Isadora Twist-up Gloss Stick - Pink Punch

Twist up Gloss Sticks are Isadora's interpretation of a perfect glossy lipstick in a pencil form. 

First of all, they do have true glossy finish but feels rather balmy on the lips. Twist-up Gloss in Pink Punch is a cool toned pink with a blue undertone. Supposedly it's also a lip filler with collagen peptides and hyaluronic acid for making appear lips fuller and smoother. Feeling on the lips is rather similar to other lip pencil sticks - feels like a balm but gives enough color to call it a lipstick. I do notice more smoother lips oppose to regular lipsticks. Formula is creamy so it's a joy to apply. It's enough soft yet enough firm to apply it with a bit of pressure. You can swipe it on for a lighter opacity or build it up for intense pink color. My biggest fear with such a bright color was slipperiness on the lips. But it actually stays put decently, however you should use lip liner for feathering problems. I would say it stays on my lips for good 4 hours but it lefts a leftover color for another 2 hours. Smells like a typical yummy vanilla scent after which Isadora is known. 

Isadora is clinically tested cosmetics from Sweden and is friendly to animals (no testing) which I honestly admire these days. Fine raw materials don't need any extra perfume yet they deliver for a reasonable price. Isadora mascaras are extra great for sensitive eyes.

If you're not confident with glossy, balmy textures this might not be your cup.

I truly admire their passion for not using animal tested ingredients and still deliver high quality. 

Now comparing it to other pencil lip products it's really similar to Bourjois Color Boost lip crayons or Catrice Pure Shine lip balm in terms of texture. It has similar glossy finish as Soap&Glory Sexy Motherpucker Gloss stick but it's not as soft and glossy looking. Revlon Just Kissable Balm Stains are more longwearing and harder in texture. 

You can get Isadora in most European countries, Twist-up Gloss Sticks are about 12€ a piece. 

You can also find limited edition shades in their collections - I love the look of their new Fall collection Coffee&Poetry. 

You can find Isadora on Instagram, blog and their official global site. 

MUST HAVE: Isadora Jelly Kiss Lipsticks

How many times did I mention Isadora Coral Punch in my (really) old posts?

It's still my favorite lipstick formula and shade even after trying huge amount of various lipsticks.

I was lucky enough to get a year supply of Jelly Kiss range since I participated in their #isadorayear Challenge. 

I highly suggest you checking out Isadora Instagram and Blog since they have weekly Giveaways.

Again, I thank Ulrika and Isadora Sweden for a year supply of Jelly Kiss and other extra bits!

Isadora is a Swedish mid-high-end brand that has fairly affordable products.

Isadora doesn't test on animals, is paraben free and clinically tested so is highly appropriate for sensitive skin.

Isadora Jelly Kiss contains 12 different shades with a light jelly finish.

Texture is jelly/cream like and feels light on the lips. It has moisturising and nourishing properties (Peach kernel oil, Apricot kernel oil, Almond oil) so I actually count these lipsticks as my lipbalm/lipstick hybrids. 

Application is diverse- you can layer for full intensity with 2-3 swipes and sheer out with 1 swipe. 

Smell is absolutely delicious-light vanilla cream pie. Finish has a creamy-glossy effect and lipsticks are semi-transparent. 

Longevity is mediochre: 3-6 hours for a nourishing lipstick is okay. Above all packaging is really sleek and has a magnetic packaging.

Most of the colors are creamy without shimmers however Peach Pearl has slight shimmer.

I have total of 8 colors - Lilac Tulle is well used and Coral Punch was already featured in my empties (here). 

Peach Pearl is a beautiful light pink with a hint of peach and warmth. It has silver shimmer and applies pretty sheer with a glossy finish.

Pink Blush is a neutral nude rose shade and applies as a lovely rose shade on the lips. I think this is my second favorite right after Coral Punch.

Orange Blossom is a striking orange in the tube and has a medium coverage. One of the most pigmented shades.

Coral Punch is a lovely mixture of pink and coral but leans toward pink on the lips. It's pretty tropical shade for the Summer. Name is just perfect. It's my ultimate favorite mid-high-end lipstick shade.

Raspberry Sorbet is a warm, raspberry pink. It's quite opaque and vibrant on the lips.

Pink Parfait is a medium cool pink with more of a transparent finish.

Ballerina is quite similar to Pink Parfait but slightly warmer and lighter. Light opacity.

Lilac Tulle is a straight up warm lavender shade that's just right warm enough to look amazing on the skin. I could also call it a pastel pink-lavender, it's really a unique shade in my collection.

I adore these lipsticks!

I highly recommend you picking up one or two of them if you're lucky enough to find them.

They are about 14€ in Slovenia. You can find Isadora in bigger drugstores like Muller or in selected pharmacies. Unfortunately enough Isadora doesn't sell Jelly Kiss range in Slovenia anymore. If you're lucky you can spot them in LE collections or sets. Not sure if they've discontinued the line or just certain countries don't have entire range set? Let me know if you can still find Jelly Kiss at your counter.

Above all I'm pretty happy to see a lovely makeup brand that doesn't test on animals.

I've also heard that their mascaras are great for sensitive eyes.

If you have any other Isadora review requests leave them in the comment section.

My summer picks: Lipsticks

I love to wear lipsticks all year around and summer is no exception. 

My picks: 

-  NYX Round lipstick: Femme

- NYX Round lipstick: Rea 

- MAC lipstick: Cut a caper (or NYX Orange soda)

- Rimmel Lasting finish lipstick: Airy Fairy

- Isadora Jelly kiss: Coral Punch

- Lush Lip tint: Snow fairy

All of them are chosen for different looks I'm wearing through the summer. The most reached for is absolutely Isadora-Coral punch, which I mention constantly on my blog. Gives a nice kick to the look and is perfect for those who are afraid of opaque bold bright lipsticks. The color talks for itself but the formula is outstanding (feels more like a lipbalm and a water based gloss). I can already imagine myself with a cocktail on the beach and having this one on my lips.

NYX- Rea is mostly used when I feel like doing a nude-bronzed look without any funky color. The lipstick itself is a bit too dark for my pale complexion but I like the effect of ''neutral but bold''. Can be used with any clothes and compliments my freckles. Can be suitable for darker skin tones as a nude lipstick.

I was quite surprised by the smoothness of NYX lipsticks. They go on easily and are a bit scary with their pigmentation, especially NYX- Femme. It's known as a dupe for 2 MAC lipsticks from Venomous villans and Surf baby collection (Hibiscus lipstick). I do like the Nyx formula but it's a bit too slippery for me. I don't know..I find it a bit hard to work with their bold colors like this one and they wear off easily. Although, the color is just too pretty to resist having this on my lips with my red pair of slippers. 

Unfortunately I have to mention my limited edition MAC-Cut a caper (similar to MAC Ravishing). It's my perfect peachy shade and I will cry when it will be gone. 

Rimmel- Airy fairy smells good! I want to eat it all up. Smells like vanilla, toffee and tropical fruits at the same time. It's a perfect mauve pink with golden sparkles so it's really wearable through the day. It kind of reminds me of MAC Angel but Airy fairy is a bit more purple-toned and has golden sparkles. 

Lush Lip tint- Snow fairy is also not available anymore but we can expect it in December to come out once more. I already made a review on this one. Basically it smells like candy, it's easy to apply and gives a hint of fresh pink color.

L to R: Rea, Femme, Cut a caper, Airy Fairy, Coral punch, Snow fairy

the same order as above

And what's your fav one for the summer? Any recommendations?