Tag: Make Up

Annabelle Minerals

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, cruelty-free, eco friendly, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review but all thoughts and opinions are our own.

The festive season is the perfect excuse to indulge in some new beauty goodies, with endless fantastic products and irresistible offers to choose from. We’ve been trying out some fabulous makeup and skincare products from Annabelle Minerals and these vegan-friendly products, made with natural ingredients have been a big hit with the Review Studio team.

Let’s start with the Sheer Shine Lipstick – available in five stunning shades, Apricot, Brown Fig, Coconut, Dragon Fruit, and Strawberry, these lipsticks are creamy, moisturizing, and packed with natural oils, butters, and vitamin E. They’re like a lipstick and lip balm rolled into one giving you a gorgeous pop of colour and soft, hydrated lips. Plus, they come in a super chic golden magnetic case, so they look as posh as they feel. Oh, and if you’re into sustainable beauty, you’ll love the refill option – what’s not to like? RRP £12.90, with refills at £9.90.

If you prefer a lip pencil then check out the Jumbo Lip Pencils, available in five fab shades – Cranberry, Clover, Marigold, Dahlia, and Maroon, they glide on like a dream. Whether you’re going for a subtle daytime vibe or full-on glam, these pencils can do it all. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a multitasking product?

Now, if you fancy adding a bit of glow (and who doesn’t this time of year?), the Pressed Powder Bronzer is a must-have. Available in five coffee-inspired shades – Café Au Lait, Cold Brew, Ginger Coffee, Latte, and Mocha, it blends beautifully for a natural, satin-matte finish.

Whether you want a soft sun-kissed look or a sharper contour, the bronzer is buildable and will last all day. Plus, with a refill option it’s as sustainable as it is gorgeous.

RRP £19.90, refills at £15.90

Skincare fans, this one’s for you! The Soft Cream Moisturiser is a game changer, especially if you’re a fan of mineral make up. This ultra light cream is the perfect base for your foundation, keeping your skin hydrated and fresh.

Made with 95% natural and 100% vegan ingredients, it’s packed with skin-loving goodies like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E. It absorbs instantly, leaving your skin soft, smooth, and perfectly prepped for makeup.

From their sustainable ethos to their high-quality, skin-friendly formulas, Annabelle Minerals is giving us serious Christmas gifting inspiration. Lipsticks, bronzers, skincare—you name it, they’ve got something for everyone.

So, whether you’re pampering yourself or spoiling someone special, these beauties are sure to put a smile on anyone’s face this Christmas.

Love Vicci 3 in 1 Multi-Functional Make Up Brush

beauty, Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own

Whilst I have a large collection of cosmetics and make up brushes at home, when I’m travelling, I try to only take the essentials, with the aim of fitting everything into one small make up bag! It’s relatively easy to choose a small selection of cosmetics but I find it’s not quite as easy to reduce the amount of brushes I take so I was really pleased to discover the Love Vicci Multi-Functional Make Up Brush, a cleverly designed 3 in one professional brush which is not only great for travelling but it’s perfect for keeping in my handbag for a quick touch up during the day.

At first glance the Love Vicci brush looks just like any powder brush but on closer inspection you can see that it cleverly incorporates a foundation/concealer sponge and an eye make up brush in the handle of the main brush.  To get the brushes out you simply unscrew the handle – it’s such a simple idea and a great way of saving space and keeping all your brushes together.

The brush has been designed by beauty industry experts and the chunky power brush feels nice and sturdy in my hand. The dense bristles in the fluffy soft brush pick up the powder easily making application a dream.

I always use a sponge to apply my foundation as I find they help blend the colour and give a more natural-looking  finish, so I was really pleased to discover that this brush set contains a foundation sponge. The sponge is smaller than the one I currently use but it worked really well with my foundation, transferring most of it onto the skin rather than absorbing it. The domed shape was good for blending in the foundation around my nose and eyes and the side was ideal for the larger area of my face like my cheeks and forehead. As the sponge is stored in the handle it also keeps my make up bag nice and clean which is an added bonus.

The bristles on the eye brush are quite firm which is perfect for applying eyeliner or for cream brow products. The brush is angled which helps give a precise line and if you’re really trying to travel light it can also double up as an eyeshadow brush.

If you’re looking for an affordable makeup brush set that is not only compact but performs well then this is the one to get. Love Vicci also have a 3 in 1 eye make up brush which looks just as impressive so I’ll be buying one of those before my next trip!!

£19.95

Avon Advent Calendars

advent calendar, beauty, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own

We’re 12 days into December and I’m really enjoying opening the doors on these fantastic Avon advent calendars. December is always a crazy month and I usually find myself racing around trying to meet deadlines at work and getting ready for Christmas so it’s lovely to have an advent calendar that is packed full of treats. Whilst more expensive than a chocolate advent calendar, the products in these beauty advent calendars will certainly last a lot longer than the few seconds it takes to eat a piece of chocolate!  

I’ve used plenty of Avon products in the past so I’m familiar with this iconic brand and even though I’m an adult I must admit it’s quite exciting opening a door each morning to see what’s hiding behind it.  

The Self-Love Wellbeing Advent Calendar is a 12 day treasure trove containing all the products you need for a spot of head to toe pampering. With a nice mix of skincare and body care products it has felt like a daily indulgent treat and opening the doors has been the highlight of my day. I’m quite disappointed that it’s only a calendar with 12 days as I’ve loved all the products, especially the Planet Spa Sleep Ritual Pillow Mist which has been a godsend as I have been having difficulty sleeping recently. A couple of sprays on my pillow and I’m off to the land of nod in no time at all. The skincare products are giving my skin a real boost, I haven’t tried Avon’s skincare products before and I have to say that I’m really impressed! Not only are they lovely to use they’re also a lot cheaper than the brands I currently use I so I’ll definitely be switching to these in future.  

The calendar costs £35 and the contents are worth £81.75 so it’s well worth getting one whilst they are still in stock – you don’t just need to count down to Christmas why not use it to count down to the New Year or a birthday instead?

Self Love Wellbeing Advent Calendar contents:

• 1 x Anew Renewal Power Serum 10ml.
• 1 x Anew Renewal Power Serum 30ml.
• 1 x Anew Ultimate Night Cream 15ml.
• 1 x Planet Spa Radiance Ritual 50ml.
• 1 x Anew Lifting Dual Eye System.
• 1 x Restoring Cuticle Cream 15ml.
• 1 x Planet Spa Sleep Ritual Pillow Mist 100ml.
• 1 x Planet Spa Aromatherapy Beauty Sleep 30ml.
• 1 x Foot Works Clay Mask with Lavender 75ml.
• 1 x Anew Revitalising Micellar Water 50ml.

The other calendar I have been opening is the 24 Days of Beauty Advent calendar which costs £65 and the contents are worth a whopping £190.25. The majority of products are make up but there are a couple of skincare products to discover too, including the Anew Reversalist Day Cream, Anew Renewal Power Serum and Anew Renewal Power Eye Cream. I am in quite a rut with my make up so this calendar has given me the perfect opportunity to update my make up bag and try some new looks without breaking the bank. Trying products that I wouldn’t normally consider has actually been fun and after avoiding red nail varnish for years I’ve discovered that actually I do like it so will keep using Avon’s Power Stay gel Nail Enamel – The Red One.

Another new to me product I really like is the Blush Pearls which were hiding behind door number 1. They are perfect for giving my pale winter skin a gentle glow and are now a staple of my make up bag.

I’ve still 12 more days to go but in the days I’ve opened I’ve found a great mix of new products as well as a few old favourites and I’m looking forward to trying out the rest of the products over the next couple of weeks.

The 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar Contents:

• 1 x Anew Reversalist Day Cream 15ml.
• 1 x Lash Genius Multitask & Multiply Mascara in Blackest Black 10ml.
• 1 x Power Stay Liquid Lip in The Red One 6ml.
• 1 x Ultra Matte Lipstick in Marvellous Mocha.
• 1 x Power Stay Gel Shine in The Red One 10ml.
• 1 x Attraction for Her Eau de Parfum Purse Spray 10ml.
• 1 x Planet Spa The Sleep Ritual Pillow Mist 100ml.
• 1 x Hydramatic Matte Lipstick in Mauve.
• 1 x Blush Pearls in Warm 28g.
• 1 x Ultra Colour 60 Second Express Nail Enamel in Mauve It 10ml.
• 1 x Skin So Soft Original Dry Oil Spray 150ml.
• 1 x Bronze & Glow Bronzing Powder in Warm Glow 13.5g.
• 1 x Ultra Shimmer Lipstick in Spring Bling.
• 1 x Anew Revitalising Micellar Water 50ml.
• 1 x Glimmerstick Eyeliner in Brown Black.
• 1 x Anew Renewal Power Serum 30ml.
• 1 x Angled Precision Lip & Eye Brush.
• 1 x Glimmerstick Diamonds Eyeliner in Twilight Sparkle.
• 1 x Brow Boost Volume in Clear.
• 1 x Glimmerstick Lip Liner in Mystery Mauve.
• 1 x Anew Renewal Power Eye Cream 15ml.
• 1 x Exxtravert Extreme Volume Mascara in Blackest Black 9.5ml.
• 1 x Advance Techniques Absolute Nourishment Treatment Serum 30ml.
• 1 x All-Over Face Brush.

I know we’re half way through December now but these calendars are such great value and will make an ideal present for any makeup-obsessed or skincare enthusiast in your life.

Annabelle Minerals Sheer Shine Lipsticks

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, cruelty-free, eco friendly, Gifts for Her, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review but all thoughts and opinions are our own.

I don’t leave the house without putting lipstick on so was very pleased to receive a selection of Sheer Shine lipsticks in the most gorgeous shades of nude, pinks and red from Annabelle Minerals.

Available in six shades, these lipsticks are a lovely creamy consistency which glides nicely onto your lips, enhancing as well as nurturing them. The colours are lovely and last well but the main benefit to me is how moisturised my lips now feel. Enriched with a blend of natural butters, oils, waxes, and vitamin E they have the moisturising qualities of a lip balm but in a lipstick formula – a winning combination which not only makes your lips look good, keeps them lovely and soft and hydrated too.   

The shape of the lipstick enables a precise application, and it was easy to adjust the intensity of colour from a subtle wash to an intense full lip. We all know the packaging of lipsticks is important and these are available in a chic golden magnetic case, with a snug fitting lid and there is also a refill option too which is a great sustainable option.

The colours available are –

APRICOT – a fresh peachy nude shade that complements both warm and cool beauty types. A very versatile everyday colour that will suit most people.

BROWN FIG – a gorgeous pink caramel colour that can easily be glammed up if you are going out straight after work.  

COCONUT – a warm brown hue, great if you have a tan.

DRAGON FRUIT – this fuchsia pink lipstick teamed with smoky eyes is a winning combination for Christmas party glamour.

GUAVA – a powdery pink shade that will suit all complexions.

STRAWBERRY – a stunning red lipstick that will add a touch of drama to any outfit.

As a user of more expensive lipsticks, I can honestly say that these lipsticks could easily rival any of my normal brands so are a great choice if you are looking to save a little money but aren’t prepared to compromise on quality.  The choice of shades is great and they keep your lips lovely and moisturised which is very important now we are heading into the winter months.  

From daytime to evening glamour, Annabelle Minerals have a great selection of makeup and skincare products that would make amazing gifts this Christmas, so whatever your budget you will easily find the perfect gift.

RRP £11.90 and the refill is £9.90 – available here

Annabelle Minerals Eye Pencils

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Vegetarian, Winter

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review but all thoughts and opinions are our own.

I’m sure I am not the only one who finds applying eyeliner tricky – I struggle to apply it evenly and invariably end up poking myself in the eye in the process! Over the years I have tried lots of different eyeliners and now favour the pencil style ones like these from Annabelle Minerals which I find are much easier to apply.

They recently sent me a selection of Eyeliner Pencils and Jumbo Eye Pencils in the most gorgeous shades of purple, the pencils are extremely gentle to the delicate eye area and incredibly easy to use, the creamy texture glides onto your eyelid and lash line without dragging the delicate skin. The intensity of the colours is fantastic, they are very rich and vibrant and highly pigmented.

I especially like the Jumbo Eye Pencils as they can be used as eyeshadow, eyeliner and primer and I have been using all three shades – Catmint, Fuchsia and Midnight – to create both day and night looks. Fuchsia is a gorgeous deep purple which is the perfect colour for anyone who’s looking to make a change from traditional black or brown but doesn’t want anything too bright just yet.

I don’t have the steadiest of hands, but the eyeliner pencils are nice and soft and I found it easy to apply to my lash line, adding a little flick at the corner of my eyes to lift them and make them stand out more.

After applying for the first time I went to work and put the eye pencils in my makeup bag, fully expecting to have to reapply at some point during the day. I was therefore quite surprised when I found I didn’t need to as the colour lasted on my upper eyelid for the whole day. As well as being easy to apply the eye pencils were easy to remove too, a wipe with eye make up remover and the colour was gone.

Annabelle Minerals products are based on only 4 ingredients and are 100% organic. Their products are suitable for every skin type as well as vegetarians and vegans.

Jumbo Eye Pencil £11.90 (available in 6 shades)

Eye Pencil £9.90 (available in 6 shades)

Super Facialist Skin Perfecting Primer

beauty, Gifts for Her, Summer, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Summer is a traditional time for beauty brands to launch new products and when it comes to make up there is a plethora of summery, shimmery eye shadows, lipsticks and highlighters available to enhance your sun kissed skin.  

Whilst I love summer and being able to try out lots of new make up products, there is always the risk that as the temperature rises the make up I carefully applied first thing in the morning will start to slip and slide off my face, leaving it looking patchy. So how do we stop this happening? Well, this is where a good primer comes in, applied after moisturiser and before foundation, adding this extra step to your routine means your make up will still be in place long after the sun has gone down.

Primers work by minimising/blurring the appearance of fine lines and pores and create a smoother surface for make-up, meaning your make up goes on smoothly and stays put for longer. It’s been really hot this last couple of weeks and the Skin Perfecting Primer from Super Facialist has kept my make up in place despite the heat. This innovative multi-tasking product not only looks incredibly summery thanks to the swirls of lavender, peach and green but also primes, colour-corrects, moisturises and brightens skin to create a flawless complexion.

The pump dispenser is really easy to use and a pea sized amount is ample for your face. It is a dream to apply, absorbing instantly into your skin and it doesn’t leave it feeling sticky or greasy. It left my skin super smooth and I definitely noticed an improvement in terms of a dewy finish. My foundation looked more even and didn’t go patchy by the end of the day, despite the heat. It made a real difference and from the second I applied it I could see my skin looking more awake and radiant.

It’s also great for days when you don’t need to wear foundation, it blurs, smoothes and gives a fresh glow to skin and once you’ve tried it you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. A real make up bag essential!

RRP £17 available here