my front camera, although with natural light.

I like this pic lol.

You can see how my nose is quite oily.

I also have a scar around my neck area that I'm trying to fade with Bio-Oil lol.

When I look at this, I also regret ever going to Skintologist.

I still believe their harsh extractions aggravated my skin even more back then.

What I use on my face isn't all natural, I know, but if you have less scars, you wouldn't need heavy makeup.

I've been using makeup less and less, just sunscreen, concealer and light powder.

Sometimes I don't even wear any makeup, depending on the day.

So yeah.

Alhamdulillah, I'm thankful for being able to fade my scars.

Slowly, but surely, it'll go away.

'til then, take care!

-Nisah-

Products I've Been Loving! (Makeup)

Hi guys! I have so many products I've been using recently, sometimes I can't even remember!

I think I should do a separate one for skincare, but one product sneaked into this post LOL. I was taking a pic on Instagram and I noticed that it can't fit all my faves! I won't talk about the skincare product here I guess.

Anyway, here are the products:

Love these!

1. theBalm "Nude'tude Palette"

- I've been using this palette a lot recently! I've barely made a dent though, because you know what? A little goes a long way! My fave shades are Snobby, Selfish and Sexy!

2. essence "Stay Natural Concealer"

- This is a recent favourite. It's not super long lasting, but for a couple of hours, it's good. Affordable and it covers well, set it with a good powder and you're good to go (as in, increase the longevity.)

3. Cyber Colors "24H Eyebrow Pen"

- It's in '01 Gray', and applies so nicely. It lasts a long time (as the name suggests) and blends easily too. Sometimes I can accidentally overdo it, but since it's a bit waxy, you won't have that problem as much.

4. essence "I ♥ Stage Eyeshadow Base"

- My go-to primer nowadays. I love it a lot!. You can read the review here.

5. SkinFood "Tomato Sun Cream SPF36 PA++"

- My new best friend when I don't want to wear a foundation or BB cream. I don't know why but it just makes my face look a lot put together! I normally wear it at night when I go out XD I'm actually running out of it! It's not too heavy and blends so easily.

6. Rimmel London "Stay Matte Pressed Powder"

- In 'Transparent'. I didn't think this powder keeps me matte for 5 hours, but it really does a good job. Paired with my sunscreen, this is awesome! There's so much product too!

7. The Body Shop "Born Lippy Stick Lip Balm"

- I recently reviewed this. It's my go-to lip balm right now.

8. Revlon "Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick"

- Totally loving 'Mauve it Over' right now! Lovely MLBB lipstick that's not too pink, not too nude. It's just lovely! Doesn't dry me out. Review here.

9. Etude House "Sweet Recipe Cupcake All Over Color"

- In 'Raspberry Mousse Cake'. I use this as a cream blush and it's just lovely. Easy to blend and the colour looks so natural! You can read my full thoughts here.

10. Etude House "Dr. Oil Solution Anti-Shine Mist"

- Recent favourite. Really helps keep the sebum at bay, especially when paired with an oily face product, like BB creams! Kinda sticky.

11. elianto "Cream Concealer (or something LOL)"

- In '03 Warm'. Perfect shade for my skin if I don't wear anything too light! I have a hard shade to match! My face is a lot pinker and darker than the rest of my body that's yellow based. It really does the trick when I don't want to wear a foundation. Just spot concealing and I'm good to go!

--

That's it for the makeup products I'm loving so far. I don't think the sunscreen counts as makeup, but I generally treat it as part of my makeup routine! So it's makeup to me~

I think if I was given a choice, I think I can survive with just these as my makeup products. No eyeliner? That's true. I don't generally use it unless I have a lot of time! With my thick rimmed glasses, you can barely see them anyway!

I will definitely do some in-depth reviews for some of the products! Anything you'd like to see first?

'til then, take care!

-Nisah-

Less is more? What about my addiction?!

Yes, I have an unhealthy addiction to makeup. Buying them. Less about wearing them.
I do wear them, but not as often as you'd think.

Nowadays, I go out at night with only sunscreen (yep, you read that right), some concealer (which I rotate around) and my Rimmel transparent powder. Sometimes I use eyeshadow, sometimes I don't. As for the lips, I mainly try and use a lipstick or a lipgloss. I try to always do my brows though.

Just like that, I look presentable.

But I somehow CAN'T STOP buying new things.
Like whyyy.

Sometimes I tell myself, "I don't need it!" but then my heart goes, "But I want it!"
I look at my wallet, see money, grab the thing and pay for it.

I run out of skincare and bodycare a lot faster than makeup, which is to be expected.
I'm not a makeup artist, I only ever use makeup on myself. I have too much makeup for one person.

Knowing this, try and take a look at my wishlist, and come back here.

Yes, I still want them.
Quite strongly too.


Nowadays, I even go out without makeup sometimes, especially when my scars are faded.
I let my skin breathe quite a lot, but my makeup is crying.

Crying for me to use them.


I use them, I do use them! But for one person, I only have one face to use up all these products!


Most of the time, I buy it because it's pretty, because it's cute.
I get tired of skincare when it breaks me out or something.

Makeup on me rarely does that, hence I have no reservations.


The things I really love buying are mostly eyeshadow bases, eyeshadow and foundation/BB cream/face powder. I think eyeliner too lol. OH, let us not forget lip products.

I'm kinda 'eh' about mascara and blushes.

I also have a growing lash collection (but I only use them for photoshoots x.x).


But nowadays, I like how I look with less makeup. Just spot concealing and stuff is enough. I think my eyes are okay on their own too.

But my makeup is crying.



I'm planning on getting one or two theBalm palettes I want.
I plan on getting one new foundation. Maybe even two.


I even plan on the Naked 3 palette.



....I think I need rehab.



( ;~; ) this isn't healthy and I know it.
But the joy it gives me when I have something beautiful in my hands...I'm sure you all would understand.


Of course it'd be even better if I'm using the makeup on someone else. At least, eyeshadows and stuff.


The makeup looks I try on myself aren't that hard anyway lol.

Sigh.


Also, I have an older sister who gives/lends me stuff from time to time.
To try out, or to keep.


She's kinda enabling me lol.
My mom kinda does too.



Dad knows it makes me happy, sometimes he gets me stuff from time to time.


I have two other sisters who aren't that into it.
My sis-in-law loves makeup, but is reserved about it.


( 'w' ) I have a brother who likes to say I look like a man with makeup.
THAT'S NOT GONNA STOP ME, BROTHER.


So yeah.

I love makeup.


Because it can turn me into a pretty person. Or someone guy-ish.

But I don't like it when people think I'm pretty.

Because it's not the real me.

Which is weird.

I dunno.

To be honest, I think it's mostly angles, poses and wigs.

LOL, seriously!

The lighting of this pic is bleh but whatever.

Sunscreen, concealer, transparent powder, eyebrow pencil and a lipstick.
I was wearing my sister's Chanel Rouge Allure in '78 Instinctive'

From this, I went home and well, there's this:

Ohai.

Angles, face expression, wig...etc.

Honestly, if I do this all the time, I'd realize I don't need all the makeup.

But I'm a collector.

I also use these things.

But I mostly collect.

I love theBalm eyeshadows.

I want the wearable palettes.

ALL OF THEM.

( ;A\ ) NUOOOO.

Of course, for photoshoots, I need the best makeup possible.

Sigh.

So I'm looking for the best foundation.

Less is more nowadays because I look okay with less.

I used to have horrible acne and scars, that's when I needed it the most.

Now I mainly feel like I need to use them.

I think after the two theBalm palettes and maybe Naked 3, I should stop.

After the two foundations, I should rest my wallet.

If I ever need more makeup, I should focus on concealers. 

....something smells burnt.

I need to stop this here.

'til then, take care!

-Nisah-

Review: essence Soft Touch Mousse Make-up

Hi guys :D
I'm back with another review of one of my favourite foundations!

It's the essence Soft Touch Mousse Make-up in '01 Matt Sand'.

essence Soft Touch Mousse Make-up

PRODUCT INFORMATION

the make-up range with a super delicate mousse texture gives your face a smooth and natural-looking matt complexion while allowing your skin to breathe freely.

This foundation contains 16g of product and is housed in a small glass jar with a plastic cap. The product is made in Germany and should be used up within 24 months. There are 4 shades in total for this foundation (so it's kinda hard to match some darker and even lightest skin tone). This can be found at Paloma for BND5.90 (I believe it used to be BND7.90? I think I bought it around that price).

Dermatologically Tested.

INGREDIENTS

CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, DIMETHICONE, DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, SILICA, PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, TRIBEHENIN, TALC, C30-45 ALKYL METHICONE, C30-45 OLEFIN, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, METHICONE, PARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM (MINERAL OIL), PHENOXYETHANOL, METHYLPARABEN, ETHYLPARABEN, MAY CONTAIN: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (IRON OXIDES), CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE).

I've been using this mousse foundation for nearly a year? It's been a few months really, maybe close to 10 months, on and off. Since I have a lot face makeup to use up, it's a miracle that I actually "hit pan" on this.

Whee! I can see the bottom!

What I love about this product is the texture. It's very silicone-y due to the dimethicone so it applies quite soft on the face. I sometimes use my fingers, and I sometimes use a flat top kabuki. Both work pretty well for application. I never used a sponge for it. It blurs the pores I have but it's not enough on its own to cover pigmentation. It settles into the small fine lines but it's not that obvious.

Once applied, it gives a matte finish with light to build-able medium coverage. I think it can even go to full if you really buffed it in rather than layer a chunk in one go. The mousse itself is quite crumbly toward the end which is weird.

The oil control is good and would be better with a good primer. I don't need to set this with a powder at all, unless I use a separate concealer for it.

However, I have to point out that this shade is a tad too light on me! The SA matched this to me ( x.x ) and I just agreed. I think she tried to match it to my hand instead of my neck that time. Either way, I can still work with it.

Mousse-y, slightly crumbly when swatched.

I never noticed the scent but now that I smell it, there is a slight one. Nothing offensive, in fact, it's pleasant. At least this is pleasant. Another review for an essence foundation that I recently bought will come soon. Fragrance is its worst asset.

Blended to cover the vein.
You can see how it settled into the small lines a bit.

That being said, overall, you really don't feel this foundation on your face at all! It's really light and the skin can still breathe, which is awesome!

---

PROS:

-Locally available.

-Quite affordable.

-Build-able coverage.

-Lasts about 4-5 hours (with touch-up).

-Smells nice.

-Good packaging.

-Very lightweight.

-Matte finish with an okay oil control.

-Does not clog my pores.

CONS:

-Limited shades.

-Ingredients aren't the most natural.

-The jar might not be travel-friendly.

-Settles into fine lines.

-Not good for dry skin.

-Smears on my oily t-zone.

Rating: 4/5 (Love this!)

Will I buy this again?

Yes! Hopefully in a matching shade this time.

Do I recommend this?

Try it out :D You might like it. I don't know how much it differs to the Catrice one though.

Where can you find this?

Locally at Paloma.
In Malaysia, I think at selected Watsons.
In the US, I guess maybe Ulta?


---


That's it for my review, hopefully it was somewhat helpful!
Next on the foundation list would be another essence one.

Have you tried this? What do you think about it?

Leave it in the comments, I'd love to know!

'til then, take care!

-Nisah-

Review: The Body Shop Born Lippy Stick Lip Balm in Pink Berry

When I first got this lip balm, I was like: What's a pink berry?

I googled and I got this:

Photo from Google Images

It's basically a new kind of blueberry! It didn't click to me immediately when I googled them though. Another kind of pink berry is Pinkberry, a yogurt chain lol.

My first encounter with this fruit is in the form of The Body Shop's Born Lippy Stick Lip Balm in 'Pink Berry'! I received this lip balm from my brother's girlfriend. Isn't she sweet?

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Our cult lip balm in a stick format. Gives lips a pop of colour, a shot of moisture and a soft shine.

• Light pink tint
• Subtle shine
• Fruity berry flavour

This lip balm contains 5g of product and it is made in UK. There are 6 varieties available overall, and each of them are housed in cute plastic packaging with cartoony lips! I don't really know the price, so I'm sorry about that! EDIT: Thanks to Liza for informing me, the price is BND8.90.

Born Lippy in 'Pink Berry'

Growing up, my mom used to give me and my sisters (even my brother sometimes) those tub lip balms from TBS and I'm a huge fan of the cherry....? Or was it strawberry. My mom got me watermelon once and I wasn't a fan of it. But I found the use of my fingers to apply product kind of annoying and unhygienic.

When TBS came up with this, I wasn't sold on it. To be completely honest, it took me a while to warm up to this lip balm. The first layer was kind of hard so it takes a while for me to go "Oh, I like this."

I've been using it non-stop for about a month or so, and I'm left with this much:

Oooh, nearly hit "pan"

I don't think it moisturises awesomely, but it works well. It kind of leaves a film on your lips, so it protects and slightly hydrates (to me) but it doesn't dry them out.

I don't think it has a taste, it has a pleasant smell at least. Nothing that makes me gag.

As for the tint, Pink Berry makes me look pale LOL.

Like a frosty sheen on my lips.

I mainly use it when I'm on my laptop, so I reach for it a lot.

---

PROS:

-Locally available.

-Has 5 other flavours.

-Travel-friendly.

-Slightly more hygienic since it's in stick form (compared to the original)

-Hydrating enough for a lip balm.

-Gives a tint.

-Cute packaging.

CONS:

-I assume it's pricey for a lip balm (TBS standards)

-Rather than give moisture, it protects instead.

-I wished there was more product.

Rating: 3.5/5 (It's passable)

Will I buy this again?

I wanna try the Toffee flavour, although I think I can find a cheaper lip balm with the same flavour!

Do I recommend this?

I won't say no. It has cute packaging :D

Where can you find this?

At The Body Shop!

---

Kinda happy that this is less rambly than usual XD

I'm kinda tired.

'til then, take care!

-Nisah-

Review: CLIO Gelpresso Pencil Gel Liner Mini

Hi guys, this has been in my backlog for a while lol. Since September! This was originally a swatch post but I guess now I have enough time for my thoughts on it.

I seriously still find it demotivating to have such poor quality pics on my blog :x I'm not gonna lie.
But anyway, I tried my best to show these swatches as true to colour as possible.
These pics were taken under artificial room lighting, so it's a bit dim.

CLIO Gelpresso Pencil Gel Liner Mini

PRODUCT INFORMATION

It is filled with sliding gel texture in the retractable mini auto pencil. It glides on smoothly and gives high-defined eye line. Creamy and melting formula stays put all day long without smudge.

These five eyeliners are housed in a sturdy tin case, and contains 3x45mm (what.) of product each. Try as I might, I couldn't find the grammes. These eyeliners are about 10cm long so it's not that big. These are basically the mini versions of the hyped up Gelpresso liners. The products are made in Korea and costs about BND31 (I think so) at Guardian. They're also found at Paloma.

Back of tin.

I bought mine a while back in KL at SaSa. They're normally priced at RM79.90.

While I was there, I remember trying to swatch the Gelpressos but the testers were horrible!!

So I bought this impulsively.

Inside the tin.

I thought the packaging was kinda cute and cool. It's simply one of those twist-up liners that are quite nice to use when you want precision, because they're a lot thinner and you don't need to sharpen them. Another thing I love is that it actually twists back down FULLY, so that means you won't end up breaking it!

Comparing them to the full-sized, I guess I didn't really notice much of a difference other than it not being long-lasting compared to my HG gel pencil liners from TheFaceShop. I was quite disappointed when it rubbed off of my arm when I swatched the full-sized liners in stores.

Weirdly, these didn't smudge on my hand.

They're not that budge-free but on the eyes, I thought it worked out okay.

I haven't cried with these though so I can't really say much when it comes to that!

Amount of product you'd get.

There are two other new varieties of these mini tin liners I believe.

Same tin size, slightly different different colours.

It was very hard to really capture the eyeliner swatches but I tried my best. Colours might differ depending on your screen. I'm using my Macbook Pro and my crappy camera from my Galaxy S2.

Swatches (without flash)

1. Beige Shine

2. Golden Khaki

3. Star Purple

4. Dark Choco

5. Golden Black

I don't really use these as much other than Beige Shine because I have a lot of other black and brown eyeliners and I rarely use purple. I think the Golden Khaki is also a good alternate to use, so maybe I'll try and use it more often.

They're not the smoothest eyeliners but hey, my HG liners aren't smooth. That's why they're quite budge-proof. The colours I think, aren't that intense as I hoped it'd be, Urban Decays are more intense than these. Urban Decay smudges faster than these though.

I believe the full-sized liners retail at BND19.90, so it's quite pricy. The good thing about Clio is that they have more variety than TheFaceShop, but they're a lot pricier and the longevity is not as good.

Sorry for the rambling x.x

---

PROS:

-Locally available.

-Smudge-proof (at least the mini ones are)
-Waterproof

-Travel-friendly.

-Has a variety of shades to try out.

-Wearable colours.

-Sturdy packaging (both tin and liners)

-Good amount of product.

CONS:

-Quite expensive.

-Eyeliners aren't that intense in colour.

- I have a feeling this might have caused bumps on my lower lash line.

Rating: 4/5 (They're good!)

Will I buy this again?

If the colours are something I don't have I guess. But for the price, I'll think twice.

Do I recommend this?

I think the mini ones are quite good compared to the full-sized versions. Get it on a sale or something because it's quite pricy. Better yet, maybe try out TheFaceShop ones?

Where can you find this?

You can find them locally at Guardian and Paloma.

International buyers can also easily get them online.

---

I hope you guys find this helpful.

The swatches and pictures aren't the best, I'm so sorry x.x

Tell me in the comments if you've tried Clio products, do you like them?

Do you think they're not worth the hype?

Share!

I'd love to know!

'til then, take care!

-Nisah-

Review: essence Hugs & Kisses Eyeshadow Palette

Hi everyone :D
I'm back with another review of a palette I got recently. I used it a lot during the last 2 weeks, even as a first impression I'd have been able to deduce what I thought about this cute palette.

The palette I'm talking about is essence's 'Hugs & Kisses' Eyeshadow Palette.
It does have a name, it's called '01 Love at First Sight'.

essence 'Hugs & Kisses' Eyeshadow Palette

Product Information:

This limited edition palette contains four 'trendy' 1.8g eyeshadows that aims to deliver 'striking colour effects' and comes with a 'brush' (no, not a brush, it's not a brush, what are you saying??). It is made in PRC (People's Republic of China) and should be used up within 24 months. It costs BND4.90 at Paloma.

It has a basic guide on how to apply the colours.

It comes in a cute cardboard box packaging (nothing fancy compared to theBalm or Benefit, no) and it's quite light. It's not sturdy as I accidentally ripped the ribbon out.

Oopsie.

This palette has four eyeshadow shades that are quite wearable, maybe not for everyone but it's okay to me! They don't have names, but I'll call them L, O, V and E :D

Might not be true to life.

The shadows aren't super pigmented, no, but it's not bad. It actually reminds me a lot of the e.l.f Essential Custom Eyes. The difference is that the latter is significantly more pigmented. I've swatched some of the essence singles, and I gotta say that it doesn't compare. The eyeshadow singles are more buttery.

Some of the shadows in this palette applies patchy, which is a shame. They work best with a primer, and applied with the sponge tip applicator that came with it. I tried my brushes and they just refused to be picked up D: but luckily, the applicator works well.

Swatches: L. O. V. E

I find that the dark purple included in this isn't dark enough to define the eyes, so it's definitely just for light looks. Strictly cute and natural looking eyes. The pop of colour comes from the lime green, which I quite enjoy using but it really has weak pigmentation. My favourite shade to use is L.

Unfortunately it does need a base for it to show up on my skintone, and you have to be careful when you blend because L, O and E can easily be over-blended that it just disappears into each other!

I kinda wished there was a mirror?
Although I generally don't use the mirrors in palettes!

---

PROS:

- Available locally (for a limited time)
- Affordable.
- Blends easily (maybe TOO easily)
- Travel-friendly.
- Has an applicator.
- Cute packaging.
- Wearable colours.

CONS:

- Not pigmented.
- Some shades apply patchily.
- No mirror.
- Shades are pretty much the same.
- No defining shades.
- Fades easily.
- First two ingredients are talc and mica.


Rating: 2/5 (Not worth buying if you have many other palettes)

Will I buy this again?

Nope. I kinda regretted buying it. But fortunately, I do get use out of it.

Do I recommend this?

Nope, just buy the single shadows!

Where can you find this?

Locally, at Paloma.
You can find this brand almost everywhere nowadays. Depends on where you live I guess.


---

Overall, it's not something I don't use, it's just not that impressive.
The redeeming quality is mostly the packaging.

Have you ever just bought an item because it looked cute?


Leave it in the comments!

'til then, take care!

-Nisah-

(Fake) Urban Decay Naked Basics & Thoughts on Fakes in General

Hold your horses. I wasn't duped into buying it. I didn't even pay that much for it.
I bought it out of curiosity. I only paid around BND7 for it. Or something like that.
Either way, I knew I was getting a fake one~

You know how nowadays, China has really upped their game on copying palettes?
There are Urban Decay, TooFaced, Benefit, MUFE--even my beloved theBalm copies.
They just end up copying them.

I was really surprised when I saw the copied Glinda and Theodora palettes. When I got mine back in March, I was like "Well, for sure, this won't get copied! It's too difficult to copy."

Well, I was wrong.

How in the world---

I think the ones the seller posted in this website are the true fake ones (what):

Fake Glinda and Theodora

My first thought was that: Well, that means people can easily be duped again with the fake ones, if the seller says they're original.

That means, don't buy from eBay.

There ARE sellers who are selling the original ones (The Oz Palettes) locally, don't worry, but be careful if the price is too good to be true. Anything under $50 (unless it's 2nd hand) is worth worrying about. These palettes are limited edition. If anything, they should sell it for more than that. But then again some greedy people might even sell it for the original price. Why am I giving them ideas. STAHP.

FAKE NAKED BASICS

"Hi, I'm fake :D"

Anyway, let's move on to pictures of the Fake Naked Basics I willingly bought (lol).

I DON'T own the original Naked Basics. I don't think I plan on getting it. I DO want it, but I'd rather buy Naked 3 right now (Have you guys seen it? I'm not a fan of the packaging. Looks tacky!)

Let's start with the box~

When I first saw it I was like "Oh. Em. Gee. The box looks so pretty!"

I'm a box wh**e.

It's embossed.

Look at that pesky number. They used to not have that I believe.
It' a production number or something.

"Ingredients"

For a fake palette, they do pay attention to details.

I keep accidentally opening this part.
I can't get the palette out this way.

"Urban Decay"

For me, I thought the box was quite well made.

But then again, the Urban Decay palettes I have don't come in boxes like these (other than Theodora) so I can't really compare.

Now, let's move on to the palette itself.
The casing is rubberized, I believe it is also darker compared to the original one.
It has a weight that comes mostly from the mirror inside.

"I look fancy"

"For a fake."

What I hate the most about this is how HARD it is to open it.
I just clipped my nails, so it's short as hell.

My lil' sis seems to be a pro at opening it though.
Once I close it, I cry.

Mainly because I can't open it.

Damn you.

Inside, it's a bit different that what I've seen?

The original I think has easily dented box-like thingies to store the shadow pans.
These are made with plastic.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

I thought that was very interesting how the fake one is made with the plastic material instead.

I believe the names are all centered.

Without Flash

With Flash

I thought the palette looked quite beautiful, really.

It made me want the original.

Don't hit me.

Just for a moment I thought I wanted the original.

How the shadows are filled.

Anyway, how do they compare to the original?

Swatches I mean.

I am disappointed.

Without Flash

Okay, to be fair, I did swatch Faint quite badly here.

But yeah, the swatches are disappointing.

Doesn't compare at all to the buttery shadows from Urban Decay!

Maybe because they're matte.

I do own the 120 palette, 80 shimmer palette (Coastal Scents) and the 42 stack palette (Made in China y'know) and even those are better I believe.

With Flash

There's something really weird with the texture.

Like, it's smooth, but hard.

You need to dig in to swatch them.

"Venus" sucks the most.

The other two lighter shades ("Foxy" and "W.O.S" look the same on my skin tone)

"Naked 2" is sad.

"Faint" and "Crave" is okay. I mean, I'd wear it.

I haven't used a brush to pick the shadows up (a proper shader brush. I used a fluffy brush to see. "Venus" just REFUSED to stick)

*EDIT: I used a synthetic c-shader brush and damn, it just balls up into stuff. I've read about fake Naked palette reviews how it does this. It's almost impossible to use? I don't know if I wanna use it lol. HM.*

*EDIT2: I actually tried out the palette (with eye primer of course to protect my lids) and used a natural hair eyeshadow brush and it works a lotttt better. Venus is still pretty sheer, Naked 2 is just my exact skin tone, so it's good for blending out colours, but it looks quite good really. I'd wear it LOL. Maybe just a bit hard to blend.*

They really can't compare.

So if you bought this palette for BND35-45 and the swatches look like mine:

Hunt that person you bought it from DOWN.

The palette looks quite pretty though.
If it's just for show.

So yeah, those are my thoughts on it.

Was I bummed about the pigmentation? Yeah.

But hey, I have other palettes with similar colours (maybe not all) that I can work with.

Maybe if I scrape the top off, it'd work better.

But for BND7, it's...not horrible.

At least they're smooth.

---

Well, for me, I'd buy fakes if I KNOW it's fake (EDIT: strictly eyeshadows though)

I bought my Urban Decay Deluxe Shadow Box online and for a while I thought it was fake. However, I've never seen an imitation of that. I haven't come across it. Plus the pigmentation is superb and looks like the ones online so yeah :x

I haven't touched my Naked 2 palette, I'm keeping it aside for now. I have my lovely (but flawed) Theodora but I don't reach out for it that much either (both bought from Sephora).

I've mostly been using my cheaper shadows (okay, no, I've been using my Nude'tude Palette more nowadays) and they work well.

So honestly, if you can get your hands on MUA palettes, by all means, get them. They're a good deal.

If you can get the original Urban Decay, TooFaced, Benefit, etc. by all means, buy them.

If you plan on buying fakes, trust me, find it online.

DON'T buy it locally. Unless you can find someone who sells the original for an affordable price (Naked Palette should be around BND80-BND110 I think), don't shell out BND35-45 for a "Naked Palette". That's most likely a pretty good fake.

Unless the seller tells you it's imitation, then it's your money, your choice.

You're better off buying something from Catrice and essence and get something good out of it for the money you spent on the fake.

Unless you're a curious person like me, buys the fake because of that, then you're like me.

I would use this, if only it's not that HARD to open.

Anyway, I hope the pictures help.

Last but not least:

These are sad fakes.
The other two shades I mean.

'til then, take care!

P.S: Should I buy the original one or what. I should wait for Naked 3 right? Will I even buy it? Do I even need my Naked 2. Damn.

I had fun writing this lol.

-Nisah-

Oh yeah, I saw the fake Naked 2 at Times Square for BND23 or BND32. That's okay I guess LOL;