Clinique Pop Lip Shadow Cushion Matte Lip Powder (CAD $25) is described as to deliver a vibrant burst of plush matte color in a transformative textural experience. The supersaturated creamy pigment glides on effortlessly and transforms into a weightless, powdery finish, giving lips a bright pop of show-stopping color. The sponge tip applicator is anti-bacterial which makes it easy to build the intensity. To use the product, the applicator is untwisted and swept directly onto the lips or over the lip balm. To load more color onto the sponge, the applicator is replaced and twisted closed. It can be either blurred out for a soft wash of color or the whole process can be repeated to create the more intense look.

I have used this product few times and had no issue with the design to apply and to load more product to the sponge applicator. Actually, I have not used anything like this before, like applying lipstick with a sponge. I have used my pressed powder over my lipstick to create that matte kind of lip but not used a lip powder. I thought the sponge applicator won't be a good way to apply and how it can be good for precise application. After using it few times, I feel the application is easy and the product does apply nicely on the lips. The sponge applicator is very soft and the tip can be used to apply the most product as the tip is dipped into the product side and the most product is on the tip. It feels very light, like powder kind of texture on the lips, like nothing is applied.

The color on single swipe gives a good tint and for intensity, two or maximum three coats were enough. I did use it without lip balm on the lips and with lip balm on the lips. Both ways, it was comfortable to wear. The staying power would be more if used with a lip liner. The shades are nice and bright, look great as tints when applied over the lip balm.

The formula did not bleed and scatter around the lips, it stayed in the place and it was noticeable on my lips for over three hours until I felt the need to reply. The sleek packaging looks nice to keep it in your bag and taking it out to reapply. It did not make my lips drier or irritated. If you are matte lover which is light and love the nice packaging, and do not mind twisting up and using the sponge applicator (which is actually fun), then you should give this lip shadow a try.

Clinique Pop Lip Shadow is available at Clinique.ca, Sephora Canada, Nordstrom, Beautyboutique.ca and Hudson's Bay

*DISCLAIMER – These are press samples sent to ‘The Velvet Life', all views and opinions are 100% honest and based purely on my own experience.

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Key Ingredients

The main ingredients of this mask include:

Decyl Glucoside + Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate + Cocamidopropyl Betaine – These are the foaming agents that help wash away the surface dirt and impurities that can lead to clogged pores and a dull, lackluster complexion.

Glycerin – A moisturizing agent that helps to prevent drying and stripping skins.

N-Actyl D-Glucosamine – An amino sugar that increases moisture, decreases flakiness and helps to normalize exfoliation on the outer layer of skin.

Buy Clinique products at Clinique.com

My Thoughts

It is suggested to shake the tube of this mask before using it. I spread an even layer of this mask on my face and neck avoiding the eye area. The pink colour of the gel starts to change and bubbles start to form which grows a little in size, making it a very bubbly layer over the face. After two minutes, I massage the mask with warm water while rinsing away. Then I pat dry and follow with my skincare products, followed by makeup if I use it in the morning. I have used it thrice per week and have used it for two weeks. It is a great pick-me-up for a Monday morning and it just takes 2 minutes and the skin looks refreshed. For other days, I use it in the evening followed by my night serum and moisturizer.

It is also great after a workout or yoga sweat session, and perfect for an evening out because it really helps prime skin for makeup application. I am really liking that my skin looks more clear and less clogged pores, thank you for this mask. I try to stay consistent with my skincare, it is not a one-day or one week but it is part of my daily routine and this is what I suggest to everyone. With care and consistency, anyone can improve and maintain the quality of the skin. This is a great mask and I would recommend this to anyone who needs a quick boost for the dullness and uneven texture or for that maintenance and improvement of the skin by deep cleansing and purifying the skin.

Buy Clinique products at Clinique.com

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I stopped using all the products when I came to know of my pregnancy, but after doing a lot of research on my own, then emailed the clinique people, and then finally asked my family physician. She said it's fine to use them as they have controlled quantities of chemicals that are far from harming the baby.

After a break of around a month, I finally started using the products again. The products are gentle enough and have not caused any dryness or irritation to my skin. I have noticed my dark spot has faded while using the products together. I make sure to use sun protection during the day in case I am just using the serum. For my evening skincare routine, I make sure to use the dark spot corrector and then follow with my night moisturizer.

Overall, I am happy to keep these two in my routine. I feel my eye area is a little drier than before since I got pregnant. So I am looking for an eye cream that is not too heavy and is gentle for my sensitive eye area.

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