Makeup Revolution Naked Chocolate full sized review

Hello my lovelies. It's another gloomy day here in UK despite it being the middle of summer. Wedding season is still on and a quest for finding that perfect neutral palette can be a real struggle. Of course there's plenty of fish in the sea. From Urban Decay Naked 1-3 through Too Faced Chocolate palette. These can be quite pricey but there's no denying how lovely they are.

Is there a cheaper alternative that provides an excellent quality shadows with great, quirky packaging? Enter Makeup Revolution. They started their Chocolate line with I heart Chocolate and Death by Chocolate. I own the latter and it's my, by far, the most used palette of all times. Shadows are well pigmented and creamy and blend beautifully. So when Naked Chocolate came out I knew that at some point I will just have to have it.

I took up recent offer from MUR where, when you spent £30 you got -£10 so my whole order costed me only £20. I ordered few extra bits as well but when I saw Naked Chocolate for the first time, I knew it was a love from a first sight.

Let's start with the packaging. I actually prefer Makeup Revolution version of chocolate packaging. It is gorgeous, half melted chocolate design. This time it comes in white chocolate colour.

General theme is lighter too with beautiful shades that will suit even the palest complexions like mine. What I missed in Death by Chocolate were the light crease shades and this is where Naked Chocolate delivers :)

I especially like Tob-le-rone which is a light taupe matte. I have to mention that mattes are of semi-matte finish. They blend well, but if you are looking for flat matte finish you may need to look elsewhere. What's really handy is the design of two highlight shades, one matte, one shimmer. They both have lager pans which means more product. I'm obsessed with matte beige shades as I tend to lighten other shades by mixing with it and blending out shadows too so I use matte beige quite a lot. Smoothly is a nice example. Milky is a lovely crease cool tone shade. It's not the most pigmented of shades but it does the job nicely. Mattes are completed by one medium, warm brown - Sweet Shop and darker, more cool toned Choc-fest. Both of them will work beautifully to deepen the crease of shapen the edges of the makeup. Lastly we have Wonka - darker neutral toned brown. There you have it 6 gorgeous semi mattes that should make any daytime or evening wear makeup possible. They are also not too dark which means they are perfect for blending out.

We know that shimmers are something Makeup Revolution tends to do right. And Naked Chocolate isn't exception to this rule. Think gold in every shade imaginable. That's the general theme behind this palette. Adorable is a lovely light shade with pink undertones. Chic is a light gold shade. Divine is a beautiful rose gold and Double Dip has more of an antique gold mark to it. Mocha Lover and Frosted Choc have copper written all over them. Both are gorgeous and will enhance any blue/grey eyes :) Dipped and Buttons are brown shimmers, slightly darker shades but with beautiful sheen to them.  Delight is taupe with gold shimmer which looks incredible when blended. Lastly Sugar is a rich brown with plum undertones.

From right: Smoothly, Divine, Mocha Lover and Dipped

From right: Adorable, Buttons, Frosted Choc and Delight

From right: Double Dip, Tob-le-rone, Wonka and Milky

From right: Way, Sugar, Sweet Shop and Choc-fest

Daytime makeup - check. Evening makeup - double check. You can do so many looks with Naked Chocolate but if you enjoy a good neutral palette with variety of shades and undertones this is the one for you. You have neutrals, warm and cool shades both in matte and shimmer variations.

In general pigmentation is really good, especially with shimmer shades. Lighter mattes have a lighter pay-off also which can be a turn off for some but I quite like it as it means more control in the crease for example. Darker mattes have an incredible colour pay-off too !!

Shades blend really well and don't disappear when you blend them out. They are also quite "forgiving" especially the crease colour as they lack a little in pigmentation, therefore increasing your control of the outcome.

I'm seriously impressed. I really like the fact that this is not a dupe for another Too Faced or Urban Decay palette. It's the most original palette of them all. I like how colour scheme has been designed as I think it will work well with different skin tones and eye colours. I really like the variety of undertones. I can't find a single fault except for maybe I'd like matte beige to be a little more pigmented. I don't mind it with medium shades but I really like beige shade to have an excellent colour pay-off.

What do you think ladies? Have you been on a lookout for a good neutral palette that won't break the bank? You can buy Naked Chocolate for £8 from here and in Superdrug here.

Thank you for reading & hope to see you next time.

Love,
Dorota x

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Tanya Burr's Lip Glosses under the radar. Are they worth the hype?

Hello lovelies. Today I'd like to talk to you about lip glosses. In general I'm not a fan. I have long hair that I'd like to keep loose and with the constant wind (Hello Britain lol) it's just not the most easy thing to wear on your lips. I also find most very drying. Ok I love matte lips too and matte colours tend to dry my lips too but at least I know what I'm paying for - perfect lips for several hours :)

I love Tanya Burr. She is such a sweetheart, super cute Youtube machine. Yet I've seen her beauty line when it launched and I never really wanted anything. I rarely wear falsies so that wasn't my cup of tea and I don't like lip glosses. Having seen Tanya apply her lip glosses on her videos I became bit more interested as they seemed to have a lovely colour payoff and as the name suggest they were so glossy ;) Finally on my weekly (LIAR - daily) trip to Superdrug I picked one up. I applied it later on and found the nude colour to be a little too nude for me if you know what I mean. However I found that lip gloss, although just a teensy bit sticky (which I don't mind at all) lasted for good two hours and after it was gone it left a nourishing layer on top of my lips for another 3 hours afterwards. 

Having said all that colour by itself was really light so I started to experiment with adding a little on top of my nude lipsticks. That's how I found my perfect combo: MAC's Kinda Sexy and Tanya Burr's Chic :) If I want a nude lip these days that's what I will go for :) 

I wanted more :) This time I wanted to pick up a more "me" colour and after seeing swatches everywhere I've chosen Aphrodite. What a happy surprise it was, that I found it on Fragrance Direct for £1.99 :) In the basket it went, alongside a little MAC extra, but that's the story for another time.

The moment I opened the package I knew that Aphrodite may quickly become my favourite lip gloss ever. It's has a raspberry tone to it and it's just lovely pinky, red and glossy at the same time. What's not too love. Pigmentation as for a lip gloss is pretty great and again it lasts well on my lips. Even once the colour goes off it leaves a comfortable layer on top of your lips and you don't feel like you need to use a lip treatment afterwards. 

Tanya Burr Lip Gloss in Chic

Tanya Burr Lip Gloss in Aphrodite

I've done some scary close up swatches for you as well as standard photos and I will leave you to judge if you like them or not :)

I'm a new convert to lip glosses thanks to Tanya Burr collection :) Will I be getting more? Probably not as these two will last me forever and as I said before, I don't wear lip gloss that often. Aphrodite will end up in my work makeup bag as a quick during a day fix, that's for sure :)

You can get them at Superdrug for £6.99 here or specific shades at discounted price of £1.99 at Fragrance Direct here. Also check out Tanya's YT channel if you don't already stalk her online ;)

Hope you enjoyed my ramblings today and I hope to see you next time :) Don't forget to subscribe :)

Thanks for reading.
Love,

Dorota

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One lipstick to rule them all - Kendall Jenner for Estee Lauder in Restless

Kendall Jenner or as I'd like the call her, one of the clan I can actually stand. There's not much to say other than Kendall has successfully launched her career in fashion and become a fashion guru in a space of a year. When Estee Lauder has announced her to be a brand's spokesperson everyone's heads turned. Estee Lauder has always appeared to be more of a mature brand, with it's luxury, sleek packaging and marketing. Kendall has been a breath of fresh air for the brand. I have always been a fan. Double Wear - love it. Skincare - huge fan. There wasn't much more I would ever purchase yet it may change now. Limited edition Pure Color Matte Sculpting Lipstick in Restless has been the most anticipated launch of the summer. Countless vloggers and bloggers have already given their opinions and it seems that everyone is wearing Kendall.









Let's start with the name. Restless is a perfect word to describe Kendall and her career. She's a 19 year old girl who's been working tirelessly to brand herself outside of the Kardashian clan and she has succeed. She is determined and restless when it comes to getting her way.

Packaging is pure luxury. From it's gorgeous matte finish (little finger print prone) to a beautiful Navy colour that we come to love with Estee Lauder, it is a an incredible addition to any fashionista's makeup bag. I love magnetic lid which only adds to the luxury of this piece. There's no denying it, it's gorgeous. Combine that with gold top with Kendall's signature in red and you have gotten yourself an accessory that every girl will lust after.

Price range may not be for everyone. Estee Lauder is a high end brand and this is a limited edition lipstick. It's £25 and in line with lip colour prices of other high end products.

Formula is matte. In MAC terms it's a retro matte finish yet it applies beautifully. The way it's sculpted you can draw your perfect red lip in no time. Gorgeous doesn't cover it. Finish on the lips is spectacular. True matte red lips are not only very wearable but also a definition of style. As with any matte lipstick it can be quite drying after few hours wear.

It's a very long lasting lipstick. I had it on for 8 hours and the pigment was still there. I'd say it will wear perfectly for 6 hours unless you eat. They it'll slowly disappear but no nastiness here as it goes away only slightly. I gave it a proper test and you can see from the pictures how beautifully it wears throughout the day.


On the application (with flash)


On the application (no flash)


4 hours wear (after eating a salad and drinking plenty)


After 8 hours

Colour may not be for everyone this is an orange red so it'll not look too great with less than white teeth. When it comes to a skin tone I am always aware of orange lips on me as I don't think it suits me, yet with this one, it was love on a first sight. It looks lovely on my paler than pale complexion with pink undertones. This is what Estee Lauder has to say about it:

"Part poppy. Part orange crush. All matte. All Kendall.
The high-impact colour that shapes your lips. Smooths and hydrates."
I may not agree with the hydrating comment but the rest is all true.As with any matte colour, I would strongly suggest prepping your lips before wear. Little scrub and moisturiser will do great. In return, you will find yourself in the centre of attention as everyone will be asking what you're wearing.

I'm a big fan of neon shades for the day. I would wear it to the office as well as on the night out. It's a very versatile shade for me, but that's just my opinion. I'm not afraid of a bright lip for the daytime, that's all.

It has gained 4.9 out of 5* on the Estee Lauder website with raving reviews complementing both colour and packaging. So if you are the one up for that bold, matte lip then Kendall Jenner lipstick is the one for you.

It's available online only, exclusively to Estee Lauder website and you can buy it here (LIMITED EDITION NOT AVAILABLE) 

Thank you for reading.
Love,

Dorota x

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Freedom Makeup London eyeshadow palette in Dreamcatcher lets your imagination run freely

What a lovely name to be given to the eyeshadow palette. Dreamcatcher does just that. You can let your imagination run wild and create the most extraordinary looks. I'm not a makeup artist, I don't photoshop my images. I prefer if what you see, is the real look, as I was just stepping out of the cab to meet you for drinks. I will be talking about eyeshadows today but for the first time I will be showing you what I created using it. Please be nice, it's my first go and I will get better I promise ;)

I love summer, don't you? I especially love hanging around my garden and watching flowers I planted in the spring come to the full bloom. This look was created because of just that, my pretty pink and blue flowers in the garden :)

Dreamcatcher looks a lot like his more expensive mate from NARS, Dual Intensity Eyeshadow. I don't know NARS eyeshadows, however this palette has grabbed by attention instantly when I was making my order at Freedom website. Don't know Freedom? Visit their website for all the goodness that they have launched recently. 

I was mesmerised by this palette because of the colours included. From neutrals through pinks and purples to navy blue and dark, intensive green. What's not to love? I had to have it. Palette consists of 12 super pigmented, shimmer eyeshadows. Would I get it knowing that all the shades would sparkle? Probably not and what a huge mistake would I make !! I don't wear a lot of shimmer as with hooded eyes I prefer myself in mattes. Don't get me wrong I love a good shimmer lid, just not on me ;) 

Pigmentation of these bad boys is incredible, swatches shown were made by me just lightly tapping the eyeshadows and just look at them... There are no words. I didn't experienced fall out either, but I rarely do with any eyeshadows. I believe the fall out depends more on the technique and as long as the product you're working with, is soft and has a cream like in texture, you are good to go. Have a look for yourself and let me know if Dreamcatcher has caught your attention as well. 

You can buy Dreamcatcher for as little as £4 here.

I created a look today that made me fall back in love with shimmers. I used a matte bronzer and beige matte eyeshadow in my crease and to help with blending but the rest is pure shimmer, "dream catchingly" so ;) 

For my look I used two top left shades for the inner eye and lightly at the centre on the top lid. I then started to blend in the navy in the outer corner, creating the smokey effect. I blended it out with cool tone bronzer and light beige matte. On the centre of the lid I builded up the pink shade firstly dry and then with a little of face mist. I didn't have a problem applying it wet, making this palette even more versatile. I didn't use base as I wanted it to show the real pigmentation and colours on it's own. I recreated the top lid at the bottom and completed the look with two coats of Collection Lengthening mascara :)

I hope you enjoyed my little review and the first ever eye makeup look on the blog. Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading.
Love,

Dorota x

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New Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing nail polishes review & swatches

I have had Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing nail gels for around 2 months. I have tested them pretty much non stop for the last month and I'm pretty pleased with the results. Some colours I adore more than others but they became a staple on my nails :)

The range launched around 3 months ago and I just had to get my hands on it. I ordered all except for one, looking at you red, I'm coming for you soon :) Going in for a kill, in the recent success of both Revlon and Sally Hansen launches, Barry M has launched their gel nail collection promising us a salon results at home without having to use a UV lamp or annoying removal process. All you need is your favourite shade (there's 7 to choose from) and a top coat.

Here's what Barry M has to say about the product:

Barry M’s new Sunset Daylight Curing Nail Paint and Topcoat deliver the look and resilience of pro salon gel nails without a UV lamp or the expense! All you need is a Sunset colour and the Sunset Topcoat – no need for a base coat as the special formulation bonds to the nail like a gel in daylight but can still be removed with a regular remover. Hi shine, long lasting gel nails have never been so easy!

It's extremely easy in fact. I apply two coats of the chosen shade, wait for each to dry in between and then apply the top coat. And believe me they dry in seconds. It may well be the quickest I have ever done my manicure. Application is super easy due to great formula (not too thick and not too watery - just perfect) and a brush which both make for a pleasant experience. There's no need to cure them under the lamp. When it comes to the lasting power I have to say these aren't shellac nails you do at the salon. Mine lasted approx. 3-4 days without chipping. I am very hands on at home so my standard nail polish rarely lasts more than 2 days so I'm happy to report these lasted twice as long. My pedicure lasted for a whole week without chipping. 

From the left: Fuchsia Generation, I've Been Pinkin’

From the left: You Drive Me Navy, The Way You Make Me Teal

From the left: Peach For The Stars, Do It Like A Nude and Top Coat below

I have some experience with shellac nails, having done Sensationail shellac at home. Shellac will last in between 1-2 weeks on me. However when I compare the ease of application, lack of curing under the lamp and quick & easy removal process I prefer to stick to these Barry M polishes. Ok, they don't last as long but I don't expect them too. If I can only paint my nails twice a week and not 4 or 5 sometimes that's a huge bonus for me. And if you are a person who actually washes the dishes in the gloves and takes more care of her manicure, they may last a really long time for you. 

To sum up I really like Sunset Gel Nails from Barry M for the quick and painless application and the removal process. The lasting power is also better than your regular nail polish. 

Barry M is now offering a free delivery on orders above £15, just use a Code  POST4FREE at the checkout.

You can also find the range at both Boots and Superdrug here.

Thanks for reading & see you next time :)
Love,

Dorota x

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Strobing is a thing - battle for the glow.

Forget contouring - strobing is a new thing. I have to say when I first heard the name I thought I must have stumbled upon a kinky website. Little did I know that my daily makeup routine has now a new name and it’s so IN!! Strobing is highlighting but highlighting as you've never done before. It’s a glow on crack :) Rules. There are none. Do you need to buy new products? As long as you already own a liquid/cream highlight, dewy foundation, glow setting powder and powder highlight - you are set to become a strobing Queen or a King - Manny MUA takes strobing to another lever (I want Manny to be my GBFF). 

Let’s talk how to. 

1. Firstly start with liquid highlight. After you prep your base apply the highlighter to the highest points of your face: cheekbones, chin, bridge of nose, cupid bow, over the brow bone etc. Or go for a full glow and apply it to your whole face. I do ! 
2. Apply your dewy foundation. I recommend Rimmel’s Wake Me Up or NARS Sheer Glow whatever your budget. Use a sponge or a Stipling Brush and only press the pigment to your face as you don’t want it to move the highlight underneath. Don’t own any dewy foundations? Don't worry, just add one drop of oil : sweet almond, coconut, avocado, marula, jojoba, whatever you have next to you. So one drop to your foundation will not affect it’s coverage but it will make it dewy. After application ensure you take excess oil out by gently pressing with a tissue.
3. Set your foundation with a dewy powder. I recommend Makeup Revolution Radiance Palette if you’re on a budget or Hourglass Ambient Light if you’re not :) it will set your makeup well but won’t give you a matte finish. Press the powder into the skin. Use diferrent shades around the face to give it that strobing contour look.
4. Powder highlight time. Use something like Freedom Pro highlighter or Mary-Lou Manizer to highlight highest point of your face as you did in step 1. 
5. Look in the mirror. You have turned in to a strobing queen. Any celeb would be worthy of that glow. Someone get me onto a red carpet now !!!

Does it take a lot of product - sure. Do you actually apply a lot of product - not at all. You swap certain items for their dewy counterparts. Don’t be afraid of strobing and if it turns out not so great? Take it off. It’s just makeup :) I, myself have a certain love for highlighters. I adore dewy skin look so I always try to apply at least two of the above rules to my daily routine. And my skin never looked better.

Products I own and love and are perfect for strobing:

Makeup Revolution Highlighter Palette in Radiance Light - I use these powders as a setting powder to create a slight contour look to the face but only by using different shades of highlight. I only ever once tried the Hourglass but as dupes go MUR did an excellent job. Get it here for £8 

MUR Radiance Palette Swatches from bottom: Breath, Exhale, Glow

From Left: Breathe, Exhale, Glow

Jelly Pong Pong All Over Glow is an oil-free, lightweight aluminising gel. Perfect for any skin type. I apply it under foundation over the primer and even mix a little with the foundation for added dewiness. It gives a subtle glow. Available here for £10.

From bottom: Jelly Pong Pong, Kryolan for Glossybox swatches

Kryolan for Glossybox Highlighter in Cashmere is a lovely cream product in a champagne like shade. It’s a creamy version of Mary Lou (just a little more subtle). Use it under of above your foundation for a cheeky glow without glitter. Lovely :) Unfortunately this isn't available but check out Kryolan for more awesome products here.

Mary-Lou Manizer is a cult product for a reason. The glow you can get from this little product is beyond anything I’ve seen. Light highlight, sure, just make sure you use a very light hand as this product can be built up. Ever wonder if you’re visible from outer space? Wearing Mary you can be :) Get it here for £17.49.

Freedom Makeup London Pro Highlighter in Brighten gives a really good shine. This is the cheapest of the bunch and at £3 you get an amazing highlight to rival it’s more expensive competition. If you’re new to strobing start with something like this. It’s pigmentation is really good yet there’s a less chance you end up rivalling xmas lights as it can be a case with heavy hands and Mary-Lou :) Get it here.

From left swatches of Mary-Lou Manizer, Blushing Hearts, Freedom Makeup Pro Highlighter

Lastly I’d like to include a blush. Makeup Revolution Blushing Hearts in Peachy Pink Kisses is an incredible highlight. Mix all shades together for an awesome glow to your cheeks as a blusher. Or use separate shades to highlight parts of your face. This is a multitasker and the results are super pretty. At £5 it won’t break the bank either. Buy it here.

Have you tried strobing yet? Or, as myself, you have been using it forever just calling it what it is - extreme highlighting? :) I would love to know your thoughts on the subject. Have you used any of the products I mention? Do you know anything I ought to try yet? Let me know in the comments below.

Thank you for reading and see you next time.
Love,

Dorota x

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