empties #19

another batch of used-to-the-last-drop products and my review on each one. I hope my experience with these products can give you a bit more data for your next purchases – as subjective as each person’s experience and preferences may be.

*you can use my affiliate code with Sweetcare to get free samples with your purchase GIFTSOLANGE

Iconic London Blurring Skin Tint . Up Close and Poresonal

this is an Up Close and Poresonal, my friends! where I do a thorough wear test, show you how the complexion product performs on my face with regular check-ins and no filters (should go without saying, but ’tis what ’tis), and at the end of the day compare the product’s performance against its claims.
I’m the only test subject, so it’s as subjective as it comes, but if you have tastes and concerns similar to mine, maybe you can infer some useful conclusions.

so hop on the video and enjoy a day spent with the Iconic London Super Smoother Blurring Skin Tint.

I have shade Neutral Light – I always advise doing some swatches and tests in store whenever possible and, better yet, getting a sample and try before committing.

At the time of this post, it retails for 30-34€ and you can find it at Feelunique, Cult Beauty and Beauty Bay (always compare prices!)

for reference: my skin is combination/oily, smooth in texture bar the pores, with occasional hormonal breakouts (which have been under control), hyperpigmentation (which I like to cover) and worn like a 43 year old skin can be – so yes, some wrinklage.

I prefer a natural/satin/luminous finish but without feeling too sticky or slide-y, a versatile medium coverage that can be sheered down or built up without caking, and, being an analog human who lives life in the non-digital world, I crave for long-wearing power (10 hours is my gold standard) and fading with dignity instead of a frazzled meltdown. I don’t mind a learning curve nor adjusting some steps to make it perfect, but at the end of the day it has to be worth my time and money, and, more importantly, if it’s not compatible with my sunscreen, it’s the end of the road for us.

Oden’s Eye Mystery Box

On a post-surgery haze, I decided to treat myself to a mystery box, of all things.

Oh, what a treat to play with make up I knew nothing about! Well, I do love Oden’s Eye as a whole and have collected several of their products over the last year or so – I wouldn’t have gone blind on just a random box like that, I’m not completely deranged – but I did not know what was coming my way when purchasing this mystery box, and it allowed me to dive into the brand even further.

did this go a bit against my Make Up Reset kind of mood? yes, but variety is the spice of life and any products I don’t feel I’ll use will easily find new homes in my friend’s collections.

a life update

whilst applying make up ;)

empties #18

another month, another (small) round of empties. my full thoughts on products I’ve used up in their entirety.

high coverage but make it natural

for those days when I want to cover more stuff, there’s an old technique and type of product I resort to.
after my latest laser treatment for my melasma, I had a couple of days when I had some social engagements and work when I felt like covering the post-treatment marks. as someone who doesn’t have all the time in the world for pin-point covering each and every mark but also doesn’t feel like slapping on a full coverage and call it a day, revisiting this technique and achieving pretty dang good (long-lasting) results in such a short amount of time spent in front of a mirror, I thought it would be nice to share how I do it in case someone out there finds it useful.

products used:

(please remember the main thing is to find a good colour match for your skin tone and a more elastic-creamy foundation, no need to run and buy everything I used!)

Danessa Myricks Vision Cover Foundation in TYO2 (the yellow brightening shade) and N4.5
KVD Lock It Setting Powder (any loose powder that isn’t too caked will do)
Natasha Denona My Dream Trio Cheek Palette (absolutely optional, but these products don’t lift my foundation)

London beauty haul

telling the tales and showing you a full face of my recently purchased beauty products I got in London.

beauty travel bag

all the goodies I’m bringing to London in one sleek travel bag!

travel bag from Cult Beauty

skin . body . hair

make up

*affiliate link, get a free kit of 5 samples with the code GIFTSOLANGE