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Eye Makeup NARS

NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow | Andromeda and Europa

June 19, 2014
There’s been a lot of buzz about the new Dual-Intensity Eyeshadows ($29 each) from NARS. There will be twelve shades launching July 1st on narscosmetics.com (update, these launched this morning). These are a new dual-application formula where you can apply them dry for a sheer wash of color for a luminous glow or apply with a damp brush for more intense color. You can see all the shades listed at The Non-Blonde and swatched on Temptalia. There is a diverse range of options from natural barely-there colors to dramatic navy and black. I have half a dozen on my wishlist to check out when they officially launch. Today I have two of the neutral romantic shades to share with you, Andromeda and Europa.
Both of these shades are on the lighter neutral side. They have a lovely glowy sheen rather than an intense shimmer or sparkle. The texture is slightly creamy but they act more like a dry powder shadow. I found lasting power to be very good without any eye base. The dry finish helps these adhere well to the lids.

Andromeda is a pale ivory pink with golden shimmer. It has a lovely sheen in the shimmer which gives a really lovely all over wash to the lids. I suspect this one will go nicely with any of the darker shades. Pigment is easy to control, I was able to apply with my fingers and a brush for a nice soft wash of color. For my light-medium skin it gives a nice neutral wash of color giving the lids a nice highlighted glow. When you  hold this in the sunlight you can see how there is a slight multi-chrome finish to the shimmer which gives your lids some depth in the glow.

Europa is a medium neutral-warm peach pink with a pearl sheen. I’m at the right skintone where this one looks like a barely-there color. I can definitely see the color on the lids but it’s very natural making it a soft no-makeup kind of eyeshadow. It gives a hint of color to the lids and makes the eye glow. On either paler or deeper skintones this will be more visible. My skintone almost matches this one. Applying this with a damp brush intensified the color with more pink, but it’s still very natural looking. This one also has a good mix of cool and warm in it. I would say the base is a warmer pink-peach while the pearl has a cool-toned sheen. It’s not a pure duo-chrome but the combination of the base and shimmer gives it a very subtle duo-chrome effect.

Swatches applied with a damp brush and dry with my fingers:

I’ve been playing with these the past week. I like to layer them together, the pale Andromeda color first, then applying the darker Europa on top with a dense brush and packing it onto the lids. Add a simple black eyeliner and mascara and you have a super polished glowy lid to go with a dramatic bronzer or lip.

What I like about these is that they are not the typical high-frost pale shimmers. If you’re in want of dramatic color you might find yourself wanting more. The good news is that the Dual-Intensity line will have plenty of other dramatic shades to choose from. I personally love these for that no-makeup look for a no-fuss easy swipe and go application that gives the eyes a nice polished look.

A few comparisons to some other light pink neutral shimmers:
NARS Nepal Eyeshadow (one of my favorites)
Tom Ford Pink Haze Cream Color for Eyes (discontinued, swatched here)

One last photo, left is Andromeda, right is Europa:

First impressions are a thumbs up for this neutral makeup lover. I can’t wait until July 1st because there are so many other pretty dramatic shades that I can’t wait to check out. Update as of June 20th, the shadows are now available for purchase on narscosmetics.com, Lord & Taylor and Beauty.com. Have you been able to swatch or see the NARS Dual-Intensity Eye Shadows yet? Do you have any on your wishlist?

The Dual-Intensity Eye Shadows were provided courtesy of NARS for review consideration. For more information see my Disclosures.

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Chanel Eye Makeup

Chanel Illusion D’Ombre Mirage, New Moon and Utopia

May 3, 2014

This summer Chanel brings us three new stunning shades of Illusion D’Ombre Long Wear Luminous Shadow in Mirage, New Moon and Utopia ($36 each for 4g/0.14oz). All three colors are breathtakingly gorgeous. I think all are universally flattering colors, each with a stunning mix of shimmers. Both New Moon and Utopia are listed as limited-edition, while Mirage is listed as permanent. As with all other Illusion D’Ombres, these are semi-sheer but layer able with intense shimmer.

Swatches:

More pics and swatches:

Mirage is a luminous warm bronze. It seems to have been launched to replace Initiation from Holiday (which is now discontinued, but still available at Neiman Marcus). If you compare the two shades, Mirage has a more refined shimmer while Initiation has more visible silver flecks of sparkle. Both are similar on the eyes.

It was a bit difficult for me to capture the differences with a flash, the shimmers blinded my camera so I have two sets of swatches. The one with flash is more accurate with color.

This one is without any flash, under artificial light, it makes the colors look a bit green, but shows the difference in undertone and texture better.

New Moon is my favorite of the three. It’s a complex burgundy, gold, brown, red mix. It can appear reddish when swatched on the arms or hands but it applies much more neutral on the eyes.

Two sets, same items in each, just different lighting include MAC Constructivist, Bobbi Brown Velvet Plum (review here), Chanel Ebloui, Chanel New Moon, Armani Eyes to Kill 28 (swatches here) and Chanel Fatal (review here).

Utopia is a gorgeous lavender sparkle. It’s one of the few lighter pink/purples I can actually pull off without looking like I have pink-eye. Medium or dark purples are easy for me to wear (as long as the red in them is minimal), lighter purples tend to clash with my olive skin and make me look sickly. Utopia has the perfect mix of pink and purple.

Below comparisons swatches to Armani Eyes to Kill 30 (hard to find but swatches/review here), Bobbi Brown Cool Lilac, Chanel Utopia, Chanel Illusoire, Chanel Impulsion (review here) and Armani Eyes to Kill 8.

These are must-haves for summer in my book – especially for Chanel fans. For those who avoid dupes/similar colors, I think you’ll find these shades particularly unique. I’ve had a lot of fun playing with these over the last week. They are extremely versatile and easy to wear for any occasion (day or night). Lasting power is quite good as long as you’re not one who rubs your eyes frequently throughout the day.

The Illusion D’Ombres are $36 each, now at all Chanel counters in the US. Currently online at Nordstrom, Saks and Chanel.com.

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By Terry Eye Makeup

By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Bronze Moon

January 18, 2014

I’ve always been fascinated by the By Terry line but it’s one of those brands I had never ventured into. I took my first baby step into the brand with the Baume de Rose which lives up to all the hype. During my last trip to Barneys New York in Beverly Hills last month, the product specialists showed me the Ombre Blackstar Color Fix Cream Shadows and the Brow Mascara (thoughts on this soon). I had about six different cream shadows swatched on my hand. I let the cream shadows sit on the back of my hands for about a minute. When I tried to remove, I found that none of them budged when I tried to wipe them off. The colors all applied very smoothly and blended easily upon first swipe before drying down to a budge-proof finish. I literally wanted to purchase one of each color limited myself to test one first. I picked a classic shimmering bronze: the Ombre Blackstar in Bronze Moon ($43 for 1.64 g/0.58 oz).

The Ombre Blackstar shadows contain an ultra-smoothing Tahitian black pearl extract which makes most of them brighten the lids with reflective shimmer particles. Bronze Moon is a neutral shimmery bronze. The texture is creamy and pigment is easy to control but you need to blend quickly after application. Once it sets and dries, it really does have a “tattoo-hold.” It feels natural on the lids after it dries, you can’t feel any pull or layers of product like with some cream shadows. On me it lasted from 5 am past 8 pm without budging, fading or smudging. Do note that I have normal to slightly dry lids. I rarely have issues with cream shadows being too moist. Most primers I try tend to be a bit too dry in texture when they dry down causing the skin to almost shrink and stretch. By Terry Bronze Moon is a really nice color on the lids. It’s one of those colors that works perfectly all by itself. No other highlighter, base, crease or liner needed for me. Just the shadow and one coat of mascara.

Swatched heavily and then blended out:

Comparisons to Chanel Illusion d’Ombre in Initiation (review here), Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Cocoa, Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Stick in Rehab, MUFE Aqua Shadow Stick 20E, Chanel Stylo Eyeshadow in Moon River and Bobbi Brown Cream Shadow in Bronze Sugar (swatched here).
Out of all of these, the By Terry Bronze Moon has the best staying power. On the lids its the most neutral in color, not quite as bronzey or silvery.

I’m really impressed with the staying powder, pigment and blendability of Bronze Moon. The lasting power is far better than most cream shadows I have tried before. The price is high though which has prevented me from wanting to look at them in the past. I will definitely be checking out the other colors my next trip to Barneys or SpaceNK, however it will be a while before I can bring myself to buy another one due to the high price tag. If you have any favorites from the By Terry line I’d love to hear about them!
By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Bronze Moon ($43) is permanent and is available at Barneys, SpaceNK, Beauty.com and Bloomingdales.
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Eye Makeup Urban Decay

Urban Decay Naked3 Palette

December 11, 2013

Urban Decay’s latest addition to the Naked family is the Naked3 Palette ($52 for 12 shades, 1.3g each). The theme of Naked3 is rose-gold. It’s a warmer palette compared to Naked and Naked2, but still neutral. I’m a huge fan of the other versions. Urban Decay makes amazing shadows with impressive pigment and wear. Naked3 comes with a double-sided brush and a sample packet of their primers. The brush is very well made however I prefer softer hair brushes for powder shadows (versus synthetic material) mainly because it’s what I’m used to.

The colors in the palette vary from matte to shimmer to sparkle and tiny micro-glitters. I’m on the conservative side when it comes to glitters and find each and every shade in this palette wearable and suitable for everyday. The pigment on all the shades is really incredible. The only color I had issues with is the Blackheart which applied a bit chalky alone but works well when applied over a creamy liner with a tiny detail brush. There was no fallout with any of the glittery colors. Most of the shades in this palette appear to be new colors:
  • Strange is a soft matte ivory pink
  • Dust is a glittery light pink
  • Burnout is a warmer pink shimmer
  • Limit is a matte mauve-pink
  • Buzz is a pink mauve shimmer
  • Trick is a coppery pink glitter
  • Nooner is a matte mauve
  • Liar is a warm taupe
  • Factory is a darker brownish taupe shimmer
  • Mugshot is a neutral taupe shimmer
  • Darkside is a satiny purple brown
  • Blackheart is a dark black with red shimmer
Close ups plus swatches:

After my Instagram picture a few weeks ago many emailed me asking for comparisons to Naked and Naked2. I do think Naked3 is different enough to justify owning if you have either of the other two. Naked3 is the warmest and pinkest of the three options but has the most universally flattering colors. Here are the palettes photographed and swatched:

Swatches:

I really love the Naked3 palette. The color options are simply stunning and combinations endless. It’s priced well for the size and quality. The packaging is well designed and sturdy. I think it’s a definite must-have and will make an amazing holiday gift for beauty lovers.

Naked3 was a quick sellout online at a many locations but keep checking back – they are restocking frequently. You can find it online at Macy’s, Sephora, and Urban Decay.
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Eye Makeup Tom Ford Beauty

Tom Ford Orchid Haze Eye Color Quad

September 16, 2013

Tom Ford Orchid Haze Eye Color Quad ($78 for .35 oz/10g, made in Italy) is my favorite new release for eyes from Tom Ford. It’s a beautiful palette neutrals with rich smooth pigment. There are three shimmery shades in a frosted ivory, shimmery tan, and shimmery mauve pink. The fourth shade is a matte in a deep plum brown. Orchid Haze is a must-have for any neutral lover. The shimmers are very shimmery in the frosted finish. It’s not over the top though and the colors are naturally flattering.

After the preview I posted on Instagram, many requested it be compared to Chanel Raffinement (reviewed here). I didn’t think it would be similar but pulled it by request anyways. Below I’ve compared it to NARS Kalahari, Guerlain Les Fumes (reviewed here) and Giorgio Armani Quad #2 (swatched here).

Compared to most other neutral palettes Tom Ford Orchid Haze is the winner in my book. The pigment is incredibly smooth and rich with excellent lasting power. Definitely worth the splurge and a good excuse for you to visit your nearest Tom Ford Beauty counter to try in person. Tom Ford Orchid Haze is available now in stores at Tom Ford counters. Also online at Neiman Marcus.

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Eye Makeup Tom Ford Beauty

Tom Ford Seductive Rose Eye Color Quad

September 13, 2013
Tom Ford Seductive Rose Eye Color Quad ($78 for .35 oz/10g, made in Italy) is new to the US but already released in Asia. The quad is a stunning palette with two textured sparkles and two finely milled shimmers. I am usually not a fan of sheer glitter sparkles and when I swatched this palette on the arm, I was disappointed to see how sheer the rose and purple were. Layering the sparkles resulted in simply more sparkle (versus color). The other colors swatched perfectly: a soft pink shimmer and a aubergine/plum shimmer. Even though hand/arm swatches were a let down, the good news with this palette looks much better on the eyes than on the hands or arm. The colors apply on the eye beautifully. The trick is to layer the glittery shades on last by softly pressing and then blending gently. The sparkles in this palette coordinate and layer beautifully with the shimmer colors. If you’re normally not a shimmer kind of person when it comes to makeup you will find this over the top. I like to wear shimmers, occasionally frosts, rarely do I wear high-sparkle shadows, but I fell completely in love with Seductive Rose. It’s one of those palettes you have to try in person on the eyes to see just how lovely it is.

A closer look at the beautiful textures:

Here it is swatched, you can see that the glitters apply very sheer:

I couldn’t find anything like Seductive Rose. When I saw photos when this was released in Asia I suspected this was a more sparkly version of Enchanted (limited-edition from the fall 2012 jardin noir collection). Swatching the two side by side show that the two are very different.

The sparkles in Seductive Rose seemed similar to those in the Tom Ford trios for this season. A comparison to She Wolf and In the Pink are below. The colors are similar in concept and sheerness, but I prefer the sparkles in the Seductive Rose quad – I find them a bit more wearable.

Swatched without flash:

Swatched with flash:

I think Seductive Rose is a must-have for me. It’s a definite splurge but the colors are unique and I love the way the colors look on the eyes. Even though it’s on the glitzy side I still find it wearable for everyday if the glitters are applied with a soft hand. At this time I’m not sure if it’s limited or permanent. I am happy it was released in the US. Seductive Rose should have arrived at all Tom Ford Beauty counters by now. You can find it online at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks.

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Eye Makeup Tom Ford Beauty

Tom Ford Lavender Lust Eye Color Quad

September 10, 2013
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Tom Ford Lavender Lust Eye Color Quad ($78 each for .35 oz/10g, made in Italy) is a new release in the US. The color theme is pink and lavender in this palette with one glittery powder pink, a soft duo-chrome opal/oyster, a soft lavender frost and a purple with iridescent sparkles. The colors are well pigmented with beautiful textures. Each shade applies very well over a good base (I like Edward Bess Illuminating Eye Base). The top left shade is a sparkle/glitter. The trick to using this one is to apply on top of the other colors by patting for added shine. If you apply this one first, layering other colors will cause the glitter to fall off the eyes and all over the face. I still had a little fall-out when using this as a top layering shade but only from brush debris. As beautiful as this palette is, the colors combined were just too pink and pastel for my skin. Purples and soft pinks can be difficult to pull off for my skintone. It gives me a slight pink-eye look.

Swatches below:

This quad probably has quite a few single shades that are very similar from MAC and Urban Decay. The colors look very familiar. In terms of a palette, I don’t have very many purple-pinks but I did pull Dior Pearly Lilac (limited from 2009) and Dolce & Gabbana Petal to compare.

Tom Ford Lavender Lust can be found at Tom Ford Beauty counters now. Beauty week is just around the corner for instore and online at Neiman Marcus. Also online at Bergdorf Goodman and Saks.

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