Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick in Rose xoxo – Review & swatches

Gotta admit, I dig the packaging. It’s very chic and has a luxurious feel to it.

Shine Edition Lipstick
Ultra shine, radiant colour and the comfort of a balm.

A new generation formula that brings shine, colour and comfort to your lips.

An ultra-shine result, thanks to a new ¼ gloss extract for amazing shine-wrapped colour.

The new sensuous formula gives ultimate comfort. Enriched with nourishing mango butter extracts, Shine Edition leaves lips moisturised for up to 10 hrs**.

Its rich and melting formula provides cushion comfort and makes application addictive!

And the icing on the cake…It’s shiny, coloured packaging makes Shine Edition lipstick a true fashion accessory

Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick in Rose xoxo

Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick in Rose xoxo

Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick in Rose xoxo - swatch

Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick in Rose xoxo - Applied

My thoughts
24 Rose xoxo is a soft mauve pink with tiny silver flecks. It appears glossy and feels very moisturizing; the shimmer feels slightly gritty though. I love how it looks so natural and pretty against my skin tone. I noticed that it has a mild scent which fades in under a minute. A lot of people have been comparing it to Revlon Lip Butters as both seem to have similar texture and pigmentation. The formula, I believe, is quite sheer but buildable –– you can achieve more intensity with multiple swipes.

The product claims to keep lips hydrated for 10 hours. While I do believe that my lips feel moisturized, pillow soft and look plump however I certainly do not agree with the 10 hour hydration claim. Truth is, the moisture only lasts for a couple of hours. The color and shine lasts even less –– say an hour max. Also, it accumulates around the inner rim of my lips which looks real bad. A good way to avoid the problem is to exfoliate your lips before application.

I was pretty psyched up about it and it let me down. Compared to Revlon Lip Butters, I'd say I like those better. This one just doesn't cut it for me. It’s a pretty average product I think.

You might like it if…

• You expect sheer, natural-looking coverage
• It gives a nice shine
• It feels moisturizing and comfortable

You might not like it if…

• Hydration lasts for a couple of hours
• It doesn't have long wear
• It tends to settle into lip lines and looks ugly

My rating

2.5/5

Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick is priced at PKR 1225 and can be purchased online from BeautyArena.pk. If you live in Karachi, you can buy it from Agha's, Farid's Pharmacy, Naheed Supermarket and Scentsation at Dolmen Mall Clifton.

What do you think about it? Have you tried it?

PR sample(s) sent for review. This however has not affected my opinion at all. My loyalty is to my readers and being honest is my utmost responsibility. I have given my sincere opinion about the product(s) mentioned in the post. For more details, please go through my Disclosure Policy.

If you have any questions, you can have a look at FAQ or email me on info@sarahassansblog.com.

Bourjois Twist Up The Volume Mascara – Review

Looking for length, definition and volume in just one mascara?

• Twist up the Volume mascara - Black
• 1 brush creates 2 results: defined length + oversized volume
• 1 transformable brush. 2 results: DEFINED LENGTH + OVERSIZED VOLUME
• Use position 1 to lengthen and separate lashes and position 2 to volumise and intensify lashes

Bourjois Twist Up The Volume Mascara

Bourjois Twist Up The Volume Mascara

Bourjois Twist Up The Volume Mascara

Bourjois Twist Up The Volume Mascara - Applied

My thoughts
If you remember, I have mentioned it in my favorites of 2013. At first, I didn’t like it that much. The formula was a bit wet and I just did not enjoy using it. However with time, the formula got better and slightly thicker and from there on, I love using it every single day.

If you look at the wand, you’d notice that while you twist the white handle from position 1 to 2, the brush squeezes and gets shorter. So when it is set on position 1, the brush looks longer and the bristles appear to be separated. On position 2, the bristles become close together which collects more product hence giving you that thickening effect. I am not a fan of the second position since it clumps my lashes together but I’ve got to admit, it does add drama to my lashes. Personally, I like the first position. It defines and lengthens my lashes very well.

Also, it doesn’t smudge or flake throughout the day which is a plus. Overall, it’s not the best drugstore mascara out there but definitely not a bad one either. It does the job for me – I am happy!

You might like it if…

• You expect it to volumise your lashes
• It defines and lengthens your lashes
• It doesn’t smudge or flake through the day

You might not like it if…

• You think it clumps your lashes together
• The formula is a bit wet

My rating

3.5/5

Bourjois Twist Up The Volume Mascara is priced at PKR 1525 and is available online at BeautyArena.pk and Just4girls.pk. If you live in Karachi, you can get it from Agha's, Scentsation Dolmen Mall Clifton and Naheed Supermarket.

What do you think about it? Have you tried it?

PR sample(s) sent for review. This however has not affected my opinion at all. My loyalty is to my readers and being honest is my utmost responsibility. I have given my sincere opinion about the product(s) mentioned in the post. For more details, please go through my Disclosure Policy.

If you have any questions, you can have a look at FAQ or email me on info@sarahassansblog.com.

Bourjois BB Cream Compact Foundation 8-in-1 – Review & swatches

I am not much of a BB cream fan but I get all the hype it’s been getting over here. The thing is, who wouldn’t want to wear just one product in place of five (moisturizer, primer, sunblock, concealer and a light coverage foundation). Sounds pretty good right? So anyways, I picked this up a couple of weeks back hoping it would come in handy for those languid times.

BB Cream Compact Foundation 8-in-1
Bourjois' BB cream compact foundation is your make-up and skin care 'dream cream' - a compact foundation with eight actions in one. It perfects, smoothes and evens out the complexion, targets and corrects imperfections and smoothes away signs of fatigue. This compact foundation erases shine, is anti-aging, provides long-lasting hydration and has SPF 20 protection. The creamy texture gives you a perfectly smooth, even complexion for a velvety 'second skin' finish and a medium coverage.

Available in four shades

Bourjois BB Cream Compact Foundation 8-in-1

Bourjois BB Cream Compact Foundation 8-in-1

Bourjois BB Cream Compact Foundation 8-in-1

Bourjois BB Cream Compact Foundation 8-in-1

Bourjois BB Cream Compact Foundation 8-in-1 in 22 Golden Beige - Swatch

Bourjois BB Cream Compact Foundation 8-in-1 - Before & After Application

My thoughts
Bourjous BB cream compact comes in a shiny black case with a huge mirror inside that swivels 360 degrees. The packaging is extremely travel-friendly which is something I love about it. It also comes with a sponge applicator within. To tell you the truth, I find the applicator useless for it doesn’t help blend the product into your skin like it’s supposed to so I suggest using a wedge shaped sponge or your fingers to blend.

The first thing you’d notice once you open it up is the pleasant scent. It’s not overwhelming but it might be bothersome. It comes with SPF 20 protection which is excellent. The product has a medium coverage and creamy consistency which sets to a glowy finish – semi-matte to be exact. I noticed that it highlights any dryness that I have on my face so exfoliating is a precondition. I have this in shade 22 Golden Beige which I believe is tad darker for my complexion (NC30 for reference). I think it would be a perfect match for anyone who’s NC35 in Mac. Furthermore, it has orange undertones which would go well with Pakistani/Indian skin tones.

I absolutely love the finish I get with this. It perks up my face, covers up redness around my nose and minor imperfections. My skin looks smooth, never cakey, hydrated and even-toned. It really does feel like second skin. However there is a catch. It slides off my combination skin after a couple of hours. To deal with that, I simply dab a setting powder lightly all over my face. My sister who has an oily skin believes that it has a decent oil control. It won’t turn your face into an oil rig by the end of the day provided that you set it with a powder.

In a nutshell, I think this product would suit anyone with normal or combination skin type. I really like this but hate that it comes in limited shades (no shade for my skin tone).

You might like it if…

• You have normal or combination skin type
• You find the the packaging easy to travel with
• It gives semi-matte, glowly finish
• It doesn't feel heavy on your skin
• You expect medium coverage. It covers up redness and minor blemishes pretty well
• You expect natural-looking smooth finish
• It keeps your skin hydrated
• It comes with SPF 20 protection
• You set it with a powder to increase it's wear time

You might not like it if…

• You have dry or oily skin type
• It highlights dryness on your face
• It slides off your face after a couple of hours
• You find the sponge applicator useless
• The scent bothers you
• You don't find your match
• You think it's pricey

My rating

3/5

Bourjois BB Cream Compact Foundation 8-in-1 comes with a price tag of PKR 1,975 and can be purchased from Agha's supertore Karachi, Scentsation outlets in Karachi and Lahore. You can also purchase it online on Just4girls.pk and BeautyArena.pk. If you live in the U.K, you can buy it online for £11.99 at Selfridges.com.

What do you think about this BB Cream Compact? Take it or leave it?

Bourjois Intuitive Liner – Review & swatches

This product takes me back to my under-grad drawing classes. I remember studying pointillism and creating drawings simply by dotting on the canvas. With Intuitive Liner, you follow the same technique to line your eyes giving your lashes some definition.

Intuitive Liner
3-end felt-tip lash enhancer to give your lashes extra length and definition. Discover a new, revolutionary way to line your eyes and enhance your lashes! Inspired by the famous art technique of ‘dotting’ (pointillisme), the intuitive liner forms a dotted, fine and intense line in 1 easy, fail proof application.

Special tip: Simply tap the triple-pointed liner along the lash line in a successive “dotting” motion. Each black dot will make your lashes look extra long and give them more definition!

No risk of overlapping or wobbly lines!

Bourjois Intuitive Liner

Bourjois Intuitive Liner

Bourjois Intuitive Liner - Swatch

Bourjois Intuitive Liner - Before & After Application

My thoughts
For starters, the pigmentation isn’t as intense as I had hoped for. I imagined it to be as concentrated as Merle Norman Pro Pen Eyeliner so I am a bit disappointed. It’s not a one-swipe thing (or might I say a one-dot thing). I need to mark/layer multiple times for deep black dots. The triple-pointed tip is firm but flexible enough to avoid skipping and dragging thus allowing for smooth and precise application. I am pleased with the wear time, once set, it doesn’t fade, smudge or come off during the day.

I like the concept of dotting over my lash line and I noticed that it does define my lashes but no matter how much I try, the end result appears to be nothing but messy dots all over which is frustrating. This isn’t your regular marker eyeliner where you simply drag the tip across the lash line but that does not mean you can’t use it like that. For my part, I prefer standard solid line application over pointillism with this – it's much easier and neat that way.

You can achieve the no-liner effect with it but truthfully speaking, I’d rather tight line my eyes with a creamy pencil or gel eyeliner for thickening and defining my lashes; it’s as simple as that. So why pay for this? Honestly, I don’t see the point of purchasing it but if you’re a beginner with shaky hands, this could be your best friend.

If it were just a regular marker eye liner, I'd have given it more points but since I review products taking product description and claims into account so I am going to rate it in line with that.

You might like it if…

• You want to achieve a no-liner look
• It adds volume and definition to your lashes
• It has a decent wear time
• You have shaky hands and expect precise application
• You follow the regular solid line application

You might not like it if…

• The pigmentation isn’t intense
• You need to mark multiple times for intense black dots
• You’d rather tight line instead of using this

My rating

3/5

Bourjois Intuitive Liner is priced at PKR 1100 and can be purchased from superstores nationwide. You can also purchase it online from BeautyArena.pk. Folks abroad can purchase it for £6.99 from Superdrug.com, Boots.com and ASOS.com.

What do you think about it? Have you tried it?

PR sample(s) sent for review. This however has not affected my opinion at all. My loyalty is to my readers and being honest is my utmost responsibility. I have given my sincere opinion about the product(s) mentioned in the post. For more details, please go through my Disclosure Policy.

If you have any questions, you can have a look at FAQ or email me on info@sarahassansblog.com.

Bourjois Maxi Delight Bronzer – Review & swatches

This bronzer has become a staple in my daily makeup routine. Keep on reading to find out more about it.

Maxi Delight Bronzer
Bourjois Maxi Delight Bronzer is an ultra-natural bronzing powder, thanks to an exquisite mix of Pearls and Beta-carotene it gives complexion instant summer glow and enhances your tan all year round! It's ultra-fine, light texture glides softly on to the skin, providing a smooth and an even result, with no marks! Apply onto the face and decolletage for an even make-up result and naturally bronzed glow.

How to Use?
Apply onto the face and decolletage for an even make-up result and naturally bronzed glow.

Bourjois Maxi Delight Bronzer

Bourjois Maxi Delight Bronzer Shade 02

Bourjois Maxi Delight Bronzer Shade 02

Bourjois Maxi Delight Bronzer Shade 02- Swatch

Wanna see how it looks on my skin? Click here.

My thoughts
Bronzing is something most Pakistanis are not very fond of – since we’ve got a tanned complexion already – but don’t we all just love that summer glow?! Bourjois Maxi Delight Bronzer is a wonderful multi-purpose bronzer that not only gives you a subtle bronzed glow but could also be used for contouring.

To start off, it comes in a huge pan that’s probably gonna last forever. I’ve got it in Shade 02 for olive/tanned skin which basically is medium matte powder with tiny golden specks that don’t highlight imperfections or appear frosty if that’s what concerns you. It has the yummiest fragrance to it (coconuts and chocolates, kind of like ‘Bounty’ which is one of my favorite chocolate bars) that lingers for a short while.

I simply love the texture! It’s finely milled and quite different from rest of the drugstore bronzers that I’ve tried so far. What makes it so unique is that there’s absolutely no fallout no matter how many times you swirl your brush across it and so no product wastage. Though it’s quite sheer on the first swipe, you could easily amp up the intensity according to your liking. What's best is that it doesn’t appear powdery and blends into the skin evenly and effortlessly. I am not bothered with the tiny shimmer for it scatters all over and isn’t so visible after application. Moreover, it looks absolutely natural and doesn't scream 'I'm wearing a bronzer!' which is amazing! I also use it to contour my cheekbones and it works great that way too. It stays on perfectly well throughout the day without blotching or streaking.   

Overall, I am very content with this product. I use it religiously and love how natural it appears on my skin. I definitely recommend giving it a whirl if you crave for a natural-looking tan effect or want something for subtle contouring.

You might like it if…

• You’re looking for a multi-purpose highlighting bronzer
• You have medium to deep-medium skin tone
• You expect a soft texture with no fallout
• You expect easy blending
• You expect very fine/subtle shimmer
• You want to enhance your tan
• You expect a good wear time

You might not like it…

• It seems too dark for pale complexion
• You are not into highlighting bronzers

My rating

4.5/5

Bourjois Maxi Delight Bronzer is priced at £8.99 and can purchased from Boots.com. It's not available in Pakistan yet so hoping that it arrives soon. I'll update this post as soon as it hits the stores.

What do you think about it? Which is your favorite bronzer?

PR sample(s) sent for review. This however has not affected my opinion at all. My loyalty is to my readers and being honest is my utmost responsibility. I have given my sincere opinion about the product(s) mentioned in the post. For more details, please go through my Disclosure Policy.

If you have any questions, you can have a look at FAQ or email me on info@sarahassansblog.com.

Bourjois So Laque Glossy Nail Enamel

Bourjois So Laque Glossy collection has nail colors for all occasions.

So Laque Glossy Nail Enamel
Bourjois new nail collection from the So Laque range enriched with vinyl for an ultra-glossy shine.Dress your nails in 8 hot shades for that high fashion look from head to toe. Its formula is ultra-resistant and enriched with vinyl and resins to make your nails shine, prevent then from chipping and keep them looking shiny, neat and full of glossy colour to last for up to 10 days!

Bourjois So Laque Glossy Nail Enamel - Peach and Love

Bourjois So Laque Glossy Nail Enamel - Taupe Modèle

My thoughts
Peach and Love is a gorgeous peachy pink creme. I think it's unique and very summery. The formula is slightly milky so a smooth application could be a wee bit tricky to achieve. The applicator is fine but like I always say, I would've appreciated a wide applicator here. Taupe Modèle is a classy mushroom taupe which would look great on just about anyone. It's my favorite of the two. The formula on this is better than the former and applies smoothly. I really like the glossy look they both have. Also, the shades have a quick dry time. About the 10 days no chip claim, to tell you the truth, I haven't tested that yet since I don't wear nail polish for that long though I think it will last for up to 5-7 days.

Overall, I am impressed. Bourjois So Laque Glossy nail enamel costs PKR 730 and can be purchased from leading supermarkets nationwide. You can also buy these online from Just4girls.pk or BeautyArena.pk.

What do you think about these?

PR sample(s) sent for review. This however has not affected my opinion at all. My loyalty is to my readers and being honest is my utmost responsibility. I have given my sincere opinion about the product(s) mentioned in the post. For more details, please go through my Disclosure Policy.

If you have any questions, you can have a look at FAQ or email me on info@sarahassansblog.com.