W3LL People Universalist Colour Stick #5

W3LL People is a brand that uses natural and organic ingredients to create their cosmetics. Their own phrasing is 'Hippy tested. Diva approved.' which I rather like. One of the aspects of blogging that I love is discovering cosmetics brands that are more natural* but still deliver on performance.

There are two formulations of the Universalist stick; matte and luminous. The shades are number labelled and the numbering system runs across the two finishes. The colour I have here is shade #5 and is designated as matte, though I do see a fine golden shimmer running through the stick itself which you can see in the images below. #5 is a russet red, which pulls more red than brown on my skin.

The texture is dense and drier than a cream blush. I'd probably describe it as drier than your average  lipstick too. I've messed about a bit to try and find the best method of application as a cheek colour. I tried using a brush directly on to the stick but I feel it requires the warmth of touch to get the product to move. I tend to dot it on with my fingers and blend it in. It does take a bit of working in I find because of the texture but it moves more freely once it warms up. As an alternative you could rub you fingers across the surface of the stick and apply the colour to your cheeks that way.

Although the texture is slightly dry, in fact stiff might be a better description as it moves freely once warm, it isn't at all uncomfortable. Applied to my lips it feels quite moisturising but not in the usual slippy kind of way. The formula is also hard-wearing and will last all day on my cheeks.

blended out

L-R: Universalist #5, EB Island Rose, KA Liquifuchsia

This is a multi-use stick so can be used anywhere on the face. I have used shade #5 on my lips and cheeks but I wouldn't personally use it on my eyes purely because of the colour. I have tried the Universalist highlighter on my eyes (review to come) and it worked very well so if you fancy wearing this as an eye colour, go for it!

I'm really pleased to have had the opportunity to try this product. It has taken me a little while to get to grips with it but I really like the easy of use that a stick provides and the versatility. Despite my brush collection, I do still enjoy using my fingers for application and I tend to favour non-powder products for a speedy look when I'm in a rush. I am quite tempted to get one of the lumious Universalist sticks in a colour that can be used on the eyes.

If you are interested in the line I would recommend taking a look at Londonmakeupgirl's posts as she has reviewed and featured a number of their products including their Narcissist Foundation + Concealer. 

The W3LL People Universalist Matte Multi-Use Colour Sticks cost £25 and this particular item came from www.misebeauty.com. For those of you in the States, you can find details of other stockists on www.w3llpeople.com.


Ingredients
Grapeseed Oil infused with Green Tea, Reishi Mushroom**, Bayberry**, Beeswax, Olive Oil***, Passionflower Oil, Castor Oil****,Silica, Coconut Oil*****, Silk Powder, Castor Isostearate Beeswax Succinate *, Essential Oil blend, Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E), Lysine, Grapefruit seed Extract, Japanese Knotweed Extract, Pomegranate Extract,[+/-: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, 77492, 77499), Mica (CI 77019), Carmine (CI 75470), Manganese Violet (CI 77742)]
* Eco-cert, ** Certified Organic by Oregon TILTH, *** Certified Organic by Ciranda, **** Certified Organic by Stellar, ***** Certified Organic by QAI


Disclosure: Product sent without cost for consideration for review

* I always hesitate to use the word natural. There are plenty of natural things that aren't good for you and you wouldn't want on your skin. However, it equally pains me to use the word "nasties" so I hope you'll forgive me for my choice of words here.