Hi lovlies,
I am back again with another ''at first glance'' post.
Bit of a back story: I have recently became an affiliate of Gerard Cosmetics - How exciting!! Jennifer Gerard, CEO of GC, opened this programme for smaller bloggers, like myself, a chance to be recognised. She kindly put some credits through my account so I could be so spoiled and order me some goodies. So fast-forward to today: I will be ''unboxing'' my order with you!
⚠️ Remember, if you like what you see, you can snap them for 30% off with code ''Cinmi'' at check out, or simply click on the link above! 💸
I was so impressed with how fast my order was processed. I placed my order on Monday 8th, and it came on Friday 13th. They use Fedex, for those who are interested in knowing.
Sooooo. What did I get???
1. Cucumber Setting Spray
If you follow Jen, you will notice that she uses it a lot. I asked her what was her favourite scent, and I think you know the answer already! I must say I am a bit of a skeptical shopper. I don't like buying sprays/ perfumes/ foundation etc. without smelling or sampling them beforehand. But in this case, since you cannot find GC in any counter in the UK, I took her word for it.
Their sprays come in 11 scents (coconut, lavender, watermelon, etc.), but for now, I wanted to try cucumber just for testing purposes. The sprays also come in travel size (30ml) but as with lots of other brands, you get your money worth better with full size products!
I can tell you I am not disappointed with my decision. I had high hopes since Jen loved it so much. It does smell quite like the real thing. I will be taking this for a proper test on Monday, as I work 9-5, I usually apply my makeup at 7:30am and remove at about 6:30pm.
2. Startlet Palette - Starstruck
This is a handy pocket size highlighter palette that contains three of their most popular Star Powder shades. I have been debating to buy the individuals on BeautyBay for a while but have put off since I am a makeup hoarder myself, and I actually have NO space left in my blusher complexion basket to store anything. 😭
The packaging is a gold cardboard-like material, extremely similar to Benefit powder boxes and almost like Lime Crime highlighters. I think they are durable enough, and the fact that it comes with a mirror is a big bonus.
I am a highlighter addict and I am not disappointed. The formula was buttery, it glided on my fingers and stayed pigmented as I rubbed on my arm. Though ''Lucy'' is definitely too dark for my skin tone, I can still see it as an eyeshadow.
If I am honest, for someone who owns loads of highlighters, I think this palette is a better thing to get than the individuals, consider they come in a smaller pan size and you can try them all.
3. Hydra Matte Liquid Lipstick
I own three shades already prior to this PR order - 1995 and Mile High are two of my most used shades for work; and Vintage Rose, a fun brighter shade.
I actually prefer liquid lipstick to traditional ones because of my laziness - the longevity of Hydra Mattes mean that I wouldn't have to reapply at work, even after lunch. They aren't drying at all. Having said that, you need to be careful and prep your lips (scrub and balm) before applying, or your lip lines could show up. Otherwise, you can tell that I love the formula hence the two new additions - Everything Nice and Serenity.
I have swatched all the lipsticks for your preview. As you can see, 'Everything Nice' is pretty similar to '1995' so I have been debating to purchase it. '1995' is supposedly darker, but I think I will need to play with them on my lips to tell.
4. Lipstick (Bullet)
I am not a huge lipstick wearer. I like when lipsticks are matte if I am honest, simply because I am a lazy person. I did think GC's bullet lipsticks are so cute for flatlays however!
But OMG. Formula glides on and they all felt so hydrating on my skin! I ordered these shades so they can be for work/ going out as well. You will have to wait till I wear them to work for a full review!
I think it is also worth noting that I have ran the shades twice (back and forth) on my arm for swatches, and I think the lipsticks are quite pigmented.
Verdict
My verdict is, I am really looking forward to trying them all.
I am going to be brutally honest despite my affiliate status. Especially when it comes to the cucumber setting spray. I have combination skin (super oily t-zone) and MAC Prep, Prime, Fix plus are one of the better ones (but not the best) for me. I still struggle to find the best foundation/ primer/ powder combination for myself so I am really looking forward to the spray.
I know I will love the liquid lipsticks since I own a few already, and I am a bit scared to do lip swatches as I have never done any! I will be taking one of the shades with me next weekend as I fly to Edinburgh for a friend's birthday - We will have to wait and see.
Discount
Don't forget you can either use this link or code ''Cinmi'' at checkout for discount off their site.
Speak soon,
Cinmi xoxo
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