Sleek Cleopatra's Kiss Highlighting Palette Review

Sleek's Cleopatra's Kiss highlighter palette contains four highlighter shades: two powder shades in rose gold and pink and two cream shades in bronze and gold. The palette also comes with a small black flat brush, but I've been using my fingers to apply the cream highlighters and a large fluffy eye shadow blush for the powder highlighters. The gold packaging gives it a luxurious feel and the palette is quite compact and therefore it's easy to travel with. 

This palette is quite glittery, so if you're not a fan of glitter this isn't the palette for you. The pink powder highlighter is basically silver glitter without any colour pigment to it. The gold cream highlighter looks like a champagne gold in the swatch but is actaully a true yellow gold and doesn't have much pigment just gold glitter. The bronze and rose gold shades show up well but they are quite similar in colour. The cream highlighters are marketed as lightweight and they do feel creamy and lightweight on the skin. 

Sleek's highlighting palettes are popular but I've always steered away from them as the cream highlighters contain ozokerite wax, which isn't bad or toxc in anyway but I've found that when it's in cream blushers it makes the red patches on my cheeks sting. However since highlighters are generally placed higher up than blusher this wasn't a problem.

I think £9.99 is a good price for a four shade highlighter palette with a mix of different textures  but I wouldn't choose this one because of the glitter and the lack of pigment. The bronze and rose gold show up well but they are similar in colour. Using these shades means I would only use 50% of the palette on a regular basis. I would recommend you buy the Sleek Face Contour Kit instead, while you only get one highlighter it's a lovely champagne gold that's pigmented and free from glitter. As for Sleek's Highlighter palette in Cleopatra's Kiss -I do think that ther are better highlighter palettes on the market. 

Priced £9.99 Boots

Sleek Creme to Powder Foundation: A dupe for Bobbi Brown's Oil Free Compact Foundation?

Since Bobbi Brown discontinued their Long Wear Even Finish Compact Foundation in the Oil Free version (the regular foundation compact is still available) I've been looking for a replacement. I've been wanting to try Sleek's Oil Free Creme to Powder Foundation for awhile as they have a wide selection of skin tones and I'm more of a yellow tone which is harder to find in the drugstore/high street. For the Bobbi Brown foundation review see here.

 

 

 

This is a medium to full coverage foundation that comes in a compact with a mirror and sponge so that you can apply it on the move. This foundation is also not tested on animals. Compared to Bobbi Brown's formula I found this formula to be drier and not as creamy, despite containing Jojoba oil which is supposed to have moisturising properties and I would not recommend this for dry skin.  Sleek claims this is lightweight formula: I didn't really notice this to be any different to Bobbi Brown and that it the only other cream foundation I've used, but I can say it's not especially thick or heavy. I have sensitive skin and I've been using this for around 5 months and haven't experienced any reactions to this foundation. I've included the ingredient list at the end of this post.The foundation also has SPF15 in it, however in the summer months I would advise you to wear sun cream as well because  SPF15 is pretty low. Because of the SPF this foundation will give flashback during photos, so it may be better for wearing everyday rather than for occasions where you'll know you'll be photographed.

Sleek Crème to Powder foundation covers red patches, spots and small light moles or freckles. However it doesn't completely cover big dark moles but if used alongside a good concealer it would probably do the job. It can sometimes cling to dry patches (on the bridge of my nose) but it's nowhere near as bad as Bourjois healthy mix foundation. Well moisturised or primed skin will eliminate this problem. The big difference between Bobbi Brown and Sleek is in the finish, Sleek gives a completely matte look while Bobbi brown is more of semi matte finish which I prefer because it looks more natural. A finishing spray would add some dewiness back to achieve a semi-matte look. This lasts around 8 or 9 hours and I've now got into the habit of using powder (Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder) to set my t-zone. It's fairly dry and matte so it would suit oily skin although you may have to touch up with powder during the day. I've been using a damp Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge which gives an amazingly flawless, even coverage.

This foundation comes in a whopping 30 shades so there's likely to be a foundation to suit everyone. Many Boots and Superdrug don't carry the full range in the store but if you can't find shades near your skin colour, Sleek Online offers a 5 shade tester for £2.99 (shown in the first picture in this post.) I have the shade Barley (704)  but I think this is actually too dark and yellow for me. But if you have yellow tones in your complexion it's definitely worth checking Sleek's range out. I also have it in a dark brown for bronzing.

To sum up, I wouldn't call this a dupe for Bobbi Brown's oil free compact foundation- mainly because of the difference in finish and drier consistency. However this is a good oil free foundation at a fabulously low price. I would recommend giving it a go if you're looking for a new cream foundation or for a matte foundation.

Sleek Oil Free Creme to Powder Foundation has 9g product for £7.99. Available at Sleek Online, Boots and Superdrug.

Ingredient list:Caprylic / Capric Triglyceride, Poly(methyl methacrylate), Nylon-12, Isononyl Isononanoate, Octyl Strearate, Octyl Palmitate, Bees Wax, Candelilla Wax, Aluminum Starch, Octenyl Succinate, Jojoba Esters, Microcrystalline Wax, Methylparaben, Propylparaben May Contain: [ +/- CI. 77019, CI. 77891, CI. 77492, CI. 77491, CI. 77499]

My bronzer Collection

Updated April 2020 

Although summer is fading and autumn fast approaching, a bit of bronzer can prolong a summer tanned look. I have medium olive skin and while I am amazed to find that there's still a lot of orange bronzers out there, especially in the drug store I've managed to find and recommend ones that aren't.I generally use Zoeva's Angled blush brushes (127 Luxe Sheer Cheek and 128 Cream cheek) to apply these bronzers below.

Sleek contour kit in light 

Although this is sold as a contour kit/palette the warm brown makes it more suitable for bronzing. It's very pigmented, fairly long wearing and includes one of my all time  favourite highlighters. For such a cheap price this is fantastic value for money. When I hit pan I will definitely go out and buy another.  Sleek online and Superdrug £6.49

Benefit Hoola Cream Bronzer 
Easy to use.

Ben Nye in Contour No 2  
Although sold as a contour powder the warm brown makes it ideal for bronzing.This is extremely pigmented and so requires a light hand and although I apply using a slanted contour brush I would recommend a fan brush so that you don't over apply, see my full review here. I absolutely love this, the pigment, the price everything and will definitely repurchase if I hit pan on this. Available from Treasure House of Make Up at £11.22 they are also available in the USA with other stage makeup brands such as Graftobian and Mehron.

Boots Natural collection in Milk Chocolate

 This is actually an eye shadow, one day I decided to try this as an Bronzer and the warmth of the brown really brings a healthy tanned glow to the face. At it's also very cheap and would suit paler skin tones. I would definitely repurchase as this is a double duty product.

From Boots £1.99

Boots No 7 Perfectly Bronzed Duo bronzer 

This is from a holiday set but is exactly the same as the one in current No 7 regular line which comes in a mirrored compact. Although this has tiny sparkles of glitter they don't really show up when worn so I've put this in the matte category. A good colour for a bronzer and I would repurchase this again. From Boots £12

The Benefit Cosmetics Hoola line is their best seller for a reason but  I would say the best value and all rounder are the Ben Nye Contour powder and Sleek Contour Kit.

Sleek Idivine Sunset Eye Shadow Palette Review

Although the Sleek idivine Sunset eye shadow palette has been out for awhile when I saw the swatches from this palette I had to add it to my collection as the colours are so vivid and beautiful.The concept of the palette are the colours of the sunset, sea and sand. All the shades are of a satin finish except the black which is matte. Black is always useful for definition and for smokey eyes. This was one of Sleek's earlier palettes where the shades don't have any names.

The colours are mostly warm shades with the exception of the cooler toned pink- the last colour on the bottom left. Both the peach and the pink have a gold shimmer.While this is a bright palette I think it's possible to create a more neutral look with the pink shades.The bright orange, russets and blue can create a bright summer look or paired with the black a smokey autumn leaves look or dark cranberry eye.

   My Arabic inspired double winged sunset look

Peformance: All colours in the Sleek Idivine sunset eye shadow palette are smooth to apply without any fallout. The shades are extremely pigmented looking like brightly lit jewels and are long wearing.

Packaging: As usual the packaging is Sleek's standard black matte case, with a mirror but small enough for travel or a handbag. Perhaps because this a recent purchase of one of the older palettes the pans no longer sport the waffle design.

To sum up: Altogether I think Sleek's sunset palette is fairly versatile and with 12 mineral eye shadows it's good value for money. While the colours aren't typically 'classic/traditional' this one of the standout palettes from Sleek's Idivine palettes. All the pans are excellently pigmented and of good quality-it's a keeper.

Sleek idivine Sunset Palette from Sleek and Boots £7.99 (13.2g)

You may like this if...You're on a budget, like warm colours or palettes for travelling
You may not like this if You prefer fancy packaging

10 BEST VALUE BEAUTY BUYS

1) ELF Shadow Lock Eyelid Primer in Sheer- Its free from parabens, preservatives and chemical dyes. I have sensitive skin and this is kind to eyes. It keeps eye makeup in place forever yep it will not budge. I love this eye primer however I don't think it makes eye shadows more vibrant. Its skin and purse friendly at £3 available at this website

2) Soap and Glory Smoulder Kohl Eyeliner This is a creamy waterproof black eyeliner that lasts.
The packaging is great-there is a sharpener on the end with a cap to keep it clean .£5 Full review HERE

3) Barry M's Dazzle Dust and Glitter Dusts are packed with pigment and staying power for a mere £4. 59. I feel they are the cheapest pigment powders that create the greatest impact.

Barry M are also cruelty free and have a no animal testing policy on ingredients or finished product and do not engage other companies to test on their behalf. Check out their crayons (£4.59) for an eye shadow base they do not smudge and last well.

4) Real Techniques Core Collection Brushes: Initially £21.99  sounds like a lot- but the four brushes are fantastic quality, soft synthetic brushes that never shed and that are easy to clean. It works out as just over £5 a brush. If you don't want the whole set you can just sell the ones you don't want or buy from ebay.

This set contains the most wanted buffer brush. Personally I love the contour brush I have two one for blush and one for contouring. The eye detailer is really versatile it can be used for lips, inner corner of eye and as a smudger brush for the lower lid.

5) MUA Eye Shadow Singles and Palettes- The USP of this make up brand is that most of the range costs just £1. I love the eye shadows they are pigmented and last. The eye shadow palettes are even better- they have duped Urban Decay's Naked  (Undress Me) and Naked 2 palette (Undress me too, pictured above.). I also love their Heaven and Earth palette. (£4 for 12 shadows)

6) Sleek idivine Eye Shadow Palettes- I rave about these a lot, but there is good reason- very pigmented colours in good quality palettes in combinations that can create almost all looks and colours. The palettes also contain mirrors and are very affordable. My favourites are the Storm palette, Au Natural, Oh so special and Vintage Romance (pictured above) costing £7.99 for 12 shadows.

7) Essence Long Lasting Lipsticks These are so moisturising and comfortable to wear and last a fair aount of time on the lips. I couldn't believe how good they were for such an afforable price!

8) Bourjois Volume Glam Mascara one of Bourjois and drugstore cheaper mascara but it never flakes or smudges. It has been my HG for at least 16 years. It is water resistant so you can have a good cry wearing it but not a swim or shower. It makes lashes look thicker but is a slightly wet mascara. £7.99  My review is HERE

9) Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24hour Cream Eye Shadows  Finally a drugstore/high street cream eye shadow that actually works! I felt I'd tried them all and concluded it was something only high end makeup companies could achieve. It's pigmented and stays on (maybe not for 24 hours though) and generally true to colour. Also they are so affordable at £4.99 you can collect them all! My favourites are on and On Bronze and Metallic pomegranate.

10) Accessorize Nail Polishes- For £4, I'm very impressed, especially the one coat range. Many brands promise one coat and fail miserably. This was what it said on the bottle. The quality and shade range is great and they seem to keep up with the trends.

Sleek Vintage Romance Palette review

I 'm a big fan of Sleek's idivine eyeshadow palettes because of their price and pigmentation and this one doesn't disappoint. I love the colour combination in this palette, in fact this may be my favourite (after the storm palette of course.)  There are nine satin/metallic shades, one matte (Propose in Prague) and last two on the bottom row contain glitter (Forever in Florence and Love In London,)

There's a real mix between dark, bright and light colours in the palette both warm and cool. Pretty in Paris would be a good inner eye highlighter while Forever in Florence and Love In London would be great for a smoky eye. Packaging is standard for Sleek, a black matte case with a big mirror. I do love the whole romance theme though the names must be the longest Sleek has ever created! The high quality and longevity are what you expect from other sleek palettes, the colours wear about 7 or 8 hours.

L-R Top Row(Pretty In Paris, Meet in Madrid, Court in Cannes, Lust in L.A. , Romance in Rome, Propose in Prague)

L-R Bottom Row (A vow in Venice, Marry in Monte Carlo, Honeymoon in Hollywood, Bliss in Barcelona Forever in Florence, Love in London)

Pretty in Paris and Propose in Prague were harder to swatch, apart from that they were buttery and easy to use although there was a lot of fall out when swatching them.

I've swatched the glitter shades against Sleek's Limited Edition Sparkle 2 palette and Forever In Florence (left) is very similar to illusion(right) in that palette except Forever in Florence is a little lighter in colour.

(L-R) Love in London, Creep, Oil slick, Glitz and Glamour Starry Night)

Love in London is similar to Urban decay's Creep (creep is greyer) and Oil Slick (oil slick has more glitter.) Love in London is also similar to Sparkle2' Glitz and Glamour. (when swatched looks the same but Glitz and Glamour is actually dark brown not black.)  and Starry night (starry night is darker.)

Romance in Rome is a dupe for Candied Violet in Too Faced's Chocolate Bar Palette. 

 Verdict Definitely a keeper. Excellent value for money. I feel this palette will become a classic (at least for me) some of Sleeks palettes get forgotten or only a few colours get used but I feel all the colours here make the palette stand on it's own and will be used a lot.

You might like it if....you are on a budget. If you love golds, burgundys and purples or are a romantic look fan.

You might not like it if...you hate purples, burgandys and golds, if you prefer matte colours or if you can't stand fall-out.

Available from sleek & Superdrug £7.99