MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil Review & Swatches

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MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil Review & Swatches

I always get very excited when MERIT launch new products and it seems that 2024 is all about the brow because they have launched a brow pencil and have reformulated their brow gel. In this post I am showing you the MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil. I have swatches of all the shades to show you.

What is MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil?

merit beauty brow 1990 gel pencil review 2
MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil

MERIT are calling this a sheer gel pencil, designed to “combat the stiff, sharp application of other micro pencils without sacrificing precision”.

  • Ultra-fine .9MM tip, apparently one of the thinnest eyebrow pencils on the market
  • Soft gel formula for sheer, buildable colour 
  • Soft shadow finish as opposed to hair-like strokes
  • Designed to be an easier application method for non-experts
  • Applies smoothly without tugging or pulling on delicate skin
  • Delivers a natural-looking volume and definition
  • Available in 4 shades
MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil tip
MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil tip

Key Ingredients

Sunflower oil – provides lightweight moisture, rich in nourishing vitamin E

Safflower extract – to encourage softer, more supple hair.

Hibiscus flower extract – rich in amino acids to help condition hair

merit beauty brow 1990 gel pencil review 3

MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil Shades & Swatches

MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil shades
MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil shades

There are four shades to choose from in the pencil collection:

  • Taupe
  • Light Brown
  • Dark Brown
  • Black-Brown

Swatches

Here are swatches of Taupe, Light Brown, Dark Brown and Black-Brown:

MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil swatches
MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil swatches

Before & After Photo

Before & After: MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil in Taupe applied to left side
Before & After: MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil in Taupe applied to left side

I opted for the shade Taupe as I do with most eye pencils. With my blonder hair, I find this suits me best. It is also the shade I use in the Victoria Beckham Beauty Baby Blade Brow Pencil – see the review and swatches of that here.

My Review of MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil

MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil review
MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil review

I think this is a really great brow pencil that’s super easy to use and gives a defined yet very natural looking result.

The pencil itself is very fine, so you need to make sure you only twist up a tiny amount of product to prevent any breakages. One of the first times I used the Taupe shade, I wasn’t very careful and I ended up losing some of the product.

The colour draws on effortlessly, without looking too heavy, thanks to its sheer formula. This makes it pretty foolproof to use, and it has a great spoolie that helps to blend out and soften any heaviness.

MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil Spoolie
MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil Spoolie

Also the shades have a good neutral tone, so you won’t need to worry about the colours looking too warm, which is one of my pet peeves when it comes to brow products.

The finish is very long wearing, and I found that my brows stayed looking good until it was time to remove my makeup. I also left the swatches on my arm as an extra test, and they really did not budge. It performs really well.

The only negative, and I actually have a similar opinion of the VB brow pencil, is that I think you might get through each pencil pretty quickly. When I have been using them, I find I have to twist up the product a tiny bit a couple of times to do both brows.

Where to buy it

The MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil is £20 and available via the link below:

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Clarins Lip Oil Balm Review and Swatches

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Clarins Lip Oil Balm Review and Swatches

As a huge fan of Clarins lip products, I was very excited to try this latest launch for 2024, the Clarins Lip Oil Balm. I have all the shades here to show you along with photos and swatches.

What is Clarins Lip Oil Balm?

Clarins Lip Oil Balm
Clarins Lip Oil Balm

This new launch from Clarins takes their much loved Lip Comfort Oil and has transformed it into a balm formula:

  • Consists of 99% skincare formula to offer lip comfort, hydration, nourishment and protection
  • 30% nourishing lip oils
  • ​Lightweight melting texture
  • Formulated with 96% naturally derived ingredients ​
  • ​Contains plumping peptides to naturally hydrate and plump the lips
  • Soft glossy finish
  • Available in 6 lip enhancing shades
Clarins Lip Oil Balm

Key Ingredients

Sweetbriar rose oil – to comfort and nourish lips​

Jojoba oil – provides intense nourishment​

Hazelnut oil – to maintain lip hydration

Clarins Lip Oil Balm Shades & Swatches

There are six shades in the collection:

Clarins Lip Oil Balm Shades
Clarins Lip Oil Balm Shades
  • 01 Pale Pink
  • 02 Pitaya
  • 03 Lychee
  • 04 Almond
  • 05 Cherry
  • 06 Fig

Swatches

01 Pale Pink, 02 Pitaya, 03 Lychee, 04 Almond, 05 Cherry, 06 Fig:

Clarins Lip Oil Balm Swatches
Clarins Lip Oil Balm Swatches

Lip Swatches

Clarins Lip Oil Balm Lip Swatch 01 Pale Pink
01 Pale Pink
Clarins Lip Oil Balm Lip Swatch 02 Pitaya
02 Pitaya
Clarins Lip Oil Balm lip swatch 03 Lychee
03 Lychee
Clarins Lip Oil Balm lip swatch 04 almond
04 Almond
Clarins Lip Oil Balm Lip Swatch 05 Cherry
05 Cherry
Clarins Lip Oil Balm Lip Swatch 06 Fig
06 Fig

My Review

Clarins Lip Oil Balm Review
Clarins Lip Oil Balm Review

These balms have a really beautiful texture. They melt on to the lips as soon as you swipe the bullet across the skin and feel instantly soothing and softening.

The formula delivers lovely long lasting hydration and keeps my lips feeling really comfortable and soft for a good few hours. I also love the shade selection and the colour offers a subtle and youth-boosting tint to your natural lip colour.

They are perfect for reapplying without having to put in any effort as you don’t need a mirror and they give an easy to wear natural look. I think my favourite shade is 03 Lychee.

If you love a tinted lip balm, you might want to check out Lisa Eldridge Baume Embrace Melting Lip Colour Review & Swatches, and if you’re looking for a more affordable option, read: Naturium Phyto-Glow Lip Balm Review & Swatches – New Cafe Collection 2024.

Also, in you’re in the market for a new mascara, Clarins have one. Read: Clarins Wonder Volume Mascara XXL Review.

Where to buy Clarins Lip Oil Balm

These new tinted lip balms are £27 each and are available now via the following links:

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Acid Toners for Combination skintypes

Hihi everyone, I hope all is well with you where ever you are! Last week I shared a few of my fav hydrating toners and promised to do a follow up post on acid based toners!

Acid based toners are simply toners with either a single acid e.g. glycolic acid only or a combo of acids e.g. BHA and PHA. They all aim to offer mild exfoliation depending on the acid concentration in them.

There was a point at the beginning of my skincare journey where I was obsessed with acid toners and I tried a LOT of them! I’m still a massive fan of them but these days I tend to get my exfoliation elsewhere

  • An easy way to intro chemical exfoliation in your routine. If you are used to physical exfoliation e.g. from scrubs, then you will know this is an extra step you do at the sink and it can be a bit long and messy. Using a acid based toner is much quicker
  • Choose the acid based on your skintypes/concern. Although all acids can be used for most skintypes, I found that using an acid targeted to your skin type gives much better results. For instance, I started my journey loving glycolic acid however as I learnt more of my skin type and realized I had more of a combo oily skin type, I switched to BHA which works much better for oily skins than glycolic acid. PHA is better for sensitive skin and will be less irritating for it than glycolic acid
  • IMPORTANT- if you are going to add acid to your routine, you MUST use sunscreen during the day and use it properly. Acids make your skin more sensitive to the sun because you are ‘removing’ the layer of dead cells.

Always start acid toner use slow, especially for new users. Start with once a week in the first week, twice in the next week and so on. You can always layer hydrating mists/toners on top of this

IMPORTANT- there is no reason to also use another acid based product in the same routine as an acid based toner. Overexfoilation will damage your skin barrier and will not lead to smoother skin!

Ok, now lets talk about my fav acid toners!

  • Pixi Glow Tonic– cant talk about AHA toners without the OG glow tonic. at 5% its well tolerated with most skintypes without irritation. There is a travel size version for trying before getting the full sized product.
  • Ren AHA Tonic– this is a combo acid toner with lactic acid(AHA) and BHA. this toner is suitable for everyday use but I don’t recommend that , a few times a week is all that’s needed.
  • Paula’s Choice 2% BHA toner– the OG of BHA toners. I LOVEEE this toner with a passion lol. if you have oily skin you simply must try this toner. I’ve used other BHA toners but this one is a winner!
  • Glow Recipe Watermelon BHA PHA toner– one of the best acid based hydrating toners in my opinion. this is a combo toner with PHA for gentle exfoilation and BHA for pore reduction. highly recommended
  • Murad Multi acid peel– this is a strong combo acid toner. I love this but be careful with using it with other actives. I had a case of barrier impair as I have detailed here. My full review is here
  • The Ordinary 7% Glycolic acid toner– this list will be incomplete without TO glycolic acid toner. 7% is strong so be very sensible with this toner. It leaves the skin feeling smoother and brighter and at that price point you really cant go wrong

There’s so many acid based products on the market but I think acid toners are one of the easiest ways to introduce acids in your skincare routine. I’ve used my fair share and I absolutely love them! I hope you enjoy these recommendations!

catch you later

e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Review and Swatches |AD*

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e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Review and Swatches

I was so excited to try out the brand new e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation and I am thrilled to say, I have every shade here to show you. So please do enjoy my review and swatches.

What is e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation?

e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation
e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation
  • A long-lasting, hydrating liquid foundation
  • Medium buildable coverage
  • Satin finish
  • Lightweight, ‘breathable’ formula
  • Doesn’t look or feel cakey
  • Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
  • Infused with 1% Hydrating Hibiscus Complex, plus pomegranate, blueberry, and goji berry extracts
  • Available in 36 shades for a wide range of skin tones
  • Covered by the e.l.f. Shade Match Guarantee

Key Ingredients

Infused with 1% Hydrating Hibiscus Complex, plus pomegranate, blueberry, and goji berry extracts.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Shades & Swatches

There are 36 shades to choose from in the full collection. The shades range from Fair to Rich and include cool, neutral, and warm undertones.

Fair Shades & Swatches

e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Fair Shades
e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Fair Shades
  • 10 Fair Cool – fair with cool undertones
  • 11 Fair Neutral – fair with neutral undertones
  • 12 Fair Warm – fair with warm undertones
  • 13 Fair Neutral – fair with neutral undertones
  • 14 Fair Cool – fair with cool undertones
  • 15 Fair Warm – fair with warm undertones
e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Fair Swatches
e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Fair Swatches

Light Shades & Swatches

e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Light Shades
e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Light Shades
  • 20 Light Cool – light with cool undertones
  • 21 Light Neutral – light with neutral undertones
  • 22 Light Warm – light with warm undertones
  • 23 Light Cool – light with cool undertones
  • 24 Light Warm – light with warm undertones
  • 25 Light Neutral – light with neutral undertones
e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Light Swatches
e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Light Swatches

Medium Shades & Swatches

e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Medium Shades
e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Medium Shades
  • 30 Medium Warm – medium with warm undertones
  • 31 Medium Neutral – medium with neutral undertones
  • 32 Medium Neutral – medium with neutral undertones
  • 33 Medium Warm – medium with warm undertones
  • 34 Medium Cool – medium with cool undertones
  • 35 Medium Cool – medium with cool undertones
e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Medium Swatches
e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Medium Swatches

Tan Shades & Swatches

e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Tan Shades
e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Tan Shades
  • 40 Tan Warm – tan with warm undertones
  • 41 Tan Neutral – tan with neutral undertones
  • 42 Tan Neutral – tan with neutral undertones
  • 43 Tan Cool – tan with cool undertones
  • 44 Tan Cool – tan with cool undertones
  • 45 Tan Warm – tan with warm undertones
e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Tan Swatches
e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Tan Swatches

Deep Shades & Swatches

e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Deep Shades
e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Deep Shades
  • 50 Deep Warm – deep with warm undertones
  • 51 Deep Cool – deep with cool undertones
  • 52 Deep Cool – deep with cool undertones
  • 53 Deep Neutral – deep with neutral undertones
  • 54 Deep Neutral – deep with neutral undertones
  • 55 Deep Warm – deep with warm undertones
e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Deep Swatches
e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Deep Swatches

Rich Shades & Swatches

e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Rich Shades
e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Rich Shades
  • 60 Rich Cool – rich with cool undertones
  • 61 Rich Cool – rich with cool undertones
  • 62 Rich Warm – rich with warm undertones
  • 63 Rich Warm – rich with warm undertones
  • 64 Rich Neutral – rich with neutral undertones
  • 65 Rich Neutral – rich with neutral undertones
e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Rich Swatches
e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Rich Swatches

My Review of e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation

e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation and e.l.f. Ultimate Blending Brush
e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation and e.l.f. Ultimate Blending Brush

I knew I was going to like this foundation because I have always been impressed by e.l.f.’s complexion products. In a nutshell, what I really love about it is that it has a lovely lightweight texture with a skincare feel, yet a little goes a long way with natural looking coverage.

Also, the finish is really nice. As promised, it is a satin finish with the perfect amount of sheen without it being overly shiny or glossy. It is great on texture, and it looks like real skin. I’ve been really enjoying how comfortable this is, and once applied, I kind of forget I’m wearing it which is great.

What are the shades like?

There are 36 shades to choose from and what’s great is that e.l.f. have a shade match guarantee so if you have any problems, you can return it. This is such a good selection for a drug store brand especially as the shades range from Fair all the way to Deep and Rich, across the Cool, Neutral and Warm undertones.

I am often a neutral shade when it comes to foundation, however, having played with a few different options from the e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation collection, I actually opted for a Cool shade, and it works really well on my skin tone.

What skin type is it good for?

So, the e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation claims to be suitable for dry, oily and combination skin. I’d say that you will particularly love it if you are on the drier side, and I believe it is very well suited to mature skins. Having said that, it isn’t overly shiny so I think oily skins will get on well with it too.

Do you need to powder it?

I have found that I can skip powder which is always my preference these days. If you are dry, I don’t think you will need to use powder. You may want to powder the t-zone if you are more on the oily side.

Is it easy to apply?

This applies and blends very easily. A small dot of product goes a long way and blends really nice over the skin. I love using it with the e.l.f. Ultimate Blending Brush. It has a nice big head, so it makes quick work of spreading and buffing this foundation into the skin.

It applies very smoothly and looks natural immediately.

What is the coverage like?

I’d say this is a good medium coverage that’s easy to build. One layer really evens out my skin tone, covers redness and pigmentation, and just makes my skin look really perfected. You can easily build it up in any areas you need it.

What is the finish like?

I love the finish of this foundation. It is definitely satin as described, and I think it’s not too glowy and not too matte. You could call it a bit of a goldilocks foundation!

It has a lovely natural looking radiance that gives the skin a really healthy look. It allows the light to catch nicely on the cheekbones and high points of the face. If you are oily, you may want to lightly powder the t-zone, but see how you get on.

What shade did I choose?

I have decided on shade 20 Light Cool and I think that’s my best match.

For my shade twins out there, my other matches are:

  • Sisley Paris Phyto Teint Perfection Foundation in 2N1 (£80)
  • Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation in 250 (349)
  • NARS Light Reflecting Foundation in Deauville (£41)
  • Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care and Glow Foundation shade 115C (£39.50)
  • Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation in 4 neutral (£39)
  • La Mer Radiant Skin Tint in Light 22 (£80)
  • Cle de Peau Radiant Cream Foundation in 020 Light Medium Ochre (£108)
  • Cle de Peau Radiant Fluid Foundation Natural in 020 Light Medium Ochre (£121)
  • Givenchy Skincaring Foundation in 2-N150 (£47)
  • Dior Forever Natural Nude Foundation in 2N (£48)

Before and After Photos

e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Before Photo
Before Photo
e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation - Shade 20 Light Cool
After Photo – Shade 20 Light Cool

Where to buy it

The e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation is £8 and available in 36 shades via the link below:

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Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel Review & Swatches

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Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel Review & Swatches

A brand new brow product has joined the VB Beauty line and it’s a gel that promises a very fluffy yet natural looking brow. Here’s the lowdown on Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix.

What is Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix?

Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel
Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel

Apparently the new Victoria Beckham FeatherFix brow gel has been two years in the making and promises a modern laminated effect with a mess-free finish:

  • Longwear, waterproof, sweat-proof and flake-proof brow gel
  • Delivers glossy, groomed brows with all-day hold
  • Offers long-lasting hold for up to 24 hours
  • Lightweight formula
  • Precision applicator
  • Gives a feathery and full look but not frozen
  • Combines the hold of the gel with the silkiness of a serum
  • Delivers a flexible finish with no stickiness or stiffness
  • Uses delicate pigments in a fine gel base
  • Contains hair care ingredients including strengthening plant extracts and biotin to support hair growth
  • The brush mimics a hair styling brush
  • Wand has short, firm bristles to catch every hair
  • Ensures a controlled and even deposit and distribution of formula every time

Key Ingredients

Murumuru Seed Extract – to promote stronger, more resilient brow hair, while supporting growth and improving appearance

Panthenol – helps improve hydration, strength, thickness and shine of brow hair, as well as manageability and overall health

Biotin – helps improve hair strength and thickness, reducing hair breakage and shedding and enhancing its vitality

Film Formers – for strong, durable hold and flexibility while making brows appear fuller and more defined

Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Shades & Swatches

Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel Clear and Taupe
Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel Clear and Taupe

There are five shades in the collection:

Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel Review & Swatches
Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel Review & Swatches
  • Crystal Clear – universal clear (pair with all Babyblade shades)
  • Blonde – light to dirty blonde hair (pair with Light Blonde, Taupe, Honey Babyblade shades)
  • Light Brunette – light to medium brown hair (pair with Taupe, Light Brown Babyblade shades)
  • Medium Brunette – medium to dark brown hair (pair with Medium Brown Babyblade shade)
  • Black-Brown – dark brown to black hair (pair with Dark Brown Babyblade shade)

I currently have shade Taupe to show you:

Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel Taupe Swatch
Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel Taupe Swatch

To see all the Babyblade shades and swatches, read: Victoria Beckham Beauty BabyBlade Microfine Brow Pencil Review & Swatches.

How to use it

Victoria Beckham Beauty recommend using the Crystal Clear shade for the most natural look. If you want a bolder look, then use the shade that matches your hair type. See above for shade information.

Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel Clear
Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel Clear

Comb FeatherFix through the brows and allow one minute for the formula to set the hairs into place.

For a laminated look with extra hold, brush slowly across the whole
brow and use the detailing brush to separate and lift brow hairs
straight upwards. Then use the back flat side of the brush to press hairs
against the skin.

Before and After Photos

Before - FeatherFix Brow Gel
Before
Victoria Beckham Beauty Baby Blade in Taupe and FeatherFix Brow Gel in Taupe
After with Baby Blade in Taupe and FeatherFix Brow Gel in Taupe

My Review of Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix

Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel Taupe
Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel Taupe

I do love a brow gel for a nice fluffy and full look and this one is pretty easy to use, especially if you prep the brow with a pencil first.

The comb is great for getting into the hairs, and it deposits a nice amount product. I really like the way you can use the flat side of the brush to press the hairs against the skin to get a bolder, more laminated look.

I have been using the Taupe shade over the Taupe Baby Blade pencil and they are a brilliant duo for soft and fluffy, natural looking brows.

It gives a very light hold to the hair, and if you like something a bit stiffer, this may not be for you. It is fairy fluid and more of a liquid than a gel texture, and if you have unruly brows, it may not be enough for you.

I am really loving the Taupe shade which gives me soft definition without looking too heavy.

It is fairly pricey at £32, but if you’re a VB Beauty fan, it won’t shock you, and I have to say, they are the most beautiful brow gels to look at. As always, the packaging has been nailed.

If you are looking for something a bit more affordable, I really like Boy Brow, For more info on that read: Glossier Boy Brow Review.

Where to buy it

The Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel is £30 and available now via the following link:

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