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NARS Amour Collection Review & Swatches

March 14, 2025 - 6:00 am | March 14, 2025 eyes, face, lips, makeup

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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

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 Blush in Cherish & Impassioned

There are 2 shades in this limited edition Amour packaging:

Impassioned 903 – pink orchid
Cherish 925 – soft peach apricot

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:

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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NYX Face Glue Setting Spray Review

March 6, 2025 - 11:08 am | March 6, 2025 face, makeup

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If you’re someone who needs their makeup to stay in place all day long, you know that finding a good setting spray can be really helpful. I’ve been giving the NYX Face Glue Setting Spray a whirl. Here’s what you need to know.

What is NYX Face Glue Setting Spray?

Makeup gripping setting spray
Transfer and resistant and waterproof
Seals makeup for up to 24-hours
Forms a protective film over makeup
Delivers a natural-looking, second-skin finish
Non-sticky feel

How to use it

Shake well, and lightly spritz onto face from an arm’s distance away. Allow to dry.

For enhanced staying power, lightly spritz in-between each makeup layer.

My Review

First Impressions: Lightweight Yet Effective

One of the first things I noticed about this setting spray is how light it feels. Unlike some other setting sprays that can leave your face feeling a bit damp or heavy, the NYX Face Glue feels refreshingly light. It doesn’t weigh down your makeup, and it doesn’t leave behind any sticky or tacky residue either, which is honestly one of my pet peeves with some long-wear products.

I really appreciate how the spray doesn’t really alter the look or finish of my makeup. It does have mattifying ingredients in the formula, but it still leaves my skin looking naturally radiant. It manages to help keep everything in place without messing with the texture I’ve created.

Does it work?

I am not really a pro when it comes to setting sprays, and I can take them or leave them, because I tend to wear quite natural looking makeup with long lasting formulas anyway, but I have been really enjoying testing this one out.

I’ve been quite impressed by the difference it makes to my makeup where my glasses sit. What I hate about wearing glasses is that every time you take them off or adjust them, you risk having your makeup disrupted. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the NYX Face Glue Setiing Spray held everything in place. I noticed that when I wore this spray, my makeup didn’t budge as much under the pressure of my glasses.

The Comparison: NYX vs. Charlotte Tilbury

I wanted to make this comparison because I really do love the CT Setting Spray (review here). CT’s setting spray is definitely more luxurious—there’s no denying that. It has a finer mist and that luxurious feel that you’d expect from a high-end brand. The mist is super soft, almost like a cloud, and while it’s a lovely experience to use, it does have a floral fragrance which for some people might be a dealbreaker. I personally really like the scent, but it’s not for everyone.

The Charlotte Tilbury spray also gives a bit more of a glowy finish, making it perfect for that fresh, radiant look.

The NYX Face Glue Setting Spray doesn’t have the same refined mist or the luxe feel of the Charlotte Tilbury version, but it still performs incredibly well. There’s no fragrance here, which will be good for anyone sensitive to added fragrance. The spray feels effective when it comes to holding makeup in place, and while the mist isn’t as fine as the CT one, it’s still pretty even.

The NYX one contains alcohol but it is offset with a humectant (propylene glycol) which means I don’t find it drying. If you have dry skin however, the alcohol in the formula might not be the best for you.

The Charlotte Tilbury has more hydrating ingredients within the formula, however, the NYX does actually have a bit of skincare in there which it doesn’t really boast about. There’s Acer Saccharum Extract (Sugar Maple Extract) which is a good antioxidant that helps with skin hydration. So that’s a big plus especially at the NYX price point.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for something affordable, effective, and lightweight, this is definitely worth a try. It keeps my makeup pretty intact without altering the finish or feeling heavy, and I love that it helps prevent my glasses from moving my makeup. Definitely one to keep in your beauty arsenal if you’re on the hunt for a hardworking, long-wearing setting spray that won’t break the bank!

Where to buy it

NYX Face Glue Setting Spray is £8.99 and available now via the links below:

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Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint Review & Swatches

February 25, 2025 - 10:10 pm | February 25, 2025 face, makeup

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Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint Review & Swatches

There has been a huge buzz about the brand new Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint and I couldn’t wait to try it! Here’s what you need to know about ingredients, application and the shades. Check out my review and swatches.

What is Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint?

milk makeup hydro grip gel tint review 2 — What is Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint?

Hydrating skin tin
Longwear coverage – clinically proven to last up to 12 hours without fading, caking, or settling into fine lines
Non-comedogenic
Packed with triple-powered hyaluronic acid and niacinamide
Weightless gel base
Buildable light coverage
Natural dewy finish
Designed to look freshly applied even at the end of the day
Available in 15 flexible shades

Key Ingredients

Triluronic Acid – a blend of multi-molecular Hyaluronic acid works to deeply hydrate

Niacinamide and squalane – to help improve texture

Blue Agave Extract – to hydrate, soften, and smooth skin

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint Shades & Swatches

There are 15 flexible shades in this collection. I have shades 4, 5, 6 & 7.

Here are the swatches:

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint textures — Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint texture

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint Swatches

Application Video

Before & After Photos

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint Before Photo — Before

After photo with Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint shade 4 — Shade 4

My Review of Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint

Packaging

I really love the vibrant blue packaging and squeezy tube delivery system. This makes the product really convenient and easy to travel with. It’s also super cute!

Application & Texture

I have to say, I absolutely love the texture of the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint. It is a gorgeous cooling gel texture that feels refreshing and bouncy. It melts and blends into my skin effortlessly and it’s really easy to achieve a seamless finish on the skin. There’s no cakiness, just juicy, hydrated skin.

Watch the video above to see how I applied it.

I have had lots of question about whether it feels sticky on the skin, and I’d say that if you touch your face, you can definitely feel it is a skincare formula. It has a very very slight hint of tackiness, but this does not bother me at all, especially when I look at the gorgeous glowy and flawless finish.

Longevity & Wear Test

I haven’t done a full day wear test yet, so I will update my thoughts on this very soon. However, I have been very impressed so far. Given that it’s a hydrating gel formula, it is impressively long wearing. I have combination skin, and used the lightest touch of setting powder, and it wore really well. I’ll share more info on this as soon as I can.

Stay tuned for more insights, but so far I am absolutely loving it!!

If you are looking for a matte yet radiant long wear foundation, read Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second Skin Matte Foundation Review & Swatches. And if foundations with SPF50 are more your thing, read Clinique Even Better Clinical Vitamin Makeup SPF 50 Review & Swatches.

Where to buy it

The Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint is available in 15 shades for £34 now via the links below:

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TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation Review

February 24, 2025 - 6:59 pm | February 24, 2025 face

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TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation Review

When a beauty product goes viral, it’s hard not to be intrigued. The TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation has been making waves, and as a beauty enthusiast, I couldn’t resist buying it. Here’s my review with before and after photos.

What is TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion?

TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation packaging

Hydrating cushion foundation
Designed to deliver full coverage
Natural, semi-matte finish
Lightweight formula
Blends seamlessly
Promises 72-hour flawless coverage
Available in 40 shades

TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation Shades & Swatch

I thing I would say is that I struggled with the shades. 17N Vanilla sounded and looked like it would be a good match for me so I ordered that one, and it was way too light as you will see from the before and after photos. I probably should have ordered for 21N Ivory, or 22N Shell Beige, but seeing as 17N Vanilla was so much lighter than I anticipated, I really couldn’t be sure.

Before & After Photos

Before photo TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation — Before

TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation in shade 17N applied — 17N Vanillla

My Review

First Impressions

The packaging is vibrant and eye-catching. It doesn’t feel overly luxurious but it’s seems pretty sturdy and definitely does the job. Inside, the cushion is saturated with foundation, and there’s a soft sponge applicator.

Application and Coverage

Upon the first application, I didn’t get the full coverage I was expecting. When I have seen videos of this online, it looks like it gives instant full coverage, but I didn’t find this to be the case.

I found this to be a medium coverage that is buildable, although unlike the Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Foundation (review and swatches here), I do need a separate concealer for any areas that require more coverage.

Because the shade I chose is too light, I found I had to use my REESON Bronzing Balm all over to warm up my complexion, and this actually works well and means I will get more use out of this shade.

Application Video

Wear and Longevity

One of the standout claims for this cushion foundation is its longevity. I have to say that, although it lasts well, I didn’t really think it was more long lasting than many foundations I have, and it doesn’t last as long as the Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Foundation I mentioned earlier. I have combination skin, and didn’t set it with powder, so I think if I wanted to get longer wear out of it, I’d need to set it.

Finish

This foundation provides a satin finish on the skin that’s nice and flattering. There’s a good amount of glow and it doesn’t feel greasy or heavy on the skin.

It doesn’t feel overly hydrating, so if you have dry skin, it may not be for you.

What is the shade range like?

The TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation boasts an impressive 40-shade range.

When cushion foundations were super popular 10 or so years ago, a lot of them only came in a few shades, so this is a good win. 40 shades is a notable achievement for a K-beauty brand.

The tricky part is that it’s hard to make sure you order the right shade, as I found. In hindsight, I’d have been better with 21N Ivory, or 22N Shell Beige, so if you are a shade twin, bear that in mind.

What skin type is it good for?

I’d say that the TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation is particularly well-suited for those with normal to oily skin types. However, if you have dry or dehydrated skin, it may not be for you.

Do you need to powder it?

I tend to skip powder, however, I think this foundation would perform better and last longer on my skin if it was set with powder.

Is it easy to apply?

This is a really easy foundation to apply. It goes on nicely with the sponge, and had I ordered the correct shade, it would be great for touch ups on the go.

What is the coverage like?

The coverage is a medium and buildable formula and is nice and skin flattering. I don’t find it is enough on its own to cover any blemishes or hyperpigmentation fully, and I needed to use a concealer for any areas that required more attention.

What is the finish like?

This foundation gives the skin a lovely natural looking satin radiance.

My Other Foundation Matches

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

Clinique Even Better Clinical Vitamin Makeup SPF 50 in Light Cool 3 (£39)
Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second Skin Matte Foundation in 2N (£39)
Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation in 310 (£47)
e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation in 20 Light Cool (£8)
Sisley Paris Phyto Teint Perfection Foundation in 2N1 (£80)
Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation in 250 (£49)
Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation in 130 Light Warm £42)
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)

Final Thoughts

I think I would have liked The TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation a lot more had I managed to buy the right shade, but I suppose you can’t win them all!

I don’t think it’s as full coverage as I would have liked it to be, not that I am a full coverage person all the time, but I just expected it to cover everything in one swipe, and it definitely didn’t do that for me.

I think if you get the right shade, it will be great for quick application and touch ups on the go, especially if you like a nice naturally radiant finish.

At £25 (I got it on offer at Boots for £17), it’s good value for money and super convenient. I’m not sure if Boots have it in bigger stores, as I got my order delivered to my local store, but if they do I’d recommend testing out a few shades.

Where to buy it

The TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation is £25 and available at Boots in the UK. Shop via the link below:

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Clinique Even Better Clinical Vitamin Makeup SPF 50 Review & Swatches

February 20, 2025 - 11:39 am | February 20, 2025 face, makeup

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Clinique Even Better Clinical Vitamin Makeup SPF 50 Review

Clinique has a brand new foundation for 2025 and it has SPF 50. Here’s what you need to know about the Clinique Even Better Clinical Vitamin Makeup SPF 50 Foundation. Enjoy. Use my Sephora* link with code REALLYREESPH for 15% off.

What is Clinique Even Better Clinical Vitamin Makeup SPF 50?

Clinique’s new foundation for 2025 is infused with lots of skincare ingredients, plus it offers SPF50 protection:

Lightweight oil-free foundation
Vitamin-infused formula
Weightless, hydrating texture
Designed to promote more radiant, healthy-looking skin
Promises to energise, brighten, and protect
Delivers Sheer, buildable-coverage
Radiant, healthy skin finish
SPF50 – combination of physical and chemical sunscreens
Suitable for dry, combination and oily skin
Dermatologist-tested
Ophthalmologist tested
Safe for sensitive eyes
Safe for contact lens wearers
Allergy tested
Fragrance free
Tested on all skin tones
Promises to be waterproof and sweat and humidity resistant
26 flexible shades
Available with 15% off if you shop here at Sephora* and use my REALLYREESPH code

Key Ingredients

4% Vitamin B3 – to help support skin’s natural energy and protect skin barrier

5 forms of vitamin C – 2 forms help brighten the look of skin & 3 forms help provide defense, with different rates of penetration to the skin’s surface

Vitamin E – provides antioxidant protection and hydration

Shades & Swatches

There are 26 flexible shades in the collection. Because the formula is lightweight and sheer, each shade can flex across a range of skin tones.

I have two shades to show you, Light Cool 3 and Light Medium Cool 1:

Clinique Even Better Clinical Vitamin Makeup SPF 50 Texture

Clinique Even Better Clinical Vitamin Makeup SPF 50 Swatches - Light Cool 3 - Light Medium 1 — Clinique Even Better Clinical Vitamin Makeup SPF 50 Swatches – Light Cool 3 – Light Medium 1

Before and After Photos

I went with Light Cool 3.

Before - Clinique Even Better Clinical Vitamin Makeup SPF 50 — Before

Clinique Even Better Clinical Vitamin Makeup SPF 50 Light Cool 3 applied — After – Light Cool 3

My Other Foundation Matches

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

Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second Skin Matte Foundation in 2N (£39)
Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation in 310 (£47)
e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation in 20 Light Cool (£8)
Sisley Paris Phyto Teint Perfection Foundation in 2N1 (£80)
Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation in 250 (£49)
Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation in 130 Light Warm £42)
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)

My Review

For me, this is a really great no makeup, weekend, working from home-type foundation. It is light and sheer and feels like skincare, and gives the skin a lovely glow.

It is really easy to wear and apply, and if you like something glowy that gives sheer coverage that you can build a bit, you will really like it. In feel and finish, it kind of reminds me of one of my all time favourite foundations, NARS Light Reflecting but with a bit less coverage and longwear, and with SPF 50 instead (full review with swatches here).

If I am out for a whole day, and possibly night, I don’t think I would reach for this as it isn’t a long-wear formula for me, in spite of its claims on being waterproof and humidity resistant. In this instance, the one I am currently choosing is the new Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable foundation, which I surprisingly love despite it being matte. I find that I can get a nice radiant finish with that if I skip powder, and it’s pretty budge-proof. Another good option for long lasting performance is Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation Review – New Formula 2024.

I think the is Clinique foundation is good value for money, especially if you buy it at Sephora and use my REALLYREESPH code for 15% off.