Smoky Eyeliner, £9.50
Oooh, I do love a smokey eye! It’s my ‘go to’ make-up look whenever I can’t be bothered to be imaginative (so pretty often, basically). I’m always really interested in any magical products that claim to simplify this sometimes difficult to achieve look – often smokey eye products, similar in design to this one by No7, are hit or miss. There’s a massive issue with product fall out and general blendibility, amongst many other things. However I am pleased to report, having tried and tested this product religiously for a few months now, that this is one of the good ones.
The product comes in a tube full of finely milled loose powder, that is pressed inside it, with a slender foam applicator that you use to apply the product straight to your eye. Applying it super easy, you simply line your eyes, lower and upper lash line, and then blend accordingly.
I think this product is amazing, the first time I used it gave me gorgeous feline cat eyes without even getting to the blending out part (so flexible). All I used was a little more of this product on the outer side off my lid, after lining the lower and upper lash line, and blended (with the No7 Smoky Eyes brush which is brilliant, by the way) and my smokey eye look was complete! A little liner added on the waterline (didn’t use this product for that, wouldn’t advise to either as this product is essentially a powder) and I had achieved pretty kitten-like smokey eyes! Amazing.
No7 Smoky Eyeliner and Smoky Eyeliner Brush
I did find that I would have to touch up and reapply it a few times throughout the day, but largely just to freshen up the colour – on paler skins you may not need to do this but I prefer a more intense smokey look than subtle. Occasionally, I do get some product fall out if I’m careless when applying it, but generally there is a technique that you’ll get used to when using this product. Just basically be a little careful and don’t work the applicator too hard, don’t push down on the applicator to get a deeper colour if the colour wears thin, instead re-dip the applicator and continue gently applying. THAT’S the trick to avoiding fall out! And a quick tap of the applicator to get rid of excess product before starting on the eyes certainly doesn’t hurt.
Sometimes, I do add some black eyeshadow and other products in conjunction with this smokey eye product, to really give myself an intense evening smokey eye. But in general, this product and a kohl eyeliner is really all I’d need for a fabulous fool-proof day time look (bearing in mind, most folk would probably be happy using my day time look for their evening!). Honestly, anyone could use this! Even without any skill previously in smokey eyes or blending, simply lining your eyes with this is enough to achieve a smokey matte look, the foam applicator you apply it with softens the line to some degree anyway!
This picture was actually taken on the first day I wore it; all I’ve got on here alongside it is some kohl eyeliner on the waterline and mascara! And I remember literally applying it in 5 minutes before leaving the house!
The Smoky Eyeliner is priced at £9.50 which I do actually think is a good investment for this product, especially if you have struggled in the past achieving smokey eyes or want a subtle smokey eye look. I honestly doubt you’ll be disappointed with this. My only major fault with it is that it’s limited edition!! Whaaaaaaaa! Please bring it out as a basic range product! And don’t get me started on how desirable it’d be in a whole host of colours, oh my..
Soft Matte Finish Lipstick in Nude, £9.75
No7 have also 2 new lipsticks out for Autumn, a Deep Plum, and a Nude which I’m reviewing here.
I really like this lippy, I find it’s a great pinky nude that works really well with strong eyes. It is matte but also quite creamy, so not too drying. Having said that, the lasting power isn’t amazing and I did find myself reapplying often. However being a nude it’s so easy to reapply; a simple swipe sans mirror is often enough to keep it in tact when on the go! It wasn’t one of those lipsticks that looked appalling if not perfectly applied.
It’s priced at £9.75, similar to most No7 lipsticks and I do think this is probably quite steep for a high street product – you can pick a MAC one up for only a couple of quid more and I do prefer their lipstick formulas to this. However, it is a great shade and I have been wearing it a lot since I received it two weeks ago! The colour is very beautiful and brightening to the face, unlike most nudes on me.
Both of these products are limited edition and only available till October 5th, so if you want them you best be quick! You can pick them up from Boots stores, and also online here (www.boots.com).
Lx
You might be thinking that I must have been living under a rock to not have tried a BB Cream up until now, but in all honesty, I just thought there was no way a product could deliver all it promises in such a versatile formula. How could one product work for all skin types? I was quite happy with my foundation and personalised skincare, thank you very much. However, when I was approached to review the Boots No7 BB Cream, it seemed like the perfect excuse to actually see what all the fuss was about.
