Lancome 'Aquatic Summer' Summer 2013 Color Collection - Review, Photos, Swatches & FOTD

Lancome's new summer collection, 'Aquatic Summer' is a gorgeous mix of shimmering corals, cool blues and bronzes. I tried out a few pieces from the collection - my favorites are the Color Fever Gloss in Metallic Sunburst and Sunbaked Coral, and Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner in Blue Oasis - the eyeliner especially is a must-have from the collection.

Vernis In Love - Aqua Bleu, Simply Aqua ($15) - Simply Aqua is a light, pale blue and Aqua Bleu is a bright, vivid blue. Both are cremes and Aqua Blue was quite opaque with just one coat. Simply Aqua is a tad sheer, but completely opaque in two thin coats. I don't have a problem with the formula of either, but the brush is too wide and doesn't give even coverage. That apart, the colors are great - Aqua Bleu especially is great for a summer pedi!

Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner in Blue Oasis ($26) - One of my favorite pieces from the collection and a lovely blue for that pop of color along the lash line. Its a nice metallic blue with very fine blue shimmer. The shimmer is almost invisible, but I wouldn't still recommend it for the waterline. The formula is smooth and easy to work with and glides along the lash line. It doesn't set really fast, so there's quite a bit of time to smudge it out if needed. I was really impressed with the staying power - it lasted a good 6 hours with no smudging or smearing and I needed a good waterproof remover to get it completely off.

Hypnose Star Waterproof Mascara ($28) - I like the regular Hypnose Star for length and separation more than volume. Like the non-waterproof version, this one too is a tad dry initially, but gets better with use. The wand is slightly smaller in length and helps grab the tiny lashes, especially on the inner corners and lower lash line and separates really well. It is super waterproof though - I had to struggle a bit even with waterproof makeup remover to get it off.

Color Fever Gloss in Metallic Sunburst, Sunbaked Coral ($27) - These are sheer glosses, with just a hint of color, great for layering!  There's a ton of shimmer though, so if you don't like too much shimmer in your lip products these might not be for you. The formula is amazing - super smooth, slick and non-sticky. I absolutely love the glossy finish too. They are fragranced, but its not overpowering and dissipates quickly. Like most sheer glosses, I get about 2-3 hours. I haven't tried too many colors from the Color Fever Gloss range, but I definitely will check more of these out. The formula is impressive.

L-R : Sunbaked Coral, Metallic Sunburst

Wearing Le Stylo in Blue Oasis and Hypnose Star Waterproof Mascara

Wearing Le Stylo in Blue Oasis, Hypnose Star Waterproof Mascara and Color Fever Gloss in Sunburst Coral

What are your thoughts on the 'Lancome Aquatic' Summer Summer 2012 Color Collection?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

Sonia Kashuk Cosmetic Bag Collection

As part of the Spring '13 lineup, Sonia Kashuk had launched a few new and cute designs of cosmetic bags in various shapes, sizes and prints like floral, tribal, yarn and dots. I was sent a few to try out, so here are some pictures and quick thoughts!

Sonia Kashuk Cosmetic Bag Collection Double Zip Clutch ($14.99) - Holds a ton of makeup and other small stuff like mini shampoos, body lotions. Great to pack for a couple of days.

Sonia Kashuk Cosmetic Bag Collection Makeup Organizer ($9.99) 

Sonia Kashuk Cosmetic Bag Collection Soft Cosmetic Case ($6.99) - Its small enough to have in your purse for everyday, yet holds quite a bit of daily essentials that you'd always want in your bag like lip balm  gloss, eyeliner, compact, hand cream, mints and much more!

Sonia Kashuk Cosmetic Bag Collection Foldover Frame Clutch ($16.99) - I haven't used this one much, but I can tell you that it is very spacious and wide!

Sonia Kashuk Cosmetic Bag Collection Double Zip Foldover  ($9.99)

My favorite among these is the Double Zip Foldover (shown above) - Love the double zipper compartments  where I can keep my skincare and makeup separately. It folds up to a small case, saving a lot of space - perfect for travel. The prints on these are really cute and although most of them look small, they are very roomy and hold quite a bit of stuff. The bright pop of color detailing on the zipper on some of them is a nice touch. Overall, very affordable, practical and keeps you organized while traveling!

What are your thoughts on the Sonia Kashuk Cosmetic Bag Collection?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

Mally Pro-Tricks Eye Shadow Palette

Mally Beauty's pro-tricks eye shadow palette is a fairly new launch and a qvc-exclusive palette that features six eye shadows, along with a primer, light shade modifier and a dark shade modifier that helps create custom looks. The dark shade modifier is an inky black base and the light shade modifier is a light, shimmery champagne color.

As much as I like the concept behind the dark and light shade modifiers, I do wish that the eyshadows themselves, especially the green and plum shades were a tad less chalky. They are quite pigmented and there isn't much fallout, but the textures aren't so blendable. The palette also includes a fluffy eye shadow blending brush - its nice to have and helps achieve good wash of color. The bases are quite sticky, which is a good thing and that helps the eye shadows adhere to them better. The 'dark shad modifier' is quite a nice concept - I tend to use a lot of black or brown bases for my less pigmented shadows to deepen the color a little more and that it is included in the palette is nice.There's a protective covering for the base that keeps the colors from mixing in.

Overall, I think its tad expensive for the price - the shadows are a good size and the mix of colors are really nice, but I wish they blended a little better. I really like concept of including shade modifiers to deepen, lighten and customize colors, but it would have been better if the textures were a tad more forgiving.

Price $50 - Available online at qvc.com

Have you tried the Mally Beauty Pro-Tricks Eye Shadow Palette?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.