ALLURE X KVD X JUNE 2018

ALLURE X KVD X JUNE 2018

June’s allure beauty box was curated by kat von d and the allure team (before the kvd baby drama), so i was pretty excited to receive a box curated by her and with full size kvd products. 

Olehenrikson Transforming walnut scrub.

I was hoping the box would be entirely her products but there happened to be a full size of a walnut scrub inside by olehenrikson. Scrubs are great, they’re always around when you really need one on days when your pores are so rough and needs a good clean down. However I would’ve been happier if i got a face product by kvd instead, like maybe the mini size lock it powder.

KVD wax seal mirror.

A very cute black wax seal mirror that is perfect for on the go in the purse or at work.

KVD Tattoo liner in Trooper black.

This isn’t a new one, I’ve probably received this in my sephora/ipsy bag a few times. And if you got some insider points to redeem, you can get this at sephora too. I got a few of them at home which are still sealed and unopened. But they’re very handy little sticks for travelling or when you need an emergency liner tucked away in the bag. I love how the brush of the liner is precise and sleek that it gives you a clear distinct line like a brush would. The liner has a highly pigmented ink and is also waterproof and smudge proof. That is why it wins the best pen liner Ive ever had and I won’t be replacing it with anything else yet. 

KVD Studded kiss bullet lipstick in Double dare.

I own the shade double dare in the liquid matte version but have never tried the bullet form, i know the shades are mostly the same to each other, except for the formula. This is the mini deluxe size at 1.0g. Double dare has a lot of different variation description but personally its like a rosy terracotta shade to me, much like Colourpop’s bumble.

I am very awkward at applying lipsticks in bullet form eversince the existence of liquid lipsticks that makes application such a breeze with the doe foot applicator. Altho i love the colour but i dont see myself wearing it often simply because i already have the shade in the liquid form. But this lipstick is a cream-matte formula so it is not as drying or budge proof as the liquid version.

KVD Everlasting lip liner in Lolita.

This item is a full size product and i have seen spoilers of subscribers receiving either this or the full size liquid lipstick instead in lolita. Since i already own the liquid lipstick and know how it performs, its a treat to get the lip liner instead and wear it together with the studded kiss lipstick. Lolita is the best selling shade from kvd’s  lipstick range and its easy to see why with the universally flattering shade that works as a nude for deeper tones and also lighter skin tone.

Here are the swatches for the liner, lipstick and lip liner:

Overall this box was an exciting one and all tea and shade aside, i really love the collab and the black box with the white frame that screams kvd signature trademark. Altho I’m unsure why the olehenrikson product was inside the box.

SEPHORA PLAY BOX 🏃‍♀️MAY 2018 🏃‍♀️

SEPHORA PLAY BOX

MAY 2018

This is the Sephora May play box, there’s a total of 6 deluxe size samples this month and some are repeats that i have gotten before and some are new. This month’s bag also looks much more sporty with the red corduroy string against the denim bag. So lets dive in. 

1. Kat von d Tattoo liner in Trooper black.

This all time classic eye liner is something that i have religiously repurchased in full size after my sample sizes has finished. I only use pen or felt tip type of eyeliner as it is much easier to draw a straight line with. Its thick and pigmented, only downside is that it is not waterproof. Kat needs to make a waterproof version for this to really be tattoo like.

2. The pore fessional minimising pore primer mini travel size.

This is another classic sample that has been around ever since i started subbing to beauty boxes. Its a cult favourite with many people and it makes your base much more smoother for makeup application. Also promises to minimise the appearance of large pores.

3.Bumble & Bumble thickening spray.

A hairspray that promises to thicken hair, as i have just removed my dreadlocks, i do have some hair loss and a thickening spray looks like just what i needed. I like the scent of the spray, smells good and nothing chemically enhanced. I also like the brand B&B. Plus the sample amount is quite generous this time round as opposed to receiving sample sachets.

4.Becca shimmering skin perfector in Champagne pop.

One of the best selling highlighters around, also i have previously received a sample of this from Allure beauty box the Jaclyn hill curated box. Champagne pop is a champagne gold shade that is really pigmented and literally pops out on your cheekbones. I was surprised at the pigmentation and this highlight is worth it.

5.Sephora Mud mask purifying & mattifying.

This has a strong scent and smells like man’s cologne, it contains zinc and copper ingredients. It absorbs excess sebum and reduces blemish appearance. Apply on clean dry skin and it will dry and change to a lighter grey once its ready to be washed off. I like these type of charcoal clay mask because you can see the difference and the colour change absorbing the oils from your glands.

6.Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb perfume.

This has a strong smell with Jasmine top notes, Orange blossom middle notes and Patchouli base notes. It is described as a warm and spicy scent. Definitely not for the faint of noses, this intriguing scent will last quite a while. 

I like this month’s bag even though there are repeats of samples i have received before from different subscription boxes. The repeats are still one of those cult favourites which happens to be my favourites too. So i dont mind that. And the hair product is also very useful with decent size. Hopefully play box gives more newer products in future boxes tho. 

ALLURE 🌹OCTOBER 2017 🌹

ALLURE

OCTOBER 2017

There are supposedly 6 items in October’s box, I missed out an item in the pic which is the Kat Von D Saint perfume. There are a few things that i know I won’t be able to use which is the 2 hair products. I really do hope i cease getting hair products which i can never use. 

1.Korres Wild rose Advanced brightening sleeping facial.

As described by the web ; A brightening night cream infused with wild rose oil that evens out skin tone, repairs fine lines, moisturizes, heals, and softens skin. Obviously, this smells strongly of rose, so if you’re not a fan please steer clear. I am not sensitive however even the scent gets to me sometimes. I do like creams that promises magic overnight, however i do not see much of a difference the next day.

2.Eau Thermale Avene A-Oxitive Antioxidant Protection.

This fast absorbing serum is awesome! This works super well before makeup application and before moisturiser. It absorbs into the skin without any stickiness or grease and refreshes the skin from inside. I would definitely repurchase this again and incorporate into my usual skincare routine.

3.Style Pureology Hydrate Air Dry Cream.

Description from the web ; this leave-in cream and lightweight styler for dry hair from Pureology shortens drying time and controls frizz. This product would be great for you if you have dry hair, it certainly would be something I’d appreciate to have when it comes to taming frizz in my hair. The product is also 100% vegan.

4.Beauty for real I-line 24-7 eyeliner in Whisky.

For once I appreciate receiving an eyeliner that is in a different colour other than black! Whisky is a deep chocolate brown with hints of gold shimmer that is absolutely gorgeous to replace black liner (if you’re afraid to venture into bolder colours). Looks nice on the top and also lower lashline. Formula glides smoothly, not stiff and doesn’t drag.

5.Pantene Foam conditioner.

This comes in a protective waterproof bag to prevent the product from accidental spilling. I’m not quite a fan of Pantene products since years ago but I would still be willing to try new products released. I will probably try this on my toddler and see how it works for her always clumpy curly hair. 

6.Kat Von D saint eau de parfum.

This mini size bottle lasts me for quite a long while eventho i use it everyday to work. 

Top notes:Jasmine and Tiaré flower.

Middle notes:Mandarin, caramel, and sparkling Mirabelle plum.

Base notes:Vanilla, sandalwood, and creamy musk. 

I’ve not tried ‘sinner’ yet to compare to ‘saint’, but at the moment this is my go to perfume and once i run out, it will most likely be the one im going back to. Plus i love KVD!!

Well this month’s box was a bit of a dud for me with only the Avene product and the KVD perfume giving me life, the Whisky eyeliner gave me some hope. But i really didn’t like receiving 2 hair products in a box. I much rather take only 1 hair product or have the option to choose. 

Nyx liquid suede in soft spoken

The matte hype is slightly dying as lip products are moving on to shimmers along with the trend of highlighting and strobing. (Which I will never understand how to)

But I'm still super excited about the new products I just purchased and my package just arrived today! So yay?!

Starting off with first impressions on the packaging/formula/colour/comparison etc. Let's go!

Nyx liquid suede ~ soft spoken.

× Packaging wise is pretty similarly themed like the other nyx lip products.  Black cap and tube the shade of the lipstick and black lettering on it. Inside the tube the applicator is a double sided long brush wand. (Not a doe foot like the smlc)

× Soft spoken is a nude brown shade (it has been said to be a dupe for kat von d's lolita and I find it similar to colourpop's beeper too.)

× It claims to be a cream lipstick, so I reckon it's not supposed to dry matte. (Which I initially thought so, due to the 'liquid suede' name.) Formula isn't patchy or streaky and isn't drying either. It stays that way until you decide to eat, it definitely will transfer to straws and tissue.

× It also isn't hard to remove at all since it doesn't really stay long either. You don't require a oil based remover to remove, wetwipes will do the job.

× Comparison to their soft matte lip creams!

~ smlc has a thinner formula, liquid suede is thicker and more pigmented.
~ smlc slightly stains, liquid suede wipes off cleanly.
~ both have a creamy texture.
~ smlc has more wider range of colours to choose from.
~ wand applicator is different, liquid suede is double sided long, smlc is doe foot.

Yup that's all I could think of.

Verdict: ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ /5

This is definitely a better version compared to their old soft matte lip creams because colour payoff is stronger and the new colours they have is more on the adventurous side. However I don't like that the end texture is still just as creamy as their stick cream lipstick and the soft mattes. They should totally do the totally matte version (which I though this was gonna be, creamy liquid to matte like australis velourlips perhaps.) This is good for those who don't like the completely dry matte lipsticks, which I'm totally a sucker for ): so this loses one heart for me. 

Dupe lip swatch.

Here I have a lip swatch of nyx liquid suede soft spoken and colourpop beeper. Since I don't have kvd's lolita, I'll only be comparing these two. Soft spoken on top lip and beeper on lower lip.