Category Archives: eyes

Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara Review

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Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara Review

Lancome created one of my first mascara obsessions, so I was keen to try out this new one. Here’s what you need to know about Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara. I have all the information, along with before and after photos.

What is Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara?

Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara
Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara

This new mascara from Lancome is all about achieving super fluttery extra long lashes:

  • Promises to achieve up to +5.5mm visibly longer lashes
  • Formulated to last up to 24 hours
  • Flake free formula
  • Features a super precise brush, with 480 ultra-thin micro bristles
  • Brush works to instantly elongate, separate and flare lashes from root to tip
  • Easy to remove with oil based cleanser

Before and After Photos

This is before with nothing on my lashes:

Before Photo in Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara review
Before

And here’s 2 coats and a touch on the bottom lashes:

After photo in Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara Review
After

My Review

Review of Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara
My Review of Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara

If you’ve been around here a while, you’ll know that I absolutely love a good mascara launch, and the latest from Lancôme really caught my eye because Hypnose was the first luxury mascara that I ever repeat-bought. It will always have a special place in my heart.

The Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara is a brand new take on Lash Idôle which launched back in 2021. If you want more info on that one, read: Lancome Lash Idole Mascara Review.

I’ve been testing out this new launch for the last week or so and I have to say, I really like it.

The Wand & Formula

Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara Wa
Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara Wand

Let’s talk about the brush first. It is super slim and precise and really very different to the original Lash Idole wand. I really like it because I am pretty clumsy with mascara (especially as I have hooded lids) and it does make application very easy.

It’s packed with tiny, short bristles that grab every lash, even those awkward ones right in the corner. It’s brilliant for definition and separation.

The formula is super black and feels really light on the lashes which I always appreciate. You can go for a nice light coat, or really layer it up without any crunchiness or weight, and it doesn’t dry too quickly, so you’ve got time to work it through.

First Impressions

I think this is a lovely mascara. It gives a great natural looking, fluttery effect and is easy to apply, wear and remove. I never use eyelash curlers, but this formula gives my straight lashes a good lift.

How does Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara compare to the original Lash Idôle?

If you already love the OG Lash Idôle, you’re going to enjoy this one. It is like its lighter, more fluttery sister. The original gives you a bit more volume, whereas Flutter Extension is all about length and lift. It’s more subtle but very elegant, and perfect for an understated look. If you want more drama, stick with the original.

Final Thoughts

This mascara is a really good addition to the Lancome line up. I love how effortless it is and it gives the lashes that naturally lifted, fanned-out look without feeling heavy or overly dramatic It is perfect for everyday wear.

If you are looking for a pretty life-proof tubing mascara, check out the Too Face Ribbon Wrapped Lash*. I love it.

Where to buy it

Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara is £28 and available now via the links below:

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L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Eyeshadow Review & Swatches

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L'Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Eyeshadow Review & Swatches

I am a big fan of L’Oreal makeup so I was excited to try out the L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick collection, especially as the colour range is so appealing to me. I have all the shades here along with everything you need to know.

What is L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick?

What is L'Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick
What is L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick
  • Pigmented eyeshadow stick
  • Designed to glide on effortlessly and evenly
  • Transfer- and smudge-resistant
  • Available in 10 matte and shimmer shades

How to use it

Apply the shadow stick formula directly onto lid and then blend out with finger or a brush.

L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Shades & Swatches

There are 10 matte and shimmer shades in the collection:

L'Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Shades
L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Shades
  • 100 Ice Sparkle
  • 105 Mesmerizing Gold
  • 115 Twinkly Rose
  • 118 Cloudy Rose
  • 120 Magnetic Mauve
  • 230 Magnetic Bronze
  • 240 Brown Abyss
  • 245 Alluring Rose
  • 430 Metallic Bronze
  • 440 Foiled Copper

Here are the swatches:

L'Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Swatches
L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Swatches

My Review of L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick

L'Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Foiled Copper
Foiled Copper

Le Shadow Stick is a creamy eyeshadow crayon which has been designed to be super easy to use and nice and long lasting. I have been trying out a couple of the shades and have been pretty impressed.

First Impressions:

The packaging is sleek and practical, making it really easy to chuck in your makeup bag. It has a twist-up mechanism and you simply draw on the colour and then blend out.

Application and Texture:

The shadow sticks have a lovely creamy texture and the colour glides onto the skin effortlessly. You get a bit of play time to move and blend out the product before it sets down, although the sooner you blend, the easier it is to do.

The sticks use a water-based gel formula and it feels nice and cooling as you apply it which I really like. There’s a bit of glycerin in there, so that should help to keep the skin lightly hydrated.

If you are looking for a formula for eyelids with more skincare, check out my REESON Beauty Lid Elixir* or the ILIA shadow sticks (review and swatches here).

Performance and Longevity:

I have been really impressed with the staying power of Le Shadow Stick. The colours stay true throughout the day and there’s very minimal movement or creasing, even without primer and on my fairly oily lids.

Shade Range:

L'Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Magnetic Mauve
Magnetic Mauve

I really love the shade range and there isn’t a single colour I wouldn’t use. I think they are all so pretty! The ones I have tried so far are Magnetic Mauve and Foiled Copper and I love them both. Foiled Copper is excellent for a bit more of statement.

L'Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Foiled Copper
Foiled Copper

Some of the shades are more pigmented than others, as you will see from the swatches above. Choose shades like Ice Rose and Mezmerizing Gold if you prefer a sheerer finish.

Where to buy it

The L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Eyeshadows are £9.99 each and available now via the links below:

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NARS Amour Collection Review & Swatches

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The NARS Amour collection is a limited edition collection with gorgeous packaging and romance inspired shades. I have it here to show you with photos and swatches.

What is in the NARS Amour collection?

What's in the NARS Amour Collection?
What’s in the NARS Amour Collection?

This limited edition collection has a stunning edit of products. It includes:

  • Limited edition Eyeshadow Quad £44
  • Limited edition Blush in 2 shades £34
  • Limited edition Explicit Lipstick £34
  • Limited edition Light Reflecting Setting Powder £35

NARS Amour Collection Swatches

I have the majority of the collection to show you, which is exciting! Check out these swatches of the Eyeshadow Quad, the two Blush shades, and the Lipstick.

NARS Amour Eyeshadow Quad Swatches

NARS Amour Eyeshadow Quad
NARS Amour Eyeshadow Quad

This palette uses a formula that features pure pigments suspended in a unique liquid binding system for rich, high-impact colour. The shades range from a petal pink, rose, chocolate brown matte and a soft pink shimmer:

  • SWEET KISS I (Shimmering milky pink)
  • SWEET KISS II (Matte petal pink)
  • SWEET KISS III (Matte rosewood)
  • SWEET KISS IV (Matte chocolate brown)
NARS Amour Eyeshadow Quad Swatches
NARS Amour Eyeshadow Quad Swatches

NARS Amour Blush in Cherish & Impassioned

There are 2 shades in this limited edition Amour packaging:

NARS Amour Blush shades
NARS Amour Blush shades
  • Impassioned 903 – pink orchid
  • Cherish 925 – soft peach apricot
NARS Amour Blush swatches
NARS Amour Blush swatches

Amour Explicit Lipstick

I absolutely love the packaging of the Explicit lipsticks and this limited edition Amour packaging is even more striking. The shade is Only Yours 810 – rose tea brown:

NARS Amour Explicit Lipstick Swatch
NARS Amour Explicit Lipstick Swatch

My Review of the NARS Amour Collection

NARS Amour Explicit Lipstick
Amour Explicit Lipstick packaging

Amour Collection Quad Eyeshadow

The Quad Eyeshadow palette has a gorgeous blend of easy to wear shades. I love the soft pink shimmer and the matte chocolate brown, and the formulas are smooth and pigmented, and really long lasting.

Armour Collection Blush

NARS recently reformulated their full blush collection and the texture is super silky and easy to blend with a really long lasting finish. Both the shades in this collection are very pretty. I love Impassioned because its fairly unique in my collection and it gives such a youthful and flattering flush to the complexion.

Explicit Lipstick in ‘Only Yours’

The Explicit Lipstick in the shade ‘Only Yours’ is a rose tea brown hue that offers a really rich satin finish. I love the shape of the bullets of the Explicit lipsticks. It makes them so easy to line and define the lips then quickly fill in the colour. The formula is super comfortable and long lasting.

Final Thoughts

I love NARS’ limited editions and this is no exception. The packaging is utterly charming with its heart-adorned design and I really like the edit of products and shades.

NARS Amour Blush packaging
Amour Blush packaging

I believe it is only in stock on NARS’ website now, so if you like the look of any of the pieces, make sure you snap them up.

Also, NARS just expanded the shade range of their best-selling foundation. You can check out my review of that here – NARS Light Reflecting Foundation Review and Swatches.

Where to buy it

The NARS Amour collection has sold out at retailers, however it is still available via the link below:

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ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick Review & Swatches

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ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick Review & Swatches

I am a big fan of ILIA for their easy to use makeup, so I was excited to try these new eye crayons. Here’s everything you need to know about the ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick collection. I have a range of shades to show you.

What is the ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick?

What is ILIA Eye Stylus?
What is ILIA Eye Stylus?
  • Eye shadow stick designed to glide on seamlessly
  • Delivers rich, waterproof pigment
  • Easy to blend
  • Formulated to last up to 12 hours
  • Includes antioxidant Upcycled Grape Extract to provide antioxidant protection
  • Features a slanted tip for versatile application
  • Can be used for a wash of colour, or like a liner
  • Safe for sensitive eyes and ophthalmologist-tested
  • Formulated without fragrance, gluten, and soy
  • Available in 20 matte and shimmer shades

How to use it

As an all over wash: glide the flat side of the slanted tip over lids for a wash of pigment

Line & Define: draw precise lines with the edge of the slanted tip. 

Highlight: use shimmer shades in the inner corners for a brightening boost

ILIA Eye Stylus Shades and Swatches

I have six shades from the 20 shade collection to show you:

ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick Shades
ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick Shades
  • Flax – matte taupe brown
  • Beam – peach pink shimmer
  • Jubilee – warm gold shimmer
  • Nymph – matte lilac pink
  • Regal – plum bronze shimmer
  • Patina – golden olive shimmer

Here are those swatches:

ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick Swatches
ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick Swatches

My Review

ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick - Flax & Jubilee
Flax & Jubilee

As someone who appreciates both simplicity and quality in my beauty routine, I’ve been particularly excited to try the ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick. I think ILIA has really nailed the balance between high-performance products and skin-friendly ingredients so I had high expectations for these shadows.

Packaging

The design is minimal and modern, with a twist-up mechanism that makes it really easy to use. They are nice and sleek so fit into my makeup bag and they have a nice sturdy cap making it safe to just chuck in your bag.

Texture & Application

One of the standout features of the ILIA Eye Stylus is its incredibly smooth texture. The formula is creamy without being greasy, allowing the shadow to glide onto the eyelids effortlessly. It’s neither too dry nor too slippery, providing ample time to blend before it sets into place. The application is seamless, and the texture feels weightless on the skin, so really comfortable for all day wear.

Blendability & Finish

The ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick is really easy to blend. I have first been applying a very fine layer of my REESON Lid Elixir as I use that every day to smooth my lids, and I let that set, then go in with the ILIA. Read REESON Beauty Lid Elixir Eye Serum-Tint Review & Swatches for more info.

Whether you’re applying a light wash of colour or building it up for a more intense look, the formula blends beautifully with a soft brush. I have been using my REESON No. 2 brush and they work really well together.

The shadows have a smooth, velvety texture that helps the product glide on effortlessly. The mattes have a lovely velvety radiance and the shimmers have a very pretty sheen without being overly glittery or too shiny.

Shades & Pigmentation

I have been using Flax which is a lovely taupe all over my lid and then Jubilee (soft gold) as like a spotlight down the centre of my lid, and it’s such a lovely look. It looks done without being too much, which is just perfect for every day.

The pigmentation is impressive – one swipe delivers rich, even colour, and it’s easy to build the intensity to your liking.

Longevity

The ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick performs exceptionally well when it comes to longevity. I’ve worn it through long workdays and even workouts and it stays in place without fading or creasing. I have slightly oily eyelids, so that’s always a concern for me, but I’m pleased to report that the formula holds up remarkably well. Once it sets, it stays put.

Where to buy it

The ILIA Eye Stylus is £32 and currently available exclusively at ILIA. Shop via the link below:

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Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe Multi-Finish Palette Review & Swatches

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Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe Multi-Finish Palette Review & Swatches

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Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe Multi-Finish Palette Review & Swatches

There’s VB newness in the shape of new eyeshadow palettes and it’s all very exciting. Here’s a look at the brand new Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe Multi-Finish Palettes. I have all the shades and swatches here for you.

What is in Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe collection?

Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe Multi-Finish Palettes
Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe Multi-Finish Palettes

There are four new eyeshadow palettes in the Eye Wardrobe collection and they offer up a range of looks and finishes:

  • Buttery smooth powder formulas and luxurious finishes
  • Curated shade quartets
  • Smooth and blendable formulas
  • Creamy textures infused with naturally-derived ingredients
  • Ultra-fine pigments
  • Buildable, silky, and easy to blend
  • Fallout free
  • Longwear formula
  • Vegan and cruelty free
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Safe for sensitive skin
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Refillable brass compacts
  • Available here now

There are four colourways in the eyeshadow palette collection:

Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe Shade Range
Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe Shade Range
  • The Victoria Palette – Victoria’s personal go-to tableau illustrates the dynamic art of refined neutrals. 
  • The Olive Palette – an ode to green, a treasured hue of the house, with grounding elegance and allure.
  • The Navy Noir Palette – blue reimagined; rich with quiet confidence.
  • The Night Flash Palette – essential onyx palette, as striking and tailored as a tuxedo

The Victoria Palette Swatches

Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe in Victoria
Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe in Victoria
The Victoria Palette Swatches
The Victoria Palette Swatches

The Olive Palette Swatches

Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe in Olive
Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe in Olive
The Olive Palette Swatches
The Olive Palette Swatches

The Navy Noir Palette Swatches

Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe in Navy Noir
Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe in Navy Noir
The Navy Noir Palette Swatches
The Navy Noir Palette Swatches

The Night Flash Palette Swatches

Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe in Night Flash
Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe in Night Flash
The Night Flash Palette Swatches
The Night Flash Palette Swatches

Which Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal goes with which Eye Wardrobe palette?

My Review of Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe

Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe in Victoria
Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe in Victoria

If there’s one thing Victoria Beckham knows, it’s how to do effortless chic and she has truly mastered the smoky eye. This beauty brand has been turning heads with its ultra-luxe formulas, and when it comes to eye makeup, she’s not playing around. The Satin Kajals are the best sellers by a mile but I can see these new compacts doing very well indeed.

Each palette includes four buttery-soft shadows housed in a super sleek, weighty compact that screams luxury. They use very similar components to the Smoky Eye Bricks that the brand launched with, which have now been discontinued, however, they are deeper and a but chunkier. See those in Victoria Beckham Beauty Review & Swatches – Original Launch Collection.

What I love is that the colour stories are curated for easy, everyday wear, think polished, neutral, and effortlessly chic rather than bold, in your face pigment. And what’s really cool is that you can use each shade wet, if you do want to pack a bit more of a punch.

Each palette contains matte, satin and metallic finishes, so they are super versatile and you can create a whole range of looks. The mattes are super soft and easy to blend, and the satin and metallic shades give a beautiful shine without looking chunky or glittery.

Packaging

Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe packaging
Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe packaging

First things first—let’s talk packaging. The compacts are stunning. They use similar packaging as the original Smoky Eye Brick, however the Eye Wardrobe palettes are deeper and have separate pans rather than one pan of blended shades. I did actually love how the original eyeshadow palettes were blended, but I guess this is more practical.

If you have never held one of these palettes, I should explain that they feel super special. They are slim and fine, yet they feel weighty in the hand. They really are quite unique. They would fit in your back pocket undetectably and just ooze sophistication. Love them.

It is probably worth noting that you don’t get loads of product for the £71 price tag, but then the VB brand is not for anyone who isn’t looking to splash a bit of cash on their makeup! The refills are £47, so a bit more affordable.

Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe Refill
Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe Refill

Formula & Texture

The key difference between these new palettes and the old Smoky Eye Brick formulations is that the Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe formula is talc-free.

The textures are delightful – super velvety and blendable and the shades glide on effortlessly. The colours are buildable so you can really tailor the result to how you are feeling, and this means it’s pretty hard to go wrong with these shades.

At the launch event, I had the Olive Palette applied over my REESON Lid Elixir and it layered up beautifully. The shimmers are sophisticated, not glittery, making the palette perfect for mature eyes that love a bit of soft glam.

Wear Test – How Long Do They Last?

I had the Olive palette applied to be at 10am in the morning. I got home at 8.30pm and it was still looking really good. I was super impressed. The formula showed no signs of creasing or settling into any lines, and the colours stayed looking vibrant and sheeny. I did have my Lid Elixir but I wear that every day, and although it does help with longevity, I was still very impressed at how this wore.

Final Thoughts – Are they worth the price tag?

At £71, they are obviously pretty pricey, but if you are a fan of the brand, you will be used to that. The Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe palettes are the definition of quiet luxury. They each have beautifully curated shades, silky textures, effortless blendability and if you can afford one, then I am am pretty sure you will not have any buyer’s remorse.

Where to buy them

The The Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe palettes are £71 each and available now via the link below:

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