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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Makeup Revolution Haul + Free Beauty Mystery Bags Contents

Makeup Revolution Haul + Free Beauty Mystery Bags Contents

Summer Cosmetopia Digest   Sunday, May 12, 2019

Recently, I hauled from Revolution Beauty - formerly Makeup Revolution - and received two free Mystery Bags, which are full of full-sized makeup. The Mystery Bags are a regular offer from Revolution every couple of months or so, and are free with purchase of products worth £30 across the site. They're supposed to contain makeup worth at least £28-£30. I made my haul in two different orders, so I got two free goodie bags.
I'm going to show you what I hauled, as well as what I got free, and whether the contents of both the Mystery Bags are the same.

UPDATE: MYSTERY BAGS ARE BACK RIGHT UP, FROM JULY 23, FROM HERE. They will be VERY different from the contents of the bags you'll see further below in this post, BUT all the bags in one "season" will be the same, so don't buy more than one (unless you WANT two LOL). 

Scroll down to see my Makeup Revolution haul, and the contents of TWO Revolution Beauty FREE Mystery Bags.

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Mid-Year Makeup Giveaway 2018: Open Worldwide

Mid-Year Makeup Giveaway 2018: Open Worldwide

Tarte Cosmetopia Digest   Friday, May 18, 2018

As promised, my mid-year makeup giveaway is on - it is open to my YouTube and email subscribers.
The giveaway is open worldwide, as usual, and closes on July 15, 2018.
The winner - one person - gets an assortment of 12 makeup products. Winners WILL only be chosen by the Gleam widget at random - NOT by me, thanks very much!
As usual, comments containing profanity, rudeness, racism, hyper-links, promos of MLM, entreaties to pick you as a winner, and so on, will not be published.
Enough. Off you go; look at the prizes, rules, and entry form.

Scroll down for my mid-year makeup giveaway, open worldwide.

Makeup Revolution Easter Surprise Eggs Swatches, Demo, Review

Makeup Revolution Easter Surprise Eggs Swatches, Demo, Review

Videos Cosmetopia Digest   Friday, April 06, 2018

I hope you enjoyed your Easter break. Remember I told you about the Makeup Revolution Easter Surprise Eggs a few days ago? I got mine finally, and, as promised, I have swatches, review, and a makeup look for you.
For those who came in late, the Easter Surprise Eggs are Makeup Revolution's Easter launch. They are metallic "Eggs" that contain five eyeshadows and two highlighters apiece. Each one costs just £5. There are six eggs in all. I accidentally ordered only five - don't ask me how; it was an oversight.
The eggs are colour-coordinated, and four of them are named of mythical creatures - Unicorn, Mermaid, Dragon, and Angel. The other two are Gold and Rose Gold, and you can guess the colour scheme inside.

Scroll down for the review, swatches, demo, and makeup look of the Makeup Revolution Easter Surprise Eggs. 

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Gorgeous Easter Egg Surprise Palettes From Makeup Revolution

Gorgeous Easter Egg Surprise Palettes From Makeup Revolution

Reviews Cosmetopia Digest   Friday, March 16, 2018

I cannot get over the irresistibly cute Easter collection from Makeup Revolution - I need them all, for sure!
These are six colourful Easter Eggs that you open to find five eyeshadows, and two highlighters. PERFECT for travel. Perfect to look cute on your vanity. Perfect to gift someone.
Each egg is perfectly coordinated in terms of the shades inside, as well as the external colour of the egg. Get an empty six-egg box from the supermarket, stash these into it, and place on your vanity to grab Insta-eyeballs.
These are JUST £5 EACH! So that's £30 for the lot. A steal, what? Rush to get yours here in time for Easter!
Stay tuned for my review, swatches, and makeup looks with these - as soon as I saw them, I ordered the lot! 

Scroll down for details on the Easter Egg Surprises From Makeup Revolution.

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Best of Beauty 2017: Makeup Favourites Part I

Best of Beauty 2017: Makeup Favourites Part I

TheBalm Cosmetopia Digest   Friday, December 29, 2017

Mum took me shopping for clothes over Boxing Day, and it was an absolute riot, with crowds everywhere. Anyway, we compromised, with me buying mostly navy blue dresses, and a couple of greys, browns, greens, and maroons thrown in for good measure. I have no idea why I prefer sombre colours so much - it just won't go away.
I also managed to get my paws on the Beautylish Lucky Bag for 2018 - can't wait for it to arrive; stay tuned for my unboxing.
Before it arrives (it only ships out by Jan 12), let's take a quick gander at 2017's best makeup products. There are too many to go, so I've split it up into two posts. Stay tuned for part deux shortly.

Scroll down for my favourite makeup products of 2017 - these are foundations and eyeshadows.

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Makeup Revolution Chocolate Rose Gold Eye Palette Review, Swatches, Tutorial

Makeup Revolution Chocolate Rose Gold Eye Palette Review, Swatches, Tutorial

Swatches Cosmetopia Digest   Wednesday, December 13, 2017

You cannot go wrong with the Makeup Revolution Eyeshadow Palettes. They are superbly pigmented, perform really well, and are very affordable. Also, they are cruelty-free. I do wish a bunch of higher-end brands *cough Too Faced cough* would take a leaf from MUR's book and up their eyeshadow quality.
I have their Chocolate Rose Gold Eyeshadow Palette to show you today; this is a very close dupe of the Huda Beauty Textured Rose Gold Eyeshadow Palette. The difference, of course, is that while the MUR palette costs £8.99, Huda's is priced at £56.
Unfortunately, the palette was damaged in the post, and two of the eyeshadows needed putting back together with rubbing alcohol. Which explains why my specimen doesn't look as neat as it should.

Scroll down for the review and swatches of the Makeup Revolution Chocolate Rose Gold Eyeshadow Palette, and for a makeup tutorial.

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GRWM: Easy Rose Gold Daytime Makeup Tutorial With Foil Eyeshadow

GRWM: Easy Rose Gold Daytime Makeup Tutorial With Foil Eyeshadow

Rose Cosmetopia Digest   Saturday, December 09, 2017

I did this quick and easy rose gold eye makeup look with foil eyeshadow - this was the first time I played with foil eyeshadows, and boy, AM I impressed! They are so creamy, glide on so well, and are easily blendable. Not to mention how opaque they are, and how they last even without primer. The only problem is that you may have to use your fingertips to pat or glide them on, rather than a brush. Or maybe a very stiff-bristle brush could do the job; since I've gone out of my way to buy only soft-bristle brushes, I cannot prove this theory.
You can wear this look to daytime parties over the Holiday season; it's just about subtle enough!
Enough of that, though - the tutorial is right ahead.

Scroll for an easy-peasy rose gold makeup look with foil eyeshadow. 

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Huda Beauty Obsessions Eyeshadow Palettes Ship Worldwide + GWP Offer Now

Huda Beauty Obsessions Eyeshadow Palettes Ship Worldwide + GWP Offer Now

Winter Cosmetopia Digest   Thursday, November 02, 2017

Huda Beauty has released a set of four "Obsessions" eyeshadow palettes, each containing nine eyeshadows. These are "minis" in comparison to Huda's larger 18-shadow palettes, Rose Gold and Desert Dusk.
The four eyeshadow palettes are Mauve Obsessions, Smokey Obsessions, Warm Brown Obsessiona, and Electric Obsessions. They cost £25 each.
They are now available worldwide - and best of all, there's a an ongoing GWP offer - if you buy for £165, you get a large Best of 2017 goody bag with code BESTOF17.

Scroll down for details of each of the Huda Beauty Obsessions Eyeshadow Palettes, and a limited gift with purchase offer.

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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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TheBalm Appetit Eyeshadow Palette Review, Swatches, EOTDs

TheBalm Appetit Eyeshadow Palette Review, Swatches, EOTDs

TheBalm Cosmetopia Digest   Thursday, March 30, 2017

If you have been visiting this blog for a while, you know I'm infatuated by theBalm's eyeshadow palettes. I have pretty much every palette they've released, from theBalm and the Beautiful onwards.
TheBalm Appetit is the latest offering from theBalm. It is as cute as previous palettes. Thankfully, they have moved on from travel and hunky-dude themes; this one is about food. TheBalm's early themes included television, the Muppets, and rock music, so I was disappointed when a few consecutive palettes were themed on either travel or blokes.

Scroll down for the review and swatches of TheBalm Appetit Eyeshadow Palette, and for EOTDs.

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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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My HQHair Lust List and February 2017 Favourites

My HQHair Lust List and February 2017 Favourites

TheBalm Cosmetopia Digest   Sunday, February 26, 2017

Two products have featured in my lust-list through 2017, and I finally managed to get my hands on both, from HQHair. They have promptly set themselves up as my February 2017 beauty favourites.
One is an eyeshadow palette - you can never have too many - from an old friend; a favourite, collectible brand. Incidentally, I have not missed even one of their eye palettes.
The second is a dual-purpose product I have been eyeing for a while - it certainly makes life much easier in the mornings. I wish more brands would come up with effective products that make things simpler, instead of a bazillion highlighters and colour correctors.
Did you guess either product without looking at the photographs? Stay tuned for a makeup look with these.

Scroll down for my February 2017 Beauty Favourites, and why you need them.

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Duochrome Eye Makeup Look With Makeup Geek

Duochrome Eye Makeup Look With Makeup Geek

Makeup Geek Cosmetopia Digest   Thursday, February 09, 2017

I did a date night makeup look where everything else was no-makeup makeup except for the eyes, which sported a duochrome eyeshadow from Makeup Geek - I love that you can use the duochrome eyeshadows all by themselves. Most of the other products used in this FOTD came from my 2017 Beautylish Lucky Bag, reviewed here.
Scroll down for the look. 

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Coloured Raine Queen of Hearts Eyeshadow Palette Review, Swatches, EOTD

Coloured Raine Queen of Hearts Eyeshadow Palette Review, Swatches, EOTD

Swatches Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, February 07, 2017

Coloured Raine Cosmetics is proving to be one of my favourites for everyday eyeshadow as well as lipsticks. Their Matte Lip Paints - review coming soon - are beautiful liquid lippies with 100 per cent pigmentation and staying power. I bought the Queen of Hearts Eyeshadow Palette after reading rave reviews.
For those who have not heard of Coloured Raine, the brand was founded by Loraine, who wanted a range which encouraged self-expression and diversity. Currently, they have lipsticks, eyeshadows, nail polishes, and false eyelashes. Given the quality of the lippies and the eyeshadows, I hope they come out with more makeup soon.

Scroll down for the review and swatches of the Coloured Raine Queen of Hearts Eyeshadow Palette.

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Light Red Makeup Look With Coloured Raine Cosmetics

Light Red Makeup Look With Coloured Raine Cosmetics

Makeup Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Last week, I did a bold-for-me makeup look with Coloured Raine Cosmetics' Queen of Hearts eyeshadow palette, and Matte Lip Paint in 24 Seven. The latter is a light red lipstick, and I used the red eyeshadows in the palette, to come up with a very 1940s look, combined with my shorter hair - I look rather like an Auxiliary Territorial Service Member from WWII. 
Anyway, scroll down and take a look!

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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.