AVON PERFECTLY MATTE LIPSTICKS

Due to pure curiosity, I ordered 3 of these Avon lipsticks. I was never really a fan of Avon but I was intrigued to try these matte lipsticks...

These lipsticks are on sale from £8 to £5.50 and you can buy them here.

As almost a third of the price of a MAC lipstick, these claim to be "more matte than MAC'. First I tested these on their own, but when I saw the results, I didn't even think about swatching these next to my MAC matte lipstick because it was clear that these are no way near as matte as MAC!

^ Left to Right: Marvellous Mocha, Absolute Coral, Posh Petal

^ Left to Right: Posh Petal, Absolute Coral, Marvellous Mocha

Formula:

These lipsticks are very creamy during application and they are very pigmented for their price. However, they do not last very long and tend to wear off quickly when you eat/drink which is inconvenient. When applied, they have a slight sheen and you would expect it to go matte but disappointingly it doesn't.

Shade range
On the website the shade range for these lipsticks looks incredible and very similar to some popular high end shades. It is unfortunate that the shades don't match the corresponding ones on the website which is also very inconvenient if you're looking for shade dupes for trails. If you do find a good shade that would be an alternative to high end lipsticks, the price of these lipsticks is conventient for trying out if you like the shade before you spend a lot of money on a high end one.

Is it worth it?
Personally, I won't be purchasing more of these lipsticks and i'd recommend spending a bit more on a higher end lipstick for instance MAC, or there are plenty dupes in the drugstore like the Rimmel lipsticks that are closely compared to good quality ones.

Shades

Absolute coral is an orange toned red which is great for summer. This lipstick shade doesn't match with the colour on the website which is more of a brown toned orange. I think this lipstick would look good on a lot of skin tones due to the red undertones.

Marvellous Mocha is the most successful shade out of the 3 that I have. It also corresponds to the colour on the website the most. It is a shade that would be a dupe for many lipsticks since it's a very pretty browny nude shade. 

Posh Petal is a very baby pink shade that would only suit the most fairest skin tones. The colour on the website looks very lilac and mauve when really it is straight up pink. Do not purchase this if you have darker skin tones because this can be closely compared to a pink undertone concealer.

Let me know what you think of these lipsticks if you own one..

-natalia-

TOP 7 BEACH ESSENTIALS

Hello! It's been a while since I've written a blog post - I've lost the plot and creativity but now summer is coming up and I have one too many posts & products to share with you..

Here are a few of my beach/holiday essentials which should be in your beach bag!

1. The Body Shop Fijian Water Lotus Body Cream £14

I think we all know that The Body Shop is the best with their seasonal ranges.. Now that it's summer, we have a Fijian Water Lotus range which smells of breezy fresh goodness. Trust me, go smell it. 

This is a Body Cream rather than a Body Butter which means it's much lighter and thinner so it absorbs very fast therefore you won't have that sticky moisturiser can't-touch-anything feel. The range also includes fragrance mists, shower gel, eau de toilette, and lotion - all you could ask for.

2. Mac Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation £22

Usually, no one likes wearing a full face of make up during the summer. This product is perfect to just swipe on for a little bit of natural coverage if you're going out in the evening and you don't want the hassle with foundation etc. It also isn't heavy or thick looking which is good.

3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios AC Anti Shine Matte Fluid SPF 30 £12

If you have oily spot prone skin and you want to protect your face from the sun at a reasonable price, stop right here and purchase this in your local Boots. The consistency of this sun cream is really thin and white, when applied it absorbs very quickly. It doesn't make me less or more oily than I already am, it also doesn't break me out at all unlike a usual thick sun cream would. Can I also mention that this is water resistant? Amazing.

4. Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray £22 

So for the days when you wear makeup, this product will help your makeup stay on and look good all day. It also removes any powder residue in your makeup for a flawless finish. It is also oil free so it's perfect if you have oily skin.

5. Barry M Gelly Nail Paint 'Lychee'  £3.99

I made a post talking about the Coconut Infusion Nail Paints which you can read here. I really liked those and I thought I'd try the original range. I picked up a similar shade to "skinny dip" since I really like natural nude shades for nails. Both ranges are perfect for summer with the different range of shades at a small price.

6. Graze Subscription Box £3.99/month

I have been subscribed to this box since mid May and I loved every box from them. These are simply little boxes of joy. You can pick out what you like, dislike, want to try, and what you'd like them to send you in the next box. My favourite snacks have been: The Graze Brownie, Brilliant Banana Bread with Dates and Hazelnuts, Original Fruity Flapjack and last but not least the Herby Bread Basket. I highly recommend this subscription! They also give a lot of offers and free boxes when you sign up!

7. SPOTIFY! £9.99/month premium

Recently I purchased 3 months of Spotify Premium for 99p which was the best decision ever! And I know I will carry on my subscription with the full price after it ends. It just feels amazing to be able to click any song you want without ads and shuffling the playlist! 

Here are my Top 10 Summer Upbeat songs which you probably never heard of.. 

1. Don't Need Your Love by Lucas Nord

2. U Know by Fossa Beats

3. Borderline (Vanic Remix) by Tove Styrke

4. 3 Strikes by Terror Jr

5. Indian Summer by Jai Wolf

6. Gold by Kiiara

7. I'm In Control by Aluna George, Popcaan

8. Able to See Me by Hippie Sabotage

9. Stay by Kygo, Maty Noyes

10. Never Be Like You by Flume

Let me know what your favourite Summer Vibe songs are. I'd love any recommendations!

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I'd like to recommend a brand that retails things like swimwear and sleepwear. They have every style, colour or shape of swimwear that you would ever want! I've had a long browse through their lovely swimming costumes and I'd love to let you know about it too! If you click HERE you will be redirected to their shop and HERE to their Instagram page! Let me know what you think of their gorgeous items!

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Natalia x

 Here are just a few more 'artsy' close up s

hots of products mentioned in this post :)