Wednesday 18 July 2012

Lush Makeup: Swatches & Full Review

I'm sure many of you have heard about Lush's new makeup line Emotional Brilliance. I for one was excited to hear that the brand were stepping back into the makeup world. After the closure of their previous makeup line 'B Never to Busy to be Beautiful' in 2009 due to the company being unable to generate profit, it's somewhat of an unexpected (yet, exciting) step for the eco-friendly cosmetics manufacturer.

I was a fan of the 'B' makeup products and their intricate beaded packaging, so I was enthusiastic to see what Lush had come up with for their second foray into the makeup world.

And the answer is 'Emotional Brilliance'.  It is based around the idea of colour therapy and choosing colours based on your personality and mood. Nothing new on that front, and to be honest I think the idea is a little tired and more than a little gimmicky.

But what matters are the products so here's a quick run through of what you can expect.

Lush provided me with a few samples to try and I've been testing them out for the last few weeks so that I can share my thoughts with you all...

The packaging is cute and quirky as you would expect from Lush, looking more like something you'd expect to see in a lab rather than on your dressing table! The glass bottles that house the liquid products are all recyclable and the products themselves are all 100% vegan. The pricing across the line seems to be set at £14.50, with a couple of exceptions (read on for full info).

First up are the Liquid Lipsticks. For me these are the clear stars of the line. The pigmentation of the shade I tried ('Passionate') is incredible (even if the colour is a little 'out there'!) The wear time is great. They have a smooth creamy texture and leave your lips feeling nicely moisturised.

Another product I was impressed with were the skin tints (which are a little cheaper at £12). I especially like the bronzing makeup base 'Charisma' which leaves you with a nice, glowing complexion (in effect this product is not dissimilar to Chanel's Soleil Tan de Chanel). The pink-iridescent highlighting creme 'Feel Younger' is also a nice product, similar to MAC's Strobe Cream.
Clockwise from top left: Charisma, Translucent Powder, Feel Younger
If I'm totally honest, the rest of the line was a bit of a let-down for me. The mascara (housed in the same glass bottle) is a novel idea but does absolutely nothing for the lashes, and the wand is so short it makes application very tricky indeed!

The cream eyeshadow in Sophisticated is really beautiful when applied, but nothing to write home about when blended (it seems to disappear), especially considering the hefty £14.50 price tag.
The liquid eyeliner (shown below in Fantasy) shares the same problem with the mascara, having a brush too short not only for neat application, but also to reach the bottom of the bottle. Last but not least, the translucent powder is OK, but again, I don't think it justifies the price tag.

So it's a mixed bag for me I think. The line is definitely worth looking at, if only for the lipsticks, but I do think they've set the prices a tiny bit high for a lot of the Lush fan base... I love their bath and body products and purchase them frequently, but I don't think I would do the same with the makeup line.
L-R: 'Feel Younger', 'Charisma', Cream Eyeshadow in 'Sophisticated', Liquid Eyeliner in 'Fantasy', Liquid Lipstick in 'Passionate'

Unlike 'B', the new makeup line will be branded as, and sold at Lush stores rather than being a separate shop. It will be available from this Saturday 21st July worldwide.
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114 comments

  1. i really want to try out that lipstick shade, i love the blue tone to it! xo

    theaestheticallypleasing.blogspot.com

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  2. Great review, I want to check out the charisma its such a beautiful swatch!
    xo,
    http://missmelissafashionandbeautyblog.blogspot.com/

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  3. I completely agree with you Fleur, I was very excited with the thought of it - but then I saw the prices!! Although I must say that lipstick sure is beautiful!

    http://midnightviolets.blogspot.co.uk/

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  4. I have to say, I find the packaging of these a bit of a turn off. They look great, but I can see them being a bit impractical!

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  5. Hmm yes this range does seem a hit and miss, but I'll definitely be checking out the skin tints next time I'm in Lush. Great review :)

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  6. My first thought on this was 'how on earth are you supposed to apply mascara with that?' I don't think I'll be picking up any of this range :(

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  7. All the wands are so short! It looks like it would be difficult to use the eyeliner and mascara :o
    However, the pigmentation of the lipgloss looks amazing. Thanks for posting Fleur!

    xx Veronica

    http://frowardfashion.blogspot.com

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  8. I think they have shot themselves in the foot a little with the packaging - it's cute but it seems like it makes it difficult to use/get product out... oh dear! Love the colours though, that liquid eyeliner especially is stunning and the lipstick is too x

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  9. Wow the lip product looks amazing! xx

    http://belle-amiebeauty.blogspot.co.uk/

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  10. this is a big disapointment for me! If they're putting their prices similar to those of mac I would expect something much better than this! I mean that mascara, seriously? I won't be buying anything from this line!
    islaay.com

    xx

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  11. I think the liquid lipsticks are going to be real hits, cant wait to see the other shades they have! x

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  12. Oh this seems like a bit of a let down, especially as they aren't really that cheap, such a shame Lush!

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  13. As a lot of people have said, I think the lipstick is the stand out for this collection! Looks amazing on you! xo

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  14. Oh no, thats disappointing that you weren't impressed with them :( I will definitely give the lipsticks a try but maybe pass on the rest!

    www.noleatherjustlace.blogspot.com

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  15. The liquid lipsticks look amazing! I would definitely like to try one of them! the mascara packaging is ridiculous though, i have no idea how anyone would be able to use a wand that short :/

    www.caitybelles.blogspot.co.uk/

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  16. the wands are so short, the lipstick looks fab though

    regulatinglife.blogspot.ie

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  17. The liquid lipstick looks really good :) xx

    http://rosee-petals.blogspot.co.uk/

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  18. The lipstick looks amazing, not sure about the other products... xxx
    http://athousandseasons.blogspot.co.uk/

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  19. that lipstick is a beautiful colour! stunning!

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  20. I think I most definitely preferred to 'B' packaging to this packaging if I'm honest and I'm sure it wasn't that pricey so far as I can remember. I still have an eye shadow lurking somewhere I'm sure!

    Jenni

    Bowsbanglesandbakes.blogspot.com

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  21. I love the lipstick but I think the prices are too high!! Great review as always :)

    Priya..x

    OneProductTooMany.blogspot.co.uk

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  22. "Passionate" looks like a gorgeous product, but I'm not thrilling with the packaging on any of them.
    http://cofcorals.blogspot.ca/

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  23. Seems pretty steep for average products, but the lipstick does look gorgeous!

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  24. I love Lush products but this new makeup line does seem a bit expensive. Like the colour of the liquid lipstick though! Vibrant!
    Lianne

    rubyrubyslippers.blogspot.com

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  25. wow! i want that lipstick/lipgloss!

    http://laurenlovesmakeupxoxo.blogspot.co.uk/

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  26. that pink lipstick is a MUST have! That is gorgeous. The other products don't amaze be though sad to say ~:( xxx

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  27. I love that pink lipstick!!

    https://allthingsbeautymake-upandshopping.blogspot.com

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  28. such a lovely, honest review! :) I love how you don't sugar-coat anything just because you were sent them :) I would never have bothered trying anything from the make-up line but after this post I'll definitely check out the liquid lipsticks, thanks Fleur! :') xx

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  29. It all looks really good, such a shame!

    thebeautymist.blogspot.com

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  30. I adore the liquid lips, I just popped up a review on passionate and can't get over how pigmented they are! The mascara isn't for me, the handle is annoyingly short and doesn't do much.

    Lucy
    http://lucyywrites01.blogspot.co.uk
    x

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  31. OMG! I really love Lush products, but I never heard about a makeup collection :D


    FOLLOW ME ON Je-Ne-Suis-Pas-Blog

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  32. Finally, I know the secret behind emotional brillance.. because this week, I was working as a trainee at Lush in Germany and they weren't allowed to tell me what emotional brilliance is, although I had to advertise it haha :)

    I will definitely try the bronzy skin tint, it looks beautiful!!
    xx

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  33. Fleur your lips are the perfect heart shape. Simply beautiful! Thanks for the review but I won't be rushing out to puchase.

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  34. Ahh, I'm excited to see these in the shops! The lip product is absolutely gorgeous. Really suits you :) xx

    jensbrightandbeautiful.blogspot.com

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  35. Thanks for the swatches, I like the lip colour. Gorgeous! xx

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  36. I can't wait to try these! I've been reading about them on so many blogs. I really like the bottles idea (apart from the mascara one- what's that about?) and love that they're recyclable and vegan. Looking forward to these hitting the shops.
    Daniella x

    http://daniella-r.blogspot.co.uk/

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  37. I didn't know Lush was bringing out a makeup line! that fantasy lip stuff looks really pretty on you:)
    Thanks for the honest review, I think a lot of people just say everything's great in their reviews! <3 xxxxx

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  38. It seems bizarre that they've created such a strong brand identity for their bath and shower products, yet seem to struggle with their makeup. I get the feeling that they felt the need to try and be so different that they ended up compromising on practicality and product finish (for example, the idea of a short, bottled mascara).

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  39. The liquid lipstick is very pretty! Thanks for the honest opinion about Lush's new range Fleur, this is why I love your blog and youtube channel xx

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  40. I'm really turned off by the packaging it looks cheap and impractical, I don't want my make up to look the same as my ear drops. I wont be buying anything from this range sorry Lush.

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  41. I love Lush products so I can't wait to try out a few of their products from their cosmetics line, especially their lipsticks! :) great review!

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  42. The lipstick in Passionate looks gorgeous, it looks really lovely on you! Definitely want to try that out! It's a shame the packaging of their makeup line isn't more practical though :(

    Frances xx

    http://francescassandra.blogspot.co.uk

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  43. I love LUSH products, but I do think its a bit pricier than usual. The lipstick, the bronzer and the translucent powder look great!
    The mascara wand is so short, how would someone apply it?
    xx-B
    http://thegreyclover.blogspot.co.uk/

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  44. I have yet to try any lush products but when I finally do get to a store I will def be checking the cosmetics line out, even if its only for that gorgeous lip colour:)

    http://beautifulworldoflennynb.blogspot.ca/

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  45. I´ve got my three emotions picked too!! I had so great time doing the pick up! soon I will talk about it on my blog too! thanks for sharing yours!

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  46. Shame they disappointed. I do think the price point is way too high, especially for the size of the products. I was really excited for the liners too!

    http://peluxe100.blogspot.com

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  47. I love that gloss colour but don't fancy paying that much :/

    www.studdedkisses.com

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  48. Thanks for such a comprehensive review and for the excellent swatches! I am super pumped to check out all of these in person later this week. It's a shame that the eyeliner application was a let down because the formula itself looks really pigmented. The liquid lipstick looks fantastic, though! I'll star these as a must-have :)

    www.vibrantbeautyblog.blogspot.com

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  49. Passionate and Fantasy look amazing to me but at those prices... they're going on the birthday list! Screw that!

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  50. I really want to try it out, looks really nice! x

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  51. that is the coolest make-up ever. got to have it

    bewareofdumbbeezies.blogspot.com

    btw what do you reccomend for face wash from lush?
    i have 6 empty bottles

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  52. the lipsticks look amazing!!.. the mascara does seem pretty awkward and the eyeliner :S..might just have to take a wander to lush and get swatching ;) xx

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  53. I might have to try out the lipsticks, they look great! xx

    just-another-day1.blogspot.ca

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  54. i love the lipstick, but the packaging is a little bit odd...

    check out our giveaway! open internationally!
    http://savingoversplurging.blogspot.com/2012/07/200-giveaway-1-month-anniversary.html

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  55. The lip colour is pretty but the prices of these? Too steep!

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  56. Loving the lipstick but the prices seem a little crazy! http://xxxloveisbeautyxxx.blogspot.ie/

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  57. Lush and makeup! So excited! I'll definitely take a peek when I can!

    http://look-inthe-mirror.blogspot.ca

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  58. The lipgloss is an amazing colour, looks lovely on you! xo

    http://electricdaisies.blogspot.co.uk/

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  59. Maybe they should of let you test out the prototypes before they bought the line out seeing so you have clearly stated what works and what doesnt.This was a great post Fleur thanks for letting us in on what is happening with Lush new Products xoxo

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  60. do these come out yet?

    http://laurenlovesmakeupxoxo.blogspot.co.uk/

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  61. Great post! I didn't know lush would come out with a makeup line, and the lipsticks/tints sound amazing! I already have too many, but could also always need one more, the "perfect one" :)
    http://rokderm.com/

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  62. Not an exactly thrilling line eh! Nut the lip tint in Glamorous looks gorge.xx

    Samantha's Secret

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  63. I NEED that liquid lipstick. The pricing is a little steep considering Lush is usually fairly affordable (IMO) but if there's a gem like that, I'm willing to spend the money on it!

    xxx

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  64. Fleur I truly appreciate this matter of fact and honest review. And since Lush sent you these I'd imagine they would read it as well as these comments so here's my opinion for them:

    I agree that the prices are way way too high for the Lush fanbase (I go in to buy stuff that's priced around the £2-3 mark so I would really really have to want something to shell out x5 the price for it.

    Very good point about the mascara and eyeliner brushes being too short, how did they not think of that when testing them? Surely they've tested them...

    I think this line is a great starting off point for Lush's new makeup line. I hope they take all we've said on board and improve it, PARABEN-FREE (most important factor) xx

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  65. Oh, and I forgot to add, I'll def be swatching the lipsticks now! That shade looks amazing on you (it's so similar to Show Orchid which I know you love!)

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  66. Wow the colour of Passionate the lipstick looks really gorgeous! Would love to try it!

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  67. The lipstick looks really good :) xxx

    http://jeminixlife.blogspot.com

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  68. the lipstick looks great, but I can see what you mean about the short application wand on the mascara and liner. Too bad, I really love lush products.

    http://nineteenoone.blogspot.ca/

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  69. That fushia color looks amazing:)

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  70. the lipstick is nice, but a tad pricey. lush has these loose colour pigments that i've always wanted to try too, although they've already been out for a while
    http://cloudsandcuticleoil.blogspot.co.uk/
    xx

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  71. now I really want to try out those products! they look super cool!

    stylesista.blogspot.com

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  72. they're all beautiful colours, but for lush products, it's pretty pricey, here in Australia, Lush sells there stuff between , $15-$30 sometimes, $40, i've never tried a lush product, as of the price tag, i think it's a bit of a rip off, but then again, some products are deffiantly worth the money!

    http://zoeelizabethmaxwell.blogspot.com.au/

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  73. amazing cannot wait to try these out!

    http://www.allthatisprettyx.blogspot.co.uk/

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  74. i cant wait to try the liproduct!!

    http://sophierosehearts.blogspot.co.uk/

    x

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  75. Love the lip tint, shame the rest is such a let down :( x

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  76. I love how honest you are with your reviews!
    www.merengueelimao.blogspot.com

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  77. That lipstick, ooooooooft! Looks divine. I love the packaging, I think it's really cute xx

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  78. I'm so excited for this range! I love the packaging, although the eye liner looks a little difficult to use :( definitely going to try out the lipsticks now though!

    http://hedgehogloves.blogspot.co.uk/

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  79. Wow the pigmentation on the lipstick/lipgloss is amazing!! thx for sharing Fleur :) xx

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  80. I love the colour of the lip gloss but I'm not sure how wearable it is. The eyeshadow is a lovely colour too, so it's a bit disappointing that it doesn't seem to last and these products don't seem to be worth the money when Mac eyeshadows and lipsticks are slightly cheaper and, by the sounds of it, much better quality :) xx

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  81. That lipstick is amazing!

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  82. The lip colours lovely and it's great to see a 100% Vegan makeup line, It's a shame the line was a let down though!
    http://theredoneblog.blogspot.co.uk/

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  83. Well, the swatches look gorgeous, but I don't know about the price. We'll see..

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  84. Im loving the lip color!!

    www.bellesbeautybox.blogspot.de

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  85. im still undecided wether im going to try it the the lipstick looks gorgeous but the colour is so out there im not sure if id wear it. great review tho thanks fleur!! <3

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  87. This lip colour is so pretty!

    http://passionformakeup11.blogspot.com/

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  88. http://insertsillyblognamehere.blogspot.co.uk/ gorgeous lip colour! :)

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  89. I dont really feel like any of these would suit me, but I agree other lush products are better. I think they should just stick with body, bath, hair stuff!
    http://hesmellslikelilies.blogspot.ca/

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  90. Can't wait to try the liquid lipsticks!! The cream eyeshadow looks really pretty too ♥

    https://twitter.com/jessicachoy

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  91. it looks so cheap... and wow... that wand's length LOL

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  92. Fresh and innovative ideas to look great.

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  93. There will be seperate mascara wands and doe foot/eye liner applicators at lush when the product is released, which does make application SO much easier.

    I'm absolutely in love with the liners and some of the cream shadows are amazing as liners but only some!

    Great review though

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  95. This is a sample! That means that the regular sized mascara would be a much longer tube, and along with it, the length of the wand! Likewise with the eyeliner, so both would be much easier to apply than with the sample. But aside from that, great review! I recently discovered you on youtube and blogspot and wanted to let you know that you are in my top 3 favorite makeup gurus! I love your videos!

    xoxo
    thenotebookofstyle.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! I'm pretty sure the mascara is the full size, as all of the products are in the same packaging - and it's in the press images etc. Sad but true - I wish there was a bigger one! :)

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  96. Seriously can't wait to try it out
    http://simplykarun.blogspot.co.uk/

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  97. WOW... can't wait to get hold of some of lush's make up!! :D

    http://melissa--ann.blogspot.co.uk/

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  98. fanstasy is so pretty! i have to get my hands on it! :) cute blog girl

    http://www.sultanassanctuary.blogspot.com/

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  99. Might have to try out the liquid lipstick, such a beautiful colour x-x

    http://laurensmart1993.blogspot.co.uk/

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  100. I love the golden eyeliner so much:)

    http://theprintedsea.blogspot.de/

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  101. The liner length is great when you get used to it, great for precision application. I would choose the black liner over all my others now. I haven't tried the mascara yet but it's designed to add only length not volume. I love all the lip sticks too! X

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  102. Fleur I'm so glad I read this review! (and that you wrote it!) I'm wanting to try some of their new range, but wasn't sure which products to try! Now I am set on the liquid lipstick and the cream bronzer.The lipstick is indeed bright but you wear it so nicely!
    I love reading your posts/also LOVE your vlogs! (especially with Mike!) - you are one of my top few youtubbey people to watch! Keep up the good work!
    Please take a peep at my blog! That would make my day!
    Rachael xxx
    rivasoave.blogspot.co.uk

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  103. Great review as always, I agree the bath products are the best, I do like some of there hair products. I will try out the lip color. Thanks!

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  104. I love the lipstick, thanks for showing us these items!

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  105. Great review, thank goodness I read this before splurging on it!
    Class blog!

    ropesofholland.blogspot.com

    I've followed you :)
    xx

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  106. I was thinking about buying some of the Lush make up products. I wasn't too sure which one to choose though. I heard good and bad things about the new range and I thought it may be a waste of money. But the skin tints look fine to me. I may try them out thanks to your review.

    Linnéa x
    http://linneagrace24.blogspot.co.at/

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  107. Adore the lipstick colour, I need that in my life! Laura x

    http://secrets-de-beaut.blogspot.co.uk/

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  108. Oh wow! Love the lip colour!xxx

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  109. OMG I love Lush<3 This line is so exciting!! :]
    I really want to try the Liquid Lipsticks and the Feel Younger highlighter!
    MissJammyxo

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  110. Nice Article! Thanks for sharing with us.Personal Care Products

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  111. I'm so glad you did a review of these products. I agree the lipstick looks gorgeous - a little bright but beautiful. It looks like not much thought went into that mascara wand - the end just looks like every typical mascara, and the length baffles me. I think I'll stick with my ususal cosmetics and leave Lush to the bath bombs :-)

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  112. Hi, I like it nice colors and nice trend

    This is my blog you welcome

    http://makeupgeeksunite.blogspot.ae/

    ReplyDelete

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