The Artist Collection is the latest release from budget-but-doesn't-feel-it Milan makeup brand, KIKO. As a closet artist I'm really charmed by this one. Many moons ago I decided against Art College as my teachers reckoned art held no potential (!!!) - and while I loved my degree course (Media & English Lit) - part of me has always been a little sad about that. Of course there's nothing to stop me picking up a paint brush now... maybe I will one of these days (promise to share the results if I do!).
I photographed these products on an actual painting by my very talented sister - sorry if you're reading - I was careful, honest!
Back to makeup... I think this is a really creative collection from KIKO, from the packaging design through to product names (Fine Art Lip Pencil and Blending Wave Blush) and brushes that look like they've been dipped in paint.
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| KIKO Blending Wave blush - Artistic Pink 04 & Expressive Biscuit 03 |
For me, this is the belle of the ball and I'm sure you can see why. The colours are so pretty and wearable and I love how the layout allows me to pick up more of the lighter shade, add depth for an extra pop of colour if needed, or swirl both tones together. Although it looks uber pale, that light pink adds more colour than you'd think and looks lovely on pale skin. There are four colours to choose from in these.
ARTIST STROKE MINERAL LOOSE EYESHADOW
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| KIKO Mineral Loose Eyeshadow - Bespoke Rose 01 & Skill Blue 05 |
The blush may be swoony but the product I've reached for most from this whole collection is this unassuming looking pot of skin toned mineral eyeshadow. Available in 6 shades including gorgeous jewel tones, the simple nude Bespoke Rose feels like it was made for me. It provides the perfect wash of natural looking, dressed yet not overly made up eye colour, with a subtle sheen that makes skin look even and healthy, a la the effect of Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder on my face. It would be easier to use in a compact, but that's a sacrifice I'm prepared to make because this simple little pot of colour rocks - worn alone or as a base for any eye look.
The Signature Eye Marker (just seen on the right) has a spatula shaped nib to enable thick or thin lining. It's super black, which isn't really my thing (I suit a softer line), but I know lots of you crave this kind of pigmentation in a liquid liner.
COLOUR CLICK LIPSTICK
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| KIKO Colour Click Lipstick - (from bottom) Realistic Mauve 05, Clamorous Strawberry 03, Impressionist Red 04 |
So far I've worn two of these shades, the lower Spring-like pinky brown nude and the top traffic-stopping red. Mega pigmented, these are very creamy and do move around a bit, so work best over the conveniently matching lip liners below.
FINE ART LIP PENCIL
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| KIKO Fine Art Lip Pencil - (as above, from bottom) Realistic Mauve 05, Clamorous Strawberry 03, Impressionist Red 04 |
I'm a big fan of KIKO lip liners and not gonna lie, what I love most about the Fine Art Lip Pencils is the triangular shape. Not only does it remind me of my children's colouring pencils, but it doesn't roll around my dressing table (or when I'm taking blog pics - bonus!). These are quite soft and glide on easily, but do give the lipstick some grip.
SWATCHES
The collection also includes a water based foundation (my samples are too dark though the texture feels lovely and dewy) and a Glowing Pearl Cushion Highlighter, which gives a pretty subtle glow, but won't deliver spotlight-sharp cheekbones.
Oh and the brushes, which are super soft and very pretty... I rate KIKO brushes in general and use a couple of the eye brushes daily, though I think the makeup wins in this particular line. My personal top picks are the Artist Stroke Mineral Loose Eyeshadow in Bespoke Rose and Blending Wave Blush in Artistic Pink.
KIKO The Artist Collection is available now in-store (please come to Belfast KIKO!) or online here.
