ABH x Alyssa Edwards Eyeshadow Palette Review, Swatches: On Deep Set Eyes, Tan Skin

ABH x Alyssa Edwards Eyeshadow Palette Review, Swatches: On Deep Set Eyes, Tan Skin

Swatches Cosmetopia Digest   Thursday, July 11, 2019

After Modern Renaissance - reviewed here - no Anastasia Beverly Hills eyeshadow palette wowed me enough to make me buy it. Not Subculture, not Prism, not Soft Glam, not Norvina, nor Riviera.
Until the Alyssa Edwards palette.
Let me confess - I wasn't familiar with RuPaul's Drag Race until recently. And, when I first heard about this collab, I expected the shades to be even brighter than Riviera. This was, after all, a Summer palette. I expected neons. Electric hues.
But when I saw the colours, I was pleasantly surprised. Apart from a bright yellow, the rest weren't scary at all! Okay, there is a PURE white in there, but I can live with it (or even ignore it). The rest? Wearable. Fun to play with. Easy to subdue.
I call it my favourite non-drugstore palette of 2019 SO FAR. Why? You'll find out.

Scroll down for the review, swatches, and demo of the Anastasia Beverly Hills x Alyssa Edwards eyeshadow palette, and multiple looks on deep-set eyes.

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Revolution x Carmi Make Magic Palette Review, Swatches, Duochrome Makeup Tutorial

Revolution x Carmi Make Magic Palette Review, Swatches, Duochrome Makeup Tutorial

Videos Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, June 04, 2019

Are you ready for this? Duochrome eyeshadows! Magical blending! Easy-to-do EOTDs with depth and dimension!
Meet the Revolution x Carmi Make Magic Eyeshadow Palette, launched by Revolution Beauty in collaboration with beauty YouTuber Carmi MUA. This is Makeup Revolution's second collab with Carmi.
The Carmi Make Magic Palette is very different from the Tammi Tropical Carnival Palette, that I reviewed here - that was a lot bolder, more summery - this one isn't seasonal, you can use it at any time. 
The palette costs just £10, and contains 20 eyeshadows, of which six are a bit larger, and include duochromes, foils, metallics, glitters, and shimmers. The rest are matte or pearly/shimmery, no glitters. The colour scheme includes something for everyone. There are perfectly work-friendly neutrals, including the ideal base shades for those who are tan/warm/medium/olive hued. There are pops of colour that will see you through Summer. There are rich, smoky shades. There are ice-queen pales. Best of all, there are warm and cool eyeshadows in here. In short, I think this is one of the most universal palettes I've seen in a long while.

Scroll down for my review and swatches of the Revolution x Carmi Make Magic Palette, and a duochrome eye makeup tutorial.

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GRWM: Summer Night Makeup Look With Givenchy

GRWM: Summer Night Makeup Look With Givenchy

Videos Cosmetopia Digest   Wednesday, June 13, 2018

It has been a while since I did a full-face makeup look or tutorial. A bad breakout - as usual - was the reason. Now that things are slowly clearing up, I've been playing with makeup again.
My YouTube and Instagram followers may have seen my first haul of the year, from Sephora, a couple of months ago. I bought quite a bit of Givenchy makeup, including my first cream eyeshadow - a gorgeous purpley black affair. These are the products I used for my makeup look.
This is a purpley-black smoky eye makeup look for Summer nights out.

Scroll down for a Summer night out makeup tutorial with Givenchy products.

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Fresh-Faced Makeup Look: Fresh Start For 2018

Fresh-Faced Makeup Look: Fresh Start For 2018

YSL Cosmetopia Digest   Sunday, January 14, 2018

I had a very good first-half of 2017. Then, halfway through, Dad got bitten by a snake, and I was hospitalised with a severe case of anaphylaxis. Dad's doing better now, but then Gramps fell ill. I have allergy tests scheduled for next week.
So I hope 2018 is a lot better. To signify a fresh start for this year, I decided to do a fresh-faced makeup look. Dewy and soft, with very sheer foundation. Some mild peripheral warmth - no great contour. Soft neutral daytime-smoky eyes, and a gorgeously dusty-rose lipstick with coral undertones.

Scroll down for a wearable, fresh-faced makeup look tutorial, to make a fresh start for 2018! 

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Best Eyeshadow Palettes for Fall 2017

Best Eyeshadow Palettes for Fall 2017

Wycon Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, October 17, 2017

My favourite eye makeup for this time of the year involves orange, and ruddy hues. And, we've seen a plethora of palettes with those shades recently. To the extent where you might as well label burnt orange the eyeshadow colour of the year.
I've picked my favourite cruelty-free eyeshadow palettes in terms of pigmentation, performance, and shade choices, and have swatches and eye makeup looks for each palette - do watch this video, give me a thumbs-up, and subscribe to my channel. 


There are older releases in here, such as Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance, and newer launches such as TheBalm's Nude Beach, reviewed here. All palettes mentioned in this video are cruelty-free.

I prefer the burnt-orange/ruddy palette to the beige and brown based neutrals that were in vogue not so long ago. The former adds a bit of interest to my skintone, while remaining subtle enough for day-wear.

Which is your favourite palette for Fall 2017? Tell me in the comment box below.

SHOP THE BEST FALL 2017 EYESHADOW PALETTES:

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TheBalm Nude Beach Eyeshadow Palette Review, Swatches, FOTD

TheBalm Nude Beach Eyeshadow Palette Review, Swatches, FOTD

TheBalm Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Every time TheBalm releases an eyeshadow palette, my heart beats faster. I love their palettes so much, not only for the packaging, but also for the quality. That said, I was a bit meh after all the endless Balm Voyage and the Meet Matt(e) launches.
This time, TheBalm has launched the third installment of their famous neutral palette series - meet the Nude Beach Eyeshadow Palette. It follows the Nude'Tude and the Nude'Dude eye palettes, both of which are much-loved in my routine.
Yes, all three are sufficiently different from each other, as well as from other brands' neutral palettes. More details, including packaging, pigmentation, and performance, below.

Scroll down for the review, swatches, and demo of TheBalm Nude Beach Eyeshadow Palette.

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Makeup Geek Duochrome Eyeshadows Review, Swatches, EOTDs

Makeup Geek Duochrome Eyeshadows Review, Swatches, EOTDs

Swatches Cosmetopia Digest   Thursday, July 13, 2017

A few months ago, Beauty Bay had a lovely offer on Makeup Geek, and I indulged in some of their duochrome eyeshadows.
I've become so hooked to these that I will have to get all the duochromes they have. The beauty of these is that you only need the one eyeshadow for a look - and maybe a highlighter or base that can go into the corners.

Scroll down for the review and swatches of seven of the Makeup Geek Duochrome Eyeshadows.

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Soft Neutral Makeup Look With Duochrome Eyeshadow

Soft Neutral Makeup Look With Duochrome Eyeshadow

Videos Cosmetopia Digest   Thursday, April 27, 2017

Some days ago, I had showed you a makeup look featuring the Makeup Geek Duochrome Eyeshadow in the shade Ritzy - see here. Here is another FOTD, with the shade Havoc. I cannot get enough of the Makeup Geek Duochrome Eyeshadows. I want them all! I have also discovered a fondness for Chantecaille - I picked up a couple of their lipsticks on last year's Boxing Day sales, and cannot get enough of them.
This look was done soon after I underwent my second round of subcision for scar-revision, so you can see a bunch of needle-entry points on my cheeks, especially the right cheek. Because of the procedure, I only used a CC cream and not a full-coverage foundation - also, the snail mucin in the CC cream helps my ravaged skin heal faster.

Scroll down for a soft-glowy makeup look I did using Makeup Geek Duochrome Eyeshadows, Chantecaille lipstick, By Terry Sun Designer Palette, and more. 

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Makeup Video With HQHair Lust List

Makeup Video With HQHair Lust List

Videos Cosmetopia Digest   Wednesday, March 01, 2017

I did a dusky-neutral eye makeup look with a mauvey-pink lip, using the products on my HQHair Lust List, which I showed you yesterday here. This time, I have actually shared the step-by-step look on video as well.

Scroll down for a full-face makeup look featuring theBalm Appetit Eyeshadow Palette and Laura Geller Spackle Primer.

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Kat von D Metal Matte Eyeshadow Palette Review, Swatches, EOTD

Kat von D Metal Matte Eyeshadow Palette Review, Swatches, EOTD

Smoky eye Cosmetopia Digest   Thursday, January 12, 2017

The Kat von D Metal Matte Eyeshadow Palette launched in Sephora Dubai a couple of weeks ago. My Mum had asked me to get her a couple of brow products, and told me to get something for myself, on her. I decided to pick this one up. 
This palette has sold out online in the US, but those with access to a Sephora which stocks Kat von D can pick it up in-store.

Scroll down for the review, swatches and eye makeup looks with the Kat von D Metal Matte Eyeshadow Palette.

FOTD: Wycon Olive Green Eyeshadow, Korean Cosmetics

FOTD: Wycon Olive Green Eyeshadow, Korean Cosmetics

Wycon Cosmetopia Digest   Monday, August 15, 2016

A few days ago, I received a fun Korean beauty box, which I will show you later this week. I have been playing with the contents of the box ever since. This is a makeup look I did with some of the products, supplementing whatever the box lacked with other cosmetics from my own stash.

Scroll down for a full-face makeup look using olive green eyeshadow, Etude House BB Cream and other Korean cosmetics.

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Mauve Makeup Look With Jouer and ABH Modern Renaissance

Mauve Makeup Look With Jouer and ABH Modern Renaissance

Summer Cosmetopia Digest   Monday, July 18, 2016

Jouer's Long-Wear Lip Creme liquid lipstick in Cassis and Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance eyeshadow palette are two makeup products I've been obsessed with this Summer. Both are predominantly mauvey-pinkish.
I'm not incredibly comfortable showing the world my mug after the December infection, and am still grappling with some fading PIH and unevenness, but I figured since this is not a glossy magazine....

Scroll down for a mauve-themed full face makeup look with Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance eyeshadows and Jouer Long-Wear Lip Creme in Cassis.

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Viseart Paris Nude Eyeshadow Palette Review, Swatches, Eye Makeup Looks

Viseart Paris Nude Eyeshadow Palette Review, Swatches, Eye Makeup Looks

Viseart Cosmetopia Digest   Monday, June 06, 2016

At last, I gave in. I bought my first Viseart eyeshadow palette earlier this year - it was my first palette of 2016. I wanted Dark Mattes but it was out of stock at the time, so I settled for Paris Nude (06). Viseart is a professional makeup brand used widely in the French film and television industries. All their cosmetics are handmade in Paris. 

Scroll down for review and swatches of the Viseart Paris Nude palette and for eye makeup looks.

Cargo Cosmetics Land Down Under Eye Palette Review, Swatches

Cargo Cosmetics Land Down Under Eye Palette Review, Swatches

Swatches Cosmetopia Digest   Thursday, May 19, 2016

Cargo Cosmetics Land Down Under is the second eyeshadow palette I bought this year. Shocking, innit? I have a strict limit of six (ideally five) palettes this year, and, with seven months left, I might actually meet that target.
The moment I saw this on Cindy's blog, Prime Beauty, I knew I wanted it. For starters, it is Cargo and I always love the colour choices in their palettes. For another - Aussie theme! I made a bunch of Aussie friends at uni - whose sense of humour was the best - and we've had some amazing times together. Cargo has been doing location-themed palettes for a while now. We have seen Paris, Shanghai, NY, Venice, and now this.

Scroll down for the review and swatches of Cargo Cosmetics Land Down Under Eyeshadow Palette, and my EOTDs.

Makeon Princess Limited Edition Bronze Spectrum Waterproof Gel Liner Season III Review, Swatches, EOTDs

Makeon Princess Limited Edition Bronze Spectrum Waterproof Gel Liner Season III Review, Swatches, EOTDs

Tosowoong Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Korean brand Tosowoong has been releasing limited edition Makeon Princess Gel Liner sets in seriously cute tin packaging, over the last couple of years. The first set had a mermaid-themed packaging and the liners were pearly while the second season's offering came with smoky eyeliners. This year's Season III set of Tosowoong Makeon Princess Limited Edition Bronze Spectrum Waterproof Gel Liners - costing just $8.77 - comes in Cleopatra-themed packaging and the liners are bronze-centric.
For new entrants into the world of Korean cosmetics, Tosowoong is a skincare giant whose Dr Troubex range gets my contrary, obstinate, badly-behaved skin out of troubles. Makeon Princess is their gel pencil liner range and they have had three limited edition sets out so far.

Scroll down for the review, swatches and eye makeup looks with Tosowoong Makeon Princess Limited Edition Bronze Spectrum Waterproof Gel Liners Season III.

Charlotte Tilbury Nocturnal Cat Eyes To Hypnotise: On The Prowl, Supernova

Charlotte Tilbury Nocturnal Cat Eyes To Hypnotise: On The Prowl, Supernova

Swatches Cosmetopia Digest   Saturday, January 23, 2016

I am yet to come across a Charlotte Tilbury product I dislike. I am SO obsessed with her products that I just want everything in multiples, thank you! I was thrilled to find a couple of Nocturnal Cat Eyes To Hypnotise products in my Charlotte Tilbury Advent Calendar 2015, reviewed here. The Nocturnal Cat Eyes To Hypnotise sets contain an eyeshadow and a complementing eyeliner - all you need for a complete eye makeup look. I received the eyeshadow in the shade On The Prowl, and Rock 'N' Kohl Iconic Liquid Eye Pencil in Supernova.
Since these came in the Advent Calendar, I did not get the external box that comes with the Nocturnal Cat Eyes set.

Scroll down for review, swatches and eye makeup looks using Charlotte Tilbury Nocturnal Cat Eyes To Hypnotise On The Prowl.

FOTD: Holiday Bold Lip Makeup Ft. Bourjois Air Mat Foundation, Estee Lauder Colour Portfolio

FOTD: Holiday Bold Lip Makeup Ft. Bourjois Air Mat Foundation, Estee Lauder Colour Portfolio

Smoky eye Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Dusty rose is the lip colour I reach for about 90 per cent of the time. The other 10 per cent, I reach for similar subtle neutrals, mauves or corals. I was flipping through my 2015 diary and saw the New Year Resolutions made last January - experimenting with bolder lipstick was on the list. A pity to let the year go by without trying it out, so I reached for a recent golden orange-red purchase.

Scroll down for my Holiday makeup look, featuring bold lipstick, Bourjois Air Mat Foundation and Estee Lauder Colour Portfolio 2015.

Estee Lauder Colour Portfolio Ultimate Makeup Kit for Holiday 2015 Review, Swatches, EOTD

Estee Lauder Colour Portfolio Ultimate Makeup Kit for Holiday 2015 Review, Swatches, EOTD

Travel Cosmetopia Digest   Monday, December 21, 2015

Did you like the Lancome Auda[City] in Paris eyeshadow palette, reviewed here? If yes, you need the Estee Lauder Colour Portfolio Ultimate Makeup Kit for Holiday 2015. No, they are not dupes. Similar soft neutrals across the spectrum - not just meh browns, but also rosy, khaki, purple and smoky shades. A similar wearable mix of s shimmers, satins and mattes without chunky glitter.

Scroll down for the review and swatches of the Estee Lauder Colour Portfolio Ultimate Makeup Kit for Holiday 2015.

FOTD: Magenta Eye Makeup Ft. Smashbox Art Love Color, Too Faced Born This Way

FOTD: Magenta Eye Makeup Ft. Smashbox Art Love Color, Too Faced Born This Way

Winter Cosmetopia Digest   Monday, December 14, 2015

With all the Holiday parties coming up, it is time to step out of the comfort zone and spice up the makeup to look vibrant and festive. I have not been brave enough to ditch the dusty rose lipstick yet - next time, I promise! - but made myself reach for magenta eyeshadow, a colour I have not worn before. This look features my favourite lipstick of 2015.

Scroll down for a full-face makeup look featuring magenta eye makeup, using the Smashbox Art. Love. Color. palette and Too Faced Born This Way foundation.

Smashbox Art. Love. Colour. Holiday 2015 Master Class III Palette Review, Swatches, EOTDs

Smashbox Art. Love. Colour. Holiday 2015 Master Class III Palette Review, Swatches, EOTDs

Swatches Cosmetopia Digest   Friday, November 27, 2015

The Smashbox Art. Love. Colour. Master Class III Palette for Holiday 2015 palette was an impulse buy for me. It contains a mix of 32 neutrals, khakis, purples and brights, as well as six blushes and highlighters. I had not tried previous Master Class palettes. The only other Smashbox palette I have used before is Double Exposure, which I love.
The Holiday 2015 Smashbox Master Class III palette has been designed by drop-dead gorgeous Spanish painter Yago Hortal Hernandez. To be honest, and this is purely subjective, the design of the palette does not scream "Christmas" to me, and looks summery and bright. But let us concern ourselves with the inside of the palette.

Scroll down for the review, eye makeup looks and swatches of the Smashbox Art. Love. Colour. Master Class III Palette for Holiday 2015.