Kiko 361 Raspberry Pink
I’ve raved about Kiko polishes in the past, so let’s just recap very quickly shall we? So reasonably priced, beautiful colours, great two-coaters, good brushes… what’s not to like?
This is a new favourite product of mine: a truly matte lip product that doesn’t dry out my lips.
You paint this on like a lip gloss with the sponge doe-foot applicator. The colour is ridiculously pigmented and opaque in one coat. The applicator is a little tricky to use, just because it is so pigmented so any mistakes or wobbly lines show up and you do need to be precise with this because it dries quickly and really does stay put!
When you first apply it is glossy and shiny and then before your eyes it dries to the most amazing matte finish. A PROPER matte finish. And it has great longevity – I wouldn’t say it’d last all day, but the first time I used this I applied it on the way to a work party at about 4pm. The drinks were free so this product was really put to the drinks test and it Did. Not. Budge. To the point where on the tube home at midnight I was scrubbing it off my lips with a wet wipe!
The Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipsticks contain Vitamin E and avocado oil so they don’t dry out your lips which can be a downside of matte lip products. As with anything matte, I would recommend exfoliating your lips before application as this will show up flakes like a mofo.
I am definitely going to get some of the other colours from this range as this is LOVE.
You can buy this range HERE.
Lex
I have always had a soft spot for the Seventeen brand (or 17 as it was before their rebrand). It reminds me of being young and my first forays into make up. Their nail polishes are usually very good: super affordable, tons of beautiful colours, great application… which is why this one really disappointed me.
The brush was a complete nightmare. The bristles were all different lengths and really stiff which meant that neat application was impossible. I had to do so much clean up afterwards to get them looking acceptable which is very frustrating.
I’m hoping this was just a bad brush as I’ve had other bottles from the same range that are brilliant.
So ignoring the crappy brush, this colour is truly gorgeous. A very deep pinky red, that was a perfect 2 coater. Topped with Seche Vite, but shiny without it and quite fast drying as well. Just a shame that I probably won’t wear it again due to the awful brush…
You can see the full Seventeen nail varnish range HERE.
Lex
Essie do pink polishes so well and this is a firm favourite in my collection: this is a very pale pastel pink with a hint of lilac. So pretty and perfect for spring-summer. It is such a flattering shade on anyone and, although it looks quite girly, it actually feels very fresh and modern.
These photos show 2 fairly generous coats of polish, topped with Essie Good To Go topcoat (which I am desperately trying to like as much as Seche Vite… but I just don’t! I’m sorry!)
You can buy this polish HERE.
Lex
I have been eyeing up this beautiful polish for ages and I finally caved in. And I’m so glad I did. This is a pinky-lilac sheer base nail varnish, with multi-sized, multi-coloured hex glitters (blue, purple, baby pink, fuchsia…*swoon*). The glitter sits really well with normal application, so you don’t need to place the glitter like you do in some polishes. I love the way the glitter peeks through the base, almost like a jelly sandwich manicure in one bottle!
This was two coats of polish, which pleasantly surprised me. Also, glitters like this are usually top coat thirsty and need at least two coats to sit smoothly but this only needed one coat of Seche Vite. I am totally smitten!
You can buy this lovely polish HERE.
Lex
