Tag Archives: minerals

Smink Mineral Makeup: Tundra Collection Swatches and Review.

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I had the opportunity to try out some stuff from Tval Skincare.  Although their name suggests a skincare line, they also have their own line of mineral makeup called Smink.  Here are some swatches of the eyeshadow pigments from the Tundra Spring 2008 (!) collection:

Nancy Oh! / Bonavista / Winterton / Barren / Changeling / Mummer / Figgy Duff / Little Heart’s Ease
(click to enlarge)

Ingredients

Mica (CI 77491), Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide (CI 77891), Magnesium stearate. May contain Iron oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Chromium oxide greens (CI 77289) and/or Ultramarines (CI 77007)

Eyeshadow Pigment Reviews

Nancy Oh! is a dark plum with a slight blue duochrome.  The colour payoff is excellent, and it looks even better foiled or applied over a base.

Bonavista is a very shimmery mid-tone silver.  I think it would make a rockin’ grey smokey eye.

Winterton is a white with very fine shimmer.  It is one of the smoothest pigments in the collection.

Barren is a light olive with fine gold sparkles.  This is the least pigmented of the bunch so I don’t like using this dry.  I find that the texture was also on the chalky side.

Changeling is a greyish aqua with barely there gold sparkles.  I had the same problems with this as Barren — it was quite chalky.  It’s also a colour that is difficult for me to pull off, so it might be better suited for those with fairer skin tones.

Mummer is an incredible chocolate brown.  It is very pigmented and smooth with or without a base.  Definitely one of my favourites.

Figgy Duff is a shimmery beige.  It works well as a highlighter, and it is just as smooth as Mummer.

Little Heart’s Ease is a shimmery rosy pink.  This colour screams Springtime, and its pretty colour is well-complemented by its smooth texture and excellent payoff.

Trussle is a taupe that I unfortunately didn’t receive.  We love taupe!  I’m going to look for a swatch of this online… or maybe buy it.

The Low Down

Overall I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of these pigments.  At only $6 per 5 mL jar, these pigments are a good deal considering the high quality pigments you are getting.  I did not have any problems with fallout when using these.

I recommend: the really delicious neutrals like Winterton, Mummer and Figgy Duff.  If you like colour, get Nancy Oh! and Little Heart’s Ease.

Look for: Trussle, the taupe.  This reminder is for me, anyway. :)

Skip on: Barren and Changeling.

Disclosure: These products were sent to me by Tval Skincare for consideration only.

My Mineral Makeup Encounters with Annabelle.

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When I received news that Annabelle’s mineral makeup line was soon to arrive in my inbox, honestly I was a little concerned. Loose mineral makeup and I aren’t good friends. It’s messy, takes me a long time to use, and I never get a good enough coverage. But one lazy Saturday I took a deep breath, then opened up the box. Time to prove me wrong, Annabelle.

Swatches: “True Beige” foundation / “Hush” blush / “Terra” bronzer
(click to enlarge)

Foundation in “True Beige”

I apply this foundation with a dense stippling brush (like the MAC 187). I’m surprised that this gives a medium coverage. It doesn’t feel like anything on but it evens out my skin tone nicely. It lasts an exceptionally long time even on my oily skin; I know because my face wipes tell me so. It has a satin finish so it never looks chalky or cakey on my face. Around mid-afternoon it does get dewy on me but not like a grease ball; it’s more of a “glow.”  For those who are looking for a good and affordable mineral powder foundation, this is it. :)  Rating: A.

Blush in “Hush”

I love me some blush, so I really wanted to love the blush.  This one is a warm rosy pink, and has the finest shimmer to it.  The pigmentation is perfect.  We have a winner, right?  Wrong.  I had a problem with its staying power.  After I talk on my iPhone, some of it transfers onto my phone and ends up looking blotchy on my cheek.  Not cute. :(  It may fare better on those with non-oily skin.  Rating: B-.

Bronzer in “Terra”

I saved the best for last.  The bronzer is so lovely.  It imparts a stunning glowy sheen, kinda like I’ve just been back from vacation.  More like fake-ation!  Good, non-orange bronzers are hard to come by, and this is one of the best I’ve tried.  You already know I’m not a loose minerals kinda girl, but I love this so much that I might actually attempt to press it into a pan. :P   Rating: A+.

Here’s a photo of me wearing the foundation (also
worn as undereye concealer), blush, and bronzer.

The Low Down

Overall I think this is a solid offering from Annabelle.  The packaging of the minerals are big enough to swirl face brushes around, and the finish of the products is perfection.  If you’re itching to try this line, get the bronzer or foundation.  I would skip the blush if you’re oily skinned.  I still need a bit more convincing when it comes to loose mineral makeup, but for those who already love minerals, this is definitely for you. :)

Disclosure: This product was sent to me for consideration by Groupe Marcelle.