My Kiko Cosmetics Experience

Since moving to London my plan to save to money has gone down the drain, as you can imagine working within 20 minutes of regent and oxford street! I mean out of all the exits from oxford circus underground I happened to leave the one that lead me right in front of the TopShop entrance, you would have to be, well not a fashion or beauty blogger, to resist!  But whilst browsing down regent street the same day, I came across Kiko. The store, which I initially thought was MAC, looked so luxurious from the outside and as I'd never heard of the brand before I was very intrigued to have a nosy. And I can't believe what I've been missing out on, the range of products available and in such a vast variety of styles and colours is beyond what I could of hoped for. As I was new to the brand and so spoilt for choice, I thought it best to ask for some professional advice on what products would be good for me. The staff were all so friendly and helpful, and after chatting to someone for less than 5 minutes I had spontaneously booked myself in for a complimentary makeover. So when the time came I was welcomed by a lovely makeup artist, Matthew, who sat me down to discuss my usual makeup routine and what I wanted to get from the 45 minute session. At this point, awkwardly just as he had taken my make up off, the fire alarm went off! But luckily it was a false alarm so I was saved from showing my scary bare face to too many members of public. So Matthew continued by introducing me to the brand, Kiko. The fast growing brand which originates in Italy, and interestingly their products are also made in the same factory as MAC, explaining the similarities I noticed!  So on with the makeover and he began by asking for my opinion on some eye makeup he had picked out. He had chosen a goregous palette called Addictive Song, with orange and purpley hues which when applied was very complimentary of my skin tone and was still quite subtle! I would usually apply my eye makeup last but when Matthew was talking me through it it made so much more sense to do it before so that if you made any mistakes its easier to correct them. I'm sure some of you can relate with me in the frustration when you sneeze just after you've applied your mascara, or when poke yourself in the eye with the brush, an cry all your foundation off! Continuing with the eye makeup routine, using both a gel liner and pencil eyeliner in black, I also got shown the art of eyeliner flicks which I have forever been wanting to master so I couldn't thank him enough!  When it came to masacara I was so flattered when he said I needed no added no length so found me a really nice mascara, Luxurious Lashes in black, that gave my lashes natural definintion andvolume. To finish the eye makeup he then whapped out Kiko's Eyebrow Expert brow palette. Brow palettes are something I have never considered as I've always thought it was a  bit pointless using as I have really dark eyebrows, but it made such a difference I couldn't believe! Now the bit I had been looking forward to as he went on to select my perfect shade of foundation, asking my preferences on liquid, cream of powder so he was constantly focusing on my requirements. Using a stippling brush he applied the liquid hydration foundation which blended so well and matched my tone better than any other foundation I had used prior to this. I felt so silly that I hadn't asked for help before! The next product was the most gorgeous I have seen, with a marble effect and subtle shimmery pigments this limited edition bronzer in Sienna Melagne was amazing. With an angled brush he taught me how to contour, which I also thought would be so complicated but it is actually pretty simple. As part of the contouring look he used a lush highlighter stick with shimmery rosey tones that really caught the light on my cheekbones. For the final touch, lips, he first applied a lip primer base coat, one of those tingly products which I love, and then he brought over a lip liner pencil in Caffe Latte I have tried once before applying lip liner and failed miserably ending up looking like a drag queen, however I was in good hands so let him proceed. And with such precision he defined my lip line perfectly and filled with a matching nude lipstick in Natural Neige, a colour similar to what I already wear on a daily basis Kate Moss for Rimmel Shade 03. With my makeover complete I couldn't be happier with the look and it was time to pick some things to purchase, yippee! Even though I was beyond tempted and knew from the moment I walked in the shop that I wouldn't be leaving empty handed he didn't push me at all. He gladly let me browse and showed me where the products were that he used. I spent a total of £44, but to say in MAC this would get you maybe a lipstick and a foundation I came home with foundation, bronzer, highlighter, eyeliner AND a mascara.  They are all such lovely quality products, I will definitely be returning to try some new products in the future, and if you have not heard of the brand Kiko I strongly suggest you find your nearest store or check online, you can thank me later!

Have you heard of Kiko cosmetics before?
What do you think of there products?

Dont forget to click on the links within the post to see all of the Products Matthew used, and I will shortly be doing a follow up post on all of the gorgeous goodies that I bought, stay tuned by following me on Bloglovin'.

   Ellie