ColourPop Reviews #4

It seems like Colourpop is the only brand I ever talk about on here anymore...but can you blame me? I'm still thoroughly enjoying their products, and I'm here to share the batch of reviews from my last big order! As I say in basically every post, I just can't get enough of Colourpop! They have such a wide range of products, colours and finishes, and all at super affordable prices. The fact that they keep pumping out new releases doesn't help either! I told myself this would be my last order for a looong while though...

The Beauty Lover Tag

I want to start this post of by both thanking and APOLOGISING to Holly! She created this tag and very graciously tagged li'l ol' me...like 5 moNTHS AGO. It's taken me waaaaay to long to do this! There are a bunch of tags I've been tagged in that I haven't yet done...one of which is the Procrastinating blogger tag - fitting much? Also thank you to Lauren who tagged me as well! Anyway let's get into it! My answers are probably going to be a bit rambly and haphazard so bear with me! I haven't done a tag in a HOT minute. 

In the Spotlight // Crop's Cosmetics

Crop Natural Skincare* is a relatively new brand that came out with a small range of skincare a little while ago, and just recently launched their makeup line! Crop is a natural brand with no nasties like parabens, mineral oil, petrochemicals, etc. It's suitable for sensitive skin and doesn't test on animals! The whole ethos behind the brand is very admirable and you can read more about it on their website! I was very generously sent almost the whole range of makeup (thank you so much Crop!) and have been testing them out for the past few weeks. Before I get into the reviews, I do want to mention the packaging! It's lovely and minimal and looks quite classy - I'm into it. Oh and, unfortunately I couldn't really test the liquid foundation or brow pencil as they are the wrong shades for me! I will try and keep this post concise and I've split the products up into recommendations, 'eh' products and ones that I wouldn't recommend, so keep reading for my thoughts!

Conceal, don't Feel

Hey guys! Today I have a review on Maybelline's Fit Me concealer which I have in the shade Medium. This concealer has been raved about by many and even claimed to be an almost dupe for the NARS Radiant Creamy concealer! Though I haven't tried that one (boy, would I love to!), I have established my thoughts on the more inexpensive offering.

Just in case it wasn't obvious enough that I was referencing Frozen, because reasons. Also, Elsa displaying the product with her usual flair ;)

Swatched, blended

The concealer is packaged in a nice slim and compact tube, however it is not the most robust. My friend's tube has started leaking and causing all sorts of trouble. Though I haven't experienced that yet (and hopefully won't), the tube can get a bit grubby, and concealer caking around the spouty-opening-thing. It has a very small doe-foot applicator though which holds a decent amount of product - I tend to wipe the it off on the edge of the tube - and its small size makes it quite precise and provides a very quick application.

Undoubtedly, this concealer has a very nice formula. It's a thin, creamy liquid consistency that works well in all areas of the face; from blemishes to bags. Unlike other concealers I've tried, this doesn't accentuate dry patches or areas of the face too badly - unless it's a particularly flaky spot. Similarly, it doesn't crease, look cakey or dry when used on the under eye area. Coverage wise, I'd say it's medium to full in the spectrum of concealers. I tend to apply and blend with the Real Techniques Deluxe Crease brush which sheers it out a little, but blends it quickly and seamlessly into the skin.When blended and patted into the skin, the coverage is much better. Either way it looks natural and light on the skin! The staying power is decent, lasting ten hour days with some fading and it can look a little dry in parts as time goes on, while it does stay reasonably well on oilier parts. Bear in mind I always set with a powder.

The Fit Me range of products boasts having shades for everyone - at least I think that's the idea. They do have a decent range of shades though, and with differing undertones. Medium seems to be a pretty good match for me, yellow toned and if anything a tad dark for some of my base products.

I do thoroughly enjoy this concealer and it has been a quick and easy product to use in the mornings. It's still probably not the best concealer I've ever tried (though I haven't tried many), but it will satisfy my desire for the NARS for the mean time! The Fit Me concealer retails for AUD$14.95.

Creamy Contour

Finding the perfect contour shade and product has been a bit of a struggle, it also doesn't help that I'm a complete noob when it comes to contouring. I can never fake that glorious shadow-line of a well carved cheekbone. One product that has quickly become a favourite though in helping me look like I have moderately okay cheekbones is the Illamasqua Concealer in shade CC325. I snagged this on clearance for only $6 and thought, why not give it a go for cream contouring?

swatched, blended

Despite this being marketed as a concealer, I have doubts that it would work well as one. The formula is a very stiff and dry cream that honestly doesn't feel creamy or emollient at all - even when 'warmed up' with a finger. I think that its dry formula would cling to dry skin making it ineffective on blemishes, and I expect that it would be drying or cakey looking on the under-eyes. However, when used with a brush (my personal fave is the Real Techniques Contour Brush) it transfers amazingly. It's like its a powder (but more stiff, and obviously not powdery), but it kind of just 'melds' into the skin when blended with a brush. The edges are diffused but is still precise, it looks natural and never obvious - which is exactly what you want when it comes to contouring (NO body wants a brown line down the side of their face!). I feel like with fingers it can apply a bit patchily (the swatches above) but I don't find that's an issue with a brush. Although it's very dry, it doesn't dry to a powder, the texture is very hard to explain! Regardless, I also find the staying power of the product to be absolutely stellar. It lasts much better than any typical cream blush type product and even better that some powders. I suspect this is due to its dry nature so it really sets and sticks to the skin, hanging around till the end of the day.

Shade wise, it's pretty awesome too. It's probably the darkest brown in my collection. It is warm but doesn't give off any orange tones at all, it looks very natural and even quite convincing despite my cack-handed approach! It's a shade or two darker than the contour shade in my Sleek kit, and cooler in tone. It's probably most similar to my e.l.f bronzer from the St Lucia blush/bronzer duo, however that one contains shimmer and it probably a bit warmer.

Overall, the shadow this gives is very natural and when used with the right brush can really mimic somewhat of a cheekbone! Woo hoo! Haha, I'm really glad I picked this up and it will be filling the void of a contour shade very well!

Hidden Agenda

Today I'll be reviewing the Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette. This was one of the products I was most excited about receiving from America.

The packaging is a sleek plastic case with magnetic closure. I really like that you can see the product through the packaging.

The palette contains two concealer shades (one lighter and one darker), a green-toned neutralizer for redness and a translucent powder. The idea is to mix the two concealers to achieve your ideal shade. The neutralizer works well to eliminate redness. I use it underneath foundation and/or concealer. I find the powder to be a bit too powdery. When I dip my brush into the pan, it kicks up a lot of excess powder. I also notice that it is not completely translucent and leaves a slight white cast to the skin.

lighter concealer shade, darker concealer shade, neutralizer, powder

The texture of the concealers is very nice and creamy. I find it easier to apply using my fingers as their warmth makes the concealers more malleable. Despite their creamy consistency, when put over dry or flaky skin, it makes it more obvious. They work well under the eyes and don't crease or cake and are not drying. Their staying power is quite good especially when topped with a powder, whether it be the one provided in the palette or another. I think though that the palette would be better off without the powder, and instead have a peachy toned neutralizer for darkness. That would have made this the ultimate concealer palette!

Overall I really like this palette and I can get my perfect shade from mixing the concealers together. Also I use the lighter shade under my eyes to provide a brightened and highlighted effect. I think the quality of the concealers is good and that it is a very multi-purpose product!