'Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place ShadowCreme (in Vintage Violet)' Swatch

 

CremeShadow in Vintage Violet (with primer on top, without on bottom)

Estee Lauder describes: 

Creme eyeshadow delivers intense color that lasts up to 15 hours and goes on fast.

Long-Wear, Stay-True Color
It's stay-true color at your fingertips with matte to demi-pearl finishes.
Creamy formula goes on smoothly, blends easily.
Seamless coverage won't crease or fade.
Can be worn alone or layered under powder eyeshadow.
For all skintypes & ideal for mature skin as it minimizes pulling & tugging of the delicate eyelid.

This  creme shadow is AMAZING!  It has taken me some time to get used to creme shadows but once I figured out how they work with my skin and what I can do to make them look good, I love them!  This Estee Lauder ShadowCreme seriously will not move after you put it on and let it set.  When I was doing the swatches, I went to wash my hands afterwards and the was just going to rub the shadow off and it wouldn't move!

Pros - color true to what you see in container, stays in place after it sets (will not budge, must use cleanser and water to remove), feels good upon application, dries to a nice finish (doesn't stay tacky or anything like some creme shadows do), variety of colors to choose from, easily available, a little goes a long way.

Cons - expensive (approx. $17.50), have to get used to working with a creme eyeshadow.

After a whole day of wear.

Overall, I really recommend Estee Lauder's ShadowCreme.  It does everything that I was looking for a creme eyehadow to do and I am very impressed with it.

Has anyone ever tried any other creme shadows that they really liked?  I would like some additional recommendations if you have any.

Coastal Scents 'Frenzy' Eyeshadow Swatch

 This is what a sample size container looks like.

A swatch of Coastal Scents Frenzy eyeshadow

Coastal Scents describes this eyeshadow:

Frenzy is satiny smooth with the faintest touch of peach and tan tone. This color works great all over eye prior to adding contrast colors.

To me, this color is a light pink and is a great neutral, shimmery color.  I think this could also be used as a highlighter for the brow or for the inner corner of the eye.  I forsee myself using this color a lot in the future, especially on days when I just want a simple/light wash of color.

Nyx Cosmetics Eyeshadow Trio 'Aloha/Mink Brown/Deep Bronze' Swatches

Nyx Eyeshadow Trio: Aloha/Mink Brown/Deep Bronze

The application of these shadows is great, they are smooth feeling, apply evenly, have good pigmentation and are reasonably priced.  You can get these shadows on the Nyx Cosmetics website, Cherry Culture (watch for sales/specials!) and a multitude of other websites.

Personally, I didn't like these shadows on my skintone but I think that they would work well for other people.

What do you think of Nyx eyeshadows? I have heard mixed reviews and I would love to hear what you think.

Lime Crime 'Enchant' & 'Fairy Wings' Swatches & Review

Here are swatches of Lime Crime Magic Dusts, 'Enchant' and 'Fairy Dust.'

These are swatched over Too Faced Shadow Insurance.

Pros - You can see that 'Enchant' is a kind of grayish, dusky green color, it's good for a smoky eye look that is slightly out of the ordinary. I especially like it applied wet.

'Fairy Wings' was really hard to photograph (I apologize), it has sparks of violet and looks beautiful layered over another color (like layered over black). Since I think it's more appropriate as a layering color or a sheer wash on it's own, I would never apply it wet but I thought you guys might like to see that. I also like to use it as a highlight to my brow and cheekbone.

These shadows last a long time (product & wear-wise) so they are well worth the investment and would be especially for colors that you can't find anywhere else!

Cons - The one thing I do not like about these shadows is the container, they spill easily and do not seal tightly, causing me to get violet sparkles all over my bathroom, makeup case, etc. I find it annoying and I am tempted to transfer them into better containers.

I am definitely going to check out more Lime Crime shadows in the future, Doe Deere just revamped the website and they are now offering double the amount of product for the same price! I am for sure going to get some of the brighter pigments in the future.

Go to Lime Crime Makeup to see more color options and to buy a few for yourself!

Does anyone else have these shadows (or other Lime Crime products)? How do you like them?

"Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. II" Swatches & Review

I just got the new 'Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. II' eyeshadow palette in the mail yesterday. I couldn't wait to share it with you all! It is available on Urban Decay's website right now as well as other sites like Sephora.

All swatches seen below are over 'Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner,' which I received a sample tube of at Sephora! (See product info on Sephora).

As you can see, these eyeshadows are pigmented and lovely as usual. The ones with asterisks next to them are new shades that are currently only available in this palette. The colors range from subdued to sparkly and bold. I think this is an excellent palette that can suit both day and nighttime wear.

Here are swatches of what each of the eyeliner's look like that come with this palette. I swatched them both with and without primer, just as an experiment. I actually think they are just a tad more vibrant without primer and I like them better that way.


You can see in this picture that this palette has a pull out drawer which reveals the eyeshadows, eyeliners and makeup primer. There is also a mirror which stays shut with a hidden magnetic closure and a little book of 'inspiration' is hidden beneath the two doors with the peacock feather print on them. I personally don't think the mirror is necessary but I know there are people out there that appreciate that feature.

Pros - affordable (when you do the math, this equals $3/eyeshadow, not even counting the primer & eyeliners), good pigmentation, sturdy construction (I feel like I could carry it around & it wouldn't break), good size pans of eyeshadow, good range of glitter and matte eyeshadows, suitable colors for both day and night, will last a long time.

Cons- the drawer that pulls the eyeshadows out can get annoying and stuck-feeling, I wish it opened like a compact instead.

I really like this palette and I can't wait to show you guys some looks that I do with it! Soon to come!

What do you guys think of this palette as well as Urban Decay's other Holiday releases?

'Heavenly Naturals Eyeshadow' Swatches

Here are some swatches for your viewing/shopping enjoyment!

You can get these eyeshadows on Heavenly Natural Beauty.

All swatches are over 'Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner,' which I received a generous sample tube of at Sephora! (See product info on Sephora).

I like these shadows, I think they have great pigmentation and staying power. I also think that the website offers a great variety of colors to satisfy every kind of person.

Kat Von D Eyeshadow 'True Romance' Palette - Ludwig Swatches

Swatches from Kat Von D's True Romance Palette in Ludwig. These swatches are over 'Too Faced Shadow Insurance.'

Overall, I like the feel of these shadows. They are smooth, apply with vibrancy and last throughout the day (especially with a primer for the lids).

I think that this palette in particular is great for those who don't feel comfortable wearing really bright or 'loud' shadows, i.e. to work. I also think that is a great palette for those days when I want to reach for a champagne like color to pair with a cat eye for a pin-up look. 'Clay' and 'Downtown' really work for me when I want a nude/champagne color. They aren't too yellow like I sometimes find some "nude" eyeshadows appear on my skin, which makes me look sallow rather than sultry. That's not what I want!

I also really want to check out her new perfumes that she has (Saint & Sinner). I forgot to check them out the last time I was at Sephora, I will have to be sure to tell you all what I think of them.