Drugstore Beauty (Boots Face Off Challenge)

This post has been sat in the draft section of my blog that I just had to whip it out. I don't know about you but when I see draft posts, I just want to get them out. I don't have as much time as I used to have but I am trying to get on top of things. I totally miss updating my blog more often but there's so much to do these days.





Last year (like back in September/October), I was surprised with a  lovely box of drug store beauties from Boots for their #FaceOffChallenge.  I didn't know it was arriving so it was a beautiful surprise. I love popping over to the drug store to see what's new so I was so pleased to get this lovely box delivered to me. I mean who does not like a good old drugstore haul. I have tried these products for more than a good while so I am more than ready to share my thoughts.


I was sent four products to try out from some of mt  favourite drug store brands. Some of these products I have tried before but a few were new to me which is always exciting. I received the following products: Sleek Divine Sweetheart Palette*, Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick* (Berry Boost, Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick* (Pink Fling)and Rimmel Kate Sculpting Palette in Coral Glow*(002). 




Sleek Makeup Goodnight Sweetheart i-Divine Palette*//Link //£8.99
You all know how I feel about Sleek eyeshadow palettes!! I have a Sleek brand focus post over here and a recent haul over here.  I still think they make one of the best eyeshadow palettes in the drugstore. They have such lovely pigmentation, packaging and I love their quality. My first eyeshadow palette I bought myself was a Sleek palette. I actually got two palettes after watching a YouTube video and I still have them because they were limited edition. I don't think I had seen the Divine Sweetheart Palette before it was sent to me. It would not have been my first pick if I purchased it myself but now that I have it, I love it.




As you can see from the photos, it is a neutral eyeshadow palette with dusky rose shades, plum shades,warm pinks, taupes, greys, etc. I think this palette will suit anyone who just loves everyday makeup or anyone just getting into makeup. I do use a primer with it but I think one can get away without an eyeshadow primer because it has an impressive pigmentation (especially for a drugstore brand). I have not experienced any powder kick up while using it which is always a plus for me. Inside the palette, there are 12 eyeshadows in total. There are more shimmer eyeshadows but they don't have chunky glitter at all. The shimmers help them appear more vibrant and I am pleased with the formula/texture. I also have to add that the packaging is a beautiful classic black one with a good size mirror which serves so many other purposes.




Rimmel Sculpting Palette*//Link //£6.99
If you have very keen eyes, you'd notice that I already own the Rimmel Sculpting Palette which I got back in 2016 when it launched. I have a post here on the blog which is worth checking out for more details on this palette.  The shade I got was Coral Glow (002) while the one I purchased is Golden Bronze (003). I prefer the shade Golden Bronze (003) because it is perfect for my complexion so the Coral Glow went to my sister who has a lighter complexion. I am really pleased that Rimmel created three lovely shades to suit a good range of skin tones. The palette has three sections which include the highlighter, contour and blush and I love their pigmentation. The Golden Bronze shade is really pigmented and I actually have to go in with a light hand especially when I am applying my contour. I think the packaging is also cute although it is not the sturdiest out there. However, I do have to mention that my Golden Bronze has stood the test of time and I am beginning to think it may actually be sturdy. The highlight catches the light beautifully on my complexion and the blush is a flattering rose gold shade on me. I can't fault this palette and for the price, I think it is worth checking out.



Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick* // Link //£6.99
I recently looked through my drugstore makeup collection and realised that my Maybelline lip products are my drug store favourites. I have their lipsticks, lip glosses, lip crayons and I have enjoyed them. I have written a few posts here, here and here if you fancy reading them. When I heard that Maybeline was launching their new liquid lipsticks (Vivid Matte Liquid Lipsticks), I found myself in Boots adding a few into my basket. I purchased three shades initially- Nude Flush, Nude Thrill and Rebel Red. I enjoyed them for a short while and got distracted by other lip products. When this Boots Box arrived, I saw I was kindly sent the shade Berry Boost and I just fell right back in love with my other three shades. First off, I really love the shade Berry Boost as it just perks up my face. Even if I don't do any elaborate eye makeup, I know Berry Boost will take care of my slay and it never lets me down. I wish I could wear it to work because I love the way it looks. As the name suggests, it is true berry shade which is perfect for the A/W season although I will definitely be wearing this all year round.



I love the sleek packaging and I think it is well made. It has a slanted doe foot sponge applicator which is slightly longer than others  I have tried. I am not really a fan of the doe foot applicator but surprisingly it picks up the product and distributes it well across my lips. The formula in itself is not the traditional matte liquid lipstick that dries completely on the lips. Instead, it feels creamy in texture and on application but looks slightly matte (not drying at all).





I think I will classify it as a demi-matte finish because it does not dry out my lips at all and it's also very forgiving on cracked/chapped lips. I have really enjoyed wearing all the colours I own and I am looking to expand my collection. I believe there are eight shades and I love the colour selection as they are all wearable. If you are trying to get into the matte liquid lipstick trend, this is a good way to start and you can work your way up from here. I personally prefer it to some liquid lipsticks I own although it may not be as long lasting as other traditional matte liquid lipsticks.





Maybelline Color Sensational Blushed Nudes Lipstick* (Pink Fling) // Link //£6.99
When I first saw this lipstick (straight from the bullet), I was curious to see how well it would suit me. I did use a brown lip liner to outline my lips first before applying it and it looks great. This is the kind of look I love to wear on an everyday basis when I am not wearing a nude brown lip. I have other Maybelline Color Sensational lipsticks and I have got so much use from them because they look lovely on my lips. I don't know what it is about the packaging that draws me to it but I love popping it in my makeup bag. I think the lids have different colours depending on the lipstick shade because I have two others which have red and orange transparent lids. and I think it's a great touch. The formula of the lipstick is creamy but not sticky or gloopy. It feels moisturising on my lips with a lustre finish. I do have to reapply it towards the end of the day or when I eat a proper meal but I don't mind at all. For the price and quality, there is very little to complain about.



Overall Thoughts
That's it from me and of course, I decided to do a few looks with the lovely products in this box. I went for a nude eye look which made it easy to switch my lipstick from everyday to va-va-voom. I enjoyed creating these looks (well it is one look but different lipsticks) and I posted it on the Boots Face Off Challenge hashtag when it was on last year. Massive thanks to Boots for sending me this lovely box of surprise and it really made my day. I was actually sick and off work when the box arrived and it really brightened up my day. Sometimes, it is the little things that matter the most. I hope you enjoyed this post and I can't wait to tackle all the other posts sitting in my draft when next I have time. Have you tried any of the products in this post?
*Gifted PR Sample + Affiliate Links, read my full disclaimer here