makeup

e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Filter Review & Swatches

January 13, 2025 - 11:57 am | January 13, 2025 face, makeup

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There’s a new e.l.f. powder that just launched and I have been testing it out. Here’s what you need to know about the e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Filter. I have a review and swatches here for you.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Filter?

This is described as a light buildable, ultra-fine pressed setting powder:

Blurs the look of pores
Reduces shine and the appearance of oil
Sets makeup with a soft-focus glow
Super light texture
Buildable coverage
Long lasting formula
Can be used on its own or to set and refresh makeup for long-lasting wear
Crease-resistant
Includes velour puff and mirror
Available in 12 flexible shades

e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Filter Shades and Swatches

There are 12 shades in the collection:

Fair Neutral Cool
Fair Warm
Light Neutral
Light Warm
Medium Neutral
Medium Warm
Tan Warm
Tan Neutral Warm
Deep Warm
Deep Neutral
Rich Cool
Rich Warm

e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Filter Shades - Fair Neutral, Fair Warm, Light Neutral — e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Filter Shades – Fair Neutral, Fair Warm, Light Neutral

e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Filter Shades

I have swatches of Fair Neutral Cool, Fair Warm and Light Neutral:

e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Filter Swatches - Fair Neutral, Fair Warm, Light Neutral — e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Filter Swatches – Fair Neutral, Fair Warm, Light Neutral

The shade I chose to use is Light Neutral.

How to apply e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Pressed Powder Filter

Gently press finishing powder into skin with the included puff or a small fluffy brush (I prefer the brush method)

You can use it alone to softly mattify and give the skin a filtered appearance or to set and refresh makeup.

My Review

e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Filter Review

I am a massive fan of the e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Foundation which I think you should definitely check out if you are looking for an affordable yet high performance soft matte foundation with buildable coverage. I have a full blog post with swatches of every shade: e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation Review and Swatches.

Because I have been loving that foundation, I was super keen to check out this new launch.

The e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Filter is a pressed finishing powder designed to smooth out imperfections, blur pores, and give your skin a soft glow.

Application & Formula

The powder’s texture is smooth and finely milled, and it has an almost creamy texture when you swipe your fingertip across it. I used a small fluffy brush to apply it and I found that it picks up beautifully that way. There is a velour puff included in the compact, but I prefer to be a bit more precise when it comes to applying powder products, as I tend to be a bit of a powder-phobe!

The formula feels very light on the skin and I find that it can blur imperfections whilst retaining the skin’s luminosity and it doesn’t make it look too matte. I find that it doesn’t settle into fine lines or emphasise texture, which is a win for those who want a radiant finish without looking shiny or oily.

Performance

On application, the powder sets makeup really easily, and it softly takes down the shine without looking obviously powdery or matte, which is always my fear. I tested it on just half of my face, and it held up really well and helped my foundation stay in place well, in the areas I applied it.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Filter Before & After Video

Check out this half face demo:

Final Thoughts

The e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Filter is an absolute must-try if you are looking for something super affordable that will gently set makeup without looking cakey or heavy. If you don’t like powder, but find that sometimes your mascara smudges or your concealer creases, it might be worth trying this. Use it under the eye area and over lids and you may find this really helps. I think it does a really good job, especially for the price.

Where to buy it?

e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Filter is £14 and available now via the links below:

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Best Boxing Day Beauty Sales 2024

December 24, 2024 - 7:00 am | December 24, 2024 Christmas Gift Guides, fragrance, Hair, makeup, Skin

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As always, at this time of year, there are quite a few bargains to be had, so I thought I’d put together a quick roundup of the best deals and websites to have a look at. Here are my Best Boxing Day Beauty Sales & New Year Bargains! Happy shopping! I’ll be updating this post as new offers appear.

Best Boxing Day Beauty Sales 2024 Preview & Highlights

These are my top picks of the Best Boxing Day Beauty Sales this year year:

Some of the below deals are already live, so it’s worth checking the links early.

Space NK – will have 50% off loads of gorgeous products live from 25th December. Shop HERE*.
Harrods – up to 50% off selected purchases online HERE* from 26th December.
LOOKFANTASTIC – Save up to 60% and get free gifts in the Winter Sale HERE*
Medik8 – Save up to 25% Off Selected Products HERE*
Dyson – savings on Supersonic and Airwrap – shop HERE*
Elemis have 25% off all their value saving Christmas Gift sets HERE*.
Shiseido – Get 30% off selected items and 30% off a range of products including the Shiseido 2024 Holiday Collection HERE*
Clarins – up to 40% off gifts sets and best sellers HERE*
NARS – 30% off Holiday collection and 40% off last chance products. Shop HERE*.
Cowshed – up to 30% off HERE*
La Mer – gift with purchases and complimentary products with minimum spends. Use Code: INDULGE at checkout to redeem. Shop HERE*.
REESON Beauty – FREE SHIPPING on orders over £50 until 31st December HERE*
Boots – Up To 50% in Boots’ Biggest Ever Sale HERE* (Over a thousand products to be discounted!)
Bobbi Brown – Enjoy 33% off Christmas Collection and other makeup and skincare at Bobbi Brown HERE* (From the 23^rd December until 6^th Jan)
Glossier – save up to 40% on limited products before they disappear – shop HERE*
Selfridges – top brands are available at amazing prices HERE*. Advent Calendars are slashed in price.
Harvey Nichols – Shop up to 30% off Beauty HERE*.
Sephora UK – big savings including 50% off updated frequently, shop HERE*
Cult Beauty – up to 50% off sale items HERE*, Offer: Take 15% off + Extra 5% Off Selected Products with Code: CBAFF15
Molton Brown – Up to 30% Off in the Winter sale HERE* now
The White Company – up to 50% off HERE*
Clinique – discounts on beauty sets HERE*
Penhaligon’s – Up to 50% off in the Winter Sale + GWP when you spend £120 with code GIFTSET HERE*
Armani Beauty – offering 20% off all makeup, fragrance and gift sets HERE*
Hearst Magazines – January sale has launched early – up to 72% off HERE*.
NET-A-PORTER – they have an amazing 30% off a brilliant selection of beauty products now! Shop HERE.*
Face the Future – Up to 40%, running now HERE*
Jo Malone London – Shop online HERE* and get a free 9ml fragrance with orders over £90.
Charlotte Tilbury – Up to 30% off select products. Limited time only! Automatically applied at basket, shop HERE.*
Fenwick – Up to 50%* off selected lines, dates HERE*
MAC – Up to 50% Off now. Offers available HERE*
Kiehl’s – 30% off Selected Products HERE*.
YSL Beauty – 30% Off Gifts HERE*
L’Occitane – up to 50% HERE*
Benefit – 50% off HERE*
Liberty – tonnes of niche brand bargains HERE* over the Christmas period
Escentual – Up to 60% off Gift Sets and 22% off RRP on all products HERE*.
ESPA – Up to 50% off everything PLUS an extra 5% off with Code: ESPAX5 HERE*
Aveda – Enjoy an extra 33% off all gift sets, plus sitewide discounts HERE*
GHD – up to 20% off tools HERE*

Happy shopping!! I hope this helps you find the Best Boxing Day Beauty Sales & New Year Bargains, and let me know if you have any questions!

Make sure you give me a follow on Instagram for all the latest updates and stay tuned to the homepage for all the new launches.

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Kosas Soulgazer Intensifying Gel Eyeliner Review & Swatches

December 10, 2024 - 11:59 am | December 10, 2024 eyes, makeup

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Kosas Soulgazer Intensifying Gel Eyeliner Review & Swatches

I love a bit of eyeliner when I want a quick look that makes me appear that I have made an effort with my makeup and these gel liners are super easy to use. Here’s a look at the Kosas Soulgazer Intensifying Gel Eyeliner with swatches of all the shades.

What is Kosas Soulgazer Intensifying Gel Eyeliner?

Intense, long-wearing colour
Smooth, creamy texture
Effortless application
Creates bold precise lines
Formula combines rich pigments with Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate the delicate eye area and prevent dryness
Waterproof formula
Retractable liner format
Features a built in sharpener
Smudger tool for smoky effect
Matte and satin finishes

Kosas Soulgazer Intensifying Gel Eyeliner Shades & Swatches

There are a range of shades in collection across matte and satin finishes:

Gravitate – creamy beige matte
Mesmerize – soft lilac matte
Bewitch – night violet satin
Eternal – emerald green satin
Enigma – blackened blue satin
Depth – warm brown matte
Allure – dark brown matte
Orbit – smoky grey matte
Hypnotize – intense matte black
Cosmic – deep aqua satin

Swatches

I have 9 of the shades to show you here, Gravitate, Mesmerize, Bewitch, Eternal, Enigma, Depth, Allure, Orbit, Hypnotize:

My Review

Kosas Soulgazer Intensifying Gel Eyeliner packaging (shade Gravitate)

I have really been enjoying this formula. It is gorgeously creamy yet super long lasting and it is so easy to apply. For a smoky look, you can just scribble it on and then smudge it out, either with the smudger it comes with, or a fluffy brush.

The shade range is really gorgeous. My absolute favourite shade is Depth which is a beautiful brown that’s so soft and flattering. It’s my kind of shade.

I also really like the green called Eternal. I used it in a smoky way and really loved having some sheer colour for a change. I also very much like the brightening shade, Gravitate, which is a really easy way to look more awake if used in the waterline.

The little sharpener and smudger are super handy and mean that you can create a range of different looks, with either sharp lines or diffused colour.

Where to buy Kosas Soulgazer Intensifying Gel Eyeliner

There are 10 shades and they are £20 each. Lots of shades are selling out, so make sure you check out the different retailers. They are available now via the link below:

If you’re still looking for an eyeliner, I love the Victoria Beckham Beauty collection too. Read: Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner Review & Swatches.

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Violette FR Bisou Jelly Sheer Lip Shine Review & Swatches

October 22, 2024 - 10:26 am | October 22, 2024 lips, makeup

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Violette FR Bisou Jelly Sheer Lip Shine Review & Swatches

One of the latest launches from gorgeous French brand Violette FR are these easy to use lip shines. Here’s a look at the Violette FR Bisou Jelly collection with swatches of all the shades.

What is Violette FR Bisou Jelly?

Violette FR Bisou Jelly Sheer Lip Shine packaging

This new launch from Violette FR is described as a balm meets lipstick formula:

Antioxidant-rich formula
Delivers a sheer kiss of colour
Natural shine finish
Non-sticky
Engineered with two distinct layers
Pigmented core for blurred colour within the natural lip
Outer jelly layer infused with Vitamin E
Available in four shades HERE*

Violette FR Bisou Jelly Shades & Swatches

There are four shades in the collection:

Violette FR Bisou Jelly Sheer Lip Shine Shades

Bonbon à la Rose – soft nude pink inspired by traditional French rose pastilles
Pomme d’Amour – bright candy apple inspired by glossy candied apples
Bonbon Caramel – rich, caramel brown for natural warmth and luminosity
Aïssa – berry shade (also available in Bisou Blush, inspired by Violette’s longtime muse, French actress Aïssa Maïga

Swatches

Lip Swatches

Violette FR Bisou Jelly Sheer Lip Shine Swatch Bonbon a la Rose — Bonbon a la Rose

Violette FR Bisou Jelly Sheer Lip Shine Swatch Pomme d'Amour — Pomme d’Amour

Violette FR Bisou Jelly Sheer Lip Shine Swatch Bonbon Caramel — Bonbon Caramel

Violette FR Bisou Jelly Sheer Lip Shine Swatch Aissa — Aissa

My Review of Violette FR Bisou Jelly

Violette FR Bisou Jelly Sheer Lip Shine Review

I love an easy to use, shiny sheer lip and this one really ticks all the boxes. It’s lovely! In terms of ease, these are the kind of products you can grab from your handbag and swipe on a top up without needing a mirror, and it really doesn’t get any easier than that!

Violette FR Bisou Jelly Sheer Lip Shine - colour core with jelly outer layer — Violette FR Bisou Jelly Sheer Lip Shine – colour core with jelly outer layer

Also the Violette FR Bisou Jelly is a lovely sturdy product. When you first look at them, they look like you might have to apply really gently in case the bullet collapses and you apply more than you need. However, the formula has a lovely firmness and you can apply boldly without any fear of making a mess. It really holds its own.

It terms of texture, it feels nice and moisturising, so you could easily reach for one of these instead if your regular lip balm. And because it’s a sheer and naturally flattering kind of finish, it looks great even without any other makeup.

Violette FR Bisou Jelly Sheer Lip Shine - shade Bonbon à la Rose — Violette FR Bisou Jelly Sheer Lip Shine – shade Bonbon à la Rose

The selection of shades is really pretty. I love them all. They all offer a soft hint of colour that can be subtly intensified with Pomme d’Amour being the most ‘poppy’ shade.

They are all so wearable, however, I think that Aïssa is possibly my favourite, and I don’t think I am alone as this is the shade that is currently sold out. If you love a nude tone, Bonbon Caramel will be right up your street. It’s like a lovely sheer 90s nude and would look stunning with a lip liner if you wanted a more ‘makeup-y’ look.

Where to buy it

Violette FR Bisou Jelly is £30 each available via the link below:

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Sweed Beauty Eyelash Growth Serum Review

October 3, 2024 - 10:58 am | October 3, 2024 eyes, makeup

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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?

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

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

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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Category Archives: makeup

e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Filter Review & Swatches

e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Filter?

e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Filter Shades and Swatches

How to apply e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Pressed Powder Filter