My Thoughts Corner

Here is a post I have been meaning to do since I started this blog but somehow it kept slipping my to-do list. I know I might be the last person to review the Kiko Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadows but I just had to shine a light on them in my blog. 

It is widely said that they are pretty similar to the big boy brands eyeshadow sticks such as By Terry, Lauria Mercia or Bobbi Brown, but I’m sure as we would all love to own some of those, we can’t afford five times the price when the Kiko ones are marginally cheaper and just as good!>

I have to say that I have overindulged myself with these, and haven’t finished as I’m still missing three or four more shades… Yes, they are that good!!! For a matter of fact, Kiko offers a huge array of colors on those including matte, metallic and metallic shimmery finishes. 

I love the idea of a retractable pen type-like. Just twist, apply, blend and off to the doors. Meaning no sharpening needed, very practical and hassle free. The bottom features the color of each eyeshadow stick hence; no problems as well identifying these in your makeup bag. 

It is crucial to mention that the pigmentation and the texture are up a notch. They’re creamy, glide on smoothly without feeling heavy or even sticky wet on the lid. The colors, for some, could be not very opaque but they are easily buildable. Be warned though that they do dry real quick and it’s best to apply on one eye at a time, as eventually they set to complete no “budgeness”; no flaking, no creasing nor smudging. At ALL for the whole day!! … For a suspiciously cheap price, the least to say is impressive!!!

Kiko Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadows are such an effortless product that’s perfect for every day when you’re on the run and you just want some color over the lid. They are great on their own or as a base, not to mention how much these will save you compared to more popular brands. It’s a no brainer, I’m 100% taken by these little gems. 

I leave you with the swatches.

I’m an organizing freak and I loooove a good declutter … Every now and then I go around the house downsizing all categories and my makeup drawers ain’t any exception.  Though, in this process, there are some bits I find myself torn if I should keep or not; afraid that one day I might need them but in reality, if there is no added value then there is no point keeping it… To give an end to my misery, I usually give my maybe pile a last try and settle on which ones are worth holding on to and those to be tossed/given away. 

E.L.F Beautifully Bare Foundation Serum | I have listed this one back in 2016 in my “Disappointing Products”, yet I kept it to give it a proper go as a “tinted primer” and I haven’t. I certainly couldn’t wear it on its own as I love a good coverage, but this time, I went on with my concealer on top of my flaws and to my surprise this little bottle wowed me; it’s insanely lightweight and it makes my skin look so radiant and even. With an SPF 25, this foundation would make a great choice for summer days and the no makeup looks. For the time being, this bottle is going nowhere and will definitely retain it. 

Makeup Revolution Fortune Favours The Brave Palette | Regular readers would know by now that I’m a huge fan of Makeup Revolution as it stands and when I spotted this palette I had to have it. It is certainly a different palette than the MR’s typical ones in terms of design, shadow size pan and versatility. Though I do like the great finish/color diversity, the pigmentation of some shades didn’t do a whole lot for me making them quite hard to work with. I have been trying this one on and off but, despite all the hype it was around it, I couldn’t make myself love it as much as the Iconic Pro 1, Pro 2 or the recently reviewed Neutrals Vs New-trals palette. Therefore, I’m passing this along to someone who could make a better use out of it.

Catrice High Glow Mineral Highlighting Powder | It is the only baked highlighter I own. I was very excited to have it but not so much after I tried it. It is a silvery champagne shade that’s supposed to provide a glamorous glow, but that was too obvious on my skin tone. The texture as well is quiet dry for my liking and has a lot of kick off leaving a chaos of stubborn glitter on my face. Unfortunately, this is a pass. 

Too Faced Rock N Roll Palette | I first got this palette for the packaging. I loved the color theme of the eyeshadows but never thought that’s what I would go for one day. And I did. And I loved it! To make the whole story short it’s a “glam meets pretty”. However, two things not to forget with this palette; wet your brush for an intense metallic/foiled effect and DO YOUR EYES FIRST. The shadows easily last for a good 8-9 hours. This is another one that’s for now going nowhere. It is a KEEP. 

Maybelline Colossal Go Extreme! Leather Black Volume Mascara | It is usually difficult for me to fall in love with a mascara and once I do I stick to it. Maybelline makes some of my favorite ones and when I got my hand on the Colossal Go Extreme I assumed it’s at the same level of quality. But No. I normally look for volume and length, as I’m blessed with none, and this one claims to offer extra volume and that’s not at all what I got… I’m also not a big of the wand shape as I like it to get to the tiniest of my lashes which is not the case here. I couldn’t see any added value. Currently, I have few other mascaras that I love way more than this one. 

At last, I’m keeping 2 products out of 5. It surely makes me feel good despite that’s not a huge number looking at my entire makeup collection. This is it for today. Stay tuned as there is more to come!

Laura Mercier is a brand that has been raved about over and over, specifically their cult classic powders that I had under my radar for quite some time.

I eventually picked the Secret Brightening Powder, and just like most of powders I tried, it turned my under-eye cakey when I first used it, which was quite frustrating in light of all the praise that shadowed this tiny pot.  I then presumed that it’s another over hyped product, still, I didn’t let go that quick. Three weeks back, I decided to give it another go, not sure why but I did and I’m glad I did, using a damp sponge this time instead of a powder brush and that was the winner card that got me completely hooked on this game.

I usually tend to stay away from loose powders because of their messiness. However, this cute little pot contains the finest & most efficient powder that could ever exist for a flawless, luminous & brightening effect. Truly as described, the Laura Mercia Secret Brightening Powder is lighter than air that doesn’t crease or settle into the fine lines. Instead, it boosts the concealer effect & reflects the micronized pigments for an instant eye lift.

Yes, a loose powder wasn’t a part of my routine, and despite the high price tag, I’m being totally smitten with the lightweight, formula and effect of the Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder that now, has a permanent spot in my stash.

Till next time…!!!