L'Oreal True Match Foundation | New Formula [Review]

Ladies [and gentlemen], may I present you with my most favourite drugstore foundation to date: the L'Oreal True Match foundation. And this is a re-purchase! 

I got this bottle off Look Fantastic I think, so I don't know if they have this new bottle [and reformulation] on the Maltese stands.

There's quite a good shade range, so probably you'll find your perfect match. Mine is in Golden Beige, which I think is a tad too warm/too dark for my untanned skin, but I make it work.

Similarly to the old packaging, this also comes in a glass bottle with a handy pump, which dispenses a good amount of foundation. 

I also found that this newer formula is more liquid-y than the old one [or it just might be me]. As the packaging states, this is really super blendable - however I think that it is best to apply this with a stippling brush rather than with your bare hands [yes, I sometimes blend foundation with my hands] to get an airbrushed finish. Also, a little goes a long way - so it would be best to apply this a little at a time so that you can blend it easily [you'll see what I mean below]

Re: coverage - this is a medium coverage foundation which can easily turn to full coverage if you apply more than one layer [and you can do so without looking to caked up]. Having said that, I think that this new formula is more lightweight than the old version.

It doesn't really totally cover any redness, pigmentation or pimples - you would still need to use concealer to cover those up, but it does correct tone unevenness. 

The finish is neither dewy nor totally matte - it is somewhere in between - what I know is that it gives your skin a sort of healthy glow. However, I prefer to set this with a matte loose powder since I have combination/oily skin. Not only that, I think that setting this foundation is necessary in order to avoid having it melt off your face. 

I find that this does not make me super oily, but still over the day I find myself having to powder my nose to avoid excess shine. 

a really heavy swatch - oops!

In my opinion, this is one of the best drugstore foundations around, even though I do prefer the old formula to this one.

Love,

Lola

xxx

Lola Loves Sparkles International Giveaway! [Makeup | Thanks | December 2015]

Yay! It's time for another International Giveaway! It's been a year since my last one, and I thought that it was about time that I did another one. 

In this one I included some eyeshadows, blushers, and most importantly - some nude lipsticks!

Up for grabs are: 

Makeup Revolution Cream Blush in 'Wow!'

Essence Cosmetics Silky Touch Blush in 'Summer Dreaming'

NYX The Ultimate Pearl Eyeshadow in 'Ocean Pearl'

Catrice Ultimate Colour Lipstick in 'Nude-Tastic'

Essence Longlasting Lipstick in 'Only a Smile'

Essence Longlastic Lipstick in 'It's Nude Time!'

ELF Brightening Eye Colour Quad in 'Nouveau Neutral'

Makeup Revolution Pure Pigment in 'Rivalry'

TonyMoly Lip Scrub

You can enter this giveaway by using the Rafflecopter below, as simple as that! Only 3 entries are mandatory: Like my page on Facebook, follow me on Instagram and Leave a blog post comment. All the others are extra and some can be done daily to get you more chances of winning!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway will run from today till the 31st of January. I will announce the winner on a blog post and will send him/her an email, after which he/she will have 3 days to get back to me or I will have to choose another winner.

Good Luck!!

Love,

Lola

xxx

Skin Food Black Sugar Honey Wash Off Mask [Review]

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Koreans have some of the best face care products around. 

And so whenever I need any kind of masks or cleansers or anything else for that matter, I invariably turn to them.

This was also the case with this mask from Skin Food. It is called the Black Sugar Honey Mask Wash Off and I got it from HERE [I always use this seller, RubyRuby]

Like most of the Korean products, this also comes in simple, yet cute packaging. You get 100grms in a small tub with a screw on lid which has a honeycomb design.

As soon as you open it you can immediately detect the honey scent that this has. Good enough to eat! It is mixed with black sugar [both honey and black sugar are notorious for their feel good properties]

To use, you have to massage it on your cleansed, damp face, and leave it on for 10-15 mins.

What impressed me with this mask is that your skin is not left feeling dry or tight like with some other exfoliating based scrubs, but it felt very supple and moisturized.  

I guess that you can easily prepare a similar scrub [at a cheaper cost] at home, however this is a nice mask/scrub to own [if you're lazy].

Love,

Lola

xxx

Revlon ColorStay Foundation for Combination / Oily Skin [Review]

Let me start by saying that this Revlon ColorStay Foundation was one of the first ever foundations I had tried in my youth. I can easily remember my frustration at a lack of pump [or my lack of foundation brushes back then]. 

Anyway when I ran out of my L'Oreal True Match I decided to get this one instead [they have approximately the same price point in Malta, guessing between €16/18 a pop] 

I was pleased to see that there are two variations to this foundation: normal/dry and combination/oily. Of course I went for the latter. It is also available in a wide range of shades [20, if I'm not mistaken]

I got this around September and I chose the shade True Beige. Big mistake. This shade is extremely pink toned. And I'm olive and so this does not work well on my skin. What was I thinking?! Although it does look different under harsh lighting as opposed to natural lighting. In order to use it all up I will have to surely mix it with a BB cream or with a lighter foundation. 

Unlike other foundations, this does have a scent - to me it smells like old compact powders. 

It also has a very fast setting time - do not, and I repeat do not, dot this all over your face and expect to blend it. You have to apply this a bit at a time if you don't want to end up with streaky, unblended foundation. It does feel a bit sticky at first, but settles in quite nicely.

It gives a nice semi-matte finish and has normal coverage [which can turn to full coverage if you apply more than 1 layer]. It does not give a caked out look.

It has a slightly thick, quite runny consistency. 

Re: the 24hr longevity promise - I say blehhhh. I have yet to find a foundation which lasts that long - and in all honesty, who the heck wears foundation for 24hrs straight? Although it does wear for about 6/8 hours.

My main problem with this Revlon ColorStay Foundation is that it turns my face really really oily! No amount of setting powder can keep the oil at bay. Boo. 

I really just can't get they hype over this foundation! I will never re-buy and god knows when I'll finish this bottle up.

Have you ever used this foundation? Thoughts?

Lola

xxx

IMAGIC Flash Color Case Palette [EBAY | Review | Dupe]

A while back [I think it was around early October] Dyna [a local vlogger, check her out HERE] mentioned this IMAGIC Flash Color Palette in one of her Ebay Beauty Bargains, if I remember correctly. 

Of course, since I am an SFX makeup affecionada I just had to get this palette because 1) it looked like the MUF Flash Palette [which costs a whopping $99], and 2) I just couldn't resist owning a cream makeup palette.

I got this from HERE for around $16 including shipping.

It also comes in 2 other shades - a red/blue toned one which is also a MUF dupe [click HERE], or a concealer like one [check it out HERE]

So I just have to say that this IMAGIC palette is really really creamy and pigmented - no joke. When I first swatched this I just couldn't believe the amount of pigment that this has - even the silver and gold ones! What you see in the pan is truly what you get when swatched.

All the colours are easily picked up with a synthetic brush, and the colour payoff is amazing. They are super blendable as well - and they can be used in a multitude of ways:

1) You can use them on their own for normal facepainting

2) You can mix them with your foundation/concealer to get a custom shade

3) Use them for colour correction

4) Use them as an eyeshadow base

5) Use them as an eyeliner [but you would need to set them with an eyeshadow]

6) Use them as a lipstick

7) Use them as a blush

I believe that these are grease based paints, so you would need to set them with a powder in order for them not to slip and slide everywhere. However, they do last a long time - especially on the lips!

I truly think that if you are a makeup enthusiast, or you're just starting out as a Makeup artist, you should totally get this one.

Here is a bit of body painting [if I may call it that] which I did with this palette:

Until next time!

Lola

xxx

IMAGIC Liquid Lipsticks | Lip Paint | Ebay [Review]

You know how matte liquid lipsticks are all the rage [and have been all through 2015]. Different brands have come out with their own range, from high-end to low-end, from the good to the bad. 

It's always nice to find new products, especially when they're a bargain. And Ebay liquid lipsticks have been one of the latest bargain finds when it comes to liquid lipsticks. I have already reviewed and swatched some of the MeNow Generation liquid lipsticks [check out my review by clicking HERE], so when I stumbled across these IMAGIC Beauty Lipglosses [although they're anything but glossy] - I knew that I had to test them out. 

There are 12 shades in all, far less than the MeNow Generations ones, but the range is quite lovely.

I got shades 4, 9 and 11 from this seller HERE. They cost $2.59 / €2.30 including shipping.

They come packaged in standard lipgloss / liquid lipstick packaging - however the plastic is really thin and light, and you can definitely tell that it is a cheap product when you grab them.

They also have a standard applicator - [definitely not doe-foot] - this one is straight.

You get 8ml.

Unlike many other liquid lipsticks, these IMAGIC ones are not as thick, and have quite a runny consistency.

They also have quite a pleasant smell - nothing too overpowering, and definitely not plastic-y.

The applicator applies the product well, however I do think that it is best to use a lipliner before using these for a more precise application.

Since their consistency is on the thinner side, these can be easily layered, or mixed together [as my friend Dyna shows in her video here] without getting a flaky, cakey effect.

The drying time is a bit longer than more expensive liquid lipsticks, but this way you can take your time with the application, especially if you're going for an ombre lip.

You do have to keep your lips parted until fully dry for best results.

Once dry, they feel very comfortable on the lips - they feel like a thin sheath - and they're not at all sticky. It is best to prep your lips with a lipbalm and/or lipscrub before you apply these to achieve the best results possible. 

They are also very long lasting, but like other matte liquid lipsticks, they do break down when in contact with oil / oily food / etc. 

They're waterproof and kiss proof.

They also don't overly dry out my lips.

Love,

Lola

xxx

How to: Fix Broken Eyeshadows [Tutorial | DIY]

A while back my [very naughty] cat broke a couple of my Urban Decay eyeshadows: 2 from the Vice 3, and 1 from the Naked 3. Yes, the horror, the horror.

Usually when I manage to turn eyeshadows to dust I throw them away without second thoughts, but with these palettes - being my most loved [and most expensive ones too] - I just couldn't. 

So, with the help of a bottle of surgical spirit and a rusty hair clip, I managed to save them, hurrah!

Really, all you need to do is smash your already quite smashed eyeshadow [I did it in the pan to avoid making a mess] by using a metal tool, any kind will do. 

Then drop a couple of drops of surgical spirit [I think I used around 4-5 drops for each pan], mix it with your metal tool, and when you get a slightly wet consistency [careful, not too wet!], flatten the shadow with a wider tool [I used the back of a fork]

When you're done, leave to air dry. I promise that pigmentation will still be great afterwards! 

As good as new!

Hope you found this post helpful,

Love,

Lola

xxx

EBay 15 Eye Shadow Warm Palette [Review]

You know how sometimes you're on the hunt for a particular shade of shadow, and you can't find it anywhere? Well, I'd been looking for the perfect warm, reddish shade and after searching high and low for one to no avail, I ended up on Ebay [all of those who are addicted to Ebay please raise your hand ... My name is Lorraine and I am addicted to Ebay, oh well]

The shade which I'm talking about is the one slap bang in the middle of the palette. All the other shadows in the palette came as a bonus, especially since the whole palette costs more than one 'normal' branded eyeshadow.

I got mine from this link HERE and it costs just €2.96 / $3.15 including shipping. 

It took about 3 weeks to arrive, and it was packaged well - nothing was broken, phew!

As mentioned in the title, you get 15 matte shadows. Even though it states that it is warm, there are some shades which are more cool toned.

Pigmentation is also quite good, and all shadows are easily picked up both with a flat shadow brush or a fluffy one. However, some of them are a tad powdery.

They are blended rather easily too. 

Staying power is also decent, however it is always advisable to use a primer [even if it's just normal concealer]

Get this palette if you're still experimenting, if you're on the lookout for an extremely cheap matte palette with decent pigmentation, or if you're a teenager.

Love,

Lola

xoxo

Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara [Review]

I always get super excited when trying out new mascaras: the fact that they always promise to give you this and that result always gets me in a frenzy to try them out. Sometimes however, I'm let down by empty promises, and these mascaras find their way deeper and deeper inside my mascara drawer.

So you can imagine my excitement when I received this Max Factor False Lash Effect in the post. 

What caught my eye first was the simple black and gold packaging. I'm so used to multicoloured mascara packaging that this came as a nice surprise. 

The wand (as pictured) is quite stubby with very short plastic bristles. In my books this is a good thing because you can easily reach all of your lashes. Even though the wand is on the large side, I have no problems using this on my lower lashes.

The formula is quite nice also: it is neither too wet nor too dry. It also has a quick drying time (which is especially good for people like me who always mess up their under eyes with mascara). However, you do need to scrape off the excess from the wand, as the sifter is rather big (probably to accommodate the largish brush)

It also feels very soft once dry - and it is also easily removed with just soap and water.

Even though it is easily removed, it is smudge proof - therefore you won't have the tell tale black smudge on your under eye after a day of wearing this.

One coat of the Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara on my left eye

Even though this mascara claims to give you a false lash effect, I was pleasantly surprised with the effect it gives. While it does elongate and darken my lashes, it does not make them spidery and clumpy, but makes them really dark, thick and separated. 

This Max Factor mascara is also really buildable - you can easily apply three coats without it going clumpy.

On a final note ... this Max Factor False Lash Effect is right up my alley!

Keep updated with Max Factor by following them on their FB page here.

Love,

Lola

xoxo

Pupa Milano Soft & Wild Limited Edition Autumn Collection [I'm Lipstick 003 | Blush Reviews]

With every season Pupa Milano release a limited edition collection: for Autumn 2015 the collection is called Soft & Wild. 

This LE collection has, as the name implies, really soft, feminine shades [unlike the usual plum and burgundy that we normally see around this time of the year]. It's quite a fresh approach, really.

The packaging is uber cute: the outer box is pink with  velvet leopard print trimmings. The actual products are all encased in mirrored, gold packaging. 

** Photo courtesy of Pupa Milano in Malta **

I got two products from this line: the Soft & Wild Blush and one of the I'm Lipsticks.

** Sample packaging - for the actual packaging, scroll down **

This Pupa Milano Soft & Wild Blush is totally gorgeous and right up my alley. It combines 3 shades into a leopard print design: you get a pastel pink, a darker pink, and a golden highlight. 

You can swirl your blush brush over all the shades for a healthy, pink glow, or else you can pick up the colours separately with a smaller brush. I especially like to do this with the gold shade, and use it to highlight under my brow bone, the inner corners of my eyes, my cupid's bow, or to use it as a normal highlight on my cheekbones. 

It is nicely pigmented and it is picked up easily with a brush. Even though at first glance it looks quite light, it does show up on my olive-toned skin tone. 

The blush retails for €14.40*

I also got to try the Soft & Wild I'M Pure-Colour Lipstick Absolute Shine in the shade #003 Wild Red. There are four total shades in the collection, ranging from nudes to pinks.

I'm no stranger to the I'M lipstick range so I knew what to expect from the lipsticks in this line [you can check out another review of mine for I'm lipsticks here]

The shade I have is a dark red shade with plum-ish undertones, making it a red shade which can be easily worn both mornings and evenings. 

Although the name states that it gives Absolute Shine, I do think that it is more of a cross between a matte and a cremesheen rather than anything else. It starts off quite shiny, however over time it becomes more matte. 

It is highly pigmented and a total joy to wear and apply. It is super comfortable on the lips because of its melt-like properties.

It is quite long-lasting, and fades into a light plum shade on my lips. 

The I'm lipstick retails for €12.45*

Some of the other products which form part of this Soft & Wild collection are: 

Soft & Wild Vampi Wet & Dry Eyeshadows [4 different shades] - €11.70

Soft & Wild Vampi Duo Liner & Kajal [deep black] - €11.80

Soft & Wild Lasting Colour Gel Nail Polish [4 different shades] - €6.00

Soft & Wild Animal Print Effect Top Coat - €6.00 

You can buy the I'm range from selected outlets and pharmacies across Malta and Gozo.

You can also follow the Pupa Milano in Malta facebook page by clicking here

Love,

Lola

xoxo

***Disclaimer: This product was given to me by Pupa Milano for review purposes. I was not paid to do this review. What I wrote in the review is my honest and unbiased opinion.

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer vs LA Girl Pro Conceal [Review]

Let me start this review / smack-down by saying that one of my makeup weaknesses is indeed concealer. I'm always on the lookout for the latest [and bestest] products on the market. 

This post tackles two very much raved about concealers: the MAC Pro-Longwear and the LA Girl Pro Conceal. Many bloggers say that the LA Girl is a dupe for the MAC one, so let's see shall we?

I got the MAC concealer from Malta [finally!] for €19.20, and the LA Girl Pro Conceal $4.29 / €3.88 [I bought 2 of them from this link HERE]

That's quite a huge difference in price.

The MAC Pro-Longwear Concealer [my shade is NC35 - however I think that I should have got a shade lighter ]. There's a good range of shades so you can easily be colour matched. It comes in a small glass container with a pump. I hate this pump because it dispenses quite a lot of product.  You cannot really control how much product comes out. The concealer is quite lightweight, however it gives a pretty impressive coverage. I'm not really fond of its smell, though.

The LA Girl Pro-Conceal also comes in a vast range of shades. Mine is in the shade Creamy Beige. It comes in a plastic, squeezy tube with a brush. The product in itself is on the thick side, but it also gives medium / full coverage.

Both of them apply really easily and blend really well, however the LA Girl one needs to be worked in more because it has a thicker consistency. 

Both cover under-eye circles extremely well, and I'm finding that I'm reaching more and more for the LA Girl one. 

However, when it comes to concealing blemishes, redness etc., I find that the MAC one works best, since it is more lightweight and does not tend to 'sit' on the skin like the LA Girl one. 

Longevity wise, these both last the same for one [once set with powder], and they don't tend to settle in my fine lines. 

Both of them have fast drying times, but you have to work really quickly with the MAC one. 

Truthfully, I don't think that the LA Girl Pro-Conceal is a dupe of the MAC Pro Longwear concealer. While they both work amazingly well, they are quite different consistency wise. Having said that, I find that I cannot really live without having /using both of them: depending on whether I want a more natural, lightweight finish [MAC], or a Kim K highlighted look [LA Girl]. 

Hope this review helps.

Love,

Lola

xoxo