Essence Longlasting Lipstick: Matt Wanted

Hello ladies! I already talked about a few lipsticks from this line, it's essence's longlasting lipsticks. Most of them do not have a matt finish; however, recently they came out with some matt ones. I already reviewed two matt shades, and now here is the one that's left: no. 18, Matt Wanted.

Type of product: dark red semi-matt finish lipstick

Brand: essence

Product name: Longlasting lipstick, no. 18, matt wanted!

Price: 20 kn (3.8g)

Rating: 5/10

Would I repurchase: Probably not, this shade is not my cup of tea.

My opinion: First of all, I don't think this lipstick can be qualified as longlasting: you can get 4 hours out of it, but not even that much if you're drinking or eating. I like the packaging and the shape of the lipstick because it's easy to work with. Application is easy, this shade (as all of their lipsticks) easily slides onto your lips. I'm not loving this shade as much as I love no. 14 (no.14 is also a matt red shade). This shade is all sorts of wrong for my skin tone. I do not usually wear such dark red shades. It's not an ugly shade, don't get me wrong, it's just sort of a dark, deep wine-red which is not what I usually go for. I just don't wear similar shades, so I guess I don't like how this looks on me (it would look nicer on a tan person, IMO). Another thing I do not like is how much it accentuates the dry parts of my lips. It literally makes every line stand out. And the finish is not a creamy-matt, it's more of a matt with a metallic-shine crust on top of it. This sort of an unusual finish has made a few girls say it's not really a matt shade. It is, but it's like it has a oil-spill effect to it. I'm not liking it. When I wear this shade, I usually apply it, and then dab some of it off with a tissue so that I'm only left with a stain, because that way it doesn't look as heavy as it does when you do not dab most of it off. Below you can see the swatches, and I also compared it to the 'brother shade', the no.14 from the same line. No. 14 is a much better fit for me, and I like it a lot better. Unlike no. 14 which has a strong pink undertone, this shade is all red.

This product is for you if: If you're looking for a darker shade of red, and you have a budget. If you're just starting with matt lipsticks, this range is great for beginners.

You should avoid this product if: If you have Catrice (or better) matt lipsticks - because after those, this one's formula will be a disappointment. It's not a total disaster, it's workable, but there is a notable difference in quality.

Links: CLICK HERE to check out my review of the other two matt shades from this essence line.

Comparison: I compared both red matt shades from this line: no. 18 and no. 14. Personally, I prefer no. 14, it's a better fit for my skin tone, and I like the formula a little better.

Hopefully this post was helpful. I'm not so crazy about this shade, I prefer no. 14. However, this essence line is great because you have a wide variety of good lipsticks for such a cheap price. And brand new shades are coming to the range soon (I'm really excited about some nude ones). However, I prefer Catrice's matt lipsticks when it comes to drugstore brands available here.

Thanks for stopping by, don't forget to follow me on Facebook and my other social media.

Love, J.

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Essence, Match2cover! Cream Concealers, Review

Hello! Today I'll talk about a great concealer with light to very light coverage that I'm using on a daily basis. Effortless blending is the main thing I love about this product. And while some love to hate this concealer, it perfectly fits my daily needs, so I have no problem recommending it. Continue reading to find out why this product is great for you if you have to put make up on in a hurry.

Type of product: light coverage cream concealers

Brand: essence

Product name: match2cover! cream concealer, shades 10 natural beige and 20 soft beige

Price: 23 kn /2.3g (shade no.20 is going on sale soon)

Rating: 8/10 (if you need light coverage), bad rating if you need more coverage

Would I repurchase: Yes

My opinion: Let me explain why I love this product and what I use it for. I do not have significant flaws on my face, a few blemishes or redness here and there. And most of the days, if I'm just running errands, I do not put on foundation, I only use this product and setting powder. This product is perfect for me because I'm always late (sorry to the people who have to wait for me), and I usually need to apply make up in a hurry. That's why this product works for me so well: the texture is very creamy and light, and it's so easy to blend. I just dab it here and there and it effortlessly blends into my own skintone (that is, no.10 fits me better, no.20 is a bit too dark for me). Anyways, I hide all my blemishes in under 2 minutes. I have oily skin, so this will eventually slide off my face in 4-5 hours. But by that time I'm usually back home and taking my makeup off. Shade no.20 is leaving the range in this current sale, I believe the reason is because the colors are a little bit too dark for light skin girls. The shades in no.10 are a lighter nude shade with a yellow undertone, and a very light nude shade, while in no.20 there is a darker tone (for tan people) and a nude shade with a pink undertone. Testers for these products are available, so please, don't be gross and dip into the items someone might purchase (women in Croatia do this gross thing all the time, btw). I usually do not mix two shades together, but use individual shades (works for me). I do not use this under my eyes (too creamy for that), instead I use it for blemishes or red corners of my nose, etc. These concealers do not provide a matt finish.

Conclusion: This product suits my needs perfectly, and that's why it's found its way into my daily routine. If you have zero to mild imperfections, this might be a product you'd enjoy. If you have significant imperfections and need high coverage, I don't think this product will make you happy. It's great for in a hurry, also great to take anywhere with you, so you can fix your imperfections withing a minute. I'm loving it. So, though they are not what they are advertised to be (not high coverage, and not matt), they fit my needs just fine.

This product is for you if: If you need light coverage that blends easily and is great for when you're in a hurry.

You should avoid this product if: If you need long lasting or high coverage, or if you have significant flaws to cover.

Swatches: Colors are accurate, but these are the non-blended shades. Texture is light, so they blend into your skin tone easily.

See how creamy the texture is and how easy it is to work with. No need to warm it up between your fingers, it slides right on:

 Swatches:

Have you tried this product? Loving it or hating it? Let me know in the comments, and thanks for stopping by.

Love, J.

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Essence 'Hello Autumn' Eyeshadow Palettes - Review

Ola loves! It's been a long time since I was this excited over a limited edition. Essence released a limited edition 'Hello Autumn' which was wonderful to behold: all the shades I adore, and all this in the cutest packaging ever. You can check out the entire collection HERE and HERE. Today I bring you the reviews of two eyeshadow palettes that are a part of this beautiful collection - they're so cute, right?

I love these palettes. The packaging is sturdy and strong , this is the same packaging as the Catrice Nude and Matt palettes. You get a sponge applicator with the palettes, but I've never been a fan of those so I don't really use them. I suggest using eyeshadow base with these palettes because it really makes the colors pop and last longer. When it comes to pigmentation, each shade is different. Some have stronger pigmentation, others have very weak pigmentation. When it comes to the shades that are not that pigmented, it makes a world of difference if you apply them with a wet or a damp brush. No two shades are identical in these two palettes, though some may look similar. Both these palettes offer shades with sparkle and glitter particles, so they will not suit you if you're trying to avoid glitter. These shades really stand out. Application is very easy, and the shades are easily blendable and easy to work with. Overall, I've fallen in love with these palettes. Price: 32,90 kn

Essence, Hello Autumn, eyeshadow palette, 01 Walk in the park

This one is my favorite out of the two. I love the Ombre look of the palette, and I think you all know I'm a nut for golden and bronze shades. The texture of the eyeshadows is dusty and this palette contains lots of tiny sparkles and glitters and shimmer. Now on to the individual shades, and swatches are below:

1: White and shiny (has tiny sparkles that shimmer in the sun), with a pearl-effect and a metallic-like shine, has weaker pigmentation (suitable for brow-bone area)

2: A gold shade with a bronze undertone, good pigmentation, contains tiny shimmer particles

3: This is a 'true' bronze shade, though a bit lighter; has good pigmentation, a metallic-effect, and contains tiny gold shimmer

4: Copper bronze shade, great for the crease area, contains tiny shimmer particles

5: Brown with a gold shine, has a metallic effect, good for the outer V-corner

6: Brown-oak shade, with metallic effect and silver sparkles (has a silver shine), good pigmentation

Essence, Hello Autumn, eyeshadow palette, 02 Keep calm & go for a walk

At first I wasn't sure if I should get this palette or not (since I'm not a big fan of green eyeshadow), but the bronze shade (no.3) makes it worth it to me. I think this palette is visually less appealing than the first one (or maybe that's just me, since I love bronze shades), but it's still cute. A lot more glitter and shimmer in this palette, though. Individual shades review and swatches are below:

1: Shimmery white shade with a pearl effect and a strong metallic effect, very strong white tone, good for the inner corner of the eye, very dusty

2: Yellowish golden shade, with a metallic effect, dusty, somewhat weaker pigmentation

3: A dark bronze with gold sparkles, has strong pigmentation, contains tiny shimmer particles, this is my favorite shade from both palettes

4: An 'evil' shade of green (a villain's shade), strong metallic effect, easy application, good pigmentation

5: Weak green shade, contains lots of gold sparkles, has a metallic-like effect and oil-spill effect (color-wise), has the weakest pigmentation in this palette, suitable for the lower lash-line

6: Black with a blue glow, contains visible gold glitter, has super strong pigmentation, and it almost has a matt-finish

What essence says about these products: ''The eyeshadow palettes offer six long-lasting autumn colors in the combinations gold-brown and beige-green with various effects ranging from semi-matt to metallic. The double-ended applicator is included in the set and guarantees easy application and blending.''

Comparison: Though some shades may seem similar on the promotional photos, or on the swatches, no shades are true 'twins'. For instance, shade 3 from 02 palette is not the same as shade 4 from 01 palette (shade 4 is brighter), and it's still not similar to shade 5 from the 01 palette, because shade 5 has weaker pigmentation.

Shade 2 from the 02 palette is not the same as shade 2 from the 01 palette (this one is more golden), nor is it similar to shade 1 from the 01 palette (this shade is more white, and it's better pigmented).

The shades that are the most similar are 1 (01) and 1 (02), however, 1 (02) is a tad whiter (better pigmentation), and 1 (01) is more nude, or beige white.

I'd say if you're into eyeshadows that have a matt finish, or if you want very strong pigmentation, you will not find what you're looking for here. However, if you're a palette nut like me, if you love gold and bronze shades, this is something to buy. I think the 01 palette will be great to take with me when I'm traveling.

The rest of the collection is also to die for, everything is cute and hard to resist. This collection has already hit Muller stores, and it's just arriving to dm's in Croatia. Will you grab anything? Other than the palettes, the things that have caught my eye are the eyebrow sets, blushes and the gorgeous bronzer. Overall, this has to be the prettiest essence limited edition in the last 2 years. Would you agree?

Thanks for stopping by, see you guys soon! Don't forget to follow me on facebook, bloglovin' or GFC.

Love, J.

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Catrice Absolute MATT Eyeshadow Palette: Swatch And Review

Hey everyone! When I saw the promotional photos, I knew I had to have this product: the gorgeous Catrice Absolute Matt Eyeshadow Palette. I already had Nude (but I skipped Bright because it sucks, LOL) so I needed this to complete my 'collection'. When Nude came out, I immediately said how happy I'd be if there was a matt version - and here it is! Yaay! I am a palette 'nut', so naturally I love this product and I've been enjoying it so much!

Type of product: Eyeshadow palette, 6 matt shades
Product name: Catrice, Absolute Matt Eyeshadow Palette, 010 Eyes Wide Matt
Price: 39,90 kn (6g of product)
Where to purchase: Muller (Croatia)
Rating: 10/10
Would I repurchase: Yes
My opinion: Let me start off by saying I've been really enjoying this palette and I use it almost daily. It's just what I was looking for: the colors are soft and easily blendable. Now, when it comes to palettes, I love them all, so it's hard to be objective, but I'll give it a try. The packaging is sturdy and you can bring it with you without fear of it breaking. All the shadows have basically the same texture, which is quite powdery (soft surface and a bit dusty). At first I was afraid that there would be a ton of fallout on my cheeks while applying these shadows. However, I was wrong and have no fall-out problems. All the shades are matt and give a matt finish which I adore. The colors have the same durability as any Catrice matt eyeshadows (which is pretty good). I always use eyeshadow base though, so I can't say how they behave without the base. Application is easy. Now, on to the individual shades:

1: A soft white matt shade. I do not use it under my brow (too light for me), but I do use it for the inner corners of my eye. The shade isn't very pigmented, so it's great for me, since I don't like the chalk-look. This shade is barely visible on my skin if I apply a thin layer.

2: A nude-pink shade. Barely visible on my fair skin. This is the shade I use under my brow: it's a very nice matt highlight shade.

3: A light brown with a hint of a rose undertone. This shade is very light (none of the shades are very pigmented, they're light, which makes them easily blendable and great for everyday; also great for when you're in a hurry and want a little smokey eye, but don't want to look like a panda).

4: A nude brown shade, with a purple undertone (visible in the sun). This shade is everything, it's my favorite in the palette.

5: A true brown, great for inside the crease.

6: A dusty brown-black shade (again, not with strong pigmentation). It seems black, but again, lacks the intensive pigmentation to be very black, so it still looks more brown-ish.

Conclusion: I love all my palettes, but I've been using this one a lot. It's just what I was looking for: great for an everyday look, the shadows are really matt (which I love). The ''lack'' of pigmentation is a plus for me, since I needed some matt eyeshadows with light pigmentation to use in a hurry. The shadows are easily blendable, and, despite I was afraid this might be the case, there isn't a lot of fallout on my cheeks. Also, you can apply just a little, or you can build up the colors for a more dramatic look. Overall, I'm happy with this palette because I got exactly what I was looking for.
This product is for you if: If you love matt eyeshadows, if you're into the Kylie Jenner look, or if you love Catrice eyeshadows.
You should avoid this product if: If you don't like matt eyeshadows, if you're looking for shimmery eyeshadows, or if you need eyeshadows with very strong pigmentation.
Swatches: I'd say the swatches are true to real colors. The eyeshadow base goes through the middle of the swatches - it makes a slight difference.
Links: My review of the Catrice NUDE palette HERE

Catrice Limited Edition Palette review HERE

Here is the brush that comes with this palette, it's quite similar to the brush from the NUDE palette. Nice try Catrice, but I honestly take out these brushes and I never use them. They're just not my thing.

As far as comparisons go, I do not have the BRIGHT palette (because it sucks), but I do have the NUDE one. Honestly, there's no point in comparing them: one is full of matt shades, the other is full of shimmery shades. I love both palettes, so pick and choose what you prefer. Obviously, all the shades are different.

So, this product arrived in Muller about a month ago, but they still did not have testers out. However, I think they put out most of the testers last week, so hopefully now you can check out this palette before buying it. I know many of you loved the NUDE palette, I wonder if the MATT palette will have the same effect. Will you get it? Are you excited about this palette? Let me know, and thanks for stopping by.

love, J.

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Avon, 'Two Timer' Ruž Za Usne, Recenzija

Pozdrav! Danas brbljam s vama o jednom (tj. dva u jednom) Avonovom ružu kojeg sam uzela prije nekoliko mjeseci. To je 2 u 1 ruž, dvije različite nijanse u istom proizvodu. Hm, zvuči dobro, ali u stvarnosti je dosta zeznut za korištenje. Makar, iz njega mogu izvući 5 različitih look-ova (znači da ipak nije za baciti).

Tip proizvoda: Ruž za usne (2 nijanse u 1 proizvodu), lagane 'glossy' teksture (podsjeća na melem)

Ime proizvoda: Avon Colortrend, Naughty or Nice ruž za usne, nijansa 'Two Timer'

Cijena: 17 kn (cijena se mijenja sa svakim katalogom)

Ocjena: 5/10

Kupila bih ponovno: Meeh, nije me se previše dojmio, pa ne bih.

Moje mišljenje: Što se tiče pakiranja, ruž dolazi u čvrstom pakiranju i može ga se nositi sa sobom u torbi (neće se raspasti). Dizajn pakiranja je sladak (ovo neko nacrtano cvijeće, I'm feeling it LOL). Naravno, ruž dolazi zamotan u zaštitnu foliju, pa znate da ga nitko nije dirao prije vas (amen!). Loša strana pakiranja je ta što dobijete dva ruža u jednom, a to je zeznuto kada ruž treba nanijeti. Nikako, ali baš nikako nisam u stanju nanijeti ovaj ruž direktno na usne (a bez da pomiješam boje). Znači, nanošenje kistom je jedina opcija, a ta opcija mi nije baš najdraža. Ruž ima slatkasti miris (parfemski) koji uopće ne cijenim. Što se tiče nijansi, nude nijansa mi se čak i jako sviđa. Dosta je prozirna, pa izgledam kao da nosim malo balzama za usne. Ova nijansa ima sićušan glitter u sebi i ruž se sakuplja u linijama usana nakon nekog vremena. Ako se stavi deblji sloj, ova nijansa ima onaj pearl-efekt koji ja nažalost dobro prepoznajem iz bisernog-labella (najgori look ikada). Što se tiče crvene nijanse, jako je kričava (flamenco crvena). Budući da mi je ova nijansa prekričava za svaki dan, nosim ju tako da prvo nanesem ruž, a zatim maramicom 'blottam' većinu ruža, i tako dobijem predivan (i nježan) blush-look (tada nijansa više nije crvena nego vuče na koraljnu). Zapravo mi je najdraži look kada prvo nanesem nude nijansu, a preko crvenu, koju utapkam prstima. Time se dobije jedan lagani 'tinted' look. Možda bi mi se ruž puno više sviđao da nema ove zeznute aplikacije. Obje nijanse su lagane teksture, klize po usnama, ali to istovremeno znači da neće dugo trajati (posebno ako jedete ili pijete).

Zaključak: Ima pozitivne strane, ali ne uživam previše u ovom proizvodu. Da se iskoristiti, ali ne veseli me kao neki drugi ruževi.

Ovaj proizvod je za tebe: Ako želiš dvije različite nijanse (i 5 različitih lookova) za 17 kn, a ne smeta ti nanositi ruž prstima ili kistom.

Izbjegavaj ako: Ako ti je bitna dugotrajnost, ako ne voliš slatkaste mirise ili ako si naviknuta nanositi ruž bez kistova.

Mogu pronaći nekoliko dobrih stvari kod ovog ruža, ali jednostavno ne uživam u njemu, a čak i kada dobro izgleda, svejedno čitavo vrijeme trpim taj preslatkasti miris. Proizvod ima dobrih strana , ali meni jednostavno ne odgovara. Je li itko probao ovu liniju ruževa? Prvo sam htjela uzeti onu narančasto-rozu verziju (Twisted Sister), ali sam odustala (narančasti ruž ipak nije za mene).

Hvala na čitanju, ne zaboravite me pratiti preko fejsa, twittera (za sve bitchy-gluposti) i preko bloglovina.

Love, J.

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Avon, Baza za sjenila, Recenzija

CROATIAN ONLY. Pozdrav svima! Danas donosim recenziju Avonove baze za sjenila, koju sam uzela zato jer su je (skoro) svi hvalili. Na kraju je ispalo da nisam baš oduševljena. Baza je OK, ali nije 'sveti gral' kakvim ga neki opisuju. Ovaj proizvod bi se mogao svidjeti svima vama koji padate na fancy-schmancy stvari hehe.

Podaci o proizvodu: Avon, eye shadow primer, nijansa 'Light Beige' (jedina dostupna kod nas)

Cijena varira od 25 do 35 kn (za 3g)

Proizvod dolazi u maloj kartonskoj kutiji, a ono što mi se jako sviđa kod Avonovih proizvoda jest sigurnost da ih nitko nije dirao prije vas (aleluja!). Pakiranje je jednostavno: staklena posudica i plastičan crni poklopac. Ne sviđa mi se staklena posudica, oblik joj je ovalan i nezgodan za nošenje, i preteška je za ovako sitan proizvod. Uvijek ju oprezno spuštam na površine, znajući da mogu nešto slomiti ovako teškim staklom. Poklopac dobro drži, bazu sam uzela u travnju i nije se sasušila (na fotkama korištenog proizvoda izgleda kao da se počela sušiti, međutim, baza je još uvijek u savršenom stanju).

Ovo mi je prva baza koja dolazi u kutijici (a ne u tubici), pa nisam bila sigurna hoće li mi se uopće svidjeti. Zeznuto ju je koristiti ako imate baš jako dugačke nokte, ali za sada bez problema vadim prozvod van. Ne znam zašto, ali osjećam se totalno FANCY kada apliciram ovu bazu na kapke. Kao, tapkam prstima, ovo-ono, zabavnije je nego s drugim primerima. LOL ''fancy'' baza! Tekstura baze je lagana, podsjeća me na 'moose' pudere. Nemam nikakvih problema s mirisom proizvoda ili iritacijom kože.

Imam jako masne kapke, imajte to na umu. Vjerujem da bi baza bila vrlo dobra nekome tko ima normalnu (a ne masnu) kožu. Nijansa je bež, ali sa snažnim rozim podtonom. Budući da nosim naočale, imam problema s masnim kapcima, jer mi masnoća pređe na trepavice i zmaže mi naočale (joj te naočale haha), tako da bazu uglavnom nosim svaki dan, čak i kad ne stavljam šminku. Baza izgleda fenomenalno sama po sebi. Ujednači mi boju kože, izgleda kao bež-vanilija sjenilo. Posebno dobro dođe ujutro, jer izgledam 'budnije' nego što stvarno jesam. Međutim, nakon 5-6 sati, sama baza mi se nakupi u pregibu i imam bež linije po kapcima (užas, jelda?). Pokušala sam koristiti manje i više proizvoda, definitivno vidim bolje rezultate s manjom količinom proizvoda, jer sa velikom količinom kapci mi izgledaju suhi i 'cakey'. Sama po sebi stvarno izgleda super, baza matira kapke i dobro se stapa s mojoj nijansom kože (nije mi presvijetla kao neke).

Produljeno trajanje sjenila? Hm...moram reći da ne, nije spektakularno. Jednom sam koristila ovu bazu za svadbu i u pregibu su mi se skupila sjenila. Tako da ono što pričaju neke cure, da im ova baza pruža apsolutnu trajnost šminke, za mene to ne vrijedi. Nakon nekog vremena, sjenila će se skupiti u pregibu u jednu veliku crtu.

Izgledaju li boje intenzivnije? Pa razlika je jedva vidljiva. Neke baze stvarno pružaju intenzivniju boju, ali s Avonom to jedva primjetim. Jedino ako je neko sjenilo jedva vidljivo, onda se s ovom bazom malo bolje vidi. Ali, ništa spektakularno. Kod svakog bolje pigmentiranog sjenila razliku nećete primjetiti.

Kako bi rekli, 'tresla se brda, rodio se miš'. Proizvod je ok, ali nikako nije savršen, nezamjenjiv ili fenomenalan. Neke stvari radi ok, neke radi lošije (masnoća na kraju ipak razmrlja sjenila). Najviše sam se nadala ne-masnim kapcima, a to se ne događa (posebno nije za heavy-duty dane, više od 12h itd.). Proizvod je u istom rangu essence ili sličnih baza po ovoj cijeni. Dala sam mu šansu, ali čak i ako nanesem samo bazu, sve se skupi u pregibu prije ili kasnije. Šteta, budući da je tako fancy, hehe.

Znam da puno vas koristi ovu bazu, što mislite - oduševljene ili ne? Kako funkcionira kod nekoga tko nema masne kapke? Nadam se da ću stići napisati još koji post ubrzo. Do tada, vidimo se.

Love, j.

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