ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick Review & Swatches

  ,
Comments Off on ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick Review & Swatches

*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

ilia logo

Priced at

ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick Review & Swatches

I am a big fan of ILIA for their easy to use makeup, so I was excited to try these new eye crayons. Here’s everything you need to know about the ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick collection. I have a range of shades to show you.

What is the ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick?

What is ILIA Eye Stylus?
What is ILIA Eye Stylus?
  • Eye shadow stick designed to glide on seamlessly
  • Delivers rich, waterproof pigment
  • Easy to blend
  • Formulated to last up to 12 hours
  • Includes antioxidant Upcycled Grape Extract to provide antioxidant protection
  • Features a slanted tip for versatile application
  • Can be used for a wash of colour, or like a liner
  • Safe for sensitive eyes and ophthalmologist-tested
  • Formulated without fragrance, gluten, and soy
  • Available in 20 matte and shimmer shades

How to use it

As an all over wash: glide the flat side of the slanted tip over lids for a wash of pigment

Line & Define: draw precise lines with the edge of the slanted tip. 

Highlight: use shimmer shades in the inner corners for a brightening boost

ILIA Eye Stylus Shades and Swatches

I have six shades from the 20 shade collection to show you:

ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick Shades
ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick Shades
  • Flax – matte taupe brown
  • Beam – peach pink shimmer
  • Jubilee – warm gold shimmer
  • Nymph – matte lilac pink
  • Regal – plum bronze shimmer
  • Patina – golden olive shimmer

Here are those swatches:

ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick Swatches
ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick Swatches

My Review

ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick - Flax & Jubilee
Flax & Jubilee

As someone who appreciates both simplicity and quality in my beauty routine, I’ve been particularly excited to try the ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick. I think ILIA has really nailed the balance between high-performance products and skin-friendly ingredients so I had high expectations for these shadows.

Packaging

The design is minimal and modern, with a twist-up mechanism that makes it really easy to use. They are nice and sleek so fit into my makeup bag and they have a nice sturdy cap making it safe to just chuck in your bag.

Texture & Application

One of the standout features of the ILIA Eye Stylus is its incredibly smooth texture. The formula is creamy without being greasy, allowing the shadow to glide onto the eyelids effortlessly. It’s neither too dry nor too slippery, providing ample time to blend before it sets into place. The application is seamless, and the texture feels weightless on the skin, so really comfortable for all day wear.

Blendability & Finish

The ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick is really easy to blend. I have first been applying a very fine layer of my REESON Lid Elixir as I use that every day to smooth my lids, and I let that set, then go in with the ILIA. Read REESON Beauty Lid Elixir Eye Serum-Tint Review & Swatches for more info.

Whether you’re applying a light wash of colour or building it up for a more intense look, the formula blends beautifully with a soft brush. I have been using my REESON No. 2 brush and they work really well together.

The shadows have a smooth, velvety texture that helps the product glide on effortlessly. The mattes have a lovely velvety radiance and the shimmers have a very pretty sheen without being overly glittery or too shiny.

Shades & Pigmentation

I have been using Flax which is a lovely taupe all over my lid and then Jubilee (soft gold) as like a spotlight down the centre of my lid, and it’s such a lovely look. It looks done without being too much, which is just perfect for every day.

The pigmentation is impressive – one swipe delivers rich, even colour, and it’s easy to build the intensity to your liking.

Longevity

The ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick performs exceptionally well when it comes to longevity. I’ve worn it through long workdays and even workouts and it stays in place without fading or creasing. I have slightly oily eyelids, so that’s always a concern for me, but I’m pleased to report that the formula holds up remarkably well. Once it sets, it stays put.

Where to buy it

The ILIA Eye Stylus is £32 and currently available exclusively at ILIA. Shop via the link below:

SIGN UP TO MY FACEBOOK GROUP FOR BEAUTY RECOMMENDATIONS, FAVOURITE PRODUCTS & FRIENDLY CHAT

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Clicks Lip Gloss Review & Swatches

  ,
Comments Off on Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Clicks Lip Gloss Review & Swatches

*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

Too Faced Logo

Priced at

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Clicks Lip Gloss Review & Swatches

It has been a while since I featured a new launch from Too Faced but I feel like the brand is having a bit of a moment again and these new glosses are super fun. Here’s everything you need to know about Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Clicks Lip Gloss with photos and swatches.

What is Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Clicks?

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Clicks Lip Gloss Review & Swatches
Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Clicks Lip Gloss
  • Nourishing lip balm stick
  • Designed to instantly plump the lips
  • Delivers dewy, high-shine colour
  • Has a fresh strawberry scent
  • Sheer-to-medium buildable colour
  • Promises 8 hours of hydration
  • Creamy gel formula melts on to the lips
  • Available in 8 shades

How to use it

1: click to dispense gloss

2: swipe straight on to lips

3: click for more product to build intensity but be careful to not over-click as you can’t retract it.

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Clicks Packaging with heart-shaped button
Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Clicks Packaging with heart-shaped button

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Clicks Shades & Swatches

There are eight shades in the collection:

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Clicks shades
Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Clicks shades
  • Feelin’ Spicy: Warm Red-Brown (see swatch below)
  • On Point: Cherry Red (see swatch below)
  • Don’t Be Chai: Soft Shimmering Nude (see swatch below)
  • Perfect Pink: Strawberry Pink (see swatch below)
  • Kiss The Bride: Cool Mauve Nude (see swatch below)
  • Voted Most Popular: Fuchsia Pink (see swatch below)
  • Velvet Crush: Mid-tone Nude Brown
  • Sweet Lavender: Sheer Lavender

Here are the swatches of Feelin’ Spicy, On Point, Don’t Be Chai, Perfect Pink, Kiss the Bride, Voted Most Popular:

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Clicks Swatches
Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Clicks Swatches

My Review

Kiss The Bride - Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Clicks Swatch
Kiss The Bride

Packaging & Design:

Let’s start with the packaging. The gloss comes in a slim, click tube, which makes for easy application. In true Too Faced style, it is super fun with a cute heart shaped button that you click to dispense product. It is the complete opposite of the kind of glam that, say, Victoria Beckham Beauty does, but I really appreciate variety and there always room in my makeup bag for a splash of colour and fun.

You need to be careful not to over-click because once the product is out, you can’t retract it and things could get messy!

Formula & Application:

This is a lovely lightweight formula. It has a hint of that kind of lip oil feel which I think helps prolong wear time. The feeling is spicy as you’d expect from lip plumpers, but not in a crazy way. The tingling sensation is mild and fades quickly.

It feels nice and hydrating on the lips and even once the soft tingling stops, my lips stay looking shiny and plump. It is comfortable and non-drying.

Shades:

There’s a nice variety of shades in the range, all of which are designed to offer a touch of colour and subtle plumpness.

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Clicks Texture
Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Clicks Texture

I love how the shades have a jelly kind of translucent look and I really like the colour pay off. They give a gorgeous wash of colour that you can build up for more intensity.

Plumping Effect:

The main selling point of this gloss is the plumping effect, and I have to say, it does deliver this in a really flattering way. While the gloss doesn’t give an extreme plump, it provides a noticeable fullness to the lips, giving them a naturally enhanced look. You need to top up during the day but that’s always the way with glossy lip products if you want shine all day.

Longevity:

In terms of longevity, this gloss holds really well. The shine does fade a bit as time goes on, but the hydration lingers. Reapplication is easy, and I didn’t notice any stickiness or uneven wear, which is always a win for a lip gloss.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, the Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Clicks Lip Gloss is a solid option if you’re looking for a comfortable, hydrating gloss with a gentle plumping effect. The shades are versatile, the formula feels good on the lips, and the plumping effect is noticeable but not overwhelming. Whether you prefer a natural nude or a playful pink, there’s a shade for you in this range.

If you’re looking for something more matte, with more of a grown up vibe, check out the latest lip launch from By Terry. Read: By Terry Rouge Opulent Lipstick Review and Swatches.

Where to buy it

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Clicks Lip Gloss is £25 and available now via the links below:

SIGN UP TO MY FACEBOOK GROUP FOR BEAUTY RECOMMENDATIONS, FAVOURITE PRODUCTS & FRIENDLY CHAT

Haru Haru Wonder 30 days Skincare Challenge

  , , , , , ,
Comments Off on Haru Haru Wonder 30 days Skincare Challenge

hey hey everyone, happy new month! I hope this new month brings you joy! I’m so happy longer brighter days are coming!

This new month signals the end of my 30 day skincare challenge with Haru Haru Wonder! As you know, I started my challenge on 1st Feb, using mostly HaruHaru wonders in my skincare routine! I have so many thoughts on the products so lets get started!

a bit about my skin – i have normal to combo skin which is slightly drier in the winter. My main concern is hyperpigmentation. My goals for this challenge were increased radiance, fading of dark spots and maintaining barrier function. I was also looking for hydrated and smoother skin and overall health improvement.

What are my top 3 products

Coming to the end of my challenge, my favorite 3 products from the range are

  • Black rice deep cleansing oil- this product is 10/10 for its gentle but effective cleansing power! Its affordable and works really well against waterproof mascara and makeup! I have a full in-depth review next week!
  • Black Rice Moisture Airyfit SPF50- you know I love a good sunscreen! This chemical based one feels velvety on the skin and its lightweight! best of all 0 cast on dark skin- my demo & full review is be posted later this week
  • Finally I have to give it to the soft gel cleanser! I loved this since first use. it feels soft on the skin, and I really appreciated the unscented product. Im currently doing laser on my face and my therapist was happy when i mentioned this as my current cleanser as it would be very gentle on my sensitized skin! It doesn’t dry out my skin!
  • I have to give a shout out to the black rice toner too! its not listed in my top 3 only because I wanted to pick items from the new products I was using and the toner isn’t new to me. my full review will be posted next week.

Did I achieve my goal?

I think I achieved some of my goals. My skin has remained hydrated and healthy throughout the month. In terms of radiance, I switched to a new vit c serum at the beginning of feb and i hated it the texture so much but i don’t see a huge difference. In terms of fading hyperpigmentation the dark spot serum was ok i don’t think it made a huge difference but I want to reserve my full thoughts in my review when I finish the product. here’s the before and after pictures( after taken 3 weeks into the challenge)

Overall thoughts

I think the products are very gentle and suitable for all skintypes. I think that their products are good for skin care beginners because they do not contain high concentrations of active ingredients, they focus on barrier repair and hydration. Everything I used was very easy to incorporate in my routine. One thing I have to comment on was how well the products layered on top of each other! I had ZERO pilling during the last month and I really enjoyed that.

As a more experienced skincare user, I found some of the products didn’t quite hit the mark for me and its because my skin is used to higher concentrations of active ingredients. This isn’t a negative thing and Haru Haru’s more gentle approach is great for skincare beginners or sensitive skin. For instance the new retinol serum is mainly for retinol beginners as the conc is very low- great for beginners. As someone who has used tret & is on Medik8’s CR 20, the retinol serum is a step back for me. I did really like the texture & hydration the serum offered but I wont purchase it because Im on a higher retinal product but i will happily recommend for retinol beginners.

Overall I’m very happy with the brand and I want to thank HaruHaru for partnering with me for this challenge. I’m still using the products and will bring full detailed reviews as I finish them! I have a few reviews coming up next week-be sure to check those out! The only product I’m going to stop using ASAP is the eye cream because my eye area is a huge concern of mine and their eye cream isn’t doing much for me, everything else Im using up ????

Speak later!

Happy new month!

Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil Serum – New Formula 2025

 
Comments Off on Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil Serum – New Formula 2025

*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

guerlain vector logo

Priced from

Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil Serum - New Formula 2025

I was first introduced to Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil quite a few years back, and although I wasn’t sure about the name, I fell in love with the texture (and eventually the name!). It’s a stunning formula and the good news is that it has had an upgrade and a shiny new formulation for 2025. Here is everything you need to know.

What is Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil?

What is new in the Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil Serum 2025 Formula?
What is new in the Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil Serum 2025 Formula?

The new version of the Youth Water Oil is the result of 15 years of research and the formulation is backed by 9 patents and 9 publications:

  • Uses 3 honeys and royal jelly produced by the black bee to repair
  • Features a deep diffusion texture to target the epidermis
  • Works to multiply the skin’s self-repair mechanisms by 9 times
  • Promotes plumpness and radiance
  • Increases firmness and elasticity
  • Visibly smooths wrinkles
  • Strengthens the skin’s barrier
  • Boosts hydration by 124% in one hour
  • Contains 99% naturally-derived ingredients
  • Infused with melt-in micro-beads that instantly fuse with the skin for deep repair

If you shop via my Sephora link*, you can get 15% off with code REALLYREESPH

How to use it

Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil Serum: how to use
Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil Serum: how to use

Step 1: Gently shake the bottle
Step 2: Take around 10 drops, and warm in the palms of your hands
Step 3: Smooth into the skin, starting in the middle of the face and moving outwards

I have been using this as my first serum, both day and night.

My Review

Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil Serum Texture
Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil Serum Texture

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know that I have a serious soft spot for luxury skincare. Guerlain has always been one of my favourite brands so, when I heard they had reformulated the Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil Serum, I couldn’t wait to try it and see if it still delivered that iconic glow! Here’s everything you need to know about the new formula.

I remember being baffled by the name of this product when I was first introduced to it, but I have to say, it’s a pretty spot on description and I have grown to love the name. Did you know that Guerlain sell a Youth Watery Oil worldwide every 26 seconds?

Guerlain has dramatically amped up the repairing properties with the release of the new version of Youth Watery Oil and I have been absolutely loving it. It is super hydrating, smoothing and calming and it just makes my skin look so healthy. I love it as a first step after cleansing, as it feels so quenching and is super light. It layers really well under other serums.

What’s New?

Guerlain has taken its already beloved Youth Watery Oil and given it a high-performance upgrade. The formula still harnesses the power of BlackBee Repair Technology, but it now boasts 99% naturally derived ingredients.

They’ve also introduced a new dynamic black bee honey ferment, designed to boost skin repair even further. This means better hydration, improved elasticity, and a plumper, more youthful-looking complexion. The inclusion of royal jelly and other potent natural ingredients enhances the skin’s resilience, making it more resistant to daily stressors and environmental damage.

Another exciting change is the improved micro-encapsulation technology, which allows the tiny golden bubbles of oil suspended in the serum to deliver active ingredients deep into the skin more efficiently. This ensures maximum absorption and efficacy, giving you noticeable results in a shorter time frame.

Texture & Application

The thing I have always loved about Youth Watery Oil is its dreamy texture – and I’m happy to report that it remains just as lightweight, silky, and fast-absorbing as ever! It has a unique oil-in-water consistency that glides onto the skin, sinking in instantly without any greasiness.

The oil micro-droplets literally melt on the skin but the formula never feels oily. It is super nourishing like an oil but it has that real freshness of a lotion and the power of a serum, all in one.

After cleansing, I press it gently over my face and my skin just drinks it up. It leaves a soft and dewy finish on my skin and it layers seamlessly under other skincare products and makeup, making it a perfect addition to both morning and evening routines.

Results & Performance

Now, onto the part that really matters – does it work? I’ve been using the new formula for two weeks, and my skin is absolutely loving it. It has really helped to boost hydration and glow, and gives my skin a lovely plump and smoothed out appearance. It has been a while since I used the original formula, so it is hard to compare, but I have been super impressed with how this updated product has performed.

Who Is It Best For?

This serum is ideal for anyone looking to restore radiance, deeply hydrate, and improve the resilience of their skin. It’s suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin, thanks to its naturally derived ingredients and ultra-gentle formulation. If you’re someone who wants the benefits of an oil without the heaviness, this is a perfect match for you.

If you have dry skin, you’ll love how nourishing and hydrating it feels, while those with oily or combination skin will appreciate the non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula. Plus, the added resilience against environmental aggressors makes it a great choice for city dwellers exposed to pollution and stress.

Final Thoughts

Guerlain has absolutely nailed this reformulation. The new Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil Serum delivers immediate hydration, amped up radiance, and visible skin repair.

Whether you’re new to this cult-favorite or a longtime fan, I definitely think this is an investment that you won’t regret.

If you are still looking for a serum, check out my round up of Best Serums for all skin types and budgets. Also, this Youth Watery Oil pairs perfectly with the new Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP serum*. Read more about that in Medik8 Review: My Top Picks 2025.

Where to buy it

Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil Serum starts at £49 and is available now via the links below. If you shop via my Sephora link, you can get 15% off with code REALLYREESPH

SIGN UP TO MY FACEBOOK GROUP FOR BEAUTY RECOMMENDATIONS, FAVOURITE PRODUCTS & FRIENDLY CHAT