MY TOP 10 MAKE-UP PRODUCTS 2019

For me 2019 was a busy year for make-up, so much so, that I've decided to 

increase my annual Top 5 to a Top 10 Make-Up Products post.

Despite having a mixed bag of brands, products and price points I highly recommend

all of these items below.

As always the Pink Links will take you to the full reviews

~~~~~

Let's start with foundations, as that seems like a good place to begin, I

 discovered one at the beginning of the year and one towards the end.

L'ORÉAL 
INFAILLIBLE 24H FRESH WEAR
 FOUNDATION


L'Oréal have been a favourite of mine for foundations for many years and several 

have been featured on my Top lists in previous years.

This was a foundation that I bought in error, but it turned out to be a very good error.

L'Oréal just don't create any bad foundations and if it's a new affordable foundation you're looking for then look no further than the L'Oréal isle in the drugstore.

It offers a long wearing, full coverage, dewy, hydrated and fresh finish and has been

my go to on most days.

L'Oréal Infaillable 24H Fresh Wear Foundation

GIORGIO ARMANI
 LUMINOUS SILK FOUNDATION

 What started out as using a free 7 Day free sample of the led to me saying that I personally wouldn't pay R800 for a foundation eventually 

resulted in a purchase with a less 25% from one of the overseas online beauty sites.

The formula offers an extremely comfortable long wearing, 
weightless and luminous natural finish to the skin.
It honestly feels like silk on the skin and I couldn't fault it other than on price.

I also found that once my 7 day sample had finished I missed not having this 

foundation in my make-up routine, hence the purchase.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

~~~~~

There were two drugstore lipsticks that impressed me during 2019 and they have both been a constant throughout the year.

SORBET 

GET LIPPY 

MOISTURISING LIP COLOUR

This was a rather a surprise, as I had previously tried a foundation

from Sorbet which I included on my Top 3 Disappointing Products 2018 list.

However this just goes to show how one disappointing product from a brand,

thankfully doesn't make the whole brand disappointing.

GET LIPPY is a beautiful, easy to wear, natural looking soft pink and it's one of those shades that will always find a place in my Lipstick wardrobe.

 It glides over the lips and considering it's moisturising and nourishing formula its surprisingly long wearing.

Sorbet GET LIPPY Moisturising Lip Colour

L'ORÉAL

LES CHOCOLATS

ULTRA MATTE LIQUID LIPSTICK

Les Chocolates Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick has a melt-proof formula so you can

 forget your lip colour smudging or budging, for up to 12 hours,

 as once its on its going no where

The lightweight lip colour formula is comfortable to wear and doesn’t crack, crumble or flake. It really does stay on all day, it doesn't smudge, transfer or bleed and most importantly doesn't dry out your lips and best of all it's Chocolate scented...

L'Oréal Les Chocolats Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick

~~~~~

It wouldn't be a very good Top 10 list if i didn't include a mascara or two and these

both impressed me in 2019 and have both been repurchased

BENEFIT

BADGAL BANG

MASCARA

This has been my fave mascara of 2019

What I can confidently say about the BAD gal BANG! mascara is the following:
It can be layered easily
It creates Volume, Lift and Length
 Its smudge-proof
Water-resistant and flake-free
and I just love it...

Benefit BADgal Bang Mascara

CLARINS

WONDER PERFECT

4D MASCARA

This really is a do-it-all, all-in-one mascara that curls, defines, lengthens and volumizes for that bold wide-eyed look, hence the 4D name.

After the first coat of mascara I was hooked, its buildable, doesn't flake or smudge

however being a moist/wet kinda mascara and considering the curl and length it gives I did need to do a little cleaning up afterwards but it's worth it for the overall look and finish.

Clarins Wonder Perfect Mascara 4D

~~~~~

Urban Decay remained one of my favourite brands throughout 2019 and three

products have made it onto my list and surprisingly one is a brow

product.

URBAN DECAY

BROW ENDOWED

Not being a huge brow person this was a quite an brow raising purchase

for me in 2019.

Brow Endowed is a double-ended tool that volumizes and sets brows in two easy steps:

 A primer fluffs and holds, while a tinted cream fills and shapes. 

The excellent long-lasting formula resists sweat and smudging for up to 24 hours.

It's surprisingly easy to use an I was amazed at how fluffier, fuller, tinted brows miraculously appeared.

Urban Decay Brow Endowed

URBAN DECAY

NAKED RELOADED

EYESHADOW PALETTE

If you're looking for a collection of flattering shades that will cover all your essential  nude/neutral/brown requirements plus a little extra, then this is the ultimate palette to have in your eyeshadow collection.

The selection includes soft mattes, satins, metallics and a little sparkly glitter is thrown in for good measure...

Urban Decay Naked Reloaded Palette

URBAN DECAY

ALL NIGHTER

MAKE-UP SETTING SPRAY

I was slightly sceptical of this make-up setting spray, as everyone was raving about it

and that makes me slightly nervous and all I can say is that it DID live up to all the hype, praise and awards bestowed on it.

There was no transfer, no fading, no settling into the lines and more importantly for me no melting, your make-up stays in place literally all day and all night if needed.

I soon learnt that this is one of those products that you didn't know you needed until you've tried it and I'm hooked.

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

~~~~~

Last but not least here is my final product for this 2019 list

and I've included an Illuminizing pen for a special reason.

BIONIKE

DEFENCE COLOR 

LUMINIZER

The product has a fluid texture and is easy to apply with the click of the pen.

Having tried many similar products over many years

I wasn't prepared for the great concealing effect that it had on

the blue area towards the inner corner of my under eye.

(The blueness is always there, as its the capillaries that can be seen under the 

skin due to that areas skin covering being very thin) 

and I'm sure many of you can relate to this blue tinge and whilst it didn't cover 100%

(that's a very difficult ask from any product)

 it did an excellent job on me and that's why its been included in my list of Top 10 Make-Up Products 2019

Bionike Defence Colour Luminizer

~~~~~

I hope you have enjoyed reading what make-up products impressed me during 2019 and have led to several re-purchases in many cases.

I have also posted my other Top Lists

My Top 6 Hair and Body Products 2019

My Top 3 Most Disappointing Products 2019

Let me know in the comments below if you agree or disagree with any of my choices

 for 2019.

CLARINS WONDER PERFECT MASCARA 4D REVIEW

My first job, when I landed here in South Africa back in 1983, was with the relatively then unknown French brand Clarins, and having worked for them for several years I can't help but have a beauty soft spot for this brand, but Oh My! how its changed since then.

Back in the day they didn't have a make-up collection, they were very salon focused

and let me tell you as permanent travelling Promotional Consultant it was hard work convincing customers of the virtues of this wonderful brand.

After many years of personal use I now enjoy reviewing many of their products in order to let you know whether they're worth a purchase or not and to be honest I don't think I've ever given a Clarins product a bad review.

The latest mascara addition to their make-up line up is their 

WONDER PERFECT MASCARA 4D

I have to say, the 4D in its name grabbed my attention and I was curious as to what

 Clarins had to offer with this product.

This really is a do-it-all, all-in-one mascara that curls, defines, lengthens and volumizes for that bold wide-eyed look, hence the 4D name.

The intense carbon-black mineral pigments give a long wearing colour whilst the inclusion of filmogenic Rose Wax ensures a long lasting hold. 

Clarins exclusive Lash Boosting Complex protects and promotes visibly thicker, longer-looking lashes even after you remove your mascara, however I can't comment on this, as it will only be noticeable over time.

The design of the precision sleek brush makes sure that no lash goes uncoated, which is soo important for those of us with sparse lashes.The wand is comfortable (a must for me)
 and lightweight in the hand.

After the first coat of mascara I was hooked, its buildable, doesn't flake or smudge

however being a moist/wet kinda mascara and considering the curl and length it gives I did 

need to do a little cleaning up afterwards but it's worth it for the overall look and finish.

CLARINS

WONDER PERFECT

MASCARA 4D 

8ml

Available in 2 Shades
01 Perfect Black
02 Perfect Brown
R
360

£
22


€
29


$
28

BENEFIT SUGARBOMB {REVIEW}

If you follow me on my other social media platforms 
(if you don't you can click on the icons on the right hand side bar)
 you will no doubt already be aware of my current love affair with benefit and I think I can now officially bestow upon myself, the name...

benebabe 
(due to the amount of products I now own and use on a daily basis)

I had been looking for sometime for a new blusher and benefit have a good selection of blushers,powders and bronzers on offer.

After a consultation with Natasha, the counter manager at Red Square Gateway,

(who is a true benebabe with lots of passion and enthusiasm for her brand) 

I opted for the dual purpose sugar bomb, which can be used as an all over powder or just on the cheek area.

benefit suagrbomb R385

This square packaging consists of four shimmering shades of peach, soft plum, pink and rose, which together gives a natural colour and radiance to the cheeks.

It gives an instant sugary flush that looks both natural and flattering.

I very rarely rave about the brushes that come with cosmetics and more often than not I recommend you to throw them away as they are not fit for purpose.

However ignore my previous advise and keep this soft natural bristle brush, as it's an absolute pleasure to use,it picks up the colour nicely and the shape of the brush makes for a really easy application.

It is on the pricey side retailing for R385, but so far I'm very impressed with all aspects of the product and would look at repurchasing the same again.

benefit

is available online and at selected Red Squares and Edgars countrywide

BENEFIT FAKE UP HYDRATING CREASE CONTROL CONCEALER {REVIEW}

I cannot emphasise to you how much love and passion I have developed for benefit since the brands re launch into South Africa in 2015.

I have been doing series of review posts over the past few months on budget concealers and just to point out that this award winning fake up Hydrating Crease Control Concealer from benefit  at R335

does not fall into the budget category, but more high end.

benefit fake up Hydrating Crease Control Concealer 

fake up 

is a fragrance free "stick" concealer which gets my approval straight away, as I feel that I have more control with the application and I can see exactly when the product is coming to an end.As you can see from my photo the concealing colour runs down the 

centre of the bullet with the moisturising element surrounding it.

This hydrating crease-control concealer contains vitamin E & apple seed extract and

glides beautifully onto the skin, however you will need to blend in a little with your finger or blender to ensure that there are no streaks and the colour is evenly distributed.

 Even though I apply an eye treatment every morning I liked the comfort that the double product layer provided. At no point during the day did my foundation or concealer crease under my eye, which can sometimes happen with non moisturising concealers, so on that claim benefit fake up scores top marks.

fake up 

is formulated to hide dark circles and diffuse fine lines for a silky smooth, ultra-natural look and again on this point it scores highly on the cover factor.It soon becomes apparent with use that fake up is more than a concealer it's a 2 in 1 concealer and an under eye hydrating stick, hence the price.

 Available in three shades : 

01 Light/02 Medium/03 Dark 

I bought the 02 Medium which is a good colour match for my under eye skin tone.

If you are looking for an extremely hydrating concealing product that doesn't cake or crease and provides good coverage, then check out fake up.

Benefit fake up Hydrating Crease Control Concealer

Available from Benefit counters in selected Edgars and Red Squares countrywide

or

Online

ITS ALL ABOUT THE BROWS - BENEFIT BROW REVIEW

Over the years fashion and make-up trends come and go and I hate to admit it, but due to my age I've seen several come around more than once. 

However one make-up trend/focus that I'm really pleased to see currently shining in the limelight are the Brows.

Yes thanks to the American cosmetics brand benefit 

2016 is 

"all about the Brows"

benefit have recently launched a comprehensive range of 45 products available in 6 shades and there is no brow that cannot be teased, filled, defined or tamed, as benefit have really got all "brow bases" 

for all ages covered.

Never being one to worry too much about my eyebrows ,in recent years I have become more aware that with my age the colour of my brow hair has lightened and the odd grey hair has appeared... much to my horror! 

Also the hairs have become finer and my brow line is not as full as it use to be and all of the above led me to buy an Estée Lauder brow kit, to just create some definition and colour.

I was perfectly happy until benefit sent me four of the new products to try.

I was excited, yet somewhat apprehensive as to how to use or what the products were designed to do, as these products are very clever and sometimes not what they seem and that's what I love about benefit.

I do recommend popping along to your nearest benefit counter for a demonstration and some really good advice.

Once  you get past the kitchey names and are given some tips and shown some nifty tricks

they are pretty easy to understand and apply.

My shades were all Shade 3 

benefit KA BROW R335

KA BROW is perhaps my least fave of the 4 products, but this Brush on rich, build able colour I'm sure will be an absolute hit with many. This all-in-one eyebrow cream-gel easily fills, sculpts and defines brows. Plus the built-in hard-angled brush magically converts into a clever full-size brush for precise control & effortless application!

• Builds from natural-looking to dramatic
• Cream-gel color
• 24 hour waterproof wear

benefit GIMME BROW R335

GIMME BROW I was again unsure of how to use this product, but its a really quick and easy to use tinted eyebrow gel that contains tiny microfibers that adhere to skin & hairs, creating natural-looking fullness and definition. The custom, tiny tapered brush blends easily while the precision tip shapes hairs into place.

I have been using this daily and I love it!

Volumizes, tames & tints

 Water-resistant & long-wearing

benefit BROWVO! CONDITIONING PRIMER R395

BROWVO! is a nutrient-rich conditioning eyebrow primer and on first reading about this product I was convinced that this was a little gimmicky, but its turned out to be one of my favourtites, as despite cleansing over the eyebrows daily we never really use a specialised product to condition that area.  

Worn alone it both conditions & smooths the brows. Worn as a primer it enhances & extends the wear of other brow products. This conditioning formula contains keratin & soy proteins known to help brows look thicker, healthier and fuller, but I will have to revert back to you with regards to the latter claim in a "follow up" post.

• All-in-one eyebrow serum
• Clear gel suits all brows
• Custom soft-touch applicator

benefit GOOF PROOF BROW EYEBROW PENCIL R335

GOOF PROOF EYEBROW PENCIL is a super easy filling & shaping eyebrow pencil. 

It features a custom, non-sharpen “goof-proof” tip, soft color and a glide-on formula for easy & fast brow filling. 

Comes complete with built-in blending spoolie-brush

12-hour waterproof formula

I have been surprisingly happy with the products that I have tried and I've even earmarked a couple more that I would like to give a "Brow Whirl".
I hope this post has piqued your "Brow Interest" and I highly recommend you visit a benefit counter to find out more

after all...

"2016 is all about the benefit brows"

benefit 
have a great website and if you would like to find out more about the other products in their brow collection plus tips for brows then visit

www.benefitcosmetics.com

benefit is available in selected Edgars and Red Squares countrywide

www.redsquare.co.za

If you would like to read more about my other reviews on benefit products 

then just click on the links below

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara Review

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara They're Real Review

Benefit Porefessional Pro Balm Review

Benefit Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer Review

BUDGET CONCEALERS PART 3 - COLLECTION LASTING PERFECTION CONCEALER

This is the third post in my series about Budget Concealers and it's a good one!

To read my previous 2 posts

Budget Concealers Part 1

Budget Concealers Part 2

This concealer from Collection is unfortunately not available in South Africa, but after reading lots of great reviews about this product I recently got my "London Kiddiewink" to bring one over for me during his recent visit to SA.

The Collection range of products can be easily found in both Boots and Superdrug in the UK

and retails for an odd amount of
 £4.19
(Even with our poor exchange rate this product still falls into a budget price range +- R80)

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

Claims:

Conceals imperfections and blemishes for up to 16 hours

Features:

- Water resistant and transfer proof

- Multiple award-winning

- Available in four classic shades

I enjoyed the blend ability of this concealer and it wasn't drying, but gave good long lasting coverage. Even though it says 16 hours I didn't quite put that claim to the test, as my make-up is normally removed after around 14 hours, 

but I don't doubt this claim for one moment. 

The colour I opted for was Warm Medium 3 and it was a perfect match.

Of all the forms of concealer applicators that can be found, by far I prefer to apply concealer with a  sponge applicator. 

I know that often the sponge can soon look a little worse for wear with use, but for ease and control of the amount applied, it's my fave method.

This product is worthy of all the accolades bestowed upon it and my only challenge now is to find a regular 

"concealer mule"

to keep me supplied with stock...

www.collectioncosmetics.co.uk