Korres cosmetics & giveaway

My love for Korres continues! I really like some of the Korres skincare products I've tried recently and now I've had the chance to play with their cosmetics.

I love the pretty outer packaging

Not so keen on the white casing...

...but all's forgiven cos of the pretty shades and the e/s is shade 34S, not 354 as stated in the pic!

Eyeshadow shade 34s is a deep bronze shimmer which gives a subtle wash of colour over the eye. I noticed a bit of creasing when I tried this out so a primer is needed. It doesn't show up on my skin as intensely as it does on my fingertip, but I guess it makes the shade more suitable for day to day wear. The formula is buttery soft and very smooth to the touch. Sunflower oil is one of the ingredients, said to be soothing to the most sensitive of skins.

The blush, shade 22 Purple isn't what I'd call purple at all. It's a dusty rose pink which give a beautiful luminous finish. Add NARS Albatross on top of this, as a highlighter and it'll look amazing.

I also gave the Abyssinia Oil mascara a try. Described as volumising, lash conditioning and strengthening, I was hoping for good results. It lengthens very well, but I don't think it particularly thickened the look of my lashes.

Korres Abyssinia Oil volumising/strengthening mascara

One thing I did notice is that my lashes weren't crunchy when they had dried. In fact when I flicked my finger back and forth over them, it actually felt as if I had barely any product on them at all. I guess this was courtesy of the abyssinia oil which I could feel when I rubbed my fingers together.

I'd like to believe that with continued use, my lashes would maybe benefit from the presence of this ingredient, but who knows if it would make a long term difference. I chop and change between about 6 mascaras on a regular basis so it's unlikely I'd ever use it for a long enough period to find out. The brush is quite small but good for coating each lash from root to tip with ease. I think the size of the brush contributes to its natural look as there's not a lot you can do with it that would mess up your eye look. the bristles are pretty 'safe'.

The mascara is fine for every day use and didn't flake or smudge. It wouldn't be what I'd reach for if I wanted the wow factor but for a day out shopping or a casual meal out with friends it's fine.

And just because I'm nice and am (finally) in a festive mood, I've decided to give one lucky reader a couple of Korres products to play with.

Up for grabs is Abyssinia Oil volumnising/strengthening mascara (dark brown) and a lip butter (Wild Rose).

If you'd like to win these then keep reading:

* The giveaway is open to all my blog readers, both UK and International. However, I am NOT responsible for the prize once it's posted! All I ask is that you have the courtesy to drop me a line letting me know that you've received it safe and sound.

* Leave a msg in the comments box, along with your email address saying "I want some Korres".

* One lucky reader will be picked randomly and will win both items.

* Giveaway closes Friday 1st January 2010 at 8pm (GMT)