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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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MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil Review & Swatches

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MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil Review & Swatches

I always get very excited when MERIT launch new products and it seems that 2024 is all about the brow because they have launched a brow pencil and have reformulated their brow gel. In this post I am showing you the MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil. I have swatches of all the shades to show you.

What is MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil?

merit beauty brow 1990 gel pencil review 2
MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil

MERIT are calling this a sheer gel pencil, designed to “combat the stiff, sharp application of other micro pencils without sacrificing precision”.

  • Ultra-fine .9MM tip, apparently one of the thinnest eyebrow pencils on the market
  • Soft gel formula for sheer, buildable colour 
  • Soft shadow finish as opposed to hair-like strokes
  • Designed to be an easier application method for non-experts
  • Applies smoothly without tugging or pulling on delicate skin
  • Delivers a natural-looking volume and definition
  • Available in 4 shades
MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil tip
MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil tip

Key Ingredients

Sunflower oil – provides lightweight moisture, rich in nourishing vitamin E

Safflower extract – to encourage softer, more supple hair.

Hibiscus flower extract – rich in amino acids to help condition hair

merit beauty brow 1990 gel pencil review 3

MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil Shades & Swatches

MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil shades
MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil shades

There are four shades to choose from in the pencil collection:

  • Taupe
  • Light Brown
  • Dark Brown
  • Black-Brown

Swatches

Here are swatches of Taupe, Light Brown, Dark Brown and Black-Brown:

MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil swatches
MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil swatches

Before & After Photo

Before & After: MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil in Taupe applied to left side
Before & After: MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil in Taupe applied to left side

I opted for the shade Taupe as I do with most eye pencils. With my blonder hair, I find this suits me best. It is also the shade I use in the Victoria Beckham Beauty Baby Blade Brow Pencil – see the review and swatches of that here.

My Review of MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil

MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil review
MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil review

I think this is a really great brow pencil that’s super easy to use and gives a defined yet very natural looking result.

The pencil itself is very fine, so you need to make sure you only twist up a tiny amount of product to prevent any breakages. One of the first times I used the Taupe shade, I wasn’t very careful and I ended up losing some of the product.

The colour draws on effortlessly, without looking too heavy, thanks to its sheer formula. This makes it pretty foolproof to use, and it has a great spoolie that helps to blend out and soften any heaviness.

MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil Spoolie
MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil Spoolie

Also the shades have a good neutral tone, so you won’t need to worry about the colours looking too warm, which is one of my pet peeves when it comes to brow products.

The finish is very long wearing, and I found that my brows stayed looking good until it was time to remove my makeup. I also left the swatches on my arm as an extra test, and they really did not budge. It performs really well.

The only negative, and I actually have a similar opinion of the VB brow pencil, is that I think you might get through each pencil pretty quickly. When I have been using them, I find I have to twist up the product a tiny bit a couple of times to do both brows.

Where to buy it

The MERIT Beauty Brow 1990 Gel Pencil is £20 and available via the link below:

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Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel Review & Swatches

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Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel Review & Swatches

A brand new brow product has joined the VB Beauty line and it’s a gel that promises a very fluffy yet natural looking brow. Here’s the lowdown on Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix.

What is Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix?

Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel
Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel

Apparently the new Victoria Beckham FeatherFix brow gel has been two years in the making and promises a modern laminated effect with a mess-free finish:

  • Longwear, waterproof, sweat-proof and flake-proof brow gel
  • Delivers glossy, groomed brows with all-day hold
  • Offers long-lasting hold for up to 24 hours
  • Lightweight formula
  • Precision applicator
  • Gives a feathery and full look but not frozen
  • Combines the hold of the gel with the silkiness of a serum
  • Delivers a flexible finish with no stickiness or stiffness
  • Uses delicate pigments in a fine gel base
  • Contains hair care ingredients including strengthening plant extracts and biotin to support hair growth
  • The brush mimics a hair styling brush
  • Wand has short, firm bristles to catch every hair
  • Ensures a controlled and even deposit and distribution of formula every time

Key Ingredients

Murumuru Seed Extract – to promote stronger, more resilient brow hair, while supporting growth and improving appearance

Panthenol – helps improve hydration, strength, thickness and shine of brow hair, as well as manageability and overall health

Biotin – helps improve hair strength and thickness, reducing hair breakage and shedding and enhancing its vitality

Film Formers – for strong, durable hold and flexibility while making brows appear fuller and more defined

Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Shades & Swatches

Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel Clear and Taupe
Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel Clear and Taupe

There are five shades in the collection:

Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel Review & Swatches
Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel Review & Swatches
  • Crystal Clear – universal clear (pair with all Babyblade shades)
  • Blonde – light to dirty blonde hair (pair with Light Blonde, Taupe, Honey Babyblade shades)
  • Light Brunette – light to medium brown hair (pair with Taupe, Light Brown Babyblade shades)
  • Medium Brunette – medium to dark brown hair (pair with Medium Brown Babyblade shade)
  • Black-Brown – dark brown to black hair (pair with Dark Brown Babyblade shade)

I currently have shade Taupe to show you:

Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel Taupe Swatch
Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel Taupe Swatch

To see all the Babyblade shades and swatches, read: Victoria Beckham Beauty BabyBlade Microfine Brow Pencil Review & Swatches.

How to use it

Victoria Beckham Beauty recommend using the Crystal Clear shade for the most natural look. If you want a bolder look, then use the shade that matches your hair type. See above for shade information.

Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel Clear
Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel Clear

Comb FeatherFix through the brows and allow one minute for the formula to set the hairs into place.

For a laminated look with extra hold, brush slowly across the whole
brow and use the detailing brush to separate and lift brow hairs
straight upwards. Then use the back flat side of the brush to press hairs
against the skin.

Before and After Photos

Before - FeatherFix Brow Gel
Before
Victoria Beckham Beauty Baby Blade in Taupe and FeatherFix Brow Gel in Taupe
After with Baby Blade in Taupe and FeatherFix Brow Gel in Taupe

My Review of Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix

Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel Taupe
Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel Taupe

I do love a brow gel for a nice fluffy and full look and this one is pretty easy to use, especially if you prep the brow with a pencil first.

The comb is great for getting into the hairs, and it deposits a nice amount product. I really like the way you can use the flat side of the brush to press the hairs against the skin to get a bolder, more laminated look.

I have been using the Taupe shade over the Taupe Baby Blade pencil and they are a brilliant duo for soft and fluffy, natural looking brows.

It gives a very light hold to the hair, and if you like something a bit stiffer, this may not be for you. It is fairy fluid and more of a liquid than a gel texture, and if you have unruly brows, it may not be enough for you.

I am really loving the Taupe shade which gives me soft definition without looking too heavy.

It is fairly pricey at £32, but if you’re a VB Beauty fan, it won’t shock you, and I have to say, they are the most beautiful brow gels to look at. As always, the packaging has been nailed.

If you are looking for something a bit more affordable, I really like Boy Brow, For more info on that read: Glossier Boy Brow Review.

Where to buy it

The Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel is £30 and available now via the following link:

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Hildun Beauty Silk to Set Kajal Liner Review & Swatches

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Hildun Beauty Silk to Set Kajal Liner Review & Swatches

I love a Kajal eyeliner and I often get asked what a more affordable alternative to one of my absolute favourites, the best-selling Satin Kajals from Victoria Beckham Beauty. I think the Hildun Beauty Silk to Set Kajal Liner collection is definitely one to check out. I have all shade swatches here for you.

What is Hildun Beauty Silk to Set Kajal Liner?

Hildun Beauty Silk to Set Kajal Liner collection
Hildun Beauty Silk to Set Kajal Liner collection

This is a versatile eyeliner pencil that has been designed to be used to create a wing, or a smudgy, smoky or used in the waterline:

  • Formula glides on to the skin
  • Doesn’t tug or pull
  • Sets for long lasting wear
  • Safe for Waterline Use
  • Dermatologist Tested
  • Ophthalmologist Tested
  • Safe for Contact Lens Wearers
  • Vegan & Gluten Free
  • Available in 6 shades

Hildun Beauty Silk to Set Kajal Liner Shades & Swatches

There are six shades available in the collection:

Hildun Beauty Silk to Set Kajal Liner Shades
Hildun Beauty Silk to Set Kajal Liner Shades
  • Navy Nights – highly pigmented, matte, rich deep navy shade
  • Emerald – deep green with subtle shimmering emerald undertone 
  • Pecan – deep matte brown with a warm undertone 
  • Noir – intense inky black with a matte finish 
  • Chocolate – deep cool toned matte brown
  • Blaze – cranberry shade with a deep cranberry shimmer 

Here are the swatches:

Navy Nights, Emerald, Pecan, Noir, Chocolate, Blaze:

Hildun Beauty Silk to Set Kajal Liner Swatches
Hildun Beauty Silk to Set Kajal Liner Swatches

My Review

Hildun Beauty Silk to Set Kajal Liner
Hildun Beauty Silk to Set Kajal Liner

If you love the smudgy, pigmented smokiness of the Victoria Beckham eyeliners, I think you will really enjoy these. The packaging is a lot more basic, however, the way the formula glides on to the skin is very similar, and these pigments also really pack a punch.

The texture is super creamy and easy to apply, and a light swipe delivers instant colour payoff. I loves these in the waterline, because they are nice and long lasting, and I find a smudgy lower lash look is the easiest way to look like you have made an effort with your makeup.

Like the VB liners, the formula is on the soft and buttery side, so I’d definitely recommend them for people that like a smudgy, soft makeup look, and not so much a sharp and graphic finish.

I find doing a wing pretty tricky as I have hooded eyes and the outer corners slope down, so something a bit more casual suits me much better. These Hildun Beauty Silk to Set Kajal Liners are perfect for that kind of look.

The formula dries down and sets really well, however, owing to the creamy texture, they will move around a little bit, especially is you use an eye cream that is emollient. This is also the case with the VB formula.

One of the main differences is that the Hildun pencil don’t have the sponge smudger. But they do recommend that you use their double ended brush that has a wing end and a smoke end.

Hildun Beauty Wing & Smoke brush
Hildun Beauty Wing & Smoke brush

As I said, I tend not to do a wing, but I absolutely love the smudgy end of this brush for creating a smoky look.

I think the Chocolate is my favourite shade in the Hildun Beauty Silk to Set Kajal Liner collection. I can see I’ll be getting a lot of wear out of that.

Where to buy it

The Hildun Beauty Silk to Set Kajal Liner is £16 and available via the link below:

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