NOTE COSMETICS IS a brand that’s been banging around for a while now, but has forever evaded me.

The only time I picked something up fro the brand – a red liquid lip specifically for a night out – I ended up losing it somewhere among a flurry of Penneys bags, never to been again. (R.I.P.)

After that, nothing massively interested me, and when something did, I could never find the brand in stores. (For example, the Note BB Cream is pretty beloved as a you-but-better base, and their pen eyeliner which Laura Young of Laura’s Views regularly raves about.)

So, when they heard my story of the long lost lipstick, they kindly sent me out a few replacements, as well as all of their new skin and base launches for 2019. Very exciting.

First up – the Skin Perfecting primer (€10.95)

For a long, long time, I thought primer was a bit of a swizz to be honest. Whatever I was using never made much difference to how much base looked, or the longevity. I’ve since started using the Flormar Radiance Primer, which I love, but I reckon this could be a close second fave.

The texture of the product is quite thick, but applies evenly. It has a scent which I can only describe as something akin to “old-timey cosmetics”, which I actually don’t mind but it’s worth noting if your snozz is sensitive. 

I didn’t notice much of an aesthetic difference from the primer alone, but it completely transformed the texture of my skin. It felt like velvet.

Next up, the Skin Perfecting illuminator (€9.95)

Again, the reason why I like the Flormar one is because it essentially does two jobs in one – radiating and priming. However, it is quite bronzey – you’d struggle to wear it alone if you have an “Irish” complexion and you’re not wearing fake tan. This is a great option if you need something neutral in tone but still want to have that brightening effect, be it on its own or under/over makeup.

The texture of it is really nice – not too thick, not too runny. I found this good for sheering our foundations that are slightly too dark for me as well. We stan a multi-functional product!

Finally, its foundation time – the Rejuvenating foundation. (€9.95) in the shade ‘Warm Sand’.

I initially didn’t think this was going to match me at all, but with the dregs of my tan and a little help from the illuminator, it did. 

It’s easy to tell why it’s referred to as “rejuvenating”. I expected this to be super full coverage and heavy, but it wasn’t, giving more of a medium, buildable finish. It feels fresh on the skin, and though I do personally detest packaging that doesn’t have a pump (I’m a spiller, ok?), I’m willing to let this go because of how boujee it feels in your hand.

The Perfecting pen (€8.95) was another surprising win.

I was expecting a pen, which it technically is. But instead of a brush tip, it’s a sponge. I’m going to be honest, I also think sponge tips applicators are a bit naff. But no matter, because the product is good. 

You can use this as a highlighter as well, but don’t worry, it’s not mad bling-y, just brightening. I felt looked way more “awake” after using it, especially around my eyes. 

Now, on to lipsticks!

Again, I have to commend Note on the packaging. The Semi Matte lipsticks in their black weighted tubes feel so luxurious, while the mineral liquid lip has a very artsy vibe to it. I dig.

Colour-wise, the lipsticks are very pigmented and high coverage. The finish is beautiful – semi-matte, no crusty lips here.

However, they’re not the creamiest to apply – you might better off using a brush instead of applying them directly out of the bullet, if you have time. Also, these bad boys are bleeders – I would not recommend wearing them without liner.

Note Cosmetics Semi Matte lipstick in 'Burn Red'

Note Cosmetics Semi-Matte lipstick in 'Gipsy' Note Cosmetics Semi-Matte lipstick in 'Gipsy'

The Mineral Lip Cream is a bit of a different ball game. I was expecting a full coverage colour and application, but it’s actually a lot more sheer. I wouldn’t be over-lining or venturing outside your natural lip line with this as the pigment won’t let you get away with it. 

I also didn’t find it to be as true a red on the lips as it is in the name or on the packaging. It’s still pretty and it has it’s purpose, just maybe not in my makeup bag.

Note Cosmetics Mineral Lip Cream in 'Go Red'

Verdict

Do. Not. Sleep. On. Note’s. Base. Products. For the price, they’re extremely competitive, and there’s something there for everyone, in my opinion.

Personally, I could take or leave the lip products. While I loved the colours of the lippies and you can’t argue with their pigment, I prefer a more creamy formulation. 

As said above, the lip cream will serve a purpose for someone else. It’s not a bad product, but I can’t see myself using it regularly.

You can purchase Note Cosmetics from Meaghers Pharmacy, Cara Pharmacy, Sam McCauley Chemists and McCabes Pharmacy online and in select stores.

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