These products were sent to me for review purposes. I was not paid for this post and affiliate links are not used in this post.
Have you guys heard of the W7 Cosmetics brand before? I’ve actually come across them a few times in the past (mainly while I was on my way to buy hayfever medication) but have never actually stopped to check them out. They’re a drugstore brand from the UK and, in Australia, the brand is primarily stocked at Chemist Warehouse – which is our discount pharmacy. Alongside W7 Cosmetics they also carry a lot of other mainstream drugstore cosmetic brands too.
I was recently approached to try out their new Very Vegan collection, which has recently launched to an Australian audience, and even though I’ve never tried them out before – I figured, why not? Although I don’t personally follow a vegan lifestyle, I know that many people do and it can be very difficult to find suitable alternatives for simple products – and for those people, this line would be perfect!
I was sent over a massive assortment of products, almost every single time from their line, and while some products work better for me than others – there are some definite gems in this pile. So, let’s get right into this!
About the Brand & Collection
According to the official website, W7 Cosmetics was established in 2002 back in West London and they believe that “everyone should have access to an extensive range of high quality cosmetics at an affordable price” (official website). They have a massive collection of products, which is constantly growing – including nail polishes, foundation, lipsticks/glosses, eyeshadows, mascaras and even an ‘Ebony Collection’ to cater for deeper skin tones. None of their products are tested on animals and, with this new Very Vegan range, they push it even further.
Their range is certified by the Vegan Society and is manufactured and formulated according to those rules and regulations. Their goal is to create a range of vegan friendly cosmetics that are on-trend. This collection is actually pretty massive and a good portion of those products are available at Chemist Warehouse now. They’re affordable too, with everything being under AUD$9.99 (which is well priced even for drugstore standards).
For this post, I’ll be giving my brief thoughts and first impressions on some of these products (as there are so many that it will take be forever to test and I want to write this up before the news gets old). This will include: the Highlighting Powder, Matte Bronzer, Eyeshadow Quad, Liquid Eyeliner, Sheer Loose Powder, Black Mascara, and Lipsticks.
Very Vegan Highlighting Powder | AUD$4.99
First off, we have the Highlighting Powder which is a beautiful champagne highlight with a smooth texture and a glowing, almost strobe-like finish. It have a very fine shimmer with no chunkiness or glitter, which makes it perfectly suited for day-to-day use. It is very flattering on my skin and I would recommend this product for fair to medium-light skintones – as the powder is very pigmented, it could come across too harsh on deeper skin. I definitely wish they had a few more colour options.
That being said, this is quite a versatile product that can be used on all high points of the face, as well as as eyeshadow if desired. It has quite a natural look, but can also be built up to an extent.
Packaging
The packaging for this highlighting powder is the same as for the below bronzing powder, so I’ll only be discussing this once.
The product comes with a heart and grass pattern pressed onto the pan. The compact is made of a glossy white plastic and with green print. It’s actually quite bulky, especially for something that doesn’t even come with a brush (though I don’t expect that for the price point). For this one, and for the rest of the collection in general actually, my only disappointment is in the packaging design. The quality of it is actually quite decent, but I feel that the design lacks thought and care. If W7 Cosmetics wanted to expand further with their brand, I would recommend to re-look their brand and packaging design – especially if they are already confident about the quality of their products.
This product is not suitable for travel! I say this partly because it doesn’t come with any applicator, is bulky and also because my first one arrived completely smashed – which was pretty shocking. Although the packaging looks and feels very sturdy, I don’t think that it holds up to rough handling very well.
All in all, this is a product that I personally enjoy using! I usually wear very bright highlights and this is a little bit more of a natural, satin-y strobe finish (where I usually have a bit more glitter in mine) so it’s a nice alternative! I also like to add a wash of a more glittery highlight on top if I want an extra pop. There are some comments that people are applying this with their fingers, but I would always recommend to use to a brush – especially if you have foundation underneath. For me, the product blended out really beautifully and quickly.
The quality of this product is definitely good, especially for the incredible price point – the only downside would be the lack of shade range (there is one colour) and the packaging design.
SO WHAT IS IT?
A champagne gold highlight with a fine, shimmer finish
RATINGS
- PRICE POINT | 5/5
- PACKAGING | 1/5
- PIGMENTATION | 5/5
- REFLECT | 4/5
- SHADE RANGE | 1/5
- LONGEVITY | 4/5
OVERALL RATING? 6.7/10
THOUGHTS? The packaging and the shade range definitely dragged out the rating for this product, but if those are not too important for you then this is still something I would recommend! Generally, I feel that this will suit lighter skin tones best, and will especially work for those who love a natural glow. This is a product that is easy to wear, and that you could get a lot of use out of.
Very Vegan Matte Bronzer | AUD$4.99
This matte bronzer is, well, just that! This product has a deep colour with a warmer undertone (but not orange at all) and a very smooth, blendable formula with absolutely no kick back. The versatility of this shade means that the product works well as a contour, a bronzer or, if you wish, a warm brown blush or eyeshadow (especially as a deeper crease shade).
Similarly to the highlighter though, it is unfortunate that this bronzer only comes in one shade! This colour is quite deep and would suit medium or medium-light skin tones well – but it’s a bit too dark on me.
As you can see in the swatch above, the product has a very beautiful warm undertone that isn’t overly orange (nor too ashy). It’s still workable and I find myself reaching for it, especially for a light bronzing of the cheekbones and contouring my jaw. However, it takes a very, very light hand as well as additional translucent powder to blend it out properly. It would work better for paler skin tones if there was a lighter shade option.
As with the highlighter, this is a good quality product that is very smooth and – for someone who can actually wear this shade – is highly blendable. It has an average longevity, lasting until around midday for me when my oils start to peek through and fade my foundation anyway. The main downside of this product is definitely in the lack of shades.
SO WHAT IS IT?
A matte warm undertone bronzer in a medium brown shade
RATINGS
- PRICE POINT | 5/5
- PACKAGING | 1/5
- PIGMENTATION | 5/5
- SHADE RANGE | 1/5
- LONGEVITY | 3/5
OVERALL RATING? 6/10
THOUGHTS? For people who are after a vegan bronzer, then this is definitely a good product – however, it just doesn’t work for all skin tones (as these products shouldn’t). Its quality is a strength, it’s packaging is a weakness (as per my opinion on the highlight packaging), but the real shame is that they don’t have a lighter and even deeper version.
It takes me a while to work with so I might gift this to a friend with more of a tan than my vampiric self.
Very Vegan Eyeshadow Quad (Warm Winter) | AUD$9.99
The eyeshadow quad is definitely the one that I was most excited about because, honestly, eyeshadow is my weakness and I also love cool tones – which is exactly what the ‘Warm Winter‘ quad is for! According to the official website, this product “contains a range of greys with some glitter shades” – I find that, depending on the light, the shadows can look more taupe. In natural light, it looks grey but artificial lighting always warms it up just a little.
It contains two satin/shimmer shades, one dark matte shade and a glittery medium shade.
If you’re after some different colour schemes though, this quad comes in four variations: Warm Winter, Summer Sands, Spring Spice and Autumn Ambers (which has some warm coppers and golds that I think is really pretty too).
Packaging Design
This eyeshadow quad has the same bulky white packaging as the other two compacts, which I have already stated that I’m not a fan of. However, I do have some compliments for this eyeshadow quad because I find it quite simple and functional. The pan sizes are great, making full use of the space, and there is a full size mirror that is great for touch ups (especially important for this type of product). It does also have a sponge tip applicator, which I personally don’t use at all, but I can see the benefit of it for touch up – I wouldn’t miss it if it weren’t there though.
I also like that the same heart and grass pan pattern is carried through this but instead printed over the four pans. It’s nice to see that cohesiveness across the collection.
And above are the swatches! Admittedly, I have only used this quad a couple of times so I can’t give an in depth review but I do love the colour story and I think that it’s very well put together too. From my experiences, it’s easy to work with to get a day-to-day look but you can also deepen the crease with the darker colour and add more of the glittery shade to get a bit more glam in your life. That all being said, since it is only four colours and they are all within the same colour scheme, this is a more restrictive choice compared to a full palette.
I personally recommend quads to people who want fast and easy make up, who have limited skills and experience, and are more concerned with getting things done fast rather than experimenting with formulas. It is also good for touch ups during the day, especially if you’re like me and your eyes tend to water or crease.
I’ll definitely play around with this some more but I think I also want to check out the Autumn Ambers shade.
SO WHAT IS IT?
A quad of cool-toned taupe shades with three varying finished – shimmer, matte and glitter
RATINGS
- PRICE POINT | 5/5
- PACKAGING | 2/5
- PIGMENTATION | 3/5
- VERSATILITY | 3/5
- BLENDABILITY | 5/5
- SHADE RANGE | 4/5
OVERALL RATING? 7.3/10
INITIAL THOUGHTS? I rated the pigmentation of this product a little lower because I’m used to super pigmented, bold shades whilst this is actually a bit more buildable and beginner friendly. It blends out really well and is easy to use, though the glitter shade works best with a finger. I also love the colour story and find ti quite versatile.
Very Vegan Liquid Eyeliner | AUD$4.99
If you’re after a liquid eyeliner that doesn’t budge, or one that is vegan (obvs), then this is seriously one to check out. This black liquid liner comes with a brush tip applicator and has a matte black finish. The colour is almost opaque, but you may need to go over it with a second layer (if you are drawing a thicker line) to ensure it isn’t streaky.
It’s super long lasting, and I have trouble getting it off my hand by rubbing it (seriously won’t move), so it’ll be good if you want something to last all day. The liner also dries quickly on the eyes, so would be suitable for someone with watery eyes (like me).
Packaging
I think that the packaging for this product is fairly standard. It comes with a squared pot at the end and a longer brush handle. The shape of it gives pretty decent grip so you get more control when drawing in your wing – the brush tip is also just stiff enough so that it isn’t too difficult to use.
That all being said, the liquid formula is also good if you want to use a brush, since all of the product is in the pot and can easily be applied to an eyeliner brush. Personally, I usually use pen or brush liners (not in a pot like this) so instead, I use a fine liner brush to apply.
For the price point, I have no problems with this packaging at all. I would have personally preferred a pen or brush liner, but I feel like this formula is slightly thicker in consistency and might not that worked that well in that format.
Personally, I think that this is a good quality liquid liner and especially for the price point! I don’t reach for this type of liner for daily use as I’m not used to using it (and I have about ten seconds to do liner in the mornings), so I mostly use it when I am doing more creative eye looks or when I know I have more time to work on my eyes – I like that this gives me the option of using a brush, but gives me crisper lines in comparison to my usual gel pot.
SO WHAT IS IT?
A matte black, long wearing liquid eyeliner pot
RATINGS
- PRICE POINT | 5/5
- PACKAGING | 4/5
- PIGMENTATION | 4/5
- EASE OF APPLICATION | 3/5
- LONGEVITY | 5/5
OVERALL RATING? 8.4/10
THOUGHTS? This is a product that I would recommend to people with watery eyes, because it is seriously budge-proof! The matte formula works really well, though has a tendency to look a little bit grey (due to the finish). This type of liquid eyeliner does have a learning curve to it, but the applicator is designed well enough that it isn’t too difficult! I personally still prefer an individual brush, but can get by using this brush too.
Very Vegan Sheer Loose Powder | AUD$9.99
Everyone knows that I’m on a loose powder kick right now and, seriously, I can’t go a day without using it! With this new W7 Cosmetics loose powder, I was really happy with the finish but surprised that this actually gives a slight skin tint as well – this is in the shade Fair, but I think the Translucent shade might have worked better for me. The undertone of this is would suit people with a slightly warmer skin tone.
Honestly, a big lesson to be learnt here is not to underestimate how closely related to the Cullen family I might be.
Anyway, this is a sheer loose setting powder that can help to mattify skin and set foundation. The product is very finely milled, giving you a flawless finish and a lightweight application.
Packaging
This product comes in a well sized tub and I’m actually really happy with the packaging here. Ignoring the visual design of it, the actual package is really functional and would be suitable to be carried around as well.
The top lid clicks open and closed (instead of being a screw-on top), which minimises mess. It also has a well sized mirror, perfect for touch up or if you want to get in close, as well as a puff. I personally use a brush (and I find more sponges will make powder look too thick for my liking), but this is a great option to have for people on the go or travelling.
The sifter also have fairly large holes, so it’s easy to dispense the powder or even dip your brush into it. That being said, that puff does need to be kept in there to minimise mess.
Above is how the powder looks on my skin. I definitely went heavy with that swatch so that you can see the product on my hand. Rather than the colour, I wanted to show how well this mattifies and sets the skin! I have combination skin that can sometimes be quite oily, so I love this for setting my foundation – especially around my jaw and neck, where product has a tendency to rub off and I can get away with a slighter warmer powder.
Longevity wise, this worked for a few hours on me (around 2-3 without touch up), which is actually the average time loose powders work for me. This will definitely vary depending on the skin type so I didn’t rate it.
SO WHAT IS IT?
A sheerly pigmented matte loose setting powder
RATINGS
- PRICE POINT | 5/5
- PACKAGING | 5/5
- PIGMENTATION | 4/5
- FINISH | 5/5
OVERALL RATING? 9.5/10
THOUGHTS? This loose powder is highly rated by me! Although I am a little bit biased towards loose powders nowadays (and I’m not too difficult to please), I stand by my opinion that this is a great product at a great price point! I will likely go to buy the translucent version, as I feel that will work better all over the face for me.
Although this is the ‘fair’ shade, I would recommend it for people with light-warm skin tone (a Korean shade 23, maybe) and for people like myself (a Korean shade 21 or below), the translucent is a safer option – especially if you want to go a little more heavy handed.
Very Vegan Black Mascara | AUD$4.99
All I have to say about this product is – yes! This is a fairly standard black mascara, designed to lengthen and ’emphasise’ lashes but the price point is really incredible. I wasn’t sure if it was waterproof at first but, after testing, I can confirm that it definitely is! This mascara wears really well on my eyes, which essentially means it will suit most watery or sensitive eyes.
The packaging of it is fairly basic, with a white and green tube similar to the other products and a squared shape. It isn’t the prettiest thing, to be honest, but I’m really happy with the quality.
I’ve been using this mascara on most days, and I don’t even wear mascara that often because they often dry out or irritate my lash line. Not this one though. I find that the mascara formula is lightweight and easy to apply – it doesn’t smudge or run, and also dries quickly. Since it is more lightweight, it doesn’t weigh my lashes down (as mine are quite thin and sparse) and gives it an elongated appearance. It also separates the lashes well with zero clumping.
On the flip side though, this mascara does not have a very dramatic effect. You will not get a ‘false lash’ effect with this or incredible volume. What it does do though, is darken and slightly length lashes, while keeping them very well separated and helping to hold the curl.
SO WHAT IS IT?
A water-proof/water-resistant black mascara with a lightweight formula and a natural effect
RATINGS
- PRICE POINT | 5/5
- PACKAGING | 3/5
- FORMULA | 4/5
- LONG WEARING | 4/5
OVERALL RATING? 8/10
THOUGHTS? This is a mascara that really works for my personal tastes and I would recommend it for people to try out – however, I do also acknowledge that this wouldn’t suit everyone. If you’re after something with a more natural effect, that is gentle on lashes while also being substantially water resistant, then this would be a great affordable option!
Very Vegan Lipsticks Nudes (Lovable Lily and Happy Hazel) | AUD$4.99
This was a fun product to jump into, because I love wearing lipsticks! I’m personally not a big fan of nude shades though, just because I have never found a colour that looks good on me, but these are actually really pretty! I have only worn them a few times so can’t speak for a thorough review, but will give my initial thoughts.
These lipsticks have a high opacity to them with a moisture finish. They also come in a range of ‘Nude’ shades. For this review, I was sent two of them to try out – lovable lily and happy hazel.
In the ‘Nudes’ range, there are six shades: Awesome Autumn, Warm Willow, Happy Hazel, Marvellous Maple, Lovable Lily and Tranquil Tan. There are also three other ranges in this collection (four in total): Reds, Mattes and Pinks.
Packaging
These lipsticks come in a white squared bullet and, as much as I haven’t been a fan of the packaging for most of this range, I actually quite like this! I like that the top of the bullet is colour coded with the lipstick shade, which makes it especially easy for people like me (who have too much lipstick and not enough lip).
The bullet has a standard shape, which is fairly easy for application – a rounded teardrop shape. It also has the W7 logo pressed to the point, which is a cute detail, though the softness of the product means it will be gone with one application.
Overall, the packaging is simple and understated, but highly functional. Also given the low price point of this lipstick, I feel like they’ve done really well!
Formula
These lipsticks have a one swipe opacity formula, but is also moist and easy to sheer out. They also have a sweet vanilla scent which I personally like, though may feel overwhelming for some. I’m actually really happy with this formula! I also took some lip swatches (see below) but found it really difficult to get them looking accurate! I blame this on my bright studio lights which washed them out.
If anything, the colour is more accurate to how it looks in the tubes (above) but the below lip swatches are a good example of how it may look (super) blended out, as well as the moisture finish.
SO WHAT IS IT?
A range of ‘nude’ lipsticks with a moisture finish and one-swipe opacity
RATINGS
- PRICE POINT | 5/5
- PACKAGING | 4/5
- PIGMENTATION | 5/5
- FINISH/FORMULA | 4/5
OVERALL RATING? 9/10
THOUGHTS? The colours for these lipsticks are very pretty and I especially like that they have a hydrating finish – which is great to wear for long days at the office or for when you want something more natural and less fussy. My only concern would be with longevity, but I don’t expect that with this sort of finish. The lipsticks definitely transfer and will wear off as soon as you eat, but otherwise they’re nice and worth checking out!
If you want a different sort of finish, and especially for this price, also check out some of the other ranges. I want to try out the matte range in the future.
And that’s everything I have from the W7 Cosmetics Very Vegan Collection! If you’re after some vegan cosmetic alternatives, or if you just want something easy to and affordable, check out their range. I personally would recommend the highlighter (for a natural highlighter), the matte bronzer, the loose powder, the mascara and the lipsticks! Although I am not a fan of the packaging design overall, the quality of their products is great!
For Aussies, you can shop them at Chemist Warehouse – go go go~!
