Senna cosmetics - Review and Swatches

Just a couple of days ago, I posted a sneak peak at some items from Senna Cosmetics (click here). I have tried these for the past three weeks and am now able to review them.

Here is a brief introduction to Senna Cosmetics for those of us who are not familiar with this brand. 

Created in 1976 by Emmy nominated artist Eugenia Weston, Senna was the first professional makeup artist line to introduce more natural, wearable colors for ‘everyday’ women. Now Senna is the favorite of Hollywood film and television makeup pros, beauty editors, A-list celebrities and women of all ages and stages.

Senna is known for its superb skin perfecting foundations, richly pigmented eye colors, innovative mineral makeup, and the patented Form-A-Brow® stencil kit that launched a whole new beauty category by giving women perfect classic brows in minutes.

Eugenia Weston, Senna founder and celebrity makeup artist, has worked in theatre and movie studios and in creating her own makeup line, felt that the real essence of cosmetics is ‘Beauty, Illusion, Transformation’. To represent this theatrical feeling Eugenia chose a harlequin motif and named this makeup muse ‘Senna’. - Source here

Let's begin with the review.

(Items shown from left to right)
Senna Barely Base Sheer mineral makeup SPF20 in Dark (Link)
Senna HD Extreme Firming radiant makeup in Tan (Link)
Senna Totally Transforming concealer in Amber (Link)
Senna Brow Shaper Dou in Ebony (Link)
Senna Lip Sync in A La Mode (Link)
Senna Lip Sync in Paris Pink (Link)
Senna Lip Sync in Pink Mink (Link)
Senna Double Brow Brush (Link)

Please excuse the chubby pregnant face! :)

With Senna Barely Base Sheer mineral makeup SPF20 (link), I am in the shade Dark. It blends like a dream. Dries to a sheer, illuminating yet matte to the touch finish. It evens out the skin tone nicely, as you can see from my before and after pic. This sheer foundation has benefiting properties that nourish and protect the skin. It has SPF 20 as well. Great for everyday use. It never broke me out or left me feeling oily or caked with makeup. This sheer base will not give you heavy coverage if you desire that.    

Senna HD Extreme Firming radiant makeup in Tan (link). This foundation is not my shade thus I can't give you a fair and honest opinon. Unfortunately this is the darkest shade that they have on their site. 

With Senna Totally Transforming concealer (link), Amber suits me. As you can see from the before and after pic, the concealer has done a very good job with covering the under eye discoloration and the pimple scar. It comes with a doe foot applicator which is quite similar to Mac select moisture cover concealers. Here is a comparison of the two concealers (see below).

 Senna Totally Transforming concealer has a better balance of the orange undertones compared to Mac select moisture cover. Mac concealer has more yellow in it and the formula is not quite as thick and opaque as the one from Senna. I prefer the Senna concealer as it does not need layering, just one small swipe, blend with your fingers and you are done. I anticipate that this concealer fits well for those with really dark circles and pigmentation issues. It is best to set the concealer with powder so that there will be no issues with creasing throughout the day just like with any other concealer.

Senna Brow Shaper Dou in Ebony (link) & Senna Double Brow Brush (link) is the perfect combo for well groomed eyebrows. I usually use Mac fluidline in Dipdown to fill in my eyebrows. I really like this eyebrow shadow and wax better as it gives me much more natural looking eyebrows. However, I should mention that they only last for about 6 hours. I have an oily t-zone and eyebrows so most products tend to fade after 6 hours. Senna Double Brow Brush is a great tool to have for any makeup enthusiast as it has two functions in just one brush. Great for traveling too. 

Senna Lip Sync in A La Mode (link) is a pretty pink lipstick which is sheer with one coat, yet build-able with many coats. The lipgloss is a peachy pink shade with gold glitters. 

Senna Lip Sync in Paris Pink (link) has more reds than pinks in it. The gloss is pink with tiny shimmers that is not gritty in anyway.

Senna Lip Sync in Pink Mink (link) is a hot pink lipstick. I have worn this in a makeup tutorial (click here). The lipgloss is in the shade pink with chunky glitters. The glitters were manageable but I am not too fond of having glitter settle into the lines of my lips.

Likes

- I like all the products mentioned above except for the HD Extreme Firming makeup.

- Quality makeup

- Love the idea of having the lipstick and lipgloss in one tube/packaging. 

- Pigmentation is most of the products are good and are build-able.

Dislike

- Most of the products cost similar to Mac cosmetics. Mac is readily available in most countries and one can try them out before buying however with Senna, it can be a little tricky.

- They do not carry darker shades. The darkest is what I have tried and mentioned above. For reference, I am in Mac NC44/45.

Overall

This brand has quality makeup which is practical for most women. The only issue I have is that they do not carry darker shades thus making it not as favorable for my darker beauties. I hope they improve on this.  

Has anyone else tried this brand before? What are your thoughts?

(Products were sent for review purposes.)

Light blue on blue with pink lips makeup

Seems like I am gravitating towards pastel colors suitable for Spring these days. It's time to look forward to better and warmer weather. Here is a look using an inexpensive palette from Sleekmakeup. I like the matte shadows, they are pigmented even though sometimes a little chalky. Make it work with a good base and patience to pack on and blend the eyeshadows. I made the necklace, in case you were wondering.

Products used:

FACE
Kryolan - TV stick FS27
Kryolan - TV stick FS41
Senna cosmetics - Totally Transforming concealer in amber
Mac - Medium/Dark mineralize skin finish

EYES
Senna cosmetics - Brow shaper duo in ebony
Mac - Painterly paintpot
Sleek - Circus palette light blue e/s
Sleek - Circus palette dark blue e/s
La femme - Brown e/s
Rhomlon - Sky blue eye pencil
Mac - Feline khol pencil
Graftobian - Hi-Def glamour creme in desert sand
Mac - Ricepaper e/s (Eyebrow highlight)
Mac - Blacktrack fluidline
Mac - False lashes mascara in false black
Daiso - Fake lashes

CHEEKS
La femme - Brown e/s (Contour)
La femme - Peach e/s (Blush)

LIPS
Senna cosmetics - Pink Mink lip sync

Happy weekends lovlies... Thanks for coming by!

Senna Cosmetics; A Makeup artist cosmetics line

Senna Barely Base Sheer mineral makeup SPF20 in Dark (Link)
Senna HD Extreme Firming radiant makeup in Tan (Link)
Senna Totally Transforming concealer in Amber (Link)
Senna Brow Shaper Dou in Ebony (Link)
Senna Lip Sync in A La Mode (Link)
Senna Lip Sync in Paris Pink (Link)
Senna Lip Sync in Pink Mink (Link)
Senna Double Brow Brush (Link)

To kick off the month of love, Senna is having a sale at HauteLook starting February 9th at 8am PST.
There are 36 different items to choose from which are up to 73% off retail prices.


Review in progress.... Stay tuned!


*Item sent for review purposes.

Loreal Double Extension mascara for natural looking flirty lashes

I thought I would never say I have a favorite mascara now. This is coming from someone who is very picky when it comes to makeup in general. I have found the one that works really well with my lashes. Gives me the best looking lashes even on my worst days.

Presenting... Loreal Double Extension mascara in carbon black.

This is a two step mascara.  It comes with a conditional base that is enriched with Ceramide R which visibly lengthens the appearance of the lashes when applied. It applies white but dries clear. So don't worry if you do forget to apply the black mascara, you will not look like you have frosted lashes . Now for Step 2 fortifying extending mascara, it distributes the black color from root to tip without leaving clumps.

Let me show you how I apply this mascara and see for yourself why I love it.

1. Before picture of my lashes. As you can see my eyes look tired and lifeless.
2. Apply the base coat (Step 1)
3. Apply the color coat (Step 2)
4. End result - beautiful, natural and flirty looking lashes.

Likes
- Lengthens my lashes without much effort.
- No need for false lashes.
- A quick pick me up for my eyes, especially for tired days which are quite often these days (pregnancy)!
- No flaking at all.
- Does not smudge even on my oily lids.
- Does not clump.

Dislike
- It is not black enough for me, can be improved.
- Not for those who don't like two step mascara application.

Overall
I love this mascara as it does what I look for in a mascara and that is, it has to lengthen and thicken the lashes. This mascara is slightly on the higher price range even though it is a drugstore brand. However, I feel it is worth the money.
I have used this mascara for about 3 months now. It's time to throw this tube out and buy a new one. With all said, I will still be trying out other high & low end mascaras.


What's your favorite mascara?

(It is cold and frosty in Sweden now. Can't wait for warmer weather. Miss the sun so much!)

Sigma Synthetic Kabuki kit (Sigmax brush line)

I bought this kit when Sigma Makeup had the 'Thanksgiving' promotion last year where worldwide shipping was free. Shipping costs outside of the US is expensive and one way to get what's on your wish list is to wait till promotions come by. It does pay off with a little patience! 

Sigma's Synthetic Kabuki Kit retails for USD$56.00 excluding shipping. This kit contains four brushes (F80, F82, F84 & F86) that enables one to achieve a flawless makeup application. The bristles are made of synthetic filament that absorbs less product than a natural bristle ones. The brushes are densely packed. 

You can buy this kit from Sigma's website (LINK). If you are in Europe, there are resellers who carry them on their online stores such as Love-makeup (LINK), GenieCosmetics (LINK) just to name a few. If you are a working makeup artist, make sure to apply for the industry discount so that you can enjoy a discount when you buy the brushes. 

left to right - F86, F84, F82 & F80

Flat Kabuki F80 - I like using this brush for foundation, face powder and concealer. Gives an airbrush look without much effort. In short, this is my all in one brush. 

Round Kabuki F82 - It is a rounded brush that applies product onto the contours of the face. I like using this to apply cream blushes. For me, this brush works the same way as the Flat Kabuki F80.

Angled Top Kabuki F84 - This brush applies cream or powder blush and contour well as the angle of the brush compliments the contours of the cheeks, hairline and jawline.

Tapered Kabuki F86 - Dome shaped brush that is great for applying cream, powder and liquid contour, highlight and even foundation.


Like
- It's a brush set that suits the needs of one who wants flawless face makeup.
- Love how the brushes don't soak up much product compared to the ones that are made of natural hair.
- Non of the brushes shed both when washed or applying makeup.
- The shape of the brushes do not distort after several washes.
- Affordable and good quality brushes.

Dislike
- I am not a huge fan of the F84 & F86 as they are too big for my face.
- The brushes do not dry as fast as I would like them to. They take about 1 whole day to dry.

Overall
My favorite brushes in this kit are the Flat Kabuki F80 and Round Kabuki F82. They are the ones I usually reach out for when applying my foundation, blush, contour and powder. Angled Top Kabuki F84 and Tapered Kabuki F86 are not suited for my face shape as they are on the larger side. I have a big/large face so to be honest I don't see how many can use these brushes without being light handed. However, I do use them when my other brushes are dirty.

If you ask me whether if this is a must have kit? My honest answer to that is NO. You just need the first two brushes as mentioned above for a full face makeup application.

Do you have this kit and what do you think? Has it helped with your makeup application?

Cyber teals with neutral lips makeup

This look was inspired by Estee Lauder's pure color cyber eyes line (LINK). The colour used are teals and browns. So pretty! Being a makeup addict, I had to create a look that was similar to it. Teal is a very beautiful color for brown skin beauties.

Inspiration pic (LINK)

Sneak peak at my belly, I am 27 weeks along!

Products used:

FACE
Revlon - Colorstay foundation in Toast
Mac - Moisture select concealer in Nc 44
Mac - Medium/Dark mineralize skin finish

EYES
Mac - Dipdown fluidline
Mac - Delft paint pot
Mac - Constructivist paintpot
Wet n Wild - Blue had me at hello palette (teal e/s)
Wet n Wild - Comfort zone (brown e/s)
Wet n Wild - Comfort zone (cream e/s)
Lakme - Blue glide on color eye pencil
Mac - Feline khol pencil
Mac - False lashes mascara in false black
No brand - Fake/false lashes

CHEEKS
Milani - Luminoso baked powder blush

LIPS
Nyx - Frappucino lipstick

Hope you are having a fabulous week! Thanks for coming by!

Max Factor smooth effect foundation in caramel 85

A good foundation is hard to come by. Especially if you are a woman of color! I am always in search for a good inexpensive foundation. While browsing around the cosmetics aisle of H&M here in Uppsala, came across the Max factor smooth effect foundation (LINK). Moreover they had a shade for darker skin tone ladies, caramel 85.

Max factor smooth effect foundation

Usually, I would read reviews before making a purchase. This time I did it in an impulse. Not too happy about that now. Read on to know why!

When I checked the color match in the store, it seemed like Caramel 85 was a pretty good match to my skin tone (NC44/45). This foundation is supposed to give a smooth base. It did apply smoothly without any streaking or patchiness.

As you can see from the above picture, the foundation looks smooth and blends in well with my skin (my hand). This did not translate well when applied on my face.

Left side of face

I have smooth, blemish-free skin on the left side of my face (see above pic). So you can see that the foundation did lay smoothly. However, it started to look slightly white (ashy) on my skin after a few minutes. Which  I am not too fond off. I did manage to balance it out with a face powder afterwards.

Right side of face

Now, this is my right side of the face where you can see that I have an angry pimple/zit emerging. So it is slightly red. Obviously, the foundation did not provide much coverage, even after two applications.

Like
- Smooth foundation to touch.
- Spreads smoothly onto face without much effort.
- Foundation is not in the expensive range (basing on UK pricing. In Sweden, it's expensive because of the taxes).

Dislike
- Was not the perfect match, but I can still pull this off with a slightly darker powder.
- Limited colour range, I think the darkest is caramel 85.
- Turned a little ashy.
- Oily t-zone started to show after 2 hours of application.

Overall
I think this foundation is great for someone who likes light or sheer coverage who has few skin imperfections. It did not feel heavy or cakey. The consistency felt more like a tinted moisturizer. Perhaps the next time I will use my MUFE All matt primer before applying this foundation.


Have you guys tried this foundation? What are your thoughts?

Elle 18 Kajal liner - inexpensive & it works

If you have watched one of my recent haul videos on Youtube, I mentioned and showed Elle 18 kajal liner and many asked where I got it from & whether it was good. Well, I have tried it several times and it is a good kajal liner. I own many kajal liners from various brands and have always been very disappointed with them as they never seem to stay well on my (watery) eyes and they smudge like crazy. Some even irritate my eyes (I do have sensitive eyes!).

This kajal is a keeper! It costed me SGD$2.50 only. I bought it in Singapore, Little India Jothistore. Many local indians should be familiar with this store. However, for my international readers, you can buy this kajal from this site, Mall Coimbatore (<= click here for link). It retails for USD$3.95 including worldwide shipping. Seems like a good deal.

It glided on my waterline very easily. The consistency is smooth and the pigmentation is really good. As you can see for yourself in the pic (below), it is very black and that's the way I like my kajals!

I did put it to test in Singapore (hot & ver humid climate) several times. It worked well for about 5 good hours but started to fade after that. However, it did not smudge at all! Usually, most of my eyeliners smudge within an hour after application if I wear them alone without setting them with an eyeshadow. I have worn it in Sweden (cold and dry winter time) too, it seems to last much longer than 6 hours.  

It was very easy to remove the liner and it does not leave any dark residue afterwards like some kajals tend to.

My overall view :

Likes

- Very pigmented.

- Did not smudge even in hot and humid Singapore. 

- Glides on the waterline without much effort.

- Inexpensive product that works.

- Did not irritate eyes.

- Contains almond oil which is known to be good for the eyes.

- Easy to remove with a makeup remover.

Dislikes

- Nothing at the moment!

Could improve

- If it was in a pencil form that would be much more convenient for those who are used to using pencil liners.

- If only it came in more colors.

Now, I can finally say, 'I spent my $2.50 well!'

If you have missed my Singapore haul videos, here are the links!

Thanks for coming by lovelies!

Winged liner with matte red lips (Great for tired and small eyes)

This makeup look makes tired and small eyes look big and awake. A very versatile look that can be amped up with colored liners and change of lip colors. I think this is going to be my go-to look for the next couple of months! Easy and no fuss makeup!

Products used are:-

FACE
Revlon - Photo ready foundation in caramel (foundation)
Graftobian - Hi-Def glamour creme in desert sand (concealer)

EYES
Mac - Sublime nature paint
Mac - Naked pigment
Mac - Dipdown fluidline (eyebrow)
Mac - Deep dark mineralized skinfinish
Sleek - Medium face contour kit (darker color for more depth to the crease)
Inglot - #77 matter gel liner in black
Lakme - Eyeshadow Quart in moondust (matte black)
Mac - False lashes mascara in false black
No brand - False lashes

CHEEKS
MUFE - HD blusher in #2

LIPS
Mac - Russian red lipstick

I hope you like this makeup look and give it a try yourself! I hope 2012 is good so far for all of you!

Skincare routine plus beauty tips (Singapore & Sweden friendly)

Many have asked how I maintain my skin so I recorded my skincare routine. I use products that are suitable for both Singapore and Swedish climate/weather. Singapore being a hot & humid climate, I usually go for products that are water based as it will not make my skin look too oily. When in Sweden, I have to use products that are slightly richer and moisturizing as it is quite dry here even during summer. Winter is a whole different story as my skin goes into a dry spell dying for moisture and nourishment. Oils seems to work well. I must say that maintaining good skin begins from the inside. Drinking plenty of water, exercising, eating healthy and feeling happy are very crucial in ones life and skin. No beauty product in the world can help if one neglects good health and well being.

Here are the products I use for my face.

Cleanser

THEFACESHOP - Aloe Herb care cleansing foam 

Toner

I don't use toner anymore as I feel that it has not done much for my skin. 

Eye cream

Eucerin - AQUAporin active eye cream (great for Singapore weather, not sufficient mositure for winter) 

Akamuti - Evening primerose day cream (great for Swedish winter, used with a light touch around the eyes)

Akamuti - Replenishing rose face cream (great for Swedish winter, used with a light touch around the eyes)

Boots No.7 - Protect & Perfect eye cream (works well for Singapore & Swedish summer, not my favorite product)

Moisturizer

Akamuti - Evening primerose day cream (great for Swedish winter)

Akamuti - Replenishing rose face cream (great for Swedish winter)

Eucerin - DemoPURIFER hydrating care for oily and blemish prone skin (great for Singapore and Swedish summer)

LA ROCHE POSAY - Hydraphase Intense Rich moisturizer (great for Singapore and Swedish summer)

Face mask

Divyaa - Young look face mask powder (available in Singapore, can't seem to find other stores that sell online)

Makeup remover

Neutrogena - Deep Clean cleansing oil (seems like this product is only available in asia, this does a pretty decent job at removing makeup, even waterproof makeup)

I have also included some beauty tips so be sure to watch my video.

Youtube Video

Hope this helps, thanks for coming by.

:)