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

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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?

What is L'Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick
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:

L'Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Shades
L’Oreal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Shades
  • 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.

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

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

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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
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
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
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

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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?

What is Kosas DreamBeam?
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 Texture
Kosas DreamBeam Original & Sunlit Swatches
Kosas DreamBeam Original & Sunlit Swatches
Kosas DreamBeam Original & Sunlit Swatches
Kosas DreamBeam Original & Sunlit Swatches (blended)

Before & After Photos

Kosas DreamBeam Orginal & Sunlit
Before

Here’s a photo with the Original shade applied:

Kosas DreamBeam Original applied
Kosas DreamBeam Original applied

And here’s a photo with Sunlit applied:

Kosas DreamBeam Sunlit applied
Kosas DreamBeam Sunlit applied

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

My Review

My review of Kosas DreamBeam
My review of Kosas DreamBeam

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

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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

NARS Amour Eyeshadow Quad
NARS Amour Eyeshadow Quad

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 Eyeshadow Quad Swatches
NARS Amour Eyeshadow Quad Swatches

NARS Amour Blush in Cherish & Impassioned

There are 2 shades in this limited edition Amour packaging:

NARS Amour Blush shades
NARS Amour Blush shades
  • Impassioned 903 – pink orchid
  • Cherish 925 – soft peach apricot
NARS Amour Blush swatches
NARS Amour Blush swatches

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:

NARS Amour Explicit Lipstick Swatch
NARS Amour Explicit Lipstick Swatch

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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Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix High-SHimmer Gloss Stick Review & Swatches

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Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix High-SHimmer Gloss Stick Review & Swatches

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

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Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shimmer Gloss Stick Review & Swatches

There’s a new range of shimmer shades in the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shimmer Gloss Stick collection and I have been testing them out. I have a review and swatches here for you.

What is Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix?

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shimmer Gloss Stick
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shimmer Gloss Stick
  • A fusion of lip gloss and lipstick
  • High shine colour in a stick
  • Moisture-lock formula
  • Packed with skincare ingredients to condition and nourish lips
  • Nourishing and non-sticky feel
  • Available in a range of shades

Key Ingredients

Squalane & Shea Butter – to moisturise

Vitamin E – for antioxidant protection

Kiwi Oil – to condition

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shimmer Gloss Stick Shimmer Shades & Swatches

I have 6 shimmer shades to show you:

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shimmer Gloss Stick Shades
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shimmer Gloss Stick Shades
  • Shimmering Fenty Glow – shimmering rose nude
  • Shimmering Fussy – shimmering dusty pink
  • Shimmering Hot Chocolit – shimmering rich brown
  • Shimmering Ice Amethyst – shimmering lavender
  • Shimmering Flamingo Fling – shimmering hot pink
  • Shimmering C U in Maui – shimmering coral

Here are the swatches:

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shimmer Gloss Stick Swatches
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shimmer Gloss Stick Swatches
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shimmer Gloss Stick Swatch - Shimmery Fenty Glow
Shimmery Fenty Glow

If there’s one thing Fenty Beauty does so well, it’s creating universally flattering lip products that just work. Although I didn’t think I’d love the shimmer in this formula, I have actually really been enjoying it and I think it’s super flattering.

First things first, the Gloss Bomb Stix delivers exactly what the name suggests – a glossy, balmy lip colour in an easy-to-use stick format. The shades are nice and sheer and they add add just the right amount of colour to enhance your natural lip tone without being over the top.

Now, I know shimmer in lip products can be a bit divisive but I really think that Fenty has nailed it in this formula. The shimmer in these gloss sticks isn’t chunky or glittery; it’s a fine, refined sparkle that catches the light just enough to give the illusion of fuller, more voluminous lips. If you want a very shimmery effect, you can build this up, but a light swipe creates a very pretty look.

One of my biggest concerns with shimmery lip products is that they can sometimes feel gritty or drying – but these are the opposite. The formula is comfortable and smooth and it glides on effortlessly. It’s got a lovely balmy texture that hydrates without being sticky, heavy or gritty. There’s a subtle spicy feeling but nothing over the top.

I love a warm, bronzy nude, so it’s no surprise that my top pick is Shimmering Fenty Glow. It’s got that perfect mix of warm undertones and soft shimmer that makes lips look naturally plump and juicy. It’s the kind of shade that works for any occasion.

Final Thoughts

If you love a glossy lip but want something easy and low maintenance, the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix shades are a must-try. The sheer shades are so pretty, the shimmer is ultra-flattering, and the formula is smooth, comfortable, and never gritty. Plus, the stick format makes them so handy to throw in your bag and apply on the go.

If you are looking for something glossy but without shimmer, I have been loving the new launch from Too Faced. Read Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Clicks Lip Gloss Review & Swatches for more info.

Where to buy it

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shimmer Gloss Sticks are £23 each and available now via the links below:

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