Chic Kiss Love Store Launch Party (23.11.13)

essence cosmetics Quattro Eyeshadow Quad - 12 Purple Day* | Review and Swatches

Catrice Cosmetics Absolute Eye Colour Quad - 080 Yellow Sumbagreen | Review and Swatches

Catrice Cosmetics Yellow Submagreen (080) Absolute Eye Colour Quad (S$8.90 for 1.5g/0.05 oz) is one of the first products that I have tried from Catrice since they arrived in Singapore a while back. From the very first time that I used it, it has skyrocketed into my favourite palettes of all time and I cannot wait to share this with you and purchase more in the future!

I got this around the summer time but I think that the shadows are more suited towards this time of year personally, and the little pop of colour can help brighten your more autumnal colour combinations.

If you haven't already seen my FOTD Chartreuse Smokey Eye using this palette then you can see it here.

The first thing I noticed about the quad was the packaging. Very sleek, compact and professional looking. It has a magnetic closure so it closes very securely which is ideal for travel. Also since it's clear you can see what shades are in the quad if you have multiple ones in your collection.

The texture of the shades are extremely comparable to Urban Decay shadows, both very soft and velvety. The four shades in this palette can lean either cool or warm depending on which shades you use. I find the top two lean warm, whereas the bottom two lean more cool. Creating an overall neutral toned look.

Another thing I like is, hypothetically when using this palette the darkest shade (Shade 4) would be the most pigmented and used only in the crease and/or smudged along bottom lash line – therefore it makes sense to have only a small amount of the darkest shade and a larger amount of the lid shades (Shade 2 and 3) since you will use them more often. Very sensible and thoughtful.

Shade 1 is a chartreuse yellow shimmer with silver/blue pearlescence.

Shade 2 is an olive green shimmer with red/gold and copper shimmers.

Shade 3 is a light grey shimmer with yellow and silver fine glitters.

Shade 4 is a deep matte brown with silver shimmers.

The shadows were swatched over NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk using a flat shader brush from Sigma. I don't think the Shades 2, 3 and 4 particularly need a white base underneath because they are very pigmented. Shade 1, although pigmented doesn't appear as it does in the pan without a base behind to help it. (I've tried both with and without).

The shades are easy to blend without creating a muddy look. Great staying power also, stayed on all day (and embarrassingly I admit this), they also looked fabulous after I exercised wearing them, oops!

For the price-point I would definitely recommend this eyeshadow quad, in fact I would think these were high-end shadows if I didn't know better.

I purchased mine from Guardian at NEX@Serangoon Mall, if you want to know what Guardian stores sell Catrice Cosmetics, click here.

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Have you tried any eyeshadows from Catrice? Let me know below!

Thanks for stopping by, don't forget to follow me on bloglovin' and I'll see you next time!

essence cosmetics Lipstick in #64 Flirty Pink Review and Swatches*

Flirty Pink is a mid-toned rosy pink shade packed with silver shimmers. Don't be afraid of the shimmers, they are present on the lips but they do not add any texture or grit to the lip, just dimensions.

The packaging is the same colour as the actual lipstick inside making it easy for you to find it within your bag or makeup drawer.

The scent of this lipstick – like all lipsticks in the range – is a lovely fruity, creamy scent which is one of the things I love most about the ones that I have in my collection.

Without Lipsticks

With Lipstick

The texture is smooth, now I'm not going to lie to you guys...I don't get very much wear out of these lipsticks, in my opinion they are similar in consistency to a lip balm – just with more colour. They do last longer over the top of a lip liner because they can adhere to that but by themselves you will have to reapply after eating and drinking. They are very similar like I said, to a lip balm but with a sheen of a lip gloss. (a moisturising one at that).

This particular shade is perfect for the autumn/winter months and unlike some other shades I have from the range, is actually extremely build-able for if you want a darker colour.

Essence lipsticks are available in 16 shades for $4.50 (4g) at selected Watsons stores. To find the closest store to you, check out my post on Where Can I Find essence in Singapore?

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Have you tried any of the essence lipsticks? If so, what shades do you recommend? If not, which shades would you like to try? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for stopping , don't forget to follow if you're not already and I'll see you next time.

*This product was sent to me for my honest review purposes

essence TE July/August: hugs & kisses

Hey guys!

The newest trend edition from essence - hugs & kisses, provides you with bright, fun and flirty colours to play around with and get you ready for your date from head to toe and make your crush undoubtedly experience love at first sight!

Even if you don't have someone special right now, these products will definitely put your heart in the right place.

This collection consists of:

• an eyeshadow palette (quad)
• 2 glitter eyeliners
• a lip scrub
• 2 lip tints
• a blush
• 4 nail polishes
• 3 special effect top coats and
• an eau de toilette

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The blush with a cool l.o.v.e. print is an absolute eye catcher. At the same time, the soft rose shade gives you a fresh and radiant look - sure to make a great impression with Mr.right!
Blush - Available in 01 dating prince charming - S$5.90

These eye shadows make everyone happy! The four colours pink, purple, lemon and soft apricot with l.o.v.e embossed directly on each of the shadows create uber - trendy eye makeup styles and not just for valentines day! Includes a sponge tip applicator all in a cute box.
Eyeshadow Palette - Available in 01 love at first sight - S$6.50

lovely lips! This scrub gives you irresistibly soft lips - simply apply and spread gently. Your lips will feel velvety and soft in an instant, an ideal preparation for the lip tints.
Lip Scrub - Available in 01 be my valentine - S$4.50

Intensive red and bright pink to draw all the attention to your lips! The soft texture tints your lips and creates either a subtle or intensive result depending on how many layers you apply.
Lip Tints - Available in 01 sugar baby love, 02 save your kisses for me - S$4.50

The trendy nail polish colours pink, lemon and lilac provide the basis of the cool nail art twins. Each of the high coverage, long-lasting base coats is just waiting to be united with their other half - the nail art twin top coats.
Nail Art Twin Base Coat - Available in 01 sugar baby love, 02 love it or leave it, 03 x's and o's - S$3.50 each

Once you've polished your nails with the twin, it's time for the effects! These top coats with glitter in rose, multi-glitter and purple have flakes and hearts guaranteed to set surprising and unique highlights, so in love!
Nail Art Twin Top Coat - Available in 01 more than words, 02 dreams for sale, 03 crazy in love - S$3.50 each

eye love you...the liquid eyeliner in multi glitter creates an eyeliner look that'll make you tingle with excitement!
Glitter Eyeliner - Available in 02 love's out to get you - S$4.90

This is what a date with your favourite fragrance should be like! Sensual, flowery and fruity - this fragrance is super fun and makes you feel like you're in love. Like hugs & kisses.
Eau de Toilette - Available in 10mL - S$6.90

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I like the look of the lip tints and the blush! Are you guys going to get anything from this collection? Let me know.

Thanks for stopping by, 

Becky

Bellabox Singapore: May 2013 ~ Ready for Cannes

In May 2012, I signed up for my first ever Bellabox. It is now May 2013 and this month I received my last Bellabox. I really enjoy writing these blogposts and receiving the boxes but I can't justify spending my money on them anymore.

 If you guys want me to write a post with more of the reasons why I cancelled my subscription or you have any questions you want me to answer, then feel free to leave a comment below and I will definitely read and answer them in the post.

The theme of this months box was all about being pampered and prepared and red carpet ready for Cannes Film Festival.

I personally didn't attend the Cannes Film Festival.....duh! But I did fall in love with two stunning dresses on the red carpet. First was Nicole Kidman in Valentino Couture and Sonam Kapoor in Dolce&Gabbana  and let us not forget Larisa Katz.........yeeeeah.

Lanvin Me! Eau De Parfum

Product: Lanvin Me! Eau De Parfum

Information: 

"Discover the NEW bewitching, sensual and high-fashion fragrance, ME! Be one of the first to experience this utterly unique blend of tuberose, blueberries and licorice. As the name suggests Lanvin's head designer Alber Ebaz strove to create a parfum that defined the essence of female individuality and self-love. He succeeded!"

First Impression:

I received a different fragrance from this brand before called Marry Me, and I love it! This scent however, I don't like very much. I especially dislike anything to do with licorice. So this is a definite pass for me.

Price:

50mL for S$108

Sample Size: 2mL ~ S$4.32

You can check out their Facebook page here: Lanvin

Model Co Eye pencil

 Product: Model Co Eye pencil

Information: 

"Line and define your eyes with the ModelCo's eye pencil. It is a clever black eyeliner that glides on effortlessly for long-lasting colour application. The hydrating formula is non-drying and densely pigmented, imparting rich colour and intense definition. Soft and creamy, the formula stays soft for blending (about 30 seconds) and then dries to a smudge proof finish that won't budge. The eye pencil has a built in sharpener that offers an ultra-sharp blade that is conveniently cleaned."

First Impression:

Model Co has recently just arrived in Singapore! I like the concept of having the sharpener in the cap of the eyeliner because nobody likes using a blunt eyeliner on their delicate eye area. I've obviously never tried Model Co products before so if you guys have tried them and you have a favourite product, let me know in the comments below!

Price:

S$23

You can check out their Facebook page here: ModelCo

The Lash Card

Product: The Lash Card

Information: 

"No matter how good your mascara is you can still end up with smudges, flaking and tarantula lashes. But when you've got lash card, you'll create beautifully curled, long, separated lashes with every coat. It's as simple as placing the curved edge at your lash line and using the card as a backdrop during application. Excess mascara gets on the card, not on your lids. And lashes stay separate. Brilliant!"

First Impression:

Now I'm not gonna lie, 9 times out of 10 when I rush my mascara, I will get smudges on my lids because I have long lashes. But I can't help thinking that this is a waste of money. Literally anything can be a lash card, a receipt, a store card even the package that the Lash Card comes in! I have heard of these before and I thought that they were made of plastic so you could just clean them and reuse them over and over...ohhh no! They are made of cardboard and it says on the packaging recommended usage: 1 makeup session...You're basically paying for a glorified piece of cardboard box.

.Do you agree/disagree with me on this?

Price:

10 pcs for S$8.90

Sample Size: 2pcs  ~ S$1.78

You can check out their Facebook page here: Lash Card

Model Co Lip gloss

Product: Model Co Lip gloss in Strip Tease

Information: 

"Looking for the perfect, high-shine lip gloss? ModelCo's SHINE Ultra Lip gloss is an unbeatable reflective, shimmering gloss that creates a glamorous, lacquered effect. The non-stick formula glides on evenly, leaving your lips with a luscious, long-lasting shine. Housed in a sleek and stylish bottle, SHINE Ultra Lip gloss fits perfectly into  the smallest of evening bags and comes with an inbuilt mirror for on-the-go  applications."

First Impression:

As I said before I've never tried anything from ModelCo but from the looks of the two products I received, it seems that they like to bring you functional products. So not only do you get a great lip gloss but you don't have to think about bringing a mirror, 2-for-1. I think that's nifty.

Strip Tease reminds me of Baby Sparks from MAC but with a lot finer glitter. Slightly sticky but nowhere near as sticky as a lipglass. Plus it smells like strawberry lemonade, yum!

Price:

S$23

You can check out their Facebook page here: ModelCo

Dr. Morita  Hyaluronic Acid Essence Mask

Product: Dr. Morita Hyaluronic Acid Essence Mask

Information: 

"Dr. Morita's Hyaluronic Acid Essence Mask allows you to see first hand what the beauty industry calls the wonder anti-ageing ingredient. Your body naturally produces hyaluronic acid to keep you looking young, but production slows as you age. This mask reintroduces it along with other natural ingredients to soothe and protect your skin. Cucumber extract, marine collagen and seaweed provide a perfect, natural, ingredient list for the perfect anti-ageing mask."

First Impression:

I don't know why but when I first read the name of the product I got a bit afraid! I won't be using this anytime soon, I have a backlog of face masks to use, I think I always get one in my box every month. Some masks I have received have been really expensive for just 1 mask, but these seen to be very reasonably priced for a product the beauty industry is calling "the wonder anti-aging ingredient".

Price:

10 pcs for S$15.90

Sample Size  1 pc  ~ S$1.59

You can check out their Facebook page here: Dr. Morita SG

Borracha Wine Wipes

Product: Borracha Wine Wipes

Information: 

"Have you ever had the "wine tattoo?" You know, the stain that gets on your lips and teeth after a few sips of red wine? It's almost impossible to wipe  off - until now. These wipes are truly small miracles. Each one is infused with natural, non-harmful, ingredients that remove strains,freshens breath, eliminate germs and protect your mouth. Baking soda, salt, calcium and a hint of orange blossom (naturally occurring in red wine) means you keep your beautiful smile, without compromising the taste of your red!"

First Impression:

I saw on the Bellabox Site that there are two types of these wipes, wine wipes and ones for tea/coffee drinkers. Now I don't drink a lot but when I do, it's never wine. So that makes this sample kind of useless to me. I do drink tea and coffee all the time so I would have preferred them instead, but what can ya do! Also I only got one wipe, so there isn't really much I can tell you about it because I don't want to waste the only one I have just to see what it smells like! ( This is why we all hate sachet samples!)

Price:

20 pcs for S$8.70

Sample Size: 1 pc ~ S0.43

You can check out their Facebook page here: Wine Wipes

I also got this product in my box, Talika Eye Therapy Patch, but it wasn't included on my information card so I'm not sure if I was supposed to get this. It is basically a moistened patch that you put on your dark circles and they help to reduce the puffiness of them.

I don't have any info about the price but I do however like that these are reusable!

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Overall Box Price: Upwards of S$55

Price Paid:  S$19.95

If you want to sign up to Bellabox, you can go to their website, click here

And if you have any  questions, feel free to leave them below or drop me an email, I'd be happy to answer them!

Thanks for stopping by,

Becky

Bellabox Singapore: April 2013 ~ Beauty Goodness Box

Hey guys! Today I'm going to share with you what I got in my April Bellabox. I'm sorry for how late this post is but I've been really busy this week , me and my mum went on a big shopping spree for my birthday this coming Tuesday :)

The theme of this months box is Beauty Goodness -  Products inspired by the benefits that our skin draws from food and yummy scents which will leave you smelling delicious.

As a special extra this month if you have received 12 or more boxes , you received a bar of Laurent Bernard Chocolate (this was my 12th box so I just missed out!) and a recipe for a chocolate souffle.

Bioderma Atoderm Shower Gel

Product: Bioderma Atoderm Shower Gel

Information: 

"Atoderm Shower Gel has a special formulation that makes it ideal for dry & sensitive skin. It cleanses effectively for all skin types from kiddies to adults. By respecting the skin's natural pH balance and introducing moisture, Atoderm Shower Gel will never dry skin out. Forget about itching, dryness, redness or irritation, look forward to hydrated, supple and increase protection against allergens.:

First Impression:

I'm a huge fan of Bioderma so I was interested to try this new product from them. It smells really nice and fresh, haven't tried it yet but I have really dry elbows so I'll definitely give it a try.

Price:

200mL for S$13.90

(SS: 15mL for S$1.04)

500mL for S$22.90

(SS: 15mL for S$0.69

You can check out their Facebook page here: Bioderma Singapore

Twistband Headbands

Product: Twistband Headbands

Information: 

"Too long women have suffered elastic and plastic headbands that pinch, dig and pull out our hair! Not to mention leave unsightly bumps and kinks where we don't want them. Twistband Headbands are made of soft elastic that keeps your hair out of your eyes, in the most comfortable, chic way you've ever had. Available in a wide variety of colours and styles. Twistband Headbands are so cute, they can easily double as bracelets. Only you have to know they serve a second, all-important purpose."

First Impression:

I've gotten a Twistband Hair Tie in a previous box last year and I really liked it until I lost it :/ I really like how these don't leave dents in my hair but I honestly think they are waaay over-hyped because I've worn this headband already and the end has already started to unravel!

Price:

3 pcs for S$12.95

(SS: 1 pc for S$4.32)

You can check out their Facebook page here: Twistband

Elishacoy Vivid Party Lipstick in Grape Fruit

Grape Fruit

Product: Elishacoy Vivid Party Lipstick

Information: 

"Who doesn't like the idea of a vivid colour party for their lips? Each of these lipsticks by ElishCoy pack healthy ingredients with gorgeous colour that transforms from a rainbow-hue to a naturally beautiful pink once mingled with your body heat. Natural oils provide protection and moisture, as well as the ability to ward off UV rays. Never sticky, always comfortable and beautiful. Be vivid!

First Impression:

This is such a cool concept! Imagine pulling out a purple or green lipstick at a club and applying it! Smells really nice and fruity, applies like a lip balm, I haven't tried any products from this brand before but I like this one, and the packaging is really nice quality.

Price:

S$12

You can check out their Facebook page here: Elishacoy SG

Silkygirl Eye & Lip Makeup Remover

 Product: Silkygirl Eye & Lip Makeup Remover

Information: 

"SILKYGIRL removes every trace of makeup, from light applications to dramatic night-out looks! Made especially for sensitive skin, you can trust the only thing you're left with is non-irritated, non-dried-out, beautifully clean skin. Worried about waterproof? Don't be. SILKYGIRL totally takes care of even the most stubborn mascaras and eyeliners."

First Impression:

It's always nice to have makeup remover, this would be great for travelling but I usually prefer my makeup removers to be oil-free because I don't like the film it can create on my eyes.

Price:

25mL for S$10.90

(SS: 25mL for S$2.48)

You can check out their Facebook page here: SILKYGIRL Singapore

The Skin Pharmacy Collagen Building Serum

 Product: The Skin Pharmacy Collagen Building Serum

Information: 

"The Skin Pharmacy knows serums. With over 20 to pick from for a wide range of skin concerns, they've done their research. Their Collagen Building Serum includes key, natural ingredients that increase one of your skin's most vital components to keep it looking young, fresh and beautiful. Welcome back elasticity and firmness; it's like you never left!

First Impression:

I'm probably not going to use this since I don't need to use a serum for elasticity yet! However I might be interested in trying a different serum from them in the future.

Price:

15mL for S$59.90

(SS: 8mL for S$31.95)

You can check out their Facebook page here: The Skin Pharmacy

Last thing was a bonus item, the Cellilux Glacial Mineral Gel Facial Mask. I've actually got a sample of this before and I used it for the first time the other day and I loved it! I've heard great things about this product so I'm happy to have gotten another sample of it.

Price:

60mL for S$78

(SS: 7mL for S$9.10)

You can check out their Facebook page here: Cellilux

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Overall Box Price: S$60.89

Price Paid: S$19.95

If you want to find out more about the Bellabox company and how you can receive these boxes, then head on over to their website - Bellabox.sg

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That's all that I got in the April box, I have really enjoyed the products from both this month and last month alot so hopefully the months to come bring great boxes too!

Let me know in the comments below if you have tried any of these products before!

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Thanks for stopping by,

Becky

essence cosmetics Home Sweet Home Collection Review and Swatches Part 2: Gel Shine Polishes

This is the second part of the Home Sweet Home Collection by essence cosmetics. You can check out part 1 where I reviewed and swatched the lipsticks and blushes here.

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The polishes are described as "nail polish with high coverage gives your nails a trendy gel-like look and adds a touch of colour to the dismal months of the year".

L-R: 01 Caramel Cheese Cake, 02 Red-Y To Relax, 03 Hot Fruit Punch and 04 Berry Me Home

01 Caramel Cheese Cake (S$4.50 for 8mL) is a orange creamsicle colour. 

This is 3 coats.

02 Red-Y To Relax (S$4.50 for 8mL) is a neon coral red shade.

This was 2 coats.

03 Hot Fruit Punch (S$4.50 for 8mL) is rich blackcurrant shade.

This was 3 coats.

04 Berry Me Home (S$4.50 for 8mL) is a rich brick red shade.

This is 2 coats.


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As opposed to the core range of polishes that essence sell, these are marketed as being 'gel shine' formulas. The main things I expect from a nail polish when I hear the formula is a gel consistency are a certain level of sheer-ness, a thin consistency and really glossy when dried.


Caramel Cheese Cake had a very thick consistency. I tried to correct it with a second coat hoping it wouldn't streak and then a third but in the end it was still quite streaky. I think it is a very unusual shade of polish one that I have never seen nor owned. (It also makes me want to eat a Caramac!) The colour is very rich and the formulation to me seems more like a creme than a gel. I really like the colour, just wish the formulation on it worked better.

Red-Y To Relax applied fantastically. The formula is thin, but workable. I applied two coats for the swatch, but you could easily get away with one and have full opacity. Very shiny.

Hot Fruit Punch. Oh Hot Fruit Punch how I love you. I don't know what it is but the name and the shade just makes me think of sitting around a fire, drinking some delicious warm punch/cider and it makes me smile! It has a good consistency, very shiny.

Lastly, Berry Me Home a classic red colour. It isn't the most original colour and after I swatched it it reminded me of a darker version of the Snow White  from the Snow White Collection a while back. So if you missed out on that you might want to pick up this colour or Red-Y To Relax. Also very shiny when dried.

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Red-Y To Relax and Berry Me Home definitely have the stand-out formulation and application, but Caramel Cheese Cake and Hot Fruit Punch are the more 'unique' shades in the collection.

I personally love autumnal colours, I think that they suit my skin tone well. That's one thing that I dislike about living in Singapore is that the leaves never change colour and sometimes I just want to see the seasons change.

Overall I think this is one of the best collections that essence has released in a while, every single product (that I purchased and tried) was an A+ in quality.

You can find out which Watsons closest to you sells essence cosmetics here (there might be one closer than you think :P)



Thanks for stopping by,
Becky

essence cosmetics Home Sweet Home Collection Review and Swatches Part 1: Blush Duos and Lipsticks

The Home Sweet Home Collection by essence, available in stores now (see which Watson's stores sell essence here) consists of 2 blush duos, 2 long lasting lipsticks, 3 eye shadows, 4 nail polishes, a volume & gloss lip maximiser, nail fashion stickers and a cute drawstring purse.

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The long-lasting lipsticks are described as  "a long-lasting lipstick that provides intensive colour for your lips and leaves behind a soft, shiny finish."

In the shade

Natural Daylight

01 Red-Y To Relax (S$5.50 for 4g / 0.14 oz) is a neon brick red with warm undertones.

 

02 Berry Me Home (S$5.50 for 4g / 0.14 oz) is a deep wine shade with warm undertones.

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I have quite a few essence lipsticks from the core range and I already know that I love everything about them, these are no exception. In fact, I would say I like them more!

Just like with every essence lipstick, the tube is the same colour as the lipstick for easy identification.

Both of these shades are extremely pigmented and lasted a good 3-4 hours on the lips. The finish is somewhere between a satin and a matte I would say. I have Ruby Woo from MAC and I love how it is such a true red shade, but it is sooo dry that I find it so uncomfortable to wear in this hot weather. Red-y To Relax would be a great alternative. If you are looking to venture into dark lips, these are excellent products to do it with, and for S$11 for both (as opposed to the S$27 for one MAC lipstick), you really can't go wrong!

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The blushes are described as "they each contain one base colour and one contrasting colour embossed in a trendy Nordic knit design. The powdery finish creates an irresistibly fresh and natural looking complexion."

 

Top-Bottom: Shade 1, Shade 2, Shade 3 (colours combined)

01 Knits For Chicks (S$6.00 for 8g / 0.28 oz) has a shimmery light baby pink and a matte burgundy shade. Together the colours create a rosy shimmery pink shade. Both with cool undertones.

Top- Bottom: Shade 1, Shade 2, Shade 3 (colours combined)

02 Wool-D You Cuddle Me? (S$6.00 for 8g / 0.28 oz) has a shimmery orange creamsicle shade and a matte crimson red shade. Together the colours create a shimmery coral shade. 

Both with warm undertones. 

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Aren't these the cutest blushes ever?! I love the sweater knit design embossed into the product,  it makes it a little more fun since the packaging is plain. I have never tried a powder blush from essence before but these are fab! As you can see from the above swatches you're basically getting 3 shades in one. In Knits For Chicks the first shade can easily double as a cheek highlighter.

The pigmentation of these products is great, they feel very silky to the touch. Also they don't leave your cheeks looking chalky, which is always a plus.

The one negative this I do have to say about them, is that they smell really strongly of ink (I don't know if this is just me but when I was at school in England we had to use Biro's, which are like ball bearing pens. and they have this distinct metal ink scent, that is what these smell like). I'm used to most of essence products smelling like fruit so it caught me off guard.

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That's the end of Part 1 of my reviews of the Home Sweet Home collection by essence. Part 2 will consist of the nail polishes, so look out for that Thursday/Friday.

Let me know if you've tried any of these products below!

Thanks for stopping by,

Becky