EX1 Cosmetics. The brand that claims they are the only brand primarily for olive skin tones (yellow, neutral). I had already heard so much hype over this brand in the last few years but had never forayed in to trying it because I never give in to the hype. I like to let things die down first and then I can make my own judgement.
So when I was kindly gifted a few products to try I jumped at the chance. I hadn’t tried any new makeup in ages, I have been swept up in the house move and my makeup mojo had gone with it.
I wasn’t spending much on makeup either, rather trying to use everything I had (and boy is there a lot!). When moving home your money goes on a different priority. Especially when the snags and the issues that happen when renovating are so costly. Even repurchasing a holy grail product can be a challenge.
Anyway, I had no expectations for this brand as I try to do with anything I try.
What did I try?
I was sent the EX1 Invisiwear foundation in the lightest shade they do (1.0), I chose this because I had heard that their lightest was still too dark for some people. I also received their EX1 Delete Fluide concealer in the lightest shade (1.0) and an EX1 Blush in Natural Flush.
Packaging
Firstly I want to talk about packaging.
It’s nice, it’s copper and clear and has good typeface. It’s a reconisable brand. Not too luxury looking but it’s also not plasticy and cheap. Somewhere nicely inbetween.
I picked a day at work where I wasn’t going to meet anyone in case it was a fail and I did my normal routine.
Application
Starting with a good moisturising primer, then pumped two pumps of the foundation on to my hand and dabbed away with a real techniques sponge.
First thing I noticed is that the consistency was very thick and a little went a long way. I did not need the whole two pumps.
Secondly I noticed the shade was light. Very light and it was a great neutral tone. Not red in any way. Which I really liked.
The finish is a demi-matte so non-drying and it felt nice and light on the skin.
I then took a pump of the concealer. Again, like the foundation, I noticed it was thick and that a little went a long way.
In the tube I really didn’t think it would be light enough to brighten but it was. I used the sponge to even it out and I set with a translucent powder.
This wasn’t too heavy but it did crease ever so slightly. However, I do think it’s my powder that’s doing that and I am using less powder and haven’t found it to be the same since.
Finally after powdering and bronzing I used the blush. Which is heavenly. It’s a great matte blush, a perfect autumnal natural shade. It has plenty of pigment but blends beautifully.
How I felt about the products
I got to work and immediately I had comments on my makeup. So many people saying it looked nice. Which to me is the ultimate test.
It lasted all day but I did notice dryness on my nose. I haven’t powdered my nose in a long time so I know it was the fact it’s demi matte – I don’t really use matte foundations for that reason. Maybe, I will mix it in with a bb cream or something in the future just for my nose to stop it looking dry.
For me, EX1 cosmetics was a total surprise and I am still getting compliments every time I wear it.
For those of you that are always looking for that perfect olive skin foundation I really think you should look no further. The original hype is real. This is a great cosmetic line.
*the items were gifted to me but I was asked to give my honest review. All opinions are my own. Also, some affiliate links have been used in this article. If you are not wanting to use my affiliate links please google the items and you will find them without affiliate links from my page.
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