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IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream Natural Matte SPF40 Review

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IT Cosmetics Your Skin But better CC Cream Natural Matte SPF40 Review

I love the original CC Cream from IT Cosmetics, so I was keen to try out the new natural matte version. Here’s the lowdown on IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream Natural Matte SPF40.

What is IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream Natural Matte?

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But better CC Cream Natural Matte SPF40
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream Natural Matte SPF40
  • Full-coverage CC cream
  • Works to conceal imperfections
  • Reduces the look of redness, pores, shine and oil
  • Provides a comfortable natural velvety matte finish
  • Uses brightening, colour-correcting pigments
  • The formula is enriched with a blend of skin-nourishing ingredients
  • Delivers SPF40 (although I still use the correct dose of SPF underneath)
  • Easy to blend
  • Suitable for combination and oily skin types
  • 16-hour shine control
  • Sweat-proof formula
  • Available in 30 shades

Key Ingredients

Hyaluronic Acid – to hydrate

Air Licium – to control excess sebum

Lentil seed extract – to defend against environmental aggressors

Charcoal and colloidal clay – to detoxify and balance

SPF 40 – broad spectrum protection

Before & After Photos

I am using shade Light Neutral which gives me a really nice and brightened result.

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But better CC Cream Natural Matte SPF40 - Before Photo
Before Photo
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But better CC Cream Natural Matte SPF40 - Light Neutral After Photo
After Photo – Light Neutral

Annoyingly, I forgot to take my after photo before I put on the rest of my makeup, but the only other thing I have on my skin is the REESON Blush in Fresh Rose*.

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream Natural Matte SPF40 Swatch

I have shade Light Neutral to show you:

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But better CC Cream Natural Matte SPF40 - Light Neutral
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream Natural Matte SPF40 – Light Neutral
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But better CC Cream Natural Matte SPF40 - Light Neutral Swatch
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream Natural Matte SPF40 – Light Neutral Swatch

My Review

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But better CC Cream Natural Matte SPF40 packaging
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream Natural Matte SPF40 packaging

Although I am really more of a glowy finish kind of girl, I have to say there are times when I appreciate a soft matte formula, especially in the summer time. The idea of a natural matte, is all about a natural looking skin finish, that isn’t flat, and as I like to use other products to give me glow, I find they can really work for my combination skin.

This is certainly the case with the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream Natural Matte SPF40. Applied over my Vitamin C serum and SPF50, it still allows a natural looking radiance to the skin yet has a soft blurring effect on pores and texture.

A little goes a long way because the formula has satisfyingly high coverage, and it tackles redness and uneven tone swiftly with minimal effort. I use my REESON No. 1 Brush* to buff and blend and it works perfectly with it.

It lasts really well on my skin, and feels very comfortable and light. It really is a great option for the warmer weather, especially with its SPF40. Although having said that, I don’t need to use that much product to get the finish I want, so I make sure I use my proper dose of SPF50 underneath.

All in all, I am very pleased with this.

Where to buy it

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream Natural Matte SPF40 is £38 and available now via the following links:

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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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Shein Soft Gel Nail Tips Review

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Hihi everyone, I hope all is well. Today I am sharing my thoughts on the Shein soft gel press on nail tips. If you are a DIY gel x girl, stay tuned for more

Shein soft gel nail tips come in a variety of shapes and colours. I chose to get the french manicure nail tips because I’m not that great at drawing the white lines on. I also played around with lengths and shapes so I got ballerina and almond in medium lenght and square in short.

My experience
I’ve been using these since the beginning of this year. It’s been heavy in my rotation. They come in the standard nail sizes so I don’t have an issue with getting a good fit. Each pack also comes with a lot of pieces so they last a long time. The application is easy, these are soft gel tips so they require uv glue and lamp.

Application method & Tools

I use the gel x method for these nail tips. I use the Beetles nail glue ( review here) , BTART solid glue and Mylee clear builder gel and top coat (review here). For nail lamps, I use the Markatt goose neck nail lamp for flash curing then the Mylee UV nail lamp for a full cure.

Nail prep( filing, cuticle prep, cleansing)

Beetles UV nail glue then cure. BTART nail glue in the inside of the tips and flash cure till all nails are completed. Then fully cure

Rhinestones/stickers/ decorations(optional)

Builder gel then cure. Top coat then cure

The whole process from start to finish is about 1.30hrs

So I absolutely love these pre made French tips because it saves me so much time and effort having to draw the white tips from scratch. Whilst I love them. It took a little bit of trial and error to get them right

When I first started using these tips, I started with the Beetles Builder gel. After a few days, the white tips started fading and even some cracking. It was horrible. And this would happen to alll most all nails. I never liked this Builder gel anyways, but for these soft gel tips you need to seal it with a Builder gel and top coat.

I then decided to experiment with other sealants so I tried the Beetles UV glue, Beetles base coat, Mylee Builder gel and Mylee base coat. All of these gave me better results than the Beetles Builder gel but I still had fading after 5 days wear with the exception of the Mylee Builder gel. That Builder gel lasted a full 7 days before some chipping however the one I had was a light pink shade so I decided to get a clear one and try again.

I purchased the Mylee clear Builder gel followed the same application method above but decided to do 2 thin coats of Builder gel, fully curing each layer before using the Mylee top coat.
SUCESS!

This way gave me the best results. My nails now last till whenever I decide to take them off, usually after 10 to 13 days! No fading. No chipping. The nails themselves are also great quality, they do not split/crack after they are fully cured.

Verdict

I love these shein nail tips. I’ve got them in different nail shapes and lengths and even some colour pre made French’s too. This makes it so easy and quick to do a quick manicure especially when I am short on time. These are the dupe to the BTART nail tips but I haven’t tried those yet. The shein ones are great and I highly recommend them. They have a variety of pre made frenchs both classic and coloured and in all the shapes & lengths!

I’ve been using the gel x method since December of last year and I absolutely love this method. 

love Sarah

Sweed Lydia Millen Le Lipstick & Lip Liner Review & Swatches

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Sweed Lydia Millen Le Lipstick & Lip Liner Review & Swatches

The Sweed Lydia Millen collection is an exclusive collaboration focusing on lip colour, and it’s the perfect choice for summer. I have Le Lipstick and the Lip Liner here to show you with photos and swatches. Enjoy!

What is in the Sweed Lydia Millen Lip Collection?

Sweed Lydia Millen Le Lipstick & Lip Liner Sweed Lydia Millen Le Lipstick & Lip Liner Collection
Sweed Lydia Millen Le Lipstick & Lip Liner Sweed Lydia Millen Le Lipstick & Lip Liner Collection

This is such a lovely easy to apply and easy to wear lip collection with a lip crayon and lip liner:

  • Le Lipstick in 2 shades, £22
  • Lip Liner in 2 shades, £19

Sweed Lydia Millen Le Lipstick Shades & Swatches

Sweed Lydia Millen Le Lipstick - Wild Rose & Holly Hock
Le Lipstick – Wild Rose & Holly Hock

Le Lipstick has a buttery and balmy formula with buildable colour payoff.

There are two shades in the Le Lipstick for this collection and they are both super wearable:

  • Wild Rose – soft warm nude with a luminous finish
  • Holly Hock – soft peach with a sheer, luminous finish

Swatches

Here is Holly Hock and Wild Rose:

Sweed Lydia Millen Le Lipstick Swatches - Wild Rose & Holly Hock
Sweed Lydia Millen Le Lipstick Swatches – Wild Rose & Holly Hock
Sweed Lydia Millen Le Lipstick Swatch - Wild Rose
Wild Rose
Sweed Lydia Millen Le Lipstick Swatch - Holly Hock
Holly Hock

Sweed Lydia Millen Lip Liner Shades & Swatches

Sweed Lydia Millen Lip Liner
Lip Liner

The Lip Liner has a velvety texture and is infused with Jojoba Seed Oil. It is super long lasting.

There are two shades of Lip Liner in the collection:

  • Rose Petal – a cool rose plum
  • Rose Thorn – a warm rose brown
Sweed Lydia Millen Lip Liner Shades - Rose Petal & Rose Thorn
Sweed Lydia Millen Lip Liner Shades – Rose Petal & Rose Thorn

Swatches

This is Rose Petal and Rose Thorn:

Sweed Lydia Millen Lip Liner Swatches - Rose Petal & Rose Thorn
Sweed Lydia Millen Lip Liner Swatches – Rose Petal & Rose Thorn

My Review

Sweed Lydia Millen Le Lipstick in Holly Hock
Sweed Lydia Millen Le Lipstick in Holly Hock

This is a really lovely lip collection and it’s perfect for Summer, not only because the shades are so fresh and easy to wear, but they are also super long lasting.

In fact, the lip liners are so long lasting that I will have to do the lip swatches in another session because once they are on, they are pretty hard to get off! The arm swatches I did needed a full on double cleanse!!

I have really gotten in to using lip liners over the past year, so I am very excited to incorporate these into my rotation because the shades are so gorgeous and the performance is seriously impressive. If you are serious about your lip game, you need one!!

As for Le Lipstick, these will be brilliant for everyone, and are a great ‘chuck in your handbag’ product for a soft boost of colour and hydration on the go.

I love the Holly Hock shade, not only because it’s super youthful and really brightening, but because my childhood garden was filled with Holly Hocks and it brings back such good memories.

Holly Hock looks really bright in the tube, but it’s very versatile and can be a very soft brightening wash of colour, or built up to something a little more bold. Regardless of the intensity you choose, both shades are super long lasting, yet weightless, so you will forget you are wearing them until you look in the mirror. Fabulous!

If you love a balmy lip, you might want to check out the latest launch from Victoria Beckham which launches soon. Read: Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Balm Nourishing Lip Shine Review & Swatches

Where to buy the Sweed Lydia Millen Le Lipstick & Lip Liner

This collection has already sold out at Space NK, however, it is still available at Cult Beauty via the link below:

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Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Balm Nourishing Lip Shine Review & Swatches

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Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Balm Nourishing Lip Shine Review & Swatches

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Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Balm Nourishing Lip Shine Review & Swatches

There’s a brand new lip launch from Victoria Beckham and it’s being dubbed as lipstick’s little sister. Here’s a look at the brand new Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Balm Nourishing Lip Shine with swatches of all the shades. Enjoy!

Offers

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Get Estee Icons Kit worth £106 for just £25 when you buy any Estee Lauder foundation.

What is Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Balm?

Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Balm Nourishing Lip Shine
Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Balm Nourishing Lip Shine

Posh Balm is being described as a high performance balm and low maintenance beauty:

  • Nourishing lip shine
  • A watercolour barely-there wash for lips
  • Boosts hydration
  • Buildable sheer tint
  • Infused with skincare ingredients
  • Uses pH technology to enhance the natural colour of your lips
  • Promises eight hours of colour and hydration
  • Available in four shades
  • Launches at Victoria Beckham Beauty on 7th August 2024

Key Ingredients

Murumuru Seed Butter Complex –  to enhance the skin barrier function and improve moisture retention to restore and prevent dry lips

Plant-derived Lanolin alternative –  for deep hydration and nourishment, to lock in moisture and keep lips supple

Cucumber Seed Oil – provides antioxidant protection and is rich in vitamins, phytonutrients, and linoleic acid for deep nourishment and hydration.

Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Balm Shades
Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Balm Shades

There are four shade options to choose from:

Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Balm Shades
Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Balm Shades
  • GLACÉ – nourishing clear
  • FLEUR |- sheer rose pink
  • COLETTE – sheer poppy red
  • CASSIS – sheer blackberry

Swatches

This is Glace (not really visible!), Fleur, Colette, and Cassis:

Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Balm Swatches - All Shades
Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Balm Swatches – All Shades

Lip Swatches

Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Balm Swatch - Glace
Glace
Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Balm Swatch - Fleur
Fleur
Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Balm Swatch - Colette
Colette
Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Balm Swatch - Cassis
Cassis

My Review of Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Balm

Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Balm Review- Fleur
Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Balm Review – Fleur

As you will probably be able to see, these are really easy to wear, super sheer lip shines. No mirror required!!

I am absolutely obsessed with the packaging. I love the sleek ivory cases, and the fact that the logo on each tube reflects the tint really makes me happy!! I love little touches like that. They go beautifully with the new FeatherFix Brow Gels. To see those read: Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel Review & Swatches.

They feel really satisfying to hold, and have a really nice clicky, twist up delivery system which allows you to access a small amount of product to make application effortless. However, you can’t click back so make sure you don’t twist out too much in one go.

The formula of the Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Balm is lovely. It’s nice and firm, so there’s no fear of the bullet collapsing or ending up with too much product on your lips.

You can swipe on with a strong hand, and repeat in several layers if you wish to build up the colour. The payoff is very sheer, so you never need to worry about the colour looking too strong. These are the perfect product if you are a little lipstick-shy, but you love a soft and shiny finish.

They actually remind me quite a lot of another favourite of mine, the Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint, but much more glam and maybe a tad shinier.

The Posh Balms feel great on the lips and really do deliver lovely long lasting hydration. They are the perfect lip product to throw in your handbag, and then show off in public as you reapply!!

All the shades are pretty similar. The clear shade, Glace, will be great paired with a lip liner, and the others give a soft flush which looks super healthy. I think I like Fleur the most, but as you will see from the lip swatches, the differences between the shade is subtle. I love how juicy and volumised they make the lips look. Fab!

When does Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Balm launch?

The new lip balms are set to launch on 7th August for £30. You will be able to shop via the link below:

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