tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860661359904761042024-03-19T02:41:41.579-07:00Pretty TrivialitiesThe charming inconsequence of fashion and makeupAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032772962306259484noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386066135990476104.post-15137704106495623682014-07-06T17:34:00.001-07:002014-07-06T17:37:20.407-07:00Darling Clandestine Strange and Skin ScentsThis is the third and final part of my Darling Clandestine scent review series - just in time for the shop re-opening on the 8th!<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All photos in this post (except the shark sketch) were taken by my extraordinarily talented friend and photographer Olivier, who</span></span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> as well as being a truly </span>inspired<span style="font-family: inherit;"> artist, is easily the most exciting man to party with. Here's his </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/?q=#/profile.php?id=145108345524239&ref=ts&fref=ts" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: purple;">official facebook page</span></b></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> if you want to get lost in thousands of </span>beautiful<span style="font-family: inherit;"> photos.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Neither Here nor There:</span></u></b><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Supernova Sway</b></span><br />
<i>Black metallic, musk, mint and floral</i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Opens sharp with a whisper of fresh mint (but not that generic fake mint in toothpaste and gum) amongst a thousand other scents, then morphs to something imperceptibly sweet and finally a base of something beautifully dark pulls through. This is probably the most difficult scent to understand let alone describe as every sniff yields something different - it's like staring into an </span>abyss<span style="font-family: inherit;"> of shadows; every new glance bring different shapes so that you're never sure whether or not you're imagining them. This is a scent to ponder the vastness of the universe to - and a glowing example of Evonne's genius. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5959fZsbs7ga8zw6yd2emYRe4r5oGXUK4Qs0hq0xOcR2Lpc3T_oA-gzUYyvB2D4hKoExXPbEjW5nwXPN15qJryuOX6rkSEOasHgrWEtH5o3yCFZ2YYcv8bzALaMEJ7QZlQBLUg1pN_64/s1600/Supernove+sway.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5959fZsbs7ga8zw6yd2emYRe4r5oGXUK4Qs0hq0xOcR2Lpc3T_oA-gzUYyvB2D4hKoExXPbEjW5nwXPN15qJryuOX6rkSEOasHgrWEtH5o3yCFZ2YYcv8bzALaMEJ7QZlQBLUg1pN_64/s1600/Supernove+sway.png" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obviously pondering the vastness of the universe</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Aragon</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Lavender, sea salt, wine, leather, caramel and chocolate</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another weird one - opens with bitter dark chocolate, leather and something I now call '</span>Darling Clandestine's "skin" scent.'<span style="font-family: inherit;"> The lavender is fighting for scent priority with the muskiness and only slightly loosing, but after a few seconds everything mellows out to a smooth dark-chocolate-lavender-leather-ness, it's what a biker's jacket would smell like after he'd visited his mother's for the weekend. I really can't make up my mind if I like this scent or even whether it leans more masculine or feminine, which is strange because unlike most of Darling Clandestine's scents I can pick out quite a few distinct scent notes. If I had to choose I'd say it's a </span>cologne<span style="font-family: inherit;"> from a woman's point of view.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuI0O2ECzlpFMO7N3Tfz6cUbJ7hY5sNry2g0LwRUrOq0cM2_IF-69RUVdybLpL021bcS3BJSanP9wdIKRFxRKfRLIuz7UwnSSHERbghjYpYqJa05Bkj3paq-NizPtm1mQm-ZGGUqSURnY/s1600/leather+jacket.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuI0O2ECzlpFMO7N3Tfz6cUbJ7hY5sNry2g0LwRUrOq0cM2_IF-69RUVdybLpL021bcS3BJSanP9wdIKRFxRKfRLIuz7UwnSSHERbghjYpYqJa05Bkj3paq-NizPtm1mQm-ZGGUqSURnY/s1600/leather+jacket.png" height="273" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secretly a mummy's boy</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Circassian</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Coffee, chocolate, resins and floral</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bitter, burnt and salty - Circassian is wholly unappealing to me, though I can see fans of bitterly black coffee, burnt steaks and chocolate so dark it is literally black would find something sexy in this pungent mix.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcS_PR5z1mW5ZM83Yl-YWijcO57n5s7spLVjaM2bT4WwnKkQKsSTYLN3XErV7C7mfWGmoY3nIKkNGwBL159MZrANb2XAoeOUPbbKizoL0xm-4u9SQ5s4qBaJUbL8l7oqCwjEPYs177PA/s1600/bitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcS_PR5z1mW5ZM83Yl-YWijcO57n5s7spLVjaM2bT4WwnKkQKsSTYLN3XErV7C7mfWGmoY3nIKkNGwBL159MZrANb2XAoeOUPbbKizoL0xm-4u9SQ5s4qBaJUbL8l7oqCwjEPYs177PA/s1600/bitter.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Pungent</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Falchion</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Sex, chocolate and cinnamon</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Although I seem to have lost my sample of Falchion before I was able to sit down and write this review I remember thinking it was Circassian's sweetened, softened sister - although the heavy dark chocolate scent remained it had lost all the bitterness I dislike so much in Circassian. But don't take my word for it, I haven't smelt it in over a week.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gVWdVssx9i-pu0TRu624xIpjhhdGlAoWlUo0weu2M6MUSNiTDZe2dRoEQqtRIPtPc_OG0IOI3WTyuzZTZew5PLw-DlAHEvTwD9HiaeNR_3jr3ytzUvapd3yBgvRerPUaTbIRwrF7Mx4/s1600/Falchion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gVWdVssx9i-pu0TRu624xIpjhhdGlAoWlUo0weu2M6MUSNiTDZe2dRoEQqtRIPtPc_OG0IOI3WTyuzZTZew5PLw-DlAHEvTwD9HiaeNR_3jr3ytzUvapd3yBgvRerPUaTbIRwrF7Mx4/s1600/Falchion.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">I like this photo so we'll just assume it represents Falchion</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Love & Sharks</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Salty shark skin, pepper, cherries, apricots and clove</i></span><br />
Gagging sweetness underlaid with that strange and "skin" scent again, after a few minutes the sickliness fades and you're left with weird, burnt, bitter, salty skin with a touch of artificial fruit. This is similar to Dewlap Valentine in the cloying sweetness mixed with something akin to decay, and I really, really hate it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_Z5XOOj4t0cKX0kbilkVUoAy2bMxb2XcwGHNyd3OhJKRO9E3MiYoqxhMBcvcwP91-m4ZYTwpc2uqFtBvJ_sgR1CBGgsPwww1VuPACBcUH5_V_5sfC3u7e5BTxwJYD0qO4_DRfeqXMyo/s1600/shark.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_Z5XOOj4t0cKX0kbilkVUoAy2bMxb2XcwGHNyd3OhJKRO9E3MiYoqxhMBcvcwP91-m4ZYTwpc2uqFtBvJ_sgR1CBGgsPwww1VuPACBcUH5_V_5sfC3u7e5BTxwJYD0qO4_DRfeqXMyo/s1600/shark.JPEG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Great White Shark sketch (I LOVE SHARKS)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Skinscence:</span></u></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Inked</b></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Skin, salt, leather and wine</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Inked is the very </span>definition<span style="font-family: inherit;"> of Darling Clandestine's "skin" scent - that deep, sweet and salty base note that is so evident in Love & Sharks, but with none of the </span>artificial<span style="font-family: inherit;"> fruity sweetness. It's such a unique scent it defies my attempts to define it, but is a common element in Evonne's darker creations. Intriguing, original and with absolutely nothing 'perfumey' about it - although this wouldn't smell out of place on a woman to me this is scent smells so distinctly masculine, and is honestly most </span>reminiscent<span style="font-family: inherit;"> of hot sex.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2S4KqejiOtze5011Ymp5I_Smbj0pieYbG8XmQLJ-EKosqlNG-Kuhxo9YALeh7aNqI4QJoAlOBScDP9-TGvoiJDh9gDF1z2VkL_7JOLjO-W3qPVMDKXbrVZ0fR3sa0_NofotYf7g2JlI/s1600/sex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2S4KqejiOtze5011Ymp5I_Smbj0pieYbG8XmQLJ-EKosqlNG-Kuhxo9YALeh7aNqI4QJoAlOBScDP9-TGvoiJDh9gDF1z2VkL_7JOLjO-W3qPVMDKXbrVZ0fR3sa0_NofotYf7g2JlI/s1600/sex.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stop thinking dirty thoughts</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Rivet</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Leather, beeswax and flowers</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Opening with an not </span>altogether<span style="font-family: inherit;"> appealing chemical sharpness it quickly fades to a strange and sharply musky sweetness. This is what a rock band after a drug fueled bender would smell like - strange but with an oddly sexy edge.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiI2pGKs5NscC4sJlzGcwxhDMDG4_qr8W8Qtxra7DG0bpzY9ycFKCAQweoLlICAy1lgwuzV7qd_vdei-Jb5PWnx-m165P2qp7VGPmSq0acamAkquEkBzU7FE0Z7SDXaI_itRr2B-lQ6gY/s1600/Rivet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiI2pGKs5NscC4sJlzGcwxhDMDG4_qr8W8Qtxra7DG0bpzY9ycFKCAQweoLlICAy1lgwuzV7qd_vdei-Jb5PWnx-m165P2qp7VGPmSq0acamAkquEkBzU7FE0Z7SDXaI_itRr2B-lQ6gY/s1600/Rivet.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm questioning how I got here but... I'm OK with it</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Fisticuffs</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Honeyed wine, green, earth and concrete</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Opening with a sharp greenness so fleeting you're left wondering if you imagined it, Fisticuffs settles </span>comfortably<span style="font-family: inherit;"> in with a drink to watch that sports game and </span>occasionally<span style="font-family: inherit;"> check on the </span>barbecue<span style="font-family: inherit;">. Fisticuffs smells exactly like a man-picnic, with the clash of grass, booze, earth and sweat.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7yVsuNHLQ2fUFNWpVRH9BriMS8y3pzHGkmrcNiSuaElRe2k-96C7hL3O3Cpnc-uMjbpBWJIq3invTOfNrY4-mdDoaxdeFJCOUt1OwNr8ehhfqWWNO75IMJPdaE4c_rncSOTxlIXORok/s1600/fisticuffs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7yVsuNHLQ2fUFNWpVRH9BriMS8y3pzHGkmrcNiSuaElRe2k-96C7hL3O3Cpnc-uMjbpBWJIq3invTOfNrY4-mdDoaxdeFJCOUt1OwNr8ehhfqWWNO75IMJPdaE4c_rncSOTxlIXORok/s1600/fisticuffs.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My ideal man picnic</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b>Aequitas</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Smoke, blood, whiskey, leather, steel and gunpowder</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Aequitas<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>has a poisonous element, like that perfectly blended, deceptively strong cocktail the bartender promises will solve all your problems - at least for tonight. Ever so lightly green and whispering sweetness it is dangerous, intoxicating, a thousand temptations cloaked in virtues.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After reading and adding Evonne's scent notes I'm honestly surprised by how 'off' I was/am in Aequitas - and even after a second round of sniffing I stand by my above impression, strange as it is.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-0m6lITNGUXvXhyphenhyphenX54kAdZzA6Umz7_kMNFzCUsPMOS74vd1Jb9McKN3WfySRiKEmoNWNK1XIlNI5efKBA5WXl-nGxAAFeMLTZVooNHX2dKJSezpKMEJ8Hawrhe9S55VMJgI-1OT_vl4/s1600/aqu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-0m6lITNGUXvXhyphenhyphenX54kAdZzA6Umz7_kMNFzCUsPMOS74vd1Jb9McKN3WfySRiKEmoNWNK1XIlNI5efKBA5WXl-nGxAAFeMLTZVooNHX2dKJSezpKMEJ8Hawrhe9S55VMJgI-1OT_vl4/s1600/aqu.jpg" height="310" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ambiguous angel corrupting my shoulder</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Pestanas</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Cotton, tobacco leaf, rose, marigold, leather, machine oil, amber, lilac, pepper, copal, chocolate, wine and pimento</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pestanas smells like a mechanic - the metallic ring of engine oil roughly smeared on worn jeans and softened by the warmth of skin, sweat, sweet breath and a hint of dark chocolate; this scent defines </span>fission<span style="font-family: inherit;">. This is the most authentically masculine scent I've ever come across: it's intense, rugged and so deeply sexy. It's what that bad-boy no one approves of smells like - but oh the chemistry...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's worth noting that although this fits my personal definition of warm masculine skin it has almost nothing in common with Darling Clandestine's traditional "skin"scent like in Inked and Love & Sharks.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseu0W897iSs75agqNAjE5X5Jvt36jMwJlS3cif3oqtCR1w9OrGGQU547SZ26qnwP6TFc0hOdKf-GJdPg_ah5IKG7ufdrTLX2lWm3pyrHLUfSnFVJaM8dXYIIH2Gh2NZWr9tMsdiPAKTM/s1600/pestanas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseu0W897iSs75agqNAjE5X5Jvt36jMwJlS3cif3oqtCR1w9OrGGQU547SZ26qnwP6TFc0hOdKf-GJdPg_ah5IKG7ufdrTLX2lWm3pyrHLUfSnFVJaM8dXYIIH2Gh2NZWr9tMsdiPAKTM/s1600/pestanas.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never having owned a car this is what I believe all mechanics look like</td></tr>
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If the floral and sweet scents from my last post generally leaned more feminine these perfume tend to be more masculine, especially the heavier skin-like scents. Supernova Sway and Aequitas are my favourites as the other scents are just too heavy to personally wear, but Pistolas and Inked would be my favourite scents on a man.<br />
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As always, love,<br />
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Saskia X<br />
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Remember you can always email me at PrettyTrivialities@gmail.com and find my Instagram under @aiksasarual<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032772962306259484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386066135990476104.post-79635783323448404402014-06-28T11:07:00.001-07:002014-07-05T13:48:57.086-07:00Darling Clandestine Floral and Sweet Perfume reviews<div style="text-align: left;">
Darling Clandestine's floral and sweet scents are as original and unexpected as the rest of their line (except perhaps Tilt-A-Whirl), so if you prefer smelling typically feminine these scents will add more intriguing note than your standard perfume.</div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Floral:</span></u></b></div>
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<b>Pistolas</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Gardenia, lavender, city sidewalks, tobacco leaf</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Gardenia, not a sterile, sweet petals-only white floral, but the whole living plant. The etherial </span>fragrance<span style="font-family: inherit;"> of the flower against the backdrop of leaves and life. Beautifully feminine, innocent but not naive, a </span>fragrance<span style="font-family: inherit;"> for a unicorn or fairy.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1.hubimg.com/u/5761300_f496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://s1.hubimg.com/u/5761300_f496.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadly my local florists didn't have any gardenias in stock so...<br />
Source: northernstarkidd on Photobucket</td></tr>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Bete Noire</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Peppers, florals</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is what I'd call a dark floral - definitely feminine but in an adult and mysterious way. It's inspired; the </span>essence<span style="font-family: inherit;"> a James Bond villainess would leave clinging to the pillowcase. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBHo18tNDIFn-3NCsT8FqmLbiSkfuzg6PARTOLLMB_q8OjNnctdyQJZvquQOOaRoz8hBQDIZmUIovxsqBNARoVWVbdOWgNHKh0lAFBMCWByazo554JelHsCtFzz3WJlO4Q3wjA2aXZyQ/s1600/IMG_6740+-+Version+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBHo18tNDIFn-3NCsT8FqmLbiSkfuzg6PARTOLLMB_q8OjNnctdyQJZvquQOOaRoz8hBQDIZmUIovxsqBNARoVWVbdOWgNHKh0lAFBMCWByazo554JelHsCtFzz3WJlO4Q3wjA2aXZyQ/s1600/IMG_6740+-+Version+2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black and white iPhone photo from the florist's - so artsy</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Blue Valentine</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Hyacinth, violet, poppy, fig, whiskey, bitters, musk and mint</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Blue Valentine is another scent I just can't place - it's halfway between a floral and something savoury, it's dark, slightly moody but with a crisp clean edge, tangy and maybe ever so faintly minty? This scent is one that's really grown on me as although it's pretty sweet it's very interesting, to be honest it's </span>probably<span style="font-family: inherit;"> the blue note that I'm loving. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj399fOTxhnfSBqg14Vypf_sc2kKauhe1Wp5HkMHTDyEWFIDIz74uaXm7i3YS_xtqgeAK7OG2fvfoAShtB5qYBPCmeyESPlYri4r5VZYW46NibkJwGo5ZTXSEkIiG-IClmcd0u9IsDFyjc/s1600/IMG_5529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj399fOTxhnfSBqg14Vypf_sc2kKauhe1Wp5HkMHTDyEWFIDIz74uaXm7i3YS_xtqgeAK7OG2fvfoAShtB5qYBPCmeyESPlYri4r5VZYW46NibkJwGo5ZTXSEkIiG-IClmcd0u9IsDFyjc/s1600/IMG_5529.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friday Night on Bourbon Street, New Orleans</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Mad As Birds</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Pear, mint, amber and marigolds</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Opens the tiniest bit tart/green and blue but quickly dissipates to a soft clean sweetness like </span>honeyed<span style="font-family: inherit;"> florals, I love this scent which holds solid for about 15 minutes - the lightness keeps the sweetness from being sickly or the florals overwhelming; this is a very girly yet adult scent. Especially straight from the bottle every whiff of this scent brings out different yet harmonious notes, however the glorious </span>juxtaposition of a multitude of light and sweet scents is lost after the 15 minute mark and all I'm left with a a flat vanilla-like bland sweetness. If only the the 'original' scent stuck around on my skin this would be the first and only sweet floral perfume I've ever loved.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZhYP5A8xAR05TZjaX1BmjzSNuYpZosLcGQXEPQrVBTApv8ax0nqmPejFRMM9MR4wB_2a8kimRFShInrxSPJeVRG87fTSgMl9RMJXDa4hwL3fIaGfVSy0LwnxiXHTvoq6t57kqYrezMQ/s1600/IMG_1957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZhYP5A8xAR05TZjaX1BmjzSNuYpZosLcGQXEPQrVBTApv8ax0nqmPejFRMM9MR4wB_2a8kimRFShInrxSPJeVRG87fTSgMl9RMJXDa4hwL3fIaGfVSy0LwnxiXHTvoq6t57kqYrezMQ/s1600/IMG_1957.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wanted a bright picture of a gorgeous summer picnic for this scent, but it's equally appropriate to wear for girly cocktails on a roof terrace. Which, when you think about it is like the adult version of an afternoon picnic...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Tapadero</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Sage, roses, smoke, leather</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I wasn't sure where to categorise this scent - it's sexiest thing I've ever smelt, feminine yet strong. It's warm, sharp, deep, fresh, clean and comforting - it's everything, utterly unique and </span>devastatingly<span style="font-family: inherit;"> beautiful. Hardly a floral but since Evonne rarely lists floral notes in her scents this seemed the most </span>appropriate<span style="font-family: inherit;"> place for it.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZf0876sGVA6Fl_FaIU2AAqpRtyP-XtHEhNx5_owE62Qj1ViMOfHwfGBbp0AXoGOvrToXoFzzsqrFQkPklNujG3ffoxKWSpoxCJjWknwuXOZwpt8cQwmoqPYyvjhyVANdbNH4Y9wxpHfQ/s1600/IMG_6742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZf0876sGVA6Fl_FaIU2AAqpRtyP-XtHEhNx5_owE62Qj1ViMOfHwfGBbp0AXoGOvrToXoFzzsqrFQkPklNujG3ffoxKWSpoxCJjWknwuXOZwpt8cQwmoqPYyvjhyVANdbNH4Y9wxpHfQ/s1600/IMG_6742.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> I wish I knew what type of flower this is: I probably should've asked</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u></b>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Sweet:</span></u></b></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Pyrotechnik</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Spiced cantaloupe, bold black sky, sweet woods, earth</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Opens initially with </span>cantaloupe<span style="font-family: inherit;"> - so distinct huge orange melon slices were dancing before my eyes. However a myriad of spices break though within seconds giving the candy sweetness depth and distinction. It appears to be a contradiction: the almost sickly sweetness with the smoke and the spices. However it really works, and almost feels like an instant classic pairing - like oranges and cloves or lemon and honey. Against all odds I actually really like this perfume, despite the fact I don't particularly want to - it smells too delicious for my taste.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.legendproduce.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/cantaloupe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.legendproduce.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/cantaloupe.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: legendproduce.com/fruit/cantaloupe/</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Tilt-A-Whirl</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Citrus, passionfruit, sage</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Opens sweet but tart, fading after a few seconds to tart but sweet and finally settling to equal amounts of sweet and tart. Really, that's all this </span>fragrance<span style="font-family: inherit;"> is - it has a distinct candy-and-candle thing going on, and is probably DC's least interesting and complex fragrance. This is definitely a little girl scent - sickly sweet with a bit of sass. It's really just </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">nice</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> - nothing more and nothing less.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQV4HjQr8WMXMffFgZJfjSYGgNBWKMmds6hyMrZfwxVBgObLgr6UUij5LUGUr8M1UrBA5rvBeT09xvYQD2Uh5ioDnwxxr8Iw-inSgNjgsTtGwxKn68id7ywjJ49iz56Ot1vWP6z1bhBg/s1600/duckling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQV4HjQr8WMXMffFgZJfjSYGgNBWKMmds6hyMrZfwxVBgObLgr6UUij5LUGUr8M1UrBA5rvBeT09xvYQD2Uh5ioDnwxxr8Iw-inSgNjgsTtGwxKn68id7ywjJ49iz56Ot1vWP6z1bhBg/s1600/duckling.jpg" height="400" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had a pretty adorable duckling phase with shark teeth</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Dewlap Valentine</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Strawberry, banana, greens, reptile</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After the initial gagging sweetness of artificial fruit it fades to an almost tolerable sweetness, overpowering something earthy, damp and ever so slightly green. </span> It's sickly sweet, cloying, and heavy with an air of decomposition. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Although this is hands down my least favourite DC scent to date, I have to admire the fact that Evonne really has captured a little fruit and veg loving reptile's terrarium odour.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RyBU7J90xP_6yER6yKhJkIWnA4MWj8WIWIVvejYw4slqrssBqtj81yvKAdzZlSGbiI8x9XRkDRdxYI9VVQYVtGEcIHm6x8viIPl6U6VobMtAw2Rv-vHsSpOUYcQlYBERuHtxDhejNqg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-28+at+14.54.01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RyBU7J90xP_6yER6yKhJkIWnA4MWj8WIWIVvejYw4slqrssBqtj81yvKAdzZlSGbiI8x9XRkDRdxYI9VVQYVtGEcIHm6x8viIPl6U6VobMtAw2Rv-vHsSpOUYcQlYBERuHtxDhejNqg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-28+at+14.54.01.png" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: flickr.com/photos/62438660@N03/5911538750/</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Hellbender</b></span><br />
<i>Ginger, amber, vanilla</i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Initially Hellbender is all gorgeous warm ginger (not the nose-burning tingly kind) with beautiful deep sweetness </span>conjuring<span style="font-family: inherit;"> a warm kitchen and baked goods. However the sweetness overpowers the ginger a few seconds out of the bottle and settles to a rather boring sweet scent. It's a lovely scent, but sadly not particularly exciting or interesting, and the final dry down smells almost identical to Mad As Birds' and Carny Wedding's without the smoke.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hidethecheese.com/.a/6a010536c183d7970c0115706ac0b8970b-800wi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.hidethecheese.com/.a/6a010536c183d7970c0115706ac0b8970b-800wi" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: hidethecheese.com/hide_the_cheese/2009/05/candied-ginger-scones.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Carny Wedding</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Butter, sugar, wood, smoke</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What makes Carny Wedding </span>interesting<span style="font-family: inherit;"> is the fact the creamy sweetness and the potent smoke intermingle with every sniff - it's not just sweet smoke or smokey sweetness, the two scent elements dance over and around each other with every inhalation like two </span>separate<span style="font-family: inherit;"> scents carried on the same wind. However after a few seconds the </span>opposing<span style="font-family: inherit;"> forces settle into something intriguing, unique, </span>reminiscent<span style="font-family: inherit;"> perhaps of a 1930s circus, the air heavy with the push and pull of life. A strange scent, and not altogether appealing to me.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/6a00d8341c630a53ef0147e0c60104970b-pi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/6a00d8341c630a53ef0147e0c60104970b-pi" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fantastic book and entertaining movie<br />
Source: latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2010/12/preview-review-water-for-elephants-pattinson-witherspoon-trailer.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">These scents were particularly interesting to review as I don't have a particularly sweet tooth nor like </span>gourmand perfumes, and find most generic and commercial floral scents distinctly boring - thus it was more of a challenge. However I love all of Darling Clandestine's florals as they are infinitely more original and alive than the usual flat floral, and Tapadero is one of my all time favourite scents. Of the sweet scents Pyrotechnik is definitely my favourite, and Hellbender would be vying for that place if only the warm ginger scent lasted longer than a few minutes out of the bottle. I'm not sure if it's my skin chemistry that transforms a lot of Evonne's carefully blended intoxicating sweet scents to something akin to a flat vanilla after 15 minutes, but it definitely prevents me really falling in love with Mad As Birds.<br />
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<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
<br />
Saskia X<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032772962306259484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386066135990476104.post-36486404429839510432014-06-27T19:10:00.002-07:002014-06-27T19:37:09.676-07:00Darling Clandestine Green and Blue Scent Reviews<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkftpXG8fZoBayaOu2oUeiqr4iUdwDQPtFZfQfIQZ1Hbn3QacYE8iWhu6etzqIbmdNsSKmtPf_uTXYzpSOz2lICtfLnxOO7Kp-30lEaAyJzHNqki1ZfipyvI61pzFKBoha8vYc4_o386E/s1600/LaLaLaAllRight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkftpXG8fZoBayaOu2oUeiqr4iUdwDQPtFZfQfIQZ1Hbn3QacYE8iWhu6etzqIbmdNsSKmtPf_uTXYzpSOz2lICtfLnxOO7Kp-30lEaAyJzHNqki1ZfipyvI61pzFKBoha8vYc4_o386E/s1600/LaLaLaAllRight.jpg" height="163" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pacific Crest/John Muir Trail in Yosemite National Park, California</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Patrick Suskind's novel 'Perfume' is one of my all time favourite books, however when reading it I can't help but lament the fact that I will never smell perfumes as complex and alive as the protagonist created, <i>until now</i>. Since my last post I've fallen head over heels in love with Darling Clandestine - trying to decipher their enigmatic scents is so entertaining and satisfying as, unlike other perfumes, it's incredibly difficult to pick out individual notes or even general ingredients. Moreover scent notes cannot even begin to describe DC's perfumes, and frequently do them a huge injustice as they're often irrelevant to the unique harmony they create - it's like trying to describe a work of art purely by the Pantone numbers used to paint it.<br />
<br />
Instead of photographing almost identical looking samples and bitsy vials for each review, and to add a personal touch, I've tried to find photos I've taken that express the essence of each scent - I hope it's helpful or at least entertaining!<br />
<br />
And finally, as always, I sniff and write my reviews before I look up the perfume descriptions and scent notes so they don't influence me too much, although of course I do remember vaguely what each should smell like from when I bought them. So without further adieu, here is Part 1 of my mega scent review series:<br />
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<div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Green:</span></b></u></div>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<b>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Gram Negative</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Orchid, soil, moss, lichens, tea</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This scent smells exactly like a greenhouse: musty earth, fresh soil and damp greenery. As a scent I love it, but as a perfume it's pretty weird so I mostly just sniff the jar and smile.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ijCVZjte1IZrMVzlyMyrIfZ4jsupDqMLFJorFL4DW5V6mMgsWN3LPqAizG6JfOUS0p1TVVwG1ISQD9W6WApeHDKoDpAuP-cFU2zoWGx-r36YwBqqGo7TVV2aIZr1ailtVd7hfi1RH-M/s1600/IMG_3822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ijCVZjte1IZrMVzlyMyrIfZ4jsupDqMLFJorFL4DW5V6mMgsWN3LPqAizG6JfOUS0p1TVVwG1ISQD9W6WApeHDKoDpAuP-cFU2zoWGx-r36YwBqqGo7TVV2aIZr1ailtVd7hfi1RH-M/s1600/IMG_3822.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This gorgeous snake's colouring perfectly fits the mood of the perfume, just imagine he's basking on damp earth.<br />
Anyway, terrariums are sort of like greenhouses right?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Maudlin & Bedlam</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Honey, herbals, wood, green leaves</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Gram Negative's fresher sister - the greenery is brighter, lighter with an edge that isn't sweet like florals but... alive maybe. There's definitely fresh soil but without the mustiness that indicates damp and warmth. If Gram Negative is the ground in autumn/winter Maudlin & Bedlam is the same ground filled with news plants in spring.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiA9mgLQxmCdYkx88kgFLRvrST55oJi8oowXecJqa3v9ZilA0cvybZZURaukjdT_Xxn3SE9eUkdq0DmB1zyb5ZWtvprFMPc0ivMmLI1JJ9bQhS0gAZINXLyZRhRldtJvWjkzrOeBHgUrg/s1600/IMG_0452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiA9mgLQxmCdYkx88kgFLRvrST55oJi8oowXecJqa3v9ZilA0cvybZZURaukjdT_Xxn3SE9eUkdq0DmB1zyb5ZWtvprFMPc0ivMmLI1JJ9bQhS0gAZINXLyZRhRldtJvWjkzrOeBHgUrg/s1600/IMG_0452.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A swamp just outside New Orleans, Louisiana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Limerence</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Lilies, succulents, herbs, mitti attar</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The "floral for those who don't like florals" - this was the scent I've been most eager to try as I both love and hate florals. It smells like a florist's when you first step in - green, alive, and bright with the sharpness of freshly cut stems without the sweetness of flowers: </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">a pervading sense of bright, clean, green, light, fresh.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QvUBlomAUMa4QtUL6c6SdQf648_BQYF1PQILnykdbbw-IdX9uGmUM8S_Kw6EqcIh2GEpUz24542_pRBEgjMw0tvBdNU12JlN9bcLvSFS63bkWLdYX7x9quGtwQs2MyoXcvn92gXesqs/s1600/Green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QvUBlomAUMa4QtUL6c6SdQf648_BQYF1PQILnykdbbw-IdX9uGmUM8S_Kw6EqcIh2GEpUz24542_pRBEgjMw0tvBdNU12JlN9bcLvSFS63bkWLdYX7x9quGtwQs2MyoXcvn92gXesqs/s1600/Green.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere in the Sierra Nevada, California, about half way through the John Muir Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Serpentina</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Green tea, opium</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sepentina is a darker, warm green - it doesn't smell like living plants and is a much more comforting scent. It has an incense like backdrop which adds both warmth and depth but smells nothing like actual incense or smoke, this is what Mother Nature would smell like.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFYutpIaDDSTF5eGThMpRzlfFHmevpSxvtmXc-q6WgKzbtURyBOZX9AoghRsD9w9DFYRrSZp0S-Xu1X7beiEpwlQWP6kOdmNwh8wrfHCbJSRBtgZC2IzL6fyqTR8_ue-4vjR5SRvrciw/s1600/IMG_6752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFYutpIaDDSTF5eGThMpRzlfFHmevpSxvtmXc-q6WgKzbtURyBOZX9AoghRsD9w9DFYRrSZp0S-Xu1X7beiEpwlQWP6kOdmNwh8wrfHCbJSRBtgZC2IzL6fyqTR8_ue-4vjR5SRvrciw/s1600/IMG_6752.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aerial shot of the Okavango Delta, Botswana, from a light aircraft</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>La La La All Right</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Breeze, fields, river and road</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Intense fresh cut greenery - the smell of fort building amongst the bushes of your garden during the summers of childhood. Initially very sharp like a shot of wheatgrass but mellows to something warmer before settling to a softly sharp green, warm air and sun baked... something. Evonne is a genius - it's a sumer road-trip in a </span>convertible<span style="font-family: inherit;"> driving on sunbaked tarmac surrounded by </span>fields<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and blue skies!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpqXUFxs0g-js26YP_MW6p2PGDMWb_MmmGVtPKYsLcbfcpNTtF6sULkn8s3n-injxWrnd06NozXtNRg-YUJ7GXU0u4ojnlSn41x-_PJ8Ptf43R7QNdMx1umTu4fq4eycmnMUrXcOm-Nc/s1600/246991_10150219467029904_8182121_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpqXUFxs0g-js26YP_MW6p2PGDMWb_MmmGVtPKYsLcbfcpNTtF6sULkn8s3n-injxWrnd06NozXtNRg-YUJ7GXU0u4ojnlSn41x-_PJ8Ptf43R7QNdMx1umTu4fq4eycmnMUrXcOm-Nc/s1600/246991_10150219467029904_8182121_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yosemite National Park, California</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Green-ish:</span></u></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<b>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cloudswing</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Lemongrass, vanilla, wood, marigolds</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lemongrass is one of the most distinctive scents for me having practically bathed in it as a mosquito repellant, Cloudswing however adds a whole new dimension (lemongrass is aptly named - it's citrus-y sharp and green) bringing a golden warmth and depth with what feels like the muted fire of ginger and hay. Imagine you're in a barn warm in your sleeping bag and covered in bugspray - essentailly, Cloudswing = summer camp.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfTVZTm06Qx4cusg0Io8LerJt5t9SRtyu3GH81fRWPMBNiHPmFzvZfjSTXTZ9IILZUMJBgMUaEntXePHsDRd33CtdcNnmXgSDKzFVkph6Mv59WWptvVevjIfmsoQkAMYo_-xndyt9MAg/s1600/Camp+Pinnacle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfTVZTm06Qx4cusg0Io8LerJt5t9SRtyu3GH81fRWPMBNiHPmFzvZfjSTXTZ9IILZUMJBgMUaEntXePHsDRd33CtdcNnmXgSDKzFVkph6Mv59WWptvVevjIfmsoQkAMYo_-xndyt9MAg/s1600/Camp+Pinnacle.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone loves summer camp! Blue Ridge Mountains North Carolina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Step Right Up</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Blue-green, spicy, oceanic</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The sharp freshness of greens mixed with the moodiness of blues give you a living but not earthy outdoors scent. I can't smell any pine in here but it has the same feeling as pines - green, but cold and sharp too. To me this is a mountain lake surrounded by trees. Cold air and chopping wood in the winter, very sexy.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdy717zF78B3343fm40aMBSEs09eKktJEBrOgWtNTI4BYj7Y5YXzg3vYyL3KAUWWoxFOHXFW22JNtM8CKfwwfbrQEJqSY8L7sT_5jDlME6i87hmCvIdwCpufTNtGKmfwV2ESMl9W3rtL0/s1600/Step+Right+Up+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdy717zF78B3343fm40aMBSEs09eKktJEBrOgWtNTI4BYj7Y5YXzg3vYyL3KAUWWoxFOHXFW22JNtM8CKfwwfbrQEJqSY8L7sT_5jDlME6i87hmCvIdwCpufTNtGKmfwV2ESMl9W3rtL0/s1600/Step+Right+Up+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kings Canyon National Park, California</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Blue:</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Monstre Delicat</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Fig, rain, spiced wood, storms</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had no idea a scent could be moody until I smelt this perfume - at first it's aloof and cold, but with a strange underlying comfort that is not warm or sweet but... solid. Almost like despite its indifference to you this scent will always be there for you. Really though this scent is beautiful - it's a rainy day in a bottle, at first cold rain on the window leads to </span>melancholy<span style="font-family: inherit;">, but opens up to the possibility of a day spent with an old book and a blanket.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlUMWszcFCK6oPORaufws0yC3NQ8gimEnkIs50aLym8hjLzvrIVht95tZWamFond6NCRuIe8xhnvwJ7TVDWYDNoWQofxEpUAFruSbfQUEZ78YI5F-8t1WrSQdFF8Oe0qAQT5uxPEzY28/s1600/yup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlUMWszcFCK6oPORaufws0yC3NQ8gimEnkIs50aLym8hjLzvrIVht95tZWamFond6NCRuIe8xhnvwJ7TVDWYDNoWQofxEpUAFruSbfQUEZ78YI5F-8t1WrSQdFF8Oe0qAQT5uxPEzY28/s1600/yup.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Denali State Park, Alaska</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Mishigami</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Lakes, sand</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Watery, without a shadow of a doubt. For the first second it smells almost green but that disappears almost instantly giving way to the </span>melancholy<span style="font-family: inherit;"> of Monstre Delicat, but without the solid base. This perfume is in every sense of the word all liquid. Every sniff brings to mind something to do with water - the air before a rain, a breeze across a lake, damp skin on the dock, rain on the road, rain on the grass, rain in your hair. I honestly have no idea how a scent can be 'watery' but this one is - not 'watered down' or damp or moist, but huge and wet and deep. (I'm not sure how to edit that </span>sentence<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to make it less... anyway). This is one of DC's lightest and subtlest perfumes, I can't sense anything solid to it like earth, leather, smoke or skin, but it's deep. It's a deep lake of blue.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuEp1dONN7LKMXusqxwXqipkU1YNu2xU4Y1VYm5sMU0H7Purji4xYT3uS-VcP40XdwiX8og5ZvZcOyJ_7bU8icm6Pw_Xy8VgQb8tJzEaloCBE71BHdN5gKkqpKvrJ2iIvX4kWFN8qGt0/s1600/IMG_4547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuEp1dONN7LKMXusqxwXqipkU1YNu2xU4Y1VYm5sMU0H7Purji4xYT3uS-VcP40XdwiX8og5ZvZcOyJ_7bU8icm6Pw_Xy8VgQb8tJzEaloCBE71BHdN5gKkqpKvrJ2iIvX4kWFN8qGt0/s1600/IMG_4547.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chobe River, Botswana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Vortex</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Cold, blue, white</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mountain air - empty mountain air - when you've climbed so high every breath is deep due to its thinness. It's snow, it's cold, it's the biting wind. Brutally beautiful. Cold, clean, expansive. White but not sterile, with the clear blue sky beating down on you. I honestly have no idea how Evonnne creates scents like these - I can't pick out a single note of anything, but can understand exactly what the scent is trying to convey. If Mishigami is the blue of water, this is the blue of the air.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4W5fqj1tXvxKrWTFAlknoMWETmqAKnNHVPjgGRqWy_iImONxGX67ROsDcV4lejwEYbIO3qi4wT9CI8KLohE5vaT9gnvpFNxZDkixRXKnTdd1rwNvQlsHk0BOeoaThjQEFH95HW644I0/s1600/Vortex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4W5fqj1tXvxKrWTFAlknoMWETmqAKnNHVPjgGRqWy_iImONxGX67ROsDcV4lejwEYbIO3qi4wT9CI8KLohE5vaT9gnvpFNxZDkixRXKnTdd1rwNvQlsHk0BOeoaThjQEFH95HW644I0/s1600/Vortex.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goat Rocks Mountains, Washington</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Overall, I adore every single one of these perfumes which is </span>completely<span style="font-family: inherit;"> unsurprising as I love anything and everything outdoorsy, my favourites for myself to wear are Limerence and Serpentina, but I also particularly love the scents of Step Right Up, Monstre Delicat, Mishigami and Vortex. Moreover all of these scents are unisex as they contain no stereotypical gendered notes (like florals or 'Old Spice'-ness) and personally I'd be incredibly impressed to catch a whiff of a man smelling like mountain air instead of A&F's </span>Fierce, unfortunately most of the time I'm in mountain air with men none of us have showered in at least a week...<br />
<br />
<br />
On that delicious note, love,<br />
<br />
<br />
Saskia X<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032772962306259484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386066135990476104.post-30175474541285251132014-05-21T11:48:00.000-07:002014-06-28T11:28:21.737-07:00Fyrinnae company overview<div class="p1">
Before I start reviewing my sizeable stash of Fyrinnae products I feel compelled to write a company overview - or rather a disclaimer - first.</div>
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Fyrinnae are owned by and/or employ a number of staff who are highly unprofessional, juvenile or downright rude and extremely unpleasant depending on your perspective.</div>
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The pros of Fyrinnae will be discussed in my reviews - namely their products are awesome. The cons however are more complicated as Fyrinnae have never done anything outright immoral or illegal, so I wont actively recommend against purchasing from them, but felt it was important to inform you of their many issues so you can decide for yourself if they are a company you want to support.</div>
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Fyrinnae has four main issues which I will outline below:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJbobCbcA_abeGGbDj7NjQvZdDUFpjIMhCinYmUAEc2qz8sWdpd4rksVuUP6EeJvg3gqKc180YNyP76egfvkml-wcfwRghDGpFXMTl6ykzIFx_9JRejEKLDc35gBvuUOGFUSrucwNvYc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-21+at+17.04.32.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJbobCbcA_abeGGbDj7NjQvZdDUFpjIMhCinYmUAEc2qz8sWdpd4rksVuUP6EeJvg3gqKc180YNyP76egfvkml-wcfwRghDGpFXMTl6ykzIFx_9JRejEKLDc35gBvuUOGFUSrucwNvYc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-21+at+17.04.32.png" height="140" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screen shot taken from their website: fyrinnae.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> No interaction or information given to customers</span></b></div>
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At first I really respected the fact that Fyrinnae didn't try to drum up business, exposure and customers by sending out their products to v/bloggers (<i>cough </i>Sigma<i> cough</i>) or have a fan page of any sort - their seemingly reclusive nature and shun for limelight was something I originally admired as it lead me to believe they are confident enough in their product to not need to advertise it.</div>
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However as their website has a <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/Indiemakeupandmore/comments/22mgsu/anyone_else_having_problems_with_fyrinnae_website/"><b><span style="color: purple;">number of issues</span></b></a> including extremely frequent and random '<a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/Indiemakeupandmore/comments/1olt4q/fyrinnae_closed/"><b><span style="color: purple;">closings</span></b></a>' (they shut down the entire website with no warning, explanation or re-opening time given multiple times within a 24 hour period), automatic <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/Indiemakeupandmore/comments/1zuj59/rant_fyrinnae_closed_while_i_was_in_the_middle_of/"><b><span style="color: purple;">cart-emptying</span></b></a> when the site is up (the cart with randomly dump all your products out so you can't purchase anything) or products <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/Indiemakeupandmore/comments/1zmpa7/i_want_to_buy_from_fyrinnae_but/"><span style="color: purple;"><b>r</b></span><b><span style="color: purple;">emoved without notice</span></b></a> (often the entire eyeshadow section will just disappear). It's a mad scramble to get your order picked, decided and paid for before Fyrinnae decides to lock you out - on top of the fact their website is crappy (see point 4).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRHnCNMdNiV_1nj1zadKiSJrgYnFsGQDcCTas7RWupj5hon12IafYViqMOFJIfHlqFy5jfiray3p5S4JFa84wECpJDC2vvSLD4Np8BThzAr-QhBH-KtAD0osEEfkEl3v9o5ZUP99h0ko/s1600/this+one.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRHnCNMdNiV_1nj1zadKiSJrgYnFsGQDcCTas7RWupj5hon12IafYViqMOFJIfHlqFy5jfiray3p5S4JFa84wECpJDC2vvSLD4Np8BThzAr-QhBH-KtAD0osEEfkEl3v9o5ZUP99h0ko/s1600/this+one.png" height="86" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The message I'm currently being greeted with on their closed website</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<div class="p2">
All of these issues are obviously confusing if you're not used to Fyrinnae's shenanigans and extremely annoying even if you are. This probably leads to a lot of emails questioning "why isn't the website working" and/or complaints and this is how Fyrinnae responds:</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Highly unprofessional and passive aggressive tweets</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://imgur.com/a/iNZ9I"><b><span style="color: purple;">Here</span></b></a>'re screencaps of a Fyrinnae's employee Teir starting rumours about the company on his personal twitter (which is publicly affiliated with Fyrinnae) - he then promptly deleted them.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8h1ul8DGtsOOxDbruXetpB_Qi9qiC8LPZHeM5i5EB6Vkvhd8roLy7u1COF1fl8v4iLxmszomYxUy9DaUXMcUbYUuv-GisntOwFyBJFOP5mHtmgFEqOfBOK8GSDQSXcM7wtNinzOyHSw/s1600/fy7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8h1ul8DGtsOOxDbruXetpB_Qi9qiC8LPZHeM5i5EB6Vkvhd8roLy7u1COF1fl8v4iLxmszomYxUy9DaUXMcUbYUuv-GisntOwFyBJFOP5mHtmgFEqOfBOK8GSDQSXcM7wtNinzOyHSw/s1600/fy7.png" height="222" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twitter screencap - Mushi seems pretty cool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="http://imgur.com/a/5Wlqz"><b><span style="color: purple;">Here</span></b></a>'re sceencaps of Fyrinnae calling their customers "rude and demanding" as well as having an "entitled attitude". While I don't doubt anyone working in customer service does have to deal with rude, demanding and entitled customers <i>bitching about them on the official company twitter is beyond unprofessional</i>. It also appears that perhaps two different Fyrinnae employees are posting to the twitter at the same time - a unnamed person and Marco/M who appears to be justifying the mystery poster's rants - again, this is incredibly juvenile and utterly idiotic.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBpF0iZ5m-38dU_zQyBeshYLs51TEXb4PJVynCvRovv4nICfsnlCDECj5r2_rPXjoEptZktSyr-Yj_FI-rvUON3s9t1fxhoes3n9xYFekDMCIxM-RleP5fIsIy-6wqKRkHxU1VbGFTXA/s1600/fy12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBpF0iZ5m-38dU_zQyBeshYLs51TEXb4PJVynCvRovv4nICfsnlCDECj5r2_rPXjoEptZktSyr-Yj_FI-rvUON3s9t1fxhoes3n9xYFekDMCIxM-RleP5fIsIy-6wqKRkHxU1VbGFTXA/s1600/fy12.jpg" height="315" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Twitter screencap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Another major issue with this series of tweets is that Fyrinnae is accusing customers of prioritising makeup over (their) health. This is completely unjustified as, while I don't doubt Fyrinnae do receive complaints about their website's extremely frequent and random closings, they do not give any warning, explanation or re-opening information. Indie companies go on hiatus frequently due to <b><a href="http://imgur.com/eu4VRSp" style="color: purple;"><span style="color: purple;">illness</span></a>,</b> being <a href="http://imgur.com/ANBDJ1m"><b><span style="color: purple;">overloaded with orders</span></b></a>, needing to <a href="http://imgur.com/peAnTOM"><span style="color: purple;"><b>re-stock items</b></span></a> or other <a href="http://imgur.com/B28iqm5"><b><span style="color: purple;">significant issues</span></b></a>. All of these posts linked - including Fyrinnae's - have been made in the last six months to give you some context and highlight that Fyrinnae's behaviour is not normal, nor in my opinion acceptable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Poor, </b><b>inconsistent customer service</b></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
I have placed three orders with Fyrinnae over the past year. Each one has had varying degrees of customer service issues. Remember below are my own personal experiences - these may hold less weight than the above points and tweets, and you can of course skip these anecdotes.<br />
<br />
<b>1)</b> During my first order with them I asked if I could order more than their 20 eyeshadow mini max as they do not offer samples and I wanted to justify spending ~$9 on international postage - they said no. While this was somewhat annoying it didn't phase me, except for the paradoxical fact that <i>they didn't seem to want my money</i>. Odd behaviour for a store right? But I placed my first order anyway and was very happy with it.<br />
<br />
<b>2a)</b> I emailed them asking what information their customs declaration forms contain (as England charges you £9 if you don't declare the package properly) - I had to send three separate emails over the course of 10 days before I got a response. They gave me approximately half of the information I'd requested and when I replied asking another question the email was ignored - it's been four months so it's safe to say I've given up hope of a response.<br />
<br />
<b>2b)</b> As I placed my order I asked if I could request a specific eyeshadow as my complimentary sample - I even gave about half a dozen options just in case any were out of stock etc. Their response was a solid no. By this time I'd ordered from other indies and was aware this wasn't normal - but I'm not going to complain about freebies so wasn't really phased.<br />
<br />
<b>2c) </b>They forgot to include a product I'd ordered (as well, somewhat ironically, as a freebie sample) - I contacted them explaining this and four days later received an email saying they'd sent a replacement. The only problem was they'd sent it to my grandmother's house in Hong Kong (who I was visiting when I placed the order) - I was and am currently living in England. Again, not a huge deal but somewhat inconvenient. I wasn't even asked if I'd prefer a refund, store credit, a discount or what address to ship it to - again, communication could really be improved.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELSM0gU41xD4JZC-NUpIrUd64lvvJYOAFQfMO0TyJFFHUjLp-gjJXLP_Chg0_sUQYdhlO7Ixs4w3Gm4h_tp_8DUxrIeMdRRPcWJ9fINyjfBnSVu0y5rlUtF9gcxmSyqGZoF8Ro50zJXU/s1600/fy2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELSM0gU41xD4JZC-NUpIrUd64lvvJYOAFQfMO0TyJFFHUjLp-gjJXLP_Chg0_sUQYdhlO7Ixs4w3Gm4h_tp_8DUxrIeMdRRPcWJ9fINyjfBnSVu0y5rlUtF9gcxmSyqGZoF8Ro50zJXU/s1600/fy2.png" height="362" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A final Twitter screen cap (hint: I am not txteva)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>2d) </b>When I finally received the missing item from my order that's all I received - no note, no missing freebie (despite me mentioning that they forget it in my original order) or apology freebie. Now I know complaining about not getting free stuff is really bratty but when it's standard with an order (like samples from Sephora) and they didn't include it, <i>and </i>they've screwed up my order making made me wait for the replacement item for over a month I'd think that a placating eyeshadow sample would be a nice gesture. This is not at all standard for indie companies (or in my experience any cosmetic company) and leaves me feeling a bit bitter towards the ever arrogant Fyrinnae.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>3)</b> I placed my most recent Fyrinnae order last month and three days later emailed them asking if they could swap two products of equal size and value as they hadn't shipped my parcel yet. The response was similar to their official twitter thread above - either two different people were emailing me or one person was having a major mood swing. It's prudent to note these following messages were received between midnight and 8am my time so I obviously had neither read nor replied to any of them - first I was informed that no, it was not possible to change my order. Three hours later I received another email explaining that as everything had been packed and printed they could only cancel and refund my order so I could correct and replace it in another separate order. Six hours later I received a final email saying that as I hadn't responded they'd shipped the package anyway but would include the requested mini in my next order. Maybe I spend too much of my academic life analysing literature but the tone between the first and the following emails was markedly different.<br />
<br />
Overall my personal experiences of course haven't been horrible (they haven't run off with my money and not delivered my order) but the buying experience from Fyrinnae is significantly less pleasant than buying from every single other indie I've tried.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Crappy website</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
I'm separating this from the above website issues (closings, cart emptying, missing products) because having a distinctly retro website isn't that bad.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQAcK_1kNQSX6PZmq7_gnJFWdj1yWkoldaF2EzgKqe-JzuCc7fkBUUVZb2vBZwPdsNaomOMwAI3948qw9efO86r2F8v4GTvM4ZPVowo-qsaZH4iEsTgPZFziZoFaxra6H-nvQTT_aTXs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-21+at+19.04.29.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQAcK_1kNQSX6PZmq7_gnJFWdj1yWkoldaF2EzgKqe-JzuCc7fkBUUVZb2vBZwPdsNaomOMwAI3948qw9efO86r2F8v4GTvM4ZPVowo-qsaZH4iEsTgPZFziZoFaxra6H-nvQTT_aTXs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-21+at+19.04.29.png" height="201" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fyrinnae.com - straight from the 90s </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
However it's their lack of accurate swatches, or even just swatches that clearly illustrate their "we could care less" attitude. It's not difficult to dab some product of your arm and snap a photo in daylight with your camera or phone. And even if that's beyond Fyrinnae for whatever reason sending a few samples to bloggers or just asking if they could use their photos is an easy alternative - not having swatches on an indie site is extremely frustrating for the consumer as trying to find accurate swatches on google is an extensive and boring task, and doesn't always yield results. Above I commended Fyrinnae for their independence in not advertising themselves, but again, I believe that would be mistaking their arrogance for mere confidence.<br />
<br />
At every step of the way Fyrinnae are showing you how little you mean as a customer to them: they'll close their website and empty your cart without warning or explanation, not letting you buy from them. They'll not bother to take accurate photos of their products, and even if you decide you want something they'll limit how many you're allowed to order. If you email them with questions you'll wait over a week for a curt response unless you're lucky enough to get through to their one pleasant employee (or perhaps their regular employees when they're in a good mood). They're running their business like a spoilt, moody teenager - and I doubt if they hadn't been one of the original indies they'd be as popular as they are now irregardless of product quality.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUTUomLft-gVI62LGrwF0a1AIZc0pDY8SEjnlSZWOql0WCldoeS3EBmk7HPneUQsYmYebldDvdMYXDFjdoSeCTM12ODs0-6S-AhhNvIYvCPexWTsKrkfyVefRzYrGYkRBsvjRzZu6PJ0/s1600/IMG_6361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUTUomLft-gVI62LGrwF0a1AIZc0pDY8SEjnlSZWOql0WCldoeS3EBmk7HPneUQsYmYebldDvdMYXDFjdoSeCTM12ODs0-6S-AhhNvIYvCPexWTsKrkfyVefRzYrGYkRBsvjRzZu6PJ0/s1600/IMG_6361.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Fyrinnae collection - I can assure you that none of these products are unique or irreplaceable</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">In conclusion:</span></b><br />
<br />
There is no denying that Fyrinnae make excellent cosmetics - though I certainly question whether they run the cosmetic formulation and packaging as carelessly as they run their PR. Although no fingerprints or hairs have been found in any Fyrinnae cosmetics they have had issues with both <a href="http://imgur.com/a/7nMSM"><b><span style="color: purple;">texture</span></b></a> and <a href="http://imgur.com/a/UT0vU"><b><span style="color: purple;">colour</span></b></a> (<a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/Indiemakeupandmore/comments/210bab/so_i_just_received_a_new_jar_of_my_beloved/"><b><span style="color: purple;">different colour link</span></b></a>), though both can be somewhat explained by their <a href="http://fyrinnae.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/update-to-loose-eyeshadow-ingredient.html"><b><span style="color: purple;">recent eyeshadow reformulation</span></b></a>.<br />
<br />
As indie consumers often like to support small businesses, enjoy personal interaction as well as an extra level of care (and prefer to shop vegan or ‘cruelty free') - it’s worth noting if you want the ‘indie experience’ Fyrinnae are not the way to go. Expect to be treated exactly the same as if you bought from a corporate brand, but without the ease of purchase.<br />
<br />
There are also many other indies out there that make almost identical products in quality, complexity and cost who are run by pleasant people who actually want your business, and I am planning on doing a Fyrinnae dupe thread in the coming months for anyone enticed by beautiful swatches but repulsed by the company.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<i>Basically Fyrinnae are like that friend who never calls or responds to any texts, but when they do show up at a party they're great fun until they bitch someone out and puke in the sink.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Love, Saskia X<br />
<br />
(who promises to never puke in your sink)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
@aiksasarual on instagram<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
PrettyTrivialities@gmail.com</div>
<div class="p1">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032772962306259484noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386066135990476104.post-4329806641745994802014-05-03T07:45:00.000-07:002014-05-16T13:58:27.095-07:00Inglot matte eyeshadows swatches and reviewNot going to lie - all the messages about how you miss my blog make me feel both equal parts loved and guilty! I've been travelling solidly for the past 6 weeks (spending no longer than 5 days in any one country) which was obviously not conducive to either makeup or blogging.<br />
<br />
As an inadequate apology here are a few holiday snaps:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtt77DRLvM8OB0FKBQDZXVOwoyLa9gfuNMz0OP0pF_sLRTWl1TS0_-4P6otDasRRj2lkfGurO0-0cltdsyY6uu5K2NstO62Rlwp5VY6vfiIWZV8vcM5lX0q6ISD1QFxMhWzuOj3i5BiCk/s1600/IMG_7787_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtt77DRLvM8OB0FKBQDZXVOwoyLa9gfuNMz0OP0pF_sLRTWl1TS0_-4P6otDasRRj2lkfGurO0-0cltdsyY6uu5K2NstO62Rlwp5VY6vfiIWZV8vcM5lX0q6ISD1QFxMhWzuOj3i5BiCk/s1600/IMG_7787_fotor.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In one of these photos I've filled my eyebrows in so this collage is vaguely relevant to makeup!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now, without further adu here're my swatches and review of Inglot's matte eyeshadows:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Inglot package each eyeshadow, blush and I assume concealer, lipstick etc pan individually as I've shown below. Although this large amount of packaging wastage makes my environmentally conscious cricket cringe I can't argue it's extremely effective, hygienic and aesthetically pleasing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKAKF2F4dzGxgfS2Be719K-l6sgTKDgNfV-OlBRrQnzmBFI-tqIFhuhgqkxBrursZ60K1023BmwggC8hZWvtEE8L5sbCon94Diy8wWHciO8w35UkaS46NXEPT8KJGcUkRswH5BRcPGSk/s1600/IMG_0180_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKAKF2F4dzGxgfS2Be719K-l6sgTKDgNfV-OlBRrQnzmBFI-tqIFhuhgqkxBrursZ60K1023BmwggC8hZWvtEE8L5sbCon94Diy8wWHciO8w35UkaS46NXEPT8KJGcUkRswH5BRcPGSk/s1600/IMG_0180_fotor.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I purchased eleven Inglot eyeshadows - nine metallic and two matte - around Christmas last year and while I adore them all I found myself reaching for the two matte taupes for almost every look I created as they were the perfect crease colours, blended effortlessly and flawlessly, and wore impeccably through all of the sweaty club dancing I am so fond of.<br />
<br />
I'd been looking for a matte cool-toned neutral palette for a couple of months now; the <a href="http://www.temptalia.com/tarte-mattenificent-amazonian-eye-cheek-palette-review-photos-swatches"><b><span style="color: purple;">Tarte Be Mattenificent</span></b></a> palette was a strong contender and although the purple agate packaging won my heart instantly the eyeshadow quality was pretty meh. The <a href="http://batalashbeauty.com/welcome/review-saucebox-cosmetics-etude-palette"><span style="color: purple;"><b>Saucebox Etude palette</b></span></a> was another option I liked - but they're been out of stock for about six months now (which is frankly ridiculous), and have absolutely awful customer service so I'd rather not support them.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlGKoXRNSAxjhyphenhyphenvgf_EwKgZ1zuXWAO1tQPXfi00E1AGvoGEusJ-ptIxByS8eGP8l_H2WbLVms1rsvODAQUfPiiDR-ZlUPGoqjDVQhQ_Ed3VUPLlsNu7wO1xbpdHp46wWolrhUvGXJnxQ/s1600/tarte_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlGKoXRNSAxjhyphenhyphenvgf_EwKgZ1zuXWAO1tQPXfi00E1AGvoGEusJ-ptIxByS8eGP8l_H2WbLVms1rsvODAQUfPiiDR-ZlUPGoqjDVQhQ_Ed3VUPLlsNu7wO1xbpdHp46wWolrhUvGXJnxQ/s1600/tarte_fotor.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit:<br />
http://www.temptalia.com/<br />
http://sauceboxcosmetics.com/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Thus, with the help of the amazing <a href="http://www.beautylish.com/b/inglot-cosmetics/freedom-system-palette-builder#palette_10_square?"><span style="color: purple;"><b>Beautylish Inglot palette builder</b></span></a> I began building my own neutral palette which was equal parts fun and frustrating. I obviously highly recommend actually swatching the shadows yourself at an Inglot store, but if that's not possible Temptalia and other google source's swatches are actually very accurate. I ordered my palette from the UK Inglot website (as Beautylish only accepts US credit cards and ships to US addresses) and although postage was £5 regardless of how much you spend (free shipping is a weakness of mine) my package arrived less than a week later all bubble wrapped and lovely.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0W45qDUmnCD7qlIbfrZP3MTGMMM2KrML9jSp-Gota0T-TX9GzpoLZLtuFKpFDK2rf6__b0ULWzlmvhArzTPksBQQvxzzJA1dLQubbhv0APXYeE0TwNXvQ1XiNKMHuPyrZqo8Wg3YfZpo/s1600/IMG_0186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0W45qDUmnCD7qlIbfrZP3MTGMMM2KrML9jSp-Gota0T-TX9GzpoLZLtuFKpFDK2rf6__b0ULWzlmvhArzTPksBQQvxzzJA1dLQubbhv0APXYeE0TwNXvQ1XiNKMHuPyrZqo8Wg3YfZpo/s1600/IMG_0186.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top row: 360 / 363 (not new)<br />
Second row: 391 / 329 / 326 / 378 / 358<br />
Blush: AMC 55<br />
Third row: 344 / 390 / 353 / 375 / 325/ 338 / 317 / 385</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Aside from their phenomenal product quality and unparalleled colour and texture range my favourite thing about Inglot is the ability to mix and match their palettes as the mood strikes you - all their pans are magnetic and they offer multiple sizes of empty palettes so you can arrange and re-arrange all your eyeshadows (and brow powders/concealers/lip sticks etc) endlessly.<br />
<br />
Since I don't know how to overlay text on my photos (sorry) I'm going to list the shade colours and names here (obviously all of them are matte):<br />
<br />
<b>Top Row:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Neutral Taupe - <b>360</b></li>
<li>Cool Taupe - <b>363</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Middle Row:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Black - <b>391</b></li>
<li>Neutral dark brown - <b>329</b></li>
<li>Cool burgundy tinged dark brown - <b>326</b></li>
<li>Cool dark brown taupe - <b>378</b></li>
<li>Mid grey mauve taupe - <b>358</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Blush:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Mid plummy beige pink - <b>AMC</b> <b>55</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Third row:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Mid beige pink mauve - <b>344</b></li>
<li>Light beige pink - <b>390</b></li>
<li>Very light neutral cream - <b>353</b></li>
<li>Mid purple - <b>375</b></li>
<li>Dark purple - <b>325</b></li>
<li>Mid bright blue teal - <b>338</b></li>
<li>Mid bright green teal - <b>317</b></li>
<li>Bright mid green - <b>385</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiNahVa8iIX7Z_WFU6ZZ71AW-O8ehfzISLYsdGe7HLHWHJNWOwd75Gcv1j2EXnkts5WG5Um0rzs5ZzmxP_nqB9YqOGLjrLqWuHOxr0mMk59SttJTtus4boa_uyzEcs_WY612BNDbQNOg/s1600/IMG_0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiNahVa8iIX7Z_WFU6ZZ71AW-O8ehfzISLYsdGe7HLHWHJNWOwd75Gcv1j2EXnkts5WG5Um0rzs5ZzmxP_nqB9YqOGLjrLqWuHOxr0mMk59SttJTtus4boa_uyzEcs_WY612BNDbQNOg/s1600/IMG_0192.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top row: 360 / 363 (not new)<br />
Second row: 391 / 329 / 326 / 378 / 358<br />
Blush: AMC 55<br />
Third row: 344 / 390 / 353 / 375 / 325/ 338 / 317 / 385</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I cannot reinforce how amazing the quality of these mattes are - most of these took literally one swipe (with a clean finger over bare skin) to show full opacity, and all of them were incredibly soft and oh so buttery. All photos were taken with a flash.<br />
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I then pulled out some other mattes in my collection to compare the colours and texture - needless to say Inglot made it into no competition, my previous favourite mattes (Suagarpill, Laura Mercier, Urban Decay) were left biting Inglot's dust.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSk8Ww_KzCLcA2Afy-OXzoAiKM3kUYY1iCmqN0-0_QUsVLvEfUctNh39Ch5lt0O_7xdq18CAWUJXq6fhp3IjXx_OujzxKHAxuT1ihCgh91jFqxuwQtbR_M9exgyCi_Ag2fNVbALXBxoFA/s1600/IMG_0200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSk8Ww_KzCLcA2Afy-OXzoAiKM3kUYY1iCmqN0-0_QUsVLvEfUctNh39Ch5lt0O_7xdq18CAWUJXq6fhp3IjXx_OujzxKHAxuT1ihCgh91jFqxuwQtbR_M9exgyCi_Ag2fNVbALXBxoFA/s1600/IMG_0200.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top row: 360 / 363 (LM Plum Smoke / UD Tease)<br />
Second row: 391 / 329 / 326 / 378 / 358<br />
Blush: AMC 55<br />
Third row: 344 / 390 / 353 / 375 / 325/ 338 / 317 / 385<br />
(Fourth row: LM Morning Dew / Sugarpill Poison Plum / Midori)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The third and fourth shadows on the top row are Laura Mercier's Plum Smoke and Urban Deacy's Tease (from the Naked2 palette). The three swatches added as a fourth row are Laura Mercier's Morning Dew, Sugarpill's Poison Plum and Midori. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qF8b4yxwRQeZUDgK0LqSbJQahm88St2THljBQ1FtW2cZ2wMPTGmvhAnBxna-8UU5qgnLfqc04QUJGqXAOzUaxK6Rg4_kBMqe13-N40u03oT6H0tz5Ef1vqUJ84J38XEIHShh0XOVuyw/s1600/IMG_0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qF8b4yxwRQeZUDgK0LqSbJQahm88St2THljBQ1FtW2cZ2wMPTGmvhAnBxna-8UU5qgnLfqc04QUJGqXAOzUaxK6Rg4_kBMqe13-N40u03oT6H0tz5Ef1vqUJ84J38XEIHShh0XOVuyw/s1600/IMG_0202.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top row: 360 / 363 (LM Plum Smoke / UD Tease)<br />
Second row: 391 / 329 / 326 / 378 / 358<br />
Blush: AMC 55<br />
Third row: 344 / 390 / 353 / 375 / 325/ 338 / 317 / 385<br />
(Fourth row: LM Morning Dew / Sugarpill Poison Plum / Midori)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Here you can see Laura Merier's Morning Dew (light neutral) is significantly less pigmented than Inglot's 353, as is Sugarpill's Poison Plum (purple) and Midori (green). Honestly I wasn't too surprised Inglot's mattes were more pigmented than Laura Mercier's as LM's are so incredibly soft they're hard to pack pigment on, and while this does make them slightly quicker to blend it's at the cost of seriously sheering out the eyeshadow.<br />
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However, Inglot out performing Sugarpill's matte brights was definitely a shock to me - I used to swear that Sugarpill's were the most pigmented, soft and blend-able mattes out there, obviously I was wrong. In comparison to Inglot's shades Sugarpill's felt grainy and applied sheer! Also, Sugarpill's mattes are not 100% matte like Inglot's are.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkZm3PJuZ-g_wfibxN1aoulK7KB41X7HLcCPjo8TgY_2ddXwVQELX6pNfn992G47psumlzt2zzI0poXgGZ3V83JruxiLihbU7uwzCJgDyYK8-LFBW9xN_8anBuV8ad9JoJF6CimBwqWE/s1600/IMG_0204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkZm3PJuZ-g_wfibxN1aoulK7KB41X7HLcCPjo8TgY_2ddXwVQELX6pNfn992G47psumlzt2zzI0poXgGZ3V83JruxiLihbU7uwzCJgDyYK8-LFBW9xN_8anBuV8ad9JoJF6CimBwqWE/s1600/IMG_0204.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top row: 360 / 363 (LM Plum Smoke / UD Tease)<br />
Second row: 391 / 329 / 326 / 378 / 358<br />
Blush: AMC 55<br />
Third row: 344 / 390 / 353 / 375 / 325/ 338 / 317 / 385<br />
(Fourth row: LM Morning Dew / Sugarpill Poison Plum / Midori)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Here you can see Laura Mercier's Plum Smoke (third shade on the top row) is a close match to Inglot's 358, but as with Morning Dew Laura Mericer's shadows were soft to their own detriment and thus required much more building than Inglot's. The last shade on the top row is Urban Decay's Tease from their Naked2 palette, when I first swatched it I couldn't believe how hard and unpigmented it was!</div>
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The Naked2 was my first ever pressed eyeshadow and palette so maybe I still think of it the way I did when I bought it a year ago ("Look at all these colours! They're so pretty and pigmented! Think of all the makeup I can do with these! Oh I'm so overwhelmed and have no idea what I'm doing..."). Tease applied patchy and I couldn't even build the swatch to full opacity, honestly I was beyond underwhelmed. Urban Decay's shadows are being notorious for under performing without a primer and being pretty awesome with one though, so that could be the issue - but it doesn't detract from the fact Inglot whipped them in making a exponentially better matte. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0zgYsCTnl2nOyRuW0hV_O39Mxd9xn8WE0fCRViksFE16oYLg5XQR9hXsXqJ_Amtttf6c4doouLgT7tiuMMGB_iYGGMoFVCAPOewsPRIqnDspzrOcyE7-J64y_LQyx6dB8z-gY4U3m-I/s1600/IMG_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0zgYsCTnl2nOyRuW0hV_O39Mxd9xn8WE0fCRViksFE16oYLg5XQR9hXsXqJ_Amtttf6c4doouLgT7tiuMMGB_iYGGMoFVCAPOewsPRIqnDspzrOcyE7-J64y_LQyx6dB8z-gY4U3m-I/s1600/IMG_0196.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metallic colours top row: 409 / 43 / 404 / 07<br />
Metallic colours bottom row: 452 / 446 / 445 / 399 / 154<br />
AMC gel eyeliner: 77 (black)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This is everything I own by Inglot (with the mattes laid out in the same shape as the swatches above) in a Muji clear acrylic drawer, as the astute reader may notice I am not a smart girl and forgot to pick up an empty 20 pan palette to store my new shadows in. I'll hopefully get around to reviewing my metallic Inglot shadows at some point but just in case I don't here are some spoilers: they are the same quality as the Inglot mattes and outstrip Laura Mercier, Sugarpill and Urban Decay metallic shadows in every category I'd care to name.<br />
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Inglot's blush is also very nice, incredibly soft (softer than the shadows), creamy, pigmented and blends better than any pressed blush I've ever tried. I haven't opened the eyeliner yet but based on the reviews (and previous personal experience with Inglot products) it'll leave my current gel eyeliner (MAC's Blacktrack) wallowing in an inky pool of self pity.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_w7v90KIz170Bl8nfyLoGgX9_tracyiE9QyYN6bJmpb4xsmdtWcSeGijCvG_xpe9jrz8qcxQujmrnCnmOsd5i2GNmsNy1jmg5wysHOuPuMVGsoz9CYxzm4cMEnzBkGMdsQvbQl-YYBgM/s1600/IMG_0212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_w7v90KIz170Bl8nfyLoGgX9_tracyiE9QyYN6bJmpb4xsmdtWcSeGijCvG_xpe9jrz8qcxQujmrnCnmOsd5i2GNmsNy1jmg5wysHOuPuMVGsoz9CYxzm4cMEnzBkGMdsQvbQl-YYBgM/s1600/IMG_0212.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">391 / 329 / 326 / 378 / 358<br />
363 / 360 / 344 / 390 / 353</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Finally, here's my complete matte neutral palette - I played around with the order to find the most aesthetically pleasing and practical arrangement and honestly couldn't be happier with it! I'm somewhat skeptical about how the neural dark brown 329 will look when applied as even cool browns tend to look carroty on me, but if that's the case it couldn't be easier to swap it out for a pop of colour, or even a new matte neutral (I'm thinking slate grey).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_c_GemHTgS9n0y3GpIcRjKeDNi9BodY8lKWbF5aGatyV6jTeDU9bE5AB47R6DoPltFhT7dz5KVp4ZGLWUIJm6_VefttsWv_6v95xlFHiL-qOcRCMxwY87Nj6W75lz56uLWndcjfqJJo/s1600/IMG_0227.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_c_GemHTgS9n0y3GpIcRjKeDNi9BodY8lKWbF5aGatyV6jTeDU9bE5AB47R6DoPltFhT7dz5KVp4ZGLWUIJm6_VefttsWv_6v95xlFHiL-qOcRCMxwY87Nj6W75lz56uLWndcjfqJJo/s1600/IMG_0227.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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One final word on Inglot - they're incredibly cheap! I'll do the calculations both in GB pounds and US dollars:<br />
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<ul>
<li>A single <b>Inglot</b> eyeshadow is £4.50 for 2.7g =<b> <u>£1.67 per gram</u></b></li>
<li>A single <b>Laura Mercier</b> eyeshadow is £19 for 2.6g = <b><u>£7.31 per gram</u></b></li>
<li>A single <b>Sugarpill</b> eyeshadow is £8.50 (prices vary) for 3.5g = <b><u>£2.43 per gram</u></b></li>
<li>A single <b>Urban Decay</b> eyeshadow is £14 for 1g = <u style="font-weight: bold;">£14 per gram</u> (or £9.33 per gram or £7.12 per gram depending on where you get your information)</li>
</ul>
I found a price discrepancy between Sugarpill eyeshadows being sold in the UK as they are being sold by licensed third party online retailers, however the fluctuation was only by about £1 per eyeshadow.<br />
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However, Urban Decay are only officially sold in the UK by Debenhams and House of Fraiser (department stores), on the Debenhams website they are priced £14 stating that it is £140.00 per 10g, whereas on the House of Fraiser website they're priced at £14 stating that it's £93.33 per 10g, and neither websites state how much eyeshadow a single pan contains. On the official Urban Decay US page the shadows are listed as $18 per 1.5g, so I guess I could go by that (£10.67 per 1.5g or <b>£7.12 per gram</b> by today's exchange rate) but I'm really not liking the lack of info for British UD stock lists.<br />
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And now in USD because google blogger tells me my main audience is stateside:<br />
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<ul>
<li>A single <b>Inglot</b> eyeshadow is $7 for 2.7g =<u> <b>$2.59 per gram</b></u></li>
<li>A single <b>Laura Mercier</b> eyeshadow is $23 for 2.6g =<b><u> $8.85 per gram</u></b></li>
<li>A single <b>Sugarpill</b> eyeshadow is $12 for 3.5g = <b><u>$3.43 per gram</u></b></li>
<li>A single <b>Urban Decay</b> eyeshadow is $18 for 1.5g = <b><u>$10.67 per gram</u></b></li>
</ul>
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Thus, irregardless of where you buy your makeup Inglot are by far the cheapest option, which is amazing considering they're also the best quality!</div>
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However it is worth mentioning that you need to buy a palette for your Inglot pans which will bump up your overall cost - the larger the palette the less this cost will be per pan or per gram. Alternatively you could just not buy a palette like I've accidentally done, or store your Inglot pans in a Z-palette type thing.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOGan2oyVNliu8vTOuDcMiJk1zmTDHoMHzjexvAdM-xyslPuzRP7IjQ-l6vIVGaoUk7uHsjmkQ9WhkCa_H611Kt4-K5oSjyaKMYp4Zv_IsqWwHGv6kHl6vXqo1MqCmxPv66TzEQfjEig/s1600/IMG_9791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOGan2oyVNliu8vTOuDcMiJk1zmTDHoMHzjexvAdM-xyslPuzRP7IjQ-l6vIVGaoUk7uHsjmkQ9WhkCa_H611Kt4-K5oSjyaKMYp4Zv_IsqWwHGv6kHl6vXqo1MqCmxPv66TzEQfjEig/s1600/IMG_9791.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Needed to break up the block of text and calculations so here's a look I did with Inglot 363 and Sugarpill Bulletproof</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Another caveat I'd like to add is Inglot eyeshadows are also cheaper than most indie eyeshadows:</div>
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<br />
<ul>
<li>A single <b>Inglot</b> eyeshadow is $7 for 2.7g =<u> <b>$2.59 per gram</b></u></li>
<li><b>Shiro</b>'s full size eyeshadow is $6 for 2g = <b><u>$3 per gram</u></b></li>
<li><b>Fyrinnae</b>'s full size eyeshadow is $7.50 for 2g = <b><u>$3.75 per gram</u></b></li>
<li><b>Notoriously Morbid</b>'s full size eyeshadow is $5.50 for "<i>about 3g</i>" = <b><u>$1.83 per gram</u></b></li>
</ul>
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All of these eyeshadows are loose except for Fyrinnae as they offer pan only pressed eyeshadows (which I thought would make a great comparison). I wanted to include more indies but a lot of them (Darling Girl, Femme Fatal etc) list their quantities by volume.</div>
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As always, love,</div>
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Saskia X</div>
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PS Don't expect another post for about a month as that's when I finish all my university exams! Sorry :(</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032772962306259484noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386066135990476104.post-55422947920357907232014-03-10T18:26:00.002-07:002014-03-10T18:37:24.771-07:00Little Sparrow Cosmetics Mineral Blush Review<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LittleSparrowCo"><b><span style="color: purple;">Little Sparrow Cosmetics</span></b></a> is a new vegan focused indie brand on Etsy run by just one woman - Jessica! They're best know for their super moisturising Lip Jellies but last month came out with a new flower themed blush collection which you can view <a href="http://imgur.com/a/dUHtp"><span style="color: purple;"><b>here</b></span></a>. Although I would've loved to buy all seven of them because it's such a lovely and well rounded collection, I'm not made of money and would probably rarely wear the pink and orange ones anyway.<br />
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Quick disclaimer - I was given a blogger discount for this order which essentially just covered international shipping costs, I haven't been given free stuff, been paid to write this or even asked... although I think that's probably the point of a blogger discount!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRyzfRmV33eBjafiVJAW_hsuhptiwwuvGrb_VpteehiAyugOd3gS2azRAVldTjdBly0pekX99GfWy3AXJwNOBpne6TjEzrd1onpkwK4gsRhIjhH38-S83KEvsqyU3McSBQbcpyZDRWSo/s1600/IMG_4927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRyzfRmV33eBjafiVJAW_hsuhptiwwuvGrb_VpteehiAyugOd3gS2azRAVldTjdBly0pekX99GfWy3AXJwNOBpne6TjEzrd1onpkwK4gsRhIjhH38-S83KEvsqyU3McSBQbcpyZDRWSo/s1600/IMG_4927.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Sparrow Cosmetics blushes in Lilac, Lavender and Bluebell</td></tr>
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Little Sparrow Cosmetics' blushes are $8 each and contain 4-5g of product in a 20g jar with a sifter - the jars are study, don't leak, the shifter works very well to distribute useable amounts of product and, most importantly in my opinion, there is enough room in the pot and lid to swirl your brush so as to distribute product evenly amongst the bristles.<br />
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All the blushes have a matte finish and are incredibly finely milled with perfectly even pigment distribution so they apply quickly and easily as a smooth uniform wash of colour that can be built up in intensity.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILA8sVvKblZ_wOWJnzMijb3YqjNBEsA3A7Wgs5rAFNd2MoocKQLs1ZZDztKIvPRwGI8hoOG8T5zjaZLym4_Z0LO4q2HnW8IYWEk9-tvSHyZO-0juVYhAofN3Fzi3OF6HhU45qjk14IZQ/s1600/IMG_4889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILA8sVvKblZ_wOWJnzMijb3YqjNBEsA3A7Wgs5rAFNd2MoocKQLs1ZZDztKIvPRwGI8hoOG8T5zjaZLym4_Z0LO4q2HnW8IYWEk9-tvSHyZO-0juVYhAofN3Fzi3OF6HhU45qjk14IZQ/s1600/IMG_4889.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swatches in indirect sunlight in the same order as above: Lilac, Lavender and Bluebell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The strangest thing about these blushes is that when swatched Lilac looks lavender and Lavender looks lilac! I've swatched these blushes three times over the past few days double and triple checking that I've got them the right way around - they genuinely look exactly like the these swatch photos when applied with my finger over bare skin.<br />
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However, even more strangely when applied to my face the colours look exactly like they should based on their names and how they appear in the pot!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoqJLk7gCViuOVkTQvcpcbKm27VL_ItCRCn6OPaRn9xQwdUCdExSsGTN49_dc3KCOQJnwI-TfIwm080KRbNimGJTMtKWSErHCOM80lTUQdFr6xtrTGj-2k_lqJi-ZNSKIuF10C6kOJLM/s1600/IMG_5032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoqJLk7gCViuOVkTQvcpcbKm27VL_ItCRCn6OPaRn9xQwdUCdExSsGTN49_dc3KCOQJnwI-TfIwm080KRbNimGJTMtKWSErHCOM80lTUQdFr6xtrTGj-2k_lqJi-ZNSKIuF10C6kOJLM/s1600/IMG_5032.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lilac, Lavender, Bluebell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Below are lots of face swatches, and as well as the blushes I'm also wearing:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>NARS Sheer Glow in Siberia foundation</li>
<li>Illamasqua Motto Brow Cake</li>
<li>Covergirl Clump Crusher mascara</li>
</ul>
<br />
I cleaned my brush (Real Techniques Blush brush) before switching colours to prevent mixing or muddying the colours, and all photos were taken in indirect sunlight with a diffused flash.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-Suxll047zAt4B13X7CcZGXfvPdTyAwRx1EJZq-NhciUdFki1mC4EkwVlCAoy8THjPPMZe_BRyCMlhYpU4_IZZ4Ea6kWBsI63JYLegrUGC5tlrUdHTXmXKPjeJKkJDdUzhyphenhyphenhbBwPzQQ/s1600/IMG_9979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-Suxll047zAt4B13X7CcZGXfvPdTyAwRx1EJZq-NhciUdFki1mC4EkwVlCAoy8THjPPMZe_BRyCMlhYpU4_IZZ4Ea6kWBsI63JYLegrUGC5tlrUdHTXmXKPjeJKkJDdUzhyphenhyphenhbBwPzQQ/s1600/IMG_9979.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lilac lightly applied.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Lilac translated to a very wearable cool pink on my face, leaning more pink than purple - it's an undeniably beautiful colour and a great formula. I'd recommend this to anyone who just wants to dip their toe into purple blush!<br />
<br />
Lilac (unlike Lavender and Bluebell) is also safe to use on your eyes and lips which is a bonus if you like matching your blush to your lip colour (just add vaseline/some sort of lip balm) or even either to your eyeshadow, plus who doesn't love a versatile product?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukiOaq0ZmClnujlWpQkMLFZXhcCjZrR1yQYU5LgvRY4qTE6IgQHK9hNHjrnRAv_I4w0uYspPTQl4wYU2Gc5d3Ilq9Ffb4Bnm6DipJqcJSDY-WkJeIFxxZ3iAJBk1Ao2N5m-CBJ2l7Poo/s1600/IMG_9980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukiOaq0ZmClnujlWpQkMLFZXhcCjZrR1yQYU5LgvRY4qTE6IgQHK9hNHjrnRAv_I4w0uYspPTQl4wYU2Gc5d3Ilq9Ffb4Bnm6DipJqcJSDY-WkJeIFxxZ3iAJBk1Ao2N5m-CBJ2l7Poo/s1600/IMG_9980.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender moderately applied</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I applied Lavender a heavier than I normally would for natural daytime blush to emphasise its colour. I love this blush - it's definitely purple, but if applied slightly sheerer than I have here would be incredibly wearable. I would recommend this colour to anyone who wants a basic everyday purple blush!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSz4Byzy1vnbI5WztDb2Kx5RqEs3mR1HuOeVGYtpPfCnj18SVe6wR1jzoJ1E6vDGIrt4rOELj3OBwADa7mn_LhY_iuiaAgi5phhDZj0kFUw2923P2qyzKv9jmhYC2VRelsgA_VF3Papc/s1600/IMG_9989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSz4Byzy1vnbI5WztDb2Kx5RqEs3mR1HuOeVGYtpPfCnj18SVe6wR1jzoJ1E6vDGIrt4rOELj3OBwADa7mn_LhY_iuiaAgi5phhDZj0kFUw2923P2qyzKv9jmhYC2VRelsgA_VF3Papc/s1600/IMG_9989.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bluebell lightly applied over Lilac lightly applied</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Since I highly doubt I'll be wearing a blue blush by itself regularly I decided to try layering Bluebell over other blushes. Here you can see Bluebell over Lilac from above - it's clearly significantly changed the blush's original cool pink to a really lovely purple lilac. I was incredibly impressed with how evenly these blushes layered - there was no patchiness or caking and it took no extra time, effort or blending to achieve this smooth finish.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzDrcSXcntx46XNdazyhtq6uR9YH1dFp8KtbHCyjHXKObQOFUgOR6-AGXMsF0wcFqbcZ4loSr_2XS9_6mvBLnRj6RJjAxU6Wx9zo1dfLTOORNpSsY2m0e7jFJck4MffFfVifthceKmTE/s1600/IMG_9991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzDrcSXcntx46XNdazyhtq6uR9YH1dFp8KtbHCyjHXKObQOFUgOR6-AGXMsF0wcFqbcZ4loSr_2XS9_6mvBLnRj6RJjAxU6Wx9zo1dfLTOORNpSsY2m0e7jFJck4MffFfVifthceKmTE/s1600/IMG_9991.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bluebell lightly applied over Lavender moderately applied</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Obviously this is <i>very purple</i> and probably isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I really can't praise these blushes' formula enough!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJQxAGWvX56_I4fKA9CVLyQr6sxNpXzvX4M0S3h3Y6H3ddZPIENDd8nWl-iSXiEecdGXDalYyJ5O04p7nG7nZOsy-UKVUN4Vn-O56638A1dXG5Zi3-lKCHDcwDMOSn5Ox5JUiLOvlRQ8/s1600/IMG_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJQxAGWvX56_I4fKA9CVLyQr6sxNpXzvX4M0S3h3Y6H3ddZPIENDd8nWl-iSXiEecdGXDalYyJ5O04p7nG7nZOsy-UKVUN4Vn-O56638A1dXG5Zi3-lKCHDcwDMOSn5Ox5JUiLOvlRQ8/s1600/IMG_0024.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bluebell lightly applied<br />
(My lips are stained from Shiro's Sad Keanu that I was photographing for my last post)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Here I applied Bluebell very lightly to see if it would pass for a purple blush by itself - it obviously doesn't here on me as I was wearing a medium coverage yellow based foundation so there was no pink/red on my skin for the blue to mix with. Again, A+ formula.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdO1vvr0J1nsG7H6vWOP_bG_irh1TSScFCvJNcKOsBh4iMSv02e6_mGrWJ2ivsvoZ_KTbejGp8V-NNgjytUk_y2aDF1yYhPlyaGuFesihQOwVYiH3Qy0s-FvlQGo2CeprVm2ypj-oTULk/s1600/IMG_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdO1vvr0J1nsG7H6vWOP_bG_irh1TSScFCvJNcKOsBh4iMSv02e6_mGrWJ2ivsvoZ_KTbejGp8V-NNgjytUk_y2aDF1yYhPlyaGuFesihQOwVYiH3Qy0s-FvlQGo2CeprVm2ypj-oTULk/s1600/IMG_0033.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bluebell moderately applied<br />
(I was multitasking and photographing my Shiro custom blue gloss for my last post at the same time)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Moderate Bluebell blush - it's definitely very blue and not for the faint of heart! I was also multitasking and photographing Shiro's custom blue lipgloss aka The Saskia, so you can ignore/admire my blue lips too.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZI5tNQ0GQufE1sOizsbHWzpDgRuGbL5nBHZdZZtgkdQTKG7yNsVZU7eTeKFfihq_MBehx-tbOAyrNyYpz2f0xEdebYYMkHtjMmGfTlpHJzcwiUP1peMgp0s3eeHHq5YYQ5JZS3k0Awg/s1600/IMG_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZI5tNQ0GQufE1sOizsbHWzpDgRuGbL5nBHZdZZtgkdQTKG7yNsVZU7eTeKFfihq_MBehx-tbOAyrNyYpz2f0xEdebYYMkHtjMmGfTlpHJzcwiUP1peMgp0s3eeHHq5YYQ5JZS3k0Awg/s1600/IMG_0034.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bluebell very lightly applied as contour under very pale pink Shu Umera blush lightly applied<br />
(Again, ignore the blue lipgloss)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This is my absolute favourite - it's Bluebell used very lightly as a contour over a very light pink blush (Shu Uemura's M Pink 33E). Instead of the usual 'three shades darker than my skin colour' type contour I - and everyone else - uses it's turned the very natural pink blush lightly purple under my cheek bones giving me both a sculpted and perfectly natural blush.<br />
<br />
I adore the effect and the fact that <i>I'm wearing blue contour and it looks both beautiful and natural</i>.<br />
<br />
I'd recommend Bluebell to anyone who already has a few pink/red/plum blushes and wants to experiment with purples - one blue blush and you can transform the rest of your blushes into various shades of purple! Also anyone who wants to take their contour game to the next level, or is fond of the haute Smurf look.<br />
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Overall I could not be more impressed with Little Sparrow Cosmetic's blushes - they fill a niche in the market (matte lavender and blue blushes), are reasonably priced, are excellently packaged and come with great customer service, but most importantly are exceptional quality! I'd recommend them to anyone and really wish now I'd bought Desert Rose as it looks like an amazing neutral colour.<br />
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Also smug moment: I am literally the first person to review and swatch these blushes - I feel like a pro blogger now!<br />
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Saskia X<br />
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PrettyTrivialities@gmail.com<br />
@aiksasarual on Instagram<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032772962306259484noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386066135990476104.post-75126487638307656802014-03-10T17:53:00.000-07:002014-03-12T10:25:47.745-07:00Shiro Eyeshadow Swatches and ReviewShiro's one of the main players on the indie cosmetics scene and it's easy to see why - their creator and owner Caitlin has hit all the indie (or really general company) bull's eyes:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Amazing quality products</li>
<li>Inexpensive</li>
<li>Various sizing and pricing options (sample, mini, full)</li>
<li>Inexpensive shipping around the world</li>
<li>Relatively prompt turn around time</li>
<li>A relatively easy to navigate website (though I'd love the option to view her eyeshadows by colour family)</li>
<li>Wide variety of products</li>
<li>Clear swatch pictures for every product</li>
<li>Themed collections with adorable packaging</li>
<li>An active presence on social media (Colour of the Month suggestions and voting on facebook)</li>
<li>Custom products options (the lip glosses)</li>
<li>Great customer service (responds promptly to emails and is incredibly helpful)</li>
<li>Surprise complimentary eyeshadow samples with every order</li>
</ul>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMW4aqZV2hyDh-mpjftxjE4hlJFe580qQEJNbOCYIlujXqmJ0z-Mv-dZ0o3rfRaCHPZyVgCBB_uZVMvyAamgfI5_AifvDl0PwRhyD-I9Cb4SMBIz9y3j0noOO33kpiTIkC5P3lq3mWw4/s1600/shiro+size+comp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMW4aqZV2hyDh-mpjftxjE4hlJFe580qQEJNbOCYIlujXqmJ0z-Mv-dZ0o3rfRaCHPZyVgCBB_uZVMvyAamgfI5_AifvDl0PwRhyD-I9Cb4SMBIz9y3j0noOO33kpiTIkC5P3lq3mWw4/s1600/shiro+size+comp.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top: comparison of Shiro's sample, full and mini eyeshadow sizes; pound coin for scale<br />
Botton: comparison of amount of eyeshadow in Shiro's mini and full size jars</td></tr>
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I ordered:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Sad Keanu Intertube (tinted lip balm) [<a href="http://prettytrivialities.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/shiro-intertube-and-custom-lip-gloss.html"><span style="color: purple;"><b>swatched and reviewed here</b></span></a>]</li>
<li>A very unusual custom lip gloss [<a href="http://prettytrivialities.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/shiro-intertube-and-custom-lip-gloss.html"><b><span style="color: purple;">swatched and reviewed here</span></b></a>]</li>
<li>Five eyeshadow samples and three complimentary samples</li>
<li>Three mini eyeshadows</li>
<li>Four full sized eyeshadows</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ostdGUHcSJRCqg78_wuhQ66pSufrzZ9TMlUdqYPDBqG9CxvzTwvBsPVEyHH9pEYRGLAsjLwxBzaCbFWznoUDr6-2opNrdHMOxXGXtsEZcUktbDhKH1Pr3gdeEqSh7Mepjz2uhza4D-I/s1600/shirooo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ostdGUHcSJRCqg78_wuhQ66pSufrzZ9TMlUdqYPDBqG9CxvzTwvBsPVEyHH9pEYRGLAsjLwxBzaCbFWznoUDr6-2opNrdHMOxXGXtsEZcUktbDhKH1Pr3gdeEqSh7Mepjz2uhza4D-I/s1600/shirooo.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading left to right: lip products, greenish eyeshadows, gold/neutral eyeshadows, purplish eyeshadows</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div>
Swatches and colour reviews of the purple eyeshadows:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidh15GOxS1fTf6QJplGwonZAwgJsDNUfMzZPm8RS5kPcQjMFe5W_Dqnk1jnBxv32lB3G-aySo4bbkKqGAcwWcE-v6E8r4WiD2ili0qcDrfFjTfIE7A3Y_p-vJFzCcgNc8goUQwJtUHyJc/s1600/IMG_4670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidh15GOxS1fTf6QJplGwonZAwgJsDNUfMzZPm8RS5kPcQjMFe5W_Dqnk1jnBxv32lB3G-aySo4bbkKqGAcwWcE-v6E8r4WiD2ili0qcDrfFjTfIE7A3Y_p-vJFzCcgNc8goUQwJtUHyJc/s1600/IMG_4670.jpg" height="254" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Bird, Day of Reckoning, Equivalent Exchange, Task Force, Alkahestry, Master of Whispers, Mother of Dragons</td></tr>
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<div>
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<div>
Swatches are all done over NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base and the top half are also over Fyrinnae's Pixie Epoxy.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCiGwSNfnFgZW5WD93IYlUmWw1Xz5x6t2ntTtzaOTtqKEJOosA-JMjBVBgKHx00Z-BUdtds_lIBZJHnrOW3GMYujJhEqRaHLVS0wfuGX8RpgRDflg-K7uMHnxTOCythrcfs3x7QPSyF4/s1600/IMG_4591+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCiGwSNfnFgZW5WD93IYlUmWw1Xz5x6t2ntTtzaOTtqKEJOosA-JMjBVBgKHx00Z-BUdtds_lIBZJHnrOW3GMYujJhEqRaHLVS0wfuGX8RpgRDflg-K7uMHnxTOCythrcfs3x7QPSyF4/s1600/IMG_4591+-+Version+2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Bird, Day of Reckoning, Equivalent Exchange, Task Force</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<div>
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<div>
<b>Little Bird</b> is matte pastel pink toned burnt orange, it's significantly less pink and much more orange than on Shiro's website ("mauve beige/pink") and I'm really not seeing any mauve in it. It had a really nice smooth texture and excellent pigmentation, it applied just as well over regular eye primer as over a sticky base (as mattes tend to do). Personally I really dislike anything orange so this was a flop for me.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeoJW18aEURQN73UXK72wAfYFOgobQnTf8WjSVApWGOBzQX_zaZo8MK-N7j08OIkLcYbZ-ujKsS70f2P9mWG51gjv2dRF8TjpSrrI8L2PtlTDKN5SWwRm3FMX5QEVNBmhI-iHjS0sR34/s1600/IMG_4590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeoJW18aEURQN73UXK72wAfYFOgobQnTf8WjSVApWGOBzQX_zaZo8MK-N7j08OIkLcYbZ-ujKsS70f2P9mWG51gjv2dRF8TjpSrrI8L2PtlTDKN5SWwRm3FMX5QEVNBmhI-iHjS0sR34/s1600/IMG_4590.jpg" height="382" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day of Reckoning, Equivalent Exchange, Task Force</td></tr>
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<b>Day of Reckoning</b> is a dark metallic almost black based burgundy, pretty much exactly as described and pictured on the website. I requested this colour as one of my complimentary samples.</div>
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<b>Equivalent Exchange</b> is a metallic steel grey with cool lavender undertones and almost imperceptible pink shimmer. It's much more grey and much less purple than shown on the website.</div>
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<b>Task Force</b> is very similar to Day of Reckoning but is brighter (no black base), more purple and less red and is the same warmth/coolness. They look very different in their baggies but when swatched are hard to tell apart, Shiro describes both as a metallic burgundy which it accurate but not helpful for distinguishing between the two. Personally I prefer Task Force to Day of Reckoning, and would re-buy it.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXO2BKtcFuwkf_zcynj66L-DbacbBoEanEWc4lIwsx5vDPiygK0fJZEzbhkpjLlVROzuvsO4iiTtSciMXFLgO52exCBj29fECjwYFJCOK9THmhshgvVe1EfSO1H2EXOrT_aDabQXod2mo/s1600/shirosacths.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXO2BKtcFuwkf_zcynj66L-DbacbBoEanEWc4lIwsx5vDPiygK0fJZEzbhkpjLlVROzuvsO4iiTtSciMXFLgO52exCBj29fECjwYFJCOK9THmhshgvVe1EfSO1H2EXOrT_aDabQXod2mo/s1600/shirosacths.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alkahestry, Little Bird, Mother of Dragons</td></tr>
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<b>Alkahestry</b> is a glitter bomb in the best possible way! Pale violet base is covered with bright turquoise sparkles, a bit gritty because of the glitter but exceptionally beautiful - it reminds me of faeries and spring, another favourite. Shiro's colour description and pictures were spot on, it required a sticky base to keep all the pigment and sparkles on. I'd definitely re-buy!<br />
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<b>Master of Whispers</b> is one of my favourite colours of all time - it has a lilac base with a cool pink and light yellow-gold shift, it's absolutely stunning and I've never seen anything like it. If you want a cooler version of Fyriannae's Rapunzel Had Extensions this would bit it (but <i>better</i>). Shiro's website photos doesn't do it justice - if I hadn't seen swatches of this online I wouldn't have bought it as it looks a boring sheer white pink, however the description "soft golden shimmer shining through pale lilac silk" is spot on. Perfect in every way, I'd recommend it to everyone!<br />
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<b>Mother of Dragons</b> was an anticipated disappointment - Shiro's website swatches make it look like the magical greyed purple with an ethereal silver blue shimmer ("silvered royal purple over a blood red base") that my dreams are made of, however all the blog swatches I saw of it online helped keep my expectations in check. In reality it's a hard colour to describe - there's a browned wine base reminiscent of half dried blood under cold metallic steel - it reminds me of a beautifully tragic battlefield scene full of blood and armour. Along with Master of Whispers it's a <i>perfect</i> representation of the respective Game of Thrones characters, just not the colour I would have wanted - the artwork is spectacular though and I have no regrets!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxPslVIYe9wlAH9xRHgjdnX9hgM5HAgxDT0SyAPe3AbcypOVG6ajljdwd7WJoHHjXbVQc1eOimJKsSvmivdvpskk7PnYfuMDjRwyfR1oT60DjPC7FvL471yXzRgWaYTKpdLHlExUqSlQ/s1600/IMG_4933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxPslVIYe9wlAH9xRHgjdnX9hgM5HAgxDT0SyAPe3AbcypOVG6ajljdwd7WJoHHjXbVQc1eOimJKsSvmivdvpskk7PnYfuMDjRwyfR1oT60DjPC7FvL471yXzRgWaYTKpdLHlExUqSlQ/s1600/IMG_4933.jpg" height="256" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lingered in Twilight, Farore's Wind, Maiden Queen, Steve, You Know Nothing</td></tr>
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Onto the green eyeshadows; remember all swatches are done over NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base, and also over Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy in the top half of the swatches.<br />
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<b>Lingered In Twilight</b> - the colour shows up best in the below photo pre-tape removal, as because it's so dark in comparison to the other shadows (and my skin) has come out underexposed in all my other photos. It's a matte black base with intense metallic emerald shimmer, there may be a touch of blue in the shimmer as the green is very cool with no warm tones. Love it, but my photos don't do it justice unfortunately.<br />
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<b>Farore's Wind</b> isn't quite what I was expecting but is still very nice, Shiro describes it as "light blue-toned green with silvery shimmer". From that description and the photo on the website I was expecting an aqua leaning mint green but it's both less blue and less pastel than I was expecting, however does have a high silver shimmer content. I have no idea who 'Farore' is but the artwork shows some sort of faerie which I'd safely say is very appropriate for this colour.<br />
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<b>Maiden Queen</b> is the perfect bright mint green with equal green and blue tones, and a lot of shimmer which appears to be a mixture between aqua and gold giving an overall mint light reflection. Of all the green shadows it adhered and lasted best to the primer only section of my skin, as well as obviously doing faultlessly over Pixie Epoxy too. A truly lovely colour and I almost wish I'd gone for the full size as the character artwork was my favourite after Mother of Dragons, but to be honest this isn't a colour I can see myself wearing a lot.<br />
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<b>Steve</b> is a complimentary sample from Shiro that they picked out for me, this in itself impressed me as it ties so nicely into the shadows I've already ordered. It's a bright shimmery turquoise just as Shiro described it, less metallic than Farore's Wind but more so than Maiden Queen.<br />
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<b>You Know Nothing</b> is my third and final complimentary sample that Shiro also picked out for me, it's a matte white base with lots of aqua shimmer - I'm not seeing the "wintery grey-white" Shiro claims but there is definitely lots of "bright icy shimmer!" It's a nice twist on a pale highlighter shade and is almost like Little Bird's less exciting brother. Again, I'm impressed with Shiro's choice as it really suits the rest of the shadows and is from the Seven Kingdoms collection which is clearly my favourite.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07YLDfMEiCowjyvqTBBEiTxwcDERbHG1XOh3nBGZ2UpBIkZXdnguYGXMUAISbb2F4EMjdWuK3ZclFP3VUJSi1GLsHDAt4lDiJ1A7C7yt9UFYKzRwWMdIoA8GRNMSYukbkPAKTA2xAYQ0/s1600/IMG_4929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07YLDfMEiCowjyvqTBBEiTxwcDERbHG1XOh3nBGZ2UpBIkZXdnguYGXMUAISbb2F4EMjdWuK3ZclFP3VUJSi1GLsHDAt4lDiJ1A7C7yt9UFYKzRwWMdIoA8GRNMSYukbkPAKTA2xAYQ0/s1600/IMG_4929.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lingered in Twilight, Farore's Wind, Maiden Queen, Steve, You Know Nothing</td></tr>
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And finally the gold and neutral shadows! Again, everything over NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base and the top half over Fyrinnae's Pixie Epoxy. I swatched No Men Like Me twice because the first time came out pretty meh, so I foiled a new swatch of it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIQs-gWEjWJg1nC1WmcWwDoOCrUBNbI9kcTg2vKzJ-wdb3f5NxKdx04YgdEfmgalmyMGWH0cGOxSJ2k3KoefDsjO3PXfDuhTYRDOCQ0D317uNV_4UCFxEFVHqBnVi41XUE8bYC436IdI/s1600/Shirogold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIQs-gWEjWJg1nC1WmcWwDoOCrUBNbI9kcTg2vKzJ-wdb3f5NxKdx04YgdEfmgalmyMGWH0cGOxSJ2k3KoefDsjO3PXfDuhTYRDOCQ0D317uNV_4UCFxEFVHqBnVi41XUE8bYC436IdI/s1600/Shirogold.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing Chaos, I Loved A Maid, No Men Like Me, Hordor, No Men Like Me Part 2</td></tr>
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<b>Climbing Chaos</b> is a lovely blackened bronze/gold, it has a high shimmer and it's sparkles at first seem colourless but upon closer inspection are almost holographic adding a wonderful but fairly subtle twist. It works fine without Pixie Epoxy but is less dark and sparkly. It's close to the photos on Shiro's website but is much less warm than described there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQWP4_tgd1J98ri0904QEZplyGZ_ephTG51c513vG5V4tvgZasM9vmb33FibkwYR0FrEBlS18LARq0CRj5SeiW0Playb8-gRWDhwERcorNxtTszNWUILtsh1OWtIDscHBw7-gX9LQI5Q/s1600/shiro+gold+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQWP4_tgd1J98ri0904QEZplyGZ_ephTG51c513vG5V4tvgZasM9vmb33FibkwYR0FrEBlS18LARq0CRj5SeiW0Playb8-gRWDhwERcorNxtTszNWUILtsh1OWtIDscHBw7-gX9LQI5Q/s1600/shiro+gold+closeup.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing Chaos rainbow sparkles, I Loved A Maid green sparkles</td></tr>
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<b>I Loved A Maid</b> no where near as peachy as it appears on Shiro's website, but the description is pretty apt if you take "softened Lannister crimson" to mean burnt red-orange. It certainly has green sparkles but I'm honestly not seeing a lot of gold. It's interesting, but not what I expected nor a colour I personally like.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21WWA0leg6YAFzMdyECZNvQtGoBfITuO3SOMvE4fYDxbxQsYh_9mIsleG2x-QyiHn0m3j14hpNIEPF8-8FObhKsjxxACPEIx5a-1FnIPtHQO3k7GhoHBqJ3WPa0TvY853I9Vo5sGVG9A/s1600/IMG_4992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21WWA0leg6YAFzMdyECZNvQtGoBfITuO3SOMvE4fYDxbxQsYh_9mIsleG2x-QyiHn0m3j14hpNIEPF8-8FObhKsjxxACPEIx5a-1FnIPtHQO3k7GhoHBqJ3WPa0TvY853I9Vo5sGVG9A/s1600/IMG_4992.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hordor, No Men Like Me</td></tr>
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<b>No Men Like Me</b> is both glorious and very annoying - as you can see from the first failed swatch above you can neither apply it just over eyeshadow primer or you'll end up with a flat, dull grey matte, nor can you just pat it on over Pixie Epoxy or it'll go as patchy as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elmer_the_Patchwork_Elephant"><b><span style="color: purple;">Elmer the Elephant</span></b></a>.<br />
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However if you foil it over wet Pixie Epoxy (or I assume with water/sealant) it becomes an amazing almost matte gold. As gold is an inherently metallic colour a truly matte gold would just be a dull shade of yellow, No Men Like Me is not that - it's metallic without the shimmer or sparkles. It's definitely a very interesting and unique colour and is well work the extra effort. I'd love to know how Shiro got their swatches to look like they do on the website - a very pale matte ashy gold - though.<br />
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My favourite element of it though is a very, very subtle rainbow glow to it - it is neither a shimmer nor a sparkle, but a glow like like real gold would have at sunset. Or what I imagine a pregnant lady's glow would look like...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTjmHXmBP47131aiu9KG_4IzJdB5YtzXx9FinwCakDXUcMi3dvRG8Ahjpgt0DMX7kf59f8VUweS1-Mdja8xTx7S5DHROPQ22wbaMFHgpXYj3KKPbhtaI-Th49faI6ULHBf7QSUPqiypQ/s1600/Gold+closeup2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTjmHXmBP47131aiu9KG_4IzJdB5YtzXx9FinwCakDXUcMi3dvRG8Ahjpgt0DMX7kf59f8VUweS1-Mdja8xTx7S5DHROPQ22wbaMFHgpXYj3KKPbhtaI-Th49faI6ULHBf7QSUPqiypQ/s1600/Gold+closeup2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hordor, No Men Like Me</td></tr>
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<b>Hordor</b> is exactly as described: "medium near-matte taupe." It's a cooler taupe when swatched over Pixie Epoxy and a warmer taupe over primer alone, it's nice and soft and overall a lovely neutral colour. I discovered something slightly exciting about it when I was trying to capture No Men Like Me's pregnancy glow - a very light dusting of rainbow glimmer that you can see above, it's not obvious, but it's there like some naughty multicoloured secret in the otherwise sober taupe.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SQTqBks9GpmIiRuyqj6I4jO4g6z6_1mfCeyZ2G6vCfTuaz_TtzymnRY8FqZ5DPqtBJRrfTa_UAMh07iTHuBt7E9Ei8cKV6ZcIM1WDFFwlLu1OSvU8xjWTUhg-N4lUYoFxld5mItg7Rw/s1600/shiro+lips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SQTqBks9GpmIiRuyqj6I4jO4g6z6_1mfCeyZ2G6vCfTuaz_TtzymnRY8FqZ5DPqtBJRrfTa_UAMh07iTHuBt7E9Ei8cKV6ZcIM1WDFFwlLu1OSvU8xjWTUhg-N4lUYoFxld5mItg7Rw/s1600/shiro+lips.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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And finally the lip products <b>Sad Keanu </b>and the <b>Custom Lipgloss </b>aka <b>The Saskia</b>... You can check out tons of swatches and full reviews of them on my last blog post <a href="http://prettytrivialities.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/shiro-intertube-and-custom-lip-gloss.html"><span style="color: purple;"><b>here</b></span></a>!<br />
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Overall I absolutely love everything I've bought from Shiro, somethings were not exactly as I expected or quite to my taste but I can't fault the gorgeous colours, finishes and most of all astounding quality and customer service.<br />
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I would 100% recommend Shiro to anyone looking to try out indies for the first time, anyone who would appreciate the themed collections, anyone looking for something unique and a custom order, or really anyone looking to expand their collection with unusual colours - $1 samples are a great way to experiment!<br />
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Things I want for next time:<br />
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<li>Custom medium opacity gloss in <b>Master of Whispers</b></li>
<li>Full sized <b>Task Force</b></li>
<li>Full sized <b>Alkahastry</b>, maybe</li>
<li>The entire full sized Seven Kingdoms collection because it's perfect in every way and I love the artwork (oh if only money was not limiting factor)</li>
<li>A bunch more colours I'm sure I'll find browsing the website</li>
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Saskia X<br />
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PrettyTrivialities@gmail.com<br />
@aiksasarual on Instagram</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032772962306259484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386066135990476104.post-34217545021538053052014-03-09T14:15:00.000-07:002014-03-09T14:16:50.510-07:00Shiro Intertube and Custom Lip Gloss Swatches and ReviewIt's pretty obvious why I ordered the Sad Keanu Intertube - and it's not to support my fellow Eurasian - it's because it's straight up purple and purple's where it's at. Seemingly strangely though I also ordered a custom lipgloss in blue or 'Pantone 286C' as I described it to Caitlin the owner of Shiro and creator of magical cosmetics.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBr2lp-wJ7pFJShTuDPk6_Hjmf0mkZa0iEmMud78jVwryGtV5btUGAUs719_xqmin5sWPGpTtxuZuQWgZq7b9COG0nnEokZ2jbWlCD0r8btCYzqh5E4EyIZRwe1ltzV4s11VOeTSyLPo/s1600/lips+review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBr2lp-wJ7pFJShTuDPk6_Hjmf0mkZa0iEmMud78jVwryGtV5btUGAUs719_xqmin5sWPGpTtxuZuQWgZq7b9COG0nnEokZ2jbWlCD0r8btCYzqh5E4EyIZRwe1ltzV4s11VOeTSyLPo/s1600/lips+review.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sad Keanu Intertube and Custom Lipgloss</td></tr>
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<b>Sad Keanu</b> is what I'd call a very tinted lip balm stain (like the ones Revlon makes) and it can be worn sheer or somewhat opaque. It's a bright medium cool toned purple that strangely turns slightly pinker a few minutes after it's been applied, and has no smell or taste (despite supposedly being blackberry flavoured).<br />
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Although comfortable to wear the pigment doesn't apply perfectly smoothly and can end up to settling in lip lines and accentuating flakes, though it's easy to fix and prevent by rubbing you lips together and starting with smooth exfoliated and moisturised lips. You're not going to want to actually use this as a lip balm because you'll end up with an unevenly coloured mouth and although not drying this balm isn't actually moisturising either.<br />
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The wear time is better than expected for a satin lip product with no feathering and minimal transfer to drinking receptacles, and leaves behind a bright pink stain.<br />
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The photos below show Sad Keanu applied directly from the tube onto my bare mouth, I used my finger to define the edges better - it was very quick and easy to apply.<br />
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Overall I'd give it a <b>B+</b> as it's a really lovely product that's just a bit let down by some uneven pigment issues.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEOsWPp1NsKKlGi1GbPQfSfNK6KQJphKg0TTa02TSqjyHLTfx38W5WyY1_qebpD80LnDJUnXiIpfAyX5_lmdazmOnaMW_KczBYb4_v6NNw6qWGhLfB24uAWswJ0Rct8KLgFpvEl-HV44/s1600/sad+keanu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEOsWPp1NsKKlGi1GbPQfSfNK6KQJphKg0TTa02TSqjyHLTfx38W5WyY1_qebpD80LnDJUnXiIpfAyX5_lmdazmOnaMW_KczBYb4_v6NNw6qWGhLfB24uAWswJ0Rct8KLgFpvEl-HV44/s1600/sad+keanu.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bare lips / Sheer Sad Keanu<br />
Moderately opaque Sad Keanu / Stain left after 15 minutes wear</td></tr>
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My <b>Custom Lipgloss</b> needs something of an introduction: I love purple - as anyone who reads this blog knows - but often find that purple lip products (and even blushes) tend to lean pink when applied due to the fact that they're applied over naturally pink skin. This fact coupled with my love for Lipstick Queen's Hello Sailor lipstick (a very sheer blue lipstick that when applied adds a subtle berry tint to your lips) gave me the idea to get a more tinted blue lip gloss that could either give me a brighter or darker berry lip than Hello Sailor when applied alone, or, when applied over pink and red lipsticks turn them slightly more purple.<br />
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I described this idea to Caitlin in an email specifying I wanted a "bright/royal/cornflower blue around Panetone 286C or OCC's Lip Tar in Rx" and also clarified that "I understand it may not come out exactly as I imagined (which is fine), and I'd be very happy with a blue lip gloss that doesn't look true purple on (or just looks outright blue) - but if in doubt I'd prefer to err on the side of more/brighter blue and more opaque coverage."<br />
<br />
When I first opened my package I was somewhat disappointed - the lipgloss looked almost black in the tube and when applied was a dark navy blue rather than a bright/royal/cornflower blue. But, I tried it on anyway and... it looked like I was 12 years old again when my fountain pen had exploded in my mouth after I'd be chewing it throughout an exceptionally boring history class.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemBBiKBekRJGhwEOorS72GC92cGz4XzCzRH8nCDEDyOvmUj-crSmzK9_WZRTOvWx2ZriuRUClKywrqchjye5jqwxr1M8a4_4OAPUnSpJo4zdYJdtNNEBHFOwlCe3ftAfd3-2SnV9DhSw/s1600/shiro+custom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemBBiKBekRJGhwEOorS72GC92cGz4XzCzRH8nCDEDyOvmUj-crSmzK9_WZRTOvWx2ZriuRUClKywrqchjye5jqwxr1M8a4_4OAPUnSpJo4zdYJdtNNEBHFOwlCe3ftAfd3-2SnV9DhSw/s1600/shiro+custom.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One swipe onto bare (but stained from above) lips / Blended out with my finger<br />
Almost opaque / AFTER 4 SLICES OF PIZZA (while not even trying to eat tidily)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I mean, it's clearly dark blue even when applied sheerly right? However I'm not complaining because I clearly did specify that if in doubt to err on the side of blue! I also like it simply because it's a very unique custom product and given that it only cost me $8 I don't think I have anything to be upset about.<br />
<br />
Colour issues aside the formula is absolutely <i>incredible</i> - a completely non-sticky gloss THAT LASTS THROUGH 4 SLICES OF PIZZA. Seriously, I know it's not perfect post-pizza but that's infinitely better than every gloss I've ever tried and almost all drugstore/high street lipsticks, especially since I'd just slapped it on for those photos and was too lazy/hungry to take it off before I ate lunch. I can't discern a scent even though Shiro states that it should smell lightly of chocolate, and it obviously stains your lips very blue.<br />
<br />
Anyway, since I doubt I'll be wearing the gloss alone (unless it's for a costume) I decided to try it over Mac's Flat Out Fabulous - a 'Retro Matte' lipstick that's supposed to be a "bright plum" but is really just a very cool bright pink, or a fuchsia/magenta.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRius1PkQweBRwACs7e1teh1sKvsxIbtWs-XaYawbnzNLhOo3Z7ML8TP-wRt8TsqUr8RGICmkmp64E7xpwXY9jk-eTpuk7QDQNDYxoZ1PGmrsYBNnzZxDfs3kfuQjgyUe6PaLjhDOoXdc/s1600/The+Saskia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRius1PkQweBRwACs7e1teh1sKvsxIbtWs-XaYawbnzNLhOo3Z7ML8TP-wRt8TsqUr8RGICmkmp64E7xpwXY9jk-eTpuk7QDQNDYxoZ1PGmrsYBNnzZxDfs3kfuQjgyUe6PaLjhDOoXdc/s1600/The+Saskia.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mac Flat Out Fabulous + My custom lipgloss =<br />
THE PRETTIEST PURPLE / I love it; look how white my teeth look!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
SWEET BALLS OF FIRE <i>look at it</i>!!!! It's... perfect. Bear in mind these swatches were done hurriedly with the lipstick straight out of the bullet and the lipgloss patted on with my finger - you could get much crisper lines and a more even colour mix if you take the time to use a brush!<br />
<br />
Mac Retro Matte formulas are exceptionally matte, which I personally love but a lot of people find them too drying to wear. When my custom gloss was applied over Flat Out Fabulous they fused beautifully together creating a creamy, completely opaque, satin finish and non-sticky lipstick-gloss hybrid.<br />
<br />
I've previously tried 'mixing' lipsticks but always find them to be a bit meh... maybe it's because the formula's don't fuse together well or because applying one lipstick over another on your mouth isn't a particularly precise way to do it. Moreover although <a href="http://prettytrivialities.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/lip-tar-custom-mixes-preliminary.html"><b><span style="color: purple;">Lip Tars</span></b></a> mix incredibly well with each other they don't play particularly well with other lip products - hence why I'm not singing Rx's praises at transforming any regular pink/red lipstick into a purple.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I've been wearing this combo now for about 6 hours with no touch ups, and with no feathering, bleeding, transferring or fading despite having drunk multiple cups of tea and inhaled half a dozen biscuits. It's dried down a bit but is still very comfortable, and most importantly still just looks so incredibly beautiful.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9EZspDrY599wX0HvFdoQgvYWwe2NlvjwZRovntHfnW5X-z7rg3DddntGM4re3i_fncWWvyFTuPNElrNqBJx4FzI52VRPS4W27Xz1sHJWmb3IRyerIILII7oZRB6jSEOvpUvwSmUyM1M/s1600/IMG_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9EZspDrY599wX0HvFdoQgvYWwe2NlvjwZRovntHfnW5X-z7rg3DddntGM4re3i_fncWWvyFTuPNElrNqBJx4FzI52VRPS4W27Xz1sHJWmb3IRyerIILII7oZRB6jSEOvpUvwSmUyM1M/s1600/IMG_0066.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With flash, I wish I'd taken more time to apply this neatly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This combo is almost a perfect colour match with Mac's Heroine lipstick (which I swatched <a href="http://prettytrivialities.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/mac-heroine-review.html"><b><span style="color: purple;">here</span></b></a>) and could probably be made into a perfect colour dupe using the correct ratios, moreover it has a far superior formula in coverage and wear, I really could not praise it enough!<br />
<br />
If you love my custom gloss you simply select 'opaque' out of the coverage options on Shiro's custom lipgloss page and write 'Pantone 286C dupe' in the description box, or, as I have so narcissistically named it: <b>The Saskia</b>. Though you'll probably also want to write a quick note linking this post in the 'extra info' section at the checkout since I'm not sure Caitlin'll be able to remember my humble order over a month after I made it!<br />
<br />
Overall 'The Saskia' Custom Lipgloss is an <b>A+</b> - the formula's perfect, it applies well over bare lips even if the colour's a bit odd (and not what I originally expected), but most importantly it will (hopefully) turn any boring pink or red lipstick into gorgeous shade of purple <i>and</i> improve its formula overall!<br />
<br />
I can't wait to try it out on more of my lipsticks!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4XHe8Ebgriw1HtrdYFT5B2sUkkJ_m7Whe7Zc4amkiqQ_Tg5akx-gZ2eb-AyKKhKfX-k0HG9xm5vK7t8QhaGQC5sz0a-AllXnPk9ePzKAayCDjABH-VouvZEZt255RzE8vkLfoZtz5lk/s1600/IMG_4919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4XHe8Ebgriw1HtrdYFT5B2sUkkJ_m7Whe7Zc4amkiqQ_Tg5akx-gZ2eb-AyKKhKfX-k0HG9xm5vK7t8QhaGQC5sz0a-AllXnPk9ePzKAayCDjABH-VouvZEZt255RzE8vkLfoZtz5lk/s1600/IMG_4919.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
If you do end up buying The Saskia (or just Saskia? Saskia's lip gloss? I don't know) please shoot me a message because I'd love to hear how you find it!<br />
<br />
<br />
Saskia, The<br />
X<br />
<br />
<br />
PrettyTrivialities@gmail.com<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032772962306259484noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386066135990476104.post-12723431789412533542014-03-08T15:50:00.000-08:002014-03-10T18:29:38.923-07:00Purple blush!Purple blush isn't exactly common - especially if you're trying to find it in mainstream cosmetics - Illamasqua, MAC are the only brands that make <i>almost</i> purple blushes, but even those are really just variations of magenta, fuchsia and plum: cool toned pinks and berry reds.<br />
<br />
There are also brands like Shu Umera and YSL that have recently come out with blushes that resembles the colour purple in the pan but when swatched sheer out to yet another boring cool pink.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizg8RNePC2wCYMy2NuzbJhMwl1edkbob4QAA8GnZ3TU4_PHs1R8jSMlSyWFupCRNL3RbW9c-AilHBI7R4uaWaic5r6_067tX9G8vQqIayCNLJRPYWjNFqnWeqZQh95jq9_vrIOQGBZw5o/s1600/purpleblushcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizg8RNePC2wCYMy2NuzbJhMwl1edkbob4QAA8GnZ3TU4_PHs1R8jSMlSyWFupCRNL3RbW9c-AilHBI7R4uaWaic5r6_067tX9G8vQqIayCNLJRPYWjNFqnWeqZQh95jq9_vrIOQGBZw5o/s1600/purpleblushcollage.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: small;">Raspberry, plum, magenta, fuchsia, burgundy... NONE OF THESE COLOURS ARE PURPLE<br />[photo credit linked at the bottom of this post]</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I mean, technically MUFE makes a purple eyeshadow that they advertise can also be used as a blush, and Illamasqua makes purple cream pigments that can again also be used a blush... but come on now, is it really hard to just produce a classic blush formula in the colour purple?!<br />
<br />
This is the reason that I'm now a die-hard indie cosmetics fan:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14fS3HRoPwxci8g-lA6x4ZxeRzugiuzdxBaxFOxtKof0CtgfbqJjUZyHEiW047O7kydHbEQR6LirM6aGmSbXwlmOyJODxCjjJdbyJZqQyDvw_3jTMRtRcjDzupHS6eL0xgO_5oF49QR0/s1600/IMG_4413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14fS3HRoPwxci8g-lA6x4ZxeRzugiuzdxBaxFOxtKof0CtgfbqJjUZyHEiW047O7kydHbEQR6LirM6aGmSbXwlmOyJODxCjjJdbyJZqQyDvw_3jTMRtRcjDzupHS6eL0xgO_5oF49QR0/s1600/IMG_4413.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awww yissss</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Reading left to right the blushes are as follows:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>My Pretty Zombie - Drugs Like Me Blush: <b>6-MAM</b></li>
<li>My Pretty Zombie - Drugs Like Me Blush: <b>THC</b></li>
<li>My Pretty Zombie - Drugs Like Me Blush: <b>LSD</b></li>
<li>Little Sparrow Cosmetics - <b>Bluebell</b></li>
<li>Little Sparrow Cosmetics - <b>Lavender</b></li>
<li>Little Sparrow Cosmetics - <b>Lilac</b></li>
<li>Fyrinnae - <b>Seduce</b></li>
<li>Fyrinnae - <b>Temptation</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
These blushes may look similar in tone and colour but their nature and finish varies strongly between brands:<br />
<br />
<b>My Pretty Zombie</b>'s blushes are duochromes, they have a matte base that provides their primary colour and a very fine sparkle colour shift which makes them truly unique and utterly gorgeous.<br />
<br />
<b>Little Sparrow Cosmetic</b>'s blushes are near matte, incredibly soft and finely milled - essentially a pure colour staple.<br />
<br />
<b>Fyrinnae</b>'s blushes are on the metallic side of satin - they have a strong light reflecting sheen like a highlighter would - they reflect back the same colour light as the base.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtzgaZQUdlXIKp5NLbOM3m_VYbjoupGBOOhAyL0sRQtzhZ4FfBLh6Q8M8RLmkTj1shbOAJiL4u_jvB4we8rMmUtTSa69uPYDBjFJZDo_akzwZtZNDcoWYuqaydapgJtcoqimHjJv1gvM/s1600/IMG_4732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtzgaZQUdlXIKp5NLbOM3m_VYbjoupGBOOhAyL0sRQtzhZ4FfBLh6Q8M8RLmkTj1shbOAJiL4u_jvB4we8rMmUtTSa69uPYDBjFJZDo_akzwZtZNDcoWYuqaydapgJtcoqimHjJv1gvM/s1600/IMG_4732.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MPZ sample baggies, LSC full sized pots, Fyrinnae minis - one depotted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I originally wrote this as one huge long review of all the above blushes and their respective indie companies, but for the sake of neatness and organisation I've split the reviews into their respective brands:<br />
<br />
Click <b>here</b> for My Pretty Zombie Drugs Like Me blush collection review<br />
<br />
Click <b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LittleSparrowCo"><span style="color: purple;">here</span></a></b> for Little Sparrow Cosmetics blush review<br />
<br />
Click <b>here</b> for Fyrinnae blush review<br />
<br />
[Sorry to be a tease, obviously none of those links work now but I'll update them asap when I've published the respective separate complete reviews]<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwR9_zuHtJf1pleciIiDFrwnkyVeaW9SqFy5iUBz2UT8AlFd93yIFaGYNDIwziPX_WJCL2vtvCb3kxnNVyRgzYf2pFB9xw0C9uR7LzzRCCB1anLty5kiU0DbtomuTzWKkX_prVbYoGkt0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-08+at+19.10.54.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwR9_zuHtJf1pleciIiDFrwnkyVeaW9SqFy5iUBz2UT8AlFd93yIFaGYNDIwziPX_WJCL2vtvCb3kxnNVyRgzYf2pFB9xw0C9uR7LzzRCCB1anLty5kiU0DbtomuTzWKkX_prVbYoGkt0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-08+at+19.10.54.png" height="398" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All I can see is joy and excitement in her eyes about being turned such a delicious shade of violet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Saskia X<br />
<br />
PrettyTrivialities@gmail.com<br />
@aiksasarual<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit for the 'not purple' collage:</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.illamasqua.com/</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.maccosmetics.com/index.tmpl</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.temptalia.com/mac-give-me-liberty-of-london-blush-reviews-photos-swatches</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.sephora.com/blush-radiance-radiant-blush-P294816?skuId=1430438&om_mmc=oth-bt-richlinks-2013</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032772962306259484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386066135990476104.post-46245053322762024282014-03-08T14:52:00.000-08:002014-03-08T15:44:02.610-08:00Elemental CollaberationA few ladies on reddit's MakeupAddiction and I decided to team up and create something awesome, a few ideas were thrown around (no one liked my Hunger Games 'Capitol Citizen' idea) and we settled on each picking an element and just going with it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gFg0dy4dxBkyZXi7z79DdCO_bU5cXRP4xAe-dP6RZxB2tr91R1X8LD4AwPfp9EPcnMsv6Q7barhRkvo4S8e-NA3KNK6isfKk-g8iK6wKnWoqfCfQomKwobL2rUwYUJpOL3jTVvZD45o/s1600/IjbDSDG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gFg0dy4dxBkyZXi7z79DdCO_bU5cXRP4xAe-dP6RZxB2tr91R1X8LD4AwPfp9EPcnMsv6Q7barhRkvo4S8e-NA3KNK6isfKk-g8iK6wKnWoqfCfQomKwobL2rUwYUJpOL3jTVvZD45o/s1600/IjbDSDG.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Earth, Water, Air/Wind and Fire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Obviously I'm Earth -<br />
<span style="line-height: 20.020000457763672px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.020000457763672px;"><b>Josephine</b> - </span></span><span style="color: purple;"><b><a href="http://www.reddit.com/user/juntaoren"><span style="color: purple;">junatoren</span></a> </b></span>on reddit or <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/juntaoren2"><span style="color: purple;">juntaoren2</span></a></b> on YouTube - is Water<span style="font-family: inherit;">,</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 20.020000457763672px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.020000457763672px;"><b>Ayannah</b> - </span></span><b><a href="http://www.reddit.com/user/Checkmate1234"><span style="color: purple;">Checkmate1234</span></a><span style="color: magenta;"> </span></b>on reddit or <a href="http://instagram.com/Checkmate4321"><span style="color: purple;"><b>@checkmate4321</b></span></a> on Instagram - is Air/Wind,<br />
<br />
And the GIRL OF FIIIIIIRE (seriously couldn't resist that, sorry) who organised everything is <b>Cat</b> who you can find on her fab blog <a href="http://stylebycat.blogspot.co.uk/"><b><span style="color: purple;">Style By Cat</span></b></a> or <a href="http://instagram.com/stylebycat"><span style="color: purple;"><b>@stylebycat</b></span></a> on Instagram, or of course on reddit under <a href="http://www.reddit.com/user/CatGirl007"><b><span style="color: purple;">CatGirl007</span></b></a>.<br />
<br />
If you want to see the full looks and product lists of all the other girls you can follow the original thread and link on reddit <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/MakeupAddiction/comments/1zr0el/earth_water_wind_fire_collaborative_makeup/" style="color: purple; font-weight: bold;">here</a>, otherwise you're just stuck with me...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0mOhyphenhyphensGwjPuJ_wiJcM_fOAcckJD9EWnc4dmPTeXZ7gZqPZqcDdip_XqrSDDVj4O_N4TVHrGGLMP_lj_V0LANG_BMeaCoFpdQDG6FZI4sYx6Zp2siNg1kYNdpykqEJAbSVm924Vco59s/s1600/IMG_9896+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0mOhyphenhyphensGwjPuJ_wiJcM_fOAcckJD9EWnc4dmPTeXZ7gZqPZqcDdip_XqrSDDVj4O_N4TVHrGGLMP_lj_V0LANG_BMeaCoFpdQDG6FZI4sYx6Zp2siNg1kYNdpykqEJAbSVm924Vco59s/s1600/IMG_9896+-+Version+2.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Honestly though, I'm really not that happy about how Earth turned out - all the other girls had finished theirs weeks ago and I just didn't have a single afternoon to spare between university work and various social events so I had to rush through this, making it up as I went along.<br />
<br />
Plus halfway through the heating in my house decided to kick into overdrive, my bedroom window was jammed shut, I'd lost my camera remote and nothing on my face was cooperating. Essentially this lead to:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Foundation in my hair</li>
<li>Petals poorly placed and rubbing off my eyeshadow</li>
<li>Nose contouring completely forgotten</li>
<li>Overall poor lipstick application</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All of which you can clearly see in the above photo. But, whatever - I'm wearing green lipstick, have purple petals around my eyes and not one, but two floral headdresses!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_g4HPugAzc78HboiN4QrnfS30qPUizwliTvjZzmiVUsI7nc-hNPQq2FfzlAx96h7vB1CanReHjTkiEmV76j6vNb7mnOn_TywMsv2LAY6be-CHxseg0oTBWG3AYhWV6yeC2dWe8ResuI/s1600/IMG_9918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_g4HPugAzc78HboiN4QrnfS30qPUizwliTvjZzmiVUsI7nc-hNPQq2FfzlAx96h7vB1CanReHjTkiEmV76j6vNb7mnOn_TywMsv2LAY6be-CHxseg0oTBWG3AYhWV6yeC2dWe8ResuI/s1600/IMG_9918.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>FACE</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>NARS Oil Free Primer</li>
<li>NARS Sheer Glow foundation in Siberia</li>
<li>Illamasqua concealer in 105 and 115</li>
<li>Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Hollow contour (very lightly)</li>
<li>Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Delirium blush (very lightly)</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>BROWS</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Illamasqua Brow Cake in Motto</li>
<li>Sugarpill eyeshadow in Bulletproof</li>
<li>Mac Fluidline in Blacktrack</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>EYES</b></div>
<div>
<div class="p1">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Urban Decay Primer Potion</li>
<li>Sugarpill eye shadows in Buttercupcake, Love+, Poison Plum and Bulletproof</li>
<li>UD pencil eyeliner in Perversion</li>
<li>Red Cherry eyelashes in #43</li>
<li>Duo eyelash glue</li>
<li>Cut up fake flower petals</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>LIPS</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Illamasqua Apocalips</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
I'd love to do something like this again, maybe when I have more time!<br />
<br />
As always, feel free to comment or email me any questions, comments or secrets...<br />
<br />
<br />
Saskia X<br />
<br />
PrettyTrivialities@gmail.com<br />
@aiksasarualAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032772962306259484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386066135990476104.post-78135823228456078852014-03-06T10:20:00.000-08:002014-03-12T04:02:01.074-07:00Complete Sugarpill Pressed Eyeshadow Swatches and Mini ReviewI love Sugarpill for the very simple reason that they make the best quality bright, matte, opaque and long lasting eye shadows out there. <a href="http://prettytrivialities.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/sugarpill-burning-heart-palette-review.html"><b>Here's</b></a> an in depth review of the Burning Heart palette I wrote last year.<br />
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
So without further ado here are swatches of every pressed eyeshadow Sugarpill currently sells:</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4A9geHGAjHGqITkw5gOtCZaMmaXLNjKt_W3kYLJH0EpnAsdfqYNu4tlxND9lrQUU7qOvGWJIOCn3-044RXzaPlBF6bDrjJdGqSJEKNbkiNJKBtzJya5AeH1hMaen-TieEuFewkJn4Z9E/s1600/IMG_4238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4A9geHGAjHGqITkw5gOtCZaMmaXLNjKt_W3kYLJH0EpnAsdfqYNu4tlxND9lrQUU7qOvGWJIOCn3-044RXzaPlBF6bDrjJdGqSJEKNbkiNJKBtzJya5AeH1hMaen-TieEuFewkJn4Z9E/s1600/IMG_4238.jpg" height="430" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Swatches were done with a clean finger over bare skin and the photos were taken in indirect sunlight</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Matte shades: Love+, Flamepoint, Buttercupcake, Acidberry, Midori, Mochi, Afterparty, Velocity, Poison Plum, 2AM, Dollipop, Tako and Bulletproof.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Metallic shades: Subterranean, Elemental Chaos, Diamond Eyes and Soot & Stars.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The only shadow that didn't feel buttery smooth and apply perfectly evenly and opaque was 2AM - it was slightly more sheer and less smooth overall.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Here's how they look in my face: </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkiZVoBDoHfQ8luQW17HSkByWsADC65TJoHevQp0dBmXfV3LSnH_K8tWOkOc6TZeO2dhUMuQ9kY6WAmzGB8Qbt1L-evAvPjttoqmR2mH5snucd7doMOrcmpjSa2hDkGpCOBYcM7jKUxs/s1600/IMG_9932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkiZVoBDoHfQ8luQW17HSkByWsADC65TJoHevQp0dBmXfV3LSnH_K8tWOkOc6TZeO2dhUMuQ9kY6WAmzGB8Qbt1L-evAvPjttoqmR2mH5snucd7doMOrcmpjSa2hDkGpCOBYcM7jKUxs/s1600/IMG_9932.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't decide which lipstick would go best with this look :( <a href="http://prettytrivialities.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/sugarpill-burning-heart-palette-review.html">Here's</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Sugarpill Elemental Chaos from the Cold Chemistry palette and Bulletproof, as well as Inglot 363 eyeshadow and Illamasqua Static pigment. I actually had trouble building Elemental Chaos up to full opacity so I packed it on over Fyrianne's Pixie Epoxy.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZH2T1c45oc5N9Ma22r1GHWD7CwAZqJBszznMAApCHMa5CVJDC4WZfLg9GTBxF1ROZ_IZnHq3X6W4WGahCwIglWLlSoB1Wwv4L6YNgvOPdpHxOrANV6qToFI_88s7tB9ynVsuXhAOEEU4/s1600/IMG_9942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZH2T1c45oc5N9Ma22r1GHWD7CwAZqJBszznMAApCHMa5CVJDC4WZfLg9GTBxF1ROZ_IZnHq3X6W4WGahCwIglWLlSoB1Wwv4L6YNgvOPdpHxOrANV6qToFI_88s7tB9ynVsuXhAOEEU4/s1600/IMG_9942.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
And here's a sneak peek of a project I've been working on which uses Buttercupcake, Love+ and Poison Plum from the Burning Heart palette.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvihgzsL4ARCQBXlE1fXiLd3GKUk-_fe1v9-yBFH8nrZly7gM1QRWrcUf6Rj-7VWo5dRH22gPzdWQPd_gciBn3itot7yFw9HUkCKUmNU_r3sJ3NVW5GwQSsMjitTg0QM77_drQBaFwd4Q/s1600/IMG_9896+-+Version+3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvihgzsL4ARCQBXlE1fXiLd3GKUk-_fe1v9-yBFH8nrZly7gM1QRWrcUf6Rj-7VWo5dRH22gPzdWQPd_gciBn3itot7yFw9HUkCKUmNU_r3sJ3NVW5GwQSsMjitTg0QM77_drQBaFwd4Q/s1600/IMG_9896+-+Version+3.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Products are the same as they always are, with the obvious exception being the Sugarpill eyeshadow's I'm reviewing. Lashes are Red Cherry #43 in both photos and the flower petals are stuck on with Duo eyelash glue.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Obviously, I highly recommend Sugarpill to anyone who wants to get their colour on! And if you're considering buying from them it'd be awesome if you could use my <a href="http://zfer.us/i6eD7"><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: magenta;">affiliate link here</span></b></a>, it'll just take you to their regular official website and if you buy anything I'll get credit!</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Saskia X</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
PrettyTrivialities@gmail.com</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032772962306259484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386066135990476104.post-79183885225241523502014-02-23T08:44:00.001-08:002014-03-07T03:39:38.110-08:00MAC Heroine reviewI recently acquired Mac's newly permanent Heroine matte lipstick - a bright orchid purple, or violet leaning fuchsia, which I've speedily swatched next to other similarly coloured lipsticks I own:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbqYZJRwNR1x4-Y53Qyu7eZpAzPRi5zHZVlM2ykgQGXGMP3J3FZYBPxw36XYLGztFmcEnQ_oKPA_j142vhRq_E-bbiMnSiqZDlsinhPPDiVWEM2tgNjGHVmvx47aUZDJm2mv2RNGD7x0/s1600/IMG_4138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbqYZJRwNR1x4-Y53Qyu7eZpAzPRi5zHZVlM2ykgQGXGMP3J3FZYBPxw36XYLGztFmcEnQ_oKPA_j142vhRq_E-bbiMnSiqZDlsinhPPDiVWEM2tgNjGHVmvx47aUZDJm2mv2RNGD7x0/s1600/IMG_4138.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken in indirect sunlight, as swatch photos should be!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Top left: Maybelline Colour Elixir Lip Gloss in Vision in Violet</li>
<li>Top right: Revlon Matte Balm Stain in Shameless</li>
<li>Centre: MAC Heroine matte lipstick</li>
<li>Bottom left: OCC Lip Tar in Hoochie liquid lipstick</li>
<li>Bottom right: MAC Flat Out Fabulous retro matte lipstick</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
I'm not going to describe the differences between these varying shades of purple as the above photo gives an extremely accurate colour reference, but I will say that Heroine is not as opaque as I'd hoped and expected it to be. Since I'm insanely pale and without strongly pigmented lips it's rare that lipsticks allow my natural lip colour to peep though (unless of course they're a deliberately sheer formula) and to be honest Heroine is only slightly less than fully opaque - I just expect better from MAC.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjpEgjWblngcZ8I2LxUnwdrqXaOwm-q11t1ydQOpyIFdpTlxMWYhmiXCF6Bq9Eu8CSxLvDtl50IN1hhx19-HwuIdYnk2yKp6h5OpLJJD32evXtZ5uCNuPiC2_YTWRPrUiUJjqK9QhB0E/s1600/IMG_9774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjpEgjWblngcZ8I2LxUnwdrqXaOwm-q11t1ydQOpyIFdpTlxMWYhmiXCF6Bq9Eu8CSxLvDtl50IN1hhx19-HwuIdYnk2yKp6h5OpLJJD32evXtZ5uCNuPiC2_YTWRPrUiUJjqK9QhB0E/s1600/IMG_9774.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not going to lie - I can't wink, but neither am I going to let that stop me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Since I have no time in my life right now for neat on-the-mouth swatches in daylight (I live in the library during the hours the sun is out) I'm just going to leave you with some snaps of the makeup I did for an event I attended this weekend - as the photo was taken at night under my stupid eco-friendly energy saving lights the colours are naturally slightly off - suffice to say Heroine is the colour shown above on the swatches, not how it appears here on my mouth.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgwtKPwWBTYTm0PJIgZU8dbjREmJvRvKEHflarCXxDCOhCBT-N4OF-uNsVNeVS4ktrjS8vWoifFhEsXnEPNIsR1A7avjeb1xlCi3lYUo5dILDtn8v2i0f7JhA6QcD5_RURfzgZE6qe4M/s1600/IMG_9764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgwtKPwWBTYTm0PJIgZU8dbjREmJvRvKEHflarCXxDCOhCBT-N4OF-uNsVNeVS4ktrjS8vWoifFhEsXnEPNIsR1A7avjeb1xlCi3lYUo5dILDtn8v2i0f7JhA6QcD5_RURfzgZE6qe4M/s1600/IMG_9764.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Overall I'd give Heroine a B+ - it was adequately opaque, applied well straight from the tube, was matte enough to be very long-wearing yet also comfortable without patchiness. It did however leave a significant bright pink stain which doesn't bother me in the slightest but is probably something to consider. I'd definitely re-buy it if I lost or finished it because it's such a gorgeous colour and easy to use, but hopefully there's something a little bit better out there!<br />
<br />
<br />
FACE:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>NARS Oil Free Primer</li>
<li>NARS Sheer Glow in Siberia foundation</li>
<li>Illamasqua Hollow contour</li>
<li>Illamasqua Delirium blush</li>
<li>Illamasqua Concealer in 105 and 115</li>
<li>Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
BROWS:<br />
<ul>
<li>Illamasqua Motto Brow Cake</li>
<li>Sugarpill Bulletproof eyeshadow</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br />
EYES:<br />
<ul>
<li>NARS and Urban Decay eyeshadow primer (one on each eye - literally no difference)</li>
<li>Laura Mercier Morning Dew eyeshadow</li>
<li>Inglot 363 eyeshadow (my absolute favourite crease colour)</li>
<li>Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy</li>
<li>Fyrinnae Serendipity and Rapunzel Had Extensions eyeshadow</li>
<li>Sugarpill Bulletproof eyeshadow</li>
<li>Urban Decay Perversion eyeliner</li>
<li>Oh My Lash Lucille eyelashes</li>
<li>Duo Lash Glue</li>
<li>Misc rhinestones from Amazon</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br />
LIPS:<br />
<ul>
<li>MAC Prep+Prime Lips</li>
<li>MAC Heroine lipstick</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZAJKK47a_UCZ38LE_0yBFjvb3s8TDt0W9AT9mpZHMYhDp59r9Br-7T8464lTG0dYWO2fJW0mY5vywjb7e-N6fYX-8sWnLpJz6CZJui_cmudalJkA7Y6yRR9oyWY2tIJtuSJ9TvZ6EQs/s1600/IMG_9762+-+Version+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZAJKK47a_UCZ38LE_0yBFjvb3s8TDt0W9AT9mpZHMYhDp59r9Br-7T8464lTG0dYWO2fJW0mY5vywjb7e-N6fYX-8sWnLpJz6CZJui_cmudalJkA7Y6yRR9oyWY2tIJtuSJ9TvZ6EQs/s1600/IMG_9762+-+Version+2.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This feels invasively close</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Also here's my other and all time favourite purple lipstick, also by MAC but sadly Limited Edition - Instigator:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMB7PzOqg2-ak0Ofoyn2whZzcSgOPDdyhaEliOqE9FQgk_4tHIEX9eYTZ-YOGkfM2CHnpdmQ1lJJNNdbN_dwlSkN_d7vu4lOIj6bhKA8ZU-FpSW-yfBiK6GkaCEeI1Gw2r_PvYqqylqoU/s1600/IMG_9748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMB7PzOqg2-ak0Ofoyn2whZzcSgOPDdyhaEliOqE9FQgk_4tHIEX9eYTZ-YOGkfM2CHnpdmQ1lJJNNdbN_dwlSkN_d7vu4lOIj6bhKA8ZU-FpSW-yfBiK6GkaCEeI1Gw2r_PvYqqylqoU/s1600/IMG_9748.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hair's still wet, no one to impress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
All FACE and BROW products are exactly the same as above.<br />
<br />
EYES:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>NARS Smudgeproof Shadow Base</li>
<li>Laura Mercier Morning Dew</li>
<li>Inglot 363 eyeshadow</li>
<li>Sugarpill Bulletproof eyeshadow</li>
<li>Urban Decay Pervesion eyeliner</li>
<li>Red Cherry #48 eyelashes</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
LIPS:<br />
<ul>
<li>MAC Instigator</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Hopefully soon I'll find time in my life to post more than just a few snaps of looks I've done for nights out, but until then I'll be living barefaced in the library.<br />
<br />
<br />
Saskia X<br />
<br />
PrettyTrivialities@gmail.com<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032772962306259484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386066135990476104.post-91509756269886993072014-02-15T09:24:00.000-08:002014-02-24T06:15:42.611-08:00Happy Valentine's Day!This friday was the first time I've been out in weeks as university's been so busy recently, and as it just so happened to be Valentine's day - despite being a holiday I don't really celebrate (except when my Dad sends me roses) - I thought I'd do something festive. Red lips, metallic gold and rose gold eyeshadow and long wispy lashes.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJiv-51HfrmesvHYfZTmz0johyphenhyphenCnecWWsU7ganlFjI_irqU7hZ8-glgyn67P-kyT6TpeeVK_XBdPGJdpwAoY8hSTTCjFY3zRMRKv2q_9-I5jx-DY9j0q6PSxBIQ5Ic89uesIqYI9e1XQ/s1600/IMG_9715+-+Version+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJiv-51HfrmesvHYfZTmz0johyphenhyphenCnecWWsU7ganlFjI_irqU7hZ8-glgyn67P-kyT6TpeeVK_XBdPGJdpwAoY8hSTTCjFY3zRMRKv2q_9-I5jx-DY9j0q6PSxBIQ5Ic89uesIqYI9e1XQ/s1600/IMG_9715+-+Version+3.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Viola!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
FACE:</div>
<ul>
<li>NARS Oil Free Primer</li>
<li>NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Siberia</li>
<li>Illamasqua concealer in 105 and 115</li>
<li>Illamasqua Hollow contour</li>
<li>Illamasqua Delirium blush</li>
<li>NARS Albatross highlight</li>
<li>Laura Mercier Loose Translucent Setting Powder</li>
</ul>
<br />
BROWS:<br />
<ul>
<li>Illamasqua Motto Brow Cake</li>
<li>Sugarpill Bulletproof eyeshadow</li>
<li>Questionable clear mascara</li>
</ul>
<br />
EYES:<br />
<ul>
<li>NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base</li>
<li>Laura Mercier Morning Dew eyeshadow</li>
<li>Stila Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eyeshadow in Comex Gold</li>
<li>Urban Decay Naked3 palette</li>
<li>Sugarpill Bulletproof eyeshadow</li>
<li>Laura Mercier Tightlining Cake in black and Activator</li>
<li>Red Cherry Wispy eyelashes</li>
<li>Benefit They're Real mascara</li>
</ul>
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LIPS:<br />
<ul>
<li>Armani Rouge D'Armani lipstick in 406 </li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhST62jXkoEvNlMDrhN_so_G3TwnMHUoEJ9F7TURqzC1NLB26RGgi1Aom1G1EbSdM_e7p0SyXIDxLU7A18r3dkO3T2LgP0HQ87_NvgZCD2BW2nV_4GNgqgIZMYVC11JNa5FTBB-3Oaw_GE/s1600/IMG_9729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhST62jXkoEvNlMDrhN_so_G3TwnMHUoEJ9F7TURqzC1NLB26RGgi1Aom1G1EbSdM_e7p0SyXIDxLU7A18r3dkO3T2LgP0HQ87_NvgZCD2BW2nV_4GNgqgIZMYVC11JNa5FTBB-3Oaw_GE/s1600/IMG_9729.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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I hope you all had a love/chocolate/alcohol filled 14th!</div>
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Saskia X</div>
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PrettyTrivialities@gmail.com</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032772962306259484noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386066135990476104.post-21955216174340708252014-02-05T15:47:00.000-08:002014-02-24T06:08:39.663-08:00Makeup Addiction: My Beautiful SicknessSo I bought Illamasqua Posture - the greyed lavender lipstick I've been lusting over for months and am convinced will make me look ill (but in a cool way). That combined with the fact I'd never used my Illasmasqua Rich Liquid foundation by itself - it's pure white - inspired me to try an artsy ill/tiered look.<br />
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I'm actually really pleased with the results - I almost gave up half way through because the contouring was being incredibly uncooperative - I was worried it would look too costume-y or halloween-y, but I think I've pulled it off it I don't say so myself!<br />
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Without further ado check out how fully opaque pure white foundation just looks like my regular skin:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fFKQlLYmQh6rL7xDlH87YHseMpGaEezY1VvZYFNxT8z35z-v-aBa-o22EZcomCn6NsHSQcYZ-0OZUGoC-Pddet-z8zSZODROcpBbUSBOpcylRv57OimOuPQ8omNk7RObHPbSF_W-V9Q/s1600/IMG_9681+-+Version+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fFKQlLYmQh6rL7xDlH87YHseMpGaEezY1VvZYFNxT8z35z-v-aBa-o22EZcomCn6NsHSQcYZ-0OZUGoC-Pddet-z8zSZODROcpBbUSBOpcylRv57OimOuPQ8omNk7RObHPbSF_W-V9Q/s1600/IMG_9681+-+Version+2.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Are you ready for a product list? [Yeah!]<br />
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<b>FACE</b>:<br />
<ul>
<li>Illamasqua Rich Liquid Foundation in 100 (pure white)</li>
<li>Illasmaqua Hollow Cream Pigment contour</li>
<li>NYX Taupe blush contour</li>
<li>Sleek Dark Mattes eyeshadow in grey contour</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>BROWS</b>:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Illamasqua Motto Brow Cake</li>
<li>MUFE Aqua Brow in 35/Taupe</li>
<li>Sugarpill Bulletproof eyeshadow</li>
<li>Questionable Clear Mascara</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>EYES</b>:</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Mac Paint Pot in Stormy Pink</li>
<li>Laura Mercier Morning Dew, Plum Smoke and Black Plum eyeshadows</li>
<li>Sugarpill Bulletproof, Love+ and Poison Plum eyeshadows</li>
<li>Rimmel Scandaleyes eyeliner in black</li>
<li>Illamasqua False Eyelashes in 21</li>
<li>Benefit They're Real mascara</li>
</ul>
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<b>LIPS</b>:</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Illamasqua Posture</li>
<li>OCC Lip Tar in NSFW</li>
</ul>
<div>
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And now I have about two dozen different brushes to clean...<br />
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As always you can contact me at PrettyTrivialities@gmail.com -</div>
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Sask X</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032772962306259484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386066135990476104.post-36685559566293231802014-02-04T14:47:00.000-08:002014-02-04T14:57:37.200-08:00Sleek Garden of Eden review, and a Laura Mercier African Violet 'dupe'As soon as I saw this palette I knew it had to be mine - it contained both green, purple(ish) and gold eyeshadows from my favourite highstreet brand - Sleek. Luckily, it was both inexpensive (£7.99) and easily accessible (at my local Superdrug) - instant gratification is excellent isn't it?<br>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4uavCdkLJ6Dv9JAt1K7NP0hHvvPg4uy6aZYUNqqbbY396kP45G4AvYlcyWb8200tew2p2TLTKp_ajHchIl7XKH-GEAtx4vunOy4FFgy1_rE6N3eVOhGG9wlkYoRDXIM59kFgcQqUyfA/s1600/IMG_9549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4uavCdkLJ6Dv9JAt1K7NP0hHvvPg4uy6aZYUNqqbbY396kP45G4AvYlcyWb8200tew2p2TLTKp_ajHchIl7XKH-GEAtx4vunOy4FFgy1_rE6N3eVOhGG9wlkYoRDXIM59kFgcQqUyfA/s1600/IMG_9549.JPG" height="425" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I obviously forgot to take a picture before I stuck my fingers in it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
I googled swatches of this palette online and found perfectly even, neat, pigmented swatches that made it look like Garden of Eden could compete with Inglot in terms of quality. However when I swatched this palette myself I found quite a few dud colours: essentially all the non-metallic shades, to some extent, were chalky and unpigmented. This is obviously rather frustrating as all the beautifully perfect swatches I saw online are somewhat misleading for the sake of aesthetics.<br>
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All of my swatches are done with a clean finger over bare skin, and the photos were taken in indirect sunlight.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomQqBPgkCDtMv8H30G9IEf3nHGK9zaVsMyDdaL_Iv7hI0C7uAz5Q07XT4_Gvo9zoVHIJzNVnDUScSLdDMMc6YCOcmx0QYsd8azBFmxqGbPyzYxGm3d1BNgnjLa8exypAI0EHU-eyySeM/s1600/IMG_9554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomQqBPgkCDtMv8H30G9IEf3nHGK9zaVsMyDdaL_Iv7hI0C7uAz5Q07XT4_Gvo9zoVHIJzNVnDUScSLdDMMc6YCOcmx0QYsd8azBFmxqGbPyzYxGm3d1BNgnjLa8exypAI0EHU-eyySeM/s1600/IMG_9554.JPG" height="426" width="640"></a></div>
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Technically all of the shadows have individual names that came printed on a loose transparent card in the palette, but I threw it away because it cluttered the palette and would get so dusty and grubby after a week. So I'm just going to refer to the shadows by their colours and/or position in the palette.<br>
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The first four metallic colours on the top row are all excellent quality - pigmented, soft and blend-able, don't let my messy swatches throw you off: these colours are great. The last two matte-ish colours were <i>awful</i> quality - they were so hard and un-pigmented I actually had to scrape a layer of them off into a powder just to get them to show up on my arm for these swatches. The penultimate shade was a particular shame as it is a rather unique colour - mauve-grey with gold glitter.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2bX4sPK0aTD5anOjZ7Uf5BuX3mxs5vJPFJDjb3trrnnfGDPAo_GtMeR22nDizDeH9puRbqKFnT8KBPhdj1cyFbfep41Nj1AUpLjdwncpvD10_Y07RYmCmEbKhnDtbmrocXRKPCvG4eE/s1600/IMG_3941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2bX4sPK0aTD5anOjZ7Uf5BuX3mxs5vJPFJDjb3trrnnfGDPAo_GtMeR22nDizDeH9puRbqKFnT8KBPhdj1cyFbfep41Nj1AUpLjdwncpvD10_Y07RYmCmEbKhnDtbmrocXRKPCvG4eE/s1600/IMG_3941.jpg" height="426" width="640"></a></div>
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<br>
The same was true for the first and last colours (again, both matte-ish) of the bottom row - the last colour, a matte dark green, was particularly surprising as I have a similar colour in my Sleek Dark Mattes palette which had great pigmentation and texture. The second colour, a lime green, was smack bang on average quality in terms of texture and pigmentation.<br>
<br>
Below I've shown the vertical Garden of Eden swatches with similar colours from my collection in horizontal swatches. The dark green is from the Sleek Dark Mattes palette - proof that Sleek is capable of making excellent quality matte shades.<div><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBc_lJh_6-cCv3_DQ9Jd26R7ulIn_p-YcGwmxFw_kFB8vASZVoFiZI1vQWL84Or1fXK-g2R3ZDzOlxozq_Xwqk8v_eSXxOBAhdaQewunb4PlcdwCBEPOUHwVMYka_Dz-4GUDKBeLCGfzI/s1600/IMG_9564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBc_lJh_6-cCv3_DQ9Jd26R7ulIn_p-YcGwmxFw_kFB8vASZVoFiZI1vQWL84Or1fXK-g2R3ZDzOlxozq_Xwqk8v_eSXxOBAhdaQewunb4PlcdwCBEPOUHwVMYka_Dz-4GUDKBeLCGfzI/s1600/IMG_9564.JPG" height="426" width="640"></a></div>
<div><br></div><br>
The second similar colour is Laura Mercier's African Violet - a shade that is particularly in vogue right now - although I personally would not call this a dupe as it is not <i>identical</i> in colour or texture (let alone ease of application and wear time which I haven't even tested) but it is certainly a very, very similar alternative.<br>
<br>
Above you can see African Violet is violet in direct sunlight whereas Sleek is significantly browner. Below African Violet almost looks like a mix between the two Sleek shades however is is pinker than both and most importantly has golden shimmer rather than just having a simple overall metallic sheen.</div><div><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PYyubmRqITzbzzpK6FEEtJzBNJoBAnTKFXGOjQ4OWu787ytgNILr_EdsbkH5hxsNvMdbtGS9OX3CCc0QgsbHhilU6iMKKK0ou16EhbKRPpA3tF3A1g_aGrlhD-MFS-496ZpUlONwZFE/s1600/IMG_3946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PYyubmRqITzbzzpK6FEEtJzBNJoBAnTKFXGOjQ4OWu787ytgNILr_EdsbkH5hxsNvMdbtGS9OX3CCc0QgsbHhilU6iMKKK0ou16EhbKRPpA3tF3A1g_aGrlhD-MFS-496ZpUlONwZFE/s1600/IMG_3946.jpg" height="400" width="400"></a></div>
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Below is another photo which shows the main differences: the Sleek shade is darker and browner and African Violet has a distinct gold shimmer.</div><div><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSSXPIlIbdN6Ks6M54KTpxE4iAMJW1BVxut60C04pGPquCxtHP3ChPkqi1DgSOgsSJFUHCKkijpOCqGUOa5wncExynKQzZMffpAV32d6GLR5LDWhRmWD_ZLJOVB8azlqL0B-ebj6ZVn0/s1600/af+dupe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSSXPIlIbdN6Ks6M54KTpxE4iAMJW1BVxut60C04pGPquCxtHP3ChPkqi1DgSOgsSJFUHCKkijpOCqGUOa5wncExynKQzZMffpAV32d6GLR5LDWhRmWD_ZLJOVB8azlqL0B-ebj6ZVn0/s1600/af+dupe.jpg" height="480" width="640"></a></div>
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Considering that this whole Sleek palette is only £7.99 while a Laura Mercier single is £18.50 this is a great alternative for someone who isn't sure if African Violet is their favourite colour, or is on a budget. Especially if that person is based in the UK as the only other close alternatives or 'dupes' for African Violet are from US indie companies which, while lovely, take a while to ship and require international postage (plus 20% VAT and handling charges for any order over £15).<br>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEF1IXqfQEZWhkdBQgVezLWs22j-SOF-FOFurLv4yGI0K1sAbuVtKUa2hcuc4xjc9bdtKmErp34fOMnrk8ime0Y8z7QmtBAuLigmfxKQeyZl-o6LTyRNqMq4xEmhyA1ItpSuNi_nSVfU/s1600/IMG_9581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEF1IXqfQEZWhkdBQgVezLWs22j-SOF-FOFurLv4yGI0K1sAbuVtKUa2hcuc4xjc9bdtKmErp34fOMnrk8ime0Y8z7QmtBAuLigmfxKQeyZl-o6LTyRNqMq4xEmhyA1ItpSuNi_nSVfU/s1600/IMG_9581.JPG" height="426" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the scraping I had to do on the matte shades to get them to swatch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
Overall I think the palette is well worth it's price as it contains 7 great quality metallic shadows in an interesting and unique colour scheme. Also, it's perfect colour scheme to transition into Spring!<br>
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The obvious downside of this palette are the dud matte shades, but maybe with some scraping, a primer, sticky base and a stiff brush a patient and could make them work - I am just not that person. The only other thing I dislike about this palette is the tacky and altogether useless sponge applicator - it's a waste of space and lowers the aesthetics of the palette, but then again even high end luxury brands like Guerlain and Lancome insist on including them so I can't judge Sleek too harshly for this.<br>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY423sLJtTpvLFTpRrfCmH-utBSmn267zgcxKGpy_mE4_XMFIEiaRq8Yv0TCSABYtdjlP34GCyuH2MUUucTJ2Yg-6zGdmnUMetX8S0bUdLNFo64k3X39oS0RDDQYT5MNf_4Ny3mOIg5WI/s1600/IMG_9582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY423sLJtTpvLFTpRrfCmH-utBSmn267zgcxKGpy_mE4_XMFIEiaRq8Yv0TCSABYtdjlP34GCyuH2MUUucTJ2Yg-6zGdmnUMetX8S0bUdLNFo64k3X39oS0RDDQYT5MNf_4Ny3mOIg5WI/s1600/IMG_9582.JPG" height="426" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sleek Dark Mattes paltte for comparison</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
The Dark Mattes palette was a much more consistent palette in terms of quality with no obvious duds, I'd highly recommend it to anyone who likes matte colours or is looking to branch out into somewhat muted colours.<br>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBBfZ4Arvj60VLPGiOhTaktdZl0mhjRN00Gc8dqxTrzrAgKk9jpV5OHl0PfUA4q7iXhDWokptLZx_1QZ_yEmvTtvN_mlskpe7ot6DShBzGc6x9RKTG8-iwD3-t0E7LvHStpUKBpaW__w/s1600/IMG_9585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBBfZ4Arvj60VLPGiOhTaktdZl0mhjRN00Gc8dqxTrzrAgKk9jpV5OHl0PfUA4q7iXhDWokptLZx_1QZ_yEmvTtvN_mlskpe7ot6DShBzGc6x9RKTG8-iwD3-t0E7LvHStpUKBpaW__w/s1600/IMG_9585.JPG" height="426" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The newer one is the less grubby looking one obviously.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br>A far as application goes the metallic shades in Garden of Eden were easy to apply and blend - they didn't give opaque coverage when just patted on over a regular eyeshadow primer (Urban Decay Primer Potion) but if applied over a sticky base (like Pixie Epoxy) or wet they would probably give opaque coverage with a foiled effect.<div><br></div><div>I applied the green metallics to one eye; the colours were vivid and true to pan, while being clearly distinguishable individual shades on the eye even when blended together. The other pink and gold eye was obviously less bright and gave a sheerer wash of colour - this lent itself well to a relatively subtle neutral eye. Again the colours applied and blended together well, however I found that the two pinks when blended together were extremely similar. These colours could all also be built up to full opacity or foiled over a sticky base or used wet.</div><div><br></div><div>Overall, if we disclude the D-F quality mattes I'd rate this palette at a solid B - overall good, in some ways excellent but let down by a few average qualities. Not bad for £7.99!</div><div>
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<br>
Saskia X</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032772962306259484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386066135990476104.post-54046822624580853862014-01-31T10:17:00.001-08:002014-05-04T11:52:36.227-07:00Hair, hair and more hair<div class="p1">
So last night in the shower I was admiring how long my hair has grown, especially considering I hacked it all off up to my jaw line in the summer of 2010 to see if I'd suit short hair (I really, really don't), that means in three and a half years - and with about 6" worth of trims - my hair is now closer to my toes than my belly button is! Which is about 2 feet of growth total - or about 6" every year, though I'm not sure if this is above or below average for hair growth; I just find it interesting.</div>
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<div class="p1">
Anyway this is what my hair looked like this morning straight out of bed:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hxQJwQLRc_PWKJNjJB_YxCDciy3TEqx2VULygiyp5BxIsCgznwTriPxaBLzLzsZ_fyxsNufopGOlztQG-IApURNRrzYfI9uow7HzndXtDafRhbFg4nlVSl-sA81bbqzqal5d1BVpwkg/s1600/IMG_9510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hxQJwQLRc_PWKJNjJB_YxCDciy3TEqx2VULygiyp5BxIsCgznwTriPxaBLzLzsZ_fyxsNufopGOlztQG-IApURNRrzYfI9uow7HzndXtDafRhbFg4nlVSl-sA81bbqzqal5d1BVpwkg/s1600/IMG_9510.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my more flattering childhood nicknames was 'Wild Thing'</td></tr>
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Obviously since my hair is so curly I lose almost 6" of length when it's dry, but I'm very OK with that considering that when I last straightened my hair (it's an annual event) I found it completely unmanageable in all its straight silky glory.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVt__PIbcc8NvjhkXw9ZPyuO6et82fY4sSnApAc0A4Gkfu09iQZWgTHfAspf04x1Ag87uR1shSGEecxQVAtpQ7E5V6r0wvL_HXBmRxSlfGyeO3oyswZDxkd7HRptczMItenYXMbT3FAU/s1600/IMG_9520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVt__PIbcc8NvjhkXw9ZPyuO6et82fY4sSnApAc0A4Gkfu09iQZWgTHfAspf04x1Ag87uR1shSGEecxQVAtpQ7E5V6r0wvL_HXBmRxSlfGyeO3oyswZDxkd7HRptczMItenYXMbT3FAU/s1600/IMG_9520.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8am is not the time I like to take photos of myself - meet FlatBear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I also get a lot of questions about what I "do" to my hair - the short answer: occasionally wash it and let it do it's thang. The long answer:</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Wash it</b> with whatever shampoo is at hand, I normally go for anything that says "for dry/damaged/curly etc" hair or baby shampoo but am also really tempted by anything that smells nice. I have long since given up trying to avoid SLS's and even longer ago abandoned the whole "no-poo" baking soda and apple cider vinegar malarky - it way way too much effort for little to no results.</li>
</ul>
<div class="p1">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Condition it</b> preferably with a silicone free conditioner (my favourite is VO5 Nourish My Shine) and brush it through with a Tangle Teezer - any other brush or comb makes me cry with frustration, yank at and break my hair.</li>
</ul>
<div class="p1">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Towel dry it</b> in one of those micro-fibre turban things and forget it about it for however long it takes me to brush my teeth/tidy my room/watch Buffy etc.</li>
</ul>
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<div class="p1">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Apply products</b> after a quick comb through to pull it all back from my face (so no partings) and run a US quarter sized puddle of Argan Oil (whatever brand is both cheap and pure) then sometimes 1-2 pumps of Bed Head Foxy Curls Contour Cream through it with my fingers, avoiding the roots and focusing on the ends.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Sleep on it damp </b>- neither my mother nor my grandmother approve of this but I have a warm bedroom and never get sick, plus is helps my curls fully form and even if I had all the time in the world I still wouldn't have time to use a hair dryer or a straightener.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYvhzTQGrt-mJaCctq57Ij1oKlEGNckEeJPigEjDh76cuw46E_tL0IYacmv7d5zE9aGZzuR5oq2XZZvj6G0ECMW_l7mh8JSpfLeNcgzPyj2xMpUbOIDjY8rVj4-sYHnxu3Q9BFposmnQ/s1600/IMG_9543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYvhzTQGrt-mJaCctq57Ij1oKlEGNckEeJPigEjDh76cuw46E_tL0IYacmv7d5zE9aGZzuR5oq2XZZvj6G0ECMW_l7mh8JSpfLeNcgzPyj2xMpUbOIDjY8rVj4-sYHnxu3Q9BFposmnQ/s1600/IMG_9543.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My current conditioner of choice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Sometimes I plait my hair before bed if I know I'm not doing anything special the next day - this keeps it tangle free so I can go an extra day without washing it since it's partially formed dreads, not greasy roots, that motivate me to wash my hair every 3-4 days. Or if for some strange reason I decide to wash my hair in the middle of the day and it's below freezing outside I borrow a hairdryer, flip my hair upside down and blast it, however I just don't like doing this so it's only when I would otherwise get hair-cicles.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4RIIo_UogXpTPXpRfr8tQFS2Ax6gJ4Dw3z4I9CG85-b7-0lYXQORq3cOCMWpcRjs3STIY5_JfSi0HR5SSIQ96qtcAF2jZySVrk4gn7fr91giMYTc6TmCLJI_bM0ltQ16iBZGITqvjmHA/s1600/IMG_9539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4RIIo_UogXpTPXpRfr8tQFS2Ax6gJ4Dw3z4I9CG85-b7-0lYXQORq3cOCMWpcRjs3STIY5_JfSi0HR5SSIQ96qtcAF2jZySVrk4gn7fr91giMYTc6TmCLJI_bM0ltQ16iBZGITqvjmHA/s1600/IMG_9539.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The savior of long and knotty hair.<br />
This is the 'Aqua Splash' model - the 'Original' one literally fell apart at the 3 month mark</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And that's it - I don't own a straightener or a hairdryer, have never dyed my hair, had extensions, styled it or really done anything except to get a trim every 6-9 months. The pickiest thing I do with my hair is only let one specific hairdresser cut it since she somehow manages to layer it so I get all over volume rather than the dreaded 'triangle hair'. If I can't get any of the above fancy products (which happens quite often when I travel or backpack) any plant derived oil through the ends helps tame the frizz, and if my hair's appearance ranks even lower than it does now there's always a plait.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzkKN7oUWXxyw7Z7UvfRX9_nEXCLE9oBVBvFRTE53hJCpZuxW2_5wrxmYj7z1PBzacwXbIMa-D_vuRfdUeZYpyIb57Bmxbe_uzslzidyuNf5YEVQ8bRuPqayV9qM97tycBLKtKHtMdPM/s1600/IMG_9535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzkKN7oUWXxyw7Z7UvfRX9_nEXCLE9oBVBvFRTE53hJCpZuxW2_5wrxmYj7z1PBzacwXbIMa-D_vuRfdUeZYpyIb57Bmxbe_uzslzidyuNf5YEVQ8bRuPqayV9qM97tycBLKtKHtMdPM/s1600/IMG_9535.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
A note on Bed Head Foxy Curls Contour Cream: it is so crazily silicone heavy if you leave a smear out to dry overnight it literally dries to a hard plastic like consistency, hence why I avoid silicone conditioners so as not to cause a crazy silicone buildup (and also why I'm also OK with using SLS shampoos as they alone can completely wash away these silicones), the main reason I love it though is because <i>it feels like nothing is in my hair.</i> Mooses give that awful crunchy and dry/brittle sensation, gels and creams weigh down your curls/hair and look/feel greasy, serums are nice but they don't really help form curls and oils are the same. It also smells like candy which I'm ambivalent towards, but I wish the pump had a lock function for travelling.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eztVpTg2aC_AE9Bd85AXTZhXpbOrEqK_dpZ8dB4fHyYTuOQalQunh2D6U3mlOsdxsgiGpxo497zDZKcuvVFvVdEQJ_l7fryWHObnGtNioBQwyk4azdx3CUrCjhSiB_lDBT4UXJFMWBQ/s1600/IMG_9409+-+Version+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eztVpTg2aC_AE9Bd85AXTZhXpbOrEqK_dpZ8dB4fHyYTuOQalQunh2D6U3mlOsdxsgiGpxo497zDZKcuvVFvVdEQJ_l7fryWHObnGtNioBQwyk4azdx3CUrCjhSiB_lDBT4UXJFMWBQ/s1600/IMG_9409+-+Version+2.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
Bonus - I found this test shot from my Illamasqua lipstick review - pre black lipstick - and rather like it so here you go!<br />
<br />
<br />
Saskia X</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032772962306259484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386066135990476104.post-86034810287482268212014-01-30T05:29:00.000-08:002014-02-07T05:14:20.425-08:00Lipstick SwatchesQuick post with swatches of all of my lipsticks (disincluding my many OCC Lip Tars and a few I've relegated since upgrading them):<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHLVJj-XiEaU0gjF4XstLWQpsWoEgJN__Uuy5tyZm_KeakVGJW7x2BVKumAFK53c8_hKJug3Dr-_sNpcV2-MbvvNxaBJXTZFB1LKgUmOt0NhftkhHkz4xQYxOPyVUEolQMCym6YlPHIk/s1600/IMG_9480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHLVJj-XiEaU0gjF4XstLWQpsWoEgJN__Uuy5tyZm_KeakVGJW7x2BVKumAFK53c8_hKJug3Dr-_sNpcV2-MbvvNxaBJXTZFB1LKgUmOt0NhftkhHkz4xQYxOPyVUEolQMCym6YlPHIk/s1600/IMG_9480.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neat swatching is not something I have time for</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So, from left to right in a poor attempt at reading darkest to lightest:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Illamasqua Pristine</b> - supposed to be matte, is actually satin - C</li>
<li><b>MAC Instigator</b> (LE) - matte - A</li>
<li><b>NARS Train Bleu</b> (Discontinued?) - so matte it makes the sahara look damp - C</li>
<li><b>MAC Instigator</b> (LE) - matte - A</li>
<li><b>MAC Dark Side</b> - satin/'amplified' - A</li>
<li><b>Rimmel Kate Moss Matte 107</b> - matte - B</li>
<li><b>MAC Studded Kiss</b> (LE) - matte - A</li>
<li><b>Armani Rouge D'Armani 406</b> - cream-matte A++</li>
<li><b>MAC Flat Out Fabulous</b> - 'retro' matte A</li>
<li><b>Soap & Glory Pom Pom </b>- matte - A</li>
<li><b>Soap & Glory Pink Blush</b> - matte - A</li>
<li><b>Soap & Glory</b> - matte - Supernude - A</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My grading is based on the formula alone - pigment density and evenness, comfort, longevity, feathering, smudging:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><b>A</b> = excellent in all areas</li>
<li><b>B</b> = good in most areas</li>
<li><b>C</b> = workable but not ideal</li>
<li><b>D</b> = barely functional</li>
<li><b>F</b> = garbage</li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblW2MJ4rx2cmS9PjwLIMUFk_d7LUPZvxw1onGh21nPiydXVUFNvU_UfjsDxCgOhRSWUFLwaGP9OFQEav_-5k8RswKr4go_n6ESQjJ5LRi3oh6MWJuyaLlKBCom53QUPjF4OXMi22IV5c/s1600/IMG_9476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblW2MJ4rx2cmS9PjwLIMUFk_d7LUPZvxw1onGh21nPiydXVUFNvU_UfjsDxCgOhRSWUFLwaGP9OFQEav_-5k8RswKr4go_n6ESQjJ5LRi3oh6MWJuyaLlKBCom53QUPjF4OXMi22IV5c/s1600/IMG_9476.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pristine, Punk Couture, Train Bleu, Instigator, Dark Side, 107, Studded Kiss, 406</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
It's pretty obvious my preferences lie with vampy mattes and this reason is two fold: purple is my favourite colour and I'm lazy. Essentially if I'm going to wear lipstick I want it to damn well look like I'm wearing lipstick otherwise I just don't see the point, and if I'm going to bother to apply a lipstick it better damn well not need reapplication for at least 6 hours unless I decide to attack a big greasy hamburger.<br />
<br />
My all-time favourites are MAC Instigator and Rouge D'Armani 406, Instigator is a great formula but it's the truly unique colour that I'm in love with and 406 has a absolutely magical formula and is my perfect classic red.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uXTJIIFpFRsselPk4YMOsJ2WuLSi1IQSNwEth9UBHidxB-2i1OdwFzc5CVVYFpVKg-DdzeFdQapbjL3OI84rrw5nxBmzSPLsVgzWSw1UQ33M2Qm-bhiRJD3soKr6RsjLSOXBeH5Sm9Q/s1600/IMG_9477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uXTJIIFpFRsselPk4YMOsJ2WuLSi1IQSNwEth9UBHidxB-2i1OdwFzc5CVVYFpVKg-DdzeFdQapbjL3OI84rrw5nxBmzSPLsVgzWSw1UQ33M2Qm-bhiRJD3soKr6RsjLSOXBeH5Sm9Q/s1600/IMG_9477.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">107, Studded Kiss, 406, Flat Out Fabulous, Pom Pom, Blush Pink, Supernude</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Flat Out Fabulous isn't as purple as I'd hoped it to be but is still a lovely bright spring/summer shade, and the S&G shades are my nod to natural lips - Pom Pom is a very wearable bold pink, Blush Pink is a muted plum 'My Lips But Better' and Supernude is just there on the off chance I ever want to wear a nude lip (although I'm a little put off by how warm it looks here since I really dislike anything orange).<br />
<br />
<br />
Currently on my wish-list are:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>MAC Heroine</b> <i>(violet) - matte</i>; pretty obvious why I want this</li>
<li><b>MAC Up The Amp</b> <i>(muted medium toned lavender pink) - satin/'amplified'</i>; a toned down everyday purple</li>
<li><b>MAC Relentlessly Red</b> <i>(bright pinkish red with coral undertones) - 'retro' matte</i>; about as far towards coral/orange as I'll go, I think this will look great with a tan over the summer</li>
<li><b>Illamasqua Posture</b> <i>(greyed lavender) - matte</i>; to be honest this will probably make me look a bit washed out and ill but... I want it</li>
<li><b>Illamasqua Apocalips</b> <i>(dark teal green) - matte</i>; green is my second favourite colour and I want to wear it on my face. That's all there is to it.</li>
<li><b>Revlon Matte Balm Shameless</b> <i>(red based purple) - matte</i>; obvious choice</li>
<li><b>Maybelline Colour Elixir Lip Gloss Vision in Violet</b> <i>(violet) - gloss</i>; because if anything is going to get me into lip-glosses/allow me to tolerate their stickiness it's going to be something bright purple, plus it's cheap.</li>
<li><b>MAC Sin</b> <i>(burgundy) - matte</i>; I probably don't need this as I have Studded Kiss</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFew_z6tOQreuPM7AOZ5aUewig6UP_kxzAL4S8mp7b0iF8GBhm6JBkZBByiSGu5Yoae0QEyooThB_bUo5V2gfAoHmOdKL6oF9qQ51pvDwDzz9e7xgj_Kim-RNIzszpCgDV9qWDLPkJ9g/s1600/IMG_9482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFew_z6tOQreuPM7AOZ5aUewig6UP_kxzAL4S8mp7b0iF8GBhm6JBkZBByiSGu5Yoae0QEyooThB_bUo5V2gfAoHmOdKL6oF9qQ51pvDwDzz9e7xgj_Kim-RNIzszpCgDV9qWDLPkJ9g/s1600/IMG_9482.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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And a bonus of this week's manicure which is appropriately purple - Barry M nail polish in Cosmo Berry and a random Topshop glitter one.<br />
<br />
<br />
Sas X<br />
<br />
PrettyTrivialities@gmail.com<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032772962306259484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386066135990476104.post-56161752590243863962014-01-23T11:20:00.002-08:002014-01-23T12:15:52.500-08:00Illamasqua Pristine Black LipstickIllamasqua are my overall favourite cosmetics brand for many, many reasons - the most simple one being they make both conventional and unique products that are consistently amazing quality.<br />
<br />
They also have a great £5/£7/£10 sale going on right now which I have taken advantage of to try more of their products, particularly their vampire pale foundations/concealers (which I will review separately).<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5QcEwUqFwEcNvEJe9r0pEhFOdQlL9NM0xNA_JyVmAyMFTtAE_W8uu4xgznAvv0-YDKjkOFJiC_pB225x9d6ioCcVDWInitEgHPS-SVzkAQqQWXiwkfGnqXmBJe9Kq8EiiI4xXh88Zh8/s1600/IMG_9469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5QcEwUqFwEcNvEJe9r0pEhFOdQlL9NM0xNA_JyVmAyMFTtAE_W8uu4xgznAvv0-YDKjkOFJiC_pB225x9d6ioCcVDWInitEgHPS-SVzkAQqQWXiwkfGnqXmBJe9Kq8EiiI4xXh88Zh8/s1600/IMG_9469.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Amongst many things I picked up Pristine - a "pure black, matte finish" lipstick for £7, and promptly decided that it was the appropriate thing to wear to the dinner party I was hosting that night.<br />
<br />
First things first: it's definitely not matte - or even demi-matte - it felt and wore like a satin lipstick which would be great for those with dry lips but cut down on its wear time massively. Pristine also had good pigmentation - especially considering it's unconventional colour - but did have a slight tendency to feather and smudge (I was not wearing lip liner).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqxhGlvJyi5isnV28Xtzh9G1PByx51e2xJ-_9lBv7Mzj68qeqqU_bvrWy7_wAr-hKqRFjiL8cfcMpumyJA_DE4Rypn1YyVSFxBLUig9vP-jZ-OWPfAeyUWpL9h0oYIhyjoBMcQTykpFU/s1600/IMG_9471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqxhGlvJyi5isnV28Xtzh9G1PByx51e2xJ-_9lBv7Mzj68qeqqU_bvrWy7_wAr-hKqRFjiL8cfcMpumyJA_DE4Rypn1YyVSFxBLUig9vP-jZ-OWPfAeyUWpL9h0oYIhyjoBMcQTykpFU/s1600/IMG_9471.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Illamasqua vs Mac lipstick bullets - my only fault with Illamasqua is their bulky and often impractical packaging</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Overall it was comfortable, opaque with average staying power and a much better black lipstick option than my OCC Lip Tar in Tarred.<br />
<br />
I paired it with my usual face and an amped up version of my favourite gold, bronze and black eye makeup (product list below) and slung a gold headpiece on for good measure. My current loves in life are obviously unconventional lip colours, headdresses, stiletto nails and - as always - ugly jumpers.<br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvnZoyb6i3OXWDnLfoksqa5oaJRsiQ-XPYDG3tpHPQLnH7TJYsJEwpFmKeoMGILErpI0WFYM9gv6ACh76QnerpOO9HXK5VnfzdYt-9Z_FPBT6ZoAjCDQqZ3cei2AaNGC5KudQPPG1bHA/s1600/IMG_9418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvnZoyb6i3OXWDnLfoksqa5oaJRsiQ-XPYDG3tpHPQLnH7TJYsJEwpFmKeoMGILErpI0WFYM9gv6ACh76QnerpOO9HXK5VnfzdYt-9Z_FPBT6ZoAjCDQqZ3cei2AaNGC5KudQPPG1bHA/s1600/IMG_9418.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark Greek Goddess? I don't really know what I was going for here</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
FACE:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>NARS Oil Free Primer</li>
<li>NARS Sheer Glow in Siberia</li>
<li>Illamasqua Hollow Cream Pigment Contour</li>
<li>Illamasqua Delirium Cream Pigment Blush</li>
<li>NARS Albatross Highlighter</li>
<li>Illamasqua Concealers in 105 and 115</li>
<li>Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
EYES:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Illamasqua Brow Cake in Motto</li>
<li>NARS Smudge-proof Eyeshadow Base</li>
<li>Stila Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eyeshadow in Comex Gold</li>
<li>Inglot gold and bronze eyeshadows (from my 10 pan custom palette)</li>
<li>Sugarpill Bulletprrof eyeshadow</li>
<li>Laura Mercier Tightlining Cake and Activator</li>
<li>DollyWink Eyelashes</li>
<li>Benefit They're Real Mascara</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
LIPS:</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Illamasqua Pristine</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69kwD822gQld-6SN0hGCj1Qee0ItmbG39YPUnNA2JSuLJTXv89iToz78Ymb_4Y7ngwbSiIYIIx4h5aDsDeXk1Hn_gjaBjCZbUuxu5kfMmcIzyAU2N45yTygE_KIAgU3fpv4Mg9QoeZSk/s1600/IMG_9392.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69kwD822gQld-6SN0hGCj1Qee0ItmbG39YPUnNA2JSuLJTXv89iToz78Ymb_4Y7ngwbSiIYIIx4h5aDsDeXk1Hn_gjaBjCZbUuxu5kfMmcIzyAU2N45yTygE_KIAgU3fpv4Mg9QoeZSk/s1600/IMG_9392.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And in case anyone's interested this is what I actually look like the majority of the time:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6ZZ9VI14dZrApx9rWS13swWN0yPgPoB6L6U_2Dm5Xo-tqyQnCC2hhOI-wRz_ZighJyRC577GjwZ8UlUamSPaTSz6zC3XiZQYi_sY2SYeXR8HRvOp1ukVA09qNdHaLNYRblKB1yOg4XU/s1600/IMG_9359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6ZZ9VI14dZrApx9rWS13swWN0yPgPoB6L6U_2Dm5Xo-tqyQnCC2hhOI-wRz_ZighJyRC577GjwZ8UlUamSPaTSz6zC3XiZQYi_sY2SYeXR8HRvOp1ukVA09qNdHaLNYRblKB1yOg4XU/s1600/IMG_9359.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And this is my most recent manicure (I tried to do an ombre with these colours but I'm terrible at nail art).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRCCdhbzFGvy7uijhORaYonu0PLTOFY3z_seFo81KZkDEmAViv5vQIUTzjffTv-HHoPH2SiWRzA71yt7X-kTSq5QkZvT_gwVS9F8r2mmvU5z6uzx_ENRGqqRRiz9_dK1D6SjgdRSbwWw/s1600/IMG_9456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRCCdhbzFGvy7uijhORaYonu0PLTOFY3z_seFo81KZkDEmAViv5vQIUTzjffTv-HHoPH2SiWRzA71yt7X-kTSq5QkZvT_gwVS9F8r2mmvU5z6uzx_ENRGqqRRiz9_dK1D6SjgdRSbwWw/s1600/IMG_9456.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Saskia X<br />
<br />
PrettyTrivialities@gmail.com<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032772962306259484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386066135990476104.post-30822243273013774432014-01-19T08:08:00.000-08:002014-01-19T08:20:14.985-08:00Stiletto Nails<div class="p1" style="text-align: left;">
I compulsively bite my nails and it's disgusting. What's equally disgusting though is that anti-biting polish that always manages to ruin the taste and my enjoyment of finger food, so what's a girl to do?</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: left;">
Glue tiny pieces of plastic to her fingers apparently. Normally this is a pretty expensive solution as on the high street a pack of fake nails is between £5-10, but while googling 'Stiletto Nails' to decide which side of the line between 'LOVE' and 'HATE' they lie for me (spoiler, I love them in all their Disney Villain gloriousness) I discovered eBay.</div>
<br />
<div class="p1" style="text-align: left;">
A pack of 600 assorted sized nails came to the grand total of £4.50, so of course I impulse bought them.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-rEqk9FJdyHupnexI98xHk5ppJsv1v4H_02p-ykOVL7j6dQT3UsVr7-6r3H8Y3RTlFhfNIdDmMkiK8CrPvdLinqZtD5tfedm8srV2GmHhQuaTwMIyeh4PptuM_5ssqk0MebRGokSsyg/s1600/IMG_3863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-rEqk9FJdyHupnexI98xHk5ppJsv1v4H_02p-ykOVL7j6dQT3UsVr7-6r3H8Y3RTlFhfNIdDmMkiK8CrPvdLinqZtD5tfedm8srV2GmHhQuaTwMIyeh4PptuM_5ssqk0MebRGokSsyg/s1600/IMG_3863.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louboutin Stiletto nails - black with gold glitter on top, red underneath </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They came unpainted in an opaque off white colour (although I could've opted for clear), and being ludicrously excited to finally have nails to paint I chose a moderately ambitious Christian Louboutin inspired manicure. The loose gold glitter that gorgeously adorns my nails now also coats my furniture. C'est la vie.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVgcQweLaCs3ZrPDeUb20U7-tozLNzhodBZ-REpDzyKw5B7HpveQtFPz8bbo3nmoKKVNywTAk8xdH1tVZoCeRyvSuohoFFrZ3Dg6v8nyR8mTuTgq8LZ2cWydGjqPFtHns9prfEJdv7ek/s1600/IMG_3826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVgcQweLaCs3ZrPDeUb20U7-tozLNzhodBZ-REpDzyKw5B7HpveQtFPz8bbo3nmoKKVNywTAk8xdH1tVZoCeRyvSuohoFFrZ3Dg6v8nyR8mTuTgq8LZ2cWydGjqPFtHns9prfEJdv7ek/s1600/IMG_3826.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As well as being pointy they are also ridiculously long</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The reason there's a hammer in the above two photos is because I don't plan ahead: giving myself a manicure before assembling my new Ikea furniture. I wanted to remember them in all their freshly painted glory before I destroyed them with my ill-informed carpentry. Surprisingly my new nails were not nearly as impractical as I'd imagined them to be as both my manicure, the furniture and my sanity were all still intact at the end of my first ever DIY house project.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKS1j3AAe4Xevu7HH1m_NmuCs7IL2lnyHlZdL4CRNIm8eBX2FtReg8kKqd65gGwuKMtT6exdJMyMWH9D_8UhiHfOqOJnLTIF-BjVwOFUGKvNF8e91z2v9PVaZyHm3j2rOVY7XzSWRJy4/s1600/IMG_9289+-+Version+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKS1j3AAe4Xevu7HH1m_NmuCs7IL2lnyHlZdL4CRNIm8eBX2FtReg8kKqd65gGwuKMtT6exdJMyMWH9D_8UhiHfOqOJnLTIF-BjVwOFUGKvNF8e91z2v9PVaZyHm3j2rOVY7XzSWRJy4/s1600/IMG_9289+-+Version+3.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also, they matched my eyeshadow perfectly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
And here's the manicure I gave myself yesterday morning: metallic duo-chrome gold and green, I keep catching glimpses of my nails out of the corner of my eye and mistake them for those beautifully iridescent beetles.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUK1lFsB7hJTg3mJI7I33QknTDL5QYSWHPaB9dMODPBMcKvjtOS2VsW3mtHMOBJai0vGtcBXgs4If2XwlvvSaAJ08sYR3XiUoW2Acp1DvCMtIE2f8MjuAwzMzZKunYHQxGRlklHMurB0/s1600/IMG_3881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUK1lFsB7hJTg3mJI7I33QknTDL5QYSWHPaB9dMODPBMcKvjtOS2VsW3mtHMOBJai0vGtcBXgs4If2XwlvvSaAJ08sYR3XiUoW2Acp1DvCMtIE2f8MjuAwzMzZKunYHQxGRlklHMurB0/s1600/IMG_3881.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, that is a hand made Bedouin bangle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I then realised my nails were a near perfect colour match for my eyes when I was struggling not to impale myself while putting in and removing contact lenses. I have iridescent beetle eyes apparently; that's sexy right?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3eejj1y92xDQWB0YBnLTqySCOVixEoOIjXV5eo5mlj_eETPr64w8nu1V43_zN-K2RJ7GA0vtmV1ESq0QEa1E3VU3xsfS8kQjwF29HlVAdh7UDzfFNytVVFNt0KjpAASsJ5DlCxxxKs4/s1600/IMG_9349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3eejj1y92xDQWB0YBnLTqySCOVixEoOIjXV5eo5mlj_eETPr64w8nu1V43_zN-K2RJ7GA0vtmV1ESq0QEa1E3VU3xsfS8kQjwF29HlVAdh7UDzfFNytVVFNt0KjpAASsJ5DlCxxxKs4/s1600/IMG_9349.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#instagrammingthis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: left;">
So all in all what's the verdict for Stiletto nails? Personally I love them as they are strangely high fashion in a James-Bond-female-antagonist way, not nearly as impractical as they look nor in the least bit fragile. They also taking scratching itchy skin and scalp massages to a whole new level.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: left;">
However things I would not recommend doing with these nails:</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Inebriated contact lens removal</li>
<li>Boxing (or just punching anything really)</li>
<li>Rock climbing</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br />
So essentially there goes my social and sporting life for the sake of some bad-ass nails. But I'm OK with that since I'm still partially crippled from the knee surgery that inspired me to start this blog.<br />
<br />
<br />
Saskia X<br />
<br />
PrettyTrivialities@gmail.com</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032772962306259484noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386066135990476104.post-51565385694417409772014-01-18T10:36:00.003-08:002014-01-19T08:17:30.180-08:00Back with a Gothic Vengeance <div class="p1">
One of my MANY New Years resolutions is to get this blog going again!</div>
<div class="p1">
Side-note: can I even say 'again' when I only had half a dozen posts to start with?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Anyway, to kick off here are some snaps of looks I've done over the Christmas holidays for various social events (or y'know just baking in my pyjamas).</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
I got some new vampy lipsticks (MAC Punk Couture collection and NARS Train Bleu) for various birth anniversaries (my own and Jesus') so decided to be all high fashion and wear dark lips with absolutely no eye makeup! Or rather, I was too lazy to do eye makeup, whichever.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVVwbNribDpM1H1SsapBq6XtaK7pGyVhfSvZJU_6tKjzCAZKEQqg3HrpQm6NVUF1AGUWXkaWU4Rs1K0yVm2sAWWZxTBeElK-qG_z41yDOQRUHGLiwUGrqmxpM8Rd9_1hcbt3YbcIa4UE/s1600/IMG_8956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVVwbNribDpM1H1SsapBq6XtaK7pGyVhfSvZJU_6tKjzCAZKEQqg3HrpQm6NVUF1AGUWXkaWU4Rs1K0yVm2sAWWZxTBeElK-qG_z41yDOQRUHGLiwUGrqmxpM8Rd9_1hcbt3YbcIa4UE/s1600/IMG_8956.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark lips (MAC Studded Kiss and Currant lipliner), bold brows and contour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
My mother then promptly dubbed this my 'gothic phase' - well if you insist...</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8eYTOGPy4CZmbjYpfXDoxZEhIBRKAJsndiwtC9XRb2ovRzkb6MVz9sfbm1RvlfWJroouadpPK6jl8FdMfwmoEpNhQcCXdPY7GpK8Q5HtIpQawGEEcEkRB3QV1VPhLxREHkJ7J4sTXzI/s1600/IMG_9251+-+Version+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8eYTOGPy4CZmbjYpfXDoxZEhIBRKAJsndiwtC9XRb2ovRzkb6MVz9sfbm1RvlfWJroouadpPK6jl8FdMfwmoEpNhQcCXdPY7GpK8Q5HtIpQawGEEcEkRB3QV1VPhLxREHkJ7J4sTXzI/s1600/IMG_9251+-+Version+3.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was going for 'Feminine Gothic' rather than 'I'm angry at the world Gothic'<br />
NARS Train Bleu lipstick, MAC Currant lipliner, Stila MMFFE in Vintage Black Gold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Plus a snap I made for an Instagram 'Contouring 101' (yeah I have Instagram now #socialmedia #IhavenoideawhatI'mdoing #EmilyJones) add me/follow me/subscribe(?)... <b><span style="font-size: large;">aiksasarual</span></b></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUo11f_4SrRfP_3Un8EccqoOoe3NIK3LnMLcRdIdbwU9kliG1txL5AZOclZ-XsABIk4_rGv8bpGxuwnMBVmnpuZanJdSJRj9VX8wR7kmfhPpGbovk-ufbUwk-0g7x47i8ESkpwZ-7PdiA/s1600/IMG_0769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUo11f_4SrRfP_3Un8EccqoOoe3NIK3LnMLcRdIdbwU9kliG1txL5AZOclZ-XsABIk4_rGv8bpGxuwnMBVmnpuZanJdSJRj9VX8wR7kmfhPpGbovk-ufbUwk-0g7x47i8ESkpwZ-7PdiA/s1600/IMG_0769.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MAC Instigator lipstick, MAC Currant lipliner, Illamasqua Hollow contour and Delirium blush</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
And for anyone who's interested in photography here's my setup:</div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Canon 60D body and 18-135 lens with the 430EXII Speedlite flash gun and Lumiquest 80/20 flash diffuser on the </span></span><span style="background-color: white;">Induro Carbon 8X CT214 tripod and BHD1 ball head. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Everything was shot on fully automatic (I'm lazy with selfies).</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Also shout out to anyone who's here from reddit - you guys are awesome!</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
Saskia X<br />
<br />
PrettyTrivialities@gmail.com</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032772962306259484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386066135990476104.post-91552053041241315442013-09-07T01:30:00.000-07:002013-09-07T06:45:54.099-07:00Makeup removal love affairs and FRUXURY<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So I spend a lot of time talking about makeup application so I think it's only fair to take a brief interval to talk about its removal.</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As far as I'm concerned a good makeup remover should be mild enough that I can get it literally <i>in</i> my eye with only very, very minimal stinging if at all, yet with enough punch to obliterate waterproof mascara and liner in one or two wipes without tugging at or removing any of my lashes.<br /><br />My first initial favourite was Johnson's makeup remover wipes (which I've been using since pubescence), I've used all the different skin types at some point (normal, sensitive, combination, dry, oily) and apart from smell I don't notice a difference - they all work really well. I haven't ever found another wipe or highstreet/drugstore makeup removal product that is as gentle and effective, and I've tried most of the major brands.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UsGC5RgBa5Tohu4fXDjCiHi7gJ917Bvnkd213f_eFXN4AOtBSuStQJ5egkB_16Thm867wLu7VX4TodXYzFBEiVLTH8_0xukyu7SlMgFDk0hJ5KndiKmRfVWdD_J6WS8jvp00i6Ple9c/s1600/J+wipes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UsGC5RgBa5Tohu4fXDjCiHi7gJ917Bvnkd213f_eFXN4AOtBSuStQJ5egkB_16Thm867wLu7VX4TodXYzFBEiVLTH8_0xukyu7SlMgFDk0hJ5KndiKmRfVWdD_J6WS8jvp00i6Ple9c/s320/J+wipes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stock photo a la Google</td></tr>
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Pros:<br />
Inexpensive up front cost (£3 for 25 wipes) and there are often 3-for-2 etc deals in store<br />
Easily portable<br />
Compact<br />
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Cons:<br />
Packaging allows wipes to dry out after a few weeks<br />
Wipes are too big - it's uneconomical<br />
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They way I use these bad boys is I cut open the original packaging and cut the wipes into half then transfer them into an airtight tupperware. Boom, just solved my two cons in under 5 minutes!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig803LEmwq2C6k4n759bMg1VFGHyRlH8zfexlrbxgwqF0zZ1uOQASucHoql-6tMGnHt56YMfHxsawlq3QV5CRrohUXMTV6x_Ew_Rwe7lE3B-wrOyl-c0ZX0BfigkvlVHjF0CelvfYjouQ/s1600/tupperware.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig803LEmwq2C6k4n759bMg1VFGHyRlH8zfexlrbxgwqF0zZ1uOQASucHoql-6tMGnHt56YMfHxsawlq3QV5CRrohUXMTV6x_Ew_Rwe7lE3B-wrOyl-c0ZX0BfigkvlVHjF0CelvfYjouQ/s400/tupperware.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tupperware, the most glamorous of cosmetic accessories </td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My second and all time love affair is the combination of <b>Bioderma's Sensibo H2O</b> and <b>Shesheido's cotton pads</b>. Holy crap the luxury! The combination is indescribably soft and gentle, yet incredibly effective. I actually not only enjoy taking off my makeup but even look forward to it - it's like I'm smothering my face in (super hygienic) fairy puppy kisses, or having a fancy facial - whatever imagery is more appealing to you. I'm going to stop talking about how amazing it feels because my obvious crush on these products is frankly rather embarrassing.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4WOW-RAWPrfo5jGC4EaC8Ljf30dBpbbEEJKfxoTxvHswGVNvMGNMUOA34ozYTNggowatwYHwW3NIgxZN2nz0hWN8fyyM4WMOp4fAhwRLQ_xT83Sz0SvxzAQkI3Aujy4ep5yU8MhdI_U/s1600/makeup+removal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4WOW-RAWPrfo5jGC4EaC8Ljf30dBpbbEEJKfxoTxvHswGVNvMGNMUOA34ozYTNggowatwYHwW3NIgxZN2nz0hWN8fyyM4WMOp4fAhwRLQ_xT83Sz0SvxzAQkI3Aujy4ep5yU8MhdI_U/s400/makeup+removal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />Another great thing about Sensibo is the skin benefits - not only will it not break you out or irritate anything, I swear it actually makes my skin <i>nicer</i> - softer and so fresh, never sticky or tight.<br /><br />Pros:<br /><i>Everything</i><br /><br />Cons:<br />High upfront cost<br />Not easily portable<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4O78wkqzwA7OzHZbAA17QWL6NbaAUaCgtLhWSN6la5kA9JufahSI8Zw8GHrykmlAksYvVc_-UI0ylZuL5OJVBp92sZyztOA2jyKrnFYtHwVC552VhF2tfZaMOeBY4XclOn5M2X5HIvI/s1600/IMG_1677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4O78wkqzwA7OzHZbAA17QWL6NbaAUaCgtLhWSN6la5kA9JufahSI8Zw8GHrykmlAksYvVc_-UI0ylZuL5OJVBp92sZyztOA2jyKrnFYtHwVC552VhF2tfZaMOeBY4XclOn5M2X5HIvI/s320/IMG_1677.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muji and Boots 50ml bottles</td></tr>
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<br />But hold on to those cons - I'm about to blow your mind! Buy a 50/100ml screw top bottle from Boots/Muji (I can vouch for their quality) and decant the Sensibo! What?! So the only con left is the price? Let's get our maths knickers on then:</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br />
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<li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Johnson wipes are £3 for 25 wipes, coming to 12p per wipe/use (or 6p if you're super frugal like me)</span></li>
<li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sheshido cotton is £4 (I bought mine in Asia - international prices may vary) for 165 pads, coming to 2.4p per wipe! Suck it Johnson!</span></li>
<li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Bioderma Sensibo is £16 for a huge 500ml bottle (again, purchased in Asia) - this takes me over a year to finish but let's assume a conservative 365 days, coming to 4.4p per use! Suck it again Johnson!</span></li>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />Therefore if you use a full facial wipe every time you take off your makeup (12p per use) you're actually being wildly extravagant compared to using the top of the range ultimate luxury Bioderma and Sheshido products (6.6p per use) which is almost half the price (45% cheaper) per use! And even if you're super frugal with your wipes like me it's still 26.7% (1.6p) more expensive per use!<br /><br />I am such a huge advocate of quality and investing in good products, so it makes me feel so happy and smug to be numerically vindicated like this. It is both frugal and luxurious - from now on to be know as FRUXURIOUS!<br /><br />Hang tight for more fruxury,<br /><br /><br />Saskia X<br /><br />PrettyTrivialities@gmail.com</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032772962306259484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386066135990476104.post-78589484195508046232013-09-07T00:44:00.000-07:002013-09-07T04:17:29.042-07:00Lip Tar Custom Mixes: Preliminary AdventuresObsessive Compulsive Cosmetics make a liquid lipstick called Lip Tar - you paint it on as the thinnest possible layer (about a bead half the size of a pin head) with an included brush, it then dries to a demi-matte finish. It's amazingly pigmented, long wearing and comfortable to boot.<br />
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I currently own 10 of them - 7 traditional(ish) lip colours I love and 4 mixing colours:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNUBs3uk1E6vHz0vfcZ5Rw3YrKf9CNOH1qNwS6YH88aaFS5Ut1uEuJJHW9ZC5AW1HRoN23JWMi5N4NXYr9tcIpn7uRpo-yregDQ0UYSNoxuLVdoEfB1BdNZJ23TIRe__WtjJ48LDnh2U/s1600/IMG_1679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNUBs3uk1E6vHz0vfcZ5Rw3YrKf9CNOH1qNwS6YH88aaFS5Ut1uEuJJHW9ZC5AW1HRoN23JWMi5N4NXYr9tcIpn7uRpo-yregDQ0UYSNoxuLVdoEfB1BdNZJ23TIRe__WtjJ48LDnh2U/s400/IMG_1679.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage, NSFW, Strumpet, Nylon, Hoochie, Lydia, Interlace, Tarred, Rx, Traffic, Feathered</td></tr>
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I finally have the time in my life (thanks to being partially crippled due to recent knee surgery) to play creative artist with all my new colours (below are A TON of photos - proceed with caution).<br />
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Here's the method I use to apply them:<br />
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<li>Moisturise with lip balm and let it sink in for a couple of minutes</li>
<li>Wipe off the excess lip balm with a tissue paper</li>
<li>Apply <i>the thinnest possible layer </i>to give a wash of colour and create the lip shape</li>
<li>Top up to full opacity with another <i>tiny</i> bit of Tar</li>
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That will give you a true to Tar colour which is cleanly and easily shaped and doesn't smudge or feather. To then mix an on-the-mouth colour (as opposed to mixing it on a tray/pot) dab on the least possible amount of your second colour and blend out. If you're trying to add a lighter colour over a darker colour (eg red over blue) remember to blot off the excess dark colour first or you'll have to add too much of the lighter colour thus ending up with a gloopy mouth and wasted product.</div>
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So without further adu check out my absurdly colourful mouth:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pZXXGHt4J-tUaxLVKuwGjYl52uQeIU7zXesz5pVN5vvIl1paA-L9EG4fQzURmy9IPqu-37xI4YIWWCOx6x8tUQvdFuqTtmIqPHQjEMIv6u0s7FDbM5pGtgfu37splsSkzfkhqw8MeaU/s1600/IMG_1438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pZXXGHt4J-tUaxLVKuwGjYl52uQeIU7zXesz5pVN5vvIl1paA-L9EG4fQzURmy9IPqu-37xI4YIWWCOx6x8tUQvdFuqTtmIqPHQjEMIv6u0s7FDbM5pGtgfu37splsSkzfkhqw8MeaU/s640/IMG_1438.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bare lips</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4sm9gx00McnD0n6llZLdFIpsH-XaGj5yV2YPXDu5j-R4Nnvf3iuboVa-7YVzrKcy-Y5I8Fnxdc2vf-yJu7WEcUgGyY82bNdc1tvV6D2CMxQ7-Yy1-Jn1p4B0RtDqlD1YwJY25dWw2-Q/s1600/IMG_1443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4sm9gx00McnD0n6llZLdFIpsH-XaGj5yV2YPXDu5j-R4Nnvf3iuboVa-7YVzrKcy-Y5I8Fnxdc2vf-yJu7WEcUgGyY82bNdc1tvV6D2CMxQ7-Yy1-Jn1p4B0RtDqlD1YwJY25dWw2-Q/s640/IMG_1443.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two coats of Traffic - you can see it's pretty patchy and not as pigment dense as the others</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VFq1Vg9rR-WRFxH0n1YnZNr2BdNAEestk5gJ-94Wb21QhLkTXBqqtdReJxuXdZZEa6emNNeHZnHjDA7MDDtjghCu6OmemVyx-qz6tjn8rqm72Q1lZJcnhFjTSFZWkqRNTZWY4p3c5Qk/s1600/IMG_1448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VFq1Vg9rR-WRFxH0n1YnZNr2BdNAEestk5gJ-94Wb21QhLkTXBqqtdReJxuXdZZEa6emNNeHZnHjDA7MDDtjghCu6OmemVyx-qz6tjn8rqm72Q1lZJcnhFjTSFZWkqRNTZWY4p3c5Qk/s640/IMG_1448.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tried to get graphic and creative: looked like a mouth-flag</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSASTfJLTcMAqc3RUnVNRKkP4YQM3lIbdixclC1n8VDJyemeElXpxr1B1GJYE1FJxSyESmSSPbKUs0VsjFTCYAi_q7XkpJqE5VWKsYJOB1-amDblFRcdlWbS_9hc7tSLt3tjWobkuq3XA/s1600/IMG_1455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSASTfJLTcMAqc3RUnVNRKkP4YQM3lIbdixclC1n8VDJyemeElXpxr1B1GJYE1FJxSyESmSSPbKUs0VsjFTCYAi_q7XkpJqE5VWKsYJOB1-amDblFRcdlWbS_9hc7tSLt3tjWobkuq3XA/s640/IMG_1455.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blended it out</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyp_tU49CgpX8B6g1Kwtfh_0yBuMCZwsqauupcbI7MeZdK2gl7yrYzO4wYyTaiRTOaiansGSLZsa9U5grT7iSIQHKZ5YiXreIuFLc0oYXwUeIxkjheBkcaCdN5MPmSjE5XTpgjvJeIGcY/s1600/IMG_1456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyp_tU49CgpX8B6g1Kwtfh_0yBuMCZwsqauupcbI7MeZdK2gl7yrYzO4wYyTaiRTOaiansGSLZsa9U5grT7iSIQHKZ5YiXreIuFLc0oYXwUeIxkjheBkcaCdN5MPmSjE5XTpgjvJeIGcY/s640/IMG_1456.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can really see the texture difference between pure traffic and with Rx blended in</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIooWCZg0CkdcXS-6dmOPzrYtVd4HucAnmIw5A2VTqRb9wCZ1oomJFuxEn9FVtDoeIAnxAsrXLnSHh6KaE8p0zsvOJO9JMDIj6dndsSnRKCfIgVVLXXGak__b5MgPKG8Sd2BmsZHTUZj8/s1600/IMG_1465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIooWCZg0CkdcXS-6dmOPzrYtVd4HucAnmIw5A2VTqRb9wCZ1oomJFuxEn9FVtDoeIAnxAsrXLnSHh6KaE8p0zsvOJO9JMDIj6dndsSnRKCfIgVVLXXGak__b5MgPKG8Sd2BmsZHTUZj8/s640/IMG_1465.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fully blended out and matching my eyes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7neS03b6qh3vRK1q7ksyPXXSYrNsLULEBYiJA8WU3RQTb-QlkAKrW9CKbtnZPMsJgDGWB2dW7wMpTdCCTVMN6KmwltElNw7N_oh59pJXdGE2yfSzxs0qQ9EgHwT5zBYPKIChCABi4bMs/s1600/IMG_1470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7neS03b6qh3vRK1q7ksyPXXSYrNsLULEBYiJA8WU3RQTb-QlkAKrW9CKbtnZPMsJgDGWB2dW7wMpTdCCTVMN6KmwltElNw7N_oh59pJXdGE2yfSzxs0qQ9EgHwT5zBYPKIChCABi4bMs/s640/IMG_1470.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Added more Rx, sad green lipstick doesn't suit me as well as I dreamed it would</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZbZDwNzYfW-XaZ1suofbi_13oA_ZnicmIzbd66J0FcmRAdWH0OVhyphenhyphenwf38GBuP7JnQPJDkSTzzmGL9GDZhIlmqhmx4c2eV4F6jV6rTLRiEZRopoOtTPadWnMzBbPTfnmq0up9yTg3HLg/s1600/IMG_1471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZbZDwNzYfW-XaZ1suofbi_13oA_ZnicmIzbd66J0FcmRAdWH0OVhyphenhyphenwf38GBuP7JnQPJDkSTzzmGL9GDZhIlmqhmx4c2eV4F6jV6rTLRiEZRopoOtTPadWnMzBbPTfnmq0up9yTg3HLg/s640/IMG_1471.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can really see the much smoother texture here</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-_q6dHWk4W1H6NvyXzvX0s1lqmcu8TCYKUDJxEcN9hNlvS4EjY6848rVRPGMx1ag6v-jqjpkafHOkYlXBoew-cGmrUFnjXfCfsZjbGvaK1N_VtqO_CYvhRJT7IVgvy6mc60WyCcD9P0/s1600/IMG_1493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-_q6dHWk4W1H6NvyXzvX0s1lqmcu8TCYKUDJxEcN9hNlvS4EjY6848rVRPGMx1ag6v-jqjpkafHOkYlXBoew-cGmrUFnjXfCfsZjbGvaK1N_VtqO_CYvhRJT7IVgvy6mc60WyCcD9P0/s640/IMG_1493.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blotted and added Feathered to get a mint green; quick comparison to Lime Crime's Mint To Be (I wasn't trying to colour match here)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBB5O2y0aPZrcxLIsSylH39Nsj3Z0N0xNo4Y2ADJHHlV2uMOKG-XEYTNnyVZKDuAJmHc8NQPZQSNSBJYdnIcwoclKVtrE4UpcRbN1W46oLG7Hnmwrp3Imf7NDbNB1qXuQHAi9mgjOngF4/s1600/IMG_1508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBB5O2y0aPZrcxLIsSylH39Nsj3Z0N0xNo4Y2ADJHHlV2uMOKG-XEYTNnyVZKDuAJmHc8NQPZQSNSBJYdnIcwoclKVtrE4UpcRbN1W46oLG7Hnmwrp3Imf7NDbNB1qXuQHAi9mgjOngF4/s640/IMG_1508.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Started a fresh with NSFW which is easily the most beautiful true red I have ever seen - neither orange nor too cool.<br />
I originally bought it for mixing as a primary red, but will now definitely wear it alone.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVw3_ed7JOs1luyQ9E7VFiSMJ_gVlrRbxfDkxI_dnYdg2VGn6AjIdD3VcM_msPJd99uoZAFilnIxB-Vgny5mKRk7k4GbQVBA8AlAjuIyLMikcGmy0xKuROMgFtFCVapPxm67OPfy8uArk/s1600/IMG_1516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVw3_ed7JOs1luyQ9E7VFiSMJ_gVlrRbxfDkxI_dnYdg2VGn6AjIdD3VcM_msPJd99uoZAFilnIxB-Vgny5mKRk7k4GbQVBA8AlAjuIyLMikcGmy0xKuROMgFtFCVapPxm67OPfy8uArk/s640/IMG_1516.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magical, majestic, magnificent... I'll stop now. It's just perfect</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-Bw4k3iJCPQN3rRTtKfaWT16VHHaIXiOa_cs11KfzOoF6GXJo2LStyLmtL-S-xuWnFzluY2c_HNrSFd1eAvf5tlHyJPFRB4JGik9xhXx7k00k3CvhyY622NYqCfKJJXvT_46oIcdUOU/s1600/IMG_1519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-Bw4k3iJCPQN3rRTtKfaWT16VHHaIXiOa_cs11KfzOoF6GXJo2LStyLmtL-S-xuWnFzluY2c_HNrSFd1eAvf5tlHyJPFRB4JGik9xhXx7k00k3CvhyY622NYqCfKJJXvT_46oIcdUOU/s640/IMG_1519.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where I start getting bored with my regular facial expression</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wfayF9zI9EN_PjijBcO-Fe9pXwJoWrBI1cg9gOSaIeqAD9VTL2mEt8-ISy67fyvFkA4AzyErw5bQivpEepHRdDdZX5DGWgl_uFsrW4ERKFyyY4fCbWU37kgw_xEO535iFxV0PS2nixk/s1600/IMG_1525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wfayF9zI9EN_PjijBcO-Fe9pXwJoWrBI1cg9gOSaIeqAD9VTL2mEt8-ISy67fyvFkA4AzyErw5bQivpEepHRdDdZX5DGWgl_uFsrW4ERKFyyY4fCbWU37kgw_xEO535iFxV0PS2nixk/s640/IMG_1525.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Created an ombre with Tarred but sadly the consistency was even worse than Traffic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDsfCTr-tiS1nbkfhB93o-OMHls4PLZPrQ0rliwK-oOUB4v4miHB9P5nzVJlFc-0ek763l58_16zhYK2cfdDxaQFPcUE-3wG9vINXxJ5zjF_Ifge5GFytIU9d6Rtug4i1mJRbvOHDAV8/s1600/IMG_1527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDsfCTr-tiS1nbkfhB93o-OMHls4PLZPrQ0rliwK-oOUB4v4miHB9P5nzVJlFc-0ek763l58_16zhYK2cfdDxaQFPcUE-3wG9vINXxJ5zjF_Ifge5GFytIU9d6Rtug4i1mJRbvOHDAV8/s640/IMG_1527.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Darkened it more - there's a ton of feathering with Tarred and it's really liquid-y, thus sadly this would not be long wearing orpractical to wear out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIe_O7o6s_xVJ0Wyb7SgVxzM5hKPh1g2G5zsS2jc8qptXEl-YGtmduw5qgknWjpe232YXjv599Gt-oK2MV92L0uz1BcTAe4xFdQX2WEUcMAMqZokDDyDm-Q66T42RvbNjNS3LQ6_WMQA/s1600/IMG_1545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIe_O7o6s_xVJ0Wyb7SgVxzM5hKPh1g2G5zsS2jc8qptXEl-YGtmduw5qgknWjpe232YXjv599Gt-oK2MV92L0uz1BcTAe4xFdQX2WEUcMAMqZokDDyDm-Q66T42RvbNjNS3LQ6_WMQA/s640/IMG_1545.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blended it together</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7gyYpXwV5sfIURqyMzODs941oZDObF5nmfEF4d8PHqXjFT7JzlSZelPZKPXBtJILoqWmXTcNXGmNzO8QjSLwfclRDhU4kz97aS2qoE71pac-9FMTD_lxkQxqoOmnLDmkzkr4i4yhrUI/s1600/IMG_1546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7gyYpXwV5sfIURqyMzODs941oZDObF5nmfEF4d8PHqXjFT7JzlSZelPZKPXBtJILoqWmXTcNXGmNzO8QjSLwfclRDhU4kz97aS2qoE71pac-9FMTD_lxkQxqoOmnLDmkzkr4i4yhrUI/s640/IMG_1546.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Added some Rx</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLH9gW40WZpfIOqrcnyDH61QkMbECbGEYUTagn6FJJz9koMNJ4ekooA0EyoNCzoR-kvXL0GabsuLCNdhzdhAYoyWRD3V4B1NC8MDI_pq12NEZVHMiHqXnLU6WBfl5hCnBluxRWNQS4k3c/s1600/IMG_1552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLH9gW40WZpfIOqrcnyDH61QkMbECbGEYUTagn6FJJz9koMNJ4ekooA0EyoNCzoR-kvXL0GabsuLCNdhzdhAYoyWRD3V4B1NC8MDI_pq12NEZVHMiHqXnLU6WBfl5hCnBluxRWNQS4k3c/s640/IMG_1552.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back to bare lips - a reminder of our canvas' original colour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNr14DgMZ9-oym_s5jTrLEwInqKfWZ8u8cjMaFn4dlAwcE_JMBntzEj_vdf3qDNWmpKJVVGjEovcFi-391fq8xR-N1Ss4qjVRSI90RHX827C9j6pfPefzzFEvfu8ZWTAhc_Nt6k5IcoYs/s1600/IMG_1561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNr14DgMZ9-oym_s5jTrLEwInqKfWZ8u8cjMaFn4dlAwcE_JMBntzEj_vdf3qDNWmpKJVVGjEovcFi-391fq8xR-N1Ss4qjVRSI90RHX827C9j6pfPefzzFEvfu8ZWTAhc_Nt6k5IcoYs/s640/IMG_1561.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rx - the pigmentation and consistency was lovely just like NSFW</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMPFIYVHseykLUDrVt2dn7KvLycCbY5cBO0WwiTSa-Fenjidb1ragGXCpWV4MaiY_Hmofpvotil8HD54CifKe5YWQF0ErGcxuHEbtntm6mv71smEUAcKtTjCbdt2hZfS9bAk-RuQmAWo/s1600/IMG_1557.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMPFIYVHseykLUDrVt2dn7KvLycCbY5cBO0WwiTSa-Fenjidb1ragGXCpWV4MaiY_Hmofpvotil8HD54CifKe5YWQF0ErGcxuHEbtntm6mv71smEUAcKtTjCbdt2hZfS9bAk-RuQmAWo/s640/IMG_1557.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO521c1_SWvQTR7L4k_oKyGy5NA8rqnfPAW2CZQfpdI9c16DHSTGlNn3TKlWedFm1_sPhhmhcerAcCjLdIG4VcBrb6JIRiqD16yZLjLi4nvmf5JIOK7-gZrsoWi3S-58grbTyl5AjopEA/s1600/IMG_1583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO521c1_SWvQTR7L4k_oKyGy5NA8rqnfPAW2CZQfpdI9c16DHSTGlNn3TKlWedFm1_sPhhmhcerAcCjLdIG4VcBrb6JIRiqD16yZLjLi4nvmf5JIOK7-gZrsoWi3S-58grbTyl5AjopEA/s640/IMG_1583.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Added some NSFW and gave up trying to make a cheerfully neutral facial expression</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdM9HfGQz-oiS-SFHLihk6zTYBJs7j3xlglwEIF84GYrlYD-f-kGUTv-UgZrPH1USiBwX1RVggtG3_-TEWrXujzSsUjJmDSM19hS5_eVL5mDpWkYWR6sur81eHHQpmXVIC6RZm0odePg/s1600/IMG_1593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdM9HfGQz-oiS-SFHLihk6zTYBJs7j3xlglwEIF84GYrlYD-f-kGUTv-UgZrPH1USiBwX1RVggtG3_-TEWrXujzSsUjJmDSM19hS5_eVL5mDpWkYWR6sur81eHHQpmXVIC6RZm0odePg/s640/IMG_1593.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blotted, added Feathered</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhMibgSaKS2bfFSK_AJUNHgJ0JTBGlbgj2ihEURIudHX_ezxWsMjeiY4GfJFe79ONPrbZU-lMqhyrgoZQpds7YPDquUh-7YO-c7IGa19lo4fD9-fSP3Q2nHDVPJxRhICYGb9YBJUvD8s/s1600/IMG_1597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhMibgSaKS2bfFSK_AJUNHgJ0JTBGlbgj2ihEURIudHX_ezxWsMjeiY4GfJFe79ONPrbZU-lMqhyrgoZQpds7YPDquUh-7YO-c7IGa19lo4fD9-fSP3Q2nHDVPJxRhICYGb9YBJUvD8s/s640/IMG_1597.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blotted again, more Feathered</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-bBqmy0tcNaHHI-mngDk-KW-zhJPVLaSNPfI4n-RS1DIPrUNqOMlXb8a5hpiNkL89pgFRpx_gUzCJekYESp50bQhBYRFXPOA2HxX-73xwcccsgw2mcHr8WxZEvSUPCjafzHF8cbdrBQ/s1600/IMG_1609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-bBqmy0tcNaHHI-mngDk-KW-zhJPVLaSNPfI4n-RS1DIPrUNqOMlXb8a5hpiNkL89pgFRpx_gUzCJekYESp50bQhBYRFXPOA2HxX-73xwcccsgw2mcHr8WxZEvSUPCjafzHF8cbdrBQ/s640/IMG_1609.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok so here you can see an issue I ran into: Rx stained my lips badly, making it impossible to get a true purple.<br />
If you're going to be using Rx in a mix always use it second for on the mouth blending as none of the other colours really stain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0l_zQ0q67E0-1ZmcWTYHLVFkgt382sbrnctNvfn7ZQx-5eO3j1A3XMq1CcB1wj8IEW7rVXgdIZFNuoQDnRiYrI22PD5HFJItM4E3H0NESQTtTH95SvdEYEk8r8d5Cir2k2VFauIpSXE/s1600/IMG_1614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0l_zQ0q67E0-1ZmcWTYHLVFkgt382sbrnctNvfn7ZQx-5eO3j1A3XMq1CcB1wj8IEW7rVXgdIZFNuoQDnRiYrI22PD5HFJItM4E3H0NESQTtTH95SvdEYEk8r8d5Cir2k2VFauIpSXE/s640/IMG_1614.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stained lips after about half a dozen scrubs with makeup remover</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheArWh4hNQmDAD_fV7cU3UjnwQDBmZqKBiLnI4tzsFnubvvkeaGMSuO4dJW2roFED-H2a3Un88rF4e7eA4WRqwznTqk_JRHZKLXJNv7o_OtQiFEcCRw97Y2A2Fe_c2PVCffahlWj6k9B0/s1600/IMG_1622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheArWh4hNQmDAD_fV7cU3UjnwQDBmZqKBiLnI4tzsFnubvvkeaGMSuO4dJW2roFED-H2a3Un88rF4e7eA4WRqwznTqk_JRHZKLXJNv7o_OtQiFEcCRw97Y2A2Fe_c2PVCffahlWj6k9B0/s640/IMG_1622.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attempted to roll with it and add Feathered and NSFW on top of the staining</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaiqQ729WcjDDnD7j00z2TuqGkkBK7xyFQKbLqVzuTS0yf4RB6e4HMX49Fr67jJ-0z6UpDpVL2pNiPZT9Q_zaT8yhEfHEyoVmut5m2idb56nvIviaj5Lm-Gg6JI3rJmfNMzJwT9rwivkA/s1600/IMG_1628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaiqQ729WcjDDnD7j00z2TuqGkkBK7xyFQKbLqVzuTS0yf4RB6e4HMX49Fr67jJ-0z6UpDpVL2pNiPZT9Q_zaT8yhEfHEyoVmut5m2idb56nvIviaj5Lm-Gg6JI3rJmfNMzJwT9rwivkA/s640/IMG_1628.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More NSFW</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2L7ngDGkU9-UzQXwZBqYOOL5VN1X7SpghiwbhaEdBWRfF2tbcndKtc9Kk39dz9ruA1lhTkmErHXt2gtpNFt2S_9HCzV81ZIAqWnLQtynlk0sVbdqVi5bOAlqqxi24asaLyB9-Vm7vXw/s1600/IMG_1630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2L7ngDGkU9-UzQXwZBqYOOL5VN1X7SpghiwbhaEdBWRfF2tbcndKtc9Kk39dz9ruA1lhTkmErHXt2gtpNFt2S_9HCzV81ZIAqWnLQtynlk0sVbdqVi5bOAlqqxi24asaLyB9-Vm7vXw/s640/IMG_1630.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can still see the staining causing an inconsistent colour and texture. My custom purple/violet/lilac/lavender dreams did not come true today, but I will try again soon with NSFW as the base colour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHo2RCT0TTmIuH_ftS0K9GMoNon3axzylXWoOXkzP0GKGxwsmBkMae7JXzfnVfAWJn1OrfSY-Lq843d4lSvNupXpVFJWvrz1cDRf5KKzhQscwOGz3PSg3FjIwVGobHSmYuF3EHNimLMI/s1600/IMG_1631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHo2RCT0TTmIuH_ftS0K9GMoNon3axzylXWoOXkzP0GKGxwsmBkMae7JXzfnVfAWJn1OrfSY-Lq843d4lSvNupXpVFJWvrz1cDRf5KKzhQscwOGz3PSg3FjIwVGobHSmYuF3EHNimLMI/s640/IMG_1631.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I pretty much had to shed 3 layers of skin to get them back to their (almost) original colour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuX_2unTh5BkWLYelVuOlwiRC5gj3B0zZA-9RrKrooXWpgqWiDqEPLVBrgaBtmQoGbgbVokIaX1mSzez61b4eAnauTxOShyphenhyphenJmxQbp5NFnaK1j4QMKdJ9JgOEYpT2GMw6bd3u4j0j9bky4/s1600/IMG_1634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuX_2unTh5BkWLYelVuOlwiRC5gj3B0zZA-9RrKrooXWpgqWiDqEPLVBrgaBtmQoGbgbVokIaX1mSzez61b4eAnauTxOShyphenhyphenJmxQbp5NFnaK1j4QMKdJ9JgOEYpT2GMw6bd3u4j0j9bky4/s640/IMG_1634.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feathered. Yes, I am so pale I can colour and blend outside of the lines with a pure white lipstick</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii08xUDQRt42HiIOjKrqRtQKOLkSSCOuZeBl2eFHRIvLV3_Ll7L2urWctVMSyCS3rF0w8T_MwBBUBXHSUT0Y1zaPfp64G9FViVRX2KfjN3MKFUBFI0AoW912U-PWTPqpVrnWQW9S63XQI/s1600/IMG_1637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii08xUDQRt42HiIOjKrqRtQKOLkSSCOuZeBl2eFHRIvLV3_Ll7L2urWctVMSyCS3rF0w8T_MwBBUBXHSUT0Y1zaPfp64G9FViVRX2KfjN3MKFUBFI0AoW912U-PWTPqpVrnWQW9S63XQI/s640/IMG_1637.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unexpected downside: my pearly whites no longer look pearly white!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoA2LzfDamMNwNehjr7IR2bkRBSGaDT4uGzcFa2oskYcP0YItJFn1dC1KtcykZVcpk67vUR-n_jb27FlQgocCk6-kZymNkp4iXsHsr4r_6PzWtAsuyAtGE6fGFktexAlVC_bpei7b1G8/s1600/IMG_1642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoA2LzfDamMNwNehjr7IR2bkRBSGaDT4uGzcFa2oskYcP0YItJFn1dC1KtcykZVcpk67vUR-n_jb27FlQgocCk6-kZymNkp4iXsHsr4r_6PzWtAsuyAtGE6fGFktexAlVC_bpei7b1G8/s640/IMG_1642.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Im so bored at this point I barely bothered to blend and pose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZLOdYdyzaKLtkxSeD5NcAnnAewsWSwFlPDmtq5A8__j_aIHgbVkF-nJiFo7mL8zbYU9NJfmXoBqPNAatqy3EvzCLpf7JfmfjMi73AnXIIBP3cvuUAbkCJpszQ6Gkv6uginaT2deH67s/s1600/IMG_1649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZLOdYdyzaKLtkxSeD5NcAnnAewsWSwFlPDmtq5A8__j_aIHgbVkF-nJiFo7mL8zbYU9NJfmXoBqPNAatqy3EvzCLpf7JfmfjMi73AnXIIBP3cvuUAbkCJpszQ6Gkv6uginaT2deH67s/s640/IMG_1649.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feathered and NSFW</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAs0sZU0gGodNVvX796nTVRsmbcc0HzbGc8PjdO_2jHaRkGyhBJ7FVLUDcPmQ06fXdC0LJWV7BeWX2zzBv6nf_lY9haG0f0rUpG4Xqn08_KSfx09DY988AbWOoIdIapNGxb6svYqqDqPU/s1600/IMG_1654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAs0sZU0gGodNVvX796nTVRsmbcc0HzbGc8PjdO_2jHaRkGyhBJ7FVLUDcPmQ06fXdC0LJWV7BeWX2zzBv6nf_lY9haG0f0rUpG4Xqn08_KSfx09DY988AbWOoIdIapNGxb6svYqqDqPU/s640/IMG_1654.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After disappointment with the purples this NSFW+Feathered mix really made my night, somehow this photo doesn't do it justice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovsY9s0Y0tMMpWZStH8M1KX1uwtDWu5vBQTymE448Lcrrw8CTKChre2rH0HwVaa4a3rhkFsMwerWpDH6MrW03RoH8eUwVfV7YV18dVtjNnmSHES_vj0X995u3v2523MO_RRfnZW8vuTM/s1600/IMG_1660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovsY9s0Y0tMMpWZStH8M1KX1uwtDWu5vBQTymE448Lcrrw8CTKChre2rH0HwVaa4a3rhkFsMwerWpDH6MrW03RoH8eUwVfV7YV18dVtjNnmSHES_vj0X995u3v2523MO_RRfnZW8vuTM/s640/IMG_1660.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a custom mix but I wanted to wear purple out for cocktails so settled for plain Hoochie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Obviously this isn't anywhere close to the full creative and colourful potential of my Lip Tars (I've got my heart set on a sunset ombre like my Sugarpill eyeshadow look) but it's a great jumping off point. I'll definitely be revisiting this theme/project with both conventional (reds, pinks, corals, purples?) and off the wall colours and combinations.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also, shout out to <a href="http://www.cocktailcosmetics.co.uk/">Cocktail Cosmetics</a> for being an amazing UK distributor of Lip Tars (and Sugarpill and Lime Crime) - the owner Julie Burford gave me pretty much the best customer service I've ever encountered and my orders arrived amazingly fast and beautifully packaged.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Saskia X<br />
<br />
PrettyTrivialities@gmail.com</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032772962306259484noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386066135990476104.post-33348616949284376382013-09-05T00:05:00.000-07:002013-09-07T00:48:15.548-07:00Essential Eyeshadow Brushes 2: The CollectionIf you read my last post you'll have some background about the products I'm about to recommend and why, but if not don't worry!<br />
<br />
So you want to do fabulous eyeshadow looks right? Well here're the tools I'd recommend based on what you want:<br />
<br />
<b>I want <u>one</u> eyeshadow brush that I can do it all (almost) with!</b><br />
<br />
<i>On a budget?</i><br />
<br />
Get the <a href="http://realtechniques.com/shop-collection/your-eyes-enhanced/shading-brush">Real Techniques eye shading brush</a>:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKxDJ8n1-mZM3PL6UVJHS_gb_7zKQ-e8PiYpznhSE2mxeO0ZObF9V9_Ga7yOLmftVT9_US45-ie1YfAjGCSqM9OLTnOnbG8T3h1r89QFoGHgq5PMVYXKOaNeS8I74YvGqzvxoFLdIKqc/s1600/IMG_1424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKxDJ8n1-mZM3PL6UVJHS_gb_7zKQ-e8PiYpznhSE2mxeO0ZObF9V9_Ga7yOLmftVT9_US45-ie1YfAjGCSqM9OLTnOnbG8T3h1r89QFoGHgq5PMVYXKOaNeS8I74YvGqzvxoFLdIKqc/s320/IMG_1424.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pros:<br />
Inexpensive<br />
Great quality (soft, no shedding)<br />
Great for both packing on shadow and blending<br />
Synthetic bristles (for you vegans)<br />
Smaller head for precision/smaller lid space<br />
Can handle some abuse without the bristles deforming (perfect for on-the-go)<br />
<br />
Cons:<br />
Too small for a quick 'all over lid' sweep coverage<br />
Not great for use with cream eyeshadow<br />
<br />
Overall verdict:<br />
The superman of the brush world, better suited for getting your crease perfect than giving a smooth wash of all over colour. Great for a no-frills intermediate look, I love that I don't feel the need to baby it so it gets a lot more use. I often do full looks with just this brush. Buy it, you'll love it, and if you don't send it to me and I'll send some love right back.<br />
<br />
<i>Want a treat or are you building the below collection?</i><br />
<br />
Get a <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/145/383/Products/Brushes/Eye/239-Eye-Shader-Brush/index.tmpl">Mac 239</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodIyEn28bntWNRHaYZn-nKDjIP8jTxr09O6KheHC8Dzriof0WTyZV2c5t_qAAbdBKq3SV7NA5kV5xRPP6J7Kc3R_y_hwL0mDg4mCe9aEfQElZzZFvu7jOt94rp9ZC7jbMZAyI9oo4WFc/s1600/IMG_1422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodIyEn28bntWNRHaYZn-nKDjIP8jTxr09O6KheHC8Dzriof0WTyZV2c5t_qAAbdBKq3SV7NA5kV5xRPP6J7Kc3R_y_hwL0mDg4mCe9aEfQElZzZFvu7jOt94rp9ZC7jbMZAyI9oo4WFc/s320/IMG_1422.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Pros:<br />
Baby soft<br />
Amazing quality - sources say these babies can last 10+ years<br />
Packs on colour like nobody's business<br />
Great for a simple sweep of all over colour<br />
Looks classy as F<br />
You're one brush into the perfect 3 brush set!<br />
<br />
Cons:<br />
Natural bristles (sorry goat advocates/vegans)<br />
A tad pricey<br />
Doesn't handle precision particularly well as the head is rather large<br />
White bristles stain easily (although this could be a pro for telling you when it needs a wash)<br />
<br />
Mac runner up: <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/145/380/Products/Brushes/Eye/217-Blending-Brush/index.tmpl">217</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiPhT745MdQbf7NuVlS67IQK2LvXE6E-fUnGzwaHemvJ6ZzNb8lEhsuF1zK5uSHEuVV98I81rwKF8RrPAXsxmCDM8ijVjGc3IzhVzC1uPgKiNueKIEG25WgqeCJ1p7CM0zZTfDWdatyQ/s1600/IMG_1427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiPhT745MdQbf7NuVlS67IQK2LvXE6E-fUnGzwaHemvJ6ZzNb8lEhsuF1zK5uSHEuVV98I81rwKF8RrPAXsxmCDM8ijVjGc3IzhVzC1uPgKiNueKIEG25WgqeCJ1p7CM0zZTfDWdatyQ/s320/IMG_1427.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I know a lot of people would choose this as their 'one' brush but I find it far to imprecise for anything other than a general colour wash or blending.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>I want a core collection I can conquer the eyeshadow world with!</b><br />
<br />
Mac 239, 217 and 219 (purchased in that order if you're on a budget)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylM_7VT7MbwOggvIU-tqgisi_eR2LPHvEqvarC8AzXrvf-wrALWD-cHWZ5XFh_q1GObMKffwce0Lc91qv6_K7Ec7pQ-bxzdD3xCjYUACd2SxkSSd7Lue7gTVcfQe6TUcNSdWxiIb30YM/s1600/IMG_1431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylM_7VT7MbwOggvIU-tqgisi_eR2LPHvEqvarC8AzXrvf-wrALWD-cHWZ5XFh_q1GObMKffwce0Lc91qv6_K7Ec7pQ-bxzdD3xCjYUACd2SxkSSd7Lue7gTVcfQe6TUcNSdWxiIb30YM/s320/IMG_1431.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Use the 239 to pack or sweep colour onto your lid</li>
<li>Use 217 to blend the edges into a soft gradient</li>
<li>Use 219 for precision detailing like lining and crease</li>
</ul>
<br />
These brushes all have the same overall pros and cons:<br />
<br />
Pros:<br />
Baby soft<br />
Fantastic quality<br />
Looks classy as F<br />
Amazing technical ability<br />
<br />
Cons:<br />
Natural bristles (sorry goat advocates/vegans)<br />
A tad pricey<br />
White bristles stain easily (although this could be a pro for telling you when it needs a wash)<br />
Bristle deformation (217 in particular has a tendency to splay out)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMLwQMeqcdaJ3LYaiDEt0PYfW1_Xg7tHeVQhotF263qns-vEWxh7x4oCcfUf676YDL5Wgpi-lHaZ0PRVXKTUZuRUssMFbwptT8pSKcTP_c5DVHTLloFbV7-WmcsD5z2L6jWQnraB9R44/s1600/IMG_1434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMLwQMeqcdaJ3LYaiDEt0PYfW1_Xg7tHeVQhotF263qns-vEWxh7x4oCcfUf676YDL5Wgpi-lHaZ0PRVXKTUZuRUssMFbwptT8pSKcTP_c5DVHTLloFbV7-WmcsD5z2L6jWQnraB9R44/s320/IMG_1434.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minimal splaying, but this brush is only two weeks old and treated like a princess</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And remember:<i> wash your brushes often!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I wash powder product brushes once a week with a wipe down on tissue paper after every use (hence why my brushes are a little colourful - I do a weekend wash). Cream and liquid brushes get a wet wipe down after every use and a shampoo every other day. When I had acne I washed my foundation brush after every use to keep the inflammatory bacteria count down.<br />
<br />
I recommend Johnson's baby shampoo as an effective but gentle cleanser (important for natural fibre brushes).<br />
<br />
<br />
Saskia X<br />
<br />
PrettyTrivialities@gmail.comAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032772962306259484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386066135990476104.post-4638746291378251142013-09-04T23:35:00.000-07:002013-09-06T09:23:34.158-07:00Essential Eye Makeup Brushes 1: Quality and BrandsLet's talk about eyeshadow brushes shall we? I used to think the result was 90% in the product (eyeshadow) but have since learned that tools can actually take about 50% of the credit! So let's get our tools basics down:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZFpE1j9D-2jXdsDEAYmXyPofQ-4MbYQmvrCsa2U0bBoXRmElUILfoHnBs5zM7JxVNSSPzLUTpdRxf5FFGwOiJo828Uigekipw8gnnrEQzGl8fjQGVpS0dpcOh1VItIPHietbhGItCPk/s1600/IMG_1394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZFpE1j9D-2jXdsDEAYmXyPofQ-4MbYQmvrCsa2U0bBoXRmElUILfoHnBs5zM7JxVNSSPzLUTpdRxf5FFGwOiJo828Uigekipw8gnnrEQzGl8fjQGVpS0dpcOh1VItIPHietbhGItCPk/s400/IMG_1394.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup, it looks like I'm picking my nose; nope, my camera refused to not focus on my face</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I love good quality products and will nearly always advocate quality over quantity, but sometimes you have to weigh quality vs cost - this is normally my largest internal debate "is it worth it?". Here's a brief overview of different 'levels' of brushes going by price using the market dominating brands as an example:<br />
<br />
A cheap brush (ELF/store brand) is about £3-4, an inexpensive ('low end' doesn't seem fitting somehow) brush (EcoTools/Real Techniques) is double that at £6-8, a mid end (MAC/Sigma) brush is again about double its previous counter part at £16-18 and a high end brush (Hakuhodo) is double that again at £32++. The regularity of this pattern pleases me!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Elf < Ecotools < Real Techniques < Sigma < Mac < Hakuhodo</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anyway, disclaimer: I know nothing about super high end brushes - I have literally never touched a Hakuuhodo brush, so I'm just going to skip those. I do however have some experience in Bobbi Brown brushes which are in the awkward price range of between mid and high end, so I'm going to use those as my bench mark 'high' end brushes: they're awful. Bobbi Brown make awful overpriced brushes, I dislike them so much I can't even be bothered to go into more depth than: I have a full eye set (as a gift) that I've touched exactly once and a foundation brush that is put to shame in every way by its EcoTools counterpart. For shame Bobbi, for shame.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74vjpdOGbczPFdvzYfucNOBnWpWIpueVaaJZ8aqFId5eq1fbKVCSbv8V899jvT5yuKVZs6s48upooTH_LJBumyRsKZ3Y_f-gHnrHvlN8iSJ-c1bnaNeTXLQgbl56OAyzy4V7rM0K0hq4/s1600/for+shame+bobbi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74vjpdOGbczPFdvzYfucNOBnWpWIpueVaaJZ8aqFId5eq1fbKVCSbv8V899jvT5yuKVZs6s48upooTH_LJBumyRsKZ3Y_f-gHnrHvlN8iSJ-c1bnaNeTXLQgbl56OAyzy4V7rM0K0hq4/s400/for+shame+bobbi.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crap quality AND overpriced</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So where do I draw the line between quality and cost? It's a toss between 'low' and mid end - it's not hard to justify the small price jump between a cheap brush and an inexpensive one (just a single Starbucks coffee) and because cheap brushes are well, cheap and tacky quality I tend to skip those entirely. And then the jump between mid and high end brushes is frankly absurd to me - maybe I could justify it for one brush one time, but to build a collection at that price point is so far out of a budget I would consider reasonable at any point in my life.<br />
<br />
So let's focus on <b>EcoTools/Real Techniques vs Mac/Sigma</b>:<br />
<br />
ET and RT both make nice synthetic bristled brushes that are soft, aesthetically pleasing and never shed. Overall, whatever (eyeshadow) brushes you get from either brand will be nice, soft, good quality brushes but without fantastic technical and specified abilities.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rnlZLBl_D-FFwtHFudLfMJJ5Xar4PuAknliXxyliibA0IFHyKqtyHsaAbePhp4DNtz-aoiUvhL_V_J26uTrS9LhgV-c039WGnUcHuYjC0-YasLGdn-KESvZqTGsER3qwhn2nOP9Qmkc/s1600/IMG_1407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rnlZLBl_D-FFwtHFudLfMJJ5Xar4PuAknliXxyliibA0IFHyKqtyHsaAbePhp4DNtz-aoiUvhL_V_J26uTrS9LhgV-c039WGnUcHuYjC0-YasLGdn-KESvZqTGsER3qwhn2nOP9Qmkc/s320/IMG_1407.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unwashed RT eye shading brush from the front and side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
M.A.C. is a brand created and targeted to makeup artists (Makeup Artists Cosmetics duh) thus their brushes are obviously better quality and are handmade in Japan - reports of brushes lasting 10+ years are common - and much more specified, thus this is where you want to go when you're itching to advance from that basic smokey eye. Mac brushes are a mix between natural (animal hair) and synthetic bristles, with the type of hair (horse, goat, badger etc) varying by type of brush.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7P6Ku_b4Q_JPSzM7uVMSsFAAB63fERCFVECHMqYfrUjbaZ47dhM9r13r518yxpJnjVSaFXXlZDrCpWTNbXr9wL79ZqcRRj2Y1LiaFn9ml8E-dhcmGfydJzzHfzU02yT5r24n8k4gOONA/s1600/IMG_1411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7P6Ku_b4Q_JPSzM7uVMSsFAAB63fERCFVECHMqYfrUjbaZ47dhM9r13r518yxpJnjVSaFXXlZDrCpWTNbXr9wL79ZqcRRj2Y1LiaFn9ml8E-dhcmGfydJzzHfzU02yT5r24n8k4gOONA/s320/IMG_1411.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also unwashed Mac 239, 217 and 219 brushes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Sigma doesn't boast professional quality like Mac or as high a price tag. They also used to be rather shameless about creating Mac copies (even using the same number naming system), however their brushes are very highly reviewed particularly their 12 piece synthetic sets (which I have my eye on for Christmas), I can't personally recommend them but if you're looking for a one stop face and eye brush set that's better than drugstore but maybe not professional level check them out.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUitSgtJKJg1azMWUWpZdGqSQCOTDJP4gjYct7TceKq_NQh7IYk_Unu7vQpTsUGGhgAxHCOx40_Y670v2sPtDO59ggz-Dr-s5F7GtXE3GIw3vDqUX0X_yXFTUR8rpmevVmvzEZZlIKoZo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-09-05+at+14.20.58.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUitSgtJKJg1azMWUWpZdGqSQCOTDJP4gjYct7TceKq_NQh7IYk_Unu7vQpTsUGGhgAxHCOx40_Y670v2sPtDO59ggz-Dr-s5F7GtXE3GIw3vDqUX0X_yXFTUR8rpmevVmvzEZZlIKoZo/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-09-05+at+14.20.58.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mrs. Bunny Essential Kit - photo from SigmaBeauty.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So what eyeshadow brushes do I use and love? These ones:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Qs0M4k4Tkuj3aFdufOl-ASgs6aW-5jckxvtYTL54kMzd391FAXFBojvG81XWHnARgxl9hFr7p4gh1KeKV1DKgACsu82CRZYfCBB3qsAt5a1c-QI21T0hzL4aBAE_2BJJKuwc3kGB1pc/s1600/IMG_1418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Qs0M4k4Tkuj3aFdufOl-ASgs6aW-5jckxvtYTL54kMzd391FAXFBojvG81XWHnARgxl9hFr7p4gh1KeKV1DKgACsu82CRZYfCBB3qsAt5a1c-QI21T0hzL4aBAE_2BJJKuwc3kGB1pc/s400/IMG_1418.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their grubbiness is evidence of their recent use</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'll dissect what their different uses are and the various pros and ons of each in my next brush post.<br />
<br />
<br />
Saskia X<br />
<br />
<br />
PrettyTrivialities@gmail.com<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032772962306259484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386066135990476104.post-18368623774694374322013-09-04T04:16:00.001-07:002014-03-12T04:02:09.400-07:00Sugarpill Burning Heart palette review and facesI've fallen in love...<br />
<br />
Behold the Burning Heart palette by Sugarpill:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlxSBO5G5_Bb1gQE_jbp4-e48FbewpgjhUkvOdxv6SSLxHk_EPlNs2FpavCc2jkxJuyVhsv2GGrzgFxVc5flTaoeXc2PPWTKaB073JxMhvEfVwkl0tp7Cj9j8N1dY6LT1MPCID0hOf0c/s1600/sugarpill+case.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlxSBO5G5_Bb1gQE_jbp4-e48FbewpgjhUkvOdxv6SSLxHk_EPlNs2FpavCc2jkxJuyVhsv2GGrzgFxVc5flTaoeXc2PPWTKaB073JxMhvEfVwkl0tp7Cj9j8N1dY6LT1MPCID0hOf0c/s400/sugarpill+case.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honestly I'm not the biggest fan of the packaging, but the cardboard feels sturdy and classy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I impulse bought the Sugarpill Burning Heart palette at 3am - this was something I'd been um-ing and ah-ing for months after seeing gorgeous sunset eyeshadow looks around the internet, but for various reasons (see below) always talked myself out of buying. I'm so glad my sleep deprived self decided to take the plunge!<br />
<br />
So what's so special about this palette?<br />
<br />
Well for one it's gorgeous:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBra3J9jEthhr6xeR9_T8-6tLjoHnHxaUx0Yhex7_4WqG0I1tgeL6O8H4wB-17Xaw4yumTCR4pyDl3JSnmWAqfKSM7UmSpoZ9lr8mDoYRL5agfDcKS8j2vHY8bho3nIwnXnnQxM0hVeQ/s1600/IMG_1386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBra3J9jEthhr6xeR9_T8-6tLjoHnHxaUx0Yhex7_4WqG0I1tgeL6O8H4wB-17Xaw4yumTCR4pyDl3JSnmWAqfKSM7UmSpoZ9lr8mDoYRL5agfDcKS8j2vHY8bho3nIwnXnnQxM0hVeQ/s400/IMG_1386.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange: Flamepoint, Yellow: Buttercupcake, Red: Love+, Purple: Poison Plum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The second is the simple quality of the product - these eyeshadows are fantastic! They're incredibly pigmented and soft; bold true to pan colours that are very easy to work with (they blend great).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XRQRq9bEozHnrxGfG9KaurJxME4YM6nBYxENo84REFFE4EGRlkS03ehsz6xINls-cCFm0WUkZjVjq6-BROLSWOWUl-pT_2PpUow-be5RtGGU2dHnYJNn7Xid9C6wiKDVuL9Jjd2Wu-4/s1600/IMG_1391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XRQRq9bEozHnrxGfG9KaurJxME4YM6nBYxENo84REFFE4EGRlkS03ehsz6xINls-cCFm0WUkZjVjq6-BROLSWOWUl-pT_2PpUow-be5RtGGU2dHnYJNn7Xid9C6wiKDVuL9Jjd2Wu-4/s400/IMG_1391.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: one pat of colour with my finer, Right: two pats. No primer!<br />
Flamepoint and Poison Plum are just a tad softer than Buttercupcake and Love+</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And the trifecta? These shadows stay put - check out how immaculate this complex look is <i>after</i> a 3<span style="font-family: inherit;">0<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 16px;">°C 80% humidity 12 hour day:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-ZqZ4MMRLNRHHU5aOyognkob3rLumWpmbKXTXmHEwwoehHpfHFQkWf5koBUYFHYQuEV7i-PQnE9ZmBEESoBNDpCVrCy8WCfIWPGVaZRRvXo-HOFX0JSZ3E1mV2OSU7rvt4bKO7DsDo4/s1600/IMG_1145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-ZqZ4MMRLNRHHU5aOyognkob3rLumWpmbKXTXmHEwwoehHpfHFQkWf5koBUYFHYQuEV7i-PQnE9ZmBEESoBNDpCVrCy8WCfIWPGVaZRRvXo-HOFX0JSZ3E1mV2OSU7rvt4bKO7DsDo4/s640/IMG_1145.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see some minor fading in the bottom outer corners where I rub my eyes when they get itchy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPncw7eiuMbYkhNn8Qe-zE6bDObh1himflyYo5-6dTCKFsNIbrQQb64zmUBzmi0yrk6ezQ2iCzuuzvqdCU3jt4NAiBGPChoqPco20UhdRLUJOBwDJvCnm3oG4RJitzVl5dIy5uo3-zr4/s1600/IMG_1136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPncw7eiuMbYkhNn8Qe-zE6bDObh1himflyYo5-6dTCKFsNIbrQQb64zmUBzmi0yrk6ezQ2iCzuuzvqdCU3jt4NAiBGPChoqPco20UhdRLUJOBwDJvCnm3oG4RJitzVl5dIy5uo3-zr4/s640/IMG_1136.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My foundation obviously did not hold up nearly as well</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 16px;"> And then after a shower where I literally stood with my face directly under the stream for a couple of minutes:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigS8oSwAxbDzLgDnnW6nG_JHB_nyzR4mt0Vwh0syNQO8kHlRV3X5otwjN-3uH8bzcVzwnaoNyevrwDghevSvVOfurYs9QjnNWWtDtLTOYXHFZECRvF6fvgr3LQLZYcNhdd3o0G1SC1oaQ/s1600/IMG_0665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigS8oSwAxbDzLgDnnW6nG_JHB_nyzR4mt0Vwh0syNQO8kHlRV3X5otwjN-3uH8bzcVzwnaoNyevrwDghevSvVOfurYs9QjnNWWtDtLTOYXHFZECRvF6fvgr3LQLZYcNhdd3o0G1SC1oaQ/s640/IMG_0665.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sexy 'not bad' face plus shower cap - restrain yourselves men.<br />
My mascara didn't hold up, but then again it wasn't advertised as waterproof.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmc90ZPJzifM133RVzoUVLTMopCJl0onab05WPOav13_boAy9JrWC1tq55hqnc8P8nSKtY49NMU8h4kMqRwhmvFBjQCdJTyhATzLbba5QTFNg1yf55dOz_Esh4x8LotE5uQIQahUHto8/s1600/IMG_0666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmc90ZPJzifM133RVzoUVLTMopCJl0onab05WPOav13_boAy9JrWC1tq55hqnc8P8nSKtY49NMU8h4kMqRwhmvFBjQCdJTyhATzLbba5QTFNg1yf55dOz_Esh4x8LotE5uQIQahUHto8/s640/IMG_0666.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously - look at that! The colours are still freaking perfect in everyway!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">And here for </span></span><span style="line-height: 16px;">comparison</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"> is what it looked like 12 hours previously when I'd applied it in the morning:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03qa64_Tb3tT4HLWBA58zZlPcel_wdZ67uV2bdRlUWfBFdKDh9BiVbmBTqGPxk_j2LZzGSEPWc4skOqI-iUZ57HaGr3ZnLnEYDpYmHs5Kh8mEQrQjXesRy1NCwmLJFF8CGG3Esk4WiU0/s1600/IMG_1125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03qa64_Tb3tT4HLWBA58zZlPcel_wdZ67uV2bdRlUWfBFdKDh9BiVbmBTqGPxk_j2LZzGSEPWc4skOqI-iUZ57HaGr3ZnLnEYDpYmHs5Kh8mEQrQjXesRy1NCwmLJFF8CGG3Esk4WiU0/s640/IMG_1125.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look how smug my face is about these insane shadows</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Another look using only </span></span><span style="line-height: 16px;">Poison</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"> Plum and Love+ (plus Urban Decay's Blackout):</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 16px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsmJ2kkPxLMi-pl1EmPqtUj_YZ5oREEVTPZOusuaDDgE9-0sSuXP595bQ_uaGXlo51GpNuldv3pXkceDP9U9Bc84sbRYkMCZSWeHHslsa4Eli8o8l-pbfAMksWf7JO_lI6bLZ1MS8GrY/s1600/IMG_1343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsmJ2kkPxLMi-pl1EmPqtUj_YZ5oREEVTPZOusuaDDgE9-0sSuXP595bQ_uaGXlo51GpNuldv3pXkceDP9U9Bc84sbRYkMCZSWeHHslsa4Eli8o8l-pbfAMksWf7JO_lI6bLZ1MS8GrY/s640/IMG_1343.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 16px;">Overall, this palette is the shining glory of my collection - I genuinely can't think of a single way it could possibly improve as even the price is great ($34 for 3.5g).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 16px;">A final word on quality: as Sugarpill is a small online only indie company I had to set a lot of store in reviews, swatches and FOTDs (face of the day) - and while researching one thing gave me huge pause...</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">I'd read multiple times that Sugarpill had some inconsistent quality issues, i.e. some shadows worked great and were buttery soft while others (and these duds were seemingly random and different in each case) were chalky and difficult to work with. I emailed Sugarpill about this concern and they got back to me within a week explaining that those problems probably </span></span><span style="line-height: 16px;">occurred</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"> while they were moving their lab and if I found a problem with my shadows they'd exchange them free of cost (not charging my triple shipping) which I thought was very generous.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Their "happiness </span></span><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 16px;">guaranteed</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"> policy" sure paid off </span></span><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 16px;">because</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"> I will </span></span><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 16px;">definitely</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"> be purchasing again from them! And if you chose to purchase from them, and feel like doing me a favour, you can go through my </span><a href="http://zfer.us/i6eD7" style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px;">affiliate link here</a><b style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"> </b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">which just means if you do buy</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"> anything through that link to their regular official website I'll get credit :)</span></span></span><br />
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Saskia X<br />
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PrettyTrivialities@gmail.com<br />
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