I too haven't given the Natural Collection range so much as cursory glance in store as in honesty it's not the most enticing of brands with it's simple packaging and its 'natural' appearance, is it perhaps too boring for today's beauty fans? This said I did used to use their clear mascara for my eyebrows 'back in the day'.
Luckily for me Boots got in touch and asked if I'd like to try some products from the range and I thought it was a great opportunity to see if I was missing out on Natural Collections offering or was it perhaps right that they have been so overlooked?
When I first glanced inside the box of Natural Collection products I made some typical judgements. The packaging isn't exciting inoffensive although there's something about the products that's a little beige. This in itself is a ridiculous statement as I'm hardly rocking blue lips and bright pink eyeshadow on a regular basis.
I have to say I need to eat my words and learn not to judge a book by it's cover because I've been enjoying the products I've been able to test. Did anyone else know that everything in the range is priced at £1.99. That's amazing. I think the thing that is missed with Natural Collection is that they're all about creating a natural make up look by keeping things simple. Even us beauty bloggers struggle wondering is it bronzing or contouring and what the difference between highlighting and strobing is?
First up is the Natural Collection Tinted Moisturiser* which is available in 3 shades; Natural, Fair and Beige. I have Natural. Packaging is a clear tube, with the simple Natural Collection Daisy, perfect for travel and knowing how much product you have left. Natural Collection say it will give your face 'a natural glow and sheer coverage' and for those who want to look natural and not overly made up. I was surprised at how thick the tinted moisturiser was and actually found I was wiping more off my hand than needing for my face so I imagine this tube will last some time. In texture it reminded me surprisingly of my favourite Make Up Forever HD Foundation. For me I found it applied seamlessly and was a fuller coverage than I expected although medium, one of those your skin but better. In fact I was quite impressed and once I went in with my concealer I felt like I had a normal base on. I've been wearing this daily and find it's perfect for 'every day' and saves some of my more affordable foundations whilst not compromising on quality and appearance.
It wore well throughout the day and it was only a little shine that came through towards the of the day. Thankfully I had Natural Collection Pressed Powder* in Warm to hand. I did use this once or twice to set my concealer and I do prefer my Chanel Les Beiges but this is a worthy and far more affordable alternative. Available in three shades; warm, neutral and cool you this is such a silky powder and not at all what I expected. If you're a fan of Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder and want to find something even cheaper than that check your Natural Collection counter.
Again there were more pre-conceived ideas with Natural Collection Suntint Bronzing Powder* in the shade Suntint. Drugstore bronzers are often known to be on the orange side and filled with sparkle and it is true to say there is a glint to Natural Collection's offering hence my assumption I wouldn't like it. It's certainly not one for contouring as such but as I applied it made a lovely bronze look and I can forgo wearing blusher for the more natural look that Natural Collection are aiming for.
Finally is the Natural Collection Blushed Cheers Blusher* in Pink Cloud which is a pretty inoffensive pink to wear. I'm something of a blush addict so I'm not sure it's going to compete with those I favour, nor is it swaying me from bronzing powder at the moment but that is more personal preference than issue with the product.
Without a doubt, and if were not obvious, my two favourite products are the Tinted Moisturiser and Bronzing Powder which will definitely remain in my make up collection. I'm enjoying the ease of applying, not having to reach for multiple bronzers and blushes as I really like the warmth the blusher gives me.
There's very little we can get for £1.99 these days and the fact that there is this unsung brand on our doorstep I'm kicking myself. I think I might have to explore the Natural Collection stand next time I'm in Boots and see what other gems I can find.
Have you ever used Natural Collection cosmetics?
*this post contains press samples
Wow, now this is a blast from the past. This range is one of the first range of beauty products I ever bought, this one and one from Superdrug although I can't remember the name of that one now. It's funny, you look at other products and ranges, and their branding has often changed over years, but this one seems to have stayed the same. It's also good to see they are keeping the prices of them low too. After this review I may just have to re-visit it x x
ReplyDeleteExactly they've kept it simple and whilst I saw that as perhaps a negative it is actually the right thing and makes the journey for the buyers simple. Let me know if you do try anything xx
DeleteI tried Natural Collection in the past, in fact, I purchased some goodies from Boots when I was visiting London, and I remember how good these products were and how affordable as well.
ReplyDeleteYiota
PinkDaisyLoves
Glad you had a great experience with them too.
DeleteI've never tried the cosmetics but have tried a couple of the nail polishes. They were terrible. Very thin, took too many coats and too much time to do my nails so they went in the bin. After that I don't even give this brand a second glance but I do use No7 and Seventeen.
ReplyDeleteThat's a shame about the nail polishes. I can definitely recommend the powder/face products. I'm really enjoying the tinted moisturiser and bronzer as I say and I've continued using regularly once my usual 'testing' period is done
DeleteI'll have to give their cosmetics a try. Especially priced at £1.99, there's nothing to lose.
DeleteI actually love Natural Collection - it's always been really affordable and I was so attracted to the price tag when I was a student - I still use the eyeshadow every day and keeps my makeup in place really well :)
ReplyDeleteI have a new post up on the blog, would love to know your thoughts:
* Electric Sunrise - Fashion and Lifestyle Blog *
P.s. you can get 15% off any watch from Daniel Wellington with the code 'Electric15'.
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Glad Natural Collection is working for you. I definitely want to try the eyeshadows next.
DeleteOf all of them, I never would have guessed that the tinted moisturiser might be one of the best performing! I buy Natural collection for my daughter but would never think to buy it for myself (except for the single eyeshadow in willow which makes an amazing highlighter). Fab, honest post, really enjoyed it :) x
Deletehttp://www.secondswatch.co.uk/
I was completely ready to case it aside but despite having higher end versions sitting on my dressing table I'm quite happily reaching for this x
DeleteThanks for sharing. I love more natural products -Hanna Lei
ReplyDeleteLatest Post: Is Course Hero Worth Using?
I have tried their blushers and always found them to be quite good for the price, it's been years since I've tried anything else though, maybe I should take a look next time I'm placing an order, the prices aren't bad at all and the tinted moisturiser definitely sounds like something I'll try out :) great post xx
ReplyDeleteZoe ♥ MammafulZo
Let me know if you try them out, I'm definitely going to take a look at the eyeshadows. I hear there is a good one that works as a highlighter
DeleteI fall in love with these products thanks to your review!
ReplyDeleteThey seem so pefect and good, I really wanna try!
DadieB. ~
www.dadiebradshawa.com
I definitely agree that Natural Collection are overlooked - they do make some fab products, especially for the price! I was sent these products too and I was so pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the tinted moisturiser :)
ReplyDeleteJess xo | The Indigo Hours
I expected to go straight back to my other bases but I'm sticking with this at the moment. Perfect for the changing weather and humid London Underground!
DeleteI'm sure I've used this in the past, but not for years and years. I'm going to make a point of tracking it down next time I'm in Boots. And perhaps, therein lies the problem with it being overlooked. I was in there recently, saw Mabelline, Bourjois, Max Factor, even Miss Sporty, didn't see NC. They need to push it forward a bit and go to town with advertising the price.
ReplyDeleteAnyway.Good review. I shall be buying it next time I'm in town! xx
Completely agree, my local Boots has a stand but it's the opposite side to all the big brands so you miss it. I keep eyeing up (no pun intended!) the eyeshadows as they look quite impressive.
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