I was born pretty, just needed some touch-ups...

(Or...How the web can be a great PR tool)

About 4 months ago I was approached via mail by Allison, a representative of the "Born Pretty Store" beauty site. She saw my creative profile on "Preen Me" and offered me to try out some of their products in order to write a review in my blog and on my page.
Naturally-I agreed. I strongly believe in collaborations, both creative and business ones.
But before I submit my review here, I'd like to go through some general information I find relevant to my readers. This info was given to me by Allison, following my questions, as you can read here below.
Yafutoo in La-La-Land:
"Hope you don't mind enlightening me on few other issues, so I can give my readers the information they usually look for:

Are you an American based company                                                                                                         

Is the cosmetic range being imported on your behalf from the Far East?

Do all imported cosmetics have FDA approval?

What's your animal testing policy, if any?"
Allison, "Born Pretty":
"Here're answers to your questions:

1, We're located in Hong Kong and not American-Based Company.

2, Cosmetic items are not from Far East.

3, Quality guaranteed. Many bloggers review on them, no one had reflected about quality issue or any uncomfortable on skin.
4, Animal Test is forbidden here. "

After a long correspondent, regarding technicalities (and some other boring stuff), I chose two items for reviewing:
The  88 eye-shadows palette and a flat top buffer brush.

As Allison promised, the package arrived about 5 weeks later, via airmail, with the two items wrapped up thoroughly and separately in bubbles wrap.
It took me a while to try them out several times in order to write about them as frankly as I could.
So now,
without further ado, here goes!

88 Eye Shadows Palette

Certainly not MAC's...

 
Over all review
Unfortunately, when I unwrapped the palette I discovered that one of the eye shadows got broken during shipping;  A real bummer, but also an understandable one, weighing  the palette's money  value vs. the fact it was shipped all the way from across the globe (Package origin address stated to be "Singapore").
A bigger disappointment though was due to the fact that although it looked very much like other generic 88 palettes promoted by companies such as "BH Cosmetics" and "Coastal Scents", the one I got was falsely branded as "MAC"'s.
Personally, I have no issues with using some unbranded products, as long as they're proven to be of good value, color pay-off and standing under considerable health regulations. I do NOT like using fakes, whatsoever. Also, as a former MAC employee I cannot carry such a bluntly faked product in my case, nor use it in a professional way-however good it may prove to be. 

Eighty eight colors-Infinity of options!

Eye shadows review

The palette's size is 23cmx16.5cm and the eye shadows diameter  is about 17mm each, as shown on picture.
Biggest noticeable downside-"Mineral Oil" was first on the list of ingredients (As listed, by law, on the back of the palette's cardboard). I presume it's the reason for the artificial and bit harsh odor I smelled when I opened it.
Most of the eye shadows I've tried, both matt and shimmery ones, were highly pigmented. Color pay-off is superb and there's very little fall-off during application.They glide easily and smoothly onto the eyelids, over an eye primer or any other long lasting cream eye-shadow I used.
Having said all that-truth is I really enjoyed playing with those versatile combos of colors, creating these eye-looks.
All in all, money value vs. product value- I guess it's a good palette, but for a self-use only. I wouldn't use it on my costumers or carry it in my professional bag.
So, if you're looking for something to start from which is affordable, versatile and colorful, yet not branded as "high-end" and ingredients wise isn't considered to be "top-notch"- This cute palette is for you.

Flat top synthetic brush

The second item I've reviewed was this cute flat top brush. I chose a synthetic one, so I won't have any 

issues regarding the origins of its hair. Plus, I've grown to learn that now days there're great quality synthetic brushes, regardless of their cost. Money isn't necessarily a guaranty for good quality, as shown in this case.
The brush is very small in size-approx. 10cm in length and bristles diameter is about 35mm. It has a chunky handle (which seems to be made of wood), that is very easy to maneuver during various forms of 

applications.

Super cute-super efficient!

I mainly used it for applying fluid foundations, but as a flat top kabuki brush it may also suit other applications, like powders (bronzing powders, face powders etc.). The super soft, yet thick hair buffers the foundations evenly onto the skin, while giving a suitable coverage (according to their type, off course).

Cleaning the brush was also a piece of cake. I shampooed it the same way I do to the rest of my brushes
and after it dried up, it returned quickly to its original shape. 

I loved it so much it went straight to my private brush collection which I use on a daily basis. Certainly a great deal for its money value!

Bottom line

As long as you're aware of the fact that these products aren't considered to be "high-end", branding wise-"Born Pretty" seems to be a great online store for generic, not too expensive beauty supplies and accessories (Total value of both items I reviewed here was under 30$).

Shipping worldwide is free, costumer service is courteous and rapid and you can always find loads of items on sale.

.....And since I always keep the best to last-Allison was generous enough to grant my loyal readers a 10% discount coupon code, as shown here.
All you have to do is type "YAG10" on your checkout coupon option, before you summ up your bill the next time you visit the store.

Try me!

That's all for today my lovelies,
Feel free to like my make-up page, or follow me on instagram
Stay tuned, till next time...
Or write me: yaelmakeup09@gmail.com