Sunday, August 28, 2011

Korres Eyeshadow: Base, Grey Brown Base, Gold, Golden Bronze, Brown, Brun, Silver, Dark Grey, Purple, Plum

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Korres Eyeshadows

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Top L-R: Base (12S), Grey Brown Base (18S), Gold (24S), Golden Bronze (27S), Brown (35M)
Bottom L-R: Brun (36), Silver (51), Dark Grey (54S), Purple (75S), Plum (77S)

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Top L-R: Base (12S), Grey Brown Base (18S), Gold (24S), Golden Bronze (27S), Brown (35M)
Bottom L-R: Brun (36), Silver (51), Dark Grey (54S), Purple (75S), Plum (77S)

I got these Korres eyeshadows on super sale! I don't know the exact prices anymore because they're not indicated on my invoice, but I basically got ten eyeshadows and a lipstick for $53.50. Ridiculous!

What's even better is that the quality is wonderful. There isn't much to say other than that they're pigmented, smooth, buttery, and blendable. Everything you'd want from a quality product. The only exception is Silver, which did not yield great color payoff on swatching. I'm not sure how it will wear on the lids so I'll have to see.

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Top: Base, Grey Brown Base
Bottom: Gold, Golden Bronze

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Brown, Brun, Silver

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Dark Grey, Purple, Plum

All of mine are shimmery, other than Brown, which is a matte. Base (12S) is one of my favorites. It is a light grayish-beige with subtle pearlescent pink cast, which I think is rather unique. Grey Brown Base (18S) is my favorite of the bunch, a beautiful mid-tone taupe. It is as described, a gray brown that will lean gray or brown depending on how you pair it. I like how it's a taupe that does not have purple undertones. Gold (24S) is a very light golden beige that makes it a great neutral. Golden Bronze (27S) is exactly as described. Brown (35M) is a deep matte charcoal brown that is cool-toned but I'm sure it'll work on all skin tones. Brun (36) is beautiful, a deep warm brown with red undertones. Silver (51) looks cool-toned in the pan but when swatched, it is very light, almost white. For that reason, I think it will work well across skin tones. Its pigmentation upon swatching is weak compared to the others. Dark Grey (54S) is very pretty and as described. Purple (75S) is a light violet, and Plum (77S) is as described, a deep plum purple.

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Base, Grey Brown Base, Gold, Golden Bronze, Brown, Brun, Silver, Dark Grey, Purple, Plum

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Base, Grey Brown Base, Gold, Golden Bronze, Brown

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Brown, Brun, Silver, Dark Grey, Purple, Plum

Sadly, it looks as if these eyeshadows have been phased out of their product line because I can't find them on the Korres website and Sephora only offers them as part of a value set. I suppose that's why I got them at such a steep discount. I believe they were regularly $16, which is rather pricey. Perhaps that is why they did not sell well. I am very happy that I got them at the price that I did because these are excellent eyeshadows. If you can find Grey Brown, then that is definitely the one that I recommend! Taupe-lovers should be thrilled. Base is a good one too because I believe it is a unique shade. The other colors are nice but easily replicated.

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Grey Brown across lids

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Stila Collectible Beach Palette: Stunning in Sayulita

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Stila Collectible Beach Palette No. 1 Stunning in Sayulita

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Stila Collectible Beach Palette No. 1 Stunning in Sayulita

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L-R Cheek Colors: Banderas Bay, Playa
Eyeshadows clockwise from top left: Getaway, Starfish, Sandbar, Palm Trees

I found this Stila palette on sale at Urban Outfitters for $4.99. How could I resist? I've collected quite a few of the other palettes that came in similar form, although those came with convertible colors instead of pressed blush and highlighter. Those were $10 each, while these newer palettes are $14 regular price.

I feel that the quality of this palette is superior to the $10 ones that I have. The eyeshadows are smoother and feel less dry. The pigmentation is nice as well. They are, however, quite powdery. One odd thing I noticed as I was swatching these was that a lump of powder would move around under my finger instead of dispersing as I rubbed it in. It's hard to explain. However, I did not have any problems when applying these to my eyes so I guess it's not too important.

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Banderas Bay, Starfish, Getaway, Sandbar, Palm Trees, Playa

Starfish is a light peach with shimmer. Getaway is probably my favorite color because it's more complex than it appears. It's a light violet shade that also has strong mauvey-pink tones so I think that its appearance will change depending on what shades you pair it with. It looks quite pink in my swatches. To my naked eye, it is definitely lilac, especially when paired with Sandbar, which is a deep plum. Sandbar looks rather brown in my pictures, so this might be another interesting shade that changes depending on how you wear it. With purple-toned colors, its plum hues dominate but it might appear more brown when paired with neutral shades. I'm interested to test that out. Lastly, Palm Trees is a mossy green color. I don't feel that it fits in with the other colors in this palette, and it's not a color that I personally feel comfortable wearing. However, I do feel that it's a more wearable green because it's sort of olive-colored.

The blush, Playa, is a warm medium pink with a matte finish. It is quite pigmented but beware that it also gets powdery when you run your brush over it. Banderas Bay is the highlighter, a light, shimmery pinky-beige. I tried it on but didn't find it to be of any use. I did not notice it leaving any shimmer on my cheekbones.

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Top down: Getaway, Starfish, Banderas Bay

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Top down: Playa, Palm Trees, Sandbar

In summary, this is a nice palette with a richly-pigmented blush and smooth, buttery eyeshadows that have decent color payoff. The highlighter, however, is a dud. The colors aren't must-haves by any means. They're not quite neutral because they they carry purples and greens, but they're not quite colorful enough to excite color-lovers. Still, for $4.99, this is a great deal! If you can find it at Urban Outfitters for this price, then I definitely recommend it. The full-price is not bad at all considering what you get. However, these colors don't appeal enough to me that I would pay $14 for them. That, of course, is a matter of personal preference.

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Starfish in inner corner, Getaway across lids, Sandbar on outer corner
(the look as a whole appears more purple in real life)

Friday, August 26, 2011

Shiseido: Pureness Matifying Moisturizer

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Shiseido Pureness Matifying Moisturizer

I used up the last of my Shiseido Pureness Matifying Moisturizer a while back. I used this moisturizer exclusively for years, all throughout college and beyond. I was mainly attracted to it because it was oil-free and very light. It dried quickly and didn't leave my skin feeling sticky, which I hated about the lotions that I tried before it. This was also important to me because I wore Bare Minerals exclusively for a long time. Powders do not apply well over thick, greasy lotions so it was nice to have one that was so light.

The texture is like that of a serum. It's sort of a watery, not at all a cream but not quite a gel. This is the only moisturizer I've tried with this sort of consistency. It was good for fast dry-time but unfortunately, it was not heavy enough to moisturize in any substantial way. I liked the scent of it, which is fresh and clean.

Though I was loyal to this product for a long time, I know now that there are better moisturizers out there. I wasn't in the habit of trying out different products when I was a college student so I stuck by what I knew. However, I have since found lotions that do so much more to make my skin feel moisturized and smooth without leaving behind sticky or greasy residue. By comparison, Shiseido Pureness was too light to provide the sort of moisture that my skin needs. It also claims to be matifying but I don't recall that this was the case. I get oily in the T-zone as the day progresses and I have yet to find a product that prevents that.

This moisturizer is marketed to teens with oily skin so if you're in that demographic, then this is not a bad one to try. It feels light and clean but I am pretty certain that it will not prevent shine. It will not be ideal if you often have dry skin like I do because this lotion will not do enough to moisturize it. It retails for $33 for 1.6 oz, which should last you a good while. Based on my own experiences, I would suggest that if you have combination skin where you get oily in the T-zone but dry elsewhere, give Philosophy's Hope in a Jar or Rare Minerals' Purely Nourishing Facial Moisturizer a try as these work well for me.

Urban Outfitters Nail Lacquer: Barstool

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Urban Outfitters Barstool

I just got a bunch of nail polishes from Urban Outfitters in colors that I'm quite excited about. Two of them look like potential dupes for some more expensive polishes. I'll provide sneak peeks below, though I'll do individual reviews when I actually try the other shades.

The one I have on is Barstool, a medium grayed blue in a creme/jelly finish. I'm really loving grayed hues. I think that quality neutralizes colors that would normally intimidate me.

The formula was quite sheer and seemed a bit slow to dry but I used Seche Vite to speed things up. It's definitely not the greatest formula I've tried because it was sheer and sort of gloppy. However, I don't personally care too much as long as I get the finish that I want.

At 2 for $8, or $5 regular price, these polishes are not going to hurt your wallet. The formula is not ideal but I love the color selection, which is what I care most about. I think they're worth checking out!

P.S. I love the names of these colors too.

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Urban Outfitters Barstool (natural light)

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Urban Outfitters Barstool (with flash)

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Urban Outfitters Nail Lacquers: Dust, Afterhours, Barstool, Ashtray

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Urban Outfitters Dust

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Urban Outfitters Dust on pinky

Dust is a deeper blue sheer base with lots and lots of silver sparkle, including regular and larger hexagonal glitters. It looks to me like Deborah Lippmann's Today Was a Fairytale, although I don't actually have that polish to do a direct comparison. Based on swatches online, I'm thinking that Dust may be more opaque than the Deborah Lippmann polish. That would make it a worthwhile dupe at $4/5, compared to $20 for Today Was a Fairytale! I only have this color on my pinkies, layered over Barstool, so I'm not sure how this would look worn alone. I did find this formula to dry more quickly than Barstool, and it was less gloppy as well.

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Urban Outfitters Afterhours

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Urban Outfitters Afterhours

Afterhours is a dazzling holographic-looking pink. Instant mood-booster! I'm excited to try it.

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Urban Outfitters Ashtray

Ashtray is a pearlescent green-black that looks like it may be a dupe for Chanel's Black Pearl, which I've reviewed previously. I'll see how well it compares and report back!

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Chanel Illusion d'Ombre Long-Wear Luminous Eyeshadow: Illusoire, Epatant

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Chanel Illusion d'Ombre Long-Wear Luminous Eyeshadows

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Illusoire (83), Epatant (84)

These cream eyeshadows by Chanel are truly something else. They are very pricey at $36 per pot but it is not hard to justify once you give them a try.

They're quite unique in their finish and texture. These are very smooth and airy, sort of mousse-like but denser. You pick up substantial pigment with just a light touch. These are not like MAC's Paint Pots, which are very dense and glide around when warmed with touch. You do not want to apply pressure to the Chanel pots as you would with Paint Pots because I'm pretty sure your finger would go right through. You can see where I've smoothed the top down by touching my finger to it. All I need is to lightly dab to pick up product.

Both shades are incredibly shimmery, and I believe the rest of the line is as well (I assume that is why they're called "luminous" shadows). If you wear these sheer, you'll get a good wash of shimmer with a light touch of color. The color can definitely be built up for strong pigmentation as well. I don't find that these set the way that Paint Pots or other cream shadows (MUF Aqua Creams, Benefit's Creaseless Creams) do as those products dry pretty quickly. These Chanel creams seem to retain that smooth, emollient feeling but remarkably, they do not crease or smudge around! It is amazing!

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Illusoire (83)

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Epatant (84)

Illusoire is a lovely grayed-purple. This is the only one I've tried on my eyes and it wore very well. Epatant is a yellowed-silver which I think is so wonderful. Most silvers are cool-toned but this one is warmed with the yellow and quite unique, as far as I can tell.

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Epatant, Illusoire

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From bottom up: Epatant, Illusoire

In summary, I definitely recommend that you at least go to a Chanel counter to swatch these! The price is certainly prohibitive but these are so unique and beautiful that I think they're worth it. Even if you don't end up buying one, it should be interesting to feel the texture of it.

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Illusoire (very shimmery)

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Illusoire

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Morning: Illusoire across lids, MUA Shade 11 on outer corner

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After 6 hours: Illusoire across lids, MUA Shade 11 on outer corner

UPDATE 9/1

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Epatant

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Epatant paired with brown eyeshadow

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

MUA Eye Shadow: Shades 11, 12, 14, 20

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Clockwise from top: Shade 11, Shade 12, Shade 20, Shade 14

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Top: Shade 11, Shade 12
Bottom: Shade 14, Shade 20

I can't tell you how happy I am that I bought these MUA (Makeup Academy) eyeshadows when I stopped by London. I only recall hearing about this brand once but that was enough for me to pay attention. I was basically trying to get everything that seemed worthwhile that I am not able to get from home.

MUA eyeshadows sell for £1 each, which comes out to $1.65 per eyeshadow (2g). That is ridiculously cheap and the quality is amazing. I've only worn the brown one (of course) but I was happy with the way the others swatched.

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Shade 11, Shade 12, Shade 14, Shade 20

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Shade 11, Shade 12, Shade 14, Shade 20

Shade 11 is a brown-taupe with a pearl finish. It looks neutral, maybe even a little cool, in the pot but I find that there are reddish tones to it that I see when I blend it out on my lid. The texture of the eyeshadow is sort of flaky when you press your brush into it. It reminds me of the Body Shop eyeshadows in that the formula seems almost as if it's a pressed pigment. However, it does not get crumbly and it applies beautifully, very smooth and blendable. I am beyond happy with this color.

Shade 12 is a duochrome that I can see people going crazy over. It's one of those interesting, complex colors, a red-brown with strong green flash in the pearl finish. It looks a lot like Too Faced's Glampire when applied sheer. They'd probably pair together very well. I'd say that Shade 14 is a darkened teal, an interesting mix of deep blues and greens. I think the color is beautiful even though it's not one that I know how to wear. It is a pearl finish. Lastly, Shade 20 is a matte black. Like the others, it is buttery smooth and pigmented. It's not the most intense black on first swipe but I'm sure the color can be built.

I actually bought two more as gifts. I gave one away already so I don't know the shade # but it was a deep purple. The other is Shade 9, which looks like a bright purple/blue duochrome. Not a color I would personally wear but even I can appreciate how amazing it looks. I'll take a picture of it.

If it isn't already clear from the rest of my review, I highly, highly recommend these eyeshadows! Amazing quality for an astoundingly low price! I am sad that I don't have the chance to get more. You should definitely get these if you can.

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Morning: Shade 11 as main color across lids

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After 10 hours: Shade 11 as main color across lids

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Essie: Sew Psyched

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Essie Sew Psyched

Essie's Sew Psyched is such an interesting shade of gray-green. I love the color in and of itself but I was a bit wary of having green on my nails. I went for it anyway and I am quite thrilled! I think it's chic, cool, and unique. It's definitely not an in-your-face type of green. It's subdued and elegant.

There isn't much to say other than that. The formula was very nice to work with, as I think has always been the case with Essie polishes. I have no complaints!

Please excuse the strange nail design. It was a failed attempt at a bow.

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Natural light

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With flash

Monday, August 22, 2011

NYX Lip Lacquer Pot: Okie Dokie Artichokie

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NYX Okie Dokie Artichokie

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NYX Okie Dokie Artichokie

NYX's Lip Lacquer Pot in Okie Dokie Artichokie is a medium neutral pink with flecks of gold shimmer. The color is sheer when applied to the lips, adding just a touch of color. It is, however, very thick and glossy. I find it to be rather sticky when first applied but it feels better as it warms on my lips. Because this is thick and sticky, I don't like it in pot form because I don't prefer to get it on my fingers. It lasts a few hours, maybe 2-3, which is how I find most lip products tend to wear on me.

There's nothing really special about this product. From what I recall, I believe that this is the most neutral shade in the range. However, it hardly adds pigment to the lips so there isn't much difference from a clear gloss. I don't think it is worth looking into, especially for $6. There are cheaper glosses with more to offer in the way of color and finish than this one.

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Nude lips

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NYX Okie Dokie Artichokie