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Friday, 22 April 2016

First Impressions: New Drugstore Makeup


You may remember last week when I popped up this post all about some new bits 'n' bobs I picked up that are 'New In At The Drugstore'. Alongside those items I also hauled a few others which weren't necessarily new to Boots and Superdrug, but were more new to myself and so a couple of days ago I finally got round to gathering them all together and slapping each one on my face to see just what they're all about. Wanna know my thoughts? Carry on reading...

First off I gave the Rimmel #InstaFlawless Tinted Primer a go. This can be worn underneath makeup like a traditional primer would or it can be worn alone and as I wanted to see how it works all by itself (as this was the way I was planning on using it) I went for the latter option. What can I say - this did not impress me at all. I picked up the lightest shade available, but upon squeezing some out the tube was met with a rather dark, orangey-toned cream that I instantly knew had no chance of matching my paler complexion. I persevered and applied some to my face with my fingers as I would a normal primer but it turned out just as bad as I was expecting. I'm all for products that give a hint of tint that just makes you look a little more tanned and healthier, but with this I basically looked like I'd been Tangoed. I wanted to use all of these things at once and see how they wore throughout the day, but with this I just had to take it off straight away - it was that bad. It's a shame as I'd imagine with the right colour this could have been quite nice to use as I really liked the texture and finish, but unless that happens at some point this gets the thumbs down from me. Next up for base is another Rimmel product - their Match Perfection Concealer. Luckily, I got on much better with this stuff so prepare for a rave this time rather than a rant! I picked this up on recommendation from Alix of I Covet Thee after hearing her going on about how much she adores it time and time again and after trying it myself, I can see why. I was dubious as to whether I'd get on with the packaging set-up, with it having one of those brush-on applicators, but it actually works rather well as you squeeze out the product as opposed to twisting it up. The colour I went for - '010 Ivory' - is a pretty spot-on colour match for me and the consistency is lovely. It reminds me of my faithful Collection Lasting Perfection in that it's got a creamy formula and scores pretty high in the coverage stakes; but I actually find it be a little easier to blend and slightly more hydrating and forgiving on the skin (especially under the eyes). It's too early to say if I (shock horror) prefer it, but it's definitely become a new favourite concealer of mine. Concluding the base section of this post and moving more into the 'finishing' arena is yet another item from Rimmel - I promise the rest of this post will feature other brands! They're certainly on a roll right now, as once again it's something that I rather like and it is the Sculpting Palette by Kate. Rimmel have finally jumped on the whole contouring bandwagon and brought out their own product to add to the already-well-saturated table and actually, I think it's a pretty good offering. You get a blusher, contour/bronzer and a highlighter all in one handy compact and they're all equally lovely. The highlighter is sheer (but that's only in comparison to the uber-pigmented likes of my trusty Mary-Lou Manizer) though it can be built up and the actual formula itself is super finely-milled, dispersing a nice champagne-tinged glow. The coral-toned blusher also has some shimmer to it, but again it's barely there and the colour is rich and pigmented and ideal for Summer; while the contour shade is my personal favourite of the whole palette. It's light and ashy in tone, so works super well at giving shape and structure to the face and this time it's a completely sparkle free zone - winner!

Onto all things eyes-related and I  before I move onto the stuff that's actually for the peepers themselves, I have one item for the brows to show you lovely lot today. In what I promise to be the last feature of Rimmel in this post - it is their Brow This Way Brow Highlighter. This comes in a crayon-type format and is actually the first product of its type that I've trialled out, but I rather like it. It's just the right size to basically draw round your brows with, has a lovely creamy consistency that doesn't drag or pull in any way and is really easy to blend out and the champagne colour is right up my street. It's not super glittery like I was worried it would be, it just adds a subtle sheen that doesn't make it overly obvious you've used anything at all and doesn't contrast too heavily with my skintone. Then for the actual eyes I have one new product that I've been trialling out recently and it is the L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara. Again, this purchase came after hearing Alix rave about this stuff one too many times and it just so happened that the most recent time also coincided with me needing to buy a new mascara so naturally - this was the one I went for. And let me tell you - I am so, so glad I did. This is definitely one of the best mascaras I've ever tried - I think I may even just slightly pip my beloved ones from Maybelline to the post. I know, I know. This really delivers on the length front - giving me lashes that basically go on forever. Unlike some more lengthening mascaras I've tried though, this also packs a punch in the volume department too and adds a lot of drama. My lashes look thick and full, but still separated and defined and they have a gorgeous curl to them even without using an eyelash curler beforehand. All in all, this just does everything I look for in a mascara - I can see this becoming a new major love of mine...

Finally we come to lips and if you had a read of that 'New In At The Drugstore' post in question, you'll know exactly what I'm about to mention - the new Bourjois Souffle de Velvets. From what I read, these are being marketed as being a lip product that's similar to the Rouge Edition Velvets's in that they deliver a matte finish - but with a more sheer colour payoff and hydrating finish. I picked up the shade 'Fuschiamallow' - a pretty bright blue-based pink - to try out and so far, so good. I'd definitely say they live up to my expectations - they certainly feel very similar in application to the Rouge's, with the same comfortable, almost bouncy feel on the lips; but the pigmentation is definitely on the more transparent side of things and while the finish is still matte, it certainly feels a little more balm-like on the pout. They're not as hardy in the longevity stakes I don't think, but considering the nature of the product this doesn't concern me too much as they wear down really evenly and can easily be layered over and topped-up. I actually love how these differ from the Rouge Edition Velvets - they're more of a low maintenance option, ideal for when you just want a touch of colour on the lips and also perfect for the warmer months when you want a long-lasting finish but nothing that's too moisture-zapping.

So overall, not a too bad result with mainly loves and only one item which I think is a definite 'leave'. I think of all the ones I did get along with I found some right 'ole gems in there and I'm looking forward to experimenting and using them even more! Have any of you lovely lot tried any of the items I mentioned, or have you spotted anything you fancy giving a go?

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