As soon as the announcement of the KIKO Unexpected Paradise collection landed in my inbox on the 5th of June I knew I had to go in store and immediately check it out!
Unfortunately, because there were no testers out because of Covid precautions, I had to take a gamble and only pick up the two products from this collection that caught my eye; The KIKO Transforming Lip Top Coat and a Waterproof Eye Marker.
KIKO Transforming Lip Top Coat
I would describe this KIKO Unexpected Paradise Transforming Lip Top Coat as essentially a gloss. It has no base colour (contrary to what the bottle might make you think) and therefore applies rather sheer with sparse flecks of copper glitter throughout.
Had I been able to swatch this in store at the time, I probably wouldn’t have picked it up. But as the formula is nowhere near as sticky as normal glosses I’ve come across, I know I’m going to use it whenever I want to transform a matte lip to a glossy one (aptly named product after all).
KIKO Transforming Lip Top Coat over Sephora Cream Lip Stain in 09 Watermelon Slice
As mentioned above I used the KIKO Transforming Lip Top Coat to transform the matte finish of my favourite liquid lipstick formula from Sephora…any guesses? Yes, the Sephora Cream Lip Stains of course!
Personally, as I associate a tropical makeup look with a more bold lip I had to go with the Sephora Cream Lip Stain in 09 Watermelon Slice. It’s a vibrant orangey/coral red which works just as beautifully matte as glossy.
KIKO Waterproof Eye Marker - 01 Eyes Talk
For my eyes I first did a thick winged cat eye using the KIKO Unexpected Paradise Waterproof Eye Marker in 01 Eyes Talk. Then, to not lose any lash definition I went in and did a very thin and close to the lashline line using my Collection Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner in Black (quick tip: always start with the lighter coloured eyeliner to not stain its applicator and avoid smudging the darker coloured eyeliner in the process). After which I applied my mascara as per usual.
However, my mascara routine has changed-up a bit since I’m now loving layering two different mascaras (at first it was to use one up quicker, but I actually ended up really liking the combo). First, I apply the Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara in Brown which gives me loads of volume but which has an awfully thick brush which is impossible to get close to the root of the lashes. I just end up poking myself in the eye and getting mascara all over my contacts when I try, no bueno! So, to not waste product (because we can’t return makeup here in Europe) I first tried swapping out the brush, but nothing fitted. Then I decide to just apply a rough first layer of the dramatic mascara (appropriate name lol) whilst being careful not to get the brush of doom too close to my eye. Then before that first layer is dry, I immediately go in and apply a second coat of mascara using my trusted Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara in Brown which has a much easier and thinner brush to manipulate and with which I can easily get to the root of my lashes and with the standard zig-zag motion properly separate them out.
Anyway, mascara trials and tribulations aside, I actually was much more impressed with the colour payoff of this aqua-coloured felt tip marker from KIKO than with their previous one from their Tropic Heat Collection a couple of years ago. That one barely left an impression on the eye whatsoever, as seen in the first of my looks in my Spring Makeup Shakeup post.
Essie Meet Me At Sunset
On my nails I just had to go with Essie’s Meet Me At Sunset. It’s a gorgeous orangey red that went perfectly with my lip combo.
The tropical looking leaf print top with the fun strappy back was from Apricot and while they no longer have the top they do still have a jumpsuit with the same print here.
My two-tiered gold monstera leaf earrings were from Veritas I think but Amazon have similar earrings here and here.
There you have it my “tropical look” inspired by the KIKO Unexpected Paradise collection. I think we can all agree, probably to closest I’m going to get to a summer holiday this year, ah well at least we’re getting glorious sunshine here in Belgium. :)
Did you pick up anything from this latest release from KIKO?
Any other makeup releases you have your eye on?
What are you most likely to switch up in your makeup routine for a new season? For me, it always ends up being my eyes and lips!
xxxemma