Ariane Poole Cosmetics: Crystal Taupe Eye Shine & Mascara

When I was at university I had a couple of conversations about my blog and about makeup with male friends that all went a bit like this: "If you love makeup, and if you own so much makeup, why don't you wear more of it?" I guess the simplest answer is because I don't want to, but explaining why is a little bit harder.

"When you wear my makeup, I'd like everyone to compliment you on how great you look!" 

I found this quote on Ariane Poole Cosmetics' website and it really struck a chord with me. I absolutely love experimenting with makeup but it hits the nail on the head - I do not want makeup to be the first thing that people notice about me. When I reach for makeup to make me feel and look wonderful. This won't necessarily be everyone's "take" on wearing makeup but it's definitely mine, and because of that I absolutely love the transformative power of simple and understated products and looks. 

Ariane Poole Cosmetics is a relatively new (circa 2002) cosmetic line founded by celebrity makeup artist Ariane Poole. The whole range is cruelty free and aims to provide wearable makeup for women of all ages. I was very kindly sent two products for review purposes, the brand new Crystal Taupe Eye Shine* and the Luxury Mascara in Black* which I've been using for the last month or so. 

Crystal Taupe Eye Shine
available online from Ariane Poole Cosmetics for £18.00*

Now this is a really interesting product - it's a liquid eyeshadow that's very fluid with an incredibly light feel. It's very easy to blend and sets quickly. I find that on my hooded, oily eyelids I really do need a primer to keep cream and liquid eyeshadows in place, but with a primer I find that Ariane Poole Cosmetics' Crystal Taupe Eye Shine lasts all day. The colour is also incredibly easy to wear, it's everything I want from an everyday eyeshadow. It's dark enough to add some definition but not so dark as to look stark against my skin. It's also has a very neutral tone that isn't too warm, but it also has just enough shimmer and sheen that it helps brighten and enliven the look of my eyes. It's a very chic product, and it's made particularly easy-to-use because it doesn't require a single makeup brush. Basically, I'm completely won over and I've been reaching for it a lot on busy mornings when I want something that will quickly and easily leave me looking made-up and polished. If you already have a good eyeshadow base then I'd definitely recommend adding this to your collection - I've been using it with Urban Decay's Primer Potion which I'd highly recommend.

Luxury Mascara in Black
available online from Ariane Poole Cosmetics for £17.00*

This is another product that really performs well. The curved bristle brush can have a tendency to carry slightly too much product, but it does do a fantastic job of evenly distributing product and leaving lashes looking much thicker and longer. I've used it quite a lot and haven't had any problems with smudging or flaking, it does wear very well overall. However, it isn't quite as long-lasting as some other mascaras that I've tried before and doesn't necessarily make it all the way from morning until bed-time. I don't think I'd recommend this as highly as the Crystal Taupe Eyeshine but I do still think that this is a great mascara, especially for anyone looking for a paraben free option.

 I'm always excited to find new brands and products to try out and my first impressions of Ariane Poole Cosmetics have been very positive. If you're interested in learning more about the brand or browsing their extensive product range then you can visit their website by clicking here.