makeup – Page 11

NYX Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain Review and Swatches

March 26, 2025 - 12:30 pm | March 26, 2025 lips, makeup

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NYX Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain Review and Swatches

I have been loving the new launches from NYX so I was really excited to try the NYX Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stains which really remind of the YSL Glossy Stains that I used to be addicted to back in the day. Here’s the lowdown with photos and swatches.

What is NYX Lip IV?

Hydrating gloss stain
Designed with water-breaking technology
Unique sensorial, lip-refreshing feel
Vinyl-like wet-look glossy finish
Can be left shiny or blotted away to leave a stain
Drip-shaped doe-foot to easily define lip line
Available in 16 shades

NYX Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain Shades and Swatches

There are 16 shades in the full collection. I have 6 shades to show you:

NYX Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain Swatches

Here are the swatches as a stain although having tested a couple of the shades, I find the stain to be more intense on the lips:

NYX Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain Swatches of stain no gloss

My Review

What makes these really great is that, not only are they a super glossy lip colour, but when the gloss has faded away, you are left with a really long lasting stain. As I said at the top, they really remind me the YSL Glossy Stain, especially the Water Pop variety which has a similar watery sensation on the lips.

As a more recent comparison, there is some similarity between the NYX Lip IV and the Rare Beauty Lip Oils. NYX has thicker, glossier, water-like consistency, but both formulas stain the lips in a very similar way. I think that the NYX formula is potentially more hydrating.

If you want to check out the Rare Beauty ones, read: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil UK Review and Swatches.

There’s a pretty impressive shade collection and all the ones I have are super wearable, especially as a stain. I do find that the thick gloss texture can get on your teeth after you have first applied it, but I am inclined to think that this is a me problem!

Once the gloss has gone and a stain is left, I like to top up with a clear gloss or balm. I am currently obsessed with the Sephora Lift & Firm Plumping Lip Balm* which you can get 20% off of with code REALLYREESPH.

If you’re looking for a lip gloss-lip stain hybrid, I don’t really think you can go wrong with these. My favourite shades so far are 02 Hydra Honey, 07 Bubblegum Burst and 08 Drippin in Rose.

Where to buy them

The NYX Lip IV Hydrating Gloss is £10.99 (although check links for offers) and available now via the links below:

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L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Eyeshadow Review & Swatches

March 21, 2025 - 12:45 pm | March 21, 2025 eyes, makeup

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L'Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Eyeshadow Review & Swatches

I am a big fan of L’Oreal makeup so I was excited to try out the L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick collection, especially as the colour range is so appealing to me. I have all the shades here along with everything you need to know.

What is L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick?

Pigmented eyeshadow stick
Designed to glide on effortlessly and evenly
Transfer- and smudge-resistant
Available in 10 matte and shimmer shades

How to use it

Apply the shadow stick formula directly onto lid and then blend out with finger or a brush.

L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Shades & Swatches

There are 10 matte and shimmer shades in the collection:

100 Ice Sparkle
105 Mesmerizing Gold
115 Twinkly Rose
118 Cloudy Rose
120 Magnetic Mauve
230 Magnetic Bronze
240 Brown Abyss
245 Alluring Rose
430 Metallic Bronze
440 Foiled Copper

Here are the swatches:

L'Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Swatches — L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Swatches

My Review of L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick

L'Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Foiled Copper — Foiled Copper

Le Shadow Stick is a creamy eyeshadow crayon which has been designed to be super easy to use and nice and long lasting. I have been trying out a couple of the shades and have been pretty impressed.

First Impressions:

The packaging is sleek and practical, making it really easy to chuck in your makeup bag. It has a twist-up mechanism and you simply draw on the colour and then blend out.

Application and Texture:

The shadow sticks have a lovely creamy texture and the colour glides onto the skin effortlessly. You get a bit of play time to move and blend out the product before it sets down, although the sooner you blend, the easier it is to do.

The sticks use a water-based gel formula and it feels nice and cooling as you apply it which I really like. There’s a bit of glycerin in there, so that should help to keep the skin lightly hydrated.

If you are looking for a formula for eyelids with more skincare, check out my REESON Beauty Lid Elixir* or the ILIA shadow sticks (review and swatches here).

Performance and Longevity:

I have been really impressed with the staying power of Le Shadow Stick. The colours stay true throughout the day and there’s very minimal movement or creasing, even without primer and on my fairly oily lids.

Shade Range:

L'Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Magnetic Mauve — Magnetic Mauve

I really love the shade range and there isn’t a single colour I wouldn’t use. I think they are all so pretty! The ones I have tried so far are Magnetic Mauve and Foiled Copper and I love them both. Foiled Copper is excellent for a bit more of statement.

Some of the shades are more pigmented than others, as you will see from the swatches above. Choose shades like Ice Rose and Mezmerizing Gold if you prefer a sheerer finish.

Where to buy it

The L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Eyeshadows are £9.99 each and available now via the links below:

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bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation Mineral SPF 20 Review & Swatches

March 20, 2025 - 1:17 pm | March 20, 2025 face, makeup

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bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation Mineral SPF 20 Review & Swatches

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

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bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation Mineral SPF 20 Review & Swatches

It has been a while since I’ve featured anything from bareMinerals but I have been enjoying the bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation Mineral SPF 20 as a nice full coverage option. Here’s what you need to know.

What is bareMinerals BarePro 24HR Matte Liquid Foundation?

What is bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation Mineral SPF 20

This a long-wearing formula that uses skin-mimicking pigments and promises a natural matte finish:

Full coverage, natural-looking finish
All day long wear formula
Infused with pomegranate extract to nourish and strengthen the skin
Broad-spectrum UV protection – mineral SPF 20
Available in 40 shades

Offers

Sephora UK Discount Code

Exclusive Sephora UK discount code for 20% off

bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation Shades

There are 40 shades in the collection:

Fair 05 Cool (For very fair cool skin with a pink hue)
Fair 10 Neutral (For very fair neutral skin with a peach hue)
Fair 10 Warm (For very fair warm skin with a yellow hue)
Fair 12 Cool (For fair cool skin with a pink hue)
Fair 15 Cool (For fair cool skin with a subtle pink hue)
Fair 15 Neutral (For fair neutral skin with a subtle pink hue)
Fair 17 Neutral (For fair neutral skin with a subtle yellow hue)
Fair 15 Warm (For fair warm skin with a yellow hue)
Light 21 Cool (For light cool skin with a pink hue)
Light 21 Neutral (For light neutral skin with a subtle pink hue)
Light 20 Warm (For light warm skin with a yellow hue)
Light 21 Warm (For light warm skin with a peach hue)
Light 22 Warm (For light warm skin with a rosy hue)
Light 25 Cool (For light cool skin with a pink hue)
Light 26 Cool (For light cool skin with a peach hue)
Light 27 Cool (For light cool skin with a yellow hue)
Light 28 Neutral (For light neutral skin with a pink hue)
Light 27 Neutral (For light neutral skin with a subtle yellow hue)
Medium 30 Cool (For medium cool skin with a pink hue)
Medium 32 Cool (For medium cool skin with a peach hue)
Medium 30 Neutral (For medium neutral skin with a peach hue)
Medium 30 Warm (For medium warm skin with a yellow hue)
Medium 35 Neutral (For medium neutral skin with a peach hue)
Medium 37 Warm (For medium warm skin with a golden hue)
Medium 35 Warm (For medium warm skin with a peach hue)
Medium Deep 40 Neutral (For medium deep neutral skin with a peach hue)
Medium Deep 43 Neutral (For medium deep neutral skin with a peach hue)
Medium Deep 40 Warm (For medium deep warm skin with a golden hue)
Medium Deep 46 Cool (For medium deep cool skin with a rosy hue)
Medium Deep 45 Neutral (For medium rich neutral skin with a golden hue)
Medium Deep 46 Neutral (For medium rich neutral skin with a yellow hue)
Medium Deep 46 Warm (For medium deep rich warm skin with a golden hue)
Deep 50 Neutral (For deep neutral skin with a subtle golden hue)
Deep 51 Neutral (For deep neutral skin with a subtle rosy hue)
Deep 51 Warm (For deep warm skin with a golden hue)
Deep 56 Cool (For deep cool skin with a red hue)
Deep 57 Neutral (For very deep neutral skin with a subtle golden hue)
Deep 55 Warm (For very deep warm skin with a golden hue)
Deep 61 Cool (For extra deep cool skin with a red hue)
Deep 65 Neutral (For extra deep neutral skin with a subtle red hue)

Swatches

I have two shades to show you, Light 20 Warm, Light 21 Neutral:

bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation in Light 20 Warm and Light 21 Neutral

Before & After Photos

The shade I chose was Light 20 Warm:

bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation Mineral SPF 20 Review — Before Photo

bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation in shade Light 20 Warm applied

My Review of ibareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation — My Review of bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation

First of all, I should say that this is a formula upgrade of an existing foundation – bareMinerals BarePRO Performance Wear Liquid Foundation. Check out the linked review to see the previous formula. I should note though, I reviewed that foundation such a long time ago that I can really remember much about it.

Here’s an image from bareMinerals that demonstrates the changes in formula:

bareminerals barepro 24hr liquid foundation review 4

Now I have to say, I am much more of a dewy finish foundation girl, as you will know if you read here a lot. However, I think a foundation like this certainly has its place in my portfolio.

It delivers a very flawless and perfected finish, and you can get it to glow with what you use underneath and on top of it. The photo of it above is with the rest of my makeup applied.

I prepped my skin with the KOSAS DreamBeam (review and swatches here) and then used my Bronzing Balm, Highlighter Duo and Blush from REESON Beauty*.

I found that the finish was so flattering when worn like this. It stayed in place all day, and nothing moved or settled into pores or lines. I think this will be a really good one to choose for summer if you are worried about your makeup sliding all over your face.

In terms of how it compares to other mattes I have tried recently, I think it is more matte, and a tad fuller coverage than the Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second Skin Matte Foundation that I really love.

I find that I can get more glow out of the ABH with less work, and it looks slightly more natural and less ‘completely perfect’ than this bareMinerals matte foundation. I think it will really depend on the look you are going for.

I think I’ll be reserving this bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation for when the summer is in full swing.

Where to buy it

The bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation is £37.50 and available via the links below. If you shop at Sephora, use code REALLYREESPH for 20% off:

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Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Review & Swatches

March 19, 2025 - 1:31 pm | March 19, 2025 face, makeup, Skin

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Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Review & Swatches

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

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Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Review & Swatches

I have been testing out the Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 and I have both shades here to show you. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Kosas DreamBeam?

Broad Spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen that helps to defend the skin against the signs of ageing
Water-resistant, hypoallergenic and non-acnegenic
Uses mineral non-nano zinc oxide to provide a physical barrier to protect skin against the sun’s rays
Also contains hyaluronic acid, allantoin, peptides and ceramides to hydrate, plump, soothe and smooth
Can be used alone or as a base for makeup
Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
Available in 2 shades

Key Ingredients

Mineral SPF 30 – protects with 21.7% non-nano zinc

Peptides – to plump, smooth and firm

Ceramides – to improve skin suppleness

Sodium Hyaluronate – to hydrates and help lock in moisture

Allantoin – to soothe and condition

If you shop at Sephora, use code REALLYREESPH for 20% off

Offers

Sephora UK Discount Code

Exclusive Sephora UK discount code for 20% off

There are two shades available in this new SPF from Kosas:

Original (OG) – radiant finish (existing shade outside of the UK)
Sunlit – Golden Glow (new shade)

Here are the swatches:

Kosas DreamBeam Original & Sunlit Texture

Kosas DreamBeam Original & Sunlit Swatches

Before & After Photos

Kosas DreamBeam Orginal & Sunlit — Before

Here’s a photo with the Original shade applied:

And here’s a photo with Sunlit applied:

The finish looks quite shiny in the swatch photos, but it does dry down to more of a matte finish.

My Review

If there’s one skincare step I refuse to skip, it’s sunscreen, but let’s be honest, finding one that feels good is no easy feat. I was super excited to try the Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 because I love the brand and I really enjoy their take on skin.

I really appreciate the fact that this is as much a skincare product as it is a sunscreen, and I have been enjoying both shades.

First Impressions – The Texture & Application

It has a lovely lightweight whipped cream-gel texture that feels more like a moisturiser than a typical SPF. It glides onto the skin smoothly and the tints in both shades are great at neutralising any white cast from the Zinc Oxide.

It layers really nicely under makeup. I tested it under the bareMinerals Barepro 24H Liquid Foundation* and they worked really well together. It acts as a primer and my makeup held well and didn’t settles in my lines or pores.

It doesn’t feel heavy, and there’s no greasy sensation as the day goes on. It doesn’t get overly dewy and stays comfortable although I think if you had dry skin, it may not feel nourishing enough on its own. Be sure to prep your skin accordingly with a richer moisturiser.

I’d say it is more on that matte side than the new launch from Ultra Violette, which also has a higher SPF of 50. For more info on that, read: Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF 50+ Superlight Mineral Skinscreen Review. It launches in the UK soon. If you’re oily, you may prefer this Kosas one.

On my light skin tone, the Original peachy tint blended seamlessly and the Sunlit tint is fab if I want more of a bronzy glow. It’s a fab product. If you hate the feel of traditional sunscreen, this is one of those mineral SPFs that actually feels a bit more like skincare.

Where to buy it

Kosas Dreambeam SPF30 is £36 and available now via the links below. If you shop at Sephora, use code REALLYREESPH for 20% off:

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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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What is NYX Lip IV?

NYX Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain Shades and Swatches

My Review

Where to buy them

What is L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick?

How to use it

L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Shades & Swatches

My Review of L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick

Where to buy it

What is bareMinerals BarePro 24HR Matte Liquid Foundation?

Offers

Sephora UK Discount Code

bareMinerals BarePro 24HR WEAR Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation Shades

Swatches

Before & After Photos

Where to buy it

What is Kosas DreamBeam?

Key Ingredients

Offers

Sephora UK Discount Code

Before & After Photos

My Review

First Impressions – The Texture & Application

Where to buy it

What is in the NARS Amour collection?

NARS Amour Collection Swatches

NARS Amour Eyeshadow Quad Swatches

NARS Amour Blush in Cherish & Impassioned

Amour Explicit Lipstick

My Review of the NARS Amour Collection

Where to buy it

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