Venus Was Her Name- Danessa Myricks ColorFix Foils

In an effort to support more Black owned beauty brands I recently placed an order on Beautylish for some of the Danessa Myricks Beauty ColorFix Foils. I have seen her products being used by some of the makeup artists I follow on Instagram for a couple of years now and I have always wanted to try the ColorFix range in particular. I loved the idea of a cream product that can be used on eyes, lips and cheeks. I was going to try the matte ones but I had seen the Foils which are a liquid glitter being used on the Danessa Myricks Instagram account and I just thought they looked so beautiful and as you know I'm a big fan of glitter products so I had to try them out.

It was so difficult to only choose two shades but in the end I went for Venus (a rosy, golden pink) and Nebula (a warm golden metallic). There are eight shades of the ColorFix Foils and they are formulated to withstand extreme temperatures and exposure to the elements. They also dry quickly (and therefore need to be blended quickly) but once dry they don't smudge or transfer.

I'll be honest the first time I tried them I went in a bit heavy handed and it didn't turn out how I thought it would but once I looked at some videos using the ColorFix Foils I had a better handle on how to use them. You have to work fast as I mentioned already as they do dry quite quickly. I applied a base in a similar pink shade, the Clarins Twist to Glow 2-in-1 Eyes and Cheeks powder in the shade Radiant Pink which is amazing on it's own but it gave the perfect base colour to use Venus on top of it. I tapped a small amount of the product on with my finger and blended it out and then applied some more and built it up to an opacity I was happy with. As you apply more you get more of that foiled look but be careful as too much and it ends up looking clumpy and heavy. I then applied a tiny amount of Nebula in the centre of the upper and lower lid to add some dimension. As you can see the finish is beautiful, they can be used alone, on top of any eyeshadow or as a base for powder.

I finished my eyes with two coats of the new Clarins Wonder Perfect 4D Mascara. I just started using this last week and I am loving it. It gives great length, definition and volume without being too clumpy. It also has that perfect in-between formula of not being too dry or two wet and it layers easily. Depending on how well the tube lasts I'd definitely repurchase this mascara.

I wanted to keep the look focused on the eyes and quite tonal so I used a small amount of the Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Cream Blush in the shade Strawberry Drip. I've been loving this shade and the formula of these blushes. They're not too pigmented which makes them easy to blend quickly with your fingers or a brush. I'd recommend these if you find the Glossier Cloud Paints to be too much. Although I love both and I'd definitely pick up another shade.

For my lips I wanted something that would tone in with the eyes and Clarins Joli Lip Crayon in the shade Soft Berry was absolutely perfect. I actually have this same shade in the Joli Rouge Lacquer formula too and it's such a beautiful and easy shade to wear. I do love it in this Crayon form too. It's like a liner and lipstick in one. The crayon is thin enough to be able to both line and fill in your lips and it lasts so well. It's a matte finish and I just wanted a small amount of dimension I patted a tiny amount of Fenty Beauty Fu$$y Gloss Bomb just in the centre of my lips.

*Good Molecules Silicone-Free Priming Moisturizer
*Glossier Futuredew Oil Serum Hybrid
Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation (160 Shell)
Uoma Beauty Stay Woke Concealer (T1)
Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Skinstick (Amber)
Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer (Baked)
Glossier Brow Flick (Brown)
Soapbrows Brow Kit
Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
*Clarins Twist to Glow Healthy Glow Powder (02 Radiant Pink
Danessa Myricks Beauty ColorFix Foils Liquid Glitter (Venus and Nebula)
*Clarins Wonder Perfect Mascara 4D Waterproof
Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush (05 Strawberry Drip)
Kevyn Aucoin Glass Glow Face (Prism Rose)
*Clarins Joil Rouge Crayon (705C Soft Berry)
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer (Fu$$y)
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder (1 Fair)
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
Pixi Glow Mist

What do you think of the the ColorFix Foils? Would you be interested in trying a product like this?

Emma x



*PR Samples
**Glossier products are affiliate links, if you choose to shop via those links I will receive a small percentage of the sale but it won't cost you anything extra.

bareMinerals Mineralist Hydra-Smoothing Lipsticks

*This post contains some affiliate links, if you choose to make a purchase based on my recommendation using any of the links below, I will receive a small commission. 

bareMinerals recently launched a brand new range of lip products, the Mineralist Hydra-Smoothing Lipsticks with 25 shades inspired the healing powers of natural minerals, crystals and gemstones. A few weeks ago I was sent an incredible PR package with ten of the shades included. As a lipstick aficionado I was blown away and so excited to try them all out. 

I was really intrigued when I read about the lipsticks as they are made with just 19 ingredients and 76% of those are naturally derived extracts, avoiding the use of any unnecessary additives. Some of the sustainably sourced ingredients include cold-pressed Sea Buckthorn Fruit Oil (packed with minerals, vitamins and omegas to help nourish and hydrate), Mediterranean Olive Oil (to intensify the colour impact) and Pomegranate and Jojoba Oils (to moisturise for soft and smooth lips). They are also infused with the essence of natural Prickly Pear and Açai so the scent is slightly fruity.

The end result is a lipstick that is hydrating, lightweight, smudge and transfer resistant with saturated colour and a creamy satin finish. With continued wear they should make lips feel smoother and reduce visible lip lines, texture and dryness. I always love a lipstick that has nourishing ingredients as well as rich colour payoff. It's quite rare to get both in a lipstick, but I definitely found the Mineralist Lipsticks to leave my lips feeling moisturised after wearing them all day.

I did a wear test of three different shades (Energy, Wisdom and Intuition) in work during the week so I was wearing them for about 9 hours. I found they lasted considerably well during the day and even after lunch they barely needed touching up. I didn't get any feathering around my lip line which can happen with lipsticks that are a more hydrating formula. One of my colleagues even noted that when we went out to get lunch we wore masks to the shop and the lipstick didn't budge. Obviously this is something we have to consider at the moment as most of us are taking masks on and off during the day depending on what you're doing. I was reluctant to wear these lipsticks for that reason but I didn't have to worry at all as from what I can tell the smudge and transfer resistant claims are true. I also love the shade selection and I think there is something for everyone whether you like neutrals or more vibrant shades. 

Balance, Grace, Focus, Presence, Optimism, Joy, Energy, Wisdom, Intuition, Purpose

Balance (Peach Beige)

Grace (Nude Pink)

Focus (Muted Mauve)

Presence (Antique Mauve)

Optimism (Pink Strawberry)

Joy (Candy Pink)

Energy (Fiery Red)

Wisdom (Bright Orchid)

Intuition (Brick Red)

Purpose (Cool Cranberry)

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30
*bareMinerals Original Loose Mineral Foundation (Fair)
*bareMinerals bareSkin Complete Coverage Serum Concealer (Fair)
Glossier Brow Flick (Brown)
Soapbrows Brow Kit
Urban Decay Jean-Michel Basquiat Blush Palette (Jawbone, Now's the Time) (Limited Edition, similar here)
Kevyn Aucoin Glass Glow Face (Prism Rose)
*Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
IT Cosmetics IT Girl Vol. 2 Palette
*Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil (Perversion)
*Glossier Pro Tip
Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara
*Clarins Twist to Glow 2-in-1 Eyes & Cheeks (Radiant Pink)
Pixi Glow Mist

*PR Samples 

What do you think of this new collection of lipsticks? I for one am happy that we're continuing to go in the direction of more hydrating and natural lip products. As much as I love matte lips I've given up on wearing difficult to work with, high maintenance and unflattering formulas. I think products like these are particularly great if you're going to be wearing them all day like I usually do in work. I love that you're getting hydrating lipsticks in an array of beautiful and vibrant shades so you don't have to compromise if you love a bright shade. For €24 you are getting more than your average lipstick and the quality and lasting power is better than more expensive lipsticks I have in my collection. Let me know what shades are your favourites or if you've tried them yet?

Emma x

Uoma Beauty

It's been over a month since I last wrote a beauty related blog post, the break was completely unintentional. The Black Lives Matter Movement on social media became the focus on my attention and I just had no desire to post anything beauty related. One of the things I've been doing as an act of active anti-racism is spending my money on Black Owned brands and companies. I figured one of the ways I can help in a very small way is to promote Black Owned Beauty Brands as it's something I have such a huge interest in. Over the past month I've come across so many incredible brands that I had never heard of before. A brand I had heard about however is Uoma Beauty. One of things that first struck me about Uoma Beauty when I started looking at their products was their homepage message which states :

"Our weirdo in chief is a rebel with a cause"  

"Her mission, using her platform, is to empower all those who have been left out. Every person deserves to walk into a beauty hall and feel inspired and included." 

I absolutely love this message and I think it's something that all beauty brands should aspire to. There is no excuse for not having an extensive shade range anymore. It should come as standard, there should be something for everyone. Nobody should walk up to a makeup counter and not be able to find a foundation shade to match their skin. 

"The world is beautiful because we are all different and colourful in our unique way and this is why Uoma Beauty exists. To celebrate uniqueness, to bring people from all ethnicities, gender, sexual orientation, sizes and of all ages together in a colourful celebration of co-existence."

The Uoma Beauty Founder, CEO and Creative Director is Sharon Chuter who has worked for Revlon, L'Oréal and Benefit Cosmetics. Born in Nigeria she has drawn inspiration from her Afro Heritage and created modern and innovative products that are suitable for all skin tones. You can read more about Uoma Beauty here. 

The product I was most excited to try was the Say What?! Foundation. It has 51 shades and 6 custom formulas to cater to the unique needs of different skin colour groups, or as they call them "Skin Kins". For example, their formula for Dark Brown skin addresses the most common skin concerns for that skin tone which is dullness and the most common skin type is oily/combination so this particular formula has ingredients to brighten the skin. It is such a genius way to create a foundation range and something I have never seen from any other brand. This alone made me want to buy from Uoma Beauty. 

The website also has a shade matching feature which matches you based on foundations you already have. I used it and was matched to shade T1N (I compared it to the Urban Decay and bareMinerals foundations I have that feel are the best shade matches for me). You can see the comparison swatches below to see how accurate the shade finder is. This is the shade I probably would have picked for myself anyway, despite being cool toned with some redness, my neck is more neutral so I tend to go for neutral foundation shades. I could probably have used T2N either but the former is a more dead on match for my skin especially in the Winter when I have less freckles. The formula for the White Pearl (very fair skin) range is formulated to help with hypersensitivity and redness which are some of the common skin concerns of very fair skin. 

The formula in general claims to be weightless, long-lasting, adjustable coverage, vibrant matte yet hydrating and has a blurring technology to minimise the appearance of pores and softens fine lines. 

I have to completely agree with all of the claims. I was slightly hesitant about the matte finish but I needn't have worried as this foundation gives you the best of both worlds. It looks and feels hydrating and depending on how you prep and finish your skin you could definitely wear this whether you have dry or oily skin. I tend to prep with a more hydrating base as I prefer a dewy finish. This is where the Beauty Bakerie (also a Black Owned Beauty brand) Baking Oil comes in as it gives a really smooth and hydrated base, perfect for underneath this foundation. 

I also bought the Stay Woke Concealer which I ordered in shade T1, which is actually slightly darker than the foundation so next time I'll probably order T05 or T075 as I'd prefer it slightly lighter but this shade does still work on me. This is again a lightweight, creamy formula that blends out so easily and covers what I need it to cover. I'm really loving it, so much so that it's a rival for my beloved bareMineral Serum Concealer. I've swatched it beside some of my other concealers below so you can hopefully you have some kind of reference. 

Of course I couldn't resist a couple of lip products too. The main catalyst for my order was this photo of Taylor Anise wearing the Boss Gloss Liquid Marble in the shade No Stoppin which you can see me wearing below. It's such a beautiful, comfortable and long-lasting gloss with a glass like finish. It contains lychee extract to protect and soften the lips too. This is a big winner for me and I'm already contemplating what other shades to get. I couldn't not get a matte lipstick too so I bought the Badass Icon Matte Lipstick in the shade Tina. This formula is probably the most similar to my favourite Lisa Eldridge True Velvet lipsticks. It's so light, smooth and comfortable with the most amazing pigment that lasts incredibly well too. It contains mango butter for hydration too, so it doesn't feel like you're wearing a matte lipstick at all. The shade is so beautiful, I love orange reds so I know I'll get lots of wear out of this. I swatched it compared to some of my other favourite orange reds for shade reference. 

L-R: Uoma Beauty Say What Foundation T1N, Urban Decay Stay Naked Foundation 10NN, IT Cosmetics CC Cream (Fair), bareMinerals BAREPRO Liquid Foundation (Fair)

Top- Bottom: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer (Light Ultra Fair), Lancôme Teint Idole Concealer (010 Beige Porcelaine), bareMinerals bareSkin Concealer (Fair), Uoma Beauty Stay Woke Concealer (T1)

Badass Icon Matte Lipstick Tina, Boss Gloss Liquid Marble No Stoppin 

Uoma Beauty Tina, MAC Lady Danger, Clarins Spicy Chili, Charlotte Tilbury Tell Laura, Lisa Eldridge Velvet Morning

Beauty Bakerie Wake and Bake Baking Oil (also available on Boots, Look Fantastic and Cult Beauty)
Uoma Beauty Say What?! Foundation (T1N) (also available on Cult Beauty, Beauty Bay and ASOS)
Uoma Beauty Stay Woke Concealer (T1) (also available on Cult Beauty, Beauty Bay and ASOS)
*Clarins Glow 2 Go Blush & Highlighter Duo (02 Golden Peach)
Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Skinstick (Amber)
Glossier Brow Flick (Brown)
Soapbrows Brow Kit
Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
*Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Bodyography Glitter Pigments (Eclipse and Halo)
Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara
Glossier Cloud Paint (Puff)
Kevyn Aucoin Glass Glow Face (Prism Rose)
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder (1 Fair)
*Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
Pixi Glow Mist
Uoma Beauty Badass Icon Matte Lipstick (Tina) (also available on Cult Beauty, Beauty Bay and ASOS)
Uoma Beauty Boss Gloss Liquid Marble (No Stoppin) (also available on Cult Beauty, Beauty Bay and ASOS)

I'm loving all four of the Uoma Beauty products, as you can see the foundation is a great shade match and despite being a matte finish, my skin still looks radiant. It's one of those foundations that actually looks better as the day goes on. I definitely have more of their products on my wishlist including the Double Take Contour Stick and the Black Magic Carnival Colour Palette and the bright pink Badass Icon Matte Lipstick in the shade Whitney. Have you tried Uoma Beauty or are there any Black Owned brands you would recommend for me to try out next?


Emma x

*PR Samples

**Glossier products are affiliate links, if you choose to shop via those links I will receive a small percentage of the sale but it won't cost you anything extra.