Saturday 21 December 2013

Kat Von D - True Romance Eyeshadow Palette in Ludwig (Review & Swatches)



The Kat Von D Ludwig True Romance Eyeshadow Palette is a shimmer and matte combo eyeshadow palette that is apart of the True Romance Palette Collection. This palette and collection is solely exclusive at Sephora.  This product is priced at $43/$36 (CDN/USD) for 0.05 oz per eye shadow (8 eyeshadows included).

This palette is packaged in a sleek sturdy plastic (black) casing, with a snap to close lid.  The compact has a beautiful stenciled imagery of roses (reminds me of a tattoo). As mentioned before it includes eight shadows (plus two applicators).

This palette includes a range of nudes to hues of green (2)- Perfect for a smoky eye. The eyeshadow formula has an infusion of rose extract which is hydrating to the eyelids. This is easily a day to night palette.

Swatches:  Single Swatch and no blending

 Flash
No Flash

Texture: Super soft and silky to the touch.
Pigmentation: 5/5
Scent:  Has a soft powdery rose scent (barely recognizable).
Application: Due to the texture this product is very easily blendable.
Fall out:  There is fall out (as with all eyeshadows) but this product stays on the lid (even better if you use a shadow primer).

Tips:  The applicator this product comes with, isn't the best for applying the actual eyeshadow to the lid, crease or brow bone.  Better used as a liner brush!

The Eyeshadows - (listed left to right):


Lucifer (matte charcoal black)
Orbi (shimmer golden green)
Dimebag (metallic lime green)
Clay (shimmer beige with gold)
Tequila (metallic cornsilk shimmer)
Downtown (metallic light copper shimmer)
 Baroque (shimmer golden bronze)
Leather (matte deep chocolate brown)

Flash
No Flash


Final Thoughts: If you love mattes, you may not like this palette as it only contains two mattes colours (Lucifer and Leather).  However, as someone who loves
working with frost, shimmer, metallic, glitter and matte; I find this palette to be so versatile (especially if looking for a neutral eye).  Definitely, check out
Kat Von D True Romance Eyeshadow Palettes, I'm sure there is one to suit your needs; plus with such a formula and colour pay off, your sure not to be disappointed.

Do you own any of the True Romance Palettes?



Thursday 12 December 2013

Iman Time Control- Under Cover Agent Oil Control Primer

This is a good everyday primer, especially if you have combination to oily skin.  The consistency of this product is that of a thick serum.  It is easy to spread and therefore blend. The staying power of this primer is fantastic even on oily skin (I blotted once throughout the day in cooler temperatures). For $15/$24 (USD/CDN) you will get 40 ml of product presented  in a sleek  squeeze tube that has a pump attached.

Tips: Ensure that primer is fully dried before proceeding with liquid foundation/pressed powder. This will ensure a smooth and flawless application.

Pros: The primer feels lightweight and smooth upon application.  Perfect for an everyday primer (keeps shine away while it slightly fill pores for a somewhat flawless look).

Cons: Product has a slight scent.  Does not last all day (12 hrs on the go).  I found I personally had to blot my T-zone once (within Canada we are experiencing cooler temperatures).  The price is a bit high for a primer that is not considered highend.

Final thoughts: This product creates a matte base for your makeup application. After doing some research it came to my attention that the product also contains peppermint and chamomile extracts which is said to soothe skin (no noticeable peppermint scent found in product). The formula of the product is color-free, therefore it won't alter your foundation shade. Overall, I would suggest this product (especially for everyday use-not special events).




Sunday 1 December 2013

Jamberry Nails (Initial Review)

I am such a fan of nail art. Whether it be done in a salon, at home or using nail stickers.  Jamberry is an 'all over' nail wrap that can easily be applied from the comfort of your home.  With 6 simple steps to apply, this vinyl nail wrap is not made of nail polish.

The wear longevity of this product is said to be 2 weeks for nails and approximately 4 weeks for the toes.  With the likelihood of no chipping.  This is great for the woman on-the-go, who always wants that manicured look.

The application (my experience)

As I set up the required tools for application which included  a nail file, cotton pad + alcohol (or alcohol wipes) and a hair dryer; I thought to myself this would be tedious.  I soon found, out I was wrong. It was a quick easy process with no trimming of the product required (fit my nail bed perfectly).  When it came to trimming the ends off, to fit the length of your nails I found this part a little tricky.  Due to the material of the wraps, it was a bit difficult to get the wrap to lay smoothly on the tip of the 'free edge' on the nail (eventually I got it to work-by warming the wrap while it was on my nail and adding more pressure). However everywhere else the wrap applied and laid smoothly with no appearance of lifting. 

Tips for application:

-  Ensure there are no oils or residue on your nails for the best application.  

-  Use your blow-dryer on the highest heat to warm up the wraps properly (heat needed to activate the adhesive). 

-  When holding the wraps during this step,  I held it with tweezers because I found the air too hot to hold it with my bare hands.


Initial thoughts:

Love the product.  You can get intricate designs done quickly (they offer lots of patterns from simple to intricate in many colours).  I have worn this wrap for over 3 days and so far I really do like it (and I am amazed it is still on since I use my hands a lot).

They always have amazing deals on these nail wraps (so contact your closest Jamberry Nail representative).  Plus Christmas is right around the corner and this is a great stocking stuffer!

After application: 


Have you used Jamberry Nails?


A two week final review will be done.



*Disclosure: This is a sponsored review from a Jamberry Nail Consultant.  The product was not bought, but given for my honest review. Therefore all opinions are my own.