Don't let the mini tube confuse you, this is just a mini size, though a generous tester/travel version. Many years ago I had a medium sized pink version, which I think is the original formula (Skin79 BB Cream Hot Pink Super+ Beblesh Balm), but the shade was too dark, so this time I picked the orange one hoping it's light enough. There are several version of these BB creams and each comes in one shade and the formulas are unique too. It seems like a terrible idea to do it that way, but I guess it works considering how long they haven't changed anything. At least they have travel sizes availa ..read more

*ORIFLAME Giordani Gold Age Defying Serum Boost Foundation Vanilla Neutral Oriflame had an Age Defying foundation before, which was sent to me in a dark shade some time ago, but regardless the formula impressed me and I used it on others, on who it always looked so good. This formula is different. For one the coverage is lower, but it also has a glowy finish, while the old one started of dewy, but set in time to a satin. I'm currently using Oriflame's Pure Uforia, which I've already raved about and honestly, I don't see a difference between the two. Both have a light liquid formula, light-m ..read more

Though S-He products were some of the first I ever bought because back in the days before Essence and Catrice, this was the cheapest brand, I've never been a fan of the theirs. However, the nail polishes have been a highlight since their beginnings. They have a nice selection of colours and for an affordable price. The quality is good and they last well on the nails. This Gel-Like'n Ultra Stay formula is I think more new, but it doesn't feel like a classic gel formula, at least not these two shades. They are classic thinner formulas. Their shade names are very bland, with just numbers. 245 ..read more

ORIFLAME Giordani Gold Age Defying Serum Boost Foundation Vanilla Neutral This is Oriflame's newest foundation. I find it's very similar to their Pure Uforia formula, which I put in my 2023 favourites, so it's another very lightweight, hydrating formula with a glowy finish and light-medium coverage. This one blends so easily and it's a formula that suits my dry skin. I got the shade Vanilla Neutral, which is yellow-toned, so it's not such a great match as Pure Uforia in Porcelain, but I can pull it off. BOURJOIS Velvet the Pencil 03 In Mauve Again This colour is one of the best shades in m ..read more

These have been around for a long time and they were the first 2-step lipsticks came across. I wanted to try these, but the shade range is so frosty. I checked the limited selection we have in drugstores and there was nothing I'd wear daily. I was sent this shade and it's a red, which is my second default shade after basic nudes when it comes to picking colours. It's liquid lipstick that boasts with long lasting colour that is achieved by using the Top Coat, similar to Revlon Colorstay Overtime and Rimmel Provocalips Kiss-Proof.   This is a two step lipstick with a liquid lipst ..read more

These little sticks have had quite a moment since they launched. It took me months to track one down, since the Essence stand here has been more empty than full in the last year. Actually even a few days ago there wasn't a single one of these on the stand - I don't know if its because they are so popular or because Essence has supply issues. There are three shades available, so far I've only seen two. The other two are an orange and brick red shade. There are also bronzers which I haven't had a chance to swatch yet. Baby Got Blush became my go-to blush. Formula is quite stiff and it doesn ..read more

This was one of the shades I found when I was looking for a dupe of Mac's Please Me and Jordana's Matte Lipstick in 48 Pink Passion (the other dupe was Eveline's Velvet Mat Lipstick in 510). It's one of the old Maybelline's lipsticks design - they've had the square tubes for quite a while now, but my first Maybelline lipstick had this shape in a red colour (they still have that Hydro Extreme range). These are also cheaper than their Color Sensational range. The formula is nicely smooth and creamy, pigmented and semi-matte. I find it's comfortable on my lips, it wears off evenly and looks ..read more

IT COSMETICS CC+ Nude Glow Fair Porcelain Finally an It Cosmetics CC that has a pale shade. It's not as high coverage as the original, but it has a hydrating formula that suits my dry skin. It's lightweight, has a light-medium coverage and a glowy finish. I appreciate the fact that so far it hasn't slipped into my smile lines. NYX PROFESSIONAL Makeup Bare With Me Concealer Serum Fair A great natural-looking concealer for dry skin. It layers nicely, doesn't look cakey and doesn't become too dry after a while, since a lot of formulas become matte on my skin. Coverage is about a medium and it ..read more

Highly Rated Lash Extensions Mascara This is a tubing mascara, which means it can be removed just with warm water. It's interesting to see how the whole coating comes off in a single piece of the lashes when removing it, but I like to follow up with a cleanser, even though water gets pretty much all of it off. So removal is very easy at this formula. The brush is a silicone one with short bristles and a pointed design. True to the name, this is a great mascara for adding length. As far as volume goes it's ok, but it fails at definition, as it starts to stick lashes together - I blame t ..read more

IT COSMETICS CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation and Glow Serum Fair Porcelain I'm a fan of the original CC, which they don't have in a light enough shade for me, but this new line of CCs has a pale shade that matches me well. Formula is unlike the original, like a liquid foundation and feels lighter, less heavy-moisturiser-like. Coverage is light-medium, it's easy to build up and it has a glowy finish. If you're a fan of the original CC, you may be disappointed at lower level of coverage and the fact it doesn't feel like a traditional CC/BB, but just like the original, this is a great for ..read more