Name: Powdery Eyeshadow in Lavender Grey
Brand: Bottega Verde
Size: 3,5g
Price: €13,99

From Bottega Verde’s website:
An extremely thin powder, a perfect stay, a long lasting effect and an absolute pearly finish.

What I liked:
- provides a soft wash of color on the lid
- often on sale

What I didn’t like:
- not very pigmented
- creases and fades after a few hours without a primer
- very messy to apply, lots of fallout
- unpractical packaging
- brush provided scratches skin
- retail price is too pricey for what you get

Do you buy a product even if you know that the packaging is very unpractical? I usually stay away from poorly packaged products, unless they come in a set which contains more interesting things I’d love to try. And that’s how I got to try Bottega Verde Powdery Eyeshadow in Lavender Grey, even though a look at the packaging is enough to know application’s gonna be very messy.

Inside the packaging, you’ll find a brush that’s supposed to make application easier. It’s not one of the usual sponge-tip applicators that come with eyeshadows, but a small brush with bristles that aren’t soft at all and scratch skin a bit. Unfortunately the opening is so small that no other brush will be able to get inside and pick up the color so you’ll have to make do with it.

But the brush is not the only problem. The powder doesn’t adhere well to the lid and just flies everywhere. Every time I use it, I experience lots of fallout. I tried using a primer to help it stick to the skin better, and pat it on the lid instead than sweeping it (both of which are not that easy to do with the brush provided anyway), cos both tricks usually help reduce fallout, but neither worked this time. If you wanna try, I suggest you do your eyes first so as not to ruin the rest of your makeup.

I guess I could put up with the unpractical packaging and the messy application if the eyeshadow was really good but sadly even this disappoints. Lavender Grey is a grey shade with lavender undertones and a very subtle pearly finish. Color payoff is very sheer too. If a soft wash of color on the lid is all you want, you may like this but, if like me, you prefer pigmented eyeshadows, you’d better skip this. Staying powder is only average. It only lasts about 4 hours on my somewhat oily lids before it starts to crease and fade, but that can be fixed by applying a primer underneath.

Available at: bottegaverde.com

Summary
Bottega Verde Powdery Eyeshadow in Lavender Grey has a subtle pearly finish and sheer color payoff. The packaging is unpractical, the brush scratchy and application messy. It is very prone to fallout and needs a primer to last all day. It is also quite expensive for what you get, but can be often found on sale.

Rating: 2/5

I admit I don’t pay much attention to Bottega Verde because I find their products very hit and miss, but their new collection for autumn, called Natural Charme, has really caught my eye. It features warm brown shades with a touch of green and coral to enhance your natural beauty. The pattern on the powder also looks very pretty, don’t you think? Here’s what the collection includes:

BAKED EYESHADOW (€12,99)
These baked eyeshadows, which can be used both dry and wet, have a metallic finish and are available in three shades: Bianco melange (white), Bronzo melange (bronze) and Verde melange (green).

TERRA FARD PERLATA (€17,49)
This powder has a silky texture that can be used to give a natural glow to skin or to contour.

ROSSETTO VOLUME (€14,99)
A creamy lipstick with a plumping effect. Available in: Rosa polvere (dusty pink), Corallo (coral) and Castagna (chestnut).

NAIL POLISH (€2,99)
These longlasting nail polishes are now available in three trendy shades: Fuoco, Lava and Fango.

EAU DE TOILETTE NATURAL CHARME (17,99)
A sweet and intriguing fragrance with notes of fresh citrus, sweet raspberry, jasmine, gardenia, honey and vanilla.

Natural Charme is already available at Bottega Verde shops and online. What do you think of the collection?

Name: Almond Body Oil
Brand: Bottega Verde
Size: 250ml
Price: €12,99

From the packaging:
After a bath, it offers a pleasant sensation of wellness and restores the proper level of moisturization to skin.

What I liked:
- lightweight texture
- not greasy
- absorbs easily
- contains antioxidants

What I didn’t like:
- not very moisturizing
- hydrating effects only last a few hours
- scent may be too strong for some people
- the price

I don’t really like the taste of almonds that much, but oh do they smell delicious! And you really have to love their scent to appreciate Bottega Verde Almond Body Milk because this lightweight lotion smells very strongly of almonds. I’m not usually a fan of overpowering scents but this is really yummy so for once, I don’t mind. It lasts a few hours too on the skin so if almond scents ain’t your thing you’d want to skip this.

Because this is a milk, not a lotion, the consistency is very lightweight, absorbing quickly without leaving a very residue behind, but not very moisturizing. It contains Sweet Almond Oil, which is an emollient that makes skin soft and smooth, and Glycerin to draw moisture from the environment into the skin, but still the formula isn’t moisturizing enough. After application, my skin doesn’t feel softer nor smoother and, after a couple of hours, it’s time to slather it on again.

The skin on my body is very dry so it’s really hard for me to find a body moisturizer that keeps my skin soft and in good condition for the entire day, but I had never come across one that performs so poorly. Those with normal or oily skin who don’t need that much additional moisture may have better results but if your skin is dry, stay away. It’s a shame cos I really like that it contains high concentrations of Tocopheryl Acetate (a form of Vitamin E), an antioxidant. We often apply antioxidants on our faces but forget that our bodies need them too.

I can’t really comment on the packaging because I only got to try a sample size and so the container is slightly different (hence why I used a promo photo in this review) but I like that the full size bottle has a pump, which is very sanitary. The retail price, instead, is quite expensive for a body lotion, but Bottega Verde products are often on sale so you’ll probably be able to find it at a much cheaper price.

Available at: Bottegaverde.com

Summary
Bottega Verde Almond Body Milk is a lightweight, not-greasy body milk which absorbs easily into the skin but is not very moisturizing.  Oh, and it has a strong almond scent, which is overpowering but delicious!

Rating: 2/5

Name: Retilift Ultra Face Serum with Skin-Tensor Effect
Brand: Bottega Verde
Size: 30ml
Price: €33,90

From Bottega Verde’s website:
When skin needs extra help against the signs of time: this is an easily absorbed serum with instant, prolonged action, enriched with active anti-ageing ingredients. Ideal for mature skin. Choose this product if you: you want to remodel the contours of your face, and a glowing, even complexion.

What I liked:
- lightweight texture, absorbs easily
- skins feels firmer
- nice scent
- the packaging

What I didn’t like:
- not very moisturizing
- doesn’t leave skin soft
- not suitable for those with dry skin

Retilift Ultra is a new, anti-aging line with Retinyl Palmitate from Bottega Verde. Retinyl Palmitate is a form of Vitamin A (a powerful antioxidant that can reduce wrinkles) which is more stable but less effective than other Retinoids and thus, needs to be used in high concentrations in a product for it to work at all. Bottega Verde Retilift Ultra Face Serum With Skin-Tensor Effect lists this ingredient pretty high on the label and at the moment, the range is available at a discounted launch price, so I just had to check it out and see if it is a good option for those that want to use Retinoids without breaking the bank.

Bottega Verde Retilift Ultra Face Serum is white in color and has a very lightweight texture that absorbs quickly into the skin and literally feels like you have applied nothing at all. It doesn’t make skin soft and doesn’t seem to moisturize either. Because of this, I wouldn’t really recommend the serum to those with dry skin as they would benefit more from a more emollient and moisturizing product. However, this is an anti-aging serum which doesn’t really claim to be that moisturizing so how well does it work for wrinkles?

I use the serum every night before I go to sleep (the directions on the packaging say to apply it in the morning too but sunlight degrades retinoids so they are best used at night only) and my skin looks brighter and feels noticeably firmer. I can’t really say that it considerably reduced my wrinkles but then I only have some fines lines and it would take a few months to see any small reductions. And because I don’t plan to repurchase the serum as it isn’t moisturizing, I can only share my experience so far which is encouraging but I can’t help but think there are better products with Retinoids out there.

I also heard some people complain this serum stings their skin but that’s to be expected when you use products with Retinoids. Retinyl Palmiatate is not as strong as other forms of Retinoids but if your skin is sensitive, it can still cause irritations and redness. That’s why, if you have never used products with Vitamin A before, you should use this serum only every other day until your skin gets used to it. Only if the symptoms persist after a couple of weeks, you should discard the product.

Finally, a word on the packaging: it is a green plastic bottle with a white cap, which I like very much. Not only it looks pretty and sleek, but it is also hygienic as the product won’t get contaminated with bacteria and because it isn’t see-through, it will also keep Vitamin A stable and effective (vitamin A degrades when exposed to light and air so this packaging is ideal to avoid that from happening). The pump also allows you to pour out just the right amount of product you need so none gets wasted.

Available at: Bottegaverde.com

Summary
Bottega Verde Retilift Ultra Face Serum With Skin-Tensor Effect is an anti-aging serum with Retinyl Palmitate. Packaged in a tube that keeps it stable and effective, the serum has a lightweight texture that isn’t moisturizing at all, but makes skin brighter and firmer. I haven’t used it enough to know how effective it is against wrinkles but it looks promising. It’s not the best product with Vitamin A around (because it is not moisturizing and Retinyl Palmitate is not as effective as other forms of Vitamin A) but if you never used Retinoids before, this could be a good and inexpensive choice to start with.

Rating: 3/5

Name: Kajal in Stick with Argan Oil and Vitamin E in Black
Brand: Bottega Verde
Price: €9,99

From Bottega Verde’s website:
Its soft texture is easily applied, ensuring perfect definition of the eye contour area and impeccable makeup. The innovative formula with argan oil, micronised pigments and waxes gives intensity, comfort and long hold to your makeup!

What I liked:
- soft (but not too soft) texture, glides on smoothly
- good color payoff
- color is soft and easily wearable
- easy to smudge for smokey looks
- sleek and travel-friendly packaging

What I didn’t like:
- need to apply it sideways or it will lose its point
- if you’re looking for a true black shade, this is not for you
- needs a primer to last all day

There is something about cone-shaped kajal sticks that has always fascinated me. I can’t quite put my finger on what it is that I adore about them, but they sure look cute and I was very happy when I received the Bottega Verde Kajal in Stick with Argan Oil and Vitamin E in Black (it is also available in brown, purple and grey) from a friend as a birthday present last summer (yes, I know, this review is long overdue, sorry!).

It is packaged in a simple black tube that looks really sleek and nice and you have to twist it up to reveal the kajal stick. The tube is small, which makes it easy and practical to carry it around in your purse wherever you go. The only downside is that the cone shape of the kajal means you’ll have to apply it by dragging it along sideways if you want it to retain its shape. Otherwise, the more you use it, the wider the tip will get and getting a thin line will become harder and harder.

The kajal has just the right consistency: it isn’t too soft and creamy that it breaks easily but it’s not hard either so you won’t have to tug to apply it. It glides on smoothly on the lid and delivers an opaque line of color in just one swipe. But if you’re expecting a true black, you will be disappointed. It’s more of a greyish black and it is quite soft. If you want the color to be really intense then you’d have to apply another coat but I usually don’t.

A true, dark black, albeit beautiful, can be too harsh to wear for everyday, natural looks. This eyeliner instead defines eyes in a softer way and can therefore be used for any occasion. It is also easy to smudge if you want to use it for smoky looks. Applied alone, it lasts about 5 hours before it starts to fade on my slightly oily lids. To make it stay put all day, though, you’ll have to use a primer underneath.

Available at: http://www.bottegaverde.com/

Summary
Bottega Verde Kajal in Stick with Argan Oil and Vitamin E in Black is a pigmented but soft greyish black that applies smoothly without tugging. Easy to smudge for smokey looks, it needs a primer to stay put all day. And while the packaging is pretty and travel-friendly, you’ll have to apply the kajal using the edges of the tip if you want it to retain its pointed shape.

Rating: 3.5/5

Disclaimer: This item was a birthday present from a friend. The review is based on my own personal and honest experience with the product. For more information, please see my disclaimer.

Hi everyone,

last week, I posted a look I did with gold eyeshadow and some of you said that I should wear this shade more often. I agree with you and so I did! This time, though, I wanted the look to be wearable, soft and delicate with just a hint of color and here’s the result. I hope you’ll like it:

Products used:
- NYX Eyeshadow Base in White
- Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy
- Sleek Safari palette (white)
- Sleek I-Divine Storm Eyeshadow Palette (gold and cream)
- NYC Metro Quartet Eyeshadow Palettes in Union Square (orange brown)
- Bottega Verde Magic Duo Eyeshadow in Rosa Polvere and Champagne
- Layla Lash Art mascara in black
- YSL Teint Singulier Sheer Powdercreme Veil Foundation
- Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Porcelain
- Paul & Joe Disney Face Color Ball
- Wet n Wild Cover All Concealer Palette
- Barry M Lip Paint in #53 Coral

Directions:
- Start by applying an eyeshadow primer to your eyes. I used NYX Eyeshadow Base in White as the white color would really make the eyeshadows pop. And it helps keeping them in place for longer too.
– Apply Fyrinnae’s Pixie Epoxy (if you don’t have, you can skip this step) on the lid to make the colors really pop.
- Apply a white shade (I used the one in the Sleek Safari palette) on the inner part of the lid and on the inner crease.
- Place a gold shade (I used the one in the Sleek Storm palette) on the middle part of the lid and blend where it meets with the white.
- Sweep a soft orange brown shade (I used the one in the NYC Metro Quartet Eyeshadow Palettes in Union Square) on the outer part of the lid. Blend where it meets with the gold.
- Sweep a coral pink shade (I used the one in the Bottega Verde Magic Duo Eyeshadow in Rosa Polvere and Champagne duo) on the crease. Blend well.
- Apply the orange brown shade you previously used on top of the pink and blend well to soften any harsh lines.
- Place a soft cream shade (I used the one in the Sleek Storm palette) on the browbone to highlight and apply mascara.
- On your face, apply your usual foundation (I used YSL Teint Singulier Sheer Powdercreme Veil Foundation in no.5) and then concealer (I used Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Porcelain) to cover dark circles or any other imperfection you may have.
- Sweep an orange blush with golden shimmers (I used Paul & Joe Disney Face Color Ball) on your cheeks and highlight the cheekbones, middle of the nose and chin with a white highlighter (I used Wet n Wild Cover All Concealer Palette).
- Sweep a coral lipstick (I used Barry M Lip Paint in #53 Coral) on the lips and you’re done!

Name: Magic Eyeshadow Duo in Rosa Polvere and Champagne
Brand: Bottega Verde
Price: €15,49

From Bottega Verde’s website:
Two contrasting eueshadow colors that can be used dry or wet. Apply dry if you want a light and natural result, wet if you want a more intense and metallic effect. The texture is particularly silky and adheres well.

What I liked:
- sheer color payoff that looks natural but can be built up for more intensity
- pearly, metallic finish
- brighten up the eye area
- soft texture
- often on sale

What I didn’t like:
- need a primer to last all day
- champagne shade is a bit prone to fall out
- packaging looks cheap
- the price

While I’m very familiar with Bottega Verde skincare products thanks to my mum who had been using them for years with good results, I never paid much attention to their makeup line. I have a friend who swears by them though and she was so lovely to give me this eyeshadow duo (and a few other bits and bobs I’ll be reviewing soon as well) for my birthday. Here are my thoughts about it.

Magic Duo Ombretto in Rosa Polvere/Champagne contains two shades: a yellowish gold and a pink with corals undertones, both infused with shimmers. Applied dry, they provide a sheer wash of colors on the lids with a very pearly and sparkly finish that really brightens up the eye area. The result is soft and natural and even though, as you know, I’m not a fan of sheer shadows, I have to admit that I’m loving these as they look lovely on.

But if prefer more vibrant colors, you can easily build them up to reach the desired intensity or you can use them wet. This will improve the color payoff while giving the shades a more metallic finish. And if these two shades don’t catch your eye, it is also available in 6 other basic color combinations, ranging from greens to blues, from browns to greys, to suit everyone’s tastes.

The texture is quite soft to the touch (but not silky soft really) and the shadows apply and blend easily. The gold shade is a bit prone (nothing major) to fall out, a problem that I didn’t have with the pink one at all. I recommend you use a primer with them so that the powder will adhere better and minimize fall out. In addition, a good base will also make the colors last all day. Without it, they start fading after 4 hours of wear on my slightly oily lids.

The packaging is a simple and clear square case. I think it looks a bit cheap although I like the fact that it is see-through. It comes with a sponge-tip applicator which, as always, is totally useless. As for the price, I think €15,49 is quite expensive for a drugstore brand but the great thing about Bottega Verde is that they always have sales, discounts and special offers on, so you can easily find this eyeshadow duo for half the price or less. If you do, it would make a lovely present too.

Available at: Bottegaverde.it

Summary
Bottega Verde Magic Duo Eyeshadow in Rosa Polvere (Pink) and Champagne is a pretty little duo that offers a soft and pearly look when applied dry or a more intense, metallic effect if used wet. The texture is soft and easy to blend but the eyeshadows require a primer to stay put all day. And while the retail price is expensive, it can often be found on sale.

Rating: 3.5/5

Hi ladies,

today Beautiful with Brains turns 2! It seems like yesterday when I was trying to find a nice name for the blog and writing my first post and now I can’t believe I’ve been blogging for two years. Time flies so fast!

I just wanna thank you each and everyone of you, from the bottom of my heart, for visiting my blog, reading, commenting and making it such a nice community. Thank you for your continuous support and encouragement, I really appreciate it very much. I feel so grateful and honoured that I got the opportunity to meet so many lovely people through my blog, it wouldn’t be here without you all.

A few days ago I told you I had a surprise in store for you. Well, here it is. To celebrate BWB second birthday and thank you guys for your support, I’m hosting a giveaway for all of you:

THE PRIZE:

Bottega Verde Anti-Age Shampoo (travel size)
Collistar chic green makeup bag
Essence Into The Wild Bronzing Powder
Eyeko Sparkle Powder
I Provenzali Lip Balm with Argan Oil
Pupa Diva’s Lashes mascara
Pupa Multiplay Eyeliner Pencil in #9 Black
Pupa Smokey Eyes palette
Revlon Runaway Collection fake nails
Vichy Oligo 25 Levres lipgloss in Gold Pink

HOW TO ENTER

- To win, simply leave a comment in the post telling anything you want: what you had for lunch, what was the last movie you saw, why you want to win.. Anything at all. Only 1 comment per person please.

- For a second chance to win, follow me on Twitter and RT the following message:

Entered to win BWB 2nd Blog Anniversary Giveaway! Follow @beautywithbrain & RT to enter! http://bit.ly/dqv5LE

- The contest is open to all readers. I will ship worldwide.

- The contest ends on 11th July 2010 at 11:59 PM PST. A winner will be chosen randomly and announced the next day, 12th July 2010.

Good luck everyone!

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