New L'Oreal makeup on test: Lip Paints, Infallible Blush Palettes & XFiber mascara

Blush palettes, lipsticks and iconic mascara - all new and glamed up? L'Oreal gives no mercy and all new releases look top notch. I'm in love with Infaillible Blush Paints and I'm still swooning over Lip Paints in two different textures. All colours are right up my alley, including red Lip Paint and coral blush palette, which I usually skip. Actually Amber Blush Paint even beat out my usual pink flushes as it has lovely, shimmery NARS kind-of shades.

New Makeup Products & Launches on my Vanity: Spring 2017

Drugstore and other makeup brands are in the low start for this upcoming Spring as they're already totally in bloom. My makeup vanity is filled with new, exciting releases that just scream after flowers, warm weather and sun. Shall we dig into my makeup bouquet and take a better look at new launches?

L'Oreal Color Riche La Palette: Review, Test & Swatches

Lip palettes were never my thing, but sometimes, I even amaze myself. I got the opportunity to test out two new lip additions by L'Oreal Paris, called Color Riche La Palette. On the first glance, two lip palettes seemed like nothing I would ever regularly use. They seem so impractical and messy while I was doubting quality as well. Certainly, I was massively wrong. L'Oreal La Palette is a cute, pocket-friendly invention with the most pigmented lipsticks from Color Riche range. Some shades can even compare to popular Mac lipsticks and 6 lip shades are definitely a bargain at about 13,99€...

All NEW Makeup on my Vanity: Sephora Haul, Drugstore & more

If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably noticed I've been enjoying my time in Spain. There's no better way than Valencia to merge beaches, aquarium, city break, beautiful architecture and shopping in one. Spain is like a meet point of all makeup around the world - from highly concentrated Sephora on every corner, to UK and European drugstores, up to Korean variety of Tony Moly. Sticking to Sephora, I've been excited to finally pick additional Too Faced pieces. I could say it's one of my favourite brands but it's a pain in the ass buying it online or finding their counter in Europe. Also, Kat Von D is exclusively sold in Sephora so I won't even lose words on that. 

New makeup at L'Oreal and Maybelline

L'Oreal Paris and Maybelline are blooming just when we thought they won't. A new extensive set of products stormed into our drugstores before we've (almost) quit. Maybelline made some drastic changes while L'Oreal released some pretty sweet pieces as well. L'Oreal Superstar line with the front star J.Lo is all about black, big and dramatic.

Remember past 2-phase mascaras with white side for dramatic, spidery lashes? Well, L'Oreal Paris re-started everything all over again. This time, improved L'Oreal False Lash Superstar Mascara (15,65€, drugstores like DM, Muller) brings big and voluminous lashes without clumps. Natural is not the flirting word with this mascara. White base makes lashes thicker and pronounced while second layer gives ultra black finish. First white layer has a same-like consistency as regular mascara, no fibers or particles whatsoever. I was personally always a fan of these kind of mascaras and I still remember my first golden L'Oreal tube in high school. The brush shape is nothing extra. Keep in mind, that this mascara does clump lashes a bit but I personally love big, almost spidery lashes. Visible and huge lashes make me happy. Can't say it's my favourite but I like the finished result altogether. If you're still grieving the past version, I'm sure you'll love new one as well.

L'Oreal Super Liner Superstar (10,19€, drugstores) might be the best eyeliner that I've ever tried. Yes indeed, your ultimate eyeliner freak likes this thingie so much. Bendable brush tip is just perfect for adjusting to your eye shape. Ultra black formula is strong enough to be layered over powder eyeshadows. Ah, I just hate when an eyeliner stops working because of layering over powder products. Does that happen to you too? Well, not anymore. I've been using this product for over several months now and it's still running smoothly. On top of all, it doesn't crease on bare eyelids. It's almost as waterproof and doesn't crack with movement. Finish is not matte but rather satin smooth. 5 Stars from me!

Maybelline The Blushed Nudes Palette (11,90€, drugstores like DM and Muller) is a rather delightful discovery on our drugstore shelves. Pigmentation is way better and improved in comparison to original The Nudes palette (review here). If you love new Essence palettes with super buttery eyeshadows, this has almost the same formula. They are richly pigmented and quite soft as they tend to crumble with high pressure. Still, I had no problems wearing them all day - only the darker shades slightly faded in intensity. No creasing or transferring whatsoever. Also, shade combination is pretty unique but still in the rows of neutral and mauve. Swatches are made without a primer, on bare skin!

Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick (6,99€ a piece, drugstores) are my personal gems out of them all. I was so drawn to them, that I even managed to infect my co-workers. Finally, new matte lipsticks on our market. Well, not so much. They are actually in the same category as NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams, moussey and airy in texture. Above all, I got some feedback that the brighter shades actually don't dry up totally matte with time. And yes, I totally understand that it is a pretty good argument to be upset about them. Still, I choose the nudest out of them all - Nude Thrill, a brownish peach, and Nude Flush, modern mauve rose. I need to emphasise that I personally love them. They're not totally matte but rather a satin finish. They apply as soft mousse lipglosses with a bit of shine. Shine tends to disappear (at least on these 2 nude shades) within an hour or two. You're left with a comfortable formula that lasts up to 5 hours. It's not the most long wearing product on the market, but the nice feel on the lips repays it all. As a note, be careful at choosing colours. Possessed Plum is apparently the patchiest out of them all. Oh, and I bought both of them on my own - not to be mistaken. 

Don't forget to blot Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipsticks with a tissue, if you prefer more of a satin-matte finish. It makes all the difference, while formula is still comfortable and mousse-like. Color is slightly less intense and saturated but still wonderful.

My highlight is definitely the L'oreal Paris Superstar Eyeliner, which quickly became my ultimate necessity. Also, I'm religiously wearing my nude Vivid Matte Liquids everyday. Maybelline The Blushed Nudes and L'Oreal Superstar are favourites too, just not as intensely. Be careful before purchasing Vivid Matte Liquids - just to be clear, if you're on a hunt after super duper matte lipstick, Vivid Matte Liquid is not ''THE IT''. Maybelline and L'Oreal Paris are available worldwide in almost any nearby drugstore (DM, Tuš Drogerija, Muller for Slovenia).

L'Oreal Color Riche Lipstick: Laetitia's Pure Red

L'Oreal and Maybelline were never my prefered brands of makeup. Outdated stands make everything even worse and it usually makes me angry to see a full range of products abroad. So let's say I'm a bit of a rebel when it comes buying their products. Still, due to recently beloved line of Maybelline Creamy Mattes, (which I've ordered online for the same reason as above) I wanted to give a fair go with sisterly L'Oreal Color Riche line that's supposedly pretty matte. Glorious Laetitia's Pure Red was the only one that caught my attention before the release of new La Vie En Rose line, as I'm not much of a red lipstick fan.

SLO

L'Oreal in Maybelline nista bila skoraj nikoli prva na mojem spisku najljubših znamk. Priznam, da kar nekaj produktov niti ne poznam, hkrati pa je za to malce kriva tudi slabša ponudba v Sloveniji. Dejansko me kar malce razjezi, ko raziskujem boljše, dobro založene police v tujini. Zato me raje opredelimo kot tiho upornico proti slabo založenim policam na našem kozmetičnem trgu. Ker sem dejansko navdušena nad novo Maybelline linijo Creamy Mattes šmink, sem se končno odločila tudi za nakup sestrske linije L'Oreal Color Riche, ki ima večinoma mat učinek. Laetitia's Pure Red me je prevzela z vampirsko močjo v sami tubi, obenem pa me ostali svetlejši odtenki rdeče niti niso tako mikali. Vse dokler ni nedavno prišla na naš trg nova kolekcija roza rdečil La Vie En Rose v istem mat učinku...

Laetitia's Pure Red is not the darkest red in my collection and it has quite a big portion of berry undertone within. I would say it's a berry dark red with hidden pink tones. It needs to be applied at least in 2 coats to get fully opacity and vampy looking effect. Quite frankly, I expected more from the color itself. While it looks intimidating night red in the tube, it transfers rather berry-esh and warm, think Mac Rebel as an example. This might be a good news to some and it's quite an unusual mix of red, berry and pink. In terms of texture, I can only say it's pretty matte, similar to regular Mac Mattes. Applies satin and slowly drains the moisture within 5 hours. Honestly, my lips like a small raisin after 5 hours. Literally. Lipbalm is a pure handbag necessity with this lipstick. Other than that, it's pretty longlasting and has a strong staining power. It has a granny-like lipstick scent while packaging feels luxurious compared to standard L'Oreal lipsticks.

Laetitia's Pure Red dejansko ni tako temna kot se zdi na prvi pogled. Vampirsko črno rdeča se ob stiku s kožo prelevi v nosljivo bordo rdečo z močnim roza/jagodnim podtonom. Kar izgleda kot popolna izbira za vsako žensko, je mene malce razočaralo. Vedno sem na lovu za nenavadnimi odtenki, kar pa Laetitia's Pure Red dejansko je in obenem ni. Z dvema slojema pridobite popolnoma prekrivno satenasto formulo, ki se sčasoma prelevi v mat zaključek. To je lahko odlična novica za vse, ki iščete dolgo obstojno in glamurozno rdečo z odtenkom jagodičevja. Po sami teksturi je dokaj podobna klasičnim Mac Matte šminkam, obenem pa ustnice po več kot 5 urah tudi malce izsuši. Kar je dokaj normalno za mat zaključek, vendar bom ostala kritična. Po 5-6 urah so bile moje ustnice že sicer podobne majhni rozini, vendar se da to odpraviti z balzamom v drugi roki. Če se dotaknem še obstojnosti, Laetitia's Pure Red je resnično dolgo obstojna pri več kot 6 urah in pusti tudi klasičen ''odtis'' na samih ustnicah. Omenila bi tudi tipičen vonj L'Oreal šmink, ki malce spominja na babičina ličila, embalaža pa deluje dokaj razkošno in trpežno.

Formula is worthy of checking as it's still pretty unusual to stumble upon a good matte lip in the drugstores. However, lipstick itself is pretty pricey (about 13€ if I'm not mistaken) so try catching them on annual sales. Yes, I expected more and I would love to see a bit more deeper and cooler effect. I still love it yet I'm not totally in love, if it makes any sense. Also check Mateja's review as Laetitia's Pure Red looks darker on her. I had to check mine twice if I even bought the same shade as lovely Mateja. Also, I've never experienced such a ''raisin lip effect'' before but it might be just because I hadn't had enough water these days. Smaller lips, beware. It's not the most flattering matte lipstick on the market. If you're willing to look-over that fact, you'll actually enjoy it as much as I do - occasionally or regularly in Autumn.

Sama formula L'Oreal Color Riche je dejansko odlična za drogerijski izdelek. Tukaj pa ni tako odlična cena, saj presega skoraj dobrih 13€. Priporočam nakup ob sezonskih znižanjih, saj jo lahko ujamete tudi za 30% manj cene. Priznam, da sem pričakovala malce več dramatičnosti in vampirskega učinka, kljub temu pa bo Laetitia's Pure Red stalnica za jesen. Naj še enkrat opozorim, da šminka izsuši ustnice s časom, zato se oborožite z balzamom za ustnice. Mogoče pa je krivda z moje strani, saj v teh delovnih dneh nisem posvečala dovolj pozornosti pitju vode. Če ste pripravljeni prezreti dokaj izsušujočo formulo, potem boste lahko uživali v vsej njeni lepoti tudi vi - občasno ali pogosteje v jeseni. Odtenek je na voljo v DM in Muller poslovalnicah.

Primers & Potions for Dry Skin

Sometimes even the most hydrating or luminous foundation can't properly deal with dry skin, patches or flaky bits. Although my skin isn't the driest of them all, I still experience flaky nose and dry cheeks once in a while. Exfoliation, oils and good face cream are the core to treat dry skin, however, that's not always the case to prevent dry looking skin upon foundation. How to minimise the appearance of dry skin? It's a question I've been dealing while doing makeup on others and my own skin. The best solution are definitely luminous or slightly silicone based primers. Also, a good nourishing but not too heavy day cream can make wonders. Let's see what are my current discovered picks...

I've been highly impressed by Clarins Beauty Flash Balm (around 35€ for 50ml) in the past. It tightens, minimises imperfections and adds a natural within glow to your face. It does wonders for dull, mature or dry skin with imperfections. It's incredible, let's be honest. While I sometimes can't decide if a high-end product is still worth the price, Beauty Flash Balm definitely deserves higher price tag. My more in depth review was published here, while you can still participate to win a small 15ml size of Clarins Beauty Flash balm to try it out.

Vichy Idealia Life Serum (38,63€ for 30ml, EU & UK) combines skincare and makeup, all in one. Not only it moisturises tremendously, it also adds subtle glow, reduces ageing with acids and helps speeding up renovation of your skin. Serum itself looks like a light pastel pink cream with a rosy pink glow shift. It doesn't have any particular shimmer particles but still manages to illuminate and hide imperfections. Basically, there is only one step with Vichy to prep your skin before foundation.

Max Factor Face Finity All Day Primer (50ml for 12,99€, EU) feels like diluted silicone which fills in wrinkles, improves skin texture and smooths out imperfections. It's pleasant and not to heavy to wear on a daily basis. Also, it prolongs wear of foundation for a few good hours. This primer is easily the best not-entirely-silicone-based primer in drugstore. While this primer will do wonders for oily skin, it's suitable for all skin types. My dry skin looks less dry while it still manages to hide flaky bits. Warmly recommend it to try it out. 

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Primer (around 14€ for 20ml) is a typical primer with illuminating particles. As a versatile product you can easily use it as a primer, as a highlighter or mix it in with foundation. Illuminates and adds a healthy glow to dull skin. Indeed, shimmer particles are in almost pure white colour which makes it suitable for any skintone. One thing I should mention with this product is, that it doesn't camouflage dry bits and it is slightly visible on the sun. While it gives a lovely, natural glow it's a bit overpriced at only 20ml.

Seventeen WOW! Skin Highlighter (30ml for around 8€, UK) contains pink reflecting particles for a fresh and dewy glow. Seventeen highlighter is hardcore shimmery so you'll need only a tiny drop for entire face. Again, it doesn't help to change your skin texture but illuminates your face. A good value for your money.

L'Occitane Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Cream (50ml for 38,10€) hides imperfections, decadently illuminates, perfects your skin texture and regulates moisture, leaving your skin nourished and subtle the entire day. Dry skin and flaky areas in particular are improved and regulated by pivoine extract. It can be easily used as a primer before foundation, while it also prolongs your makeup wear. You can read a more in depth impressions here.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Light Comforting Cream (50ml for 28,50€) is a perfect match for dry skin in warmer months. While it's in no way greasy, I would actually recommend it to all skin types. Due to 5% of shea butter, it still manages to be rich and nourishing. Works wonderfully as a primer or a base. Clean shea butter scent, also the main key ingredient, helps to achieve comfort on all skin types. I absolutely love this little gem and I'm already planning to buy Shea Ultra Rich Comforting Cream for colder months. Actually, I love the entire Shea Butter skincare that L'Occitane carries, along with Shea Fresh Face Water and Shea Cleansing Oil. Read a more in depth review for Shea Butter Face Collection here.

Dry and fairly visible areas can also be minimised with oil. I pat my dry nose with non-greasy oil when flaky bits are still overly visible. But looking generally at primers for dry skin, I enjoy using perfecting primers or creams like L'Occitane Pivoine Sublime and Clarins Beauty Flash Balm which not only deliver within glow but also helps to reduce the appearance of dryness and dry skin texture. Illuminating bases are great for adding extra glow, however, they're not as efficient in covering dry texture. 

Budget Buy: L'Oreal Öl Richesse Cleansing Oil

Cleansing oil in every European drugstore? It seems like a dream come true. Finally, we were hit by a proper, budget-friendly cleansing oil by L'Oreal. Of course, who else other than L'Oreal. By a massive disappointment with Balea Oil Cleanser, L'Oreal Cleansing Oil deserves to occupy space in my bathroom cabinet.

L'Oreal Öl Richesse Cleansing Oil does everything I want from a cleansing oil. It has a standard oil consistency for massaging while it transforms into blurry white consistency in contact with water. Texture is indeed, a bit more watery and runny as usual cleansing oils, leaving a slight doubt about actual oil ingredient. In fact, mineral oil is the only key ingredient in this product so be careful if you're blemish prone. Mineral oil can cause breakouts if your skin is sensitive. Oil leaves no residue whatsoever, only cleansed skin. Cleansing oils are pretty much the fastest method to remove your stubborn makeup. In this case, L'Oreal Cleansing Oil also melts down your eye makeup. Mascara in particular, is not so easily removed. You have to make a few circle motions around your eyes before you can break down the product from your lashes. Personally, I don't mind investing a minute or two for gently massaging my eye area. Altogether, oil removes base makeup, including eyeshadows, liners and lipsticks. With mascara, I gently remove residue with coconut oil afterwards. Scent is almost tropical, like a mix of pineapple and melon. For the ingredients, they are...let's say, typical L'Oreal.

COMPARISON

Comparing L'Oreal Oil to The Body Shop Chamomile Cleansing Oil and L'Occitane Shea Cleansing Oil, it's smoother and not as thick in texture. Which is actually a bit irritating to always watch over spillage. Also, it removes mascara less efficiently and has a strong fruit scent. In terms of ingredients, L'Oreal contains mineral oil while L'Occitane Shea Cleansing Oil has the least ''harmful'' ingredients. The Body Shop uses soy oil as a base, L'Occitane contains sunflower seed oil and L'Oreal uses mineral oil as a main base. The Body Shop holds 200ml for 13€, L'Occitane bottles hold 200ml for 19,30€ while L'Oreal holds 150ml for 8,99€. 

All in all, new L'Oreal Cleansing Oil is a good alternative to high-end versions. It's not my favourite but it will serve as a perfectly nice pre-cleanser for every day. It's a first budget oil alternative that  removes makeup fairly well without breaking your piggy bank. L'Oreal Öl Richesse Cleansing Oil retails 8,99€ for 150ml. It's not the cheapest among drugstore cleansers yet it delivers. I believe this is currently sold only in Müller and other bigger European drugstores.