Wednesday, April 20, 2016

KIKO | The Artist Collection


My local branch of KIKO at Westfield Stratford is always filled to the rafters with beauty lovers and part of the reason why I rarely enter and have yet to explore the brand properly. Despite rave reviews and a lot of blog coverage recently I don't know where to start when I enter the store as it can be quite overwhelming. Luckily for me KIKO heard my plight and were kind enough to send me some items from a recent limited edition collection so I could explore what they have to offer in the comfort of my home.

The items I was able to sample were from The Artist collection. I'll start with the packaging which I've rather enjoyed. Their regular range is carried in fairly standard, nondescript black but in this instance brilliant white with paintbrush strokes of colour really make this stand out and look far more expensive than the price tag.


The first item I was able to sample was the Glacial Light Soft Sifter Foundation* in 05 Warm Beige which I'll start by saying is too dark for me. I was able to make it work although one male friend at work did comment on 'how bronzed' I was looking during one day of testing. A water-based and brightening foundation housed in a pot with the most intriguing part to me being the 'soft sifter'. As I've been currently testing the new L'Oreal Cushion Foundation I was interested to see if this would be a similar experience. I have to admit I'm a little confused about the point of 'soft sifter' and perhaps see it more of a gimmick. Unlike cushion foundations that you are encouraged to use the enclosed sponge this still requires you to use your fingers or a brush and I find the packaging can get a little messy. Of course it's still preferable than pouring product onto your hands so I guess you can argue it's like having your own artists palette to work with and I'm sure you use less this way but I think I'd rather have the formula either in a tub, tube or bottle.

Packaging aside the foundation is nice to work with. I've found it to be a medium coverage depending on how you choose to build it up and really does brighten up my complexion. I'd compare it to a heavier coverage than my favoured Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Fluid but with the same 'glow'. I use with a primer but have been forgetting any setting sprays lately as I rush out the door in the morning yet still find this foundation stays in place. I do think if you're on the oily side this might be one to struggle with and I'll have to test it a little more in the Summer when the colour is a better match and things get a little sweaty but until then it's one I shan't be parting with any time soon.

Following a similar packaging design are the Artist Stroke Mineral Loose Eyeshadows* available in six shades of which I have 05 Skill Blue. A pot of eyeshadow with the 'soft sifter' again you dab away and apply as required. Again things can get a little messy by way of product 'everywhere' but surprisingly when applying there was little fall out which I expected both from the formula and colour.


The stand out products for me were those for the lips. I was sent 02 Fantastic Coral* and 04 Impressionist Red* in the corresponding lipsticks and lip pencils. My favourite is most definitely Impressionist Red and the lip pencils are amazing. I went in on my first try to simply line and the pigmentation was so immense that I carried on filling in my whole lips and wore alone without even picking up the lipstick. If I were tight on space I could happily travel with the lip pencil alone and not have to worry about the liquids luggage allowance. Both shades are great for Spring but I cannot wait to wear more frequently in the Summer. I find peachy orange lipsticks won't always suit me but Fantastic Coral is a bright vibrant orange which if I do say myself looked rather good. Again the lip pencil can be worn alone although I find paired with my NYX Butter Gloss in Cherry Cheesecake works fabulously and I have a feeling it'll be a frequent combo worn.

With such a successful experience with KIKO I have added a few more products from the extensive range to my collection which I'll be sharing with you in due course but do share you recommendations from the brand.

*this post contains press samples

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6 comments:

  1. This makeup looks gorgeous! <3

    I have a new post up on the blog, would love to know your thoughts:

    * Electric Sunrise - Fashion and Lifestyle Blog *

    x

    ReplyDelete
  2. I really adore Kiko! This red lipstick is the perfect one!
    Gorgeous stuff! Love the pics <3

    Liebst, Colli
    tobeyoutiful

    ReplyDelete
  3. KIKO has been bringing out such creative and beautiful collections, it's actaully hard to keep up with the brand. I've tried only a few products from KIKO but liked everything. I wish I had a store near me so I could actually see everything, buying online is not teh same. x

    Mummy’s Beauty Corner

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm like you I much rather see things in store than order online

      Delete

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