Category Archives: eyes

Sweed Beauty Eyelash Growth Serum Review

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Sweed Beauty Eyelash Growth Serum Review

For the last few weeks I have been rather haphazardly testing the Sweed Beauty Eyelash Growth Serum and I have to say, I am impressed! Here’s what you need to know.

What is Sweed Eyelash Growth Serum?

Sweed Beauty Eyelash Growth Serum
Sweed Beauty Eyelash Growth Serum
  • Eyelash serum that helps to extend the growth phase of each lash
  • Works to leave lashes looking longer, stronger and healthier
  • Typically provides results in four to six weeks
  • Formulated with a blends of ingredients to support lash growth
  • Does not contain any prostaglandin
  • Ideal for use before bed

Key Ingredients

Pumpkin seed extract – to condition and nourish the lashes

Biotin – to improve lash health and strength

Panthenol – to help strengthen lashes

Hyaluronic acid – to nourish and hydrate

Myristoyl pentapeptide-17 – to enhance lash length, thickness and fullness

Keratin – helps to improve the health of the eyelashes.

How to use it

Sweed Beauty Eyelash Growth Serum brush
Sweed Beauty Eyelash Growth Serum brush

The Sweed Eyelash Growth Serum is really easy to use. It has a lovely fine brush that is easy to swipe along the lash roots.

At night (when I remember!), I apply along the upper lash line after cleansing and then let it dry for a minute or two before doing my skincare.

You can also use it on brows but I haven’t tried that yet.

My Review of Sweed Eyelash Growth Serum

Review: Sweed Beauty Eyelash Growth Serum
Review: Sweed Beauty Eyelash Growth Serum

So I have been using this for a few weeks, and I haven’t remembered to do it every single night, but I still think that it has made my lashes grow! Every time I apply my mascara, I need less product to get my lashes looking long and fluttery, and they really do look super fluttery!

This is one of those weird ‘looking up’ photos to demonstrate the length of my lashes after a few weeks of use:

Sweed Beauty Eyelash Growth Serum - After Photo
Sweed Beauty Eyelash Growth Serum – After Photo

I think lashes always look longer if you do this, so I will share some more comparison pics later down this post, both with and without mascara, but I have to say, I am very impressed.

I met the Sweed Beauty founder Gabriella a couple of months back, and she said it works really quickly. However, I didn’t expect it to be quite that fast especially as I haven’t been using it quite a religiously as I should have.

I literally just paint it along my lash line at night after cleansing, and then let it do its stuff. It doesn’t sting or irritate my eyes like some lash serums have in the past. It just seems to work!

Before and After Photos

So for complete transparency, I didn’t actually take any before photos as this has been an extremely casual trial!! However, because I am constantly reviewing products and taking before and after photos, I do have lots of photos of my bare lashes. Here is one:

Sweed Beauty Eyelash Growth Serum - before no mascara
Before – no mascara

The above photo is from my Monika Blunder Beauty Architect Eyes Buildable Mascara Review.

And here is a photo of my bare lashes today, after a few weeks of using (I say ‘few’ as I’m not exactly sure how long, and I haven’t remembered every night!):

Sweed Beauty Eyelash Growth Serum - after no mascara
After – No mascara

Now, my lashes don’t ever look like much without mascara anyway, so here’s a photo from the same Monika Blunder Beauty Architect Eyes Buildable Mascara Review, with a light coat of mascara.

Sweed Beauty Eyelash Growth Serum - before with mascara
Before with mascara

And here are my lashes today, with the same Monika Blunder mascara, and probably a lot less of it:

Sweed Beauty Eyelash Growth Serum - after with mascara
After with mascara

I think you can really see how my longer, stronger and healthier the lashes look. What do you think?

I am definitely going to continue using this (when I remember) and see where I get!

Where to buy it

The Sweed Beauty Eyelash Growth Serum seems to be out of stock at most retailers but you can buy it now via the link below:

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L’Oreal Paris Infallible Brow Lamination Review

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L'Oreal Paris Infallible Brow Lamination packaging

This is an affordable product I have been loving. Check out the L’Oreal Paris Infallible Brow Lamination brow mascara.

What is L’Oreal Paris Infallible Brow Lamination?

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Brow Lamination
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Brow Lamination

This is a really easy to use brow gel that shapes and tames brows with long wear hold:

  • Shapes and sets brow hairs
  • Lightweight formula
  • Transparent texture
  • No residue or flakes
  • No mess application
  • Angled brush for easy application
  • Long wear hold

How to use it

This brow gel is so easy to use. Just comb through your brow hairs in the direction you want them to hold. I like to brush them up for a soft, bushy look. You can use it with or without a brow pencil first.

Before & After Photos

Here’s a photo without the brow mascara:

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Brow Lamination - before photo
Before

And here’s a shot with a light coat brushed upwards into the brows:

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Brow Lamination - After photo
After

My Review of L’Oreal Paris Infallible Brow Lamination

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Brow Lamination Review
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Brow Lamination Review

I have really been enjoying using this brow gel because it is so easy to use and super affordable. I love the fine angled brush. It grabs and controls the hairs effortlessly making it very easy to fluff up and shape the brows in no time at all.

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Brow Lamination angled brush
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Brow Lamination angled brush

While it gives a good firm hold to the brows, it doesn’t feel sticky or crispy. The finish is really natural looking too, especially if I use it without a pencil straight on to bare brows.

The L’Oreal Paris Infallible Brow Lamination formula gives the hairs a really soft sheen which adds how natural-looking this product is. I hate it when my brows look matte because it can look really unnatural.

If I want a more defined look, I use a brow pencil first. The ones I like are a bit pricier than this L’Oreal product, but if you are looking for recommendations, check out, MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil Review & Swatches, and Victoria Beckham Beauty BabyBlade Microfine Brow Pencil Review & Swatches.

Where to buy it

The L’Oreal Paris Infallible Brow Lamination is £11.99 and available to purchase via the links below:

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Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen Review & Swatches

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Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen Review & Swatches

As concealer is one of my absolute favourite makeup products, I was very excited to try out the new Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen which has been created in partnership with with skincare genius, Augustinus Bader. I have all the shades here to show you, here’s what you need to know.

What is Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen?

Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen
Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen
  • Designed to deliver second-skin, light-to-medium buildable coverage
  • Radiant, real-skin finish
  • Immediately perfects the skin
  • Proprietary skincare actives improve your complexion over time
  • Provides an 8-hour nourishing veil
  • Resists settling into fine lines or pores
  • Formulated with TFC8 by Augustinus Bader
  • Works to reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark circles, eye puffiness, and hyperpigmentation
  • Uses a calibrated dispenser and tapered brush for easy application
  • Long-wear formula
  • Cruelty-free, vegan, silicone-free, soy-free, gluten-free
  • Dermatologist-Tested
  • Safe for sensitive Skin
  • Non-Comedogenic
  • Available in 16 flexible shades

Key Ingredients

TFC8 by Augustinus Bader – uses a blend of high-grade vitamins, lipids, and high-performing, proprietary peptides that transports key nutrients to the cells for renewal, combatting signs of aging and damage

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 – peptide known to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles brought about by facial expressions

Polyglutamic Acid – keeps skin hydrated and improves elasticity

Squalane –  helps to prevent moisture loss, leaving skin feeling supple and more comfortable.

Amino Acid Coated Pigments – provide long-lasting colour payoff

Rosa Damascena Flower Water – to help hydrate, soothe, tone and protect the skin

Hydrolyzed Rice Protein – to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, improve hydration and enhance elasticity

Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen Shades & Swatches

There are 16 flexible shades in the Victoria Beckham concealer collection and they are predominantly neutral undertones designed to be compatible for warm, neutral and rosy undertones:

  • FL1 – Very Fair Light with neutral undertones
  • FL2 – Fair light with neutral warm undertones
  • L1 – Light with neutral undertones
  • L2 – Light with neutral warm undertones
  • LM1 – Light medium with neutral warm undertones
  • LM2 – Light medium with neutral undertones
  • M1 – Medium with neutral warm undertones
  • M2 – Medium with golden undertones
Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen Swatches
Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen Swatches
  • MD1 – Medium Dark with neutral undertones
  • MD2 – Medium Dark with warm peach undertones
  • DK1 – Dark with neutral undertones
  • DK2 – Dark with warm peach undertones
  • DP1 – Deep with neutral undertones
  • DP2 – Deep with neutral warm undertones
  • R1 – Rich with neutral warm undertones
  • R2 – Rich with neutral undertones
Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen Swatches
Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen Swatches

How to use it

You will need to do a few clicks to get the product flowing upon first use, but after that you’ll need one or two clicks to dispense the amount of product you need. You can paint straight on to the skin and then blend with fingertips.

VB Beauty say that for the best results you should apply to well moisturised skin.

For brush cleaning, you can use lukewarm water and a mild soap and then allow the brush to dry before replacing the cap.

Before & After Photos

This is the before photo:

Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen - Before Photo
Before Photo

And the below photo shows the shade LF2 applied to the left side as you are looking at it:

Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen in LF2 applied to left side of photo
Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen in LF2 applied to left side of photo

My Review of Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen

This post has taken me ages to put together because, 1. it’s Advent Calendar season, 2. I wanted to make sure I swatched all the shades, and 3. at the hefty price tag of £64 for 2.4ml, I wanted to properly test it out before I said a word!

Now, my first concealer-type product super-obsession was the YSL Touche Eclat pen. This worked more as a brightener and highlighter than a traditional concealer, but I religiously used it to conceal and generally pep up my complexion none-the-less. I loved it. I actually still love it. I really do need to use it again soon!

Anyway, I am harping on about that because Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen is using a very similar packaging format to Touch Eclat. It is a clicky pen, just like my original favourite and has a very similar brush applicator as the YSL.

Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen brush
Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen brush

There is quite a lot of reference to how much work went into the brush on this new concealer, but it doesn’t seem to be very different to the YSL to me, so perhaps I need to get the two products next to each to really compare and contrast. Anyway…

Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen packaging
Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen packaging

Aside from the packaging, I love that this is a skincare formula; and a skincare formula with none other than Augustinus Bader. I do really like this the skincare products that VB has created so far, and I am a big fan of the Cleansing Protocol, which I have continued to use since I wrote my review on it. I actually think I’ve liked that duo more and more the longer I have been using it. You can read my Cleansing Protocol Review here.

This concealer includes the Augustinus Bader TFC8 formula which promises to be an all-singing all-dancing renewal complex to deliver anti-ageing benefits. I love a makeup skincare hybrid, so this of course got me really excited.

Now, it is important to note that I haven’t been testing this for 4 weeks yet, so I can’t really comment on the skincare claims of this product. However, I will continue to use it, and will update for you when I can. For now, these are my thoughts on it as a concealer.

So, this is a lovely concealer. It has a creamy texture and offers up a buildable coverage. A couple of clicks dispenses a good amount of product and the brush is the perfect size to apply the concealer exactly where you want it.

It is pretty easy to blend, and gives a lovely smooth finish very quickly. I think it has a self-setting quality, and I haven’t felt that I need to powder it. I do find that I need to layer this to get the coverage that I need, which concerns me, because there is only 2.4ml of product in the tube.

I love that it sets itself and I have found it to be really long lasting, even without setting it with powder. It doesn’t settle into lines or wrinkles, and just gives the skin a very smooth look and it very good on pores too.

Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen covers really well. It is light to medium, but it is good on the purple tones under my eyes, redness and also pigmentation marks so it’s a great all rounder. I find that if I let it sit on my skin for a bit before blending, you can get a bit more coverage out of it.

I can use a few of the shades. LF2 is a good match for everywhere, and I quite like LF1 under the eyes when I want something super bright. L1 also actually works well under the eyes and I can make it work everywhere. If I had to choose one shade, which I would if I was buying it because each tube is £64, I’d go for LF1.

And while we are on the topic of price, it is definitely something we need to discuss. It is £64 for 2.4ml, which is so expensive. Obviously, the cost reflects that you are getting the Augustinus Bader TFC8 complex in there, but that alone may not be enough to persuade you to part with that much cash for 2.4ml of product.

I am going to continue to use this regularly and see if I can see any of the longer term skincare benefits it promises.

What impresses me most about this is how natural it looks on the skin, how smooth it makes the skin look, and how well it lasts. It barely fades at all, and pretty much stays looking freshly applied all day. It’s impressive.

Where to buy it

Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen is £64 for 2.4ml and is available via the link below:

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Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara Review

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Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara Review

Charlotte Tilbury has a brand new mascara for 2024 and it’s all about the volume. I have been trying it out for a few weeks. Here’s the lowdown on Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara.

What is Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara?

Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara
Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara
  • Volumising mascara
  • Uses unique Lash Vinyl-Black Wrap Tech
  • Ultra-Curved Lash Styler Brush
  • Brush has ultra-fine laser-cut fibre bristles that are soft on one side and sharp on the other
  • Grips and separates each lash
  • Formula is designed for instant root-to-tip volume
  • Promises a 2x curl effect
  • Smudge-proof, flake-proof, sweat-proof, clump-proof and humidity-proof formula
  • Promises 28 hour wear
  • Suitable for all types of lashes
  • Comes in an art-deco inspired glass bottle, which helps preserve the formula
Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara packaging
Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara packaging

Key Ingredients

Lash Vinyl-Black Wrap Tech – infused with lash-plumping polymers that coat every single lash for 9x more volume after first application.

Vinyl-black inspired pigments – create the optical illusion of bigger, brighter eyes

Lash-Conditioning Jojoba Waxes – nourishes lashes

Before & After Photos

Here’s the before photo:

Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara Review - before photo
Before Photo

This is one light coat on the left side of the photo:

Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara Review - 1 coat
1 coat

This is 2 coats on the left side of the photo:

Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara Review - 2 coats
2 coats

My Review of Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara

Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara Review - After Photo
Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara After Photo

I was really excited to try this new mascara from Charlotte Tilbury because, although I think that this brand has absolutely nailed so many of their products, I believe that the general consensus is that mascara isn’t really one of them.

I love so many CT products, but their mascaras have never made it into my permanent rotation. I think this one could be different.

You can see the mascara in action and how black it looks in this Instagram reel:

I think what I enjoy most about the Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara is the lift and curl that it gives my lashes, even with just one light coat. It is very eye-opening which I love and it gives great volume without looking too heavy.

Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara Brush
Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara Brush

I really like the brush. It gets in nice and close to the root of the lash, and really grips on to give a lovely curl. The packaging does feel a little old fashioned, but I appreciate that the glass is meant to ensure that the formula stays as fresh as possible.

This formula has pretty good staying power, and I haven’t noticed any smudging or flaking. It stays put very well. The curl holds up too which I love.

It’s also pretty easy to remove. I just use an oil cleanser and it comes off quickly. When removing it, you realise how dense and intense the black pigment is, as it turns the cleansing oil super black as you work it over the eyes.

All in all, I think this is a great new mascara launch from Charlotte Tilbury, and I think it could be the one that all the CT fans have been waiting for.

If you’re looking for a more affordable mascara that delivers big volume, read: Maybelline Lash Sensational Firework Mascara Review

Where to buy it

Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara is £28 and launches soon at Charlotte Tilbury.com.

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Monika Blunder Beauty Architect Eyes Buildable Mascara Review

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Monika Blunder Beauty Architect Eyes Buildable Mascara Review

I am a big fan of Monika Blunder’s foundation and concealer in one product, so I was super excited to test out her mascara which comes in black and also a gorgeous brown. Here’s the low down on the Monika Blunder Beauty Architect Eyes Buildable Mascara with before and after photos.

What is Monika Blunder Beauty Architect Eyes Buildable Mascara?

Monika Blunder Beauty Architect Eyes Buildable Mascara
Monika Blunder Beauty Architect Eyes Buildable Mascara
  • Lightweight mascara
  • Uses algae extract to thicken and lengthen lashes over time
  • Formula is infused with shea butter for smooth reapplication
  • Tapered silicone brush creates a natural look
  • Buildable formula suitable for no makeup days and more statement looks
  • Vegan and cruelty free
  • Available in 2 shades – Black and Brown

Key Ingredients

Plankton Extract – to thicken and strengthen lashes

Shea Butter – to moisturise and promote lash growth

Before and After Photos

Monika Blunder Beauty Architect Eyes Buildable Mascara - before photo
Before Photo
Monika Blunder Beauty Architect Eyes Buildable Mascara - light application
Light to Medium Application
Monika Blunder Beauty Architect Eyes Buildable Mascara - bold application
Bolder Application

My Review of the Monika Blunder Mascara

Monika Blunder Beauty Architect Eyes Buildable Mascara - Black and Brown
Monika Blunder Beauty Architect Eyes Buildable Mascara – Black and Brown

I am always on the hunt for a good Brown mascara. I absolutely love the Tower 28 one (review here) but it isn’t yet available in the UK as far as I know.

I have only tested the brown shade in this mascara so far, and I think it’s great. The shade is really good. It’s a rich brown, that’s deep enough to really define the lashes and eyes, but it just gives more softness than black. It’s a subtle difference, however, I find it really flattering especially if you’re a bit older like me.

The brush is great. It makes it really easy to grab and extend each lash, and the formula feels really lightweight and comfortable to wear. It isn’t waterproof or water resistant, so avoid water or crying (!), but it holds in place really well, and the lashes stay defined and lifted.

The smoothness of the formula means you can top up later in the day quite easily and I love that there’s lash conditioning ingredients in there.

Where to buy Monika Blunder Beauty Architect Eyes Buildable Mascara

The mascara is available in Black and Brown via the links below:

If you are looking for a more affordable mascara, I am really enjoying the newest one from L’Oreal Paris and it is also available in Brown. Read: L’Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Panorama Mascara Review.

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