[sponsored] Absolute NY & Nicka K. NY – face and eye Make-up

Good evening lovelies,

today I have a long, picture loaded post for you. So grab a drink and enjoy.

As I promised in my Absolute NY & Nicka K. NY – introduction I would like to review all those lovely products I got by subject. Today I will start with the face and eye products.

If you have question please feel free to ask them in the comments.

A big thank you to Nicka K. New York and Absolute New York for sponsoring the products so I can test and review them for you.

Nicka K

picture rights reserved by
http://www.beautycrowd.co

picture rights reserved by
http://www.beautycrowd.com

Like with every make-up, let’s start with the foundation primer, which is offered by both brands.

IMG_4125b

IMG_3858b

IMG_3859b

available for about 10$

  • weightless  and ultra smoothing
  • seamlessly blends across the skin and extends the wear of the make-up
  • suitable for all skin types

key ingredients:

Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isododecane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Rose Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Mineral Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate

how to use:

  • spread product all over the clean and moisturized face
  • blend in with the fingers
  • follow by the foundation of your choice

I tried the primer several times and even though I don’t haven’t tried any other so far, I am pretty happy with them. After applying them the skin feels super smooth, which might be because of the silicone dimenthicone in it. Most primers use silicone so I wasn’t surprised. Personally, I don’t have a problem with silicone based products.

 

The Nicka K. waterproof concealer comes with great pigmentation and therefore full-coverage but is also very lightweight. These concealers are around 6$ and come as a jumbo pencil in 5 different shades.

waterproof concealer

IMG_4127b

key ingredients:

Isododecane, Ozokerite, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ceresin, Paraffin, Polybutene, Microcrystalline Wax, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol

how to use:

  • apply on spots or dark circles and blend in

The one I received is in shade NYA32, which is in the exact middle of all 5 colors, also found as deep caramel. Since I am super pale, this shade is too dark for me to be used as a concealer, but I think it would also be great as a contour pen.

 

The Nicka K. eye shadow base is available in 3 shades, each for around 5$.

NYA10 white
NYA11 pearl
NYA12 nude

I received NYA10 which is a matte white which is supposed to give an incredible boost of vibrancy. Pearl gives a delicate touch of iridescence and nude is for seamless, natural canvas.
In general these products have a special designed formula that latches onto the pigments to keep your favorite eye colors in place.

IMG_4129b

key ingredients:

Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Candelilla Cera, Mica,  Isododecane/Isobutylmethacrylate/Bis-Hydroxypropyl Dimethicone Acylate Copplymer, Isopropyl Isostearate, Petrolatum, Phenyl Trimethicone, Silica, Hydrogenated Microcrystaline Wax, Paraffin/Glycol Montanate/Synthetic Wax, Beeswaxm Phenoxyethanol, Titanium Dioxide (CI77891)

how to use:

  • apply all over the eyelids to create a smooth base for eye shadows and to enhance pigmentation

So far I used the eye shadow base from p2 which spread very easily due the creamy texture. I found the Nicka K. base a bit “harder” and therefore a little difficult to spread over the lid, but I have read a lot of recommendations on it, people saying it is the best they ever used. So maybe I have to get used to it. I will definitely use it a few more times and see how it goes. What I can say is that the white base really does intensify the colors and vibrancy of eye shadows.

 

Next on the list are the Absolute NY true palettes. They come in a set of 5 eye shadows specifically designed for different topic/color schemes.

paletten

NF073 Element
NF070 Nude
NF072 Carnival
NF071 Romantic Affair

The names in bold font are the ones I received.

The palettes feature shades that are curated to create a range of seamless eye looks for any occasion. They are super smooth and again have a long-wearing formula that packs a punch of pigmentation that can easily be blended for natural definition, or packed on for dramatic smokey eyes.

Each palette is around 6$.

First of all I would like to review the nude palette, which is a nice mixture of natural tones. From a matte beige, to a shimmer beige which are perfect for my pale skin, to slightly darker beige, brown and dark brown.

Absolute NY natural nude

IMG_3849bb

From left to right I swatched all colors. The top row is with and the bottom row without primer. As you can see the pigmentation is good either way (sorry for the bad lighting in the picture) and I feel they picked really nice colors for a natural brown eye make-up. The only color that doesn’t match well with the others is this beige, almost a bit orange color in the middle. Don’t get me wrong, the eye shadow is pretty but I feel it is a bit too warm for the rest of the palette, which seems rather cold toned. All colors go on and blend pretty well. I think my favorite is the 2nd from the right, which is this nice bronze brown that really compliments blue eyes.

IMG_4337b

The second palette I got is the carneval palette.

This one is so colorful and simply amazing. I opened it immediately and started swatching and the first note I made was “THE BOMB”. The pigmentation is simply amazing. All, except the red, are eye shadows. The red one is supposed to be a blush. But honestly, why use this gorgeous color as a blush? I can see myself using this palette for halloween or carneval looks and very colorful eye make-ups.

IMG_4165b

IMG_4166b

Just look how pretty these are!

IMG_4167b

IMG_4168b

The dark eye shadow is especially unique. I tried to catch the different colors within. It is somehow dark, almost grey and black, but also blue at the same time.

On the swatched you can see how crazy the pigmentation is with just one stroke.

I can’t even decide which one is my favorite, that’s how much I love these.

IMG_4170b

key ingredients:

Talc, Mica, 2-Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polybutene, Zinc Laurate, Silica, Dimenthicone, PropylparabenMay Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Yellow Iron Oxide, Red Iron Oxide, Blue 1, Yellow 5, Black Iron Oxide, Red 40, Manganese Violet

 

Next is the Absolute NY perfect eyebrow pencil. It’s supposed to effortlessly shape, fill, and define your brows with this sleek eyebrow pencil. The formula is specially designed to provide just enough waxiness, for natural fullness that stays in place all day. Unique angled tip allows for precision and control, with each application, while the attached spooly brush grooms brows into place. Available in black, brown, and dark brown.

I received NF056 brown.

each pencil is around 4$

Absolute NY eyebrow pencil

IMG_3861b

IMG_3863b

IMG_3864b

I gotta say I am not a big fan of eyebrow pencils. I prefere eyebrow powder. I feel it give a more natural look instead of using a pencil and drawing the brows on. Using a pen always irritates my skin, which was kind of the case for this product as well. I simply felt it was too hard and didn’t have a good color pay-off.

key ingredients:

Carnauba Wax, Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Lanolin, Zinc Stearate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, DImethicone, Phenylpropyldimesthylsiloxysilic, Tocopheryl Acetate, Butyl Hydroxy Toluene, Mica
May Contain: Black Iron Oxide, Red Iron Oxide, Yellow Iron Oxide, Titanium Dioxide

 

The Nicka K. shimmer eyeliners are a great pick if you are looking for unique colors. Specially formulated and equipped with a foam tip applicator to apply effortless and set for long-wearing, water, smudge, and fade-resistant wear, these eyeliners add an instant touch of sparkling glamour to your eye make-up.  They are available in twelve shimmer shades and two matte shades!

waterproof eyeliner

Absolute NY shimmer eyeliners

NF014 Gold
NF013 Silver
NF012 Glitter Black
NF011 Glitter Brown
NF010 Glitter Burgundy
NF009 Red Hot
NF008 Green
NF007 Fuchsia
NF006 Purple
NF005 Navy
NF004 Blue
NF003 White

NF002 Matte Brown
NF001 Matte Black

The names is bold font are the ones I received. Each eyeliner is available for around 5$

IMG_4176b

IMG_4177b

IMG_4178b

I must say I love when companies put out unique eyeliner colors. Why does everything always has to be so boring right?
With these eyeliners I have just one problem, the applicator tip. I really hoped it would have a thin brush applicator, like the one from Essence.

Essence brush

It is thin, bendable and therefore gives me a much better control over my perfect winged eyeliner.

The colors and the pigmentation of these shimmer eyeliners are amazing, but the applicator ruins it for me. I will try to make it work just because I like the quality of the product, but please I beg you Nicka K. change the applicator tip :)

My favorite eyeliner that I could try would be the golden one. It is amazing how good and even the pigmentation is and that once it’s dry, it is super smudge and water-resistant. The are perfect for those hot summer day or trips to the beach. Your make- up will last all day. The pink and green ones were also very nice. The only disappointment was the green one that stained pretty bad and the glitter burgundy. It seemed a bit sheer and more difficult to get an even application.

key ingredients:

Water, Acrylates, Propylene Glycol, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gun, Simethicone, Tin Oxide

May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, Carmine, Ultramarine Blue, Red Iron Oxide, Yellow Iron Oxide, Black Iron Oxide, Ferric Ferrocyanide

 

The Absolute NY waterproof gel eyeliner have a long-wearing, pigmented formula that is designed to define and highlight your eyes all day. They are buttery smooth when applying, but set and lock the color when dry for budge-proof, water-proof, transfer-proof color that lasts and lasts and lasts.

These eyeliners come in 14 colors and cost about 5$ each.

gel eyeliner

gel eyeliner 2

NFB93 Mystical
NFB92 Pink
NFB91 White
NFB90 Turquoise
NFB89 Purple
NFB88 Lilac
NFB87 Blue
NFB86 Navy
NFB85 Teal
NFB84 Brown
NFB83 Dark Brown
NFB82 Green
NFB81 Gold
NFB80 Pearl
NFB79 Twinkle Black
NFB78 Black

The names is bold font are the ones I received.

IMG_4174b

IMG_4175b

IMG_4340b

 

I must say I was very impressed by these. The texture is great and once they are dry they really are smudge and water proof. I will definitely try to work with these, even though I feel liquid eyeliners are easier to work with. I tried them also on the waterline and they work pretty well. I wish they would also offer a soft beige one for the waterline since I prefere beige to a bright white on the waterline.

key ingredients:

Isododecane, Ozokerite, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ceresin, Paraffin, Polybutene, Microcrystalling Wax, Jojoba Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Black Iron Oxide, Black 2, Ultramarine Blue, Red 7, Red 6, Blue 1, Red Iron Oxide, Yellow Iron Oxide, Manganese Violet, Carmine Curl”
For all of you Marcara addicts Nicka K. offers a wide range of Mascara, each one with a different brush for different purposes.

The ultra-black, formula is designed to seamlessly bind to, and coat lashes to effortlessly create lush, dramatic volume with definition. These mascara promise long-lasting, smudge-proof wear.

super volumedefine and lengthen

divide and volume lash multiplication

curl and volume volume and extension
pictures taken from http://www.ikatehouse.com

I received WMo2 – define & lengthen waterproof mascara

IMG_4128b

At first I was really surprised how easy the brush was to bend. But after trying it I actually liked it. It makes it very easy to coat the lashes evenly without smudging the product everywhere. I didn’t really see a crazy lengthening effect, but it is still a nice mascara and yes, it is smudge and waterproof.

Last but not least, Absolute NY also offers a wide range of lashes made of 100% human hair.

They offer regular, double lashes, classic-flare and ultra thick black single under lashes as well as knot free classic-flare and knot free ultra black single lashes.

You can view the whole range here

regular – each about 4$
double lashes – each about 6$
classic flare black single under lashes – each about 4$
ultra thick black single under lashes – each about 4$
knot free classic flare single lashes – each about 4$
knot free ultra black single lashes – each about 4$

Here is what I received:

AEL23

IMG_4180b

AEL23

AEL28

IMG_4182b

AEL28

AEL31

IMG_4181b

AEL31

AEL51

IMG_4183b

AEL51

Currently I am not using lashes but a few years back, when I lived in Japan I always used lashes and I loved it. well besides applying them haha

I gotta get back to that. I kind of miss glam-ing up myself.

 

The beauty mark pen from Absolute NY is a little accesoire goodie. It comes with different designs so you can pick which one suits you best. You want to add a little spice to your look for the night? Rock a tattoo without the commitment. Designed for both the face and body, these unique felt-tip, ink, beauty stamps create authentic looking, temporary tattoos that can easily be removed when desired.

Absolute NY stamp

beauty mark pens

IMG_3853b

I received ABM03 Star, each pen is about 13$, but I gotta say I was worried. Sure it lasts pretty long and once you get the hang on how to press the stamp on your skin you will get a great result, BUT it stains a lot. I am not sure if I simply used the wrong products to get it off or I simply tried to remove it too fast. Please let me know about your experiences.

IMG_3855b

IMG_3856b

here you can see the result after trying to remove it with a normal make-up wipe and oil based remover.

IMG_3857b

and here even after using nail polish remover, the starts were still a bit visible.

Now imagine you would use them on your face. I would be pretty angry if this stained my face like this.

how to use:

  • select design and size of choice
  • press stamp onto desired location and hold for 2 seconds
  • let dry
  • lightly dust your tattoo with translucent powder for a long-wear boost

key ingredients:

Water, Aloe Extract, Polyurethane-35, Polyglceryl-2 Caprate, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Tri-C12-13 Alkyl Citrate, Caprylyl Glycol, Panthenol, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Tocopherol, Pehnylpropanol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Citric Acid

May Contain: Red 40, Green 3, Red 33, Yellow 5, Red 28

 

Overall I am very impressed by the quality of both brands products and I am not saying it because I got them for free. All opinions stated above are my honest opinions of the products and even some of them are not colors I would use, I still think the quality is good. In many cases the pigmentation really convinced me.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask them. I will try my best to answer them.

Also them me know which products you liked best.

Have a great day

 photo Mara2.jpg

absolute logo

Website USA | Europe
Buy USA | UK | Europe
Facebook USA | Europe
Instagram USA | Europe

 

Nicka k logo

Website USAEurope
Buy USA | UK | DE
Facebook USA | DE
Instagram USAEurope

_________________________________________________

Maybe interesting for you as well:

 

Absolute NY & Nicka K. NY – introduction
[sponsored] Absolute NY & Nicka K. NY – giveaway prices
[sponsored] Absolute NY – skin and foot care products
[sponsored] Absolute NY & Nicka K. NY – lip products
[sponsored] Nicka K. NY – nail polishes

[sponsored] just cosmetics – first impressions

Happy Sunday everyone,

today I have a long post for you on a new cosmetic brand which I was sent a few nail products to try out. I would like to talk about my first impressions and give you my honest opinion about the products I was able to try.

just cosmetics has 5 easy philosophy guidelines.

just confident
just cosmetics produces for confident women. who love to try new colors and products.

just design
with the elegant, yet discreet appearance they focus on the fundamental thing – their cosmetics.

just quality
all of their products are thoroughly tested for skin and eye-compatibility. Their complete face and mascara line perfume and paraben free. In addition, the products are not tested on animals.

You can also check the list of ingredients here (PDF – German)

just get it
all you ladies from Hamburg-Germany are able to get the products right there in all Budnikowsky Drugstores. For exact locations please check the store locator

You can also purchase their products at www.iambeautiful.de

viennese
just cosmetics is a cosmetic label based in the charming Austrian capital Vienna.

Overview of products

Lips (Lipstick, Lipgloss, Lipliner, Lip Cream)

Eyes (Eyeshadow, Eyeliner, Mascara, Eyebrow products)

Face (Make-up, Powder & Blush, Concealer & Primer, Bronzer)

Nails (polishes, base & top-coat, nail care)

 

For the launch of their products just cosmetics offered a little present to the first 1.000 subscribers to their newsletter. I did and received a red nail polish from their colorazzi nail polish line.

IMG_3817b

140 be sexy

IMG_3818b

 

I was also lucky enough to receive a big bag of their different polish ranges to try out.

IMG_3876b

IMG_3877b

IMG_3878b

IMG_3879b

 

They sent me 3 gummies, 2 gelicious and 3 (+1 for the newsletter subscription) colorazzi nail polishes, as well as their base and top-coat.

IMG_3897b

Let’s get to the fun part, first I would like to talk about the gummies nail polishes.
This highly opaque , semi – matte nail polish with latex finish is available in 8 fresh sorbet colors. Apply the polish in two coats for optimal results and allow to dry thoroughly. Do not use a top coat, otherwise the effect will disappear.

IMG_3883b

020 sweet apple

a very nice and soft green shade with great coverage and a nice finish. I applied 2 coats.

 

IMG_3891b

010 spicy mint

such a pretty light blue polish, which reminds me of a clear blue sky. I also applied 2 coats.

IMG_3892b

070 delicate cherry

not the usual pink polish if you ask me. I love this shade and the finish is just as pretty as with the other two.

IMG_3890b

I must honestly admit, I am a fan of the gummies polishes. I love the colors they picked for me and I love the finish. I can imagine using these for a cute spring nail design with polka dots.

 

Next I would like to introduce to you the gelicious nail polishes.
This innovative formula with plumping-effect gives an ultimate high-gloss finish. The wide brush allows an easy application without leaving streaks. They come in 9 colors, mostly pink and red shades.

IMG_3881b

010 be a ballerina

such a nice light pink polish, prefect for spring nail designs.

IMG_3889b

040 be a vamp

this might just be the usual red polish, a classic which I must say I already have a lot of.

IMG_3887b

I applied 2 coats for both of them and must say that the glossy finish really surprised me. It is very pretty how shiny those are without any top-coat.

 

Last not least are their colorazzi nail polishes, which come in 29 colors and combines high opacity and shine.

IMG_3882b

110 be crazy

not really neon, but a bit lighter and not as exciting orange polish. I am not sure what to think of it, but that might be because I am simply not a big fan of orange.

IMG_3884b

020 be calm

a simple white without any shimmer or glitter. You know I like trying different white polishes and this makes a pretty good first impression.

IMG_3885b

270 be friendly

a simple blue/turquoise polish, which looks darker on the nail then in the bottle.

IMG_3886b

I am not so sure about the colors I received. I am happy I got to try the white, but the other two are not really convincing me.

The two red polishes seemed pretty much the same so I did a comparison picture of the swatches. The gelicious looks a bit darker but the seem very similar.

 

gelicious nail polish 040 be a vamp and colorazzi nail polish 140 be sexy in comparison

IMG_3894b

IMG_3896b

 

As I said, they also sent me their base and top-coat, which I haven’t gotten a chance to try yet.

IMG_3880b

 

They offer so much more nail care products. I am always big for nail care, so I also wanted to show those to you.

bright up polish

nailcare_bright_up_polish

cuticle remover

nailcare_cuticle_remover

iron nail hardener (with formaldehyde)

nailcare_iron_nail_hardener

nail hardener (without formaldehyde)

nailcare_nail_hardener

pro calcium gel

nailcare_pro_calcium_gel

ridgefiller
nailcare_ridgefiller
rose nail oil
 nailcare_rose_nail_oil
Their products are very affordable, in the price range of p2 or Essence products. But if you live in or near Hamburg, those might be worth a try. My favorite are definitely the gummies polishes.
How do you like the colors? Anything interesting for you?
Please also check my friend Heidi’s Blog (www.heidispolish.com). She also received some colors to try out. Her Blog post is in German and very informative.
Let me know what you think in the comments below.
 photo Mara2.jpg

[sponsored] Liri’s Beautywelt – CLEAN EDGE – Liquid Latex

Happy saturday everyone!

Today I would like to review a brand-new product from Liri’s Beautywelt, my dealer for great nail swatch tips and discounted brand nail polishes.
The Clean Edge – Liquid Latex is the first self-produced product from Liri’s Beautywelt.

 


please click the picture to get directly to the product in the shop
picture taken from Liri’s Beautywelt

Michi, who runs the shop, was so kind to send me a sample to test out and review. First of all, you know that I will tell my honest opinion, no matter if the product was sponsored or I bought it myself. With this being said I would like to get into the review.

What I love about Michi’s shop is that she always puts these little handwritten notes to go with the order. She always wraps everything nicely and protects especially nail polish bottles with bubble wrap. The Clean Edge also came with a blue note, which had instructions and the ingredients written down.

IMG_3777b

IMG_3778b

IMG_3779b

NOTE: do not this product if you are allergic to Latex!

Ingredients: Latex, Water, Ammoniac (<1%)
Content: 12ml
Price: 4,95 euro

I think most of you have heard of the general use of Latex against messy nail design if you stamp or to water marbeling. Most products are white/milky and dry to a clear protecting layer. p2 for example sells a similar product, which has less product (8ml) in it though and also a much thinner and longer brush.

IMG_3371b

The Clear Edge is light blue, a very pretty color, and it basically stays that way even when it dries. I like that for the clean up, because you can see very well where you have to remove the product later. It is also very solid after it dries, which makes a removal in one go very easy! The product simply won’t rip apart, what the one from p2 actually does.

IMG_3780b

IMG_3781b

You can also use this product as a base for glitter polishes, but since it is blue I thought there is no way of using this with lighter glitter polishes or with glitter toppers.

IMG_3807b

Now what do we know^^
It actually works very well. I tried it with three different polishes.

Left to right: Catrice Catrice Crushed Crystals – 05 stardust, Essence nail art special effect topper – 02 circus confetti, Crushed Crystals – 06 call me princess

IMG_3810b

As you can see, the Latex is barely visable with the pink polish, not at all with the dark one and I love how it shines through with the glitter topper. No base polish needed at all :D The removal is just as simple. It comes off in one go.

 

IMG_3815b

 

IMG_3816b

I also wnated to let you know that the polish even seems to dry faster with the Latex as a base. Very nice.

Now for the clean up when stamping nail designs.

IMG_3783b

IMG_3785b

You can see that the product dries keeping the color. I applied Catrice’s holograpic lilac as a base as well as my favorite Rival de Loop polish (which is not available anymore) on the ring finger and used Nailz Craze stamping plate NC02 for the swirley design.

Stahl Craze NC02-Stanzen-Platte

 

please click the picture to get directly to the product in the shop
picture taken from Nailz Craze Etsy Shop

I really love Natalie’s stamping plates. I own all of them besides NC03. They give very crisp designs and are very inexpensive. Please make sure to check her shop as well.
You might see that I used two layers of stamping – white and a darker purple frpm Rival de Loop (#59).

IMG_3786b

IMG_3787b

 

The overlaps of the design stamped on nicely to the Latex. There is an absolute minimum of clean up, which is only needed when you are like me and want to clean up the little bit around the edges.

After that you are left with a pretty stamped nail design AND most importantely, CLEAN FINGERS.

IMG_3788insta

IMG_3790b

 

 

I also tried the Latex with the new awesome white gel polish from Essence and my O.P.I. sheer tints.

IMG_3794b

IMG_3797b

 

Sadly the result is so sheer that it’s barely visible in the pictures.

IMG_3798b

IMG_3802b

 

Résumé: I am in love with this product. It has absolutely no smell, applies easily, dries fast, is easy to remove and leaves you with clean nails after you are done creating your nail design. I like it much more than the product from p2, the brush of it is just way too thin for me. I actually have no cons about this product.

Great job Michi! You really produced a good quality product here. Thanks again for sending it through so I could test it out.

What do you guys think? Do you or would you use Liquid Latex to help with the clean up?

Let me know in the comments below.

 photo Mara2.jpg