Brand Obsession: Kiko

Some people know this already, but I might as well make it public: I'm kinda obsessed with Kiko.

Over the past couple of weeks I've more or less purposely stumbled into the Kiko store on Regent St. quite a few times.
In all honesty, there wasn't something I desperately needed, make-up wise, because as us beauty bloggers know, you don't really need half of what's in your collection, but you buy more anyway. 

Well, Kiko is kind of the ultimate encouragement to buy more stuff you don't absolutely need because they have SO many things to pick from, the prices are almost too good to be true and the quality is borderline unbelievable. 
I will tell you now, I like their lipsticks more than I like the MAC ones. (You may select to throw things at me at this point).

Not being a red lipstick person, I found that their Smart Lip Pencils are perfect for trying out colours without actually having to buy a lipstick. Not to mention that for clumsy people like me, a lip pencil used as lipstick has the perfect staying power. It's great as a first try because it stays in place, doesn't smudge and doesn't make you panic each time something comes close to your lips. 
After being totally convinced by its red greatness I went ahead and purchased a deep berry one today (shade 710). The red I love is shade 705 and I will do a post with swatches for them if you want.
Also, did I mention that these pencils currently cost 1.90£ ? Let that sink in.

Speaking of lip stuff, they have such a perfect array of shades that I always seem to find a shade that looks good on me. Like the very natural looking nude in 900 and the pinky coral in 902 , above. Corals look so awkward on me 90% of the time, but when I tried that on, it was instant love.

I'm probably the most fussy mascara picker and the fact that I have found a mascara that is non-fiber and that looks like it would be, makes me immensely jolly. Cue Kiko Volumeyes+ Mascara. One word: fantastic!

And lastly, the bane of my existence: concealers.
I am now pretty confident that my concealer problem is solved. I will keep you updated since I've only tried their Full Coverage Concealer once, but already am pretty positive that we will be friends. Good ones.
Usually it's either too creamy, too dry, too agitated (aka moves like it's nobody's business), too flaky or simply has not enough coverage. I'm looking at you Erase Paste!
This one, on the other hand is the perfect mix and the perfect coverage. Rarely do I get excited about something as I do about a good concealer.

Basically, what I am trying to say is: I love Kiko!  There is not one product that I have tried that I have not been impressed with. I'm not even sure how that's possible but good heavens, it seems to be!




                                You can also Follow on * Bloglovin *  Twitter * Facebook *  

The Battle Of The Cleansers

It's been a while, hasn't it? What I can tell you is that since last time, a lot of cleansing has been perfected so I thought it was only fitting to offer a lineup of my favourites.

I am still on the lookout for the ultimate cleanser but I think we're getting a bit closer. Each of these has one quality that stands out and if someone would make one big product out of these, I'd be forever happy:

The Smooth Operator: Ekia Cleansing Oil

This one took some getting used to. In the beginning it kinda never really foamed and I felt like it was somewhat useless. Then I figured out that "damp" skin, literally means skin with just VERY VERY little water on it. Basically, you'd better go rub it on your dry skin, as it works much better. After that just add some water and see it be magical. It becomes oil and makes your skin feel so beautifully soft! And of course, your skin doesn't even remember to feel dry. The ultimate test comes when eye makeup is involved and it passed it with flying colours!


The Organic Bliss: Antipodes Hallelujah Lime and Patchouli Cleanser

This one is the winner in the "so organic and natural and beautiful I could die!"category. Just for the Patchouli I would tell anyone to go for it! When I first got it, I used it on and off but it always leaves my skin feeling so healthy and glowing. It's obviously less hydrating than the oil, but ingredient-wise it is unbeatable. And you can basically shovel it in your eyes and will not get any bad reaction. I tell you this because I sometimes "misplace" cleanser in the inner corners of my eyes quite efficiently and feel like screaming if it burns. But none of these three have any burning effect, which is something I am extremely grateful for.
What I will say is that this cleanser is the one that is more for actual cleansing (aka cleaning your skin of impurities very well) and a bit less for removing makeup layers.


The Best of Both Worlds: Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Cleanser

Out of all of them, nothing can really beat Burt in terms of price/quality ratio. While all 3 have really great natural ingredients and do a great cleansing job, the two I mentioned above are somewhere between 18 and 25£ while Burt's Bees gorgeous cleanser will rob you of exactly 9.98£.
It also has the creamiest consistency and in all fairness, it might actually be the most hydrating. (In case the name didn't give it away).
Since I am a big fan of creamy cleansers, this one is right up my alley. It's a super thick soufflé that just makes any makeup melt away.

I used to also add a micellar water to my cleansing routine, but Burt's Bees has made sure that there is absolutely no need for that anymore. 


How about you? What's your cleansing preference?




                                You can also Follow on * Bloglovin *  Twitter * Facebook *