Certified Organic Pure Primer
I’m not a big face primer user and the Pure Primer hasn’t radically changed my mind. A hydrating primer made with hyaluronic acid and organic oils, it moisturizes and does create a nice base for makeup, but, much like the Nude by Nature primer I reviewed in the spring, I don’t notice it doing anything more than my regular skincare, so, for me, it seems like an unnecessary extra step. If you’re someone that enjoys a hydrating primer under makeup, I expect the Pure Primer would be a bigger hit. I’ve dabbled with using it as an under eye primer and I do like it for that purpose. The extra moisture the primer provides helps concealer blend out a little easier, especially if some time has passed between applying eye cream and doing my makeup.
Certified Organic Liquid Foundation (Cream)
The Liquid Foundation is the surprise star of the kit -- I just love it! I tried Inika’s liquid foundation several years ago, before they reformulated it, and the current iteration is a major improvement in my opinion. The new foundation has very little scent and, while straight out of the tube, Cream (NL3), the second lightest shade in the range, looks like it would be way too dark for my skin, it does a surprisingly good job blending in and just leaves my face looking radiant and slightly sun kissed. I’d be curious to try the next shade down for comparison, but I’ve had no problem matching Cream to my skin. My favorite way to apply the foundation is with my fingers as I find it gives the most natural and seamless application. I only get a light-to-medium coverage this way, but I’m confident that coverage could be built up with a brush or beauty sponge to a good medium or medium-to-full. With a light dusting of powder on top, the foundation wears nicely for a full day -- at least 10 or so hours -- and, of the entire trial kit, is probably the item I’m most likely to repurchase in full size.
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| (top to bottom) Grace P1 Mineral Foundation, Strength N3 Mineral Foundation, Cream NL3 Liquid Foundation |
As someone who wears powder foundation almost every day that I wear makeup, it’s fair to say I’ve tried a fair few over the last several years, and Inika’s Loose Mineral Foundation is really lovely. It offers a medium coverage, has a natural, skin-like finish, and feels very lightweight on the face. The finish is not fully matte, but it's also not overly glowy and it does a reasonably good job keeping any oilies at bay too. The foundation has also been tested at SPF 25, something I really appreciate since trying to be more diligent with sun protection these last few months. My only gripe is that while the foundation looks beautiful when first applied, it definitely doesn't wear as long as some other powder foundations in my stash. I notice the coverage wearing off in certain areas, particularly on and around my nose, after just about 5 hours, so it isn’t a product I’d wear on long days when I’m unable to touch up.
On first opening the kit, I again wasn’t confident that I’d find a colour match in either of the included shades, but Grace (P1) ended up matching me well. Grace is fairly warm/yellow-toned, whereas I generally tend towards more neutral foundations, but it looks pretty natural once blended. I do slightly prefer the peachy-neutral undertones of Strength (N3), but the colour is too dark for my skin.
On first opening the kit, I again wasn’t confident that I’d find a colour match in either of the included shades, but Grace (P1) ended up matching me well. Grace is fairly warm/yellow-toned, whereas I generally tend towards more neutral foundations, but it looks pretty natural once blended. I do slightly prefer the peachy-neutral undertones of Strength (N3), but the colour is too dark for my skin.
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| (L to R) Cream NL3 Liquid Foundation, Strength N3 Loose Mineral Foundation, Grace P1 Loose Mineral Foundation, Eye Shadow Duo, Candy Lip Tint |
I’ve had the Eye Shadow Duo on my desk for over a year now and I still feel somewhat conflicted about it. The darker bronze shade is phenomenal and I love wearing it as a one shadow look. I’m able to preserve all the shine by patting it onto the lid, and can also add definition by buffing it out a little in the crease. It’s a super functional shadow that gives great dimension to any look, even when it’s the only colour on my eyes. On the other hand, I find the gold shade a little lackluster. It’s very soft in colour (the swatch, above, is super built up) and I haven’t ultimately been able to get the pigmentation I want out of it on the eyes, making it something that I don’t reach for very frequently.
The pressed shadows are talc and silicone free and I could argue that the duo is worth it for how beautiful the bronze is alone -- I really do love it -- but I can’t help wishing the gold was an equal standout.
Ultimate Lip Tint (Candy*)
The pressed shadows are talc and silicone free and I could argue that the duo is worth it for how beautiful the bronze is alone -- I really do love it -- but I can’t help wishing the gold was an equal standout.
Ultimate Lip Tint (Candy*)
I included the Ultimate Lip Tint in a roundup of sheer lip products last year and I still love it just as much as when I first wrote that post. Basically an elevated tinted balm, the Lip Tints offer sheer colour in a creamy and buttery formula that legitimately does a fantastic job keeping lips healthy and moisturized. The scent, a soft mix of cocoa butter and peppermint essential oil, is refreshing, and Candy is a pretty and shimmery pale pink. I definitely want to pick up another shade or two in the future!
The Bottom Line
Inika has some great products and, based off the updated foundation formula, is clearly a company willing to improve on itself, which I love! The Ultimate Lip Tint and Organic Liquid Foundation have been my two favorites from the brand thus far, but I also really enjoy the bronze Pressed Mineral Eye Shadow and Loose Mineral Foundation. The Organic Pure Primer isn’t something I really have a place for in my routine, but those who enjoy a moisturizing primer might enjoy using it. If you’re interested in Inika’s base products, the Trial Packs are a great way to try multiple products for a low cost investment and I’d definitely recommend going that route.
Have you tried anything from Inika? What are your favourite products from the line?
Have you tried anything from Inika? What are your favourite products from the line?
*Press sample. Contains affiliate links.
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