Whilst having a rummage in the makeup section at TKMaxx I found a few products from a company called bellápierre. According to their website, since the year 2000, bellápierre cosmetics is one of the fastest growing natural mineral make-up companies in the world. bellápierre cosmetics products are 100% mineral based natural ingredients and come in a diverse range of colour pigments making them appealing to all skin types and tones. bellápierre states on their packaging that conventional makeup is made with 90% fillers and 10% colour pigment and that mineral powders allow your skin to breath without locking in toxins and waste. Fillers such as talc, preservatives, fragrances, oil and dyes are the things that cause people to break out and develop skin irritations/allergies. bellapierre say their powders are made with all natural ingredients including; Mica, Zinc Oxides, Iron Oxides and Titanium Dioxide. bellápierre go on to further say that their minerals are mined from the earth and go through a process where they are coated, treated and micronised to achieve different colour pigments.
A more well-known mineral make up brand is bare minerals. Although I have a few products from bare minerals including a few eye shadows and a translucent powder, I haven't bought much as I think the RRP is too high. That said, like bellápierre, I purchased these products from TKMaxx at a fraction of the RRP but if I wanted a range of shades for my kit, it would could me a small fortune plus mixing liquid foundations is easier. Those who know me well understand my love for TKMaxx and bargain hunting so when I looked at the RRP and what I actually paid, I simply couldn't resist! I bought the following;
FLAWLESS COMPLETION KIT - £14.99 (RRP £50)
STROBING KIT - £12.99 (RRP £50)
KISS PROOF LIP CREME QUAD - £9.99 (RRP £50)
Before I did my research into bellápierre, I didn't think they were anything special and I completely forgot that I even owed one of their makeup bases and a few shimmer shadows which I must have bought a few years back. More recently, after seeing their products reappear in TKMaxx, I began trawling the internet for reviews which were mostly good with ratings of 4/5. Combined with the reviews and bargain price tag, I decided to splurge! After purchasing and testing three kits out on myself, I have to say I am very impressed!
I have reviewed each kit including information about what’s included, product information, how to use the products, how much the products would have cost me individually as well as a review of the good and bad. You can check out bellapierre's website for product information and prices here
FLAWLESS COMPLETION KIT - £14.99 (RRP £50)
Note: WINNER: NATURAL HEALTH MAGAZINE 2014 BEAUTY AWARDS
Included:
Mineral Foundation in Ivory 4g (£20), Kabuki Brush (£20), Concealer (£12.99) & Mineral Blush in Desert Rose 4g (£20)
About this kit:
- Contains no talc, oil, additives, fillers, FD&C, dyes or synthetic preservatives
- Recommended by dermatologists
- UVA & UVB protection (SPF 15)
- Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties
- Complete coverage for all skin types
- Youthful appearance: helps to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Review:
This product can be used in two ways, with or without the makeup base. The makeup base is classed as a concealer/corrector which bellápierre suggest is used for extra coverage if needed. For a lighter more natural look, you can use the mineral foundation alone without the makeup base or for extra coverage apply the makeup base with a clean finger before the foundation.
To test this kit in terms of it's coverage ability, using a clean finger, I started by applying the makeup base to my under eye area, around my nose and on any areas I thought my skin tone needed evening out/brightening up. After applying the makeup base, using the Kabuki Brush as an applicator, I tapped a small amount of foundation into the lid and using it as a palette, I swirled the Kabuki brush around the lid, tapped off the excess then buffed the product into my skin in circular motions repeating until I felt I had sufficient coverage. Both products felt very light and provided light-medium coverage which is perfect for a natural day to day look. Next, using the same brush, I applied the blush to the apples of my cheeks lightly sweeping up towards the highest point of my cheekbones.
I love how fresh and natural this make up is. It's super easy and quick to apply and is buildable depending on coverage desired. The fact you have the choice to use the concealer/make up base with or without the foundation which bellapierre say is full coverage is another bonus to me as the amount of makeup I can apply is always according to how much time I have available. Similar to the foundation, the blusher was beautiful to apply and the colour pigment is gorgeous! What’s more is that the foundation and blushers have an SPF 15 so they are perfect for me personally and for when I do make up on others - sun protection and no flashback on photographs! I feel like this is going to become my go to make up for a quick, fresh faced look which is also going to be perfect for my fair skinned brides! Medium, Dark and Deep kits are also available. If I see these kits in TKMaxx, I will definitely be making some more purchases!
STROBING KIT - £12.99 (RRP £50)
Note: HIGHLY COMMENDED: NATURAL HEALTH International BEAUTY AWARDS 2016
Included:
x1 Fan Brush (£20)
x4 2g Illuminators including;
ROSE (rose gold mineral pigment with silver shimmer)
SULTRY (copper mineral pigment with a warm, golden finish)
TOAST (champagne pigment with white gold shimmer)
LUSTRE (icy white pigment with a violet duo chrome finish)
About:
Strobing is all about using illuminators to enhance features without the need to contour or bronze. The bellápierre Strobing Kit contains four different illuminators to suit a wide range of skin tones. Formulates with three pure pigments made using safe, natural ingredients that melt seamlessly onto the skin for a range of looks.
Review:
I love to use a little highlighter on my cheek and brow bones, on the bridge of my nose and on my cupids bow and these little gems work perfectly without looking too intense. Not only are these pots of light good for highlighting, they are fantastic as eye shadows! What’s more is that you get to choose from four different shades which you can apply according look you are going for, area on the face, whether you have a tan or are on holiday.
After applying my flawless complexion kit, I used TOAST on the highest point of my cheekbones, LUSTRE on my brow bone and ROSE as an eye shadow. If I was on holiday and wanted a more sun kissed/bronzed look or had a darker skin tone, I would use SULTRY. The pigment pay off in each illuminator was fantastic and like a lot of mineral products, a little goes a long way! The fact the products can be used for more than one thing is an added bonus for me especially when I want to do my make up quickly or have little room in my holiday make up bag.
My only issue with mineral products is due to the fact they are fine powders, they can be a little messy but as long as you shake the pot before opening so the product falls back through the inner sieve this makes it a little less so. Be careful where you put these pots down because if they are dropped, they could end up everywhere! Don't be put off by the size of the pots as a little definitely goes a long way! If you prefer a palette of highlighters as opposed to individual pots, bellápierre do a Glow Palette for £12.99 (RRP £40).
KISS PROOF LIP CREME QUAD (WATERPROOF) - £9.99 (RRP £50)
Note: HIGHLY COMMENDED: NATURAL HEALTH International BEAUTY AWARDS 2016
Included:
ANTIQUE PINK (deep pink)
NUDE (light rose pink)
HOTHEAD (red)
ROSE PETAL (plum)
About:
An alternative to matte lipsticks without the mess. These Kiss Proof Lip Crèmes are designed to last all day without transferring onto everything your lips make contact with. The cream based formula promises to glide on smoothly and dry within 60 seconds.
Review:
The first time I tried liquid lipsticks was at an Urban Decay counter in Debenhams, Metro Centre as I was curious to see what all the hype was about and whether they were worth the investment. One major factor for me was the price which was around £17 per lipstick which would be too expensive for me to bulk buy a range. What I did love about Urban Decay's rose pink liquid lipstick was the colour intensity and longevity which is essential for me both personally on a night out and for clients who need their lipstick to last all day. Without a liquid lipstick, one way to make your lipstick more long wearing is to colour your lips in with a lip liner followed by lipstick but it will probably need to be reapplied again particularly after consuming oily food and liquids.
Immediately after purchase, the first shade I tested was HOTHEAD (red), a red shade not to dissimilar to my MAC Pro Longwear classic red lipstick shade /50. The first thing I noticed is that it smelt like strawberries, an aroma which remained the whole time I was wearing it. When applying this lipstick, you have to make sure there isn't too much product on the brush as a little goes a long way! After applying the product to the outline of the lips you then need to fill in the remainder. After application, true to word, it was completely dry within 60 seconds. Like all liquid lipsticks they can make the lips appear a little dry. The only downside to them is I found my lips felt a little tacky towards the centre of my lips although this was not enough to put me off given the cost! After checking their website, I checked the RRP and they are £50 for the four pack or £20 individually. These have been an absolute steal for me and I can see me using all of the colours, particularly the red for nights out and pink for a day time look. Click on the link to find out about bellápierre.
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