Showing posts with label Models Own. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Models Own. Show all posts

8 September 2014

Models Own 6 for £20 Offer!




L-R: Sun Hat, Peach Melba, Misty Grey, Gumballs, Coconut Cream & Blue Glint


Models Own are slowly but surely dominating my nail varnish stash and it's no surprise with the new collections that are coming out thick and fast! The Models Own stand in my local Boots disappeared and they haven't materialized in Superdrug yet so I had a bit of a wishlist going on and the nail varnish Gods must have known it because last week Models own had their 6 for £20 offer on the go for a few days which was too tempting for me to ignore!

I had four polishes in mind before I placed my order which Sun Hat was one of, this is the only Polish For Tans shade (Review of the rest of the collection here) that I didn't get thinking it was too pink for me but after seeing it on my Sister I realized that I'd made a huge mistake and I needed neon Barbie pink nails. Sun Hat is a definite in your face neon shade, not for the faint hearted! The other three that were on my to buy list are all of the scented variety, Peach Melba and Coconut Crush are new additions to the Fruit Pastels collection that was launched last year and to be honest with you the scents are very underwhelming, I'm wearing Peach Melba as I type and I can't smell a hint of peach, nor could I when I was painting my nails but I love the pale orange shade of it so the lack of smell isn't the be all and end all for me! Coconut Crush I may have just got in the hope that I'd be wafting around the smell of coconut every time that I move my hands, I've only swatched this on the nail wheel and there wasn't much in terms of a coconutty smell going on there (but it was next to Gumballs which is strong) and although it applied smoothly I can imagine it to be a bit of a pain in the arse on a proper nail. It's an off white so hopefully I won't get that feeling of tippex nails (come on, we all did that at school!) It's definitely not my usual colour but I'm going to give it a go.

The Final scented polish that I chose was Gumballs from the new Sweet Shop collection and holy moly does the scent of this live up to the name, wet or dry this is a strong smell! You definitely couldn't mistake this for anything else, the scent is bugglegum through and through and I love it - think the smell of Vivienne Westwood Melissa shoes bottled. Gumballs is a true pink and I applied this on Thursday night and could smell it all through Friday to the point that other people actually commented on smelling bubblegum. Misty Grey and Blue Glint were spur of the moment purchases, I'd been looking at a couple of Essie shades really similar but as these were practically free there's no competition! I need to start tearing myself away from my beloved neons and embrace Autumnal shades so these should help me ease myself in gently.

Like all Models Own nail varnishes these apply like a dream and I use two coats for a real opaque finish and the ones that I've worn out of the six have lasted me a good couple of days before any chipping or tip wear.

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30 May 2014

China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy Review & Models Own Beach Bag Comparison Swatches



Models Own Polish For Tans have unleashed a monster, I am officially addicted to neon nail varnishes. If it's not eye searingly bright this summer then I am not interested and my newest recruit is Flip Flop Fantasy. I was a China Glaze virgin until I picked up this little bargain from Nail Polish Direct (word of warning: if you're trying to save money do not go on that website - so many beautiful cheap nail varnishes, so little funds!) but it's been a brand that I've always wanted to try after seeing quite a lot of mentions around the blogging world. Flip Flop Fantasy is a seriously summery shade that I can't quite pin down, is it pink? Is it orange? Is it coral? It's a mix of all of them and holy moly is this bright, I am talking blindingly, glow in the dark bright. Formula wise it applies so well, you could probably get away without a second coat and it dries quickly but it dries to a matte finish so if you prefer glossy talons you'll need a topcoat. There's only one thing that puts me off wearing this (and I'd wear it every day if this wasn't the case) and that's the fact that it chips so easily, this doesn't even last a day on me without some major chunks missing and a couple of times I've looked down and I've lost a whole nail! I really wanted to wear this on holiday but I don't want to be faffing around repainting my nails all week which I know will happen so I'm going to wear it on my toes instead where I'm hoping it lasts a bit longer but looks as good!



If a shade like Flip Flop Fantasy is what you need in your life but you can't wait for it to be delivered then get yourself down to Boots tomorrow and pick up Models Own Beach Bag (full review here), they might not be twins but they're definitely related! It is insanely difficult to picture neons and they look identical in the swatches but although they're very similar there are a few differences. Flip Flop Fantasy is more pink and a lot brighter as well as drying to a matte finish whereas Beach Bag is more orange and although it's still really bright it's got more of a milky pastel edge and a glossier finish but saying that if you've got one then you probably don't need the other.

Long live neons all Summer long!

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2 May 2014

Monthly Favourites | April 2014


Another month bites the dust! I've got quite a few new bits this month that I've been trying out and subsequently falling in love with so my favourites are made up of new arrivals that have snuck their way into my make up collection.

These two shades have literally not been off my nails since I bought them, they're officially my favourite nail varnishes in the world ever and even that doesn't express how much I love them! They're the brightest pastels I've ever seen and they look absolutely amazing on and add the perfect finishing touch to any outfit.

Now the sun has started shining a little bit I'm tanning it up a bit more and this is the perfect highlighter for bronzed skin. It's a gorgeous golden shade with a bit of a shimmer to it, I can definitely see this becoming my go to summer highlighter.

I love the Bumble and Bumble Dryspun Finishing spray but at £21.50 I needed a cheaper alternative for the months that I don't have Boots points burning a hole in my purse! I've seen so many good things said about this spray and when compared to the Bumble and Bumble spray it's even come out as better in some instances and it really is good. It's a bit heavier and sticker than my beloved dryspun spray so it's maybe better for an updo because it can make your hair look a little bit greasy but for a beehive or a root uplift this is your spray!

My other blushers haven't got a look in since I got these for my birthday, they're the perfect spring shades and go on really well leaving a natural flushed look with a bit of a sheen as they're Satin finish so it adds a bit of highlight to your cheeks - you've got to love a multitasker!

How cute is this teeny tiny sample?! It gets lost every morning because it's so small but it's worth searching for! I thought that this was simply an eyeshadow primer when I got the sample in my Birchbox but it's also for your concealer which is amazing, it gives a really smooth base and I've had no creases which is a miracle when you come home after a full day at work and your eyeshadow looks like it did when you left the house.

I've never bought into the hype of this before but when I had some Birchbox points that needed using up I gave in and this has become a handbag staple ever since. I have definitely been missing out with this little gem, it's a really delicate spray with a cooling and calming effect and also instantly gives you a glow. I just can't explain it, after one spray you look radiant and healthy with perfect glowing skin. I really hope the novelty doesn't wear off because I am loving what this is doing to my face!

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18 April 2014

Models Own Polish for Tans





I don't think I've ever been this excited for a nail varnish collection, it's like Models Own have delved into the depths of my mind and invented just what my nails have always needed! The polish for tans are meant to enhance and compliment golden skin which would probably be out of a bottle for me right now but the summer months are well on their way!

There are five shades in the collection - I only got four because the bright barbie pink that's missing isn't really my cup of tea - and they all have super cute summer related names which are making me want to be lying by a pool! As well as all having names that make me want to be on holiday they're all equally as eye catchingly bright but at the same time they're quite pastel which makes them that little bit more wearable.

My favourite out of the lot is Beach Bag which is described as orange but I would say that it's more of a neon peach and such a unique colour that I can see possibly being the best seller of the whole collection, it's seriously gorgeous. Shades is a bright pastel pinky coral which I can't wait to wear on my toes with sandals and is probably the safest shade out of the four that I've got. Bikini isn't as scary as it looks because of the pastel overshadowing the neon and this would look great with denim shorts and a plain vest top and would look even better holding a cocktail. Last but not least is Flip Flop and suprisingly this is the shade that I was most drawn too, I have never seen a shade like this before and am really excited to get it on! It's ridiculously bright but wearable and once again would be a great toe colour or would look perfect with something coral.

I found that these go on opaque with a couple of coats and they dry matte so I just pop a topcoat on because I prefer a glossy finish. I don't think any other nail varnishes are going to get a look in for a very long time because I am seriously in love!

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10 April 2014

Birthday Wishlist!


It happens to be my Birthday on Saturday and down to my impatience I couldn't wait to buy my Michael Kors bag (thank you bonus!) after telling everyone that's what my heart desired on my 23rd so I'm now going to have a Birthday blow out in Birmingham! Usually when I've got it and want to spend some money I can't find anything to spend it on so I'm well prepared for this shopping trip with a very long wishlist to make sure that when I'm done I'm poor in pounds but rich in make up!

The second I saw the Models Own polish for tans it was love at first swatch and these are right up my street, They're neon but at the same time still quite pastel looking shades, I'm sure I can find room for five new nail varnishes somewhere! I've been searching high and low for a jacket that will see me through to autumn and then two beauties turn up at once which is typical! I literally live in my denim jacket as soon as the sun comes out and the one I've got at the minute has seen better days and this is the first one I've seen that I've loved and I know I'll wear it to death although it might get neglected if this gorgeous pink coat makes it home with me, It's one of those things that I've already planned into outfits in my head (a stripy shift dress and bare legs with Topshop heart print loafers or my ever faithful black skinny jeans and nude heels) Why do you have to keep churning out these beautiful jackets faster than I'm getting paid Zara?! Another couple of new releases that I need on my face and fingers are the NARS matte multiple which is a multipurpose product and there are so many shades that I feel spoilt for choice and the new Nails inc floral polishes that I dismissed until I saw it on Alexa Chung's nails and it looked amazing. Finally I'm trying to save some money for when the MAC Playland collection comes out because I can't resist bright colours, especially in the summer and the whole collection is so bright and fun and who am I to deny myself some fun in my make up collection?!

If my shopping until I drop goes to plan then there will be a haul post shortly!

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24 March 2014

My Top Pastel Nail Picks for Spring!





We've had approximately 5 hours of glorious sunshine and I am convinced that we're in the midst of spring but after a lot more rain than sun I'm starting to think that I've been a bit too enthusiastic. I might not be able to ditch the tights just yet but I can bring a bit of Spring into my life with sorbet nails. So I've had a good rummage through my stash and have found five pastels that will be getting a lot of air time!

Nails Inc Notting Hill Carnival
Notting Hill Carnival is a really nice soft yellow which is eye catching and bright enough without being a scary eye searingly neon shade. I always find yellows are hard to apply and you need quite a few coats to get it opaque but if you get it right it looks amazing. I can see this shade adding a bit of colour to a monochrome outfit or I always love how yellow looks against grey.

Models Own Cornflower Gleam
This is a shade from the HyperGel collection so it has a high shine finish which personally I really like. Everytime I've worn this shade someone has commented on it and it is a unique lavendery blue hybrid which looks really pretty on.

Essie A Crewed Interest
I am so in love with this shade! A Crewed Interest is definitely one of my most reached for nail varnishes, it's the most beautiful nudey peach and goes with anything. It's also a really nice base for glitter topcoats and if you need to look grown up and sophisticated for any reason this is the colour you need in your life!

Nails Inc Royal Botanical Gardens
You can't let spring pass you by without getting your mint green nails on! This shade is fresh, bright and perfect for those days when the sunshine comes out, even if you've still got your jeans on this really brightens things up.

Ciate Sugar Plum
I don't think I could have thought up a more fitting name for this shade! If you're not looking to make a massive impact with your nails and just want a pretty shade then Sugar Plum is your nail varnish, it's a gorgeous pale lilac that will look even better when I've got some colour to my pasty hands!

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27 February 2014

Monthly Favourites | February 2014


The sun is shining and if this is a sign of things to come then I'm ready to welcome March with open arms! A month full of new beauty launches always goes down as a good month with me and February kept churning them out - a couple of which have made the cut into my favourites. And in completely none beauty related news...bring on pancake day!!

These are definitely one of the best launches of February, Revlon have got it so right! A drug store brand matte finish with a close to perfect formula and an amazing shade range - could we have asked for anymore?! The shade Elusive has been my go to daytime lip colour recently, it's a work appropriate dusky pink that applies easily and stays put!

I primarily got this to try and fade some marks from a breakout that I could just not leave alone (I'm a picker and I will never learn!) Which it's actually worked really well for and I'm really pleased with the results but it has also made my skin so baby soft and smooth and all dry patches are now a thing of the past!

MAC Eye shadow Palette
I don't know why I didn't make my own eye shadow quad earlier! There hasn't been a day since Christmas that I haven't used this in some way, the quality is absolutely amazing as is the colour pay off. The four shades that make up the palette are Shroom, All that Gitters, Satin Taupe and Espresso so I've got a highight shade, a couple of shimmery shades and something for the crease or eyebrows - I love a multifunctional shade!

A bit of sunshine and the promise of Spring means it's not long before I'm raiding my nail varnishes for pastels! Cornflower Gleam is one of Models Own newest Hyper Gel collection which have a glossy, smooth finish and come in a selection of vibrant shades.

This stuff is amazing, it's creamy and the coverage is heavy duty, it also doesn't budge for a good few hours and I can forgive the tiny bit of creasing because it works so well. This is one of the best under eye concealers that I've tried in a long time and the price just makes it better!

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12 February 2014

Valentine's Outfit Ideas

Valentine's day is looming and whether you've got a date with your man or your girls you'll need an amazing outfit to wear so I've done the hard work for you and picked out a few looks for whatever your plans are on this day of love - all you need to do is click add to basket!

Jumper - Missguided, Skirt - Missguided, Shoes - ASOS, Nail Varnish - Essie In The Cab-ana, Bracelet - ASOS, Matte Balm in Elusive- Revlon

I am a big fan of the PVC pencil skirt look at the minute but the weather is making it impossible for me to wear it like Kim Kardashian does in sunny LA so I've taken some style inspiration from our very own Lucy Meck and paired it with a fluffy jumper which looks cute and also lowers the chance of frostbite! This look is all about the skirt so the shoes and accessories are pretty low key but with a pop of colour on the nails and my favourite lip product of the moment making an appearance too!

Shirt - Topshop, Jeans - Topshop, Shoes - Vivienne Westwood for Melissa, Watch - Marc Jacobs, Nail Varnish - Models Own Hedonist, Lipstick - MAC Morange

Now this is the most me outfit out of these and I think this is what I'm going to wear when Joel and I go out for our meal on Friday night. I couldn't live without my Topshop Leigh jeans, they're the most worn thing in my wardrobe (apart from my work uniform - bleurgh) They're my first port of call for a night that's not too dressy but they still look nice with a shirt tucked in and some heels. It is V day so lets throw in some hearts and neon coral to brighten it up and then some chunky arm candy to finish it off!

Dress - ASOS, Shoes - ASOS, Necklace - River Island, Nails in Rose Petal - Topshop, Lipstick in Candy Yum Yum - MAC

I'm such a sucker for stripes so I absolutely love this dress and in the name of love have picked some red and pink accessories - maybe it would be better if you were going for a posh sit down meal with the size of those heels! The dress has got quite a high neckline so I've blinged it up with a statement necklace and if that doesn't blind your date for the night then Candy Yum Yum will!

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5 February 2014

Nail Varnish Haul | Nails inc Lucky Dip & Models Own 50% Sale





L-R Nails inc Seymour Walk, Royal Botanical Gardens, St John's Wood, Mornington Crescent, Warwick Way, Notting Hill Carnival, Southwark Models Own Hedonist, Turquoise Gloss, Cornflower Gleam

I don't know what's come over me but 2014 seems to be the year of the nail and I've recently bought more new nail varnishes than I'd care to admit. Can you blame me though with all of these amazing offers on the go?! 

You are a stronger beauty lover than I am if you could resist 7 full size Nails inc varnishes for £19.99 and that's the exact offer than landed in my inbox the other week the only catch being that it was a lucky dip and you didn't get to choose your colours but they did give you the choice between 7 glossy shades, metallics or special effects. I went for the glossies because it's what I'd get the most wear out of and was pleasantly suprised by the shades that I received because I loved all of them! Out of the seven there were a few blue toned colours, a couple of red shades and a bright sunny yellow that will look perfect in the summer with a tan. You can't go wrong with the formula, it goes on smoothly and after a couple of coats the colour is nice and vibrant, I can't comment on the lasting time because with all of these varnishes lining up for some air time on my nails I can't say I've kept them on long enough for them to chip!

If seven new nail varnishes in a week weren't enough Models Own reached 250,000 likes on Facebook and had a 50% off sale slashing their prices from £5 down to £2.50 and also incorporated in the launch of their new Hyper Gel range to spoil us even more! There was a minimum spend of £25 and although I could have easily spent more than that I'd need another room to keep them all in so my friend Vicky kindly offered to share the load so we didn't miss out and also didn't bankrupt ourselves! I chose two of the Hyper Gels in really nice spring shades and another Hedonist because I've run my into the ground and can't cope without one in my life. I've already declared my love for Hedonist so many times, it's my favourite nail varnish of all time and if you haven't got it you need it! The Hyper Gel formula wasn't quite what I thought it would be, it took 3 coats to get even cover and it isn't as glossy as I'd anticipated but the colours are gorgeous so I'll let them off!

I now have enough nail varnishes to last me until 2015 so these offers need to stop because the bargain hunter in me isn't strong enough to keep my debit card in my purse!!

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28 July 2013

Models Own Sunset Chillout

 
 

You know it's summer when Models Own pull some new Hed Kandi shades out of the bag! I fell absolutely head over heels with this collection last year, it included my all time favourite nail varnish in the form of Hedonist and my all time favourite glitter top coat Ibiza Mix. The two new offerings for this year were Bora Bora which I gave a miss and this shade Sunset Chillout.

Sunset Chillout is a glitter topcoat which is very similar in colour to Ibiza Mix, it's a fine glitter mixed in with larger blue pieces that give a kind of polka dot effect. Also in this explosion of sparkle are holographic silver strands. I tend to layer these kind of multicoloured sparkly topcoats over a neutral base to make it stand out a bit more. The only complaint I have about Sunset Chillout is the fact that when applying all of the blue dots seem to bunch together and it can make a bit of a mess of your nail trying to separate them out but other than that another worthy addition to the collection of the summer!

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26 July 2013

My Top Summer Nail Picks




When the sun is shining there's only a few requirements to abide by, legs out, sunglasses on, cocktail in hand and nails must be bright! Neon nails are by far my favourite, they look amazing with a tan and instantly add a little something to an otherwise plain outfit. These are the nail varnishes that have been gracing my fingers and toes recently.

Tart Deco was my first ever Essie polish and started my love affair with the brand, it's the most perfect bright coral and I can't rave about the formula enough. I received London Calling in last months Birchbox and was a little disappointed because I had my eye on the coral shade in this collection but once I got it on that was long forgotten! It looks almost pastel in the bottle but once this is on it's the most striking neon, I don't own anything else like this it really is a unique shade. Unfortunately you can't purchase this alone, it comes in a set of 4 but the other 3 shades are gorgeous as well so that's just a bonus! In The Cab-ana (Full review here) is on my nails as I type, I seem to lean towards blue shades at this time of year but this is the best one I've come across. It's the colour you'd expect the sea to be at some 5 star honeymoon resort in the Caribbean - beautiful! I had a bit of a Topshop nail splurge around this time last year and this is one that made it into my online basket but I don't think they sell it any more, although on the website at the minute there is a very similar (if not the same but renamed) shade called Carnival. This was my nail colour of choice for my holiday to Ibiza last year so it instantly puts me in a summery mood and maybe a little bit depressed that I'm not by the pool! It looks brighter in the bottle than it actually transpires on to the nail but it's still hardly what you'd call subtle! If you're looking for a nail colour that could blind someone then Big Yellow Taxi is for you, it's a bright, bright, bright sunny yellow and I would wear it a lot more often if it wasn't such a nightmare to apply, you have to be quite patient because it takes a while to make perfect but for a shade this summer bright a little patience isn't a lot to ask! I've saved the best until last - Models Own Hedonist. If I could only wear one nail varnish for the rest of my life then this would be it. It's hard to pin point the actual colour of this, it's a bit red, a bit pink, a bit orange and a bit coral but colour aside once applied this is a true neon, the brightest I own and even when I'm at the palest this highlights any hint of colour I might have, it's the perfect tan accomplice and hands down my number one summer nail pick!

Let me know your favourite summer nail varnishes, there's still room in my collection to add a few more brights! 

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30 May 2013

Monthly Favourites | May 2013



Am I seriously writing a monthly favourites post already?! It never ceases to amaze me how quickly this post comes around! 

This Nip+Fab Pistachio Sundae Body Butter is actually from April's Glossybox but it's taken me until nearly the end of May to appreciate it fully. It smells beautiful and really does leave your skin smooth and noticeably moisturised, I need to get my hands on a full size version of this before it's all gone! I've had my eye on MAC Lustre Drops in Pink Rebel for ages now and all it took was a 10% Debenhams discount to nudge me in the right direction. I only use this on my cheeks as it's quite pink in colour but it leaves such a lovely rosey sheen and the glow lasts all day. I haven't used another tanning product since I bought Palmer's Natural Bronze Body Lotion (full review here) for saying it's a gradual  tanner it acts fast and I usually only need one layer to make me look a level of sun kissed that I'm really happy with. The only thing that gets me down about this product is that if your elbows are even the slightest bit dry it sticks to them and no amount of scrubbing is removing that baby! Exfoliate, exfoliate, efoliate unless you want to rock the 'I've leant in mud look'! If there was such a thing I would be a strong contender for the messiest nail varnish application in the world. Ever. award so this Barry M Nail Paint Corrector Pen (full review here) is a god send for me. It's the perfect shape to get in all the tricky bits and is just such a handy little thing if you need to do a bit of tidying up. This Milk_Shake Conditioning Whipped Cream is something else that I got in a Glossbox but because it's a kind of mousse and a leave in product I was slightly hesitant to give it a go in case it left my hair all sticky. Well, it doesn't!! I love this stuff, it's so easy to use, just comb it through your hair and leave it, that's it, no stickiness just super soft manageable hair that smells AMAZING! I think you could count on the fingers of one hand the days that I haven't worn Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfector in Apricot Shimmer (full review here) this month. I cannot rave about this enough, just go out and get one right now! We had a couple of days of sunshine this month and as soon as the sun starts shining my nails need to be bright, Hedonist needed a break so I got this Models Own Ice Neon nail varnish in Bubblegum, it applies really well and is meant to be matte but I find after a day or so wear it does start to have a shine to it. A perfect bright summer shade that should be getting more wear than it has but the sun is in hiding, boohoo!


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20 March 2013

Midweek Wish List #5

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(This has unintentionally turned out to be the pinkest wishlist in the world!)

1. Another week another Topshop dress that I just need in my life!! There's no denying that this dress is super pretty and just screaming out to be worn all spring long.

2. Revlon have brought out some new limited edition shades of their wonderful lip butters. I've got my beady little eyes on Juicy Papaya, Wild Watermelon and Pink Lemonade and these should already be mine after a scout around Boots and Superdrug on Monday only to find that they don't have them in yet, boo! I think a cheeky little Boots.com order is on the cards, I know patience is a virtue but this can't count when it comes to limited edition lip products can it?! 

3. I think I must be in a spring state of mind as I can't imagine going through the season without these on my nails and did I mention they're scented? They'll take you back to your gel pen sniffing days!

4. I couldn't live without my Tangle Teezer and I've took to taking it in the shower with me to brush through my conditioner but if you own one as well you'll know that they're pretty hard to hold on to and if you drop them on a hard floor they go down with a bang so add water and conditioner to the mix, they're nearly impossible to hold on to. This is a special shower Tangle Teezer, easier to hold on to, easier for the water to get through, hello tangle free hair!

5. When I was on the hunt for the new lip butters this dinky little thing caught my eye and in true beauty blogger style I didn't want to buy it without reading a couple of reviews first and there doesn't seem to be one good one about these which is a shame because they concept of this lip and cheek tint is very exciting but no matter how cute the packaging is if the product isn't good it isn't worth a purchase.