Review | Pupa Milano Like a Doll Maxi Blush 301 Golden Brown

I'm slowly settling in a blogging routine again and while going through my stash of products to review, I came across, my new favourite blush from Pupa Milano, which has been on a roll lately with the new products being launched in the local market. Today, I'd like you to meet the Pupa Milano Like a Doll Maxi Blush in the shade 301 Golden Brown.

The blush is supplied in a red box and the actual product comes in a functional, mirrored, circular compact which houses a mirror on the inside lid, the blush on the top compartment and a blush brush in the bottom compartment.

The shade I have, 301 is a nude beige colour which doubles up as a bronzer as well. I'm very fond of this blush for apart from the pigmentation, staying power and functional packaging, the brush supplied with it is actually good. The size of it is just right for my cheeks and it makes application a breeze! Here I am wearing the blush just last weekend in Milan :)

The blush doesn't go on patchy and lasts me a whole day without the need for touch-ups. Moreover, the formula is paraben free and fragrance free and is dermatologically tested.

Pupa Milano Like A Doll Maxi Blush comes in 9 different shades and retails for €15.95 for 9.5g of product for authorized stockists. Follow Pupa Milano in Malta on Facebook for more information.

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Review | Milani Rose Powder Blush 03 Warm Petals

Hello everyone :) Today I wanted to share with you a recent favourite blush of mine, the Milani Rose Powder Blush in 03 Warm Petals.

I wanted a bronze toned blush that is still more subtle than a bronzer and this seemed like it ticks all the boxes. The embossed rose pattern and my previous experience with using Milani blushes always being positive, fuelled my decision to get this blush.

Although the outer packaging does look a bit cheap, I think we all agree that the embossed rose design makes this blush and all others in the same collection look really pretty - in fact, Milani claims that their Rose Powder Blushes are the most instagrammed blushes to date!

The shade 03 Warm Petals is a medium bronze hue with subtle golden shimmer throughout, making the blush suitable for both day and night use. I like to pair my blush colour to my lipstick colour most of the times and this goes really well with warm nude shades and instantly warms up my otherwise pale complexion. When it comes to staying power, this blush is one of the best I have as it lasts well throughout the day without the need for touch ups.

I got mine from Beauty Crowd for €10.30 for 17g of product which I think is a fair price. I really do hope that the rose pattern lasts for a long time though because it is so pretty to look at :)

Review | MAC x Guo Pei Limited Edition Powder Blush in Red Water Lily

This year's luxury collection from MAC is a collaboration with China's most well-know couture designer Guo Pei which rose to world-wide stardom following pictures of the dress Rihanna wore to this year's Met Gala.

The collection revolves around a garden of serenity or rather a 'garden of the soul' theme and consists of many beautiful pieces, most of which are already sold out despite their higher than usual price. I really didn't need anything new but I just couldn't pass up this collection so I opted to get the Red Water Lily Powder Blush.

I haven't seen the collection at my local store so I had to try and find it online only to discover that the blush was no longer available on the UK site so I tried Ebay and managed to find a reliable seller that had one authentic blush in stock so I took the plunge.

The blush set me back €64 which I admit is way too pricey for a blush but when I received it, brand new and still in it's original box, that sort of justified every cent I spent on it. Let's take a moment to appreciate the packaging, from the box to the actual metal case with printed silk front and the flower motif embossed on the blush itself.

The colour, Red Water Lily is not red at all, more like a darker pink with no shimmer whatsoever and exceptional pigmentation. I think this blush is perfect to add a hint of warm colour to the cheeks that lasts for hours on end! The texture of this blush is very fine and the colour can be built up to the intensity one desires.

I think this blush is a miniature work of art that every makeup collector would covet but with the price tag it comes with, I admit it is not for everyone. 

How do you feel about this collection? Would you get anything from it, considering the higher price tag?

Review | Max Factor CC Colour Corrector in Yellow

A few weeks ago, the new CC Colour Correctors from Max Factor caught my eye in one of the brand's stands and seeing that I am always on a quest to find the best possible solution to cover up my dark under eye circles, I went ahead and bought the yellow one which is specifically meant to cover dark circles.

Max Factor CC Colour Corrector comes in a jumbo pencil format with a twist-up mechanism. While I do like the concept, I would have preferred if the product went all the way down into the tube so as not to nick it with the cap; but at the same time, this way you get more product so I'm not really sure why I wrote the first part...I guess it's the OCD part of my character that forced me to. One thing I do like about the packaging though is that there is the area the product is meant for printed on the front.

The formula of the product is very creamy and it effortlessly transfers onto the skin and blends in perfectly well. I like to combine it with a skin coloured concealer through as it would otherwise look too white. I always set mine with powder and I don't have any issues with it budging or fading or anything. I think it does a very good job at counteracting the blue tinge of said dark circles.

There are 4 more variations of this Colour Corrector, each targeting a specific problem so you are sure to have perfectly even skin every single time! So don't put up the white flag just yet if you still haven't found your perfect concealer and try this range first.

Max Factor CC Colour Corrector retails for €10.40 and can be purchased from authorised stockists. To keep up to date with product launches and competitions, don't forget to like the Max Factor Malta Facebook page.

Review | Pupa Milano Autumn 2014 Limited Edition Paris Experience Vamp! Wet & Dry Eyeshadow 001 Gold

Audrey Hepburn once said 'Paris is always a good idea' and, quite frankly, I couldn't agree more! Pupa Milano have perfectly embodied the luxurious feel of the city of lights in their Autumn limited edition, Paris Experience.

I have already reviewed one of the I'M Lipsticks from the collection a few weeks back which you can check out here. This time round I have one of the Vamp! Wet & Dry Eyeshadows to review which the local brand importers kindly sent me.

The eyeshadow is presented in an elegant round compact just like the ones for the other Vamp! Eyeshadows in their permanent range. The only difference is that since this one belongs to a limited edition collection, the metallic part of the case is in rose gold as opposed to the silver casing of the regular Vamp! eyeshadows. Being a baked eyeshadow which can be used both wet and dry, the product has a domed appearance and also comes with a tiny sponge applicator.

The shade I have is 001 Gold and it is indeed a true gold that suits all skin tones. It has a shimmery pearl finish and complements a wide range of shades. I personally like pairing it with plums and browns.

Pupa Milano Paris Experience Vamp! Eyeshadow 001 Gold
dry {left} ; wet {right}

I always use a primer base and to be honest I have never felt the need to use the eyeshadow wet as it is richly pigmented even when used dry. Lasting power is also very good yet it is easily removed with some makeup remover without having to tug at the delicate eye area.

I would highly suggest you try the Vamp! eyeshadows from this limited edition. There are some gorgeous purples and peacock hues you might regret missing out on. 

The Pupa Milano Paris Experience Vamp Wet & Dry Eyeshadow retail for €11.70 a pop and the collection can be found at the follwing outlets:

Attard: Transforma

San Gwann: Lourdes

Sliema: Drug store (ferries)

Msida : Deby’s pharmacy

Qormi: Evans Pharmacy

Zebbug: Diva’s H salon

Fgura: Chain (Perfumery section) 

B’Bugia: Martins Pharmacy

Zejtun: St. Catherine’s Pharmacy

Marsaxlokk: Epoca Beauty

Gozo: Hair Flair       

For more information, kindly check out the Pupa Milano in Malta Facebook page and the Pupa Milano website.

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Review | Max Factor False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara in Black

Mascara is a staple product in my stash and I never ever leave the house without it. I tend to switch to waterproof versions in summer and on rainy days in winter so a good waterproof mascara is a must for me. 

When I was looking for a replacement for my old mascara in the beginning of summer, the choice of brand was obvious...Max Factor! I have never been disappointed with a Max Factor mascara and I have rekindled my love for their False Lash Effect mascara.

The False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara cannot go unnoticed with its chunky black packaging and metallic blue band at the top, indicating it is the waterproof version. The silicon wand is also on the chunky side but with its short bristles, it is guaranteed to reach even the shortest of lashes for an effortlessly fanned-out false lash effect. The pigmentation is excellent too! This is one of the blackest mascaras I have ever tried and once it's dry, it doesn't clump the lashes.

Left ~ wearing Max Factor False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara
Right ~  bare lashes

Now for the waterproof part...if there is a mascara that claims to be waterproof under any circumstance and it stays on, it is definitely this one! The only way I can get it off is with waterproof makeup remover and I like to rest a soaked cotton disc for a few seconds on my eyes first then gently wipe the mascara away. 

I have never had issues with lashes falling off while taking off this mascara or throughout the time of wear. Moreover, I have never experienced irritation to my eyes even when wearing contact lenses.

Max Factor False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara retails for €13.65 and can be found at various stockists around the island. For more information, check out Max Factor Malta on Facebook.

Review | Pupa Milano I'M Lipstick 206 Coral Dream

I love myself a good lipstick and one of the latest to join my ever growing collection is the Pupa Milano I'M Lipstick in the shade 206 Coral Dream.

The I'M range, which comprises 40 lipsticks has only recently just been launched locally and it will be part of the brand's core collection.

The lipstick is encased in a beautiful mirrored silver casing and you get 3.5g of product. The packaging may come across as bulky especially if like me, you store your lipsticks in an acrylic lipstick rack but it's too pretty not to display so I place this on my dresser instead. Another issue that might bother some is the fact that finger-prints show all over the packaging.

Now let's have a look at the actual lipstick. The shade I got, 206 Coral Dream is a true coral shade that will suit most skin tones. It is neither too orangey, nor too pink - it's coral as it should be! Colour payoff is exceptional as with just one swipe, there is uniform colour on your lips.

As for staying power, I'd say this lipstick lasts for a good couple of hours and it never feels dry on the lips. On the contrary, it is very moisturising. I have liked this lipstick so much that I also purchased a limited edition of this lipstick from Pupa Milano's latest collection and I shall be reviewing it in the coming days.

Pupa Milano I'M Lipsticks are available for sale at authorised pharmacies and outlets. For more information, kindly check out Pupa Milano in Malta on Facebook or the official Pupa Milano website.

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Review | Max Factor Colour Elixir Gloss 60 Polished Fuchsia

Max Factor makeup has always been a favourite of mine. I remember the joys I used to experience whenever we went over to my aunt as she would let me rummage through her makeup collection, most of which was actually Max Factor and she even let me try on the products.

My favourites were the lipsticks and glosses, mostly because of the insane pigmentation; fast-forward 20 years later and some of my favourite lip products are branded Max Factor as well :) Today, I shall be sharing my thoughts on the Colour Elixir Gloss in the shade 60 Polished Fuchsia with you. 

 

The packaging, albeit simple, looks very classy with the matte gold cap and sleek, transparent tube. The applicator, a doe foot type, is the perfect size to go round the contours of the lips flawlessly - a must with such a brightly pigmented product.

 

The gloss has an utterly shiny finish and wear is very comfortable all throughout. I would describe the shade as a red-based fuchsia that will suit most skin tones. The conditioning formula is enriched with smoothing oil to ensure all round moisture.

 

 

As for lasting power, I think this lasts more than your average lipgloss, say three to four hours, thereby being on par with most lipsticks. I enjoy wearing this gloss both alone and paired with a matching lipstick and liner, depending on how intense I want my lips to look.

 

Max Factor Colour Elixir Gloss 60 Polished Fuchsia on bare lips



Max Factor Colour Elixir Gloss 60 Polished Fuchsia over lipstick and liner

 

Max Factor Colour Elixir Gloss is available in a range of shades from leading pharmacies and outlets nationwide and they retail for €9.40 each.

 

Have you ever tried Max Factor Colour Elixir Glosses? Which are your favourite shades?

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Review | Max Factor Excess Volume Extreme Impact Mascara

Mascara, to me is an everyday makeup staple and I rarely leave the house without it. Obviously, being a makeup addict, I have mascara for everyday use and others for more dramatic night looks. Max Factor's Excess Volume Mascara falls into the latter category and it has been my go-to evening mascara ever since I was introduced to it as part of a competition that Max Factor Malta was holding on their Facebook page.

 

The mascara is presented in a rather big 20ml double ended tube and it has a 'Extreme Volume' side and a 'Dark Lacquer' side. The wands are very different, with the volumizing one being very thick and made of rubber while the lacquer one is more meant to separate and darken the lashes, hence it is more of a traditional bristle wand.

 

Pigmentation is quite strong and with just one coat, the lashes already look darker and more volumized thanks to the specially designed wands. I like to apply two coats from the Extreme Volume side first to top lashes only, then follow with another two coats of the Dark Lacquer on the top lashes and a coat on the bottom lashes for a dramatic look as in the picture below:

I do recommend this mascara to anyone who's into dramatic lashes and doesn't mind splashing out a little - retail price is €15.90. I like the dual-ended concept and I would really love to see this mascara in a waterproof version.

For more information, kindly check out the Max Factor Malta Facebook page :)

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Review | Max Factor Face Finity All Day Primer

Summer makeup calls for fresh skin and minimal use of products especially if you live in places where the heat is too much to bear, like we do here in Malta. However, with most weddings and special occasions taking place during the hot summer months, we still need to look our best and sometimes we cannot help not to wear a full face of makeup.

 

To prevent makeup melt down, a primer is a must and luckily, Max Factor have introduced the Face Finity All Day Primer with SPF 20. I say luckily because I have found this primer to be much lighter than the usual silicon primer I use and it has always given me impressive results. Furthermore, SPF 20 is a good factor to wear on your face all year round, not just in summer.

 

 

The primer is luxuriously packaged in a 30ml transparent glass bottle with a matching plastic cap and a black and gold pump dispenser. I always like it when the packaging is see-through as I can tell when the product is about to finish. The pump dispenser is also a good idea as you can control the amount of product that comes out. What's more? The pump even closes if you turn it to the left to prevent accidental loss of product.

 

Now on to the actual product. The primer is presented as a white, light-weight fluid that easily seeps through the skin to offer a uniform canvas on which to apply makeup and being a primer, it also serves to extend the wear of foundation. It dries to a transparent, satin smooth finish and bears no scent whatsoever.

What I really like about this primer apart from the light-weight formula, is that even in the scorching summer heat we get in Malta, my makeup stays put all day. Moreover, it never irritated or broke out my skin.

Max Factor Face Finity All Day Primer is available from authorised pharmacies and outlets and retails for around €17. For more information, please check out the Max Factor Malta Facebook page.

 

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Review | Lierac Paris Sunific Preparateur Tan Starter Serum

Summer: drinks get colder, water gets warmer. Hair gets lighter, skin gets darker...and, hold on... I have a product to share with you for an even deeper tan!

I was introduced to Lierac Paris Sunfic Preparateur Tan Starter Serum last month during an event which launched the Lierac Sunific Range. The range comprises a number of products aimed at promoting a healthy tan and ultimately preserving it. Apart from sun protection creams, they even offer products to help prepare the skin for sun tanning.

 

Primers are all the rage as of late - there's face primers, eye primers, lip primers and now there's even tanning primers such as the Tan Starter Serum from French luxury skin care brand Lierac. Event attendees were given a full sized sample of this Tan Starter Serum to try and after using it consistently for over four weeks, here are my thoughts on it.

The packaging, albeit simple is very convenient and I love its golden brown colour - it has beautifully tanned skin written all over it! The dispenser is actually a pump which is always ideal with this type of products and the cap closes securely over it.

 

The serum itself bears a light orange colour and it smells divinely of sweet oranges which are in effect one of the key active ingredients in the product. The concoction of red orange citroflavonoids, carrot and jasmine extracts, fruit AHA's, Monoi oil, Shea butter and a trio of tan enhancers (achiote oil, apricot kernel and vegetable glycerine) promotes a uniform tan at a cellular level.

 

 

The product is suitable for use on the face and body and is recommended in conjunction with your usual regular care products. It is advised to use a product with a good SPF factor since the serum doesn't offer such protection - it is only meant to promote and maintain a tan.

 

I have been using this serum consistently for over four weeks now and my skin tans better and even if I skip the beach for a prolonged time, the tan is still maintained. The formula is quickly and easily absorbed into the skin and I like how it leaves a shimmery glow behind.  

 

I am honestly in love with this product and it has definitely become a summer staple!

For stockist information, kindly check out the Lierac Malta Facebook page.

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