You know you’re onto a winner when several items from a collection reach instant favourite status, which is what happened with KIKO’s Rebel Romantic drop. Beautifully presented in luxe rose gold packaging, this range indulged my early Autumnal yearnings for rich makeup tones that warm the complexion. If you haven’t heard me rave about KIKO before, it’s an Italian brand that regularly delivers high end quality at High St prices - and I’m a big fan.
My hands down favourites are the Intensely Lavish Lipsticks and Metallic Shine Eyeshadows. The lipsticks are dreamy in formula - creamy, well pigmented and with pretty good lasting power. I’ve worn the lighter nude pink shade 01 almost daily for several weeks now - the one in this pic is my back up - that’s how much I love it!
The Metallic Shine Eyeshadows have a creamy powder formula that reminds me of set pigments - the payoff on these is insane and my pics really don’t do them justice. I love this kind of swipe-on shadow for lid colour that’s quick and easy to apply and know I’ll wear the green shade in particular a lot this AW.
Swatches from top:
Metallic Shine Eyeshadow in Charming Sage 05 - a dark sage green that’s rich and interesting, yet wearable - and Strong Chocolate 03 - an aubergine toned rich dark brown. It was quite dull when I took these pics; both shades are definite metallics when they catch the light and the green delivers that gorgeous surprise-when-you-blink factor.
Lavish Lipstick in Lusty Peony 01 - a mauve rose that I’d describe as a deep nude is gorgeous for everyday and pretty much my perfect lipstick! Mild Sangria 04 - a deep berry red that’s particularly flattering on pale skin and easier to wear than traditional scarlet red lipsticks. Love this over the matching liner, which gives it great lasting power. My friend and I both wore this at the weekend (I did her makeup) and she looked amazing in it with her dark hair and pale skin.
The Contouring Pencils (Light to Medium 01) come in a set and are a great budget alterative to the Smashbox or Clinique versions. I actually prefer the contour in particular as its cool tones suit my skin. The highlight adds a very subtle sheen, great for brow bones where I don’t like too much shimmer. These are pretty foolproof and a good option for anyone new to contouring as they’re difficult to overdo, which is a good thing in my book. They can be blended out with the shorter end of the Rebel Romantic Face Brush, though I find a quick blend with fingers does the job.
The Reckless Spirit Eyeshadow Palettes are available in four colourways;I was sent Fiery Rose in all matte tones of wearable dusky pink and purples - and Romantic Green, (online only) a khaki and grey mix of matte and shimmer shades. Again these are well pigmented, though more subtle than the Metallic Shine shadows.
In these pics I’m wearing Intensely Lavish Lipstick in Lusty Peony 01 a few weeks ago (left) and Mild Sangria 04 this weekend. Both pics were taken on my phone so not the clearest, but should give you some idea. (PS I’d been wearing Lusty Peony for a couple of hours at this point; it’s a little deeper when freshly applied, but a good illustration of its lasting power.)
KIKO has impressed me once again - and I can’t recommend the Intensely Lavish Lipsticks and Metallic Shine Eyeshadows highly enough. Shop the full collection at kikocosmetics.co.uk or in-store if you’re lucky enough to live near one!
If you’ve tried KIKO, I’d love to know your favourites!
