Smashing Shadow Liner

Smashbox Waterproof Shadow Liner to Go in Chrome

Chrome; 2.67g/0.094oz ($29.95@ Kit Cosmetics)

This is a two-in-one eyeshadow and eyeliner, with a built-in smudger on one end. This can be applied thickly or smudged out, making it a very versatile product that's perfect for creating smoky looks of different intensities. There are 6 shades in this range and I own the colour Chrome. 

Chrome is a shimmery, dark grey and under the right lighting, a bit of stunning blue comes through. Here are some swatches showing how different applications of the shadow liner looks. The left image is without flash, while the right image is with flash. 

L-R: Chrome built up, Chrome in one layer, Chrome smudged out

It's just so gorgeous and eye catching! And apart from the fascinating colour, this also truly stays put and does not budge. Once it sets, nothing is going to remove it except for oil based make-up removers. 

Here's the same swatch after a few rounds with a makeup remover wipe. As you can see, not a lot has changed!

No flash

And here it is after some aggressive scratching. Unfortunately I accidentally deleted the no-flash image and in the photo below, the colour's actually a bit washed out by the flash. But you can still see how I mainly just managed to irritate my skin.

Flash

I love this. It's a bit hard to smudge so I don't often use it as an eyeshadow but it's great as an eyeliner. You wont get precision out of this but you will get intense colour that practically glues itself to your eyelids. Chrome is perfect for nights out. It's sweatproof and waterproof and a great, eye-catching alternative to the more traditional black. 

Smashbox Waterproof Shadow Liner to Go in Chrome

Verdict?
Colour/Pigmentation: Good. Gorgeous multidimensional colour. Shimmery too.  
Lasting Power: Good. Definitely waterproof. I have oily eyelids but this still stays put and doesn't transfer (even when I run my finger over it!). 
Formula: Average. Applies smoothly and evenly without any crumbling. But it's a bit difficult to blend given its excellent waterproof qualities. You must work quickly and putting a primer underneath helps.
Packaging: Good. I love my chunky pencil/crayon products so this is right up my alley. Easy to grip. Convenient smudger at the end. Lid of the eyeliner also fits on the other end like a marker.  
Final thoughts:  This is completely budgeproof and the colour just has so much depth to it! The only slight concern is that the actual product inside the pencil can break and fall out. But I popped the section back in and it still works fine. 8.5/10

xoxo
Thanks for reading! 

iHerb Haul

(part 1 of 2)

iHerb is a California based, online supplier of natural products and they offer a wide range of products. They cover things from supplements to bath & beauty products to groceries and more. Make-up wise, it is my go to site for Physicians Formula, ELF and Real Techniques products. However, lately I have been branching out into some skin care and food stuffs.

For my last order, I purchased 10 items + 1 free sample which, after a 10% discount, came to a grand total of US$55.80 (incl. shipping).

I placed the order on the 3^rd of March and selected the cheapest ($4) delivery method via Global Priority Mail by DHL. It shipped out on the 6^th and arrived on the 19^th of March.  A pretty quick process especially considering the estimated delivery range on my invoice was March 31^st to April 22^nd. 

Everything was packed very well and arrived in good condition. The items were padded inside the box and all the liquid bottles were either sealed with tape or wrapped in a zip lock bag. The make-up boxes were a bit banged up but there was absolutely no damage to the products themselves.

Overall, I was very happy with the delivery speed and the condition of the goods upon arrival. 

So onto the products! I've only been able to try out a few of the products so this review will be split into two posts. I'll begin with the food stuffs and make-up and leave the skincare until I've used them a bit longer.

Go Raw, Organic Super Cookies, Chocolate 3oz (85g) (US$4.32)

It's only been two days since I first opened the bag and its pretty much finished. I think that says it all!  It's organic and made of gently dried coconut, sesame seeds, dates and cacao. It really just tastes like a crunchier, slightly less sweet version of Nestle's Golden Rough. Normally, eating a biscuit or a piece of chocolate just leaves me wanting more sugar but 2-3 pieces of these really satiates my cravings. I love it! Definitely ordering more!

Just Tomatoes Etc!, Organic Just Strawberries, 1.2 oz (34g) (US$6.00)

Unfortunately some of the product inside had been crushed during transport and it actually arrived a bit powdery. However it was still very edible. It's pretty much as it's named, just freeze-dried strawberries. Sour, crunchy and airy. It's nice and strangely addictive but if I had to pick an alternative to fresh strawberries, I'd go for the dehydrated fruits. Probably wont repurchase. 

E.L.F. Cosmetics, Long-Lasting Lustrous Eyeshadow in Gala, Festivity and Soiree, 0.11 oz (3.0g) (US$3.00)

L-R: Gala, Festivity and Soiree

When I look at these little pots, I think of two popular Maybelline products mixed together. They are clearly very reminiscent of the Color Tattoos but these ELF equivalents are smaller, and come with cheaper, plastic packaging that also makes them lighter. After swatching on my hand, they are also not as long wearing. Texture wise, they have a similar consistency to the Dream Bouncy blushes, only even softer (see right image below). It's rather gel/sponge like and very interesting to play with!

I've only used these eyeshadows twice but I really like them so far! Festivity and Soiree looked amazing together! They are pigmented and easy to blend but I'd recommend using a dense brush because it can get a bit messy with fingers. Just keep in mind they are extremely glittery! I tend to keep my shadow close to my lash line so by the time I'm done with eyeliner and mascara, the glitter's pretty much hidden and a none issue. But if you're not a glitter fan, I'd stay away. 

Colour/Pigmentation: Good. The colour is definitely there. Decent range available too.

Lasting Power: Average. Primer definitely helps. Despite oily lids, it managed to last all day with only slight fading after 5 hours (with primer). 

Blendability: Good. Soft and easy to blend together (even with other powder eyeshadows). 

Packaging: Average. Simple, plastic and lightweight but the name of the colour is only found on the box and not the pot itself.

Final Thoughts: They're cheap and fun to play with. I'd recommend them only at the US$3.00 price point, and only if you have no issue with glittery eyeshadows. 7/10 

E.L.F. Cosmetics, High Definition Powder, Sheer, 0.28oz (8g) (US$6.00)

Since I have oily skin, a setting powder is pretty much a must. However before using this, I was going through a pressed powder phase and was used to swirling my kabuki a bit harder to pick up the product. This basically meant I was far too heavy handed with the ELF powder and ended up with a lot of excess powder on my cheeks. Not a good look!

But don't get me wrong! Despite my initial faux pas, it's a solid product overall. 

Colour/Pigmentation: Good. It's translucent. Leaves no white cast but there are glitter particles which are noticeable in sunlight.

Lasting Power: Good. Definitely does its job. No signs of oily skin until well into the night. 

Blendability: Good. Finely milled product that's very easy to blend and not cakey if you don't go overboard.  

Packaging: Poor. Its bulky and the holes in the sieve are far too big for such a finely milled product. Powder gets everywhere! I strongly suggest taping up half the holes. 

Final Thoughts: I recommend very careful use of the product. Don't bump it around and don't use too much. However, avoid the product if you are concerned about glittering like Edward Cullen. 7/10

If you want to buy some ELF products I'd definitely recommend iHerb. ELF does have an Australian online store and their products can be found at Kmart but the prices are more than double that in the US. Here the eyeshadows retail for $8.00 and the setting powder $12.00. Odds are, even after shipping costs, iHerb will still be cheaper!

Once again, for first time shoppers at iHerb, enter code JVR643 at the checkout for US$10 off purchases of US$40 and over!

xoxo

Thanks guys!