Kat Von D Haul (Blush, Primer, Kat eye set)

Sephora Website

So Kat von D has been a brand that ive had to love on the sidelines. That was until two of my lovely friend's at christmas spoilt me with gifts from the USA. Sephora delivers to the UK now so finally the USA is accessible, I couldn't be happier. As i believe ive found some lovely Holy grail's. 

Kat Von D Blush - Heartagram

A fade-proof blush with remarkably rich pigment to enhance individual features and the complexion. Be beautifully flushed from sunrise to far past sunset with this long-wearing blush. The smooth, velvety powder glides onto cheeks and effortlessly blends into the pores to enhance the natural radiance of your skin. The fade-proof formula promises up to 24-hours of colour and the rich pigment offers build-able, custom coverage for every skin-tone. 

This blush is stunning, pigmented and vibrant. The deep berry colour with a touch of shimmer. So a small amount is needed on your brush and a good tap off. Blended into your cheek area and working seamlessly with your contour. Gives the most beautiful flushed hint of colour to the cheek. I love the blush and the packaging is also stunning. Etched with the Kat von d roses and her name raised on the box, this hard case feels secure. I didnt have to retouch my blush at any point, so the pigments last very well. Very impressive. 

Kat Von D - Tattoo Liner/Mascara & Face Primer

Mascara mini 

Now unlike the tattoo liner, the mascara is not the best. The mini kits are a fantastic way trial products. I personally found the mascara scary. It's plastic applicator has small and then spaced long spikes to separate the lashes, with a spiked ball end to apply product. However the long spikes are so long, its impossible to reach your smaller lashes. (I poked my eye out) So once i did that, i then set the mascara aside and went "not for me". This is not a product i would purchase again. 

A liquid eyeliner with an innovative brush tip, for effortless precise application. Achieve eye perfection with this high-pigment, waterproof liner that stays put all day. For a fade, crack, and run resistant finish. The superfine and flexible brush tip glides across the lash-line, for incredibly fluid application. Allowing you to create a variety of looks with ease. Unlike traditional felt tip liners, this brush tip will not fray.

This tattoo liner is one of the most impressive ive used. Now thats high praise as im a gel and brush user, due to the fact i can never find a pen that does what i want. Most will drag and not give me the amount of product i want as i apply. This is a brush tip applicator gives a even amount of product, so it applies like a dream. The pigment is rich and the deepest black. I applied a perfect wing with no drag, even on the reverse back when connecting. Which is the part i find most liners drag, yet her design has eliminated this. I can say i will repurchase as its so easy to use. I did find the bigger wing with more product felt a little wet, so i looked down for a few seconds so it was fully dry. Once dry it does not smudge, chip or fade at all. 

Kat Von D - Lock-it Primer 

A lightweight, water-based face primer that hydrates, smoothes, and protects skin while it reduces the appearance of pores-creating the perfect canvas for long-wear foundation application.

This primer is beautiful. Its a silky cream that glides onto the skin, absorbs to give a soft even base. Now with my dry skin this is essential to have a even base. I use Lock it foundation which is a full coverage, this is applied with a sponge. I have my driest areas on my forehead and cheeks at winter. This primer absorbs so well that when i come to apply my foundation, the dryness is controlled to allow even application. Its been the primer that i have found will hydrate my skin, aswell as give a solid base for my makeup. So im over the moon and have no fear of my foundation looking dry now. Plus this primer works till my makeup was ready to be removed. Effortless and works to hydrate skin. Another absolute must repurchase. 

My lookbook

My look above was created using just Kat Von D makeup. I will have reviews on the new Eyeshadow palettes coming (I used the Chrysalis palette above). I have found so many must haves in Kat Von D's line that impress me. I will definatly repurchase many products and keep an eye out for my up coming reviews on more products from the line. 

Illamasqua - Hydra Veil

Having been a massive fan of illamasqua and the boldness of the shades they offer. The innovative and amazing creators of illamasqua have done it again with the paranormal collection. Along with this collection came the release of a new and innovative Hydration and primer system. 

They say 

Create a radiant finish with Hydra Veil's instantly rehydrating, gel formula. Providing the optimal base for your make-up, apply before foundation with an Illamasqua Brush.

The product I wanted and was most excited about was hydra veil and yes it's pricey ( £27 for 30ml ) but for a dry skin lass like myself, I needed to see if this holds up to the claims. 

Illamasqua new paranormal collection has been the most exciting and inspirational collection I've seen this season. I really love the boldness of illamasqua products and already own the metal 4 palette as a bit of a difference and boldness to my collection. I am contemplating buying ESP and the palette but I defiantly wanted the new and innovative hydra veil primer/moisturiser.

Now not only is the product innovative but the packaging too is something new too. There is a spoon included so you can measure out a portion size (Pea sized) dot. Now when i say this was very clever of a approach it was, the consistency is a runny jelly and when you remove some. There is a slight indent in where you removed the small amount but the jelly reforms and then becomes one smooth surface again. Its really something to be seen, if you can visit your local store then try it. 

Now this small amount you may think is crazy that it could even cover one cheek let alone your whole face but believe me do not be over tempted to add more or use another spoon as it will be too much. One spoon is plenty and spreads over the face in a delicate and light fashion that its really quite cooling as well as being soothing to the skin. I could also feel it tightening as well so the plumping actions must be working. The pores were not visible so i was very impressed. It moisturised my skin so well as a primer that the amount of foundation i needed was cut down and also concealer was minimal. I really am impressed with this product. 

Yes, its not a cheap product but the amount you need and the spoon provided make sure you wont over-use and then end up scraping the sides for the last drops. I defiantly made the mistake of over using and didn't take a exact spoon just let it flail over the sides. It was far too much and i had to then wait ages for it to dry and the tightening feeling was quite apparent. So yes keep to the spoon amount they have given you as its the right amount.  I will repurchase this when its finished as for dry skin this is a god-send. 

NUXE Review - Creme fraiche de beaute

A parisian award winning company, NUXE is by far the most interesting companies to watch in terms of exciting innovation. Within there company the strive to get the best of what nature can offer and believe it holds properties in which we can help build and improve upon the health of our skin.

Sourcing the finest natural ingredients and refraining from the use of mineral oil, animal products and parabens, they take a sustainable approach to the production of there products.

Plus they also support the campaign, A home for Bees.

They say 

A natural company with the influence in that plants are therapeutic and building upon the philosophy of 5 natural points and a philosophy of Beauty by Nature.

• Nature as my inspiration. As an inexhaustible source of effectiveness and creativity, it is key to my vision of cosmetics.
• Innovation as a motor. Since its creation, NUXE has had its very own R&D laboratory. Today, there are 37 patents in submission and others are being studied.
• Evaluation as standard. A product is only launched if its safety and effectiveness are proven through rigorous testing and objectives carried out under dermatological supervision.
• Accessibility as a major focus. The most effective treatments are not always the most expensive. I therefore strive to offer consumers high-performance products at the right price.
• Sensoriality as a foundation. In order to blend effectiveness and regularity of use, I am very conscious of creating delightful textures, delicate fragrances and enchanting names.

Leading in the field of cosmetic research and holding a record of 70 awards, you can trust the NUXE has taken the time and really gone the distance with each product it releases. 

I was kindly sent the new "Creme Fraiche de Beaute" to review, described as a botanical milkshake to moisturise and Sooth the skin for 24hours. Which is what my skin is in need of now that its the end of the dry period winter had plagued upon me. I can use NUXE to replenish the skin in hopes that the 24 hour system rings true. As it will save me time in having to reapply during the day.

Creme Fraiche de Beaute Light - 24 hour soothing Emulsion 

Quenches and Matifies for Combination Sensitive Skins

Main points 

Light formula for combination skin, stays matte all day 

Use morning or evening after cleansing

Ideal makeup base 

Contains rice powder to soak up excess oils

This light formula is aimed at combination skin however I'm a drier skin, i think its a lovely product , it stays matte so i find that i can use it as a moisturiser and double up on my priming. As this makes sure i have moisture and is ideal as a base too which will suit me more for summer months. The rice powder it has contained makes it ideal for oily skins, as it will soak up excess and your makeup won't slide during the day. Plus i found it to absorb so well on application , that i used it in the evening when we have been getting the odd humid night to just moisturise my skin intensely. Its a gel like consistency and you only need a little for it to cover the face evenly. Plus it doesn't take ages to absorb.
Then when absorbed i know my face will be protected. Im loving its a multi-use product and i just love having it on my dresser. The ability to if i want a light brush of makeup i can use this as a primer as its so weightless on the skin, then also as a hydrator for night time after i cleanse.

Creme Fraiche de Beaute / Normal - Sensitive skins 

Moisturising cream 

So the claims are that with Active ingredients, mostly being 8 plant milks plus

aloe vera sap, you know from the addition of milk and aloe alone this is for hydrating. I used to use aloe for my sunburns. So that being said plus the claims it will reinforce the skins moisture levels, I was interested to see if this was actually true. The texture is a very light, plus absorbed quickly on application. This was very evident on my skin, however being if a dry category. I can read a good cream by its absorption and if it leaves a residue from just sitting there instead. 

So it did leave my skin feeling moisturised. As will lock this in and soak up, without being uncomfortable or feeling a residue. The scent you might think will bring you out in a rash or breakout, however on reading the ingredients, I found the scent was intact the oils contained in the cream. The almond is not so prominent but the light hit if orange is, without being over-powering. 

With all these natural ingredients being merged to form the best cream to cater women and men who love natural products that work. I can find allergy season to be just as challenging with itchy skin, It's reduced my irritation fully. I'm already a good halfway into my tub from constant use this week. 

x Holy Grail Item from Tara's Treats x

Rive de Miel - Lip moisturising stick

for dry chapped lips

Now this wasn't sent for a review, but i did want to show you that this lip balm is my holy grail.

Now this is my makeup staple I wanted to show you. I buy this every winter as it really moisturises and feels amazing on the lips. It's made with Argan oil, Shea butter, nut oils and loads of natural goodness.

It's smells of honey lightly and has Vitamin E. I use this as its fantastic to apply a little before adding your makeup, as when it comes time to add your lipstick. The lips will be moist and make the application of your lip colours easier. Especially with a Matte formula lipsticks, as I find matte does enficise the dryness. You might think I'm a little mad but it lasts age, doesn't coat the lips so you feel it sitting uncomfortably. It just soaks in and when you rub your lips, that's when you can feel it still there. 

So no need to keep on and on, applying through the day. 

So there you have it, I love NUXE as its facial oil and Lip balm make my winter skin so much happier, but these new products just take me to a whole new realm of exploration. I cannot wait to try some more of these collections, as its becoming clear that my skin does love them.