Sparkled Beauty

There are a few more new eye and brow products released this Spring at Annabelle which I combine into this post. It is inspiring to see big drugstore releases this time of year.

Note that the products featured represent the lines but not the whole lines. I will mention other colour options if any so you have an idea if there are other shades you prefer.

First off is the Skinny gel eyeliner in Black Onyx with the 1.9mm micro tip, creamy, waterproof and long lasting power (up to 12 hours).

I am happy with this liner and all the things it claims. It is dark, easy to use, precise and stays put until removed. Note that the tip is non retractable (said so on the packaging) so only twist it up enough for each use.

If you do a lot of skinny lining, have a look at the line. There are 3 other shades - Navy Blue, Taupissime and Umber Brown. The liners are 0.1g/ 0.003oz, $8.95 each.

Next, Full Blast is meant to be a volumizing mascara where the brush separates, coats and curls the lashes with up to 3 applications.

I like the size of the brush and how gentle it is on the lashes. It does a decent job in coating the lashes but can give me spider lashes if I apply too much. For my straight lashes, it does not do much of curling, however.

The tube is 9.7ml/ 0.32oz, $6.95.

I received the Brow Show eyebrow shaping gel in Light/ Medium so I have to darken the brows with a pencil or powder first. The gel keeps the brow hair soft with a natural and non-sticky hold, which is great. No complaints there.

I find the wand length just right but the cone-shaped brush is a little too big at the end to run along the brow length. For those with thinner brows, the only option is to use the tip of the brush only and that makes coating the brows time consuming.

Also available in Medium/ Dark, the brow gel is 7ml/ 0.23oz, $8.95.

I am always on the look out for a good eye primer and happy to see Annabelle came out with one. Said to intensify colours with maximimum hold in one universal shade, this primer is smooth and blends out easily but it disappears into my skin tone, which makes it hard to improve the colour payoff of products putting on top of it.

The primer also does not leave a sticky enough finish to hold my eyeshadows pass the 4 hour mark so it is more ideal to assist hard-to-blend colours than to improve the wear.

The pot has a good amount of product - 4.2g/ 0.14oz for $8.95.

And lastly, I got a matte eyeshadows in Pink Lemonade. It is smooth and easy to blend. The colour is a little too close to my skin colour so it is harder to tell the lasting power but the quality impresses me enough for me to think about grabbing more colours to try.

The line is quite large, from light to dark: Snowflakes, Ivory, Salmon, Fossil, Sand, Taupe, Storm, Cocoa and Ebony. There are also 9 Satin eyeshadows and 5 Metallic eyeshadows. The eyeshadows are 1.5g/ 0.05oz, $5.95 each.

Below are swatches of the primer (told you it disappears on me), Pink Lemonade eyeshadow and Black Onyx Skinny gel eyeliner.

Annabelle Chrome single eyeshadows should be the next best buzz in drugstore Spring releases, I am telling you now.

Meant to be creamy eyeshadows with bouncy texture, intense metallic finish and 6 hour hold, Chrome eyeshadows remind me of Colour Pop Super Shock shadows with much easier access but less colour options.

I received one shade in the PR package but bought the rest because I could not help it. Here are all 5 shades in the line - Silver, Gold, Rose Gold, Mercury and Germanium.

Packaging is also similar - plastic pots with a screw-on lid and clear opening for colour sneak peaks, except Annabelle Chromes have black pots with silver lids instead of all white. Make sure you close the lids tight after use to maintain the creaminess.

Finish and colour payoff vary among the 5 shades, I found. Depending on the amount of product used, the applicator (your finger or a synthetic brush) and layering action, you can get a hint of glitters or full on foil glittery look on the eyes.

For more sheer/ light shades, my prefer application method is to tap the shadow lightly in the middle of the lid with my finger for a pop of shine, while apply more pigmented/ dark colours all over lids or outer V for accents.

Silver and Gold are pretty much shiny fine glitters in very sheer base, so they are good as eyeshadow toppers. Rose Gold has a beautiful light taupe base, ideal as an everyday lid colour.

Mercury's base is medium sheer charcoal with a strong hint of taupe, more beautiful than it looks in the pot. And the pigmented dark brown and less amount of glitters in Germanium makes it the ideal crease/ outer V shade.

Application is easy, and for the non topper shades, blending is a breeze. They all last well on the lids on top of a primer or existing eyeshadows and don not crease on me. I definitely add more products on the eyes for weekend look, but for work, a sheer layer is perfect.

The brand suggests using the light shades on the cheeks as highlighters but I find they are a bit too much for that. If you do try them that way, let me know how you like them.

The Chromes are 2g/ 0.07oz, $8.95 each. With a sale, they sure rival Colour Pop Super Shock (same weight, USD5). I am hoping for more colours, and I might buy them all when that happens :)

It is snowing outside, and temp dropped. Still we are looking forward to Spring makeup releases, the brighter side of life.

I received Annabelle Spring 2017 products last month while I was away and am slowly getting them on the blog. Bear with me!

Today features the 2 new palettes that have been quite a surprise in performance. Not that I had low expectations with them, just that their common appearance understated how great the eyeshadows are. Let me show you what I mean.

This is Annabelle Skinny palette in Taupe Neutrals Basics. 5 neutral toned eyeshadows, pretty but not something that has not been done before right?

Well, not too quick to judge. Suggested to be used as eyeliner, crease colour, accent colour, lid colour and highlighter, the eyeshadows in this palette are smooth, very easy to build up and blend, and do not lose the intensity once blended.

The surprise is most colours swatch more intensely than how they appear in the pan, especially the second shade from the left. The 2 shades on the far right also have more depth and are gorgeous on the lids. The darkest shade seems to be matte while the rest has a bit of a sheen. All in all, Taupe Neutrals Basics is a warm neutral palette with a kick!

I am itching to check out the other 5 colour combinations - New Eve Goldy Browns, Spring Rosy Hues, Summer Purple Shades, Fall Khaki Harmony and Winter Smoky Look for more surprises, 7.65g/ 0.296oz, $9.95 each.

Now the Eye & Brow palette gives you more colour options and finishes in a compact. Supposedly with 2 eyebrow powders, 2 highlight powders and 6 powder eyeshadows from matte to metallic, the palette is intended to be more versatile.

As eyeshadows, they are almost to the same quality as the ones in the Skinny palette above, slightly less pigmented on the first swipe but build up fine. I enjoy all the finishes, even the 2 glittery shades on the lower left which turn out to be not too chunky on top of pigmented bases. The off white on the first row and the light pink beige on the second row have beautiful sheen, brighten the lids instantly.

Depending on your hair colour, you might argue about the shades that can be used as brow powders. For me, the upper right shade is warm enough but not dark enough, and when applied with the included applicator (not stiff enough for precise application, I note), it kicks up a bit in the pan. I think I will continue to use the palette mainly for eyeshadows only unless I have a dark brow gel to pair.

I would recommend this palette (9.3g/ 0.32oz, reg. $12.95) if you want to experiment warm shades with different finishes, but go for the Skinny palette when travel or for basic neutral looks.

It is time Annabelle releases their 4 brand new mascaras and 3 relaunches with the colorful packaging/ "personalities" that some of us bloggers had a chance to help decide a long while back.

The Big Show collection has 4 mascaras that promise intense volume and instant wow effect to lashes.

I have covered (and raved about) the Big Show mascara (pink tube, maximum volume at level 7) and Big Show waterproof mascara (blue, level 5 volume) in the past, please follow the link to read further. The formulas stay the same, just a packaging change.

Definitely my recommendations if you want great volume to your lashes, but note that they would do little for length (only level 2). As mentioned in my original review, Big Show starts out with a wet formula and dries down over time, in comparison to Big Show waterproof, so keep that in mind.

Each tube is 0.33oz/ 10ml.

You also have the option for customized volume with the Expandable mascara (pink, level 6 volume, level 3 length).

Click the link for my review, including the comparison shot of the wand lengths when you turn the dial (+ or -). Like I said there, I found a combination of one coat with each wand length works for me.

This mascara is a fun way to play around with the wand to get the final result that you are after, which can be changed up depending on occasions as well.

The tube holds slightly less product at 0.23oz/ 7ml.

On to brand new releases this Fall.

The Outlash mascara (orange, wide-eyed volume at level 5, level 2 length) is the last item in the Big Show collection, featuring a very cool looking 360 degree spiral brush.

I find the brush interesting and fun to experiment with. I could skip the "twisting the handle" step while applying this mascara because the wand itself already twists in shape. The end result is good for everyday, nothing dramatic. No flaking/ smudging, easy to remove, which actually apply to almost all mascaras in this post.

Standard tube size of 0.33oz/ 10ml.

The Lash Launcher collection has 3 mascaras that promise sky-high length and defined lashes.

The Lash Launcher mascara (red, maximum length at level 7, level 2 volume) is your friend if all you want is length for your lashes.

The dual-length brush coats the lashes better, which might explain the length promise.

I need both, but find volume is more important if I have to choose. Still, during testing period, I rotated all these mascaras and did not find the Lash Launcher underperformed for what it was. And I always layer another mascara on top of it for volume (like the Big Show above).

The tube is 0.3oz/ 9ml.

The Blast Off mascara (yellow, level 6 length, level 2 volume) with a curved brush has a different promise - to lengthen and curl the lashes.

On me, however, the Blast Off performs very similarly to the Lash Launcher, just because my lashes do not hold curls well at all.

I have had pretty good luck with curved wands in the past, since the curve brings the brush closer to my lashes once I do a little twist with the wand, so I would say the brush shape makes application easier for me, but not for the curls themselves.

The packaging colour combination in the Blast Off stands out the most in the bunch for me. The tube is slightly smaller - 0.28oz/ 8.5ml.

And lastly, the Supernova mascara (green, level 6 length, level 3 volume) promises an all-in-one result (length, volume and definition) with a conical brush held by a flexible neck.

I reach for this mascara when I want a quick no-fuss look. The pointed shape of the brush helps take care of the super short inner lashes, and the flexible wand is more gentle to the lash line (but would compromise a bit of control, naturally).

Standard size - 0.33oz/ 10ml.

Overall, I think Annabelle is enabling the "child" in us, makeup lovers, to come out and play. Different wands for different purposes, feel free to pick and choose.

All mascaras are $9.95 except the Expandable $10.95.

Those who noticed my long break (other than with the Flyer Friday series), thank you for checking in. Those who didn't, I am back anyway lol. Lots of PR things to catch up on, so let's get to it.

If you have not seen new displays in stores already, Fall makeup products have arrived. Annabelle, as usual, goes big with lip products this year.

My most anticipated line is the Big Show gel lip liners, naturally because I love the gel liner concept, gentle on the lips but bold and long wearing.

Annabelle says these are the first long lasting (up to 7 hours) and waterproof lip liner line with a gel formula for smooth application.

Basic standard pencil format with colour-indicating packaging. I wish the liners adopt the twistup format, just to make my life easier. No sharpener is included either.

Good range of colours with 6 shades - Nude Attitude, Call Me Pinky, Meet Rosie, Fall for Fuchsia, Red is Love and Royal Purple, all matte, 0.042oz/ 1.2g, $8.95 each.

Closeup on the shades.

Nude Attitude has a pink undertone which is easier to wear than a basic nude on pigmented lips, while Call Me Pinky is a cool toned pink, more flattering on fair skin tone.

Meet Rosie is the all-occasion/ everyday shade, would look great on everyone, I think.

Starting the bold group, Fall for Fuchsia is a hot pink with a red undertone. Red is Love is a classic but slightly darker red, my favorite and age appropriate shade of red. Royal Purple, while still bold, is leaning toward a plum tone, hence not too over the top on.

Needless to say, I am very happy with the colours. The liners also wears very well on the lips, not drying nor uncomfortable. The only thing I need to note is that this gel formula feels a little more stiff than others I have tried, not scratchy but not soft either.

The next release is also very exciting - TwistUp Metallic retractable lipstick crayons.

If you remember, I love the original Annabelle TwistUp Retractable lipstick crayons. Then the brand introduced 4 Metal Mix (LE) shades in 2014, with sheer finish and a sheen to them.

I am happy to say the Metallic finish maintains the bold and pigmented reputation of the originals, with more shine in the formula and more jazz to the packaging (metallic instead of pure white writing).

6 shades available this time: Nude of Fame, Crazy Coral, Heavy Petal, Purple Panache, Rock & Rose and Heartbreaker.

Nude of Fame is indeed very nude, looks almost clear on me, great as a lipstick topper.

Crazy Coral is part coral, part red, very pretty but shows up a little more subtle on the lips than shown here. Heavy Petal and Purple Panache are quite subdued as well, easy to wear.

Now Rock & Rose and Heartbreaker are a different story - very bold colours, with quite strong metallic sheen but are not night-club crazy, still wearable for weekends or night-outs. To tone them down for day wear, I use them in the centre of the lips, on top of the gel liners above.

These Metallic TwistUps share the quality of the originals, I have nothing to complain. They are 0.05oz/ 1.5g, $9.95 each.

Similarly, I was also very smitten with Annabelle Lipsies last year? I called them lip balms for adults - they are moisturizing but affordable, smell good, and some have good colour payoff.

Now the brand introduces Lipsies Diamond, same formula but with a hint of shimmer. Those who prefer to spice up their lip colours in a more subtle way can opt for these instead of the TwistUp Metallic.

Same change made to the packaging - metallic/ shiny writing instead of bright white in the originals.

I received 2 shades: Rose Macaron and Wild Berries.

As you can see, the shine is amazing on these two, no doubt, so it would narrow down to the colours that work for you, if you plan to shop this release.

Rose Macaron is not a colour to wear alone for olive skin tone - cool toned and slightly milky, but again, as a topper, it is great. Wild Berries leans more pink than berry toned, works as a casual daily shade when you have no makeup on.

The Lipsies Diamond are 0.11oz/ 3.2g (vs. 0.12oz/ 3.5g in regular Lipsies), with the same price - $4.95 each.

UPDATE: Among the lineup of 12 shades, 6 are Limited Edition - Bubble Gum, Cantaloupe, Chocolate, Cinnamon Roll, Dragon Fruit and Pomegranate.

Also, to make room for these Lipsies Diamond, the core Lipsies line is reduced in half with Lime, Lychee, Cupcake, Grapefruit, Strawberry and Fruit Punch being discontinued. If your favorite shade/ flavour is in this list, grab it now.

Get ready for colours, as Annabelle's Spring release this year is just that!

These are the brand new Big Show lacquers in a beautiful range of pinks and reds.

Meant to be shiny, lightweight, non sticky, non drying, pigmented and long wearing, Big Show lacquers are a hybrid of a lipstick (for the saturated colours), a gloss (for the shine) and a stain (for lasting power).

The line includes Adore Simply, Caress Tenderly, Kiss Sweetly, Enchant Romantically, Love Fiercely and Hypnotize Deeply.

Shade names are printed in black on clear stickers at the bottom of the tubes, a little hard to read. Wouldn't it be more fun if those beautiful names are just written right on the tubes?

The slanted sponge tip applicator is basic and small, and it works.

The colours swatches more opaque on the hand (see below). On the lips, I do need to layer them up in thin coats, but the finish is beautiful. Not much of a stain afterward that I notice though. They do transfer and fade with food/ drinks also.

Important note: Try not to layer too much or the product will leave a bit of residue line on the inside of the lip.

The lacquers have a fruity vanilla scent that is noticeable during application but not much longer after that.

With the exception of Adore Simply being very light (cool toned pink tinted), the other 5 shades (Caress Tenderly, Kiss Sweetly, Enchant Romantically, Love Fiercely and Hypnotize Deeply) are bright, but not as bold as how they look in the tubes.

I normally prefer one coaters on the lips, but surprisingly have a lot of fun with both wearing these lacquers alone for a sheer natural look and layering them on other lip products and watch the colour/ finish changes.

The lacquers are $9.95 each, $5 off online right now, for limited time!

3 new Waterproof liquid eyeliners in Black Star, Bronze and Blue Spark, bringing more colours to the face :)

The formula is supposed to be quick dry, glossy, long lasting (up to 24hrs) and glide on easily without smudging/ flaking.

I can confirm most of these claims, except for the 24 hour part as I did not wear makeup that long. The liners did last through my normal work days and gym classes. I found some tiny transfer when I wore just the eyeliner on the lash line, so I recommend adding at least a wash of eyeshadows on the lids with it.

Standard packaging for liquid eyeliners, with short tip (slightly firm, great for newbies like me) and long handle.

And Annabelle means waterproof when it says waterproof :) The liners survived the swipe test on my hand after they dried, and last through flurries when I was out shoveling and other watery episodes on the eyes through a normal day :)

The colours have good coverage so I don't need to layer them on, and the sparkles are a nice touch.

The green tint in Black Star makes it appear less intense than a pure black. Bronze is a little too close to my skin tone to be noticeable. Blue Spark is naturally the bold colour of choice and it does not disappoint.

These waterproof eyeliners are $8.95 each.

I interrupt the regular schedule today to continue Annabelle Fall release with brow products. I cut my finger tip with the spiralizer and could not bring nail polish remover anywhere near that nail, so no NOTD :(

I have never been on point in the brow game, ever. Well, when I was sent 3 products just for brows, I was a bit anxious if my skill does them any justice.

The products turn out to be quite newbie friendly and I am more comfortable with taming my brows to a reasonable shape and colour.

First off is the all-in-one Brow to Go kit in Light/ Medium (also available in Medium/ Dark), 0.081oz/ 2.32g, $9.95.

The 2 powder shades can be used individually or blended together to match your hair colour. The wax (far right) goes on almost colourless, does a good job in fix the brow hair in place.

The wax has a clear plastic lid to avoid "contamination" from its powdery neighbour. Attention to details!

Since the kit is meant for "to go" purpose, it is compact. As a result, the dual ended applicator (the slanted end is for the powder and the rounded end for the wax) and the tweezers included are also small, a little awkward to hold but do the job.

As seen in the swatches below, Light/ Medium is a little light for my hair colour so I do pair it with a darker brow pencil. Powder products also take more time to apply, so I only use the kit in the weekend and to travel with.

Easier to use are brow pencils, definitely. Annabelle has 2 :)

Up top is the Brow Show brow liner + highlighter in Light, a 2-in-1 product to fill in brows and highlight the brow bone. Also available in Medium, 0.07oz/ 2.21g, $9.95.

The liner end has gel-like texture to fix the brows into place with a bit of colour. The highlighter end is silky, lightweight with pearl finish, easy to blend out with a small brush or just a finger.

At the bottom is the Stay Sharp waterproof brow liner in Taupe. Also comes in Blond, Auburn, Medium Brown, Dark Brown and Ebony, 0.008oz/ 0.25g, $9.95.

Note that we do use more product on the brows than on the lash line so naturally, the tip wears out a lot faster and needs sharpening more often. I normally need to twist the cap till click, untwist and twist till click again to get a pointed tip on this one.

Problem solved when I use the Stay Sharp brow liner to map out the shape and fill it in with the Brow Show liner. That way, both products would last me longer.

Here are the Stay Sharp liner in Taupe (left), then the Brow liner end in Light and the Highlighter end of the Brow Show. I wouldn't think Taupe and Light would be my shade but they look quite natural on, a little more toned down :)

I have a bit too much fun with my brows lately :)