makeup – Page 12

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

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

Comments Off

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

Priced at

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:

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

NARS Amour Collection Review & Swatches

March 14, 2025 - 6:00 am | March 14, 2025 eyes, face, lips, makeup

Comments Off

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

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:

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

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

March 12, 2025 - 10:44 am | March 12, 2025 lips, makeup

Comments Off

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

Priced at

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?

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

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 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:

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

NYX Face Glue Setting Spray Review

March 6, 2025 - 11:08 am | March 6, 2025 face, makeup

Comments Off

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

Priced at

If you’re someone who needs their makeup to stay in place all day long, you know that finding a good setting spray can be really helpful. I’ve been giving the NYX Face Glue Setting Spray a whirl. Here’s what you need to know.

What is NYX Face Glue Setting Spray?

Makeup gripping setting spray
Transfer and resistant and waterproof
Seals makeup for up to 24-hours
Forms a protective film over makeup
Delivers a natural-looking, second-skin finish
Non-sticky feel

How to use it

Shake well, and lightly spritz onto face from an arm’s distance away. Allow to dry.

For enhanced staying power, lightly spritz in-between each makeup layer.

My Review

First Impressions: Lightweight Yet Effective

One of the first things I noticed about this setting spray is how light it feels. Unlike some other setting sprays that can leave your face feeling a bit damp or heavy, the NYX Face Glue feels refreshingly light. It doesn’t weigh down your makeup, and it doesn’t leave behind any sticky or tacky residue either, which is honestly one of my pet peeves with some long-wear products.

I really appreciate how the spray doesn’t really alter the look or finish of my makeup. It does have mattifying ingredients in the formula, but it still leaves my skin looking naturally radiant. It manages to help keep everything in place without messing with the texture I’ve created.

Does it work?

I am not really a pro when it comes to setting sprays, and I can take them or leave them, because I tend to wear quite natural looking makeup with long lasting formulas anyway, but I have been really enjoying testing this one out.

I’ve been quite impressed by the difference it makes to my makeup where my glasses sit. What I hate about wearing glasses is that every time you take them off or adjust them, you risk having your makeup disrupted. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the NYX Face Glue Setiing Spray held everything in place. I noticed that when I wore this spray, my makeup didn’t budge as much under the pressure of my glasses.

The Comparison: NYX vs. Charlotte Tilbury

I wanted to make this comparison because I really do love the CT Setting Spray (review here). CT’s setting spray is definitely more luxurious—there’s no denying that. It has a finer mist and that luxurious feel that you’d expect from a high-end brand. The mist is super soft, almost like a cloud, and while it’s a lovely experience to use, it does have a floral fragrance which for some people might be a dealbreaker. I personally really like the scent, but it’s not for everyone.

The Charlotte Tilbury spray also gives a bit more of a glowy finish, making it perfect for that fresh, radiant look.

The NYX Face Glue Setting Spray doesn’t have the same refined mist or the luxe feel of the Charlotte Tilbury version, but it still performs incredibly well. There’s no fragrance here, which will be good for anyone sensitive to added fragrance. The spray feels effective when it comes to holding makeup in place, and while the mist isn’t as fine as the CT one, it’s still pretty even.

The NYX one contains alcohol but it is offset with a humectant (propylene glycol) which means I don’t find it drying. If you have dry skin however, the alcohol in the formula might not be the best for you.

The Charlotte Tilbury has more hydrating ingredients within the formula, however, the NYX does actually have a bit of skincare in there which it doesn’t really boast about. There’s Acer Saccharum Extract (Sugar Maple Extract) which is a good antioxidant that helps with skin hydration. So that’s a big plus especially at the NYX price point.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for something affordable, effective, and lightweight, this is definitely worth a try. It keeps my makeup pretty intact without altering the finish or feeling heavy, and I love that it helps prevent my glasses from moving my makeup. Definitely one to keep in your beauty arsenal if you’re on the hunt for a hardworking, long-wearing setting spray that won’t break the bank!

Where to buy it

NYX Face Glue Setting Spray is £8.99 and available now via the links below:

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

ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick Review & Swatches

March 5, 2025 - 9:30 am | March 5, 2025 eyes, makeup

Comments Off

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

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?

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:

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:

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

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

What is Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix?

Key Ingredients

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

Final Thoughts

Where to buy it

What is NYX Face Glue Setting Spray?

How to use it

My Review

First Impressions: Lightweight Yet Effective

Does it work?

The Comparison: NYX vs. Charlotte Tilbury

Final Thoughts

Where to buy it

What is the ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick?

How to use it

ILIA Eye Stylus Shades and Swatches

My Review

Packaging

Texture & Application

Blendability & Finish

Shades & Pigmentation

Longevity

Where to buy it

Recent Posts

Categories

Links