KAYGE COSMETICS LIQUID MATTE LIPSTICKS

 

To round up the series of recent product releases by Nigerian brands, will be Kayge Cosmetics! They aren't new to BiL as I'd introduced the brand on the blog a few years ago in this post here.
They've just launched a limited edition collection of matte liquid lipsticks in collaboration with one of Nigeria's top makeup artists, Fatima Mamza (@MamzaBeauty).

The collection and range of shades in this limited edition collection are actually all Fatima's creations.

The lipsticks contain a special ingredient called 'Kaolin', which is a naturally occuring clay mineral best known for it's absorbent qualities. This is the key ingredient that provides the matte finish, but without drying out the lips. It also contains 'Emmolient Esters', these add lustre and enhance adhesion making it last all day.

I managed to get my hand on one of the shades in the collection

Details

Price: N3,500

Where to buy (Call or Whatsapp):
For Abuja: +234 (0) 8127067277
For Portharcourt: +234 (0) 8093882127
For Abuja: +234 (0) 8034914240


Ez xxX

TAOS COSMETICS GLOW PALETTE

Taos Cosmetics is another innovative Nigerian brand that recently rebranded and I have been loving their new image as well as products. Their latest product release is a highlighter/bronzer palette, #TAOSGLOW

I noticed these swatch a lot better on warmer skin tones, which you can see below:

Photo credit: @Glorys_Beauty

Details

Price: N10,500

Where to buy
Online: www.BeautyRevNG.com

Ez xxX

YANGA BEAUTY LIQUID MATTE LIPSTICKS

I know I say this a lot, but our Nigerian brands ain't here to play! Over the next three days I will be sharing with you the latest product releases from three different indigenous brands, and I will be kicking the series of posts off with Yanga Beauty

Yanga Beauty was one of the first online beauty retailers I discovered years ago. I think they launched pretty much around the same time I started blogging. They retail a variety of makeup products from numerous brands and have now decided to create their own brand of matte liquid lipsticks.

Yanga Beauty describes their range of liquid lipsticks as being formulated using intense pigments and guaranteed to last up to 8hours, water proof and transfer free. They are also paraben free.

The range includes 5 regular matte shades: Fave, Nuddy, Purp, Brownie & Choco and 3 metallic matte shades: Eve, Ella & Nana.

I was lucky enough to get my hands on three of their regular matte shades and thought to share some swatches with you guys.

Details

Price: N3,000 each

Where to Buy
Online: www.YangaBeauty.com
Instore: 15B Fatai Arobieke Street, off Admiralty Road, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
Telephone: 09051412214

Ez xxX

MAKARIAH SCRUBS

I honestly feel like I manifested this Coffee scrub into my life. In comments section of this post, where I shared how I exfoliate my skin, I responded to a comment and said I really wanted to try out a coffee scrub because I'd heard about the benefits and then BOOM, Coffee scrub!

Makariah Scrubs is a Nigerian brand that formulates a variety of body scrubs using 100% natural ingredients. I will list the different scrubs they've got later on in this post.

The benefits that come from using a coffee-based scrub to exfoliate are popular and you just have to google "Benefits of Coffee Scrub" to read up on them all. Caffeine is known to be the number one enemy of cellulite when  applied topically, it tightens and infuses antioxidants into the skin. Since I have recently got back into scrubs, I thought I'd like to try out a coffee one but I had my reservations, biggest one being the 'mess'. The mess that scrubs tend to create was what put me off using them for a while and I just stuck to using my exfoliating mitts. Now coffee scrubs introduce some extra messiness because they can stain your tub. Imagine how pleasantly surprised I was to discover that the stain rinses right off. And I even noticed that by applying it very carefully, the stains were kept to an absolute minimum so there was nothing to be worried about in the first place.

Makariah Scrub 'Coffee Scrub' - N8,000*

Makariah Scrubs offered me some advice on how to achieve the best results from this scrub. One of which was to incorporate a technique called 'Dry Brushing', which is basically applying the scrub directly unto your dry skin, working it in and then rinsing off. I have used this scrub both ways on dry skin and wet, I would say if your skin is sensitive you may want to wet your skin first before you apply. For me, either method appeared to be just as effective. I will however recommend that you use a pair of exfoliating mitts after you've rinsed off the scrub and go over your entire body using your regular shower gel/soap. This is because the coffee will leave a stain on your skin and I found that just rinsing it off doesn't do the job, so I go over my entire body with the mitts and that gets it all off.

Would I recommend this scrub? ABSOLUTELY! I love the way my skin feels right after I use it. The scrub doesn't leave a 'film' after being rinsed off your skin, rather it feels lightly moisturized, even after going over your body with mitts & your shower gel/soap. Y'all know I detest that 'film' some scrubs tend to leave in the name of moisturizing. I also love that it comes with the little bamboo wooden spoon to scoop out the scrub, not only is this so much more hygienic that dipping your hands in, but helps we 'long-nailed' girls not get bits stuck underneath our nails. Little things like this make me truly happy.. attention to detail!

Other Products offerings from Makariah Scrubs

Brown Sugar Scrub - (NGN8,000): This is a natural brightening scrub to help brighten and moisturize the skin. Perfect for individuals who suffer from Acne.

Coconut Scrub - (NGN8,000): This is perfect for individuals with scars on their body as it contains natural VitaminE oil 

Coffee Scrub - (NGN8,000): This works best for individuals struggling with cellulite and stretch marks as the caffeine has natural anti-inflammatory properties to tighten the skin. 

Details

Website: www.makariahscrubs.com  (NB: For orders only) 

To Place an order email: makariahscrubs@gmail.com

Instagram account: @makariahscrubs

Anyone used a Coffee Scrub? What was your experience?

Ez xxX

PS: If you entered the Shea Moisture Giveaway, I have responded to the winners in the comments section.

MANICURE MONDAYS | 091

Details

Manicure: Pride & Joy Salon, Lekki 1

Service: Nail Tidy & Change of Polish

Polish: Vane Nail Lacquer 'Like A Party'

Price: N1,500

Ez xxX

BRAND INTRODUCTION | VIVO MAKEUP

This isn't a review, just wanted to share some new makeup I recently got, with you guys. Vivo is a Nigerian Makeup brand and I was sent a few of their products to try out. You can read my initial thoughts after the pictures.

L-R: Mineral Powder Foundation 'Sunlit' NGN3000 | Pressed Pigments 'Palette 05' NGN5,500 | Invisible Blotting Powder NGN3000| Safari Mineral Bronzer 'Congo' NGN4,000

Lip Lock NGN2,500

Liquid Lipsticks - NGN3,000 

So far, my favourite products are the foundation stick, the gel liner & the liquid lipsticks.

Stick Foundation - NGN3,500

I'm actually impressed that they managed to correctly match me to their foundation and all I did was provide my shade in MAC's Studio Fix Fluid foundation. It's a stick foundation and I'm still trying out different application techniques on it. I tried out the Real Techniques 'Expert Face Brush' all through last week, and this week I'm using a damp beauty blender. Day 3 of using the beautyblender and I think I prefer it. The right application technique makes a HUGE difference in how a product performs on your face in terms of blending and staying-power.

Gel Liner - NGN3,000

My second-favourite product, the gel liner, has the most divine texture.. so far. I say this, because you know gel liners tend to get dry after a short while, so the test is to see how long this maintains it's nice creamy texture. In terms of intensity, it isn't the blackest-black gel liner in my stash, but I still reach for it because I LOVE the texture.

With the liquid lipsticks, I have only tried out 'Haute Cocoa' and one thing you should note is it isn't matte. I have become so used to all these liquid lipsticks being matte, that I assumed these were matte as well, but they aren't, which I must say, was a pleasant surprise. You can already tell from my swatches that they are super-pigmented.

I may possibly have a full review up on some of these products, but if you would like to browse more products from Vivo makeup or possibly purchase something, I have provided all the information you need below

Details
Vivo Makeup
2nd Floor, Centre Point Plaza 35 Adetokumbo Wuse 2, Abuja (by Chloe's Cupcake Heaven)
Telephone: +234  (0) 7063455611
Instagram: @Vivo_Makeup

Hope you enjoyed this post!

Ez xxX

PRODUCT REVIEW | KUDDY COSMETICS - Blush Crush Palette

Hey Everyone,

I know I'm not the only one that comes across a product and you just don't expect much from it. This next product I am about to review was just that, and then it proved me so wrong!

There are so so many things I have learnt and discovered through blogging, one of them being the numerous indigenous makeup brands we have got. I was recently asked to consult for a soon-to-launch online shopping platform and they wanted to know how many Nigerian makeup brands are on the market, and while working on this project it dawned on me, there are actually a good number of them out here! And I know I am not even close to having discovered them all.


Kuddy Cosmetics (KC) is one of the oldest makeup stores we have here in Nigeria, and they recently (I believe) launched their own brand of makeup products. KC owns exclusive distribution rights for a number of international makeup brands, including China Glaze nail polishes and products. Yup that China Glaze stand in Ebeano Supermarket is from KC. Don't know if any one of you have stumbled across a site called Iyaoloja? Well, Iyaoloja is also owned by the Kuddy Cosmetics family.  I had a little Q&A session with the brand, just to get a better understanding of how they operate and products the bring into the market. You will find all this at the end of this post :)

I received a few products they carry in their store, as well as their Kuddy Cosmetics 'Blush Crush' Palette.

Kuddy Cosmetics 'Blush Crush' Blush Palette* - N3,000

I honestly wasn't really expecting much from this palette, and I blame this on the 'makeup snob' in me. Now, by 'not expecting much', I don't mean I thought it would be horrible or anything. I just thought it would be another nice collection of blushes to have.

I almost love being proven wrong, because this little palette just blew my mind. It's contains six different shades and about every hue is covered in this palette, you could also mix and match to get a desired shade if you wanted. It's got peach, corals, pinks and a lovely bronzer. The bronzer (top right colour in the picture above) contains a bit of shimmer that completely melts away when blended in and how pretty is that bright blue-toned bright pink in the bottom-left corner. I haven't got round to using every single colour in here, think I've used about 4/5 of these. My favourite are the two colours at the top.

Unfortunately the blushes in this palette are not named, but I have swatched them from left-to-right top to bottom (hope that makes sense). But LOOK at how pigmented every single shade is? I have literally used this every single day since I first tried it. It contains six blushers and can easily be carried around. I also have a MAC blush palette which I have slowly been building, but it seems I'll leave that for a little bit and just use this one. It's much smaller and more portable. The size of each individual blush is like half an inch smaller the MAC blushers. I will advice you use a VERY very light-hand when applying these, because a little really goes a long way. They are buttery smooth and blend into the skin, no blotches here.

This palette is sold for N3,000 and available to buy via the  Iyaolaja online store.

Products like this really get me excited and take me back to the reason why I LOVE blogging, because I honestly doubt I would've picked this up and I could've missed out on such a brilliant product!

Q & A Session with Kuddy Cosmetics

Q: What other Kuddy Cosmetics products do you have apart from the Blush Palette? 

A: Products by Kuddy Cosmetics include: makeup fix spray, waterproof foundation with

spf, hd powder, lip gloss, facial toner and wash, makeup brushes - 20 pro

brush set with waist bag, 12 pro brushes in compartment, 7 pcs personal

travel brush set, powder brush, foundation brush, duo eyeshadow

brush,stippling brush(coming soon), and flat eyeliner (coming soon). We

also have 8 pack powder puff, foundation round foams, and wedges (beauty

blender coming soon). We have a lot more to be launched in the coming

months!

Q: Could you please clarify  the difference between Iyaoloja and Kuddy Cosmetics. 

A: Kuddy Cosmetics focuses mainly on wholesale, distribution, and retail at our brick and mortar stores. With the online environment, Kuddy Cosmetics would be launching an online portal for makeup artists, wholesalers, salons, and retailers to purchase their bulk orders with considerable convenience within Nigeria. They can start registering now, and would be alerted once our portal is ready for business. Minimum quantity of 3/item and N50,000 order total. Whereas IyaOloja.com currently focuses on the online retail market of beauty, fragrances, and in the future grow into other market segments. Unlike Kuddycosmetics.com, there would be no minimum order set, and at a slightly higher sale price.

Q: At the MINC event it was mentioned that Kuddy Cosmetics was one of the

first Nigerian makeup stores. So this means other brands are also sold under Kuddy cosmetics? 

A:Yes! Kuddy Cosmetics focuses a lot on providing authentic products to our clients and in order to do so properly, most of the brands sold in our stores are via exclusive distribution rights from the product manufacturers into Nigeria's market. Our major brands are Black Opal, Kuddy Cosmetics, Makari, Queen Helene, Ardell, China Glaze, Bump Stopper, Alpen Secrets, Pielor, Bio Balance, Petal Fresh, and so, so, many more (we work with about 300+ brands). We also support local brands like Tara and Zaron.

Contact Information
Shop Addresses:

Delta Plaza Shops F17-19

Trade Fair Shopping Complex

Off Badagry Express Way Ojo Lagos Nigeria

08055190366

Shops A69-70, off Road 1.

Ikota Shopping Complex VGC - Lekki Lagos Nigeria

+234-8055190369

+234-8055190360

22 Osolo Way

Ozde Plaza Shop G10 & G11 Ajao Estate Lagos Nigeria

+234-8055190365

182/184 Broad Street Apongbon Lagos Nigeria

+234-8055190368

+234-8055190362

106/108 Ago Palace Way, Okota Isolo Lagos Nigeria

+234-8055190367

9 Bankole Street Lagos Island Lagos Nigeria

08055180366

Websites

Kuddy Cosmetics 

IyaOloja

Social Media

Instagram: @KuddyCosmetics 

Twitter: @KuddyCosmetics

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kuddycosmetics

Apologies if this post is a little longer than you'd like, but I am all about sharing information and for me when I can find out a little more about the brand, besides just the products they sell, I'm all in!

Hope you enjoyed this review!

Laters,

Ez xxX