This way for organic, vegan makeup that works!

A little while ago I was introduced to INIKA, an Australian brand that is certified vegan, cruelty free and halal.

INIKA’s range is extensive as it is impressive, especially its loose pigments.

Being the makeup addict I am, I jumped at the chance to try their latest product, including their first compact powder: the gorgeous Baked Mineral Foundation (RRP £33).

As the shade I got is slightly too dark for my skin tone, I abused it in holidays, when I had a tan. The coverage is quite impressive, extremely buildable from quite sheer (that means a lot coming from me – I an very picky with my coverage), and the finish smooth and natural.

It is a mineral product, baked on Terracota tiles in Tuscany, with light reflecting particles for a  glowy finish.

Also one that became a little favourite of mine is the new Red Apple shade of their Loose Mineral Blush (RRP £23). It is almost a burnt peach with a hint of pink.

Really highly pigmented, naturally water resistant, with light reflecting pigments, it delivers a natural glowy flush to the cheeks. And I know, it is loose but it is not messy as it has a turnable sifter.

While on face, I also tried the certified organic Cream Illuminisor, a subtle and natural looking cream highlighter. The Spice shade is just a glow on my skin colour, which I believe would be amazing on paler skins and less “out there” makeup wearers. Gold delivers a little bit more colour, still very discreet.

Applies ok – it is a bit on the hard side and should be done with fingers, but the finish and durability are good for a cream product (my skin does not often like creamy products). It works well as a base for layering with a powder highlighter.

Packed with coconut oil, cocoa butter, carnauba and candelia waxes, as well as Argan oil and vitamin E, this product also cares for the skin.

The Lip Serum (RRP £17) is certified organic and contains orange essential oils, mandarin extract, vitamin E, jojoba, sunflower and rosehip oils plus sea buckthorn, which is a great healer.

It applies well and it is not sticky, has no colour but gives lips a subtle shine. I like wearing it before going to bed as overnight repair, and this has crawled into my routine – I always said nothing but two things work on my lips. Make it three.

Finally, the Liquid Eyeliner (RRP £19), also certified organic. It is well pigmented, and has a decent durability. I have the black one and for better performance, apply again once the first application has dried.

It has aloe vera, glycerin and black tea leaf extract.

I am not a fan of liquid eyeliners, but this one has a solid tip which makes application easier.

This is a tiny sample of their huge range – a great option for vegans out there! You can find all the products above, plus plenty more, on the INIKA website.

written by Dani

You know the drill, but I’ll say again: this post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

So Many Lovely Things beauty retrospective 2015: makeup

beauty_retrospective_somanylovelythings2015. What a fabulous year for the blog. I never expected all the amazing things that happened, brands, products and, above all, people I met.

Just amazing; I feel grateful and privileged.

Among so many great products I tried this year, it is very hard to pick my favourites, but here it comes. Without further ado, the best makeup of the year goes to:

Overall highlights:

Black lipstick

If you asked me, I’d have never in my life said I’d wear black lippy outside fancy dress. During the day? Oh no. But I did, and I freaking loved it.

It did something to my face, almost softening all of my other features. Did I mention I love it?

MDMFlow Di La La is THE black lippy to have.

charlotte_tilbury_makeup_john_lewis - 2Charlotte Tilbury

After resisting that all important first purchase as I did find the makeup was on the pricey side, I succumbed after trying a few fabulous items John Lewis sent to me.  Since then, I’ve added seven extra items to my CT collection.

Massive big up to the Colour Chameleon Eyeshadow Pencil and even more to the Fat Lashes mascara, which is indeed a miracle worker (review coming very soon).

Foundation, lipsticks, eye pencil, lip pencil, brow pencil, eyeshadows… everything is fabulous.

Lipstick

rouge_louboutin_velvet_matte_lipstick - 2Louboutin Rouge Velvet Matte Lipstick: beautiful inside out. I don’t think  have to talk much about this one. Too pretty to miss.

charlotte_tilbury_makeup_john_lewis - 1 (1)Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Love bite lipstick: usually a finish I don’t go for, a kind of lustre, but oh, boy, this is pretty. An orange red, with a fab sheen, but not too much, and great durability.

Foundation

hourglass immaculate foundation reviewHourglass Immaculate: replaced my long standing foundation and proved its price tag. One downside is the lack of SPF in this product. so close to perfection…

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation: not replacing the one above but worth of mention. Nothing I try for Tilbury is less than great. Together with my faithful MAC Studio Fix, makes for a cheaper everyday alternative to the pricey Hourglass.

Highlighter

hourglass_ambient_lighting_edit_palette_review - 4Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Palette: all the highlighting you will need, plus blushers and a bronzer. Just perfect.

thebalm_maryloumanizer_highlighter_review - 4The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer: the shade on this highlighter is just great. Not too gold, not too yellow, and its a fab multitasking – looks great on eyes.

inika highlighterInika Light Reflect Highlighting Creme: a fabulous product which delivers a great glow. Plus it’s vegan, organic and halal.

makeup revolution vivid baked highlighterAnd a special mention to my favourite budget highlighter: Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighter in Peach Lights. A bit 2014 but still going strong.

Primer

hourglass veil mineral primer reviewHourglass Veil Primer: reigned absolute this year. No contenders to this product; it fill all the expectations from a primer – it smooths, aids product distribution and duration, as well as making makeup sweat proof.

Eyeliner

nyx_twotimer - 3NYX Two Timer: a great, precise, easy-to-use product with fabulous pigmentation and durability. Plus a friendly price tag.

gosh xtreme gel liquid eyelinerGOSH Xtreme Liquid Gel eyeliner: the finish on this product is superb, think vinyl, with incomparable shine. And it’s immovable.

Urban Decay Ink for Eyes: a tiny tiny pen with extra fine nib for precision lining. Very neat.

Eyeshadow

charlotte_tilbury_colour_chameleon_review - 1Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon Eyeshadow Pencil: easy to use, great durability, fab colours. Enough said.

Urban Decay Naked 2: yes, you read it right. 2. Even with the Smoky buzz this year, which I succumbed to, that old palette remains my favourite and is used daily.

Mascara

Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes Mascara: Definition and separation: check. Non-clumpy formula: check. Longer lashes: check. Natural volume: check. Perfect.

nyx doll eye mascara reviewNYX Doll Eye Long Lash Mascara: definition, fan-effect and a pocket-friendly price tag.

Benefit They’re Real Eyelash Primer: what a surprise I got with this product. Separation, fanning, conditioning and a flattering brown tint that makes it wearable on its own.

Tinted products

La Roche-Posay Effaclar BB Blur: what a great surprise this was. Its mousse consistency delivers a surprisingly good durable coverage and caters for blemish prone skin. Win. Launches early 2016.

caudalie2Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Tinted Moisturiser: good, radiant coverage, full of grape goodness and a handy SPF 20.

I am sure I missed some loved ones, but these are for sure, my beauty highlights.

What product was your favourite in 2015?

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This post mentions some press samples.

 

 

Glowing with the Inika Light Reflect Highlighting Creme (review)

inika highlighterHighlighters are a essential part of my makeup routine; on a daily basis, I always wear it on the top of my cheekbones.

I am always looking for the next go-to product, so I was very happy to get hold of the Inika Light Reflect Highlighting Creme.

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