I was, however, charmed into sitting down for a makeup application by the lovely Lise Watier MUA (hello Erika!) at my local Pharmaprix, and I was so impressed by how she used the Pastel Power palette that I bought it on the spot.
The packaging has the same kind of pretty floral detailing that is featured on the Illuminating Beads, with a very retro-feeling pale aqua interior.
Most of the Lise Watier palettes that I have tried contain eyeshadows with a shimmer finish, and a smooth, almost creamy texture. This palette is a little bit different.
The pale blue and mushroom beige shades have a satin, almost matte finish, and a fine, silky texture. The beige shade has a medium pigmentation that can be applied as a sheer wash for a delicate look, or can be layered for more opacity. It's really nice on its own for a super-simple everyday look if you have a skin tone similar to mine.
The pale blue has light pigmentation, and can be used for an inner corner highlight or to blend out the edges of the darker teal shade. Over a creamy white base, it can be packed on the lid for a 60s style look, as per the Tippi Hedren look that Lisa Eldridge recently posted. Although it's not chalky, I suspect it will look washed out on skin tones deeper than mine, as it is not opaque enough to build up for enough contrast. It has a fine texture that can brush away easily, so it's best to pat it on with a firm brush.
Both of these shades wear best over a primer, lasting 8 hours for me that way. Without primer, I noticed fading after about 5 hours for the beige, with faster and more significant fading for the light blue.
The smoky, greyed teal shade is the standout for me. It has a touch more shimmer, and a slightly creamier texture than the lighter shades. It also has stronger pigmentation, and I was surprised by the beautiful smoky eye that Erika was able to create with this shade as the dominant piece. I actually don't think I have a comparable shade in my collection, and I do wish this was available as a stand-alone eyeshadow. I would snap it right up!
The light, warm pink shade has a similar finish and texture to the other lighter shades, and can be used similarly to those. BUT. It also doubles as a blush, and beautifully at that. It creates a softly glowy cheek that just embodies spring for me. I love, love, love that this little palette is multi-faceted, and that between all the shades it can create the most delicate look or something much more intense.
Availability: On the www.lisewatier.com site (and on www.lisewatier.us for shipping to the States) for 36$ CAD and USD. Also at Pharmaprix, Jean Coutu and The Bay locations.
Pros: Super pretty packaging design. Beautiful and unusual smoked teal shade. An all-over pink shade that can double as a blush on lighter skin tones. Fairly versatile palette that can be used for a barely-there, ethereal look or something more dramatic.
Cons: The wear time and intensity of the beige and especially the pale blue is best served by using a primer underneath. The pale blue is prone to brushing away, and is best used as an accent.
(I purchased this item from Pharmaprix.)
I'm really liking this brand. You're right on the teal color, it is unique and unusual. Great swatches!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Judith!
DeleteYou know, for a brand that's so ubiquitous on the Canadian market, it still feels like I'm finding a hidden gem.
I'm still not totally sold on Lise Watier products (for no good reason at all, really), but this is an absolutely lovely looking palette! The tones are so fantastic, I feel like this would work through winter and spring (and even perhaps fall!). Great choice, Maggie :)
ReplyDeleteIt does have a great tonality that crosses between spring and winter - icy but delicate, you know?
DeleteI think LW might have some particular connotations that are hard to shake. What do you think is inspiring your 'eh' feelings about it?