The grass is always greener on the other side, isn’t it?
Well, it’s actually not always greener on the other side, but I think it’s human nature to want what we don’t have and take for granted what we do have.
Look at me for example: I always lust after makeup products I don’t have access to, but often ignore those I have within easy reach.
You know, like, KIKO stores here in Italy are literally everywhere, and I can easily walk past them without even entering (sometimes, LOL). But if, say, a ColourPop store magically appeared in my local mall, I’d get as excited as when I heard there would be a Gilmore Girls revival on Netflix (any fellow fans out there?). That is, super. Freaking. Excited. Bordering hysterical. 😉
Which, you know, is totally unfair to KIKO, since they actually make some truly kick-*ss products, like the ones I’m showing you today, for example. Definitely worth getting very excited for!
KIKO Gossamer Emotion Creamy Lipsticks in 106 Mauve & 117 Papaya ($12)
The gorgeous packaging is what first drew me to the Gossamer Emotion Creamy Lipsticks, but I was delighted to find out that the formula is not half bad either. Their texture is creamy in a non-slippery way, so that they’re comfortable on the lips, but you don’t need to worry about getting lipstick all over your face and teeth.
Shades 116 Mauve and 117 Papaya are nicely pigmented and pretty long-lasting, but I’ve heard that some colors (the range features 30!) are sheerer and have a shorter wear time than others.
Actually, now that I think of it, I also have 130 Black, which I used for my 2015 wearable Halloween look, and it definitely is sheerer. And, by the way, if you want to go black (or any other very dark shade) on the lips, I’d recommend opting for a matte formula, so that you don’t need to worry about it smearing or getting on your teeth. Just saying…
KIKO Flawless Fusion Bronzer in 03 Cinnamon ($18)
I’ve been using the KIKO Flawless Fusion Bronzer in 03 Cinnamon throughout the winter to give my sallow, corpse-like complexion a pretty healthy glow. It’s one of those sheerer types of bronzers that I usually tend to prefer over the very pigmented ones, as I find them to be more fool-proof and natural-looking.
If you’re interested in a more in-depth review, I have one for you on my blog.
KIKO Long-Lasting Stick Eyeshadows in 05 Rosy Brown, 06 Golden Brown & 07 Golden Beige ($12)
I’m pretty sure the Long-Lasting Stick Eyeshadows are among KIKO’s bestsellers, and they are with good reason. 06 Golden Brown is one of my favorite One Wash Wonders, but the other two shades are still very pretty and have the same long-lasting, easy-to-blend formula that is perfect for when you don’t have much time to do your makeup.
KIKO Velvet Mat Satin Lipsticks in 602 Natural Rose & 607 Passion Red ($9)
Unlike the Gossamer Emotions, which were launched last fall, the Velvet Mat Satin Lipsticks have been around for years and are a real KIKO classic. They’re the closest you can get to a matte finish within KIKO’s permanent collection, but they’re definitely not completely matte. Their satin-matte finish means they last pretty well on the lips without drying them out.
KIKO Cream Crush Lasting Colour Eyeshadow in 03 Mat Light Mahogany ($14)
Lately I’ve been sooo obsessed with the KIKO Cream Crush Lasting Colour Eyeshadow in 03 Mat Light Mahogany! If you remember, it was one of the very few products in my travel makeup bag when I recently spent a few days in Edinburgh.
I really like its bouncy, long-wearing formula, but what I love the most is the shade. When I swatched it in store I didn’t think I’d love it as much as I do. I mean, I did like the look of the swatch, as it was a lovely warm brown, but it’s on the lids that it really comes to life. It didn’t translate into the pictures, so you’ll just have to trust me on this one, but it makes my eyes pop like crazy!
What I usually like to do (but forgot to do today, oops!) to make sure I don’t look like I have an eye infection is apply dark brown (or black) liner on the waterline. Nude liner would be great as well, but I never use it since I don’t think it suits me.
All of these beautiful products are from KIKO’s permanent range, and you may find them at KIKO stores or on kikocosmetics.com. Also…have you seen their brand new summer 2016 collection? Let me just tell you it’s a BEAUT! I’ve tested a few pieces and reviewed them for you on carolinapage.eu. See you there! 😉
I actually own one of the older lipsticks, but it transfers everywhere. Oh, and I got some eyeshadow sticks, but I havent used them yet. But the colors are gorgeous!
Let me know how you like them!
Obsessed with this range, the packaging is so stunning. Thanks for sharing x
ALittleKiran
The packaging of the newer products is pretty amazing for such an affordable brand.
Hi Carolina,
Ok, now I’ve got to put these all on my wish list! Maybe I’ll even be able to grab them when I go back to Italy (which will hopefully be sooner than later).
Kiko has stores in the US now! I don’t think they have any in the Bay Area yet, but they have an e-store. I was probably the first to order from there when they opened it, lol!
Yeah, I know! But I think it would be even more fun to get it in Italy. That way it’ll be a souvenir. Plus, Italy!!!
Hi Karen,
Yes,if you come out here, we’re definitely going shopping! 😉
It’s a date. I’ll park El Hub somewhere with his phone and a bag of chocolate; we’ll be able to shop for hours, haha!
LOL!
Yesss, Kiko, one of my favorite brands! You can’t even start to imagine how excited I was when they opened their US e-store last year! It was THE brand I was missing the most from Europe.
I’m a big fan of the Velvet Mat Satin Lipsticks, I have like 6 of them, and Strawberry Pink is probably my HG listick! I also looove their eyeliners, and their LE collections are fantastic.
I’ll totally check out that Strawberry Pink next time I’m in a KIKO store… Probably, like, tomorrow, LOL!
I also really like their soft touch blushes. So soft and pretty!
I have one and really like it, but sadly they’ve been discontinued!
Love, love, love the KIKO Gossamer Emotion Creamy Lipsticks! Especially in those colours. Lipstick addict here! 😛
Haha, welcome to the club! 😉
I haven’t tried Kiko yet. Those Gossamer Emotion lipsticks, though! I’ll have to order a couple just for the packaging. 😉 I hope Kiko will expand it’s stores to more locations in the future. I’d even be willing to drive into the city to shop there.
They’re only €8.90 here, and at that price point you really can’t find a better packaging in my opinion (at least here in Italy)! I hope you can get to shop at a KIKO store sooner or later, it’s a fun experience! 😉
I love nearly everything from Kiko! The stick eyeshadows are great, the cream crush eyeshadow thingies are great, I love the nailpolish range (can’t beat the price!), and I think you can’t go wrong with their liners, be it for lips or eyes. Kiko is a bit of a guilty pleasure for me – I used to pop into it all the time and came out with a sneaky little purchase when I lived near one!
Haha, I used to do that too in the past! Now, having way too much makeup, I try to restrain myself (but it’s not always easy, LOL)…
I personally like their newer nail polish, the Power Pros. Have you tried them?
Papaya looks sooooooooooo good on you!!!
Haha, thanks, Melissa! I love wearing orange on the lips! 😉
Carolina,
You are quite the enabler!! I’m really enjoying your posts. I’m heading to Italy this summer and in going to have to take a spare suitcase after reading this series!! X
Haha! It’s so nice to hear you’re enjoying my posts. 🙂
Where in Italy are you going, if you don’t mind me asking? Is it your first time?
Yes it’s my first time in Italy! I’m very excited! I’m going to Puglia – it looks beautiful, I can’t wait! If you know of any must-sees please let me know! ?
I’ve only been to the southernmost part of Puglia, Salento, and I LOVED it (I shared a couple of pics in a previous post, I don’t know if you’ve seen it… https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/travel-2/south-italy-travel-makeup-giorgio-armani-dolce-gabbana/)! I’d definitely recommend going to Gallipoli, Otranto, Lecce, Santa Maria di Leuca, and to the beach in Sant’Andrea.
I’ll check out that post! Thanks so much for the recommendations, I can’t wait!
Hi Carolina. You are so right about lusting after new products and totally ignoring the good products you already have. What would happen if us women lusted after every new good looking guy and abandoning the good one you already have? LOL. I guess with make-up we can get away with craving other products, but for me, the “chase” doesn’t feel as exciting after I realized that I spent too much money and I have more than enough shades of pink bubblegum lipstick! Just curious, how do you control your cravings and how do you justify a purchase and say to yourself, “It’s necessary that I need this product”?
Hi Michaela! Hmmm… Well, I don’t really think in terms of what’s necessary and what’s not, because the only things I think are REALLY necessary are food, shelter, health, and basic clothing, but, luckily, for many of us there’s more to life than that. 🙂 Makeup is my passion and I really enjoy experimenting and testing new things, so I don’t see spending money on it as something negative… As long as I don’t spend too much!
Something I do to avoid purchasing too many things is this: when I see a product I like, I don’t buy it immediately and put it on my mental wishlist. If it’s still there after some time, then I’ll get it. Most of the time the urge to buy it will have gone, though.
Enjoying your blog. I discovered Kiko just before I went on vacation in London at the beginning of Feb. Went a bit crazy. Bought a whole bunch of sale lipsticks that I love (Crystal Sheers, etc.) plus some of the gorgeous Rebel Romantic collection. They have become my favorite makeup brand and I can’t wait for them to open in the Bay Area.
Aside: yes, Gilmore Girls! I’ve just watched the series for the first time on Netflix and now rewatching each ep accompanied by the Gilmore Guys podcast. Can’t wait for the revival.
Hi Andrea! 🙂 Rebel Romantic was my favorite collection ever!
Yay, a fellow fan! I’ve watched the show SO many times… When it first aired I was only one year younger than Rory, so I could completely relate to everyhting she did. Now I’ve just started watching it again (you know, in preparation for the revival, LOL!) and I’m almost Lorelai’s age… Mind-blowing!