Monday, 16 February 2015

INIKA | Vegan Cosmetics



I am always on the hunt for new beauty brands, especially those slightly understated. Recently I was given the opportunity to try a few bits from Inika Cosmetics ... a brand I somehow hadn't heard of before.

When I researched the brand I was intrigued. Inika is a certified vegan cosmetic brand and like all the brands featured on my blog they are animal cruelty free. Not only is the actual makeup made of high quality ingredients and free from talc, mineral oils, parabens and more, the packaging itself is made with the environment in mind, it is recycled. I was given a selection of sample items and thought I would share a review with you all today.

Mineral foundation, SPF 15, Nurture. (£27.50)
The powder is very finely milled and feels like velvet almost. I have tried a few mineral foundations in the past but haven't really got on with them that well so I was quite sceptical when trying this. I can safely say however it has worked really well with my skin and I have been wearing it daily. I find it applies really well with my Real Techniques Buffing brush. The swatch pictured looks too light but I promise when buffed into the skin it is the perfect shade. It really helps provide an even tone to the skin and doesn't feel weighty like some foundations. This mineral foundation contains really small glitter particles, most of which fade when buffed into the skin but if you are looking for a matte coverage then this isn't ideal. It gives a pretty decent coverage to the skin, I sometimes apply concealer underneath.

Organic eye liner, 07 graphite. (£13.50)
This product is everything you'd want in an eyeliner. It's smooth to apply, highly pigmented and lasts all day without smudging. I really love this medium grey shade, it isn't a colour I have used in the past but I feel it really helps in making your eyes look bright. I feel like because this eyeliner isn't black but a medium grey shade you can get away with applying it on your waterline during the day. Also because the liner is so creamy I have also been utilising it on the lid itself and have often created a subtle winged liner with it. Again, it doesn't smudge so is perfect for this.

Ultimate lip tint, Cosmic. (£15.50)
When I first used this product I smelt the overwhelming minty smell from the peppermint oil. The shade is deep red but I feel it doesn't transfer well at all, even though it is just a tint. It really moisturises your lips so I will more than likely just use this as a lip balm rather than a lip tint for colour.

Mineral eye shadow, Forest gold. (£14.50)
This is my first ever mineral eyeshadow and I actually really like it. The colour is a gorgeous khaki shade and I feel it will be perfect in spring and summer along with a tan and lots of black mascara. This product is supposedly a powder but it is quite creamy, I've tried it a good few times and never had problem with fall out. It applies like and eyeshadow foil I'd say. With a good base it stays intact all day, I use the Urban Decay Primer Potion. Did I mention how lovely the shade was?
Overall this definitely is a high end brand but I feel like the price is justified because it is organic. You can definitely feel the difference in quality compared to some other brands - the mineral foundation and eyeshadow in particular. They feel so luxurious.

Have you ever heard of this brand before? What are your thoughts on organic makeup?

Friday, 13 February 2015

Sneaker love

Blue and white stripe, sneakers - H&M
White mock croc, slip on - MissGuided
TIPI Snake, skaters - Topshop
Leopard, skaters - Shoebou
Black snake print, skaters - MissGuided
Vans holographic, skater shoes - Net-A-Porter
Leopard, sneakers - H&M
Holographic, skater shoes - Ebay

My recent love for sneakers/skate shoes, has rapidly grown into a little obsession almost. I went a little WILD and purchased a few new pairs the other day after scouring the internet for ages. My justification for this was that I think they will be perfect not only in the Summer but also in a few weeks for when Spring comes around... and well Autumn too! I find that sneakers are so versatile and can be worn with almost anything.

I have compiled a little list of the ones I like and it also includes a few of the ones I’ve purchased. I can see my collection growing in the coming months. They are just too comfy!

Let me know what you think of skate shoes?

Sunday, 1 February 2015

The Atlas watch

I’m such a watch lover. I have actually lost count of how many I have, too many. I just love how they can dress any outfit be it casual or something a little more swish. Late last year I saw a few bloggers post about the Atlas watch. There were a few stores selling these for quite a price online but I of course went onto eBay to see if there was anything similar, for cheaper. I found this little beauty for just under £1.10 posted! It took about 2 weeks to arrive - (here) or you can purchase it from a UK seller and pay a little more (here).

I love this Atlas watch, it’s quite a simple design but the gold rim definitely makes it something else. It has a medium watch face and a black leather strap. For the price the quality isn’t too bad - it’s pretty decent, I have worn it a few times already. This watch is also available in a few other colours. 

I hope you enjoyed this post, let me know what you think in the comments.

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