This might be a slightly disjointed way to begin a makeup review but heck, I’m going to start here. I’m from a small family, really small. There aren’t many of us and we’re all spread out far and wide. I always joke that if I were to get married, my side of the venue would have no more than 8 people there max. When I was younger I always yearned to be apart of one of those big families where you’re best mates with your cousins and you have an army of siblings. Maybe a large Walton-esc family will be a new legacy I’ll try to initiate if I someday start my own family. And whilst it has been difficult having one portion of my small family based over on the East coast of America, when I do see them, we always have the best time.
I saw my Aunt and my cousin a few weeks ago, they came to visit me here in Liverpool and we discussed at length the uncanny parallels between my ‘borrowed’ city, Liverpool and their city, Boston. My Aunt, who also shares an appreciation of makeup and beauty rituals, very kindly brought me over a few US drugstore makeup products to try, a few of which you’ll see today and some in next week’s post.
First impressions of the found baked illuminating blush…
So let’s start with found. Inspired by natural ingredients from around the world, found products are formulated with natural botanicals and good-for-you-ingredients that are never tested on animals *yay.* I love what this brand is about, I love their packaging and their classic, simple branding.
Their pricepoint (in dollars) sits around the L’Oreal, Revlon mark – a mid-weight drugstore product in terms of price. I have been trying out the Baked Illuminating Blush with Rosehip Oil which retails at Walmart for $8.80 (about £6 in GBP.)
This is an illuminating blush that gives you a seriously healthy glow all thanks to a mineralised mix of pretty pink and subtle gold pigments. This is perfect for summertime when you want that ‘Just stepped off the beach’ glow without looking like Aunt Sally. I have the shade ’70 Pink Glow’ and it works really well when I’m wearing a slightly more tan foundation, and when I’m paler. There is a subtle shimmer to the formulation, but nothing too Edward Cullen-esc, don’t worry. Do I recommend it? 110%!
First impressions of the Milani ‘Stellar Lights’ Palette…
If Angels could sing RN! The Milani Stellar Lights palette in the ‘Rose Gold’ variant is a palette that really packs a punch! Just look at that glow! If you’re looking for buttery soft highlighters that are boosted by fabulous pigmentation, then you HAVE to get your hands on these highlighter shades.
Another cruelty-free brand, I have seen Milani absolutely killing it with some of their eye palettes in particular. Retailing at $13.00 or just under a tenner in GBP, you get 3 large pans of micro-milled product. Perfect for creating a number of warmer looks, I have been alternating between the peachy shade and the frosty white shade. Shade number 3, which is redder in tone looks really gorgeous on the eyelids if you’re a pale gal with light eyes like myself. First impressions? Milani are bang on the money with this beauty!
