Eve Pearl - The Eye Palettes - Au Natural and Diva Eyes

Eve Pearl Eyeshadow Palettes in Diva Eyes and Au Natural

Happy New Year everyone!  One of the great lines I discovered this year was Eve Pearl.  If you missed our recent Eve Pearl HD Foundation review, click here.  In the review, I did a look using the Au Natural palette. 

Eve Pearl, the person, is a five Emmy award winning makeup guru, and Eve Pearl, the line, makes fantastic quality products for getting you camera ready.  Her HD Foundation and Salmon concealer get a lot of attention from bloggers and YouTube channels.  From my recent haul, I have to say that every product I ordered I have become completely enamoured with, and these eyeshadow palettes are no exception.

I picked two palettes that were very different from each other, so I could get a sense on the spectrum of colors, finishes and quality from these products.  Just from the way most makeup lines are, it's rare that companies get mattes, shimmers, pearls, frosts, glitters all consistently right and in good quality.  Eve Pearl is not most makeup lines. All the shades were richly pigmented and applied smoothly.  I found myself drawing from both palettes to create looks.  I would definitely like to try other palettes from the line.

The ingredients.  Check the website for up to date info.

 Sleek gunmetal case.

Diva Eyes

Diva Eyes - this palette is full of so many fun and vibrant shades.  There is a little bit too much to use them all at once, but I love using this palette as my "accent" arsenal.  The Au Natural palette has great base colors to set up the eye for a "pop" color from Diva Eyes.  I love Emerald Green, and I have been using Black Frost to set eyeliner.

 Diva Eyes - Top: Sugar Plum, Cinnamon, Desert Rose.

Bottom: Black Frost, Midnight Blue, Emerald Green.

These were swatched dry with no base.  Wet and dry they are very pigmented.  When worn with an eye primer (like Nars Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base), they wore very well all day with little fading or creasing.

 

Au Natural

Au Natural - Top: Caramel Crisp, Cafe Latte, White Russian.  

Bottom: Coco, Nutmeg, Tiramisu.

If you need a good neutrals kit, get this palette.  I have been using at least 1 shade from it since it arrived.  The lighter shades are also wonderfully rich and do not come across too sheer. 

 

 Look how thin and sleek the palette is.

Eve Pearl stacked on top of D&G, Chanel and Dior.

Another aspect I appreciate about this palette is how thin it is.  The packaging is sturdy, but it's sleek and thin.  No extra bulk to weigh down your makeup bag or kit.

If you're not sure how to use these palettes, I highly recommend checking out Eve Pearl's YouTube Channel.  Finally, a brand that understands how important and how dually beneficial it is to have instructional videos on their products. 

Au Natural and Diva Eyes are $40 each and available at EvePearl.com 

OPI Ulta Exclusives Holi-Daze Collection - Gift of Gold and Plum Full of Cheer

 Gift of Gold

Happy New Year's Eve everyone!  As the year is coming to end, let's take a look at one of the last holiday collections from this year.

Here are two of the OPI Ulta Exclusives from the Holi-Daze Collection.  I missed out on the third color, as it was sold out, but these two were the ones I was more interested in anyway!  Hehe :)

Gift of Gold is a soft candlelit gold glitter spotted with tiny red micro glitter.  This isn't as Thanksgiving as FingerPaints' gold and red glitter offering Holly Good Time.  The vast majority of glitter is gold with a tiny, little droplet of red.

Plum Full of Cheer

Plum Full of Cheer is a blue red purple with gold shimmer.  It's a little more red/blue than other purples I own, and I think it looks gorgeous on the nail.  If you have an Ulta near you, I would definitely recommend checking them out.

 

A bottle shot, and a better look at the gold shimmer. 

The gold in this shade gives this color more depth.  Very pretty, not just for holiday. 

OPI Holi-Daze Colleciton is exclusive to Ulta and available in stores.

Do you have NYE plans?  What were some of your favorite OPI's for 2010?  Have a safe and festive New  Year!

Revlon Molten Metal Eyeshadow - Heavenly Metal Collection - Swatches

Molten Metal

2010 has been an amazing year for Revlon.  They've exploded on Twitter and gave away lipsticks to their first 500 followers.  Gucci Westman, makeup artist extraordinaire, is on board as Global Artistic Director.  Other than marketing and creative, Revlon has also made strides most importantly in their products.  They have come out with some really interesting collections and colors this past year.  I loved their reinvention to Fire and Ice with a nod at vintage limited edition packaging.  If you missed our review of it, click here.  Grow Luscious has stepped over Diorshow as my new favorite big brush mascara.  And as far as nails go, this year they have come out with some really interesting shades in their Top Speed line, as well as some cool glitter top coats and matte colors.

A recent release, Revlon Heavenly Metal Collection explores a dramatic rocker look on Halle Berry with a twist on the classic smoky eye.  The display at my local store carried some new products introduced with this collection.  The one that struck out to me was an eyeshadow duo called Molten Metal.  Molten Metal consists of two baked eyeshadows in Jade and Onyx.  Jade is a soft minty pearl green with serious shimmer.  Onyx, isn't really black, but a blackened green with green shimmer.  Both colors had a great texture, and I was surprised how pigmented they were for drugstore shadows.  With a base, the colors really popped.  Below they were swatched with no base or primer.  This set is limited edition, so if you see it, I would snag this one.  I hope Revlon comes out with more of these!

 Jade and Onyx

Jade and Onyx (swatched with no base).

What Revlon products do you love?  Did you get anything Revlon in 2010 that you liked or didn't like?

MAC Cham Pale Rosé Olé Special Reserve Highlight Powder - Swatches, Review and Comps!

Rosé Olé

Rosé Olé is a soft pink highlight with golden and peachy undertones from MAC's Cham Pale Collection.  The packaging is Mineralized Skinfinish, but the product is something new (to me) called Special Reserve Highlight Powder.  It has a much finer milled and velvety texture versus Mineralize Skinfinishes like Petticoat, By Candlelight, etc.  The shimmer is very, very subtle.  No overbearing frostiness or shine here.  See our comparisons below!

Rosé Olé

I am the biggest sucker for patterns pressed on products.  Those Chantecaille powders with butterflies, dolphins, tigers, etc just make me weep.  When a pretty pattern is embossed to a pressed product, it makes opening it new even more special.  Using it for the first time, and disturbing it's delicate surface, is a such special moment.  A friend confessed to me that her MAC Marine Life was now "dead to her (me)" since she blurred the surface with use.   

With all that, I am really disappointed about the overall look of this product.  I kinda don't know what to say about all this mess going on Rosé Olé.  I get what it's meant to look like.  But what it does look like is what happens when  a shattered pressed powder has been re-pressed with alcohol.  The surface gets all lumpy and fugly.  MAC, couldn't you just slap an endangered cuteoverload on here and call it day?! 

Rosé Olé

Though the texture of the impression didn't translate into the best execution, the actual texture of the product is really smooth and velvety.  Very soft and buttery (for a pressed product).  I am really liking it, and I have been using it all week.  My goal is to use it enough to wear down some of this pattern!

Swatched.  Super fine glow.  No glitter particles detected.

Click to enlarge any photo.  

From left to right: Pearl Blossom Beauty Powder, Perfect Topping MSF, Porcelain Pink MSF, Glissade MSF, By Candlelight MSF and Rosé Olé.

On the skin, I didn't think that Rosé Olé was so pigmented, but swatched you can see that it's the darkest of the shimmery, pink highlight powders from MAC that I have in my collection.  This works best as a highlight for me, NC35, and probably darker skintones.  Paler beauties could use this as a blush.

In sunlight.

From left to right: Pearl Blossom Beauty Powder, Perfect Topping MSF, Porcelain Pink MSF, Glissade MSF, By Candlelight MSF and Rosé Olé.

To Review:

MAC Cham Pale Rosé Olé Special Reserve Highlight Powder
$28, 10g 0.35 oz - Available at MAC counters.
Pro: Soft, subtle pretty glow.  Softer texture than Mineralized Skinfish.
Con: Limited edition.  Unattractive impression pattern.
Overall Beautyburg Rating: A-

Do those impressions make an impression on you?  Do you ever buy a pressed product but don't use it because you don't want to disturb the pattern?  Or is that disturbing?

What has been your favorite pink, shimmery highlight product from MAC?

Hello Kitty by Sephora Liquid Nail Art - Blueberry and Minty

Hello to cute nails!!!

Minty and Blueberry.

As part of the upcoming and highly anticipated Hello Kitty by Sephora line, here are two nail colors from the collection.  If you missed our first look, click here. Sephora had a two day private shopping event online for VIBs, and even when I got to the sale on the first day, many of the items were sold out.  I was able to grab two of the Liquid Nail Art ($10) colors in Minty, a pastel Shamrock Shake green, and Blueberry, a blurple creme, and a set of Nail Art Stickers ($5) in Classic Icons.

I was hoping that this line's products would have some substance, and it wouldn't be all about the packaging.  Generally, I steer away from bottles that are short.  The short neck leads to a short brush, short handle, meaning less control of the overall application.  I also found the formula a little thick.  I couldn't find the exact amount on the bottle, but it does seem small. 

Hello Kitty Blueberry and Orly Snowcone.

These two are similar but not a complete exact match.  Blueberry has a little bit more of a purple base.  Snowcone is just more of a straight up medium blue creme.  

Blueberry with Classic Icons Nail Art Stickers.

Nail Art Stickers in Classic Icons. 

The Nail Art Stickers come in four varieties Classic Icons, Lace, Modern Icons, and Rhinestone Flowers and are $5 each.

Hello Kitty Minty and Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Mint Sorbet.

Now these were **exact** dupes.  I swatched them on alternating fingers and could not see any difference what so ever.  I prefer the Sally Hansen however.  The application and formula are just a lot nicer.  Also a bottle is only $2.99.

 All Minty.

 Left to right: SH Mint Sorbet, HK Minty, Mint Sorbet, Minty.

Can you tell the difference?  I can't!

So is this line all about the packaging?  At $10 a polish, for not such a great polish, I would say yes. 

When does cute packaging mean more than quality product?  Or does it all have to come together?

Say Hello Palette in Super Fun coming soon!

MAC Cham-Pale Soirée Nail Lacquer vs. Orly Rage - Comparison & Possible Dupe?

Are we related? MAC Soirée and Orly Rage.

I recently picked up the two nail lacquers from MAC's Cham-Pale collection (see my review here).  One from the collection, Very Important Platinum, was an epic application fail.  Streaky, thin, blech.  Reminded me of how bad MAC used to be at nails.  Then was Soirée a pretty dusty-rose metallic foil.  Very pretty on, but it seemed somewhat familiar.


Digging through my stash, I found Orly Rage.  A gorgeous rosy silver foil from a few collections ago and still easily available.


I decided to do a side by side comparison since one is about half the price of the other.  From the bottle, they seem almost identical.  You can see that Orly's Rage is more silvery and the duochrome particles seem finer.  Soirée seems more rosy and dustier, but overall they are very, very, very close.  Maybe fraternal, not identical, twins.

Left to right: Soirée, Rage, Soirée, Rage.

I think the ring finger shows off Soirée's dusty, copperiness best.  However, from a distance (of 6 inches), they look almost the same.  I think most people wouldn't even notice a difference.  Click on the photo to enlarge.

 A photo of all Soirée.  

You can see the copper and dustier elements in the shade here.

All Soirée.  Let's party! 

MAC Soirée is $13 for 10ml 0.34oz, limited edition at MAC counters and MAC online.
Orly Rage is about $7 (depending on store) for 0.6oz and available at salons and Sally Beauty supply.


If you missed the review of Soirée and Very Important Platinum, click here.


How close does a dupe, comparable have to be to cancel out the original?  Do you go by price difference, meaning the cheaper one?  Or sometimes do you just have to have it?

Revlon Top Speed Nail Enamel - Sugar Plum

Sugar Plum

Revlon recently relaunched their Top Speed Nail Enamel in 32 shades that claim to set in 60 seconds.  I picked up a couple of shades last week and test drove the colors over Christms.  First, I was impressed by the number of non-traditional shades offered.  By "traditional" I mean pinks, reds, nude, beige.  There were lots of greens, blues, purples, metallics. 

Sugar Plum is a shimmery jewel like magenta purple.  Two coats and I had complete coverage.  I didn't set a stop watch, but the drying time did seem slightly fast.  However with base, 2 coats polish, 1 coat top coat, dry time is going to add up.  The manicure itself didn't wear so well.  I think that the speedy dry time cuts corners for durability and longevity in the manicure.  I had tippage at the start of day 2 of my mani.  But with fast dry time, why not just erase the old and paint yourself a new set of nails?

I would definitely try checking these out.  Revlon has definitely up'ed the ante with interesting color variety and a decent application and formula.

Do you prefer fast dry time to durability?  Or do you want something that does it all?

Sugarpill 4 Color Palette in Sweetheart - Yes, I'm Addicted to Pretty - Review and Swatches

Totally addicted, to pretty that is.  Mirrored palette with box.

Palette closed with the box. 

After talking about Bobbi Brown in my last post, there is nothing more on the other side of the spectrum than the wild, fun, totally unique shadows from Sugarpill Cosmetics.  In case you missed my earlier post, Sugarpill Cosmetics is a line of fun, vibrant makeup created by Amy Doan, aka Shrinkle.  She created this line to compliment her own funky aesethic, check her Etsy shop here, and has had thousands taking their doses of Sugarpill daily.  

You heard me already gush about the quality of Sugarpill's ChromaLust Loose Eyeshadow line, but I seriously wondered how the pressed eyeshadows held up.  Let's just say I was not disappointed.  They are uber pigmented and velvety smooth, not chalky.  The pressed eyeshadows range in matte and semi-pearly sheens.  They aren't as super sparkly or shimmery as the loose eyeshadows, but they pack the same ka-pow amount of pigmentation.

The back of the box with ingredients.

Are you Addicted to Pretty?

The illustration on the box is so adorable!  I couldn't bare to get rid of it.  

Left to Right: Dollipop, Afterparty, Midori, and Tako.

Swatched dry (no base).  Do you see how seriously pigmented these shadows are?!  If you love love bright, you will love Sugarpill.  I would like to try these colors in a subtle look, just for a challenge.  These colors have such a great texture and are so blendable.   I think the only thing stopping is my imagination and impulse.  When I see color, I usually just want to go all out there!!!

Dollipop - matte bright pink.
Afterparty - Smurf blue with pearly sheen.
Midori - apple green with pearly sheen.
Tako - matte white white that's really white and not sheer, white, pearly.
$34 for 1 mirrored palette, pans are 4 grams 0.14 oz each

These colors are also available as singles on Sugarpill's site, but get the palette!  It's a better deal ($48 value for $34).  

 Dollipop, Afterparty.

Midori, Tako.

 

My Sugarpill haul.

If you missed my review of my ChromaLust Loose Eyeshadow haul, click here.  Here is the gist: they are awesome.

To Review:

Sugarpill 4 Color Palette in Sweetheart from Addicted to Pretty Collection

Pro: PIG-MENT-TED!  Soft velvety texture.  Applies smoothly.  Adorable design.

Con: Limited distribution.  Only available on the Sugarpill site, but they ship worldwide and packaged with care!  Only for those who love bright shades.

Overall Beautyburg Rating: A

Bobbi Brown Modern Classic Lip and Eye Palette - Review and Swatches

Bobbi Brown Modern Classic Lip and Eye Palette

There is something classically elegant about Bobbi Brown's line.  From the universal colors to the sleek but timeless design, I always look forward to Bobbi's holiday offerings. 

With Christmas already passed, it seems a little late to be reviewing Bobbi Brown's Modern Classic Lip and Eye Palette.  But I think that this palette has more going for it than holiday seasonality.  It's a limited edition palette of 10 eyeshadows and 4 glitter lip glosses.  The eyeshadows come in a variety of matte, shimmer and metallics.  The packaging is in that classic Bobbi Brown fashion, packaged in gold and black.

Gorgeous presentation isn't the only expectation that I have with BB products.  The eyeshadows have a great reputation, and they always manage to find their way into staples in my rotation.  So many of Bobbi Brown's past palettes have been my go-to makeup kits for travel, work and just something I like to keep in my purse.

Bobbi Brown Modern Classic Lip and Eye Palette Shades
Eyeshadows: 
Top L - R: Ivory, Oyster Grey Metallic., Antique Pink Shimmer Wash, Quarry Shimmer Wash, Taffeta Metallic.
Bottom L - R: Brich, Heather Rose Shimmer Wash, Navy Charcoal, Gold Thread Metallic, Espresso.
Lips: 
L-R: Grape Glitter, Pink Bouquet Glitter, Golden Topaz Glitter, Paisley Rose Shimmer.

Eyeshadows: 

Top L - R: Ivory, Oyster Grey Metallic., Antique Pink Shimmer Wash, Quarry Shimmer Wash, Taffeta Metallic.

Bottom L - R: Brich, Heather Rose Shimmer Wash, Navy Charcoal, Gold Thread Metallic, Espresso.

I have to commend Bobbi Brown for not just doing all neutral beiges and taupes in this palette.  I am happy to see rose, blue, soft violet all in the mix.  These colors are nice in texture and are good quality.  They are subtle enough for work, but with some black eyeliner or a Bobbi Brown gel liner you could definitely work a seriously glamorous look with these shades.  

Eyeshadows: 

Top L - R: Ivory, Oyster Grey Metallic., Antique Pink Shimmer Wash, Quarry Shimmer Wash, Taffeta Metallic.

Bottom L - R: Brich, Heather Rose Shimmer Wash, Navy Charcoal, Gold Thread Metallic, Espresso.

Lips: 

L-R: Grape Glitter, Pink Bouquet Glitter, Golden Topaz Glitter, Paisley Rose Shimmer.

Personally, I am always resistant of lip/eye palette combos.  I hate it when the powder from the eyeshadow gets stuck in the stickiness of the glosses.  I would like to thank the GENIUS at Bobbi Brown that actually had the foresight to create this handy divider to keep my lips and eyes separate!  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! 

 

Lips: 

L-R: Grape Glitter, Pink Bouquet Glitter, Golden Topaz Glitter, Paisley Rose Shimmer.

To Review:

Pro: Quality eyeshadow and lip products all in one handy kit.  Work appropriate, but you can easily create some festive night looks with it.  Smart design separating lips and eyes.

Con: Pricey.  Limited Edition.

Overall Beautyburg Rating: A-

 

Bobbi Brown Modern Classic Lip and Eye Palette is $75 and available at www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com.