Cocktail Cosmetics Haul: Lime Crime, OCC, Sigma!

A few days ago I posted about my visit to the new Cocktail Cosmetics store in Birmingham, where I obviously had to purchase a few bits, so here is my haul!

Firstly I headed straight for the Lime Crime display since I've never had a chance to try any of their products before. They had an amazing selection of products, including testers to try out. I would've left the store with a rainbow on my hand had there not been any wipes!

Red Velvet Velvetine, Serpentina Opaque Lipstick, Airborne Unicorn Opaque Lipstick, My Beautiful Rocket Opaque Lipstick, Wicked Velvetine.

Do I even need to comment on the amazing packaging?! The middle lipstick is the regular packaging, the other two are the 6th year anniversary packaging.

You're probably wondering why I picked a metallic green, lilac-purple, and bright orange... So am I! I'm very comfortable wearing bright colours - reds, purples, hot pinks, etc, so I decided that it was time to become a little more adventurous. I've worn all of these colours (inside the house so far!) and I actually really love all of them - even the green, I could definitely see myself wearing it out.

Swatches: My Beautiful Rocket, Serpentina, Airborne Unicorn

I'm very impressed with the formula of the lipsticks, especially Serpentina, which is surprisingly smooth considering the sparkle! I haven't tested how long wearing they are yet, but I don't think there will be an issue, the swatches were difficult to remove.

The next things I grabbed were two velvetines - I knew I wanted Wicked before I even entered the store, and I went back for Red Velvet because I knew I'd regret not buying it.

Wicked, Red Velvet

Swatches: Wicked, Red Velvet

These swatches really don't do the Velvetines justice - they go on so smooth and opaque. They can be a little tricky to apply as they're a liquid lipstick, so it's best to not use these in a rush. Once they dry they become completely matte - with a velvet finish - hence the name.

The most impressive thing about these is that they just don't come off. The swatches are still faintly visible on my arm even after scrubbing, showering, etc. I tested Wicked when going for a meal, and it stayed put perfectly. Definitely my new favourite shade!

Sigma's Tapered Highlighter F35

Considering brushes are my weakness, I did very well to only come away with one. I've purchases a few Sigma brushes in the past, but I have always wanted a brush of this shape for under the eyes/highlighting. The brush itself is very soft, and I really enjoy using it. Unfortunately, Sigma are a lot less affordable than they used to be, their prices are similar to MAC's now.

Lastly, is an OCC (Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics) Lip Tar in Hush. It's a light peachy nude, that may be slightly to pale for me to wear alone, so I think I'll be picking up a deeper colour next time. The great thing about these is that all shades can be mixed to create your own customised lip colour.

Swatch: Hush Lip Tar

In the swatch it doesn't look too light, but on the lips it appears as a very light nude.

Freebie - with the Sigma brush I received a free mini brush cleaning glove which I have always wanted to try, I'll let you know how it is!

I really like everything I purchased and can't wait to go back for more, I would love to collect all of the Lime Crime colours, they're so unique.

Have you tried any of these products?

What do you think I should try next?

Thanks for reading!

Bee xx

Revolution: Blush & Contour Palette

Revolution is a new brand to Superdrug which is very affordable - prices are comparable to MUA. So far I have only tested a concealer (which I wasn't fond of) and a lipstick (which was definitely decent) but I really wanted to get my hands on one of their Blush & Contour palettes before I judged the brand. This palette retails for £6, which sounds like a bargain for 8 shades!

I like their packaging, simple black with rose gold - very on trend, and not cheap looking at all.

I really love that they include pictures of the shades on the outer packaging, and that they actually do match the powders inside.

Again, the actual packaging of the product is very sleek, professional looking and definitely something I would add to my professional kit.

Blush & Contour Palette - Hot Spice

The colours in the pans are beautiful to look at, 2 shades seem to be matte, 3 have a slight sheen, 1 has small glitter particles, and the 2 on the right have an almost metallic highlight effect.

Here are the shades swatched from left to right. They are definitely all very pigmented, though they are slightly powdery when you dip a brush in. However, this does not cause them to have a patchy appearance when applied to the skin.

I don't usually have a problem with blushes not lasting, so they last just about as well as any other blush.

The one concern that I have with this product is they are claiming it can be used for contouring. None of these shades would be suitable for that on any skintone, they are all far too peachy and warm. I think they should have named it "Blush & Highlight Palette"

Overall I am pleased with the product and will definitely continue to use it, I think I will also pick up the pink toned version of this.

Let me know if you've tried this, or any other products from Revolution. Did you like them?

What would you recommend from the brand?

Thanks for reading!

Bee xx

Cocktail Cosmetics

Cocktail Cosmetics just opened their first store in Birmingham, at the Custard Factory (near to Digbeth coach station). The shop is in a lovely area with a lot of vintage stores, which include clothing, furniture and homewares.

The outside of the store is very cute and inviting, it looks like they have put a lot of effort into the appearance of the shop itself.

Inside the store is decorated with flowers and cute little decorations all over, I would definitely love this to be my bedroom!

Their Lime Crime display is where I spent most of my time (and money!) because it's so difficult to find outside of the USA, I've never had a chance to get a look at the products and swatch them before.

Opposite from Lime Crime is Sugarpill, one of my favourite brands for eyeshadows, definitely worth a try if you like to experiment with colour.

They also stock Sigma brushes and Z-Palettes, and if you're a big fan of makeup brushes like me, this is heaven! Above, which didn't quite make it into the picture, are Skindinavia setting sprays.

There is a large selection of OCC products, it's hard to choose which colours to buy! What's great about these is that you can mix the colours to create your own shade, and a little bit of product goes a very long way. Below, are some makeup sponges and EOS lip balms, another cult favourite for those who have access to them.

There are also a few more brands that I have never heard of, such as Neve Cosmetics, which is a cruelty free makeup brand from Italy.

And for those who love candles, they stock a huge range of candles, some in very unique scents!

Currently there is an opportunity to be entered into a free prize draw if you make a purchase at the store by 29th August. The gift basket contains over £300 worth of Sigma and Lime Crime products! The winner will be drawn instore on 2nd September at 10:30, and will be announced on their website, facebook and twitter.

My experience in the store was amazing - the staff were lovely, very friendly and easy to talk to, and they allowed me to look around and swatch as much as I liked without pushing me into buying anything, like I have experienced at some makeup counters. I will definitely be returning as soon as I can to get my hands on some more goodies!

If you don't live local to Birmingham, they have an online website with all of their products here.

If you do visit the store, let me know what you thought and what you purchased :)

Thanks for reading.

Bee xx

YSL Fusion Ink Foundation

This release was so exciting to me, I went straight out to buy it. I've been told multiple different things about the release date; online says 20th August, my local YSL counter said the 10th. Regardless of whatever the official release date is, my local counter said they would sell it to me early, though they were not allowed to advertise this. 

It seems there was a huge hype surrounding this release, glamour magazine wrote that there are 12,000 women on the waiting list to buy it (hmm, not so sure... I'd assume it's actually a waiting list for samples).

 I matched myself to the shade B10, which matches me very well (I don't trust other people to match me anymore, I was once matched to BR40!) I'm an NC15 in MAC, B10 in Chanel for reference.

What it claims:

The art of a perfect complexion without compromise, 24-hour wear and comfort. Flawless coverage for a perfectly even and luminous matte finish. A new hybrid technology for a texture as light and fine as ink, yet perfectly concealing. The result is natural and imperceptible, offering all women the freedom of a perfect complexion all day long.

The truth:

I can't say I've tested it for 24 hours, but really, who would?! I definitely do agree that it feels very comfortable on the skin, this comes down to it being so thin and liquidy - but not greasy - in texture. I find that it has a light to medium coverage, which only builds to medium, with a semi-matte finish. "Luminous matte" is actually a good description of this, it's matte enough for oily skin, but it doesn't make you look flat or unhealthy. The result is very natural, it's almost invisible on the skin, unless you have dry areas, which it can tend to cling to and accentuate.

YSL Le Teint Encre De Peau B10 swatched, partially blended

Blended fully with fingertips, almost invisible on the skin.

I have very oily skin all year round, most foundations become oily and start to break up after 4-6 hours. This lasts quite well, and doesn't so much break up and look gross as it does simply get shiny and fade away, which I definitely prefer! It helps to use good oil controlling skincare and a nice fine powder with any

 makeup if you have the same problems as me, but this foundation will last even longer if you take these steps.

Overall, I'd definitely recommend this if you have normal to oily skin, though perhaps not if you struggle with dry patches.

A free 7 day trial is available in Debenhams stores, I'd definitely suggest that you try it.

The product is available now online and instore at Debenhams for £30.50 - there is currently an offer on to receive 1500 beauty club card points (£15 to spend) if you spend over £50 on YSL.

Did you like this foundation? Tell me your thoughts :)

Thanks for reading!

Bee xx