Lime Crime Velvetines Review & Swatches

Before you all start raging at me...I already know all about Lime Crime/Doe Deree's dodgy reputation. I've read all the stories and yes I know "Bad Kimmy" for purchasing from them. I understand that people have been screwed over by them and sorry for that. 

But, in my personal opinion, the internet needs to calm down a bit. You're all acting as if Lime Crime/Doe Deree are killing puppies.

Anyways moving on from trying to absolve myself.

I have 4 Velvetines shades to talk about.

A friend was making an order from the Lime Crime site and asked if I wanted anything.

These cost $20 each

L to R - Salem, Red Velvet, Riot & Cashmere

Product Description

Texture of a rose petal... in a bottle! Velvetines go on liquid, but dry matte. Touch-proof, transfer-proof & utterly addictive.

Salem is a straight up deep chocolate brown. Makes for a great alternative vampy shade.

Red Velvet is a bright hot red. When first applied it looks to have orange undertones, but dries a little darker.

Riot before it was released was described as a "newtral" and I can see that. I'd described it as a muted mauve with coral undertones. This also dries a little darker than when first swatched.

Cashmere is a greyish taupe with lilac undertones. This is a completely unique shade in my opinion and it is beautiful.

Out of the 4 shades I have had Salem the longest. These bad boys are certainly touch proof and transfer proof. "Texture of a rose petal" however...it does have a matte velvety feel, but it's no rose petals.

They last a good 6 hours before I may need to touch up. However, like with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipsticks...ain't nothing going to survive a greasy meal.

There is one aspect to these that I am not a fan of and that is the scent.

I am super sensitive and choosy when it comes to scents. The Velvetines have a sickly sweet smell to them that I hate. So I'm having to hold my breathe when applying these haha. Most people probably would like the scent...I'm just difficult.

Luckily the Anastasia Liquid Lipsticks do not rape my nose.

Are these guys worth it?

They are lovely products, the packaging is cute and they do last a long time. Although, some of the shades are easily dupeable. So unless you're going to purchase one of the more unique out there shades such as Cashmere or Rave, I'd say you could probably go elsewhere.

Side note, I have to say that I was messed around by Anastasia with customs charges and such. But, I have never encountered a problem with Lime Crime.

I rate these babies a

8/10

Marks taken off for the scent.

Zoeva Rose Golden Luxury Brush Set Vol 2 Review

Zoeva Rose Golden Luxury Brush Set Vol 2

£56.95

I purchased this set from Love Make Up...why?

Jeez look at it!

I had actually been lusting over the first edition, but changed my mind when this set was released.

I much prefer the brush selection in this set compared to its predecessor.

104/Buffer Brush - This is a synthetic flat top kabuki. It is very comparable to the Sigma F80. However, I'm pleased to say this is actually better. The brush is the same size as the F80, though this brush is much denser and much much softer than the Sigma.

126/Luxe Cheek Finish - This is a paddle type brush that is made with a mix of synthetic and natural hair. Personally, not my favourite type of brush for blush. This brush can apply colour quiet intensely, so beware and use i a patting motion instead.

109/Luxe Face Paint - This is a flat contour brush. It is similar to the Real Techniques 301 Flat Contour. The RT is much more dense and soft, as it is made entirely of synthetic hair. The 109 is the synthetic/natural mix again, it is not as dense or soft and flays out a little more. For a sharp intense contour, I suggest the RT 301. For a more blended out contour, the 109 is perfect.

228/Luxe Crease - A fluffy crease brush, perfect for blending. The Sigma E40 has longer bristles. The problem with these Luxe finish brushes made of synthetic and natural, is that they loose their shape quickly. I have washed mine a handful of times and the bristles are out of shade and all flayed out. This is good for blending, but not if you require a precise look.

226/Smudger - Short bristle brush. This is synthetic and well packed. It is the perfect size for smudging work on the lower lash line.

234/Luxe Smoky Shader - Another luxe finish brush with a round taper. Around the same size as the Sigma E55. However, this brush is more suited for softer looks. For packing on colour, you're better off using the 226/Smudger.

317/Wing Liner - It is a slanted eyeliner brush. This brush is very fine and precise. However, I wish the angle wasn't quiet so harsh. As, it makes it a little awkward to maneuver. A more gentle angle would have worked better. 

322/Brow Line - This is a synthetic angled brow brush. I love this brush and use it every time I use the Anastasia Dip Brow. The bristles are short and form a long gentle angle. It is a great size brush that quickens application.

These brushes are much shorter than the Sigma brushes and the handle is very lightweight. I must admit, it does add a sense of bad quality to it.

The overall aesthetic of these brushes however are wonderful. I'm such a sucker for Rose Gold.

However, I would love these better if they were around £10 cheaper. Though I suppose the Rose Gold pouch that they come with adds to the cost. It's pretty, I would have liked an option to purchase minus the pouch.
If these weren't Rose Gold, I probably wouldn't have made the purchase.

They're a cute little splurge though.

I rate these brushes

6.5/10

It would have scored higher if they were all synthetic. I'm not big on the luxe/natural bristles.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipsticks Review & Swatches

There are a multitude of the liquid lipstick out on the market these days. From drugstore brands such as MUA and Rimmel. To higher end brands such as Lime Crime and Kat Von D.

To be honest I actually hate the feeling of matte lips. But, I can't deny the intensity and staying power of these liquid lipsticks.

So, I'm beginning to dabble in them.

Here I have the Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipsticks in Heather and Retro Coral.

Heathers is a rich neutral red. It's almost vampy, but not quiet.

I purchased this shade because 1. Heather...the name...I had to as it just reminded me of the film 'Heathers'.

2. It's a stunning shade. And who doesn't love a red.

Rerto Coral is an almost neon pastel coral. I purchased this shade as it's lovely fun shade perfect for spring. And perfect for creating cute KPop looks.

As you can see, the pigmentation is insane. But, just to warn you. You will have to make sure that your lips are exfoliated and well hydrated, as Retro Coral can accentuate lines on your lips.

The lasting power is fantastic. I have ate and drank with these on and they do not budge. However, you can't expect anything to last through a greasy meal like KFC.

I purchased these bad boys through the Anastasia website for $20 each, plus $17.95 shipping.

Unfortunately, on top of this I was charged with £15 customs. I blame Anastasia.

Why?

Because they marked the package at $1 value...really?....REALLY?

Of course customs is going to open it up and look if you mark it that low.

I did contact Anastasia about this but they were very little help.

So, just be aware of being hit with customs charges.

Though, you may get lucky and it just goes through without a hitch.

I think I shall wait until they are readily available in the UK before I purchase another.

I rate these

7/10

Marks taken off for Anastasia's unhelpfulness.

SOOTHING SISTA x MEMEBOX Eye Love SF Palette Review & Swatches

Product Description

Stephanie Villa AKA Soothing Sista has created 4 rose brown shades to be worn day or night for irresistible eyes!

From base to glitter, each shade has a smooth finish with double coated pigment technology for long lasting color. Paraben and cruelty free.

Sutro - Pale matte taupe

Valencia - Matte taupe with pinky brown undertones.

Candy Rain - Metallic cranberry.

Bae Area - Shimmery dusty pale pink.

A few individuals were disappointed that this palette wasn't more bright. I think they thought it would contain bright colours like Stephanie's hair.

Being a fan girl, I wasn't at all surprised. I knew she would choose rosy brown shades, as that is the colour she sports on her eyes the most.

Both matte shades in this palette are great soft transitioning shades. They are not intensely pigmented, though they still provide a decent pay off. However, they are a little on the powdery side.

The metallic/shimmer shades are very well pigmented, with great pay off.

None of these shadows feel soft and buttery to the touch, they have a more hard texture but still perform well.

I purchased this palette from Memebox before they stopped international shipping. This palette cost me $17. Which in my opinion is overpriced for just four shades.

But, I decided to purchase anyways, as I am a huge Soothing Sista fan.

Personally, I think they should have released this during the autumn/winter seasons.

This palette would create lovely fall appropriate looks.

Is this palette a must have?

If you're a Soothing Sista fan like myself, then yes.

However, if you're not. Then no.

These shades are easily dupeable and are similar to Urban Decay Naked 3 shades, which are a higher quality.

Overall, I do like this palette. It contains lovely wearable shades and I love how much effort Stephanie put into this. From the shade names, shade selection and the packaging.

I rate this palette

7/10

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Swatches

A pale peach infused with Dim Light.

This is a beautiful Spring/Summer shade, that adds a soft peachy glow.

This shade is more suited for fair to light-medium skin tones.

This shade was an absolute pain to swatch as it is more on the sheer side and you couldn't really tell it apart from my skin colour. So, I had to swatch it on top of foundation to make it more visible.

Ethereal Glow is a pale baby pink infused with Ethereal Light.

This is a very light shade, perfect for you fair maidens. For light-medium skin times it can skin still work, but may look ashy. I'm light-medium myself and I enjoy mixing this shade up with other colours as it adds a nice youthful glow.

As you can see, it is very pale and looks to have some lilac undertones to it. Not suitable for medium to deep skin tones.

Radiant Magenta a muted hot pink infused with Radiant Light.

This is an absolutely gorgeous pink shade that adds life back to the face.

This shade is even suitable for medium to deeper skin tones, as the pigmentation is great.

What a stunner!

I absolutely love this shade. It's just a perfect pink suitable for anyone.

These single blushes contain 4.2g of product each, compared to the blush palette which contain 3.3g of product per pan.

Single blushes cost £28 each.

And if you're interested in seeing my review for the palette...just click on this link here.

http://misspandaland.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/hourglass-ambient-lighting-blush.html

I am in love with all the Hourglass ambient products and I believe they are well worth the price. I hope they create more shades and palettes out of them, because I will definitely snap them up.

I have one more ambient blush shade to purchase, then I shall have all the shades. So keep your eye out for an update.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders Swatches

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

£56

Product Description

A stunning trio of Hourglass best-selling Ambient Lighting Powder collection containing two existing shades (Dim Light and Radiant Light) and one new limited edition shade (Incandescent Light).

Powders capture, diffuse and soften the way light is reflected on skin, brighten the appearance, and conceal imperfections, pores and wrinkles. Unlike traditional powders that use opaque pigments, Ambient utilizes "photo-luminescent technology"-micron-size,soft-focus particles that refract light and create transparent coverage. Universal powders make them suitable for every skin tone.

Paraben, talc, fragrance, nano-particle and gluten free.

These powders are very silky smooth to the touch and glide onto the skin beautifully. They aren't buttery soft, but they are easy to work with. However, they still have a tendency to kick up a little powder.
Each pan is 3.3g.

First off is Dim Light, it is described as a neutral peach beige powder that blurs imperfections and highlights a radiant complexion with a balance of warm and cool tones.

This shade matches my skin spot on and it does provide a nice blurring effect, almost like a soft focus look.

I enjoy using this shade all over.

Incandescent Light is exclusive to this palette only. It is described as an opalescent pearl powder that highlights the cheekbones and brightens the complexion with a celestial, holiday glow.

This shade contains the most shimmer out of the 3 shades. It is definitely more of a fine sparkle rather than a glow.

I prefer to use this shade lightly as a highlight on the brow bone and inner eye corners.

The final shade is Radiant Light. Described as a sun-kissed golden beige powder that enhances the overall complexion with believable, subtle warmth.

This is a beautiful shade that add's a very subtle warm glow to the face. I enjoy using this as a bronzer. For darker skin tones, this shade will work well more as a highlight.

L to R - Dim Light, Incandescent Light & Radiant Light

Diffused Light is described as a soft, warm, pale yellow powder that conceals redness and gives skin clarity like a soft ray of morning light.

I enjoy using this to set my under eye concealer. It does contain some micro shimmers that are barely noticeable. You can only see the shimmer if you're looking at yourself an inch away from the mirror. 

The ambient lighting powder singles are larger than the ambient lighting palette. And each contain 10g of product compared to the 3.3g in the palette.

The single powders cost £38 each.

I am absolutely in love with these powders and I pretty much use them every single time I apply make up. They just add a beautiful inner glow to the face without looking like you smacked your face into a bowl of glitter.

In my personal opinion they are absolutely worth the price and I will definitely be purchasing the remaining shades.

10/10 from me ^.^