Brunette Beauty

Packaging: Thick, chunky rectangle black shiny compact that fits the length of your hand. It has a snap shut closure, very small angled brush, silver text on packaging and a window on the lid. The powder pans are slanted squares with the application steps embossed in each pan. The shiny material scratches very easily, so it shows more wear then you use it. The included brush is average quality. I can see it working ok for highlight and a lot of work for contour but will generally be bit small for blush application but useable in a pinch. Smell/Taste: None. Colour: #10 Light To Medium - all very pigmented shades. Available in 3 shade depths/tones. Contour - light to medium brown with warm undertones. Matte finish Blush - light rosy pink with cool undertones. Matte finish Highlight - champagne gold with pink shimmer and warm undertones. Shimmer finish Formula/ Texture: The powders are smooth, fine and a tad chalky. There is powder kick up when dipping a...

Packaging: A hollow, thin plastic palm sized tub. The bottom portion is clear, perfect for seeing how much is left. The black screw on lid is shiny so it'll show wear and scratches and has pink and white text. There is a product sifter with holes only in one area of the sifter for product control. It feels lightweight with minimal packing waste. Smell/Taste: None. Colour: Translucent. Formula/ Texture: This is a silly, fine and smooth powder. It is lightweight on the skin but otherwise can be felt if too much is applied. Any desired brush will apply this well. It sets, mattifies, smooth and blurs the skin. It does a really good job at all these tasks, keeping shine away for 8 hours. There was no flashback in photos, irritation or settling under the eye. I do find it to 'cling' to more dewy and cream products rather then settling on top of it. Talc is the main ingredient which may cause some irritation for some people. Theres no indication of...

Packaging: A thick circular tube with a pump nozzle. The bottle and pump have a matte black finish with text elements in white and pink. It fits in the Master Fix line. There is a wide tinted black cap. The mist as a wide, fine with a long reach being most dense near the bottle. I haven't experienced the nozzle clogging or being hard to pump. Smell/Taste: Zinc. Colour: NA. Formula/ Texture: This is a fine, lightweight mist. It's quick drying and makes the skin feel soft to touch. Using 4-5 pumps per wear, shine is kept away and makeup longevity increased by 3 hours then I would typically see it start to fade. The formula is oil free with no irritations or sticky residue from the spray. I'm not a fan of the scent and just didn't see this outperform the Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray but is a very effective alternative at the drugstore!! Available: Only from Ulta Beauty, ulta.com for US$13 100ml/3.4oz.

Packaging: Skinny pink tube with black text. It's a mechanic pencil that does not retract. The mechanisms are black with the pencil 1.8mm wide with a flat top. The text can scrap off with wear and use. Smell/Taste: None. Colour: #210 Defining Black - deep black. Matte finish and intense pigmentation. Available 3 shades. Formula/ Texture: This is a thick, smooth gel pencil. It glides on effortlessly but with the flat top, I don't feel like I can get a more precise line with this compared to any other pencil. It does have to be left for 30secs to set so it doesn't smudge. This is the perfect window to smudge the liner out. It does take a specialised makeup eye remover to effectively remove this entirely. It does ball up in the inner corners of my eye but otherwise there's no irritation. I'd like this so much better if it was retraceable with a finer tip. Available: Only from Ulta Beauty, ulta.com for $8 100g/0.0035oz.

Packaging: A vibrant pink and orange metallic tube. These colours are operated by a solid black block in the packaging with pastel pink text. The wand is rubber with short 'U' shaped sparse bristles. These intend to cup the lashes and coat them with mascara. The tube feels lightweight in your hands. Smell/Taste: Mascara wax. Colour: #304 Blackest Black Available in 3 shades. Formula/ Texture: This is a thicker wax. It was easy to apply and removed with a basic makeup wipe. The wand and bristles didn't really do much for my lashes. It coated them but didn't provide the lift, curl and volume I was expecting based on the name. There was no flaking, irritation, transferring. It is contact lens safe and ophthalmologist tested. This was a total bomb for me and I wanted to love it a lot. I got minimal lift and any that I did have was short lived and looked as though I wasn't wearing any mascara at all!! Maybe those with full or long natur...

Packaging: Tall palm length skinny squeeze tube with a screw off lid. The whole packaging is a beige bronze with the majority of the tube a cool representation of the shade chosen. This way the very ends of the tube are the same across the whole range. Within the middle is white and black text with the product name. The nib is quite wide with a 5mm opening. Smell/Taste: Zinc. Colour: #15 Ivory - light beige with pink undertones. Matte finish and medium coverage. Available in 12 shades (the whole line leans more pink toned) Formula/ Texture: This is a thick, smooth gel. It almost has a gel whipped consistency. I find thicker foundations, best buffed into the skin with dense kabuki brush for a more evan, flawless coverage. It applied and blended out well. It did have a cooling sensation when initially applied. It is easily removed with a basic makeup wipe. The coverage is buildable and left lightweight on the skin. I noticed it catching slightly on dry pat...

Packaging: Tall palm length skinny squeeze tube with a screw off lid. The whole packaging is a beige bronze with the majority of the tube a cool representation of the shade chosen. This way the very ends of the tube are the same across the whole range. Within the middle is white and black text with the product name. The nib is quite wide with a 5mm opening. Smell/Taste: Zinc. Colour: #15 Ivory - light beige with pink undertones. Matte finish and medium coverage. Available in 12 shades (the whole line leans more pink toned) Formula/ Texture: This is a thick, smooth gel. It almost has a gel whipped consistency. I find thicker foundations, best buffed into the skin with dense kabuki brush for a more evan, flawless coverage. It applied and blended out well. It did have a cooling sensation when initially applied. It is easily removed with a basic makeup wipe. The coverage is buildable and left lightweight on the skin. I noticed it catching slightly on dry pat...

  Packaging: Matte frosted brown plastic square casing with a silver tube. The twist up mechanism is easy to use and no problems with it. This is typical packing of Maybelline lipstick ranges. The bullet is a standard slanted tip. It does feel cheap and not as substantial compared to other brands. Smell/Taste: Vanilla. Colour: 655 Darling Nude - warm beige with warm undertones. 670 Ravishing Rose - light pink with cool undertones. 665 Lust For Blush - mid tone pink with warm undertones. 695 Divine Wine - light burgundy with red and cool undertones. All have full pigmentation with a mate finish. Builable colour. Available in 8 shades. Formula/ Texture: This is a thick and creamy consistency. It glides on and is so lightweight and comfortable on the lips. They are easily removed with a basic makeup wipe. The 'deeper shades' leave a slight stain behind. Theres no feathering, creasing, bleeding or filling into lip lines. They don...

Packaging: Thicker circular black tube. One end contains a mechanical pencil wax. The wax is 2cm in length with a flat square end. The cap snaps on securely. The other end is coloured to match the shade of the product. The spring loaded screw end reveals a tear drop pointed foam applicator. Inside the end that isn't attached to the tube is the solid power portion. While it doesn't spill out, the spring loaded applicator must rub the foam against this portion to get more product. Smell/Taste: None. Colour: Dark Blonde. Powder - medium brown with cool undertones. Medium pigmentation Wax Pencil - medium brown with cool undertones. Sheer pigmentation Available in 3 shades. This is the lightest. Formula/ Texture: The powder is a smooth, soft and fine consistency. The wax is thick and hard wax consistency. I do find I have to work the wax pencil a bit more to get the colour to transfer which doesn't help in those times when you need to get out...

P ackaging: Thin, flat oval opaque black matte squeeze tube with a shiny screw on lid and baby blue text. The nib is surprisingly small at 1mm wide but gives control over the amount of product dispensed. This is travel friendly, durable and easy to get  the  last product out by cutting it open. Smell: None. Colour: White blended clear. Natural finish. Available in 3 formulas though. Formula/ Texture: This is thin and smooth that leans a little creamy. It's lightweight on the skin and easily applied and blended in using the fingers. It quickly absorbs leaving a natural finish. This hasn't caused me any skin irritations or breakouts but the formula is oil free and non comedogenic which is perfect for oil and combination skin types. I don't feel as though it does anything to pore size in the positive or negative. I do find it to control the natural shine of my skin through face makeup by the time I take it off ant the end of the day whic...

Packaging: Tall, skinny opaque beige and black squeeze tube with a screw off cap. The nib is 2mm wide making product control perfect yet tapers out to a wide solid base so it won't snap off with continuous use. The length makes it feel like a decent packaging value wise. Smell: None. Colour: #20 Light - light beige with warm undertones. Natural finish and medium buildable coverage. Available in 5 shades. This light is the same light shade from the Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser. Formula/ Texture: This is a thicker, smooth liquid. It's lightweight even under the eyes and best applied with fingers but can be also blended out with a sponge. It's easily removed with a basic makeup wipe. The formula doesn't block or emphasis pores, cause any skin irritations, dry out the skin or create any flash back. It doesn't cake once set with powder. For my light skin I find it adds a brightening effect which I like and look for. I found t...

Packaging: Palm sized opaque white plastic tube. The applicator is a semi circle soft sponge that is protected by a clear cap. The applicator and tube is separated by a clear section that you twist one direction that moves the product up through to the applicator. When the sponge seems like it's getting dry with product you just twist this top section and more product is dispensed. When you have been using it for a while the product level is moved down and you can actually see how much you have used/ how much you have left. I like how fluffy and squishy the applicator looks. Smell/Taste: None. Colour: #220 Pale - light beige with very warm undertones. Satin finish & medium coverage. Available in 5 shades. Formula/ Texture: This is a thin and smooth liquid almost cream consistency. It is lightweight on the face with no cakeiness or settling into fine lines. It is easy to apply from the sponge tip and blend in using fingers or a br...

Packaging: Sqaure bulky shiny but smooth compact with a snap closure. The lid has a window so the shades can be seen with metallic text. Lifting the lid reveals the round pan powders. Lifting this portion reveals a hidden travel domed brush and mirror. Even with this I do feel like this could be made to be less bulky. The bristles on the bush aren't scratchy to the touch but it's been poorly cut with the dome shape uneven. I would like see a divider between the two shades so you don't highlight the contour your doing. Smell: None. Colour: 01 Light/ Medium 1 Contour - light brown with warm undertones. It has a matte finish. 2 Highlight - soft icy beige with warm undertones. It has a satin finish. Also available in a darker shade. Formula/ Texture: This is an extremely buttery powder that does kick up some excess powder. They are easy to apply and blend. I do recommend tapping your brush before touching it to your face to make sure you ...

Packaging: Rectangle glass bottle with a smooth shiny black screw top lid. The opening is quite large so care has to be taken when dispensing product. There is no pump with this. The opening does get 'messy' with foundation after a few uses. The front side of the bottle has elements of teal that indicate the finish of the foundation. The small height of the cap makes storing this easier as does the ability to see how much product is left. Smell: Sunscreen mixed with flowers. Colour: #115 Ivory - light beige with pink/ yellow undertones. It has medium pigmentation with a semi matte finish. Available in 6 colours that all lean pink undertoned. This is the second lightest shade for reference. Formula/ Texture: This is a thicker, smooth liquid. It's easily applied and blended into the face. It's easily removed with a basic makeup wipe. Care does need to be taken when dispensing the product which can lead to product wastage as well as a me...

Packaging: Palm sized tear drop shaped glass bottle. The screw on cap features a tear drop tip wand. While it's not a functioning dropper the fine point tip is able to control the movement of the product. I do find the nozzle/ opening to become congested with product that looks messy but easily wiped away. Smell/Taste: Hint of alcohol when nose is close to bottle. Colour: #20 Classic Ivory - light beige with warm undertones. Light - medium coverage with a natural finish. Available in 8 shades. Formula/ Texture: This is a smooth, thin and runny consistency.  Shake very well and it's best to apply in small sections, blending in quickly. Any tool works well with this but the warmth from your fingers will help it blend into the skin seamlessly. It's easily removed with a basic makeup wipe. I do find it to oxidise, turning a slightly darker shade so I'm not sure how pale girls will be able to find a suitable shade. The coverage is builda...

  Packaging: Light purple/pink plastic square casing with a silver tube. The twist up mechanism is easy to use and no problems with it. This is typical packing of Maybelline lipstick ranges. The bullet is a standard slanted tip. It does feel cheap and not as substantial compared to other brands. Smell: Vanilla. Colour: 715 Hibiscus Pop - pink with slight warm undertones. 720 Peony Power - bright pink with cool/blue undertones. 740 Coral Burst - coral with warm undertones. All have sheer pigmentation with a satin finish. Builable colour. Available in 10 shades. Formula/ Texture: This is thin and creamy in consistency. It's does skip a bit during application but doesn't tug at the lips, with no lipliner needed. It is lightweight on the lips. They are easily removed with a basic makeup wipe. The 'brighter shades' like Coral Burst' and 'Peony Power' do leave a slight stain behind. Theres no feathering, creasing, bleedi...

Packaging: Standard black square mascara tube. The wand is actually a sculpting ball brush which width is the same width as my little finger. I do find this to be way to large for the size of my brows. The bristles on the ball are too long that it doesn't pick up product to comb through brows evenly. It defiantly isn't going to work with thinner brows. Smell: Alcohol. Colour: Medium Brown - taupe Available in 2 shades which is disappointing. Formula/ Texture: This is a gel. Due to the width of the ball wand I do find this hard to apply. I'm not sure which way the ball is meant to be held over my brow. The way the ball holds the gel, it does get streaky when you use one dip across the entire brow. Sometimes the product gets on my skin which I have to wipe away. This is a multi dip use product unfortunately which makes it  less convenient as the brush isn't small enough to be precise and quick. It does dry quickly and is easily remove...

Packaging: Plastic slim palm size squeeze tube. There is an aqua/teal opaque colour with hints of pink. The tip is flat and has a 0.4mm opening. Not too small or large. Smell/Taste: None. Colour: Clear. Formula/ Texture: It's a silicone based, smooth thick gel. It glides onto the skin and takes a few seconds to absorb. I don't find it to sink into the skin but more sit on top. This isn't my preferred way for a primer to work either. It does leave that silicone feeling on the hands after it's applied, which I just to wipe off. It did mattify my skin but didn't hold makeup on my face as along as the other (higher end) brands I've tried. I didn't really see a reduction in my largest pores around my nose. Probably more evident on smaller pores. I did also use a setting spray to set my makeup too. It's a great affordable primer but not one that I would recommend buying. For a few extra dollars they are some great options ...

Packaging: Thin silver wooden pencil with a clear cap. the end of the pencil is white to reflect the clear colour/ shade of the liner. Smell/Taste: None. Colour: 10 Clear. Natural finish. Formula/ Texture: This is a drier, thicker wax. It feels lightweight on/around the lips and is easily removed with a basic makeup wipe. I haven't any irritations or extra dryness with this lip liner. When I apply this it does need to be worked more onto the lips as it's a thicker product. I work is small short strokes around the lips instead of gliding it around. This does flatten the sharp tip of the pencil  a lot faster.  I've also noticed it leaves a faint white mark behind. Nothing that isn't able to be hidden by a bold colour or noticed unless looking right up at the lips. I haven't sharpened this yet so I don't know how easy that is and if it does sharpen to a point. I'll update this when I do. I think that t...

Packaging: Glass palm sized thick bottle with a blue pump lid and clear cap. The packaging has matching blue and silver text. A decent amount of product is dispensed with the pump. Smell: None. Colour: 010 Ivory - warm beige with orange undertones. Opaque pigmentation with a natural finish. Buildable coverage. Available in 8 shades. Formula/ Texture: This is a thin, runny liquid. It is easy to apply but you do have to be quick to blend it in due to the runny consistency. It's easy to remove with a basic makeup wipe. I've had no irritation, burning or breakouts. It take take a few minutes to set on the face and even this felt as though it was sitting onto of the face rather then into. Let me start off by saying I got the second lights shade available and it's a tad too dark for me. If I use it lightly I can get away with it, but this does diminish the coverage. The lightest shade was had too much of a grey cast and I...