beauty

Klara Cosmetics: We put this supermarket beauty brand to the test.

Image: Brittany Stewart.

When I was younger, there was nothing I loved more than going to the supermarket with Mum or Dad. I’d like to say it was purely because I enjoyed spending time with them but the truth is I had an ulterior motive – sneaking things I wanted into the trolley while they weren’t looking.

Now I’m “grown-up”, I thought those days were long gone. And they were – until a few weeks ago, when I went along with Dad to Coles for the weekly shop.

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I wandered over to the cosmetics aisle and among the usual supermarket makeup suspects, spotted a brand I had never heard of before – Australian brand Klara Cosmetics.

I spied a cool-looking liquid lipstick, picked it up then quickly dropped it nonchalantly into dad’s trolley. Despite a questionable look as it was scanned at the checkout, Dad said nothing. It was through – I had succeeded just like I had as a child. Score.

Have you spotted Klara Cosmetics at your local supermarket?

 

Naturally, as soon as I got home I had to try it. I put it on... and it was love. You know those times when you apply a product and from the very first use, you know it's going to be a game-changer?

I was gushing about it to anyone who would listen (and even those who wouldn't.) Surprisingly, the only other person who'd heard of the brand was my sister.

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What other gems were hiding in the Klara Cosmetics range? I put some more to the test - here's my verdict.

Kiss Proof Lips.

It's a pretty shade, no?

 

The face product that launched a love affair. Seriously though, this product is AMAZING. Available in a number of colours, my favourite is the #5 which is the perfect bold Hollywood red lip.

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The point of difference is it's liquid formula, that goes on in a bright, beautifully pigmented matte shade. I find matte so much more practical and dramatic looking than glossy. However if you like your lips glossy, just apply a little bit of Carmex Hydrating Clear Lip Balm ($8.99) over the top.

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As for it's long lasting promise? It delivers. I enjoyed a whole brunch without having to worry about having lipstick smeared all over my face, and although I did reapply after, I didn't really need too.

The formula does feel a little strange on the lips if you're used to shiny lipsticks, but once you're used to it, it's fine.

Price: $29.

Lipstick.

The Klara Cosmetics lipsticks are creaaammy.

 

A semi-matte finish but a creamy, velvety feel on the lips, the lipsticks feel slightly smaller than your average. Which makes them perfect for slipping in small bags or pockets.

There's a good choice of colours, although I do feel they're slightly skewed towards pink shades, with few red options.

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At $26, the lipsticks definitely more expensive than their other supermarket counterparts, but the colour is pigmented and good quality. My favourite is shade #15 which is a bright orange coral colour.

Price: $26.

Eyeshadows.

Hello sparkles.

 

Sparkle. Pigment. Glitter. All of the things you want in an eyeshadow and Klara's deliver.

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The matte in #20 is the perfect purple for doing a smokey look, but it's the No. 3 champagne coloured diamond eyeshadow that puts a twinkle in my eye.Literally.

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They're almost too good to save just for nighttime, so I've taken to applying just the tiniest amount (it goes far) into the inner corner of my eye and blending outwards.

Price: $22.

Wearing Kissproof Lips, Glow Bronzer and Diamond Eyeshadow.

Glow Bronzer.

With my pale skin (my foundation shade is porcelain ivory) I'm usually one to shy away from bronzer, and I have to admit, this scared me a little. I do love that it comes in a compact with mirror and a brush, which is severely underrated.

Although it looks dark, it instantly adds colour to my face without the orange tones you can often get with bronzer.

A little goes a long way though, so I'd use sparingly throughout the day if you're pale like me. Again, it's expensive but a great product if you're a regular bronzer user.

Price: $49.

The Verdict.

Although more expensive than its other supermarket counterparts, Klara Cosmetics really is a solid product hiding in your local Coles or Woolworths.

Created by Klara Sabotkoski and launched in 2013, they're long lasting, offer intense pigmented colour (which means a little goes a long way) and importantly, are not tested on animals.

Plus, you can get them in the aisle next to the fun-sized kit kats.

FYI - This is not a sponsored post - I'm just really loving the brand and wanted to share it with you all!

Have you tried Klara Cosmetics before?