It’s always so exciting when Kat Von D Beauty release new products but when they are limited edition it’s even more special. Kat announced that she was releasing a makeup collection inspired by the one and only drag queen Divine. Divine is one of Kat’s muses and she wanted this palette to be a symbol of individuality, self expression and positivity. Divine was a very inspiring person and always stayed true to himself, he brought hope and inspiration to marginalised subcultures. A fun fact is that Disney’s Ursula was inspired by Divine, how awesome is that! The Kat Von D x Divine collection is super limited edition and has an 8-pan eyeshadow palette and a studded kiss lipstick.

I have to admit I'm a complete newbie to false lashes and have only worn them a few times for special occasions or fancy dress purposes however lately I've been sampling some new lashes from KISS. The brand's PR kindly sent me 2 sets of lashes to try; the *Gala and *Midnight styles are both from the NEW Lash Couture Faux Mink collection.


KISS recently launched the new Faux Mink lashes in 3 lash styles including the two styles I was sent; they have also got Lash Couture adhesive in black and clear in the range on the US website. KISS lashes are available in Superdrug and they have the new Faux mink lashes on the website here for just £7.99 each; there are 3 styles to choose from; Gala and Midnight have a more intense look and Little Black Dress are more of a natural look.

KISS have created a patent pending mink effect design with an exclusive knot free lash band giving us natural looking layers of lashes with soft faux mink hair. Each of the lashes are soft, silky looking, lightweight and can used up to 10 times. The lashes have multiple lengths, curls and angles to really give you that natural but dramatic look.


As I've said above I'm a newbie to lashes but always been keen to try them so I was pleased to receive these lashes to try out. I read all the packaging information on how to best apply them which only has 3 steps involved and went ahead wearing them a few times a week.

Application

I found the application of the lashes a little fiddly at first due to me not being used to applying lashes, I'm sure the pros and false lash fans would have them on in no time. I felt the lashes in the convenient travel case that they come in and they feel soft and silky. The packet said to measure the lashes to my lash line and trip down if needed, I did have to cut a small amount off and did this from the inside leaving more of the voluminous lashes to go on the outer corner of my eyes. Since the lashes don't come with glue included like some other brands do, I used some I had left over from another set of lashes. I applied this to the knot free lash band and waited 30 seconds before using tweezers to place the lashes above my own eyelashes and holding them in place. The glue dried quickly and I was left with a comfortable fit and weightless lash.


Wear and Comfort

My eyes aren't used to wearing false lashes and sometimes when I've tried them in the past I've been able to feel them all the time and became irritated with them. This KISS lashes are so comfortable to wear, I had them on for full days without any irritation or reaction from my eyes. The lashes felt like I was just wearing mascara but I could see them a little bit then I was blinking; not that this is problem. I also got a couple of compliments from people when I had them on.


Removal

The packet states to gently peel off the lashes starting from the outer corner and then remove the glue from the lashes and wash them with water before leaving them to dry in the case provided. I went ahead and pulled gently on the lashes pulling from the outer edge of my eyes, the lashes came off with only a small pull which I didn't expect as they was well stuck on. The removal process took me all of 20 seconds, then I washed them under cold water and placed them back into the case to dry. Once dry I gave them a brush with a clean mascara wand just to separate the lashes and they was back to new again! I think if I keep looking after the lashes like this and caring for them I will get more than 10 uses out of them which is fantastic value.


Over the last couple of weeks I've worn both pairs of lashes a few times each and there both still in perfect condition and I've got a little better at applying them too. If you want a more dramatic look than what you gain with just mascara then I'd highly recommend these KISS Lash Couture lashes and they are cheaper than some mascaras too.

Last week I was invited down to my local Urban Decay counter by the MUA Liv, my local counter is inside Debenehams, Wigan. The evening I was invited down there was also a Debenhams Beauty event on so the store was open later and there was offers on throughout the beauty department.

Urban recently announced that they was releasing a skin care range and I couldn't of been more excited, my favourite makeup brand having a skin care collection really puts them to the next level. The reason for me visiting the UD counter was to see the new products in action, Liv wanted to demonstrate each product she had available on the counter and tell me all about each item.

I headed into Debenhams around 4pm and was excited to see the new range on a visual stand on top of the counter, the stand shows off the new products well and gives you a little run down on each item. I'd already had a look online and really wanted to try the Lip Love and Dissolving Spray makeup remover. Liv got straight into telling me about the products, she was as excited as me about the products which was fabulous; I think its nice to see the MUA's passionate about the products.


Rehab Makeup Prep Hot Springs Hydrating Gel
This Hydrating Gel isn't like regular pre makeup moisturisers as it doesn't leave a slippy feeling on the skin, it instantly hydrates and has a cooling effect (which is amazing btw). I love the thin texture of this gel, it felt so lightweight when Liv applied it and my skin felt refreshed and nourished. The formula is encapsulated water from a 1000 year old spring in Japan and this is what gives the gel its cooling effect; I personally think this will be perfect for use in the summer and on hot days as a pre makeup skin cool off plus our skin always need a good moisturiser. The gel absorbs into the skin quickly leaving it looking plump and silky ready for your makeup application.

Rehab Makeup Prep Pore Refining Peel
This is a targeted treatment that's been designed to treat problem areas, you can apply it to your chosen areas to draw out impurities leaving pores visibly cleaner, smaller and more refined. Liv showed me this product and how easy it is to use, a little goes a long way so only a small amount is needed to those pore problem areas, the peel then dries and can easily peeled away bringing any impurities with it. The peel can be used on any completion type and is gentle enough for use on sensitive skin, the peel is a thin consistently and doesn't tug or pull when peeling off. I'm pretty impressed that the peel has 9 nourishing plant extracts including Irish moss, burdock root extract and lemon balm to name a few. I'd personally use this peel on my nose and chin areas to bring out any impurities I have and leave my skin looking pore free.

Rehab Makeup Prep Lip Love
This was one of the products I was most looking forward to trying as during the weather changes my lips suffer with dryness. This Lip Love is a moisturising balm that isn't sticky and soothes dry lips whilst leaving them looking plump and smooth. Lip Love has an oil-based formula that seals in moisture, I found it felt weightless on my lips but I could feel it working and I was really happy that it wasn't sticky at all. Shea butter and coconut oil blended together creates an amazing conditioning balm and it has a coconut-mint flavour which smells amazing; I can't stop using mine now.


Now your skin is prepped, feeling soft and ready for your bad ass makeup but at the end of the day you'll need to remove it and UD have thought about that too with their new Meltdown range.

Meltdown Makeup Remover Dissolving Spray
This dissolving spray is quick and easy to use and has powerful yet gentle results; this has become a favourite makeup remover of mine because it is so easy to use being a spray. The spray mist can be sprayed directly onto your skin or onto a cotton pad then within one sweep your makeup dissolves off the skin. With only 3 ingredients including Vitamin E it conditions your skin and doesn't irritate it at all. I was really taken back with the power of this makeup remover, Liv used it to remove my black liquid eyeliner, mascara and brow products and no rubbing or tugging on the skin was needed; it just swept my makeup away. The spray can remove waterproof mascara, Vice lipsticks and 24/7 liners with ease and again its safe to use on any skin type; it's been allergy tested too so you can have confidence in the product.

Meltdown Makeup Remover
This cream formula makeup remover was already in UD's makeup line but has had a makeover to fit into the new skin care range. Just like the dissolving spray this creamy gel has powerful results removing Urban's long lasting products easily and gently. I'm used to a cream-like makeup remover so this was familiar to me, meltdown is also non-greasy so skin isn't left feeling like you still have product on your face. What I didn't know about this product was that it can be used as a mask as well, Liv told me that this remover can be doubled up as a mask to leave your skin feeling hydrated, nourished and luxurious. The Kukui Nut, Oat Oil and Raspberry/Cranberry seed oil all moisturise and replenish the skin whilst other ingredients including Gatuline In-Tense revitalise collagen.


There are a few other products available in the prep and remover ranges that wasn't available on my local counter but these can be found on Urban Decay's website. I need to get my hands on the Lip Oil Stick which removes stubborn lipstick shades; this will be perfect for when I am swatching lots of lipsticks at once too.


Thank you to Liv for inviting me to the UD counter to show me the new products, I had a fabulous time and it was great to hear all about the new products thats available on the counter now. I also got a makeover whilst I was there using the exclusive to Debenhams Nocturnal range which I will have a separate post up about soon. Thanks again Liv and see you soon.