Sephora Collection Peach Beige 13 Eyeshadow, $12

First off, Happy New Year to everyone! After a little blogging break we are back and ready to review a whole bunch of new products.

I received this sample eyeshadow from a fairly recent Sephora purchase and wasn't too thrilled with it initially. I just thought it was a boring neutral that I probably wouldn't want to use much. But lately I've really been into wearing a neutral yet blended eye with a simple black cat eye so I thought I'd give this a go.

On its own, this shadow is pretty basic as you can see, a nice simple peach/beige color, true to its name. But when you blend the crease of your eye with a nice brown or shade in another darker color, this shadow is the perfect base color.

Final verdict:

Cost: $12 for a full size eye shadow. The size pictured here is smaller than the actual product but if you'd like to see what the full-size looks like you can see another Sephora Collection Eyeshadow I reviewed a few months ago, Tango Night.

Texture: The shadow is a nice soft texture which makes it perfect for blending.

Quality: I was very impressed with the quality and the lasting power of this eyeshadow. I wear it with a primer underneath and it doesn't budge. I usually use a YSL brown eyeshadow to shade my crease and the Sephora Collection shadow matches up perfectly to the high-end shadow.

Repeat offender? I will definitely be buying other Sephora Collection eyeshadows in the future.

-M

Urban Decay Naked Palette, $44

This is the eyeshadow palette made for all makeup wearers, whether your only use eyeshadow sometimes or don't leave the house without it. The Naked Palette by Urban Decay was released not too long ago and has been selling out fast. Luckily this product is not a limited edition product. Even though it has been sold out on Sephora.com and isn't on the Urban Decay site right now you can still find it (I got mine at a Sephora store) and you will be able to find it for a long time, Urban Decay says that it is a permanent palette.

I wasn't drawn to this palette until I saw it in person. The twelve shadows range from light to darker and are a mix of smoky, grey, gold, and brown hues. The mixing possibilities seem endless with the variety of shades that are provided. The set also comes with a mini genie bottle of primer and a double-ended 24/7 Glide-On pencil in Zero (jet black) and Whiskey (chocolate brown). You basically have all of the tools to create whatever eye look you are going for.

This palette is made to be a neutral set that is still fresh and exciting. You can definitely get a neutral professional look with this palette or you can even create a sexy dark look too. The colors like Virgin, Sin, and Naked make great highlighters and base shadows while Half Baked, Smog, and Darkhorse are perfect for blending and shading. The last three colors in the palette Hustle, Creep, and Gunmetal are all great darker colors that can be blended with any of the lighter shadows to create a smoky look but they are also perfect solid shadows on their own.

I would suggest this palette to anyone who feels like they need a good everyday eyeshadow kit. While it is a palette full of neutrals it still manages to be fun and interesting and offers a variety of color and shadow ranges (from matte to shimmery).

Final verdict:
Cost: $44, you get 12 shadows, a mini primer, and two mini eyeliners
Will this really work for anyone?: I honestly think that Urban Decay created a palette that will appeal to all different women. I love this palette and so does my mom so I think it can really apply for any age group. The neutrals it promises aren't dull and they shadows are good quality--I don't know any girl who wouldn't be satisfied with that.
Repeat offender?: I think that I am going to use this palette primarily for a while. I want to experiment with mixing the different shades. I predict that this will be a palette that I actually finish and will have to purchase again. I'm really into it!

-M

Classic SGB: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, $18

Oh primer, how did we ever live without you? Just stocked up on another bottle in original, which has become my latest favorite because I can wear it all over my eye--invisibly!

Available in Original (nude) and Sin (shimmery)


(Urban Decay potion in Sin)

If there is one makeup product that we could never give up it would be this. The years before we discovered this primer were full of creased eyelids, smeared shadow, and colors not living up to their potential. Not only does it work with great eyeshadows, it will actually improve the color and staying power of lower quality eyeshadows. The Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer comes in two different shades, Original and Sin. The Original is pretty much a sheer nude base without any particular color so once blended in it’s invisible. The Sin shade is a shimmery mix of pink and gold tones while still remaining a pretty neutral base color that will coordinate with any eyeshadow just as well as the Original. It’s packaged to resemble a genie bottle, with a sponge-tipped angled wand as an applicator. It’s easy to use, lasts a long time, and is definitely worth its price. No lie, this stuff will last through a humid day, an evening of partying, and even a full night’s sleep without budging.



To use, first unscrew the applicator, take it out, and wipe the excess on the rim. Apply a good amount over your entire eyelid (and even under your eyelid, if desired). Using your finger, blend the primer until even. Wait a few seconds for it to dry, and then pile on the eyeshadow and eyeliner like crazy. Wait a few hours, check the mirror, and check the freshness.

Final verdict:
Cost: $17 (for regular bottle)
Does it keep its promise?: YES.
How long the actual product lasts: If used on a daily basis one of the original sized bottles lasts at least 6 months.
Repeat Offender?: We will never wear eyeshadow without it. Tell all your friends.

Ulta and Sephora have some great deals on the larger sizes.

-M & T

Sephora Collection Eyeshadow, Tango Night, $12

I absolutely fell in love with this eyeshadow when I saw it in this kit a few weeks ago. I wasn't so interested in this particular kit so I thought I'd go with just the eyeshadow. I haven't really used any Sephora Collection eyeshadows so I was looking forward to seeing how this turned out.


Tango Night is a deep cosmic purple eyeshadow sprinkled with tons of silver glitter. Purple and silver look great together so this mix is definitely a good match! The eyeshadow absolutely requires some kind of primer otherwise the sparkles will not stick to the eyeshadow and on your eyelid.


When you put this on I suggest using a regular eyeshadow sponge brush. You will have to layer it on a bit because only one or two sweeps is a little too light (at least for me). Just play with the amount you apply on your lids. One warning, the glitter will get on your face because there is a lot of it in the shadow. What I do is simply use a wet face wipe and clean the area where there is a dusting of extra glitter, also make sure to wait to apply your moisturizer and blush until after you wipe the excess glitter off your cheeks or your under-eye area.



Final verdict:
Cost: $12 for one large size eyeshadow. I really really wanted this color so I didn't mind paying the $12.
Is it too glittery for the daytime? I don't think so, I think the sparkle is pretty subtle mixed with the purple shadow. Since the glitter is silver it just reflects the purple base around it.
How long does it last during a day?: With the primer this lasts me all day, and the sparkles stay in place!
Repeat offender?: I love this eyeshadow color so even though the application is a little tougher than other eyeshadow brands I still think it was worth getting. I would definitely try other Sephora Collection eyeyshadows.

-M

bareMinerals Eyecolor, $13

I just bought the Heroes Super Color Collection from Bare Escentuals. Since there's so much to review in the collection, I thought I'd give each product their own separate entry. The set includes a Buxom gloss, which is awesome (check out Mirna's review here).

Today I'll review their bareMinerals eyecolor (loose eyeshadow) in Fearless and Freedom.

(Fearless and Freedom)

Fearless is a super dark forest green/gray/black with multicolored shimmer. Oh my, is it gorgeous! I was surprised at how pretty it really is, in that dark and dangerous kind of way. The picture on the website really doesn't do it justice.

The shadow is intense and highly pigmented. It is crazy dramatic as a shadow. It could be used as a liner, to add some depth to your crease, or blended with other colors.

Freedom is a sweet light blue with a hint of green (less green when applied, see photo below), decorated with tiny silver shimmers. It reminds me of a really clear summer day, when the sun bleaches out the sky.

The color is also really pigmented but is much more subtle. It would look really nice with blue or brown eyes, and coordinates nicely with Fearless.

(click on pic to enlarge)The versatility of these eyeshadows really impressed me. The top line is Freedom, shown (left to right) over Urban Decay primer, dry, and applied with a wet brush. The bottom line is Fearless, shown (left to right) over Urban Decay primer, dry, and applied with a wet brush. As you can see, these shadows can have quite different looks! With primer the colors are bright and clear. Worn dry they are more subtle and easily blended, for a nice day look. When applied with a wet brush they become intense and really shimmery. I love having options!

Final verdict
Cost: $13 each. Right now these particular colors are only available in the Heroes collection for a limited time. ($40 for a lot of awesome products, get it while you can!) I found Fearless on Amazon, so as always check there, too (and eBay).
Color: These colors are amazing! They have so much life and depth, and are unlike any other eyeshadows I have. I personally prefer Fearless because of the richness and drama, but Freedom is sweet and pretty as well.
Versatility: The colors look different whether they're worn dry, over primer, or applied wet. You can create a lot of distinct looks with just one color.
Repeat offender: Totally! I would definitely buy their eyeshadow again, as well as other products. Stay tuned for reviews of the other products in this collection.

Hey! Did you enter our giveaway? Remember, it ends Friday at 11:59pm!

-T

L'Oreal HiP Studio Secrets Shocking Shadow Pigments, $9-$12

Well, I tried High Intensity Pigment's cream eyeliner a little while ago and didn't have that much luck with it. In the same trip to CVS I grabbed one their Shocking Shadow Pigments in Exciting.

I'm not sure why but I was under the impression that HiP's colors were generally matte. When I picked this up though, all I could see was the beautiful purple-pink-white iridescence. And if you know me, you know I can't resist anything that sparkles.

The color is predominantly white with a pink iridescent shimmer.

The eyeshadow is a loose powder in a tiny little 0.05oz. jar, which can get a little messy if you're not careful with it. Make sure it's closed all the way but don't close it too tight (stripping the inside)--I've learned from past (dumb) experiences! But, this closes pretty securely, so I'm not really worried about it leaking.

One thing that made me okay with paying $11 for eyeshadow is the free brush. It's a pretty good size (especially for the small container) and is soft. It grabs the powder well and makes it easy to apply.

As you can see, the color shows up really well. It would work great for any part of the eye (lid, eyebrows, corner) and as a highlighter. It blends well and seems really subtle at first, but then sparkles when you turn.







Final verdict
Cost: $9-$12, depending on where you get it. (Look for it and other colors on Amazon for around $9).
Color: Wow, the color is incredible! Dynamic, iridescent, and subtly dramatic (what a great oxymoron). If all the colors have this much life, I'll buy 5 more.
Easy to use: The brush it comes with is a great size--much bigger, softer, and more useful than most free eyeshadow brushes. The powder goes on easily and blends and builds well.
Repeat offender: I'd definitely buy this again! I want to go out and try other colors, too. HiP, you disappointed me with the cream eyeliner, but this totally makes up for it.

-T

What I'm Wearing - 5/21/10

Happy Friday! Last weekend I tried a new look on my eyes. I was going for a more interesting way to get the "no eyeliner" look, different from my usual "as much eyeliner as possible" look. I used:

-Urban Decay's primer (Sin on top lid; Original on outside and bottom)
-Urban Decay eyeshadow in Scratch (a beautiful shimmery baby pink for across the lids included in this palette)
-Maybelline eyeshadow in Urban Brown (for the outside wing, crease, and a little underneath)
-Urban Decay Liquid Eyeliner in Roach (just a little on the outside half of the top lid)
-Clinique Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula in Black Onyx (top and bottom, for a clean, "awake" look)
-Nars Orgasm blush


After priming, I swept Scratch across my entire lid with an eyeshadow brush (from EcoTools). Then, using the top of the brush, I worked Urban Brown into the crease, extending the line past my eyelid for a little wing. I took the angled brush and smudged some Urban Brown into and right underneath my bottom lashes (outer half of my eye only) and connected it to the wing. I cleaned the eyeshadow brush and used it to blur and soften the lines, making it look more natural but still dramatic. I lined the outer part of my top lid with Roach--I couldn't go completely without eyeliner! I think it looked really cool but I'll still need to work on perfecting the angles. The colors are amazing though--brown and pink are so flattering on hazel eyes.





I also put up a new discussion on our Facebook page: How much makeup do you carry in your purse? Click on the icon in the sidebar and become a fan!
Muah!
-T

Urban Decay Deluxe Shadow Box, $38

I know we have done a few Urban Decay eyeshadow reviews for you all so you really don't need me to tell you how awesome their eyeshadows are, but I still can't help but gush! I got this palette a few weeks back when Urban Decay had a special 30% off promotion. The Deluxe Shadow Box comes with 9 different eyeshadows, two double sided sponge brushes, and a small tube of my beloved eye primer.


I decided on this palette because I really wanted something with some colors that were nothing like I had. I was initially going to go for some single shadows but I realized I'd be spending about the same on 2 shadows that I would be for 9! I picked the Deluxe Shadow Box due to the blue shadow called Peace. I thought that it was sooo pretty and would be wonderful to use as a liner. This palette also doesn't have any of the same colors that Ammo has. The only color I have a single shadow case of is Ransom and this is a beautiful neon purple that makes my eyes pop, so more is fun!


This sleek palette is perfect for me because it includes a variety of neutrals and some daring shadows that will suit whatever mood I am in. I also love the tiny bottle of primer--this will definitely have a place in my bag whenever I go out of town (I tend to always pack heavy so the smaller the better).

Final verdict:
Cost: $38, that is about 4.20 per eyeshadow. Personally I like to buy palettes if I think I will want to use all the colors in them. Obviously some I will like more than the others but it is worth it to me to buy a palette filled with options for around the same price as only 2 shadows. More bang for my buck right?
Are the shadows as pretty as they seem in the box?: Yes! Urban Decay eyeshadow is and always will be one of my go-to shadows for this reason--they look the same on your eyelids as they look in their packaging.
Repeat offender?: I'd like for Urban Decay to put out some new shades of shadows. I wouldn't want to buy another palette if it has repeated eyeshadow shades that other palettes do. But like I said before, I'll keep getting their shadows as long as they keep making them!
-M

Maybelline Color Pearls Marbleized Eyeshadow, Carbon Frost, $5

When I saw this little gem I couldn't help but get it. Maybelline's Color Pearls Marbleized eyeshadow in Carbon Frost is an awesome combination of two shadows that are layered with so many shimmery swirls which make your eyes twinkle. The Carbon half of Carbon Frost is a nice silvery-coal colored shimmer eyeshadow. It can go on more grayish or black depending on how much you layer it. However, it is not a true black shadow it is more of a gunmetal. Paired with the Carbon is the Frost, a pink shimmery shadow swirled with different grays and silvers with an added pearl effect. The pink is very cool because it never goes on the same. Obviously it doesn't look THAT much different, but the swirls make the color vary slightly each time you swipe it across your lids.


What I do when I wear this is start with the pink frost over my eyelids and up to the brow bone. I then use a brush to spread some of the dark shadow around, usually in a cat-eye shape. I then take some more of the pink and blend it in the center of the eyelid. This results in a dark shimmery look with a touch of pink. You can also use each shadow individually or use the dark color over the eyelid and the pink as a highlighter.


I'm very satisfied with this eyeshadow and love that I am pretty much getting two for the price of one. There are many other Color Pearls Marbleized eyeshadows you can see here.

Final verdict:
Cost: Around $5 found at various drugstores. Don't forget to look around for Maybelline coupons or sales at drugstores, you know they are always going on!
Does the shadow hold up all day?: Used with primer this shadow lasts just as long as any high end shadow.
Is it really shimmery?: This shadow is definitely as shimmery and it looks in the case. It has tiny sparkles laced throughout so if you don't like shimmery shadow this isn't for you. If you are like me and don't differentiate between evening and day eyeshadow, the shimmer will be perfect for you!
Repeat offender? I definitely want to try another duo of the Marbleized eyeshadows by Maybelline, I also want to try some of their other kinds of shadows. So my answer is yes, this is a repeat offender!
-M

What I'm Wearing - 4/23/10

Hey lovelies! I tried a new eye makeup technique over the weekend and wanted to show you. (Click on any picture here to make it larger.)

I'm wearing:
-Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Original (top and bottom)
-Urban Decay Deluxe Eyeshadow in Freakshow (we've mentioned Urban eyeshadows a few times here--these are their super vibrant ones)
-Almay Liquid Liner in Black (not yet reviewed)--top lid
-Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero (mentioned here)--inner rim
-Clinique Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula in Black Onyx
-Nars Orgasm blush

Love the eyeshadow--dark and sultry, but super vibrant and purple. Tip: For some reason, you MUST use the primer potion with this shade. I wore it once without it and it just didn't work. In the container it looks almost black, but actually has a lot of color. The website describes it as having a "red sheen"--I don't really see what they mean, but I guess it is a more red shade of purple than a blue shade.

Using the angled brush from the EcoTools Bamboo set, I smudged some eyeshadow on the outer edge of my lower lash line and connected it with the eyeshadow on top. I kept my eyeliner super thin.

I really liked the effect--super dark on top but not too dramatic on bottom, which stopped it from being too over top. My eyes still looked awake, so it worked for daytime.

Have a great weekend!

-T