Pupa Spring 2015 Sporty Chic Collection - Graphic Eyeshadow Palette and Velvet Matt Cream Eyeshadow

Purchased items.

SPRING IS HERE.

No?

Well, eff it, let's pretend.

I'm diving deep into all the pastels I can find. I ran across the Pupa Spring display at Jean Coutu a few weeks back, and all those beautiful lilacs and apple greens called to my soul. I had to get a few bits from the Sporty Chic Collection - especially an incredible-looking cream shadow in a shade I've actually never seen before (and crossed my fingers it would show up as vibrant on the eye as it does in the jar).

The vibe here is giving me a flashback to the 4th grade (mid 80s, to save you the math), which is admittedly not a time period I'm usually inclined to revisit. And yet...I'm having the sweetest wave of nostalgia right now (bolstered by these kind of articles). Preteen me would have given this palette a place of honour on her dresser, right next to her bottles of Exclamation and Electric Youth.

The actual colour palette reads a little less obviously 80s, though. A little Twiggy, maybe?

Either way, it's beautiful. All of the eyeshadows have the same ultra-fine, smooth texture, creamy but thin in the way of the Maybelline Color Plush eyeshadows. The pigmentation is semi-sheer, but intentionally so, not due to chalkiness. To me, these are fantastic layering shades, as they all have some degree of opalescent shimmer that sits so well on top of a deeper base, though they can still be used by themselves. Wear-time was surprisingly good for chiffon-light shades like this, about 8 hours without significant wear and tear, though with fading. (Over a primer or cream base.)

I think veils of colour like this feel very modern right now, especially for spring. I'm kind of tired of the very contoured/defined/transition shade/3-point eye looks that are Instagram staples right now.

If you're going to get something from this collection though, it HAS to be the Velvet Matt cream eyeshadow in #003. This is truly incredible. Purples are notoriously difficult to get right in terms of texture and payoff, but a pastel-hued version in a matte cream formula? That truly is a marvel.

This applies perfectly true from jar to skin, and can be used fully opaque without creasing or bunching, and can be buffed out without going patchy.

And the colour...LOOKIT.

I really don't think I've seen anything quite like it, especially not in such a top-notch formulation. I didn't need to use a primer under it, and it lasted 8 plus hours without budging, cracking or fading.

I did a quick look using these guys, drawing from both the Twiggy/60s/Mod side and the current Korean-inspired Spring makeup trends. 

I used the Velvet Matt as a base on the mobile lid and lightly buffed into the crease, and then layered the lilac shadow on the lid, with the pale pink in the centre of the lid. I used the apricot through my crease. I then worked a Sephora Contour Eye Pencil in the shade #37 Caipirinha Dreaming' into the lower lash line, and then buffed the chartreuse shade over that. The pale lemon yellow went into the inner corner. I finished off the eyes with little wing courtesy of the Le Métier de Beauté pen liner, and a couple coats of Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash mascara.

To keep on-trend with the radiant, "just had a facial" skin, I applied a crapload of moisturizer, used the Make Up For Ever Smoothing Primer, and then applied the Clarins Everlasting Foundation using a buffing brush that was dampened with a glycerin-heavy toner from Nuxe. A bit of bright Delizioso Pink blush from Milani on the cheeks, and then loads of balm and a swipe of Quince from Bite Beauty on the lips, faded out to the lipline for a juicy effect.

I'm digging it.

I know Pupa is hard to get in Canada - I can only find it here in Jean Coutu stores. Have you guys seen it anywhere else?

(I purchased all the items. This post is not sponsored or otherwise compensated.)

No Fuss Makeup (ft. Clarins Ombre Matte, Bourjois 123 Perfect, YSL TheMats)

(Contains press samples. Affiliate links.)

I really like the concept of the No Makeup Look. I just can't be bothered to spend all that time on my makeup only to appear the same walking out the door as I did rolling out of bed. If it's a no-makeup day, then it's really a NO makeup day. If I'm going to wear it, it's because I want to do something transformative and fun with my face - not to create a more presentable version of myself for others, but because the ritual and the results please me.

But then there are those days when I want to wear makeup, but I just don't have the time or the energy for the process - I need effect with minimal investment.

That's when I pull out the three staples that I know will always work for a No Fuss Look: a shimmery, mid-toned cream eyeshadow in a neutral but dimensional colour, a matte finish, medium cover foundation, and a MLBB lipstick.

The cream eyeshadow is what really makes this work. It needs to be something that picks up on the natural colours of the eyelid, so something in the taupe, greige, mauve, plum families for my skin tone. A bit of shimmer keeps it from looking too flat (or the look starts to lean into the Hungover Troll category).

The one I've been loving lately is the Clarins Ombre Matte in the shade Sparkle Grey (#05), which is that perfect mix of grey and plum - more silvered grey when applied intensely, more plum when buffed out. The texture is softer and than the Maybelline Color Tattoos, a bit more along the lines of the powder/cream texture of the Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill, or the Dior Fusion Monos. (I don't know if that's the case with the other shades in the range, as this is the only shimmer one.) It's ridiculously easy to apply and blend out, which is a big plus for this look, though I generally do need to use a primer as well to keep it from creasing or fading a bit after a few hours.

I usually apply it with a flat synthetic brush all over my eyelid, and run some under my lower lashes (not too thin, the idea is to have a bit of a haze rather than a defined line). Then I take a fluffy brush and buff it out from the crease. Mascara and some black liner to tightline, and done.

Then foundation. Here I do prefer it be matte, because I find the lasting power is generally better, and there's usually minimal need for a concealer or powder on top of it, especially with a medium coverage formula. I always apply with a beauty blender, fas the matte finish is tempered down to a more skin-like satin (which I prefer), without sacrificing longevity.

I've been trying out the new Bourjois 123 Foundation, which is marketed under some dubious claims about having special pigments that counteract the various defects in your skin tone. (Trufact: EVERY foundation has those same pigments. They're what gives foundation the beige/brown colouring. When you were a kid, did you ever mix all your different paints together and get some brown goo at the end of it? Same concept, only with titanium dioxide added to lighten the tone as needed.)

Eye-rolling claims aside, it's actually a very nice foundation. The finish is very comparable to the matte-but-not-flat result you get from the Chanel Perfection Lumiere (not shocking, as Chanel and Bourjois are sister brands), though it shares the latter's similar tendency to emphasize flakiness. (Which is another reason to apply it with a beauty blender.) I don't get the 16 hours of wear promised by the label, but it definitely keeps up during the better part of the day, getting a bit shiny around my nose about 6-7 hours in, but otherwise looking stable. The only touch up I'm likely to do is a quick pat with a kleenex. The coverage is decently medium on its own, and I find that dabbing a little extra on spots is usually all I need to cover those up. (Though I do still need my usual salmon concealer to cover up the epic sleepless zombie purple under my eyes.)

For lips, I like a product that 1) is easy and fast to apply and 2) equally easy to reapply during the day. Usually this translates into a nude-pink shade that just lightly deepens my natural lip colour, and in a finish that's doesn't require precision.

In the past the YSL Volupté Shine in Nude in Private was my go-to, but lately I've been using the YSL The Mats in Nude Acoustic (#210). I have a review here, but the short version: lightweight and comfortable to wear despite the matte finish, superbly flattering colour, and surprisingly easy to apply - no need for lipliner, and can be dabbed on using a window or other shiny surface as a stand-in mirror without getting that lipstick smear that makes me look like a barmy maiden aunt.

If I have more time and/or energy, I'll swipe on a quick blush, but generally I find these three main items are enough for me to feel "done".

Some quick swatches!

And the finished, No Fuss face! :)

The nice thing about this look is that it can be juiced up with minimal effort as well, should I feel like it. The Ombre Matte works well as a base, so I can just dab a lighter shadow in the inner corner, blend a charcoal in the crease and a bit under the eye, and then add more liner if need be. I can add blush or contour or highlight as I wish, maybe powder if the shine is breaking through on my nose, and then retouch the lip, maybe add a dab of gloss. With that extra few minutes, it goes from No Fuss to Casually Sexy Smokey.

Do you guys have a go-to look for those days when you have limited time or resources? What are the staple ingredients for you?

(I purchased the Clarins and the Bourjois items, the YSL was compliments of the brand. This post is not sponsored or compensated, opinions are my own. Contains affiliate links.)

Make Up For Ever Aqua Matic Waterproof Glide-On Eye Shadow

(Contains one press sample. Affiliate links.)

If there's one thing I trust Make Up For Ever to nail - every single time - is the waterproof claim. When those guys say something is waterproof, it's enough to last through a deluge. (There's a reason MUFE is heavily favoured by both folks who do water ballet and makeup artists who do bridal.)

The Aqua Matic Waterproof Glide-On Eye Shadows are no exception.

The Aqua Matics are not only waterproof, they're very nearly indestructible. They refuse to rub off, and easily make it through tears, sweat, and showers. Micellar waters make a dent only with significant elbow grease, so I had to rely on my trusty oil cleanser at the end of the night. (No rubbing-induced wrinkles for me, thank you!)

I've read that some people find them to be drying, and that wasn't the case for me, but the way they set does create a particular sensation on the lid. It feels almost like a bit of a light film? The closest comparison would be the way your skin feels immediately after applying a setting spray. It doesn't feel unpleasant or drying to me, but I can see how it might.

Aside from the waterproof qualities, I think these pencils are generally very long lasting. They really resist wear and tear, and last 10-plus hours on me. They're a little firmer and less creamy than other eyeshadow pencils I've tried, but not so much that they're uncomfortable to use. The packaging is also really practical, with a twist-up function and a sharpener built into the bottom of the pencil casing.

They can be worn alone or as a base, and depending on the shade you choose, the base option might be better. The I-30 (Iridescent Lime Green), I-22 (Iridescent Electric Blue) and ME-50 (Metallic Golden Taupe) all have great pigmentation, build up to complete opacity without a problem and apply smoothly. The D-10 (Diamond Black) is sheerer to begin with, and doesn't really look opaque on the lid, no matter how much it's built up. It does have an interesting oil-slick sort of look, however, so for a lived in, "greasy" look smoky eye that actually doesn't rely on greasepaint, it's a neat option. (Probably more editorial than the casual consumer would like.)

I do find that the Aqua Matics are best for an intense, graphic eye look if you're using them as eyeshadow. (The blue is particularly stunning applied all over the lid, with an exaggerated wing and smoky crease - if I have time, I'll do a video with this look.)

I tried applying these shades as more subtle washes, and they just end up looking patchy and odd. They're also difficult to blend out, because they set literally in seconds. If you want to buff the edges out, you have to work in small increments. For a more natural look, the neutral shades are best, because you can apply them all over the lid without sheering them out, and then layer a shimmer or satin powder eyeshadow over them for a softened effect. If you do want to try applying them as washes, I would suggest dabbing a little on with your finger instead of going straight from the pencil, as the body heat will make it a little easier.

If you want to use one of the vivid shades without committing to a bold eye look, they are excellent used as eyeliners, or accent shades in smaller placements (especially if you're prone to water-based wear along your lash line or inner corner, for example).

I don't think these are as user-friendly for the average consumer as similar eyeshadow pencils from other brands, but if you're looking for something waterproof and long-wearing with a lot of intensity, then these are exactly what you need.

Availability: At Sephora stores and www.sephora.com. Also available from Naimie's and Nigel Beauty Emporium, via phone order. Price is 21$ USD and 25$ CAD.

Have you guys given this a try? How does it stack up to other eyeshadow pencils you have?

(Shade D-10 was provided by the brand/PR to be considered for review. I purchased the other shades. All opinions are my own, this review is not sponsored or compensated. Affiliate links.)

Maybelline Bleached Neons Collection - Summer 2014

I'm going through a bit of a busy period at work, and trying to work on some blog posts when I can. In the meantime, I just wanted to get some pictures and swatches out for some of the items from the new Maybelline Bleached Neons Summer Collection, which is in drugstores now.

I have a feeling this will be one of those blink-and-you'll-curse-the-gods kind of collections. If you like something, I suggest getting it now, because with only a couple of each item on the displays...

I decided to skip the nail polishes (from what I've heard they have a tricky formula, which is not unusual for pastel-type shades), but they were quite pretty. I also passed on the Master Glaze bronzers - just not feeling shimmery bronzers at the moment.

The rest of the collection is right in my wheelhouse, however.

Maybelline Bleached Neons Summer 2014 Collection

I have a couple of these Master Glaze sticks, and while I'm not uniformly impressed by all of them, I think they're generally fun. A really easy, dab-and-go formula.

This one is in the shade Enchanting Apricot, which is a pink-toned peach with A LOT of shimmer. Really too much to wear during the day, and almost too much for a highlighter. On the plus side, it does apply more sheerly, so if you were inclined to wear it lightly over a less...rambunctious blush, you could.

Maybelline Bleached Neons Master Glaze in Enchanting Apricot

Maybelline Bleached Neons Master Glaze in Enchanting Apricot

The Color Elixir Lip Colors that are included in this line-up are gorgeous, bloom-evoking shades. If you've tried the formula, these are again no surprise: moderate pigment, a cushy, slightly thick, buttery texture that is nevertheless not tacky, and a particular vanilla-floral scent that is make-or-break for a lot of people. (I happen to like it.)

The three I chose were I'm Blushing, a milky baby pink that looks best layered over a nude lipstick, Radiant Raspberry, a medium, vibrant rose, and Glowing Garnet, which is nothing like the name implies; it's a neutral, muted pink.

Maybelline Bleached Neons Color Elixirs in I'm Blushing, Radiant Rasberry, Glowing Garnet 

Top to bottom: Maybelline Bleached Neons
Color Elixirs in I'm Blushing, Radiant Rasberry, Glowing Garnet

This collection also introduces the Master Drama Chromatics eye pencils. (Which I believe are remaining as part of the regular offerings.) I've never tried the original version, so I can't say how these compare performance wise. On my lower lash line, I got about 7 hours of wear before I noticed some fading and thinning, though it stayed put without smudging. 

From what I saw, there were four different colours, and I chose the one that felt the most summery - the vibrant, peacock-y Blast of Blue. They all have a strongly metallic finish, and an intensely creamy consistency that applies with great payoff and without a hint of drag. 

Maybelline Master Drama Chromatics Eye Liner in Blast of Blue

 Of course, I had to get the Color Tattoos. Maybelline really hit gold with their original formula for this range, and I'm glad they're continuing to bring out new and limited shades with each season (though these can be hit or miss).

Both Sunwashed Sky and Shimmering Sea are pure Pisces bait - intensely shimmery shades of blue with a beautiful duochrome effect.

Sunwashed Sky is a pale blue with an icy violet duochrome. It is the more shimmery and sheer of the two, and the one that loses most of the dual-toned effect once applied on the eye - looking more silvery blue than anything else. I also found this one creased a bit on me after a few hours.

Shimmering Sea, on the other hand, has a distinct aqua/gold duochrome that stays visible once applied. And it is FANTASTIC. This is the kind of shade that is perfect for lazy summer nights - slapped on quickly, with a bit of shimmer brown in the lash line, and out the door you go. It's also a great option for brown eyes like mine, that otherwise tend to look beady with overtly pastel shades.

Maybelline Bleached Neons Color Tattoos in Sunwashed Sky and Shimmering Sea

Maybelline Bleached Neons Color Tattoos in Sunwashed Sky and Shimmering Sea 

Maybelline Bleached Neons Color Tattoos in Sunwashed Sky and Shimmering Sea,
and Master Drama Chromatics in Blast of Blue (in sunlight)

Maybelline Bleached Neons Color Tattoos in Sunwashed Sky and Shimmering Sea,
and Master Drama Chromatics in Blast of Blue 

Availability: At SDM/Pharmaprix, Jean Coutu and Wal-Mart, prices vary by location and promotions.

Have you guys seen these displays yet? Are you getting anything, or are you waiting for the fall collections? (And I cannot believe I just said that.)

(I purchased all these items.)

Shu Uemura Bijoux Collection for Spring 2014 - Silk Cushion Eyeshadows and Blushes

I've decided that Shu Uemura is my go-to brand when it comes to creating subtle, ethereal looks. I don't think their range lacks in any products for creating stronger or more graphic makeup, but I do think they excel in particular when it comes to evoking a more delicate, fey sort of beauty. More than any other brand, I think of creatures of air and water and woodland when I look at their collections.

The Bijoux collection for Spring is no exception. Kakuyasu Uchiide, Shu Uemura's international artistic director, suggests that "the key for this look is natural freshness, through using light reflection effectively, and also by using soft colours to create soft contours".

The key words here are "soft" and "light reflection". The formula of the blushes and eyeshadows is a literal interpretation of those concepts: their texture is marshmallow-soft and springy, and they are infused with a shimmer that comes across as either a soft sheen, or as a sunlight-on-ocean-waves sparkle.

The Silk Cushion Blusher is offered in two shades: Rose Quartz, a rose pink, and Orange Quartz, a peachy orange.

Shu Uemura Silk Cushion Blush in Rose Quartz and Orange Quartz

Shu Uemura Silk Cushion Blush in Rose Quartz

Shu Uemura Silk Cushion Blush in Orange Quartz

If you've poked at the Maybelline Dream Bouncy blushes, you won't be taken aback by the texture of these. They have a similar sort of plush "give" when you press into them, leaving behind a dent that very slowly fluffs back up. I would say these have a slightly more mousse-like consistency, but with a similarly slippy feel. They're cream blushes, technically, but don't fall precisely into the dewy camp or the cream-to-powder finish. They don't feel tacky on the skin - or even perceptible, for that matter.

They are actually fairly pigmented, and can be layered up to the full-blown shade featured in the first swatches below, if so desired. I do think they are best applied with a soft touch - specifically a duo-fibre brush. They blend so easily, and look very natural. Even the orange, which I normally would give wide berth to, looks fabulous applied like that. The finish is a satiny sheen, which only underscores that enchanted wood nymph image I have going on in my head. They have this lovely luminosity that doesn't rely on any kind of obvious shimmer.

Wear time was not exceptional. They averaged about 6 hours before I saw fading. If you're prone to having makeup slide off your face, you're better off stashing it in your bag and touching up. The nice thing is that they don't get all weird and cakey if you do need to add a bit throughout the day, even over powder.

In the swatches below I've applied them straight on and then as a softer wash, which is truer to the way I would wear them. (Apologies for the flipped swatches, but I trust you can tell which is the Rose versus the Orange. :P)

The Silk Cushion Eyeshadows are offered in four shades: Amethyst Purple, a pale lilac, Morganite Pink (MORGANite??? Come on now, Shu has to be with me on the fey thing with that one), Peridot Green, a light apple green with a hint of gold, and Amber Brown, an almost minky shade of brown, not nearly as warm as I expected from the name. It actually looks barely darker than my lid shade when applied, despite how it swatches out.

From top left, clockwise: Shu Uemura Silk Cushion Eyeshadows in Amber Brown,
Amethyst Purple, Peridot Green, Morganite Pink

From top left, clockwise: Shu Uemura Silk Cushion Eyeshadows in Amber Brown,
Peridot Green, Morganite Pink, Amethyst Purple

From top left, clockwise: Shu Uemura Silk Cushion Eyeshadows in Morganite Pink,
Amethyst Purple, Peridot Green, Amber Brown

These have the same exact texture as the blushes, with the same potential for pigment payoff. My caveat to this is that they both look and perform better when applied lightly. Applied full on, the same way you would something like a Color Tattoo or a Paint Pot, can actually cause them to fade and crease within a few hours. It's like the slippery texture bunches up over itself as your lid moves naturally throughout the day. (Similar to the way the Flower Beauty and Lise Watier mousse-like cream shadows perform on me, actually.)

I had the best results applying a light wash, be it over a primer or as a finishing veil over another eyeshadow. The colour intensity is diminished, but the sparkle factor is enhanced. (Applied opaquely, they look more metallic/frosty.) The effect looks almost liquid, like the sun reflecting off water. It's a really beautiful look, but if you do prefer to have the colour intensity, you'll definitely need to use a fantastic primer and anticipate reduced wear time.

Shu Uemura Silk Cushion Eyeshadows in Morganite Pink, Amethyst Purple, Peridot Green, Amber Brown
Applied straight on for color intensity.

Shu Uemura Silk Cushion Eyeshadows in Morganite Pink, Amethyst Purple, Peridot Green, Amber Brown
Applied as a sheer wash.

Availability: This collection can be ordered from www.shuuemura.ca and www.shuuemura-usa.com. In Canada, they can also be purchased at Holt Renfrew and select Sephora and Hudson's Bay locations, if still in stock. Prices are 22$ USD/30$ CAD for the eyeshadows, and 25$ USD/35$ CAD for the blushes. (And yeah, the price difference for the blush is...not fun.)

Have you guys checked out anything from this collection yet? Or are you already onto the summer one?

(Items in this review were provided by the brand/pr. This post is not sponsored or compensated, all opinions are mine.)

Lise Watier Tartantastique Fall 2013 - Ombre Soufflé Supreme in Tartan Magique

The Lise Watier Tartantastique collection for Fall features some really dreamy, fairytale-appropriate items - none more so than the Tartan Magique Ombre Soufflé. (I may have made a sound resembling a squeak when I opened the jar. Ok, yes, I definitely did.)

It's ALL kinds of gorgeous.

Tartan Magique is a deep teal, layered with fine golden iridescence, creating a wonderfully sparkly, dimensional look when applied to the eye. It's aethereal and beautiful, and the sort of thing I imagine an elven queen would be fond of.

The texture of the Ombre Soufflé range is interesting - basically a soft, squishy, whipped mousse that gives way easily and feels quite silicone-y to the touch. It actually reminds me a bit of the texture of the Flower Beauty Color Play Creme Shadows, though without the same degree of slip that made the latter so difficult to control, blend and build. I found this to apply easily, and sheer out and build up - to a point - without difficulty.

I found I needed a primer to make this last, however. Without one, it had all but disappeared from my crease area within 4 hours. With my Nars primer, it was still good after about 7 hours, but starting to look a little faded overall. Over a stickier cream base, like a paint pot, the intensity remained stronger throughout, with no fading or creasing past the 9 hour mark. This isn't a no-fuss product, but the effect is so pretty that it's worth the effort for me.

It may work also well as a base by itself for those with drier or otherwise less finicky lids. On mine I still had a bit of creasing when I used just the Ombre and a powder eyeshadow overtop, but none at all with a primer underneath the combo.

As a side benefit, the Ombre Soufflé also contain anti-oxidents and anti-aging ingredients, including Labrador Tea extract, so they do a bit of double-duty.

Regular swatch, and sheered out.

Slightly out of focus to capture the golden sparkle.

Availability: At The Bay and most Pharmaprix/SDM and Jean Coutu locations, as well as www.lisewatier.com. Price is 24$ CAD.

Pros: Beautiful shade with mesmerizing shimmer. Builds up and sheers out well, can be used as is or as a base. Has skin-care benefits.

Cons: Fades and creases within a few hours, at least on oily eyes like mine. Needs a primer for longevity, and a creamy textured base is best to maintain the intensity.

(This item was provided by the brand/PR, to be considered for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated.)

Marcelle Velvety Eye Shadow and Primer - Primer Rose

Like Alton Brown, I love an item that serves more than one function. The Marcelle Velvety Eye Shadow and Primer claims to do just that, all while providing creaseless, waterproof wear for 12 hours or more.

The packaging is sleek, simple and practical, with a doe-foot applicator to dap on the product where needed and a transparent tube to see exactly how much product is left.

This is truly both a primer and a liquid-to-powder eyeshadow. This particular shade is a pale, shimmery pink-beige that covers redness and discolouration while adding a natural blush tone and shimmer to the lid. It has a thinner, wetter texture compared to something like Urban Decay Primer Potion, which is more creamy-silicone. The Marcelle Eye Shadow and Primer feels more liquid initially, and seems to feel that way on the lid for a good 15 seconds, even though it's not actually fluid anymore. It's a little disconcerting, but it does dry to a perfectly set powder finish, no tackiness or budging. This wore the promised 12 hours without fading or creasing, both by itself and as a base under powder eyeshadow.

Using this all over the lid with just a touch of medium brown or taupe in the crease is also an incredibly fast and easy way to look polished and work-ready.

The swatches above show what it's like swiped directly from the tube and then sheered out a fair bit with a finger. The swatch below is a blended in but not sheered out, and you can see the gorgeous shimmer.

I'm really pleased by how well this performed and how flattering it looked. It reminds me a bit of the Vincent Longo Liquid Shadows, except that those crease tragically and need a separate primer to be useable. This particular shade was sent to me, but I will be picking up the Chameleon and Velvety Beige shades very soon!

Availability: At most drugstores, as well as from the Marcelle website. Price is 15.95$ CAD and USD.

Pros: Long-wearing without creasing or fading. Natural, flattering shade, works well as both a primer and an eyeshadow.

Cons: None that I can think of, aside from maybe that initial feeling as the product sets.

(The item was sent to me by the brand to consider for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated.)

Flower Beauty Color Play Crème Eyeshadow - Orchid-ing Around and Time Willow Tell

I adore Drew Barrymore. She is a beautiful, intelligent, successful lady who has managed to rise above the typical Hollywood child star story, and I admire both her commitment to her causes and her business savvy. I was incredibly excited when I heard about the launch of Flower Beauty, her cosmetics brand, and I took advantage of a road trip state-side to raid the nearest Wal-Mart display.

I tried to sample a little bit of everything (minus complexion products, as the store I went to had been ransacked and the colour choices left behind were poor). Across the board, I have to say that I have been more impressed than not by the items I picked up. A couple, however, were more problematic.

Such was the case with the Color Play Crème Eyeshadows.

Under artificial light.
Orchid-ing Around and Time Willow Tell

That picture doesn't capture how beautiful those shades look in the pot. They are full of multi-dimensional shimmer that is absolutely stunning.

Swatched, you get that color impact, but it also becomes clear that these have a problematic texture. They are like whipped cream - soft, fluffy, and a little greasy. (They are also so goopy that at least one of the ones I tried came out in a chunk attached to the lid insert.)

The clump of product that was stuck to the insert.

They slide all over when you try to apply them to the lids, making it difficult to build depth. If you try to get them more opaque, they take a while to set, at which point they tend to crease all over the place. They do better over a primer, and better still when set with a powder overtop - but then you lose the impact of that shimmer.

When sheered out, and do give a nicely ethereal, sparkly effect. Like a fairy came and dusted your eyelids with her wings. It's pretty, but due to the texture it's easy for the product to thin out too quickly, and they still have a problem with fading and creasing. They can also be applied overtop of another eye product to give that sort of wet-shine finish.

Natural indirect light.
Top to bottom: Time Willow Tell and Orchid-ing Around.

The Color Play Crème Eyeshadows can be worked with to create some beautiful effects, but for something that is marketed to have mass appeal, I don't think these measure up to the success achieved by many of the other items in the line. I'm surprised at how finicky they are considering the target audience.

They are also competing with some top-notch cream eyeshadow formulas at the drugstore, such as the Maybelline Color Tattoos and the l'Oréal Infallible range, which are easier to use, with more reliable results.

Availability: Select Wal-Mart locations in the US. No information yet about Canadian distribution. Price is 7.98$

Pros: Beautiful color and multi-dimentional shimmer. Has a bit of a wet-shine effect.

Cons: Difficult to built up to true colour, best when worn sheered out. Tends to fade and crease. Texture is gloopy and slippy, can be messy both in the pot and for application.

(I purchased these items.)