SS14 Makeup Trend | Blue Eye Makeup

Hello ladies :) So I'm back from a short getaway on our sister island, Gozo with my boyfriend and our friends and while it feels good to be back to your own bed/shower/home, I really didn't want to leave just because we had such a good time!

 

Anyway, back to the subject of this post - Blue Eye Makeup. This is a huge summer trend and I personally really love it. I think that blue eye makeup, when applied correctly, gives a nice, bright look to your eyes. Here are my top picks of blue hued eye products :)

 

Catrice Absolute Eye Colour 210 The Queen Is Amused - this is the brightest blue eyeshadow in my collection but before you go all out searching for it, sadly, I have to say that it is now discontinued. It's got some silver shimmer which doesn't really show up on the eyes but the pigmentation is otherwise awesome. Moreover, I do like the non-powdery, silky smooth texture.

 

Catrice Absolute Eye Colour 550 Saw It On Blue Tube - another discontinued eyeshadow from Catrice. This time, we cross over to the navy blue side of the spectrum and again, colour payoff is exceptional as is the formula.

 

Essence Stay All Day Long Lasting Eyeshdow 07 Jim-Me Blue - this is one of my favourite cream eyeshadows that is an excellent base for powder products to make the look last all day. Colour pay-off is good but you have to be quick if you want to blend the colour out because it dries quite quickly.

 

Catrice Gel Eyeliner C01 Nautica {Cruise Couture Limited Edition} - now this one is a very dark midnight blue gel eyeliner that almost looks black but I still appreciate the blue tinge in it. It lasts long and gives you enough time to work on a winged eyeliner look.

 

 

Pupa Milano Vamp! Mascara 300 Deep Night - if you are too shy to try blue eyeshadow on your lids, but want to give the blue makeup a go, make sure you buy this mascara! It's my favourite blue mascara and it volumises the lashes like no other!

Wjcon Long Lasting Eyeshadow Stick 10 Sapphire - I bought this when I was looking for a nice bright blue eyeliner and I am very fond if it both as a liner and an eyeshadow. It has good pigmentation and lasts for a good number of hours.

Pupa Milano Long Lasting Eyeliner 003 Parrot Blue {Viva Carioca Collection} - I have recently discovered this eyeliner from the Pupa Milano Viva Carioca collection and I seriously love it! Amazing pigmentation and staying power and a mesmerising shade of blue!

Rimmel London Kajal Eyeliner Pencil 021 Denim Blue - the first blue eyeliner I have ever tried and I love the versatility of this colour. It can be worn all year round and lasts for a good number of hours.

Catrice Long Lasting Eyeliner Pen 080 I Like Blue Mondays - another discontinued product that I really like. Sky blue is a nice alternative to the darker shades and looks fresh any time of day.

 

Do you like wearing blue eye makeup? What are your favourite products?
 

Nail Polish Collection | C'Est Tout Moi!, Golden Rose, Nee Milano, Pupa Milano, Wjcon

The next instalment is a mix of European brands of which I just noticed, I only bought one! The rest were either sent to me for review purposes or were given to me as gifts.

 

 

Golden Rose Paris no.40 - sheer golden yellow with gold glitter

Golden Rose Paris no.41 - metallic golden yellow

 

 

Classique 75 Violet - metallic purple

Mode 83 Saphir - sheer metallic sky blue

 

 

Wjcon n.702 - lilac crème with very fine silver shimmer

Nee 311 - sheer eggshell white

 

 

Magnetic Red - metallic crimson

Lasting Color 516 Dream Apricot (50s Dream Limited Edition - Spring 2013) - peachy orange crème

Lasting Color Gel 015 Tropical Escape - deep maroon with a pink undertone

Review | Wjcon Automatic Lip Liner Bimbo

I have a list of products that I have yet to review and the next one up is Wjcon Automatic Lip Liner in the shade Bimbo.

 

I bought this a few months ago now to match with Wjcon Sublime Matt Lipstick 611 primarily but I also wear it on its own sometimes or even under a similar coloured lip gloss. The packaging is really simple yet innovative as it also incorporates a small sharpener at the back. I like that the colour of the packaging is the colour of the lip liner as it makes it easier to pick the colour you want. Ingredients are printed on the pencil itself.

 

Another thing I like about the packaging is that the product doesn't shave off when retracted back in place...which is not always the case with retractable products. Also, the cap closes securely.

 

 

The texture is very creamy and the product has very good pigmentation with high coverage and glides on easily. It is easy to blend and I find that my lipstick lasts longer when I wear this lip liner under it. The pointy end allows easy lining of the lips and it can be restored thanks to the sharpener.

 

I would describe the colour as a Barbie pink sort of colour with a matte finish. One thing to note is that although the product has a matte finish, it is not going to dry out your lips while wearing it. It just feels comfortable.

 

 

The brand's claim that it is long-lasting holds true for this product as it is quite resistant to water and doesn't smudge. Your best bet to take off this product is to use a waterproof makeup remover, otherwise it is going to take longer to remove. The product being paraben-

free is an added bonus.

 

I would recommend this lip liner to anyone basically and at €4.90 it surely won't break the bank!

 

The Wjcon Automatic Lip Liner range comprises 15 exquisite shades and can be found on sale at Wjcon shops around Italy and in Malta in their Birkirkara shop.

Review | Wjcon Limited Edition Baked Eyeshadow Passion 604

Good morning ladies, today I will turn the spotlight on this baked eyeshadow from Wjcon that was in my goodie bag when the brand management in Malta invited us for a bloggers' night. I have used it quite a few times already and it is perfect for summer because it is such a bright eyeshadow. Here's my take on it!

Wjcon Baked Eyeshadow Passion comes in this cute lilac box with a window on the front so you can see the colour and it also has the ingredients and directions for use on the back.
 

 

 

The actual eyeshadow on the other hand comes in a very sleek and expensive looking white and transparent plastic case that has Wjcon printed on the front and the shade number on the back. I like the packaging because it evokes a clean, sleek look and it closes tightly. Being a baked eyeshadow, it is dome shaped and can be used both wet and dry; obviously, using it wet will enhance the colour.
 

 

 

 

I would describe the colour as a mandarin orange with tiny gold shimmer all throughout, making it perfect for casual and elegant occasions alike. Here are some swatches:
 

L to R: Dry over primer; dry without primer
Wet without primer; wet over primer

As for texture, I would say this eyeshadow has a very silky texture and it is very pigmented on the first application yet still buildable. It is not powdery and has a pearlescent finish. I find that it lasts better when used over primer rather than just applying it over your bare eye lids.

Since this is a Limited Edition product, I doubt there are any left to purchase but if you do come across them, do get at least one of the shades. If I am not mistaken they used to retail for €7.90 but they had discounted to €3.90.

Have you tried any Wjcon eyeshadows? What's your opinion about them?

PR Sample

Review | Wjcon Primer Corrective Anti-Redness

Today I will be reviewing another product I bought from Wjcon recently and as you can tell by the title of this post, the spotlight will be on their green Anti-Redness Corrective Primer.

First off, the primer is supplied in a black carton box that bears the ingredients and a swatch of the primer colour. The product information is printed on the back of the actual tube which is the same colour as the actual primer. The tube holds 30ml and it is very conveniently sized for travel. However, to see how much product is left, you have to put the tube against the light as it is opaque.

 

Here's a word about primers and their use in makeup... A primer is applied before foundation and after moisturizer to help create an even base and help your makeup last longer.  This one in particular also has a mattifying effect, counteracts wrinkles and being green, it contrasts any redness. I am still too young to have wrinkles so I cannot really comment on that but I can definitely give my two cents on this primer's other properties!

To begin with, I bought specifically the green corrective primer because I really liked the effect when Maria did my makeup at the Wjcon Bloggers' Night. I do get a little redness on my cheeks and from pimples so I thought this would be a great complement to my NYX Concealer In A Jar CJ12 Green.

What impresses me the most with this primer is that although it is green in colour, it goes onto the skin very sheer and it blends well effortlessly so that if you don't feel like applying foundation, you can skip it altogether and still look very natural.

 

 

The texture is creamy but a little on the watery side, hence very easy to blend into the skin. I use this primer when I am doing full face makeup mostly, because it helps keep the makeup on longer and my skin is kept oil free. The primer has no scent whatsoever and is rapidly absorbed into the skin. I haven't had any issues with breaking out while using the product.

 

To sum up, I would really recommend this primer to anyone whose skin tends to get red and acne prone people. It is available in another three varieties to suit everyone's individual needs; white to illuminate the face, purple to freshen up dull complexions, skin coloured to counteract pigmentation, dark spots and dark under eye circles.

 

Available from Wjcon in Naxxar Road, Birkirkara for €9.90 for 30ml. *Throughout the month of June, Wjcon are giving you a free nail polish with a purchase of €35 or more worth of products*.

Follow Wjcon Malta on Facebook for updates and special offers.

 

Monthly Favourites | May

End of May, means it's monthly favourites time again! This month I have been super busy with clients and I am really excited to have introduced Orly Gel FX to them. I have already had a few clients booked in for such a service and I am now waiting for their feedback so that I can then write a full review on the whole system etc. For my Maltese followers, do not hesitate to check out my facebook page here.

 

As for the typical monthly favourites, this month I was favouring the no-make up look over full on makeup. To create a perfect base, I was using Wjcon Primer Corrective Anti-Redness and NYX Concealer in a Jar CJ12 Green. What I really like about this primer is that the green tinge sort of melts into your skin to counteract the redness and you can skip foundation altogether if you so desire. It helps makeup lasts longer and skin looks matte for hours.

 

With regards foundation, I have been reaching for the Rimmel Lasing Finish Minerals Mineral Foundation 100 Ivory on days when I didn't need much coverage and on days when I just felt like putting on something to look more fresh-faced, I opted for the E.L.F. Mineral Blemish Kit to cover up and treat blemishes and finish with the E.L.F. Mineral Booster Sheer.

 

My two favourite blushes that are very much suited for this time of year, have been Essence Marble Mania Trend Edition Blush in 01 Swirlpool and E.L.F. Studio Blush Candid Coral. 

 

 

Since I have been using mineral foundation, I have re-discovered a favourite brush, the E.L.F. Studio Powder Brush which is certainly well know in the beauty blogsphere. On the other hand, I have only recently tried a beauty blender dupe to apply liquid foundation with and I can say I am pretty pleased with the airbrushed look it gives.

 

 

Lastly, eye and lip products. I am going to start with the only lip product I have, namely the E.L.F. Studio Glossy Gloss Berry Blush. I like the pigmentation with these glosses and the fact that they are not sticky and since I have been leaning towards more natural makeup this month, this is the perfect companion to any look! As for mascara, I really enjoyed using Essence Multi Action Mascara Blackest Black and Catrice Lashes to Kill Waterproof Mascara paired with a few Eylure Individual Lashes to added impact to otherwise neutral eyes.  The E.L.F. Studio Cream Eyeliner in Black and Catrice Long Lasting Eyeliner Pen Stay On 080 I Like Blue Mondays have once again made it to my monthly favourites!



 

What were your favourites this month ladies?

Review | Wjcon Bi-phasic Waterproof Makeup Remover

Apart from an extensive makeup range, Italian brand Wjcon also have their own skin care range. However, it is more of a general skin care range rather than targeted for specific skin types. I decided to try their Bi-phasic Waterproof Makeup Remover.

The product is supplied in a conveniently sized 150mL bottle. Being transparent, it enables me to see how much product I have left and with me, that is always a plus. Ingredients and product information are printed on the back of the bottle.

Most of the time, I favour makeup remover wipes over bi-phasic makeup removers as they tend to leave an oily film on my skin, even though I cleanse my face thoroughly afterwards. This is surely not the case with the Wjcon Bi-phasic Waterproof Makeup Remover! It effectively removes all makeup, even the toughest, waterproof makeup and I do not have to worry about any oily residues being left on my skin. I did notice that there seems to be more of the aqueous element rather than oil so I guess that might be reason why it doesn't feel that oily.

 

Typically, I would use 4 cotton pads soaked with this makeup remover to take off all makeup including foundation; I use 1 for each eye, so that's 2 already, then I use the back side of one of them to remove lipstick and an additional two to remove foundation. I then cleanse, tone and moisturize skin before heading to bed (full updated skin care routine to be posted this week). I also use one q-tip to remove any left-over traces of mascara but most of the time, it isn't necessary...that's how effective this makeup remover is.

 

I have never had any issues with skin irritations or breakouts while or after using this product and I will therefore award it a full 5 star rating!

 

Wjcon Bi-Phasic Waterproof Makeup Remover is available from the Wjcon shop at Naxxar Road, Birkirkara or for Italians across Italy or online from www.wjcon.com. Retails price is €5.90 for 150mL.

 

Have you been to Wjcon yet? Any favourite products?

Review | Wjcon Body Draining Oil

As you know, last month I had the opportunity to try the Italian make-up brand Wjcon after they opened their first store outside Italy right here in Malta.  One of the products which intrigued me at the bloggers' night was this Body Draining Oil that helps to eliminate fluids retained by our bodies.

The oil comes in a pink spray bottle that holds 200mL of product. I am actually a bit disappointed with the packaging as the cap doesn't close tightly at all and some product leaked through; but other than that, I like the spray nozzle and the fact that the bottle is transparent so I can see exactly how much product is left in the bottle.

The oil feels very silky to touch and is rapidly absorbed by the skin. I like to use this oil as a means of a massage for my thighs right after I shower as that is where I experience water retention. I take my time to massage the oil in circular motions towards the heart to improve circulation and boost the body's fluid and toxin eliminating mechanisms.

 

I usually employ 5 minutes on each thigh and I have been using the oil religiously every day since I got it; that's approximately two weeks and I have already seen a difference in the way my skin looks and feels. Having said that, I am also keeping a regular toning exercise routine as the oil is only intended for cosmetic use.

 

I have to admit that the oil does a very good job in helping the body get rid of excess fluids as I have to reach for the toilette soon after I massage it in! It contains 4 kinds of oils, namely, sweet almond, olive, macadamia and sesame, all of which are known for their beneficial actions to helps the body flush out toxins as well as nurture the skin, leaving it soft and supple. Lemon, lavender and rosemary essential oils are also part of this concoction and we all know that they aid the fight against cellulite. In fact, I would describe the scent as rosemary based with a hint or citrus and olive oil. The combination of oils and the massage movements help to re-activate the superficial micro-circulation, thus busting surface cellulite. 

I would recommend this oil to anyone who has started to notice the very first signs of cellulite or simply for anyone wanting a good massage oil that will last a long time. 

Wjcon Body Draining Oil retails for €14.50 and is available for sale in the brand's shop in Naxxar Road, Birkirkara or from any of their stores across Italy.

 

OOTD: Of Flower Appliques and High Waisted Shorts

This is the outfit I wore last Sunday evening for a stroll in Bugibba. We mainly head there in summer as there is this ice cream parlour where they have all imaginable flavours and I can say hands down that they have the best ice cream in the world!

Whenever I'm going out, I always try to wear something new that I bought recently and this time I headed for this gorgeous pair of high waisted shorts I picked up from New Look last Wednesday. I know the colour is not exactly summery but they are super soft and are perfect for this time of year where the air is still cool in the evening. I'll leave you to the pictures (which had to be taken inside) and as usual, I have included a full list of make-up products I used to create the make-up look in the pictures. Enjoy!

 

Blouse, Peacocks | High-waisted shorts, New Look | Pumps, Peacocks

Clutch bag, local shop | Feather earrings, Pimkie | Bracelet, M&S

Belt, Tally Weijl | Spinning Rings, 202 Jewellery

 

 

Face

Wjcon Primer Corrective Perfect Face Anti-Redness (Green)

Catrice Ultimate Moisture Fresh Skin Makeup in 010 Light Beige

Essence Stay Natural Concealer in 01 Soft Beige

E.L.F. Mineral Booster in Sheer

Catrice Defining Blush in 060 Rosewood Forest

Eyes

E.L.F. Eyelid Primer in Sheer

Essence Eyeshadow in 02 Dance All Night

E.L.F. Studio Single Eyeshadow in Raspberry Truffle

CoverGirl Eye Enhancer in Double Espresso

Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Single in 251A Brulee

Catrice Long Lasting Eye Liner Pen Stay On! in 070 Puddle Of Mudd

Essence Eyebrow Designer in 04 Blonde

MUA Pro-Brow Ultimate Eyebrow Kit (Wax)

Catrice Glamour Doll Volumising Mascara

Lips

Catrice Ultimate Colour Lipstick in 190 The Nuder The Better

MAC Lustre Lipstick Naked Paris

Review | Wjcon Sublime Matt Lipsticks N.611 & N.612

I just can't seem to suppress my lipstick addiction as of late and stores like Wjcon definitely are not helping! Today I will be reviewing a gorgeous shade from their Sublime Matt lipstick range, namely N.611.

 

As usual, packaging goes first...each lipstick is supplied in a cardboard box which I think is very professional for a budget friendly brand like Wjcon and on the box are the ingredients and usual product information. On the other hand, the actual lipstick has a black plastic outer casing with the cap being wider at the top, Wjcon printed on the front and shade number on a sticker affixed on the bottom. I like that the lipstick bullet goes all the way down the tube to prevent nicking it while replacing the cap back on.

 

 

With these lipsticks, what you see is what you get! That is, the colour you see in the bullet is what's gonna go on your lips. N.611 is a rather bright purple-based pink that's perfect for summer even though it has a matt finish. It will also suit most skin tones so that's definitely a big plus! This is not your typical matt lipstick where it starts feeling dry after a while. On the contrary, I find it is still moisturising even after hours of wear. 

 

Wjcon Sublime Matt Lipsticks 611 (left), 612 (right)

 

However, I wouldn't agree that it lasts 8 hours straight, but I'd say it lasts a good 4 to 5 hours. One thing to note is that the lipstick fades uniformly so you won't end up looking like a clown and that's one of the things I like about this lipstick. I have bought shade N.612 for Mum and she affirms that all of the above points apply for it as well. N.612 is a slightly darker purple leaning towards pink so they are quite similar.



Wjcon Sublime Matt Lipstick N.611

Wjcon Sublime Matt Lipstick N.612

I just can't recommend these lipsticks enough and I already have a few shades in mind to go and get as soon as I get the opportunity!

 

Wjcon Sublime Matt Lipsticks are available in 22 ravishing shades and they retail at €5.90 for 3mL of product.

NOTW | Spring Blooms

The weather this week kept me in a spring mood and I opted for a floral manicure again. This time I tried the two accent nails look and I used three base colours.  Follow the simple steps to a little garden on your finger tips!

1. Prep nails with a base coat and leave to dry completely.

 

2. As base colours, I used Wjcon Nail Lacquer N.702 for the thumbs and index fingers, Essence Tip Painter for the middle and ring fingers and Essence Colour & Go 128 Let's Get Lost (mixed in a 1:2 ratio with the white nail polish) for the pinky fingers. Leave to dry thoroughly.

 

3. For the flowers, use a medium sized dotting tool to create 5 petalled flowers or 3 petalled flowers in the corners of the nails. Drag the centres of each petal toward the centre of the flower with a small dotting tool. For the flowers, I used China Glaze Lemon Fizz, Wjcon Nail Lacquer N.702 and Essence Colour & Go 128 Let's Get Lost.

 

4. Apply a dot of silver foil polish in the centre of each flower and leave to dry. Here, I used Orly Dazzle.

 

5. Seal everything with a top coat and you're done!