Body Shop Essential Smokey Eye Collection

I have been avoiding Body Shop because nothing annoys me more than a tailing sales lady with straight faces. They move wherever you go barely speaking anything aside from a forced, “Yes, Ma’am?” I tried politely brushing them off with the reply “Oh, I’m just looking around.” However, they never leave you.

As much I dislike the shop’s attendants, my sister loves going there. While my sister merrily browse new collections, I stood at the middle of the store looking around with just my eyes careful of not making any eye contact with any of them. I would never know how awesome their eye shadows are if my cousin from UK haven’t gotten me this Essential Smokey Eye Collection in Spring Bronze. (Isn’t she great?)

Opening this wonderful kit makes it feel Christmas in this humid May weather. Listed below are the amazing goodies that belong to the set.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

1.  Carbon Eye Definer is pretty great but when you’re not careful, you’ll tend to look like a raccoon. I definitely need to practice more with eye pencils or probably getting used to its look. It definitely takes some art compared to simple eyeliners. My sister has been using this for months and she highly recommends this product.  This is pigmented and can go a long way since you’ll only need a thin line before you smudge it. The only downside I see is that the tip is very creamy that it crumbles easily.
2. Eyeshadow Brush is pretty handy dandy. I’m not sure that this is the best in the line since I own midrange brushes; but, this is highly effective with what it needs to do. Plus, I accidentally found out that it stands on its own. Awesomesauce.
3. Super Volume Mascara is gentle.  Being gentle on the eyes is one of the biggest things I look for in mascara. My eyes burn whenever I wear mascara for a long period of time.  I can wear this for five hours without sting. Not so protip: I dab mascara brush on a tissue paper until I feel that there’s less liquid clinging to it before applying on my eyes. It lessens the sting and gives a more natural look.
4.  Shimmer Cube Palette is highly pigmented and oh so fancy. This comes in separate cube containers with lid. I’m guessing that you can refill or mix and match the set. It is easy enough to apply with the eye shadow brush that comes along with it.  I feel that the bronze shade in this set pops up more than Benefit’s eye shadow bronzer. Favorite shade is definitely the champagne one; perfect for the no make-up make-up. Without eye primer in this hot weather, it’ll last maximum of five hours before it seeps through the eye creases.

OVERALL

This kit is a good way to introduce someone to trying Body Shop’s Eye Collection. I would definitely try to visit the store more and give it a chance.  Happy 😀

The Cult Classic that is Black Honey

 

 Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey is the little black dress of the make-up world.  With their universal quality to flatter every woman, both are considered essential and a staple to every Must Have list.  But then, is the reigning cult classic since the 1980s worth the hype?

Unlike other lipsticks where you have to consider if you’re the right tone for the shade, Black Honey relies on the natural shade of your lips. It has a universally flattering sheer plum color that you can build up through layering. The color is very reliable on days where you just don’t want to put too much make-up but still look put together. It does go well with the minimalist vibe I’m trying to establish.

 

Based from a lot of reviews and my own usage as well, this lipstick doesn’t last as long. I’m not too fussy to reapply my lipstick every time I see it wears off. Thus before work, I make sure to apply Body Shop Lip and Cheek Tint underneath this. But since I’m always seem to be rushing for work, I skip this step often.

Aside from constant reapplying, the products’ shortcoming would be its price. I got this as an ex-deal for a small job I did; but if I’m not mistaken, the original price is Php 1,200 at Rustan’s. This is Php 200 more expensive than M.A.C. I know that both formulas have different consistency and sheerness, but the hefty price tag makes me a little bit hesitant to purchase .

Overall, I’m 50/50 with this product. I guess at the end of the day, it all boils down to opening your dresser and saying hello to a cult classic.