Hey Sweeties,
Following last week’s review of the new Colour Crush Matte Lipstick in shade 429, Osaka Plum, I am excited to talk to you today about the second new lipstick range soon to be hitting The Body Shop -the Matte Lip Liquid.
While I adore The Body Shop for their cruelty free skincare and shower gels, scrubs etc. I haven’t tried much of their makeup so I was excited to give two new products from each range a go; today I am reviewing the shade 022 Paris Peony*.
I am excited to talk to you lovelies today about the first of two new lipstick ranges soon to be hitting The Body Shop -the Colour Crush Matte Lipstick, and the Matte Liquid Lipstick.
I adore The Body Shop for their cruelty free skincare and shower gels, scrubs etc. I haven’t tried much of their makeup though so I was excited to give two new products from each range a go, beginning with the Colour Crush Matte Lipstick in shade, 429 Osaka Plum*.
Hey Sweeties,
For me and I know a lot of you out there, do your damndest to ensure that the products you use for your beauty and skincare are as close to 100% natural and cruelty free as possible. With this being something so many people now view as a value, more and more brands are surfacing that offer just this for consumers, as well as people willing to spend that extra time seeking out cruelty free beauty and skincare. Fortunately, within the UK and Europe more broadly, the testing and selling of (finished) cosmetic products and its ingredients that have been tested on animals is illegal. That being said, it’s well worth reading up on this stuff and particularly, while we all go nuts for American beauty hauls etc. UK brands sold abroad may comply with different laws and all I’m saying is, just be aware. The Queen of skincare that is Caroline Hirons, wrote a blog a little while ago titled ‘Tested on Animals/Sold in China’ (here) and it’s well worth a read if this subject is important to you. As I have written before in my decision to eat a plant-based diet (here), animal welfare is of huge importance to me and while I believe I shop safe in the knowledge I am not supporting animal testing, I have no doubt that I have been caught out in the past.
Apologies for the random tangent on animal testing, but my initial point was that where possible I seek out 100% natural, cruelty free skincare and I was delighted to be sent this Moroccan rose infused facial oil* by Dr Botanicals. Dr Botanicals create vegan, 100% natural ingredient products, free from parabens and harmful preservatives, believing that oil and plant extracts can make a genuine difference to skin.
In recent months and particularly following a period during the last year of subscribing to and purchasing various beauty boxes that have exposed me to several new brands, I have developed quite an interest in facial oils. While I don’t use them all the time, and some I prefer over others, you don’t have to be using them long to appreciate and notice the benefits.
The Dr Botanicals Moroccan Rose Infused Facial Oil “is packed full of minerals and vitamins, all working together to rejuvenate, renew and protect skin. Rich in antioxidants and moisturising properties to keep your skin protected and hydrated. This facial oil contains Vitamin C, A and Almond oil to stimulate, rejuvenate and brighten skin while ensuring it is kept moisturised and nourished.”
I love this oil, like, a lot! The Moroccan Rose scent is divine and the oil itself feels more like a rose water than it does an oil because it’s incredibly light to the touch and upon application. I like to massage a couple of drops into my face after I’ve come in from work and removed my makeup and cleansed, allowing the oil to gently absorb during the evening. Oils can of course be used any time of day but I personally, like to allow facial oils to do their thing in their own time, without piling product on top of them too soon which is why I –as a rule- use them as part of my evening skincare routine. As the description above states, this product, stimulates, rejuvenates and brightens skin and it really does just what it says on the tin. After I’ve applied the oil, my skin soon feels radiant and hydrated and it simply just cannot get enough of what this product does for me.
I won’t lie to you, this Moroccan Rose Infused Facial oil is quite pricey, and while I personally would struggle to spend this, I certainly don’t need to be persuaded on its benefits as it’s a lovely, lovely product. Next year I hit thirty and that marks a new chapter of time whereby my skincare will need upping and maybe then I will be more comfortable in spending more for good, quality products and when that happens I am totally down with it. Right now, I’m allowed to fully explore the market, see what’s out there and in time, narrow down my choices of what works best for me and my budget.
What are you favourite natural skincare products?
Until next time x
*Contains PR sample.
Hey Sweeties,
Whether I have made it obvious on here (ClaireySweetie) or not, I am someone that loves to both support and take part in initiatives, sporting events, bakes and sales of specific products etc. that raise money for important causes, whether that be big national/international campaigns, or locally with friends, family and colleagues. I am a big fan of MAC makeup, but rather than go mad in stores, I am quite selective with what I purchase, selecting products that I truly feel will be a welcome addition to my collection. Of course that doesn’t mean I don’t do the odd spontaneous buy, but you get what I mean.
Long time readers of my blog will be familiar with my two posts that I wrote last year about/involving Caitlyn Jenner, first of her announcement to transition (here), and secondly of the Vanity Fair cover that she revealed her new image (here). While we could argue all day about her privileged decent into becoming a woman, the awareness she has raised for the transgender community is huge and cannot be disputed, and her collaborating with MAC, continues the message of support.
“Caitlyn Jenner has fearlessly shared her transition with the world. Her new M.A.C lipstick, Finally Free, champions all ages, all races and all sexes. The full RRP less VAT will benefit the transgender community in the UK” -MAC website.
While I am a sucker for purchasing lipstick (aren’t we all!), Finally Free -a mid-toned rosey nude- is beautiful and I would argue a real asset to any collection. As a matte lip lover, the cremesheen formula makes for a welcome change and leaves lips with a gorgeous (erm,) sheen to them upon application. I have tried the lipstick with and without the additional of lip liner and while I personally prefer to wear lipstick with liner, it works just as well without.
It’s always a risk purchasing online exclusives when you haven’t seen them before, but reviews of MAC’s Finally Free lipstick put me at ease, and for those familiar with the various MAC formulas, should be comfortable with what they are purchasing. Overall, I would thoroughly recommend Finally Free and have no doubt it’ll become an every day staple nude.
What are your favourite MAC lipsticks?
Until next time x
A couple of months ago, I made a few new beauty purchases (here) and as promised, I said I would review a few of the products individually for you. Last week I posted about the Sleek Cream Contour Palette, and today I am sharing my thoughts about the Sleek Matte Me liquid lipstick in shade, Velvet Slipper which I believe is one of the shades released as part of the new collection.
I am a big fan of Sleek makeup and they are arguably one of the best high street brands on the market right now, for both the quality of their products, and affordability.
Described as an ‘ultra smooth matte lip cream‘ the matte me formula is very creamy and beautifully pigmented, and upon application it mattes down almost instantly so you do need to be quick (and accurate) when applying the product.
To really make your lips pop, I would recommend outlining your lips in concealer, just to really achieve a sharp line of definition but you do only need one layer of the product.
I love a good berry lip and you can’t go wrong with Velvet Slipper; a red-toned plum shade and I definitely think it’s your year-round berry lipstick if you’re someone like me, who often likes a bolder lip, even during summer.
As long as your lips are free from rough, flaky skin, the product leaves a lovely smooth finish which lasts extremely well.
I don’t feel as yet I can quite trust the product as much as I can the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet lipsticks, but I think when you’re wearing such a bold colour this is normal as when you eat or drink, you will naturally be constantly checking your lipstick hasn’t smudged and/or partly worn off.
Overall, I would thoroughly recommend this Sleek matte me lipstick, on both formula and shade and I would be keen to explore some of the other shades from the range; Birthday Suit I have heard is particularly popular among makeup lovers.
Have any of you tried the Sleek Matte Me liquid lipsticks? What are your thoughts?
Until next time x