ILIA Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon Review & Swatches

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

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ILIA Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon Review & Swatches

I love a lip crayon so I was really excited to test out the new ILIA Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon. I have photos and swatches for you right here.

What is ILIA Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon?

ILIA Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon
ILIA Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon
  • Weightless lip crayon
  • Comfort of a lipstick with the precision of a lip liner
  • Glides on to the lips smoothly
  • Delivers rich, long-lasting color
  • Soft-matte finish.
  • Enriched with hyaluronic acid and marine plant extracts
  • Clinically shown to hydrate, visibly plump, smooth, and strengthen the skin barrier
  • Available in 12 shades

Key Ingredients

Sea Succulent – boosts hydration & helps replenish the skin barrier over time

Hyaluronic Acid – to hydrate, smooth & plump for fuller-looking lips

Seaweed Extract – to visibly improve definition & volume

Rosehip Oil – to help to nourish & soften lips

ILIA Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon Shades & Swatches

ILIA Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon Shades
ILIA Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon Shades

There are 12 shades in the collection to choose from:

  • Banquette – beige pink
  • Pampas – soft peach
  • Pink Door – soft pink
  • Earthen – terracotta brown
  • Genre – mauve brown
  • Rhyme – cool mauve
  • Gala – brick rose
  • Kiln – rich berry
  • Night Bloom – deep magenta
  • Blue Note – cool cherry red
  • Case Study – classic red
  • Piazza – poppy red

Lip Swatches

I have six of the shades to show you – Banquette, Genre, Rhyme, Kiln, Blue Note, Piazza.

ILIA Lip Sketch Crayon in Banquette
Banquette
ILIA Lip Sketch Crayon in Genre
Genre
ILIA Lip Sketch Crayon in Rhyme
Rhyme
ILIA Lip Sketch Crayon in Kiln
Kiln
ILIA Lip Sketch Crayon in Blue Note
Blue Note
ILIA Lip Sketch Crayon in Piazza
Piazza

How to Use It

These lip pencils are pretty easy to use. If you want a sharp line, it’s best to keep it quite sharpened. The brand suggest using the ILIA Large Sharpener* to get a precise point. You could have a play and see if any of your current sharpeners work, but these are larger than regular liners, so you may need the ILIA one.

You just need to line the lips first and then colour inside the lines for all over coverage.

My Review of ILIA Lip Sketch

ILIA Lip Sketch Crayon Review
ILIA Lip Sketch Crayon Review

I think these are really lovely lip pencils and all the shades I have are fantastic. I love how easily the colour glides onto my lips. It has a lovely emollient texture that doesn’t tug at the skin at all.

It feels like a pretty hydrating lipstick but in a pencil form. The colour payoff is really impressive, and it takes a matter of seconds to get a full lip look. The formula feels more hydrating than a typical lip crayon or lip liner and it is super comfortable.

It stays feeling emollient on the lips and didn’t dry them out at all, as promised. One of the claims is plumping, which I have to say I didn’t notice, but the formula does leave lips looking smooth and hydrated. I really like the soft matte finish too.

In terms of precision, you will need to keep the pencils sharpened if you want a very precise line. This will be more important with the deeper colours, as you will see with the Blue Note lip swatch, where I could have done a sharper job on the lip line.

One of the downsides is that you will most likely need the brand’s sharpener, the Large Sharpener*, which is a bit of a pain but it’s not too expensive. The other thing to note is to make sure you put the cap back on firmly. I was a bit slap dash and found that the lids slid off a couple. You just need to really push them on – better safe than sorry!!

The wear time of the ILIA Lip Sketch is good. They are not all day wear, but it’s definitely a good few hours before you need to reapply. They are also great under a gloss if you want a more moisturised and shiny look and feel.

I love the shade Piazza which is a beautiful, super vibrant red. Also Genre is my other favourite. It is the perfect 90s nude. Absolutely love it.

If you like a lip crayon, check out the NARS ones which are also fab – read: NARS Powermatte High-Intensity Lip Pencil Review & Swatches. The NARS ones have a slightly waxier, firmer texture than the ILIA Lip Crayons, and they are also slightly more affordable at £24.

Where to buy ILIA Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon

The new lip pencils are available now for £26 / $26 via the following links:

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Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess 2024 Flora Verde Collection Review & Swatches

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

If you have been a reader for a while, you’ll know that the new Bronze Goddess collection is one of my favourite dates in the beauty calendar. For 2024, we have the limited edition Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Flora Verde collection and it is giving me all the summer feelings! Here’s what you need to know.

Offers

ESTEE LAUDER Icons Kit Offer – Worth £106, Yours for £25

Get Estee Icons Kit worth £106 for just £25 when you buy any Estee Lauder foundation.

Bronze Goddess Flora Verde Palette for Eyes and Cheeks 2024 Shades

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess 2024 Flora Verde Palette
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess 2024 Flora Verde Palette

This is a really pretty palette that follows a similar format as the Lumiere palette from last year, the Desert Heat Eyeshadow palette, the Azur Summer Look palette and the Nuit Summer Look palette from previous years. 

The Flora Verde Palette palette includes a mirror inside a limited-edition case and is a 9 shade eyeshadow and highlighter palette.

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess 2024 Flora Verde Palette shades
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess 2024 Flora Verde Palette shades

Shades include:
1. Brazilian Coast (Matte finish; a soft cream)
2. Rio Sol (Shimmer finish; a warm gold tone)
3. Flora Verde (Shimmer finish; a golden olive)
4. Nightshade (Matte finish; a flawless flat black)
5. Passion (Shimmer & Overall Highlighter; a fiery copper-gold tone)
6. Samba (Shimmer finish; a fizzy Champagne)
7. Viva Pink (Demi Matte finish; a bright, deep pink)
8. Heat (Shimmer finish; a coppery sunset red)
9. Café Brazil Nut (Demi Matte finish; deep olive brown)

This is last year’s Lumiere palette:

Limited Edition Bronze Goddess Lumière: The Summer Look Palette
Limited Edition Bronze Goddess Lumière: The Summer Look Palette 2023

Here are those swatches:

Limited Edition Bronze Goddess Lumière: The Summer Look Palette Swatches
Limited Edition Bronze Goddess Lumière: The Summer Look Palette Swatches 2023

NEW Bronze Goddess Shimmering Gelée

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess 2024 Shimmering Gelee
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess 2024 Shimmering Gelee

This is a brand new body highlighter with a shimmering finish. It is a lightweight non-sticky, clear, pearlised gel formula.

Here’s a swatch:

Bronze Goddess Shimmering Gelee Swatch
Bronze Goddess Shimmering Gelee Swatch
Bronze Goddess Shimmering Gelee on skin
Bronze Goddess Shimmering Gelee on skin

This shot probably doesn’t do it justice. You need to imagine it on tanned shoulders and shins!

Bronze Goddess Healthy Glow Powder

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Healthy Glow Bronzer - Sunrise
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Healthy Glow Bronzer – Sunrise

This is limited-edition face palette with blush, bronzer and highlighter in one. It really reminds me of the now discontinued La Mer bronzing compacts with the mix of all the complexion enhancers in one.

Like the La Mer, you can use them individually, or blend them together for a healthy glow.

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Healthy Glow Bronzer - Sunrise Swatches (mixed)
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Healthy Glow Bronzer – Sunrise Swatches (mixed)

Above are the swatches blended together.

There are two shades to choose from:

  • Sunrise – terracotta bronzer, peach blush, rose gold highlighter
  • Sunset – sienna bronzer, tangerine blush, yellow gold highlighter

Bronze Goddess 2024 Illuminating Powder Gelee Shades & Swatches

Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelee 2024 - Heatwave, Solar Crush, Modern Mercury
Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelee 2024 – Heatwave, Solar Crush, Modern Mercury

Like last year, there are three illuminator shades and we have Modern Mercury again yay.

  • 01 Heatwave
  • 02 Solar Crush
  • 03 Modern Mercury
Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelee 2024 - Heatwave, Solar Crush, Modern Mercury
Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelee 2024 – Heatwave, Solar Crush, Modern Mercury

In case you’re unaware, Modern Mercury has quite the Estee Lauder history. It was a limited edition highlighter back in a collection that launched in 2013. It was a ground-breaking formula of the time, but once the collection was sold out, MM was no longer available.

Then, in 2016, Victoria Beckham chose it to be part of her debut VB X EL collection and everyone went completely crazy over it and wondered why it has never been made permanent.

Now that Victoria Beckham has her own beauty range, we had to say goodbye to Modern Mercury again. The Bronze Goddess 2020 collection brought it back and so we had it for the past few years too.

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Modern Mercury 2024
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Modern Mercury 2024

I love this outer packaging and the pan design. Here are the swatches:

Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelee 2024 Swatches - Heatwave, Solar Crush, Modern Mercury
Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelee 2024 Swatches – Heatwave, Solar Crush, Modern Mercury

I really enjoy this highlighter formula from EL. It uses unique prisma technology which gives such a gorgeous glow. It is a tri-brid of liquid, powder and gel and it has such a beautiful smooth finish, delivering a soft sheen that illuminates the complexion wonderfully.

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Heatwave 2024
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Heatwave 2024
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Solar Crush 2024
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Solar Crush 2024

Bronze Goddess Matte & Glow Bronzing Trio

This was a new format in 2020, with three different powders and remains part of the permanent Bronze Goddess collection.

Estee Lauder Matte & Glow Bronzing Trio
Estee Lauder Matte & Glow Bronzing Trio

We have two matte powder bronzers (medium and deep) and one luminous highlighter. You can use them individually, or blend them together. Here are the swatches:

Estee Lauder Matte & Glow Bronzing Trio Swatches
Estee Lauder Matte & Glow Bronzing Trio Swatches

This is the perfect palette to use with a big fluffy brush, swirled all over the pan to warm up the complexion and get it glowing.

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess 2024 Fragrance Collection

Of course we have the classic Bronze Goddess skinscent. I absolutely adore it and for me, it really is the scent of summer.

Original Bronze Goddess Skinscent 2024
Original Bronze Goddess Skinscent 2024

It’s like lying on the beach in a beautiful place surrounded by the uplifting scents of creamy coconut, soft vanilla and sexy amber. It will always be a favourite for me.

This year we also have the Flora Verde limited edition. Described as a Floral green fragrance with a Brazilian Gardenia accord surrounded by Coconut Water and Sandalwood:

  • Top notes – Italian Bergamot, Coconut Water, Orange Bigarade
  • Heart Notes – Pink Pepper, Brazilian Gardenia, Ylang Essential Oil
  • Base Notes – Jasmine Sambac Absolute, Sandalwood, Skin Musk
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Nuit Eau de Parfum
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Nuit Eau de Parfum

It’s a gorgeous, green floral take the iconic Bronze Goddess scent and I’m really enjoying it. It makes me think of an upscale beach holiday as Bronze Goddess always does, and I love the uplifting Bergamot in the top notes and the deeper smoothness of the Jasmine Sambac Absolute. Of course it has the milky coconut tones you’d expect from this iconic fragrance.

When is Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess 2024 out?

The full Bronze Goddess collection is out now at Estee Lauder*.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Firework Mascara Review

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

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Maybelline Lash Sensational Firework Mascara Review

There’s a brand new mascara from Maybelline and as it’s one of my favourite high street brands, I was very excited to try it. Here’s the low down on the Maybelline Lash Sensational Firework Mascara with before and after photos.

What is Maybelline Lash Sensational Firework Mascara?

Maybelline Lash Sensational Firework Mascara Features
Maybelline Lash Sensational Firework Mascara Features
  • Designed to deliver 360° lash-by-lash impact
  • Innovative SuperSpark Brush with bristles arranged in a unique spiral firework pattern
  • Designed to capture and lift each lash
  • Gel-based formula is enriched with Pro-Vitamin B5 to condition and strength
  • Buildable 24 hour smudge-resistant formula

Before and After Photos

Here’s the before:

Maybelline Lash Sensational Firework Mascara before photo
Before Photo

Here’s one coat on one side:

Maybelline Lash Sensational Firework Mascara - one coat
One Coat

Here’s two coats on one side:

Maybelline Lash Sensational Firework Mascara - Two Coats
Two Coats

See below for the full after photo with two coats on both eyes

My Review of Maybelline Lash Sensational Firework Mascara

Maybelline Lash Sensational Firework Mascara After Photo
Maybelline Lash Sensational Firework Mascara After Photo

I love Maybelline mascaras, so I was pretty confident that I would get on well with this.

I am a huge fan of Maybelline Sky High – see my review here – and have been wearing the Burgundy Haze shade pretty much every day for the last couple of months. See Burgundy Haze in action in this Instagram video.

Whereas Sky High Mascara is mainly about lengthening the lashes, I think that Maybelline Fireworks really delivers on the volume (and gives length too). As you will probably have seen in the Before & After photos above, I could easily have just used one coat, as it packs on so much volume really quickly.

The formula is super black and really adds great impact and definition to the eyes. What I love about this formula is that it doesn’t make the lashes at all crispy, even when it’s dry, and the eyelashes stay feeling flexible for the whole day.

This means that you can easily layer up Maybelline Lash Sensational Firework Mascara later in the day, which I find can usually be quite a struggle with a lot of mascara. Often, when I go to top up with a lot of mascaras, I can find the brush drags and kind of catches on the lashes. Whereas topping up with Firework feels smooth and fluid.

I think it is down to a combination of the smooth gel-based formula and the very flexible, bendy brush which allows for intuitive application.

I love that it makes my eyelashes look very thick, long and black. I think it separates them nicely and lifts them up with a good curl which lasts. You get a really nice full and fanned out appearance to the lashes and there is very minimal flaking and smudging. 

The pink packaging is fun, but it is pretty big and bulky, and I definitely prefer the sky high style of packaging, but it’s no big deal. For me, Sky High is more of an everyday mascara, where as Fireworks is one I will be reaching for when I need a bit more drama.

I am a fan of thick lashes, and really enjoy the bulked up look, so I loved the two coats with the Maybelline Lash Sensational Firework Mascara. However, if you like something a bit less bulky, then one coat will be all you need, which not only saves on product, but also time!

If you are looking for a new mascara and love something super black and dramatic, I definitely think this is worth a try.

It takes a bit more work to remove than Sky High, but it’s nothing that a minute massaging an oil cleanser over the lashes can’t deal with.

Where to buy Maybelline Fireworks Mascara

This mascara is available now for £12.99. Buy it via the following links:

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Jo Malone Addict? 8 Super Handy Ways To Re-Use Your Candle Jar

As a teenager I was captivated by the magic of candlelight; I covered every surface in brightly coloured and sickly scented waxes I found on market stalls and from the ‘hippy shop’ that’s been in my hometown since the dawn of time. Even though my tastes have somewhat progressed since then, as an adult I find them a crucial part of every room and a little indulgence I don’t compromise on. Bringing a subtle flicker during a chilly evening, as well as a scent that either comforts or invigorates the mind, candles are definitely a modern phenomenon – especially the expensive ones. Millions of luxury jars are sold every year, with the UK being apparently the biggest consumer of them in Europe, and they’re proudly displayed on coffee tables until the very last burn.

8 Amazing Ways To Re-use Your Candle Jar (Jo Malone London)

I do love a luxe candle, with being one of my favourite brands (I do also love a classic Yankee Candle, Molton Brown for richness, Neom for calming moments and so many smaller and independant brands for something different.) But when you’re spending forty odd quid on a candle it’s almost painful to chuck away the glass jar when it’s finished – especially if it looks as pretty as the JML ones do. I’ve long been known to re-use candle jars as a way to make the most of the investment while bringing an unexpected twist to my home decor, and right now is the perfect time to ‘make do and mend’.

If you fancy re-using your candle jars, then the easiest way to clean them up after you can’t get any more burn is to pop them in the freezer; leaving them for 24hrs hardens the wax and allows you (with a firm tap) to release it from the bottom. Pop your jar either in the dishwasher or give it a good clean out with soapy water if there’s a label you don’t want to damage, and you’re good to go. And once you’ve done that, here are a handful of ways you can put those old candle pots to good use and re-use your candle jar in a creative and luxurious way…

8 Amazing Ways To Re-use Your Candle Jar (Jo Malone London)

1. Store your makeup brushes. The perfect way to tidy up your brushes while looking fabulous; the pot is just the right width and depth to hold pretty much my entire daily collection.

2. Pop in cotton pads, buds or contact lenses. It’s a pretty and more convenient way to store all those messy bits and bobs that are lingering in your bathroom or on your dressing table.

3. Use it as a bedside tidy. Keep all your bedside essentials in one place – ear plugs, lip balm, tablets and so on.

4. Decant your bath salts. If you’ve got massive bags of Epsom salts that take up too much space, decant a little into a candle jar and proudly have them on display.

5. Add some flowers. A makeshift vase for either freshly picked or fake flowers; such a simple but effective idea that can really lift a simple space.

6. Re-use it as a candle holder. Keeping it simple, why not add a tealight or pillar candle to breathe new life into your favourite jars once again.

7. Store matches or lighters. Rather than having them stuffed in a drawer or in tatty old boxes, decant your matches or pop your favourite lighters into a jar to keep them looking part of your candle display.

8. Use it as an accessories pot. Tidy up your most worn pieces of jewellery or accessories (I’m thinking hair clips and slides too) and put them in one place.

8 Amazing Ways To Re-use Your Candle Jar (Jo Malone London)

Have you ever re-used a pretty candle pot? Let me know if you’ve found any other genius ways to transform, upcycle or re-use your candle jar….

SHOP MY FAVE JO MALONE LONDON CANDLES

Read my post discussing whether spending £50 on a candle is a ridiculous over-indulgence here.

Jo Malone Addict? 8 Super Handy Ways To Re-Use Your Candle Jar

As a teenager I was captivated by the magic of candlelight; I covered every surface in brightly coloured and sickly scented waxes I found on market stalls and from the ‘hippy shop’ that’s been in my hometown since the dawn of time. Even though my tastes have somewhat progressed since then, as an adult I find them a crucial part of every room and a little indulgence I don’t compromise on. Bringing a subtle flicker during a chilly evening, as well as a scent that either comforts or invigorates the mind, candles are definitely a modern phenomenon – especially the expensive ones. Millions of luxury jars are sold every year, with the UK being apparently the biggest consumer of them in Europe, and they’re proudly displayed on coffee tables until the very last burn.

8 Amazing Ways To Re-use Your Candle Jar (Jo Malone London)

I do love a luxe candle, with being one of my favourite brands (I do also love a classic Yankee Candle, Molton Brown for richness, Neom for calming moments and so many smaller and independant brands for something different.) But when you’re spending forty odd quid on a candle it’s almost painful to chuck away the glass jar when it’s finished – especially if it looks as pretty as the JML ones do. I’ve long been known to re-use candle jars as a way to make the most of the investment while bringing an unexpected twist to my home decor, and right now is the perfect time to ‘make do and mend’.

If you fancy re-using your candle jars, then the easiest way to clean them up after you can’t get any more burn is to pop them in the freezer; leaving them for 24hrs hardens the wax and allows you (with a firm tap) to release it from the bottom. Pop your jar either in the dishwasher or give it a good clean out with soapy water if there’s a label you don’t want to damage, and you’re good to go. And once you’ve done that, here are a handful of ways you can put those old candle pots to good use and re-use your candle jar in a creative and luxurious way…

8 Amazing Ways To Re-use Your Candle Jar (Jo Malone London)

1. Store your makeup brushes. The perfect way to tidy up your brushes while looking fabulous; the pot is just the right width and depth to hold pretty much my entire daily collection.

2. Pop in cotton pads, buds or contact lenses. It’s a pretty and more convenient way to store all those messy bits and bobs that are lingering in your bathroom or on your dressing table.

3. Use it as a bedside tidy. Keep all your bedside essentials in one place – ear plugs, lip balm, tablets and so on.

4. Decant your bath salts. If you’ve got massive bags of Epsom salts that take up too much space, decant a little into a candle jar and proudly have them on display.

5. Add some flowers. A makeshift vase for either freshly picked or fake flowers; such a simple but effective idea that can really lift a simple space.

6. Re-use it as a candle holder. Keeping it simple, why not add a tealight or pillar candle to breathe new life into your favourite jars once again.

7. Store matches or lighters. Rather than having them stuffed in a drawer or in tatty old boxes, decant your matches or pop your favourite lighters into a jar to keep them looking part of your candle display.

8. Use it as an accessories pot. Tidy up your most worn pieces of jewellery or accessories (I’m thinking hair clips and slides too) and put them in one place.

8 Amazing Ways To Re-use Your Candle Jar (Jo Malone London)

Have you ever re-used a pretty candle pot? Let me know if you’ve found any other genius ways to transform, upcycle or re-use your candle jar….

SHOP MY FAVE JO MALONE LONDON CANDLES

Read my post discussing whether spending £50 on a candle is a ridiculous over-indulgence here.