Product Review: Collection Cosmetic's Metallic Cream Eyeshadow

As summer is on its way, its always good to start preparing your look for your holidays or for those rare days where we have some sun in England!  The summers humidity can wreak havoc on your make-up, so it is important to find quick, light products that have great staying power on your summer skin. Which is why I am very excited to tell you about the Metallic Cream Eyeshadow from Collection Cosmetics (formerly Collection 2000)

So let me paint a picture for you....

There I am standing in Superdrug testing all the products from the Collection range on my hand - I always end up walking out looking like I have some multi-coloured disease - and as I'm trying to wipe the rainbow off my hand, I realised that this product had stayed put!  And I mean really stayed put, like superglue!  I was almost blown away.

Could a little pot of cream eyeshadow really have this much staying power for £2.99.... yes it does!!

So I went back to the store to purchase the product and couldn't wait to get home and try it out.

Its the Metallic Cream eyeshadow from Collection Cosmetics (formerly Collection 2000).  Initially, I had glanced at this product and then moved on to something else, mainly because it is a cream product and comes in a lipgloss-style tube with a brush on the end.  I haven't had very much luck with cream eyeshadows in the past and MAC's paint pots are the only ones I have found that don't crease on your eyelids throughout the day. So I hadn't really thought much about this product other than seeing what the colours came out like.

I have to admit, the Collection cosmetics range keeps surprising me and I haven't yet found a product of theirs that I haven't liked. It just shows you can still buy quality make-up that will do what it says (on the tin) for a reasonable price.  Which is great for teenagers and those who don't have a lot of spare cash lying around to spend on cosmetics.

Available in 6 intense colours: Gold Rush, Copper Pot, Emerald City, Platinum Bling, Rock n Rose and Rock Pool. I bought the product in Platinum Bling which is a a browny-silver-grey colour which I love and think it is great to help create a quick and easy smokey eye. This product dries quickly so you have to be quick to blend, but is great for a quick wash of colour, or as a base for a smokey eye!

Here, I have applied the cream eyeshadow all across my eyelid, you can use this as a wash of colour, or you can add other colours to create different styles.

I definitely recommend these eyeshadows as they are fast drying and smudge proof! Perfect for a quick touch of glam before you hit the beach (or anywhere really).

Have you tried the Collection's Metallic Cream Eyeshadows? Tell me what you think of them....

My 6 Steps to Summer Make-up

As the seasons begin to change and the sun starts to peek out from behind the clouds, you know its time to start planning your spring clean.  Pack away those woolly jumpers and thick boots and start preparing your sandals and summer dresses for summer 2012!

While daydreaming about your outfits for the beach, take a moment to think about your summer beauty style....

1. Act now to protect yourself

You should be using products that contain an SPF all year round, but if you aren’t it is important you start for the summer months. We spend more time outside enjoying the good weather now than we do during the winter (obvious I know) so it is crucial to protect your skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays.

You can find many moisturisers or foundations on the market that contain an SPF, which helps you stay protected with minimal fuss.

2. Reveal all or cover up... that is the question?

In the warm(ish) summer months you might find that your normal concealer and foundation combo feels a bit heavy on your skin.  If this is the case, there are some alternative options you can try.

For a barely there, natural finish, try a tinted moisturiser or BB cream as these have a lighter consistency and coverage.  They apply just a touch of colour mixed in with a moisturiser to help keep your skin fresh and light.

If you find you need more coverage, opt for a mineral powder foundation.  Once applied, a good mineral powder will warm with your skin and may slightly change colour as it warms.  This warming action will help the coverage look and feel more natural.

3. Glow Under the Sun

For a dewy natural glow, opt for a foundation that has light reflecting particles or states it has a luminous finish.  This helps to give your skin a younger, fresher look, although this may not work well for those with oilier skins.

For an additional glow, opt for a bronzer with a slight shimmer.  The trick to applying bronzer is to apply sparingly and build the colour rather than apply it all at once.  Apply bronzer just under the cheekbones for a sculpted look.  You can also apply to the temples and top of the forehead to add that sunkissed glow.

Using a highlighter can also help to add a glow to your skin all year round.  The trick is to apply a little to each part of the face that is hit by the sun. So apply to the tops of your cheeks, along your brow bone, along the bridge of your nose and forehead if required

4. Splash of Colour

Now that we're leaving the cold winter months behind us its time to lighten up all round! So ditch the dark eyeshadows and try opting for lighter shades.  Not only will you look brighter and fresher but you will feel it too! Opt for pinks, peaches, lilacs and oranges as this will really brighten up your make-up palette and spring you into the summer.

This goes for your lips too, try keeping the colours light and bright to give you a burst of colour that will go well with natural eyes.


5. Smouldering Definition

We all love eyeliner and long lashes, but this can really weigh you down when you're out and about in the sun, so try opting for more natural definition. Try a brown mascara for during the day to give your lashes a more natural definition. This also goes for your brows, try using a clear brow gel to sweep through the shape rather than using a heavier product that could start to feel uncomfortable as you get hot throughout the day.

When it comes to eyeliner, you can still add definition, but lighten up! Try using a colour eyeliner or even use an eyeshadow to line your lids and give that pop of colour.

Oh and when you know it's going to be a very hot day, try opting for a waterproof mascara to avoid any panda eye disasters!


6. Get the gloss

As we brighten up on colours, try it with textures too! A dash of gloss on the lips is quick and easy to apply and will help brighten up your look. Be aware gloss wont last all day, especially if you are eating and drinking, but its worth it for the shine!


Once you have put all of these tips together (or pick and choose what suits you) then you are ready for summer! So throw your sunnies on and get out in the sun!!

Thanks for reading!