Few brands stand out from the crowd as much as Ciate. Known for their creative and innovative nail collections, they've managed to put premium varnish on the map without alienating a huge proportion of the overall beauty market. It's a brand people will happily invest in, whilst still turning to for something a little bit quirky and different when the opportunity arises. This spring, to much hype, Ciate revealed their debut collection of makeup products that capitalise on their love of colour and texture. With everything from lip colour, eye creams, liners, mascaras and contouring products, there's certainly something to tickle your fancy regardless of your interest. But is this collection more about the quirky names, unusual textures, pretty packaging and innovative delivery systems - or does it provide great quality makeup that's worth the investment?
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Considering the 'Triple Shot Mascara' sold out of Sephora three times within the first couple of weeks of launch, I was expecting big things from the new Ciate makeup collection. It looks beautiful, but could it really deliver in the way I needed it to? In my opinion it's a bit of a mixed bag; some products are delightful and a pleasure to use, whereas others left me somewhat underwhelmed...
PRETTY AMAZING
Starting off with the highlights of the range, I definitely would recommend the lip and eye products as a great introduction to Ciate makeup. The 'Cooling Eyeshadow Slick' is really pigmented, silky smooth, easy to blend and great and perking up the eyes when you're feeling a bit knackered; the formula is actually cooling too, providing a moment of invigoration which helps to perk you up. The 'Skinny Eyeshadow Stick' is also great if you're a bit rubbish at blending or smokey eyes, as it provides a workable texture and an applicator that does the hard graft for you; just swipe it over your lids (either as a liner or shadow) and use the pointed foam nib to buff into your skin. Easy peasy eyes. Additionally, the 'Double Lines' eyeliner is equally genius as it is effective; one end contains a super precise and pigmented felt pen, while the other contains a chunky and blendable khol crayon. I love the fact you can get two products in one, minimising the investment you need to make in your makeup bag whilst saving on space simultaneously. However, it's the lip products that get me really excited - everything from the 'Patent Pout' and 'Liquid Velvet' to the shimmering 'Lip Lustre' and colour changing 'Custom Kiss' gloss are truly fabulous. They're not overly sticky, provide great colour and easy to wear textures, definitely making Ciate the new destination for a little bit of lip.
PRETTY MEH
I had high hopes for the 'Triple Shot Mascara' after finding out it was a complete sell-out in the States, but it just left me with lashes that hadn't reached their full potential. I found the brush hard to use, the formula difficult to build and the overall result a bit stumpy for my liking. Although I'm sure lots of fans exists already, this wasn't a product I wanted to keep using. Similarly, the 'Eye Chalks' are somewhat underwhelming when actually applied to the lid - although they do look great when swatched on the hand! I expect a lot from my eye crayons and these just didn't deliver for their price point; you can get some much more affordable brands that provide a similar (or better result) and a greater portfolio of colour. Maybe one to leave on the shelf this time...
PRETTY, BUT THAT'S IT
The 'Blush Pops' are the one product from the range I was excited to use, having seen them all over Instagram from the date they were announced. These little cute circular treats have been designed to work with the curve of your face and aid application, but they just end up being a bit faffy and somewhat of a struggle to use when you're in a rush. The formula isn't as smooth or silky as I would have liked, meaning it's really ahrd to buff the product into the skin and ensure a flawless finish. Although I'm sure I would get more out of it if I practiced and had a little patience, I just feel that all the attention has been paid to the format and not what's inside. I love the idea, think they're such a cute addition, but the proof is in the pudding and these just aren't as tasty as a cake pop... (Get what I did there?)
Are you excited to try the Ciate makeup collection? Which pieces look like the highlight for you?
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The Ciate makeup collection is available online, with prices starting from £13.50.
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Considering the 'Triple Shot Mascara' sold out of Sephora three times within the first couple of weeks of launch, I was expecting big things from the new Ciate makeup collection. It looks beautiful, but could it really deliver in the way I needed it to? In my opinion it's a bit of a mixed bag; some products are delightful and a pleasure to use, whereas others left me somewhat underwhelmed...
PRETTY AMAZING
Starting off with the highlights of the range, I definitely would recommend the lip and eye products as a great introduction to Ciate makeup. The 'Cooling Eyeshadow Slick' is really pigmented, silky smooth, easy to blend and great and perking up the eyes when you're feeling a bit knackered; the formula is actually cooling too, providing a moment of invigoration which helps to perk you up. The 'Skinny Eyeshadow Stick' is also great if you're a bit rubbish at blending or smokey eyes, as it provides a workable texture and an applicator that does the hard graft for you; just swipe it over your lids (either as a liner or shadow) and use the pointed foam nib to buff into your skin. Easy peasy eyes. Additionally, the 'Double Lines' eyeliner is equally genius as it is effective; one end contains a super precise and pigmented felt pen, while the other contains a chunky and blendable khol crayon. I love the fact you can get two products in one, minimising the investment you need to make in your makeup bag whilst saving on space simultaneously. However, it's the lip products that get me really excited - everything from the 'Patent Pout' and 'Liquid Velvet' to the shimmering 'Lip Lustre' and colour changing 'Custom Kiss' gloss are truly fabulous. They're not overly sticky, provide great colour and easy to wear textures, definitely making Ciate the new destination for a little bit of lip.
PRETTY MEH
I had high hopes for the 'Triple Shot Mascara' after finding out it was a complete sell-out in the States, but it just left me with lashes that hadn't reached their full potential. I found the brush hard to use, the formula difficult to build and the overall result a bit stumpy for my liking. Although I'm sure lots of fans exists already, this wasn't a product I wanted to keep using. Similarly, the 'Eye Chalks' are somewhat underwhelming when actually applied to the lid - although they do look great when swatched on the hand! I expect a lot from my eye crayons and these just didn't deliver for their price point; you can get some much more affordable brands that provide a similar (or better result) and a greater portfolio of colour. Maybe one to leave on the shelf this time...
PRETTY, BUT THAT'S IT
The 'Blush Pops' are the one product from the range I was excited to use, having seen them all over Instagram from the date they were announced. These little cute circular treats have been designed to work with the curve of your face and aid application, but they just end up being a bit faffy and somewhat of a struggle to use when you're in a rush. The formula isn't as smooth or silky as I would have liked, meaning it's really ahrd to buff the product into the skin and ensure a flawless finish. Although I'm sure I would get more out of it if I practiced and had a little patience, I just feel that all the attention has been paid to the format and not what's inside. I love the idea, think they're such a cute addition, but the proof is in the pudding and these just aren't as tasty as a cake pop... (Get what I did there?)
Are you excited to try the Ciate makeup collection? Which pieces look like the highlight for you?
The Ciate makeup collection is available online, with prices starting from £13.50.
Features PR samples unless otherwise stated. To read my full disclaimer, click here.
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