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Spectrum recently added two more products to their Core Cosmetics line and I couldn’t wait to try them out. I’ve been a long-time fan of the brushes so I was super intrigued when I discovered that the brand would be branching out into makeup too.
Of course, as you can see from the pictures, the packaging is great. But I also want to quickly dive into what makes Spectrum such an amazing brand in itself. The founders have committed to keeping the business as ethical as possible, developing ways to make their packaging more eco-friendly and making sure that all products are vegan and cruelty-free.
The whole Core Cosmetics range has been created with sustainability in mind and I’m so here for it!
Let’s take a look and see what makes these products so special …
Spectrum Sunbounce Bronzer
I finally hit pan on my Benefit Hoola Lite Bronzer and was actually just about to repurchase it before I spotted this. It’s one of Spectrum’s newest Core Cosmetics releases (alongside the Glossy Balm).
The Sunbounce Bronzer comes in a matte powder format which makes it really easy to apply and diffuse. You also get a mini A05 brush in the package so you don’t even need to go out and buy an angled cheek brush if you don’t already have one!
I went for ‘Rise‘ which is described as ‘a warm biscuit shade with peach undertones’. It’s marketed at fair skin tones so it did seem an obvious choice for me!
Upon application, and even just comparing the two in the packaging, you can tell that Rise is slightly darker than Hoola Lite. However, I still think it’s completely suited to pale skin. I would just say that the Hoola Bronzer is a little on the cooler side. To get use out of both, I’d probably wear the Spectrum one in summer and the Benefit one in the winter.
What’s great about the Sunbounce Bronzer is that it’s super pigmented so you only really need a tiny bit to warm up your face. For a makeup product, it also contains some amazing ingredients like rambuten fruit extract (anti-inflammatory) and niacinamide (brightening) which makes it feel like it’s actually doing some good on your skin.
Perhaps my favourite thing about this compact is the fact that it’s refillable. The pan is attached magnetically so when you’re done you can simply pop it out and put a new one in. The refills are also half the price of the full compact so this is a steal!
Spectrum Pinch Pot
As a cream blush convert, I felt like I HAD to try this one out. Plus, the packaging was too cute not to give it a go!
I wasn’t quite sure how effective it would be to apply cream blush with a brush. Up until this point I’d only used my fingers – and perhaps the odd sponge here and there – as this always gave the most natural finish. But I’m pleased to say that it works super well! The little B05 brush isn’t so dense that it packs all the product on one spot, and it’s actually really nice to be able to blend out the blush without getting your hands messy.
I picked up one of these Pinch Pots in the shade ‘Uplifted‘ which is a soft peach-toned blush. Like the bronzer, this is fairly pigmented so it’s best to go in lightly to start off with. I suggest kind of stippling it onto your cheeks to get the best finish, although buffing it in does work too.
The blush contains vitamin E and a number of different plant oils (castor, avocado, argan) so it feels soft and creamy when applied. You really don’t need to rub it in too much!
The pot itself is actually quite small – you only get 3.5g worth of product. But because you need such a small amount to reach the desired result, I still think it’ll take a while to work through. For comparison, the Trinny London Flush Blush (which is 4g) is expected to last 6 months with daily use!
TOP TIP: Spray a bit of the Glowful Mist onto your blush brush to help loosen up the product.
Spectrum Glossy Balm
I’ve been on the hunt for an everyday gloss and I’m so glad to have found this one! Spectrum describes this as a ‘your lips but better’ type of product and I couldn’t agree more. It just gives your lips that extra pop of colour to make you look fresh and healthy.
These Glossy Balms contain shea butter and coconut oil extract so they feel really moisturising (just like a regular lip balm). And, despite all this nourishment, they’re not sticky or gloopy at all. I didn’t notice any transfer when drinking or eating, although this did make the product wear off slightly quicker. I did have to reapply a couple of times during the day, but this was usually after food. Otherwise the product stays on pretty well.
I chose the shade ‘Sophie‘ which is a neutral pink colour. It looks really pretty on and … of course, I can’t forget to mention the scent. I’m usually not a massive fan of coconut-flavoured things as I feel it can sometimes smell/taste a little artificial. However, I actually really liked this. The coconut scent is clearly identifiable, but it’s not overpowering in any way!
Spectrum Glowful Mist
Did I mainly buy this because it’s gold and shimmery? Yes. Do I regret my purchase? Not really.
The Glowful Mist is a really versatile spray that adds hydration at whichever point in your makeup routine. This may be before you apply your base, after you’ve completed your look or even throughout the day to freshen up.
It’s packed with glycerin, hyaluronic acid and pink grapefruit extract so it feels great on the face. Honestly, I’m loving these makeup x skincare crossovers. Who doesn’t want makeup that might actually benefit your skin?!
This mist smells absolutely divine and it does an amazing job at dewifying (??) your makeup if the foundation you’ve chosen is a little too matte or if you’ve applied a bit too much powder. It’s not a setting spray so it doesn’t set your makeup into place. However, it does kind of help blend everything together. This is a summer must-have!
Spectrum Glowful Primer
Don’t let the initial colour put you off, this primer doesn’t actually look that gold and shiny on the skin! When it’s rubbed in you’re left with a beautiful and subtle champagne glow that illuminates your face without leaving it looking it looking overly sparkly or greasy. I love this because it feels hydrating but not sticky (like some moisture-boosting primers do).
This also smells amazing. I’m obsessed with grapefruit-scented beauty products so this is a winner for me. It’s so refreshing and it keeps your makeup in place all day. What more could you want?!
Spectrum Dark Matter Mascara
Truthfully, I think the Dark Matter Mascara is my least favourite of the Core Cosmetics collection. While I love the colour – this truly is jet black – I don’t particularly get on with the formula. I prefer mascaras that separate and define my lashes, but this tends to make them stick together. I also find that (because it isn’t waterproof) it transfers quite a bit. This isn’t a mascara I can confidently wear from day to night, it definitely needs to be touched up throughout the day to avoid panda eyes.
Strangely, I have a travel-size of this mascara and it works SO much better than the full-size. I don’t know whether this is because the brush is smaller so it distributes the product better, it just seems to be far less clumpy!
Where can I buy the Spectrum Core Cosmetics collection?
You can buy all of these products from the Spectrum website. Using my discount code SC9N48RT will give you 15% off your purchase at Spectrum Collections!
So, there you have it, my first impressions of the Spectrum makeup line. Have you tried anything from the Spectrum Core Cosmetics range yet? Let me know!
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