I-DIVINE OH SO SPECIAL SLEEK EYE SHADOW PALLET REVIEW

 

The oh so special or not so special pallet, huh?

When I received this pallet I was pleased from first look. Starting with nice sleek packaging and continuing with first glance at the shadow colours. It seemed that this pallet has great selection of colours which would give beautiful eye looks. Well it was a disappointment... 

Pallet consists of 12 eye shadow colours, 5 shimmer and 7 matte.

Colours from top to bottom in the left column (according to the top picture):

PAMPER. Matte light pink, powdery, not pigmented, comes off chalky and uneven after building it up to maximum

GATEAU.  Light purple with golden shimmer, looks very beautiful in the pan, feels almost creamy but is poorly pigmented, comes off chalky and uneven)

THE MAIL. Biggest disappointment of all the shadows I have EVER bought. I would say it is light tannish colour but I cannot be sure because it is completely not pigmented, it doesn't show the colour even when swatching on the hand. I have no idea how any self-respecting make up company take even a penny for such product :(

BOXED. Matte neutral brown. And again poor pigmentation but as it is dark at least it is visible on the skin.

WRAPPED UP. Matte brown which is more on the taupe side, a little bit better pigmentation.

NOIR. Matte black colour. It is the most pigmented colour of this pallet, a pleasant surprise after trying to swatch THE MAIL.

Colours from top to bottom in the right column:

BOW. Off-white matte colour. Has some pigmentation. OK for blending under the eyebrow.

ORGANZA. Looks beautiful in the pan. Pinky, peachy shimmering colour. It has some pigmentations and feels creamy but comes off very uneven and patchy.

RIBBON. Matte pink. Feel soft when touching but has poor pigmentation, comes off chalky and uneven.

GIFT BASKET. Bronze shimmering colour. It is pretty bronze shade which has some pigmentation compared to other shadows in this pallet but is difficult to put even on the skin.

GLITZ. Silvery gun metal colour. Pigmented and creamy. Looks very metallic.

CELEBRATE. Gorgeous colour. It is even hard to describe. Think of the aubergine mixed with some plum and burgundy wine... and it has berry metallic shimmer. Did I mention it is gorgeous?  It's a pity it has average pigmentation and doesn't come off very even.

I feel bad after *trashing* this pallet which has some really beautiful shades, but the pigmentation in most of them is really poor.

Would I recommend this pallet to the friend? NO.

Would I purchase it again knowing the result? NO (well actually yes, because I cannot believe that pigmentation is so poor in some of the colours and all the colours look very beautiful in the pan)

Here are the swatches on my hand. Please note that swatches were made building colour to the maximum and applied with finger tips. These colours look nowhere to this on the eyes.

There are twelve eye shadows swatched, how many can you count? ;)

And some pictures of how beautiful these shadows look in the pallet:

     XOXO
     MSG

MAYBELLINE BABY SKIN INSTANT PORE ERASER PRIMER REVIEW

In this post I would like to share my review about MAYBELLINE BABY SKIN INSTANT PORE ERASER PRIMER. The claims from official Maybelline page for this primer are:

Bye-Bye Pores!
One second away from smooth, poreless skin.

Insta-blur technology visibly smoothes pores away.
Can be worn alone or under makeup.
Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free.

Smooth a thin layer under foundation for a smooth-looking finish. Or use alone for flawless-looking skin, smoothing onto areas with visible pores.

This is the primer itself:

it is clear, fragrance free silicony gel. Applies easy onto the skin, you need just a tiny amount. I don't use on all of my face, but just in centre on of the face where pores are most visible.

Sooo.. DOES THIS PRIMER REALLY WORK? Yes and know actually... I don't have huge pores, but I don't see any effect minimising what’s already there (not to mention erasing it...). On the other hand I love how my favourite foundation applies after prepping my face with this primer. It goes on smoothly and I think it improves staying power of it.

 
Would I repurchase it? I don't know... I think I will try something else. I will definitely continue use it and finish the tube...

To sum up, this primer might just do wanders to your skin but to mine it didn't do any miracles. everyone’s’ skin is different so just try it yourself if you are interested.

xoxo
MSG

SLEEK FACE FORM (CONTOUR KIT REVIEW AND SWATCHES) LIGHT

Let me share a review of  SLEEK FACE FORM.

This is a face contour pallet which includes a bronzer, a blusher and a highlighter. I own colour light. I got this palette because I wanted to try something new for face contouring and this is a small palette which includes everything you might need.

The bronzer is completely matte which is great for contouring. You can also use it to add bronze glow to all face without looking like a disco ball;

The blusher has nice warm golden shimmer and gives a beautiful coral glow;

Highlighter is also shimmery but not too frosty and blends beautifully on the skin.

All colours are decently pigmented but nothing crazy so it is hard to overdose but easy to build up if needed.
The packaging is very nice. It is compact but has great amount of product in it. Mirror is also included (no brush though). I would like to notice that even though the packaging is nice but it isn't very durable. After one week in my purse it had scratches all over it (i.e. ELF packaging is kind of similar but much more durable).
To sum up I think it is a great product for travelling or having in your purse because you have everything you need in one place. The colours and finishes are definitely beautiful and the quality is decent enough.
Here are some pictures of the pallet and swatches on my hand:

 

More information about the product can be found:
Sleek face form

 

 

XOXO 

MSG 

LOREAL NUDE MAGIQUE EAU DE TEINT LIQUID FOUNDATION REVIEW

Hi everyone ;) 

In this post I will share my review about LOREAL NUDE MAGIQUE EAU DE TEINT liquid foundation.

 

 

I am a fan of light and natural looking foundations that gives as natural look as possible while covering skin imperfections. I like foundations that give an option to use it alone and not set it with powder.

The claims for this foundation are that it should be as light as water:

 "Who says foundation has to feel heavy? That was then, this is now. Unveiling new Nude Magique Eau De Teint Foundation.
Shake it and discover on your fingertips a texture lighter than water. Glide on for amazing coverage. As light as a feather.           

Our 1st lighter than water foundation with an evanescent texture that glides onto the skin.
No make-up feel.
Apply it just like a perfume! Shake, tip on finger and apply. "

 

The texture. OMG this is the softest and smoothest foundation I have ever tried. It is light and watery but has something in it that gives that smoothness. As you touch it and start blending onto your skin you feel how pleasant it feels.

 

The finish. It sets quite matte but really naturally looking. The coverage is very light. I would say that it doesn't really cover skin flaws but evens out the complexion. On my skin it enhances dry patches, so I would recommend exfoliating and moisturizing before applying. After it sets it feels like you have nothing on the skin, this is the foundation that gives truly naked face feel. It isn't necessary to set it with powder but it affects staying power.

 

The application.  It works wonderfully applied with fingers, just shake well before use.  And it is nice to feel the smoothness of foundation while applying it. It sets rather quickly so it is best to apply by sections. It is also buildable, you can apply more in areas of need.

 

Staying power. Even though it sets quite matte but shine comes through in the middle of the day. Using primer doesn't really help me keep that shine away. To be honest I sometimes rather enjoy that shine. It makes my skin looking more natural and glowy but for more greasy skin owners there might be a need to blot and powder. What I love about this foundation is how it wears through the day. Most foundations start looking caky at the end of the end. This is nowhere near that. Looks as natural as freshly applied. Love that!

 

Overall I would say that it is great foundation for those with rather good skin and those who prefer very light and natural looking coverage. This foundation is very easy to apply.

The drawback is the packaging. It has no pump so I feel it is not really hygienic but the bottle is small so I think it won't go bad... Also that shine that comes through in the middle of the day, but can be managed with blotting and powder… What I don’t like the most is how it enhances dry patches of the skin. Also the smell of this foundation is *funky*. It smells like alcohol mixed with paint. The smell isn't heavy but not pleasant at all. Good thing it doesn't linger :)

I will definitely use this foundation this summer when I look more tanned and feel like exposing more naturally looking face.

 

The foundation in the picture is No 150 nude beige. This is great colour for me when I am tanned (I have very fair skin).

 

 

 

 

XOXO

MSG

 

 

 

 

REVLON COLORBURST LACQUER BALM AND MATTE BALM REVIEW AND SWATCHES

Hi everyone :)

The summer is almost here and for summer it is nice to have some options for bright vivid lips. I went for 3 new colours from REVLON.

In this post I will give you my review and swatches on REVLON COLORBURST LACQUER BALM and REVLON COLORBURST MATTE BALM.

The review is based on comparison what the company claims that product should do and how it actually performs (according to me of course ;) )

 

 

 

 

REVLON COLORBURST LACQUER BALM in VIVACIOUS and PROVOCATEUR

 

The claims from REVLON page are:

"High Shine Lacquer. Moisture Rich Balm. A lacquer finish that’s beyond brilliant. Balm that’s beyond comforting. Our Triple Butter Complex of Shea, Coconut and Mango butters nourishes lips. In 10 collectible, craveable colors "

Word lacquer immediately gives me the idea of very glossy and shiny lips but this product doesn't really give that finish. Lips look moist and nice but definitely not glossy or shiny.

Here are Pros (+) and cons (-) of this product in short summary:

+great pigmentation

+great feel the lips

+doesn't dry out the lips

+nice finish of juicy, moist lips

+pleasant smell of mint

+doesn't transfer on teeth as many bright colours do

+leaves a stain on lips

 

 -not the best staying power  regarding the finish

-doesn't live up to lacquer effect

 In total I would give 8-9/10

and here are the swatches:

1 pic - no 135 PROVOCATEUR

2 pic - no 120 VIVACIOUS

 
 

 

REVLON COLORBURST MATTE BALM in STRIKING

 

The claims from REVLON page are:

"Velvety Matte Look. Moisture Rich Balm

A Matte finish that’s beyond plush. Balm that’s beyond comforting. Our Triple Butter Complex of Shea, Coconut and Mango butters nourishes lips. In 10 collectible, craveable colors."

 

The name and description suggest that it should be a product that gives your lips a matte look. And again the product doesn't give the finish as claimed. In my opinion it isn't very different from lacquer balm finish. Maybe just slightly less moist looking.

Here are Pros (+) and cons (-) of this product in short summary:

+great pigmentation

+great feel the lips

+doesn't dry out the lips

+nice finish of juicy, moist lips

+doesn't transfer on teeth as many bright colours do

+leaves a stain on lips

 

-not the best staying power

-doesn't fully live up to "velvety matte" effect

 

In total I would give 8-9/10

 The swatches:

 

 

 

To summarize I like these lip balms. They are nice and fun to have on lips. I would like to test out other not so pigmented colours to see how they work. Just for comparison Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain performs better regarding staying power but feel on the lips seems nicer from new balms.

Have you tried these? :) What do you think of them?

 

XOXO

MSG

BEST HAIR CARE PRODUCTS FOR LONG BLOND HAIR

Hi everybody :) welcome back.
In this post I would like to share my favourite hair care products and tools. First of all I want to mention that different products work for different hair types. So here is my hair type: My hair are long and thick, they are also naturally brown, dry and frizzy. I dye them blond and I use flat iron 1-2 times per week so they get a lot of bad impact. Nevertheless I can be proud having long, soft, shiny hair. I have reached that by using products that suit me the best. So here go my top products for gorgeous hair:

1. Deep Steep shampoo (Glossy Smoothing and Daily Repairing Shampoo). The only shampoo I have found in years that I can use in a hurry and skip conditioner. Leaves hair soft and shiny, hair doesn't grease faster. The smell is not overpowering. I think prefer Glossy Smoothing shampoo over Daily Repairing one due to the smell but I love them both. These shampoos are on more natural side (I personally use only that kind) and they have no Parabens, no Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, no Mineral Oil, no Artificial Fragrances no Chemical Preservatives, they are Gluten Free, not Tested On Animals and Vegan. BEST EVER SHAMPOOS YET!!

Deep Steep

2. Joico K-Pak Deep-Penetrating Reconstructor and Intense Hydrator. Joico K-Pak reconstructor should be used together with Joico K-Pak hydrator (or at least other conditioner). I was recomended not to use reconstructor alone. It restores and fills the hair from the inside, penetrating to the deeper lairs and restoring them BUT leaves the cuticles open that is why it is recommended to use it together with Joico K-Pak hydrator (or at least some conditioner). After starting using them together I have hair like NEVER before. I treat myself to both products when I have time for that... and when I don't I use Joico K-Pak hydrator alone and it also keeps my hair soft and shiny. The thing is that hydrator close the cuticles and make the surface of every single hair glossy so all the hair looks amazing but if you have damaged hair I think it wouldn't restore them, it would be just for better looks. So reconstructor is for real deep penetrating repair of the hair and hydrator is for glossiness and shine.


Joico K-Pak line


3. CHI Silk Infusion. I treat my hair to this product from time to time for repair purposes. It leaves hair soft and controls frizzes. When I had really damaged hair (now cut off) it kept them from looking fried and dry and ugly.

CHI silk infusion

4. Rich Pure Luxury Rejuvenating Argan Oil Elixir. Another hair oil for protection, softness and anti-frizz. This oil helps control frizz, makes hair soft and detangled, smells great. This is an overall good product which I will repurchase.

RICH argan oil elixir

5. Tangle teezer. As I mentioned above I have long, frizzy, dry hair which means I get tangles. This brush combs them through without any pain and damage… Great tool for that. I personally also need a regular brush for styling after detangling.

Tangle teezer


Let me know in the comments if you have tried these products and what are your thoughts.

TIPS & TRICKS FOR QUICK MAKE UP

We all have those days when we are running out of time or being late and we still need to do our makeup. Well this is a every workday situation for me. That is why I *mastered* my routine for easy quick makeup and want to share some of my tips & tricks.

• If you find lacking time for make up a common problem prepare all you can in advance:

o Have all your makeup items ready all in one place, make a kit of essentials for a basic make up, remove all unnecessary items. This way you have all you need in one place but don't waste time browsing for particular item.

o Spend some time before hand and decide what your basic make up look is. You won't need additional time to spend deciding with which look you should go when being late.

• Use items that are user friendly. They should be easy and fast to use.

• Choose tinted moisturizer/BB cream/ light coverage foundation over full coverage foundation. They are usually easier to blend and mistakes are more forgiving compared to full coverage products.

• Use black or dark brown eye shadow instead of liquid or gel liner. It gives softer look and if you have shaky hands like me when you are late it is much easier to apply.

• If you have very light brows use permanent color for them. You would get away only with brushing them if you have no time to fill them in.

• Use neutral eye shadows that suit your coloring. I would recommend finding a color that is great for one color look. Use that one color on whole lid blending it into the crease, add a light highlighting color into inner corner and under the eyebrow, add dark eye shadow liner and you are done with eye shadows all you need to do is apply your favorite mascara.

• Add some bronzer or blush to your cheeks to warm up your complexion. I don't think you would have time for contouring your face so just lightly blend some bronzer where sun would naturally hit your face and you're good to go.

• I usually apply my lipstick or lip gloss when I am already on my way. I choose easy to apply products that can be applied even without mirror.

• I also keep a small bottle of my favorite perfume in my hand bag so I also spray it when I'm on my way. I often forget to spray it if I’m late…

• Keeping it simple and preparing in advance are the keys to quick makeup.

If you want to know what particular products I would recommend for quick makeup - you can check my post on TOP 5 makeup must haves.
http://www.misssparklegloss.blogspot.com/2014/04/my-top-5-must-have-make-up-items.html

RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME

So I was thinking and came to conclusion that it is nice when you know something about the blogger. So here are some random facts about me. All facts are beauty related.

• My skin type is normal/combination
• I have no acne issues with my skin but..
• ...I get a zit from time to time
• I have lots of birth marks on my skin
• My skin is very fair...
• ...So I like to use self tan to keep that healthy glow
• My eyes are grayish blue...
• My eyelashes are long but fair so without mascara I look like without lashes
• My hair color is warm blond...
• ... and they are quite long
• ... and they are frizzy...
• ... so I like to flat iron them
• My body skin is dry…
• … but I always feel like wasting time when applying lotion

My preferences:
• My philosophy is that women are beautiful the way they are, makeup is a tool that helps enhance that beauty.
• I love natural looking makeup
• I like when you can see natural skin showing
• I prefer less coverage to full coverage look
• I choose tinted moisturizer/bb cream for everyday
• I love neutral color eye look
• I prefer lipstick over lip gloss (but love them both)

MY TOP 5 MUST HAVE MAKE UP ITEMS

There are some things you just cannot live without... Let me share with you some of my makeup must haves:
Let me start with Mascara. Just so you know I have fairly good lashes. Most people say they are so good that any mascara would be fine for me. When people see me with mascara hear comments that with such lashes I would get away without mascara at all. Well... they are completely wrong... Without mascara I look like washed-out pink pig (no joke…) and not any mascara makes my lashes look amazing... If I could have only one make up item it definitely would be THE MASCARA... To be more precise - my current favorite Max Factor - Clump Defy by false lash effect in black (I think it is the same as in US Cover Girl - Lash Blast Clump Crusher).
I love the clean look it gives. My lashes look long and separated, clump and *dead-spider-legs-effect* free. It lasts all day long, doesn't flake or smudge on my lids but comes of easily with regular make up remover. I also stopped using lash curler when I started using this mascara because the wand is made in such a way that it curls my lashes while applying and the formula of mascara holds the curl the whole day (Although I must admit that curling lashes with curler gives more dramatic result, but the result of this mascara is enough for me on every day).

https://maxfactor.co.uk/make-up-products/eyes/mascara/max-factor-clump-defy-volumising-mascara


Second make up item I cannot live without is eye shadow primer. The one in particular is E.L.F. Mineral eyeshadow primer in sheer. This primer helps eye shadows stay on your eyelids without creasing and keeping freshly applied look from early morning until you decide to wash it off. It keeps shadows in place even if I apply it on hot summer morning, stay with the same make up throughout all work day, then go to the gym, work out and even after that when I look into the mirror I see the same thing on the eyes as I applied in the morning.
I also tried the "1 dollar" primer from E.L.F. which is raved about but it didn't work for me the same. Also I think I should mention that my eyelids are not extremely greasy but eyeshadow tend to crease after few hours if I apply them without mentioned primer.

http://www.eyeslipsface.com/minerals/eyes/concealers_and_primers/eyeshadow_primer

Third must have item I always keep around is bronzer. Mat or lightly satin finish, not to dark, not to orange… It just gives some color and life to complexion and makes me feel prettier and happier :) I like several bronzers and I cannot pick only one, they tend to differ depending on mood. The one I now use most often is Borjois Delice de Soleil Bronzing Powder (my shade 14 olive/tanned skin - disagree with the name but I still like it). It is matt bronzer with a couple of golden specks in it, but on face it looks completely matt. It is good for contouring your face as well as perfect for warming it up. It is pigmented but not too crazy so it is no stress to apply. What else... the smell... something coconutvalillarychocolatish... yummy :)

http://www.bourjois.co.uk/catalog/make_up/complexion/powder/delice_de_soleil_bronzing_powder

Fourth thing I just love is RIMMEL MATCH Perfection skin tone adapting concealer (my colour 030 classic beige). Well... it is a 2in 1 concealer & highligter which I use under my eyes. I cannot say that concealer is a very exiting item for me but still it is a must have. This concealer is creamy and light, provides enough coverage, stays all day, easy to blend. The packaging is very convenient squeeze tube with brush applicator. It doesn't look like a show off item you would put on your vanity but for the price it is a great find.

http://us.rimmellondon.com/products/face/match-perfection-concealer

The fifth thing is my INGLOT neutral color eyeshadow pallet. It is a part of their freedom systems items. Basically you get a pallet (box) and colors of your liking. My favorite is 8 pcs pallet which hold essential neutral colors for day or night make up. One row is all matt and another shimmering finish. The colors might seem not too exiting but they give nice and natural looks. You can make various pallets depending on your needs and skin/eye types. In my pallet I have some dark colors so I can definitely rock a night time look with it as well as soft neutral colors are great for day time. The price for these shadows is very user friendly and the quality is great (although I would recommend swatching them before buying because some colors are not so pigmented).

http://inglotcosmetics.com/10.eye.shadow.square/products/657/662

So these are my top 5 things I must have to make myself looking presentable. Of course there are much more items which I use and enjoy having in my make up bag. I will let you know in future posts more of them.

XOXO
MSG

AND THIS IS HOW IT ALL START...

Do you know the heart racing and exciting feeling when you see a new shade of your favourite brand lipstick? Or when limited edition collection gets out? Well I do :) and I wanna share my thoughts on make up and beauty related things with people who share the same feeling... There are many so called "beauty gurus" in the Internet community. Well... welcome a new "wanna-be-beauty-guru". In my blog I am going to share my thoughts and experience related to all things that helps to express and enhance our beauty. I will share my tips & tricks I've learned through the years and let you know what good stuff is out there :)