Catrice Cosmetics Review – Favourite things from the Summer 2014 collection

I had heard good reviews of Catrice Cosmetics when I was travelling through Europe but never had the chance to try the brand. SO It was a Happy Mail Day when the lovely team at Catrice Singapore generously sent me their Summer 2014 collection to try!

As much as I enjoy the high end luxury beauty brands, I believe drugstore makeup brands are very good too. One of which is Catrice.

The brand has very affordable and quality products – you could probably buy the entire line and not feel the pinch! From S$3.90 for a lipliner to S$9.90 for an eyeshadow palette, it’s easy to fill up your shopping basket quickly.

There were just too many wonderful things to try from the Summer 2014 collection! I will highlight my favourites from the range.

Catrice Made to Stay Smoothing Lip Polish

This is a long wearing formula that is meant to stay on 8 hours. Catrice says it “has the colour of lipstick, durability of a lipstain and shine of a gloss.” Given my recent love for Dior’s fluid stick which is a lipgloss like a lipstick, this product sounded very promising! I’d admit didn’t test this lipgloss out for that long of a time but it stayed put until I needed to remove it  but I liked that it glides on smoothly and is really pigmented.

I received 050 Megan Fuchsia and loved the vibrant glossy pink shade. It has a slanted sponge tip applicator which is easy to use and colour can be evenly applied. The gloss didn’t bleed and had a faint floral scent. No skin irritations and (pleasantly) surprising for a long wearing formula, it was non-drying too! Comes in 6 shades and costs S$9.90.

Catrice Infinite Shine Lip Gloss

This is Catrice’s moisturing lipgloss. Like theSmoothing Lip Polish, this is very pigmented , non-sticky and easy to apply. Just one application is enough. It has a nice candy like scent that’s not too strong. The applicator is a rounded sponge tip that makes the creamy gloss so easy to apply.

It lives up to its claim of being moisturizing – no flaking lips after using this. I received No 150 Pink Twice. Great shine, great colour that instantly brightened up my look! There are 12 shades to choose from and it costs S$5.90.

Catrice Ultimate Nail Lacquer

From the range, my favourite shade is no 57 Karl Says Tres Chic. It’s a natural pink medium tone. I really like the brush, it makes application so much easier. Even my manicurist agreed! According to Catrice , the brush is a flat “reservoir brush with circular cut” allowing you to paint your nails with one stroke.

The formula has great consistency and the polish went on evenly.  The opacity is also good and true to the colour you see in the bottle. Nice glossy effect. I used 2 coats to get the desired effect. It didn’t chip easily and my manicure endured through my mummy duties for almost a week before some chipping. I was impressed! With over 40 shades in the collection, including nudes/ brights / metallic, there will be something for everyone. I will be going back for more! Retails at S$5.90

Catrice Absolute Bright Eyeshadow Palette

I generally like lighter eye makeup, so I was drawn to this palette, 010 Candy Warhol. With 6 pastel shades on this palette, it also makes a great travel companion.  I used the eyeshadows on an extremely warm evening and it didn’t smudge or disappear. It indeed brightens up the entire look. Pretty smooth texture with nice pigments and some shimmer. There isn’t a shade I don’t like. Comes with an applicator and brush. This retails at S$9.90

Catrice Prime and Fine Mattifying Powder Waterproof

For a powder that costs S$9.90, it’s incredibly fine and smooth. This eliminates shine and gives a flawless effect. Best of all, its waterproof – great for the hot humid summer weather when you need your make up to stay put! The translucent shade makes it suitable for all skintones. In addition, it has Vitamin A and E to maintain moisture. I also like that it’s in a slim case with a large mirror that’s great for my makeup bag. I already have so many things in there, so something functional is always welcome!

Find out more about Catrice on Facebook and on their website xoxo

Catrice is available at selected Guardian outlets.