Korres - Eyeshadows

 I love Korres. They're natural, cruelty-free and have great products - my trifecta! They're based in Greece so their products often have Greek writing on them, so using them makes me feel like I'm somewhere warm and exotic! I've collected a bunch of their eyeshadows, in a variety of gorgeous shades, and love them all. Here they are:

Aren't those beautiful? They're incredibly pigmented, go on true to the colour in the pan and are universally flattering. Each of the shades I've tried works beautifully with my light skin, but I can't imagine a skin tone they wouldn't look stunning on! Here are some swatches so you can see the goods:

 

Sold? Luckily you don't have to go all the way to Greece to get your eager little fingers on some of these - they're widely available at Sephora (seriously, they've got everything!) and I got a bunch of mine in seasonal kits that were an amazing deal, so keep your eye out for more of those! My favourites are the purple (swatched above, top right) and bronze, which shows up metallic (swatched above left). Definitely a great find!

Ratings:
Packaging: 5/5
Product quality: 5/5
Worth the price? Since they were in kits and on sale, I'd say yup!
Would I purchase again? Yeah, providing they are cruelty-free - but there's a lot of product in these, so probably not for awhile!

Cruelty-Free? Not sure. They do not appear on PETA's lists and I was unable to find any information on their website regarding this issue. I have sent them an email and will update this when I hear back, but until I do, I won't be buying anything else from their company.

Where to find it: Sephora online.

Too Faced - Shadow Insurance

 To view image source, click on image

I suffer from major creasing because my lid area is quite small and overlaps when I blink. For this reason, I can't use even BeneFit Creaseless Cream shadows without creasing by the end of the day. I've tried pretty much everything out there (MAC Paint Pots, UDPP, Smashbox Photo Finish...) and I have to say that I've had the best results with this primer.

It is slick and easy to apply, which I like because I have very sensitive/delicate skin. Once it's on there, my shadow stays put all day long. No creasing, no fading. I've found that this works even better than UDPP for me, though I still do use both. The only reason to use a different primer in my opinion is if you are using shadows that have a glitter/lustre finish, which will cling better to the tacky base that MAC Paint Pots provide.

As mentioned in other reviews, the tube is much easier to use than the UDPP container and you need so little of the product that one tube will lase for months, even with daily use. I'd highly recommend giving this a try, even if you've been disappointed by other supposedly fantastic primers!

Ratings:
Packaging: 5/5
Product quality: 5/5
Worth the price? Definitely!
Would I purchase again? Unless another great primer comes along, this will always be close at hand.

Cruelty-Free? Yes - appears on PETA's Cruelty-Free list.
Where to find it: Sephora in store and online, London Drugs in store.

MAC - Lipstick in Rebel

I picked this up with my Back-2-MAC trade-ins after getting heavy bangs recently that de-emphasize my eyes. I've started trying to compensate with more interesting lip colours like fuchsia pinks, berry shades and brighter reds.

I chose this one because I've found myself picking it up repeatedly the last few times I've been in MAC stores, but not wanting to spend the money on it as it looks quite dark and a bit intimidating! When went in with my empties I finally gave in out of sheer curiosity, and picked it out thinking that I'd probably try it once or twice and end up leaving it for special occasions.

But I brought it home, tried it on, and fell in love. It layers very well so that if you apply just a thin layer it is the most gorgeous berry shade with just a hint of purple/fuscia that makes the colour mesmerizing. It's got a very subtle sheen to it so that it looks lovely and isn't drying like matte shades. It can also be layered as dark as you want if you prefer to go for more dramatic effects. It even fades to a gorgeous pink stain as it wears off, so even if you don't re-apply constantly, it won't end up looking bad.

I cannot believe how great and flattering this colour is, particularly considering how pale my colouring is, but I see myself wearing this a lot in the future! If you've been eyeing it whistfully but talking yourself out of it because it looks so intense, give it a try. It may just surprise you!

Ratings:
Packaging: 5/5
Product quality: 5/5
Worth the price? Definitely!
Would I purchase again? I have, and I imagine I will again.

Cruelty-Free? Yes - appears on PETA's Cruelty-Free list.

Where to find it: MAC in store and online. 

MAC - Eyeshadow in Sable

***Pictures and Swatches Coming Soon!***

If I had to pick one MAC shadow to use for the rest of my life for neutral daytime looks, I think this would have to be it. It's a lovely shimmery dusty rose colour that makes my hazel eyes really stand out. It can be blended with brown, pink or purple shadows to create a variety of looks - it even looks great on its own.

I've received a number of compliments when wearing this shadow recently, and find that it's so easy to work with that it's great for quick work looks. Because it's understated it blends with minimal effort on my pale, NW20 skin.  If you have pale colouring and hazel or green eyes this would probably be a wonderful shade for you, though it would likely look good with pretty much any eye colour and the shimmer would make it look amazing on darker skintones as well. Definitely a favourite!

Ratings:
Packaging: 4/5
Product quality: 5/5
Worth the price? Definitely!
Would I purchase again? Yes, over and over again!

Cruelty-Free? Yes - appears on PETA's Cruelty-Free list.

Where to find it: MAC in store and online. 

MAC - Chromeglass

L-R: Chromaliving, Metalberry, Technobeet, Hot Chrome!, Already Fab!, Prize Shine

I absolutely love this formula. I have been experimenting with a brighter lip lately, and Absolutely Fab! Chromeglass is now my favourite lip product, hands down. I love that this is not at all sticky, the chrome finish means you don't need a lot for a shimmery finish, and as it fades you are left with a lovely stain - and it fades evenly.

 L-R: Chromaliving, Metalberry, Technobeet, Hot Chrome!, Already Fab!, Prize Shine

I've read a lot of complaints about the applicator, and it definitely does pick up a LOT of product. However, I've found that if you just place several dots along the lips and then rub it in with your finger, it doesn't really matter. You can also layer it to whatever brightness/darkness you want in this manner. Because you need so little of it, it will last a really long time. I wish they would re-release it! Overall I LOVE this stuff!

Ratings:
Packaging: 4.5/5
Product quality: 5/5
Worth the price? Yep.
Would I purchase again? I wish! Sadly, it's discontinued.

Cruelty-Free? Yes - appears on PETA's Cruelty-Free list.

Where to find it: If you find it, let me know where!