Annabelle Cosmetics Big Show Matte Liquid Lipstick Review

By now you are probably aware of my insatiable obsession with pretty lipstick and my ongoing mission to find more. I tell myself that it’s for the benefit of my wonderful readers, to keep you up-to-date on the latest tends but it also has to do with being a total beauty junkie. Recently I received some luscious liquid lipstick from Annabelle Cosmetics and it was love at first swatch! The pigments are bold, highly saturated, full-coverage and creamy plus each gorgeous shade is universally flattering. 

I love matte formulas but sometimes my lips can’t handle flat, drying color (especially during the winter). When I need something hydrating and comfortable I break out my favorite cream lipsticks. These bombshell hues are velvety, smooth and vibrant – infused with nourishing Shea Butter and Meadowfoam Seed Oil. The lightweight color glides on with a single swipe and makes lips appear seductively pouty - perfect for date night. 

The applicator works like a charm, delivering a heavy dose of pigment for consistent distribution without feathering or bleeding. I don’t think the finish is completely matte (you can definitely see some suppleness and moisture) but there is no shine, shimmer or glossiness which makes the color appear solid and rich.

There are 6 shades available and no matter which you choose I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. I usually go for the reds, pinks and burgundy hues but there is one neutral in the collection. As with most cream formulas the color transfers but still holds-up for hours of wear without accentuating chapped skin.

Swatches from bottom to top: Glamorous, Romantic, Hypnotic and Flirtatious 

For just $9.95 each these lipsticks are a definite hit. Annabelle Cosmetics is available at drugstores nationwide and online at annabelle.com.

Annabelle Big Show Lip Lacquer Review

Annabelle Cosmetics is inspiring makeup lovers to chase away the winter blues and show off our pretty pouts with their new long lasting Lip Lacquers! Nothing reminds me of warm weather and spring flowers like a gorgeous pop of color and this stunning collection is definitely bringing sexy back!

When we think of the word (lacquer) what often comes to mind is vibrant color but some formulas can dry flat and enhance lip texture and lines. I am happy to report that there is nothing flat or boring when it comes to these beauties, in fact when I first opened the box I was very impressed with the gorgeous yet modest range of pigments.

There are only 6 shades in the line but the brand really showcases the most intense, trendiest hues to suit a variety of preferences. They’ve included one nude for those who like to keep it simple plus pinks, red, coral and an amazing pink-purple called Hypnotize Deeply that will knock your socks off!

What you’re getting with this collection is a triple threat: lacquer, gloss and stain all-in-one! The formula is rich, creamy and bold plus they smell absolutely scrumptious! The applicator is standard but works well to spread the lush color across the lips and the shiny, mirror-like finish makes your pout look full and plump!

Annabelle really hit it out of the park with this collection, the shades are outstanding and quite versatile. If you crave sheer coverage then layer thinly and if you want more saturation just swipe heavier. The vivid show-stopping colors are lightweight and non-sticky with good pigmentation.

One of the great things about this brilliant formula is that it doesn’t sacrifice comfort for color. The lacquer stays rather moist for a sumptuous veil of hydration and as they wear away my lips feel soft and supple. Although the color does last quite a while they tend to smudge during eating and drinking which is standard with most glossy textures.

If you only pick up a couple shades may I suggest Love Fiercely which is a sexy, multidimensional red with a stunning finish that seems to have a chromatic effect and Hypnotize Deeply which I mentioned earlier. These two are the deepest pigments in the collection and are great for every season and skin tone. The only shade that fell a little short was Adore Simply which sadly got washed out in the swatch photo above due to lighting. This color didn't quite build up to the opaqueness of the others but if you like silvery, frosted hues then go for it.

Annabelle Cosmetics can be found at major drugstores across Canada and the lacquers retail for $9.95. For more info you can visit the website by clicking HERE.

Annabelle Cosmetics Smokey Nudes Palette Review

It’s been a while since I reviewed anything from Annabelle Cosmetics but the brand has some awesome retractable eyeliners that also work wonders for shaping and filling in the brows. On two recent trips to the U.S I searched several drugstores for this brand but couldn’t find it anywhere so my American readers may have to check the website or wait until you cross the border to get your hands on these great products.

2015 seemed to be the year of nude palettes as many brands decided to launch an array of subtle everyday hues. You may be thinking that you don’t need yet another neutral palette but the Smokey Nudes by Annabelle offers versatility with a range of beautiful shimmery hues that can effortlessly transition your look from day to night. The palette has a nice gradient of tame hues including beige, gold, cream and silver and gradually deepens into those sexy, smokey shades like bronze, warm brown, charcoal and black for defining and sculpting the eyes. Although there are only two matte shades the balance of texture still works and the shimmer hues can also be blended in the crease.

If you don’t have a smokey palette yet and prefer not to shell out big bucks on expensive shadows this one retails for just $12.95 and is absolutely worth it! Not only it is small enough for travel and suitable for all complexions but the pigmentation is buildable and can go from sheer and subtle to intense and deep by simply layering. The texture is silky smooth and although the brush/sponge applicator leaves much to be desired I had no issue with creasing or fading when paired with a good primer.

As mentioned earlier I love Annabelle’s liners because they last all day without running and they are multi-purpose! Recently they released some new products that I’ve been using to make my eyes pop with dramatic wings and excellent definition. The Instaglam Kajal Eyeliner is safe for contact wearers and lasts 12+ hours! 

One end has a large crayon/pencil formula that glides on effortlessly for bold, smoldering lines while the other end has a large liquid/marker for thin or thick lines. I always layer pencil under the liquid for longevity and precision so I love this duo! It is also suitable for sensitive eyes and retails for $12.95.

How many times have you made an annoying mistake while drawing on your line or creating your wing? I think we have all been there which is why the liner below is a must! One end has a thin felt tip liquid formula and the other has a white eraser so you can simply rub out your liquid liner mistakes and start again! This ingenious tool saves me so much time dealing with makeup mishaps and retails for $10.95.

The brand has also released a new Brow-To-Go Shaping Kit in various shades along with many tools and pencils to keep your brows looking fierce. As mentioned above I prefer the Self Sharpening pencils but the color range is great and the deep browns are rich and true to color instead of ashy.

You can find Annabelle Cosmetics at drugstores and Walmart.

Annabelle Cosmetics: TwistUp Retractable Lipstick Crayons

Many of you are familiar with Annabelle Cosmetics but are you aware that they have some of the most gorgeous lip crayons on the market?! When it comes to lip pencils I am usually a bit weary because I have encountered formulas that were too transparent, too oily or too dry but the retractable pencils by Annabelle are wonderful! In fact they are some of the best lip pencils I have tried and they provide stunning color.

Now that I have raved about them you are probably wondering what makes them a cut above the rest; for starters the pigmentation and the rich color is impressive for a crayon. At first glance they look decent but when applied, they drench lips in vibrant silky color.

The shades I have are Kinky Pink and Cherry which are mesmerizing and opaque enough to tempt me into purchasing all 24 colors! The texture is a combination of gloss, cream and lipstick with a lightweight, velvety formula that hangs in the delicate balance between shiny and matte. The pencils also double as lip liners for easy application and the smooth texture moisturizes with omega oils and shea butter.

Kinky Pink

Cherry

The shades are grouped according to hue such as:  Dramatic Bordeaux, Essential Nudes, Glamorous reds, Vibrant Pinks and Trendy Basics. They are long-lasting and tend not to feather. 

The pencils retail for $9.95 (Canadian) and can be found in most drug stores including Shoppers Drug Mart. You can also find them on the website HERE. I definitely recommend trying these...I want them all!

**Disclaimer: These products were provided for review courtesy of Annabelle Cosmetics. All opinions stated in this review are my own and based on my experience with the products. Results may vary based on individual use.** 

Annabelle Cosmetics Mineral Pigment Dust

When it comes to eye shadows my favorite formulas tend to be loose pigments. Loose mineral shadows usually provide more color pay-off and vibrancy compared to the average pressed variety. I have been using Annabelle shadows for years; in fact some of my very first eye shadows were from this brand and they tend to have a long shelf life. Today I have a review on the Mineral Pigment Dust in a gorgeous olive green called Eco Chic.

This Pigment is rich and contains fragments of fine glitter and pearl particles that catch light and make eyes standout. With a good primer it provides long-wear and the the color is substantially brighter than it appears in the jar with a high shimmer finish.

Using a flat shadow brush I pat the pigment onto my lids; do not use swiping motions as this tends to scatter the particles and create fall-out. The packaging is designed with a hole at the top instead of a sifter which is less messy but a bit difficult to dip a brush into so I usually open the jar.

Below is a look I created using Eco Chic. The shadow is easy to work with and the color adheres well to skin allowing you to build-up the saturation and intensity. I paired it with Annabelle's retractable lip pencil and Annabelle's Beauty Balm, both of which I will be reviewing soon.

The shadows are available in 6 great shades and are talc, paraben and perfume free. They can also be applied wet for more dramatic results and retail for $8.95 each. The quality is very good so I definitely recommend trying them. You can find them online HERE and at select drug stores including Shoppers Drug Mart.

Annabelle Eye Makeup Remover Pads

After applying this gorgeous shadow and adding layers of mascara and liner I needed something to remove my eye makeup effectively. Annabelle has some fantastic fragrance-free, moisturizing remover pads that help lift and dissolve waterproof and long-wear makeup.

There are 75 pads per jar and the size is convenient for use on the go or travel. Each pad is soaked in an oil formula which helps emulsify makeup without irritating eyes or skin. Although there is sufficient oil, the pads are mess-free and non-drip.

They work well to loosen stiff, mascara coated lashes and wipe away liner and shadow quickly and efficiently. I recommend folding the pad over lashes and holding for a few seconds to gently loosen mascara and reduce the loss of lashes.

The pads are perfume free which is ideal for those with allergies or sensitive skin. Although they work like a charm the jar does smells strongly of oil but individual pads do not have a strong odor. They are effective despite their thinness but they do tend to stick together. Overall they are great!

You can find the makeup remover HERE, it retails for $6.95 

 **Disclaimer: These products were provided for review courtesy of Annabelle Cosmetics. All opinions stated in this review are my own and based on my experience with the products. Results may vary based on individual use.**