SHOPPING THERAPY: Spring 2014 Makeup Haul from Sephora

I've been putting in super long hours at work. Long hours at work means major retail therapy. As much as I tell myself that I have way too much makeup, I still end up being suckered into buying the latest and greatest. Now that I have major retail therapy needs, I give into my buying temptations so much easier.

In fact, I collected so many things this past Spring that I decided to separate these posts with items from Sephora and items for the drugstore. Thus, here's the latest haul of makeup or beauty items from Sephora that I added to my ever growing makeup collection this past Spring.

SOURCE: Sephora.com

1.  NARS The NARSissist Cheek Kit

I discovered the NARSissist collection from NARS from Beautylish on my Flipboard app. By the way, if you haven't discovered Flipboard yet, you must! The NARSissist Cheek Kit comes with a highlighting blush in Devotee (luminous alabaster sheen), a soft sheer powder blush in Orgasm (peachy pink with gold shimmer), and a brown-based bronzer in Laguna (diffused brown powder with golden shimmer). It is a blush trio compact that is great for travel and includes a travel-size blush brush.

I am a fan of NARS blushes and own Albatross and Deep Throat. I've been meaning to try more colors, but I must admit that the price of these blushes are a bit too expensive for my modest budget. Thus, I thought that this trio was a perfect alternative for me to try other shades.

The only thing that threw me off a little when I opened the package was the size of the compact. It is about the same size of a regular sized NARS blush compact and each pan contains only 0.08 oz. of product. I guess when Sephora describes this palette as a great travel product, they weren't kidding. This palette is listed at $49, so I have to admit after looking at the product (next time I am going down to Sephora to see it in-person before placing my order online), I feel a bit cheated.

SOURCE: Sephora.com

2.  NARS The NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette

Since I was going to get the Cheek Kit from this collection, I also had to get the eyeshadow palette as well! This is my first time trying NARS eyeshadows and I thought that this palette would be a perfect way to be formally introduced.

This lovely palette contains fifteen neutral shades (0.003 oz. of product each):

• Row 1 from L to R: All About Eve (flesh toned neutrals), Madrague II (matte caramel), Fez (velvety cocoa), Bali (neutral), and Coconut Grove (deep brown infused with reflections);
• Row 2 from L to R: Madrague I (matte cream), Nepal (soft sheer rose), Ashes to Ashes (shimmery violet based brown), Brousse II (black violet), and Mekong (espresso infused with gold); and
• Row 3 from L to R: Bellissima I (shimmering beige with subtle glitter), Lhasa (lavender grey), Bad Behavior (deep pewter), Dogon II (charcoal black), and Pandora II (matte black).

I don't think that I have ever seen a NARS eyeshadow palette with this many shades, so I knew that I had to get it as soon as I heard about it. I know that I already own a ton of neutral palettes from Urban Decay and NYX, but this limited edition palette was too hard to pass up even at the retail price of $79…ouch.

SOURCE: Sephora.com

3.  NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder

My newest obsession is setting powders. Ever since I fell in love with the Revlon Photoready Translucent Finisher, I am sold on finishing powders. I was browsing through my YouTube page and saw videos from makeup gurus raving about this product.

According to the Sephora website, this setting powder is designed to enhance the look of foundation without a trace of color and extends makeup wear due to NARS exclusive Light Reflecting Complex that optimizes light reflection on the skin.

I live in sunny Hawaii where the air is humid and maintaining a makeup matte finish can be a challenge, especially with my oily skin. I love this product so far. I dust just a little on my face otherwise it can get a bit cakey. I also use a fluffy face brush to apply the product rather than the little puff that is included. I still love my Revlon Photoready finishing powder, but I am so happy that I found an alternative.

SOURCE: Sephora.com

4.  Divergent Multi-Piece Collector's Palette

All I know is that there is a movie out called "Divergent". That's it. I don't know what the movie is about or who stars in the movie, but at least I know that there is a movie. Sephora has come out with a limited edition palette that includes an eyeshadow trio, blush, bronzer, and lip gloss.

What attracted me to this palette was the packaging. The set comes in a gorgeous iridescent metal box that makes it perfect for traveling because everything you need is right in the box. The eyeshadow comes in Candor Lace, Luminous Taupe, and Envious Chocolate, which are all nude shades that can be easily worn for day or night looks. The blush is a rosy-mauve shade while the bronzer is a deeper matte color for easy contouring. The lip gloss is in Artistic Mauve.

I haven't tried this palette out yet because I've have other palettes that I previously bought that I should and need to try first. Since this is a limited edition palette that was available in-store or online exclusively at Sephora, you need to act quickly. This palette is $32.50 while the Divergent Multi-Piece Collector's Kit is valued at $59.50. This kit is also limited edition and is an enormous collection with twelve eyeshadows, three high gloss transforming eyeshadows, two blushes, one shimmering bronzer, one illuminator, four lip glosses, and a double-ended eye and cheek brush. Sephora also offers a 7-Piece Nail Art Kit with five nail polishes, one high-gloss transforming nail lacquer, and nail water-transfer tattoos. I bought this set for a friend for her birthday and she loved the different shades.

SOURCE: Sephora.com

5.  Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Stingray

I am always on the hunt for a good waterproof eyeliner that won't budge along the bottom of my eye line. I've tried so many eye pencils that honestly I lost count. I read good things about the Stila Waterproof Eye Liner Stick on the Internet as well as on YouTube that I have to try it out for myself.

The Sephora website states that this eyeliner is a highly pigmented, waterproof eyeliner that glides on to deliver intense, vibrant color with staying power. The application is soft, smooth, and easy on the eyes to create a high metallic, sultry, inky intensity that lasts. Sounds good, right? However, how many times have I heard that statement made about other eyeliners on the market?

Beside the claims of staying power, what really attracted me to this product is that it is a retractable eyeliner pencil. I am really adverse to regular pencils that need sharpening. I just find sharpening eyeliner and lip liner pencils to be so messy. I haven't used this eyeliner yet because lining my bottom eye line isn't part of my normal daily routine, but I will try to post a review once I finally get around to using this.

SOURCE: Sephora.com

6.  T3 SinglePass Professional Straightening & Styling Iron

I know what you're thinking. I already have straight hair, so why do I need a flat iron? I have naturally straight hair, but because I routinely wake up with bed head, a flat iron is a must for me to straighten out the kinks and allow my hair to fall nicely. I've been using my Conair flat iron for years (I previously posted a Beauty Review on that flat iron), but I noticed that after years of daily use, it was starting to become a little unreliable.

I already own two T3 hair tools, including the T3 SinglePass Twirl 1.25 Inch Curling Iron and the T3 SinglePass Whirl, so purchasing a T3 flat iron only seemed like a logical choice. The Sephora website states that this flat iron maintains the selected heat temperature for effortless, high-speed styling and smooth, shiny, long-lasting results. The results delivers frizz-free, healthy, cuticle-smoothing styling.

So far, I find that the T3 flat iron heats up relatively fast (although my Conair flat iron heats up faster) and maintains even heat throughout use. I like that the this flat iron has a curved body and beveled plate edges so I am able to curl under the bottom of my hair. My hair comes out silky and smooth and with some light hairspray, it stays this way throughout the day, including even throughout the most humid times.

SOURCE: Sephora.com

7.  Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

I am a big fan of liquid eyeliner for my upper eye line and I find that I have greatest control using a felt tip rather than brush tip. However, ever since using the Physician's Formula eyeliner (I previously posted a Beauty Review on this eyeliner) I am becoming better at lining my eyes with a brush. I recalled the saleslady at Macy's a while ago telling me that the Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner was the best she has ever used. However, after already purchasing quite a few makeup items from her, I wasn't in the mood to drain my pocketbook even further.

Recently, I decided to try this eyeliner. Not because I need another eyeliner. I am more than happy and content with the Physician's Formula eyeliner, but because I was in the midst of a major retail therapy session. So far, I can't say that I hate this product, but I don't totally love it either. I am still using my Physician's Formula eyeliner on a daily basis. I hope to submit a more detailed review on this product later.

That's it for this past Spring. After all of that merchandise, I was still below obtaining VIB status at Sephora. That status would come during my summer purchase. However, that haul is rather boring because it includes backup items, such as Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. On to my drugstore haul! To be continued...

SHOPPING THERAPY: Fall 2013 Make-Up Haul

I've been trying really hard this year to be good and not give into the temptation to purchase more make-up. I have accumulated so much that I haven't been able to even try some of my items out yet. However, now that the holidays are here, there are so many great items available and I just couldn't resist. Here's a list of items that I have accumulated so far.

SOURCE:  Sephora.com

1.  Urban Decay Smoked Eyeshadow Palette

I bought this palette a while ago from Macy's, but haven't had an opportunity to use it yet. I was instantly attracted to the great shades in this easy to travel with and lightweight palette. This palette has a total of ten shades (of which five are exclusive to this palette), including neutral mattes and shimmering jewel tones for a range of smokey looks.

Top row from left to right: Kinky (ivory matte shade); Freestyle (nude matte shade); Mushroom (taupe shimmer shade); Backdoor (chocolate brown matte shade); and Blackout (black matte shade). Bottom row from left to right: Barlust (dark bronze shimmer shade); Rockstar (purple shimmer shade); Evidence (sapphire blue shimmer shade); Loaded (emerald green shimmer shade); and Asphalt (silver shimmer shade).

SOURCE: UrbanDecay.com

2.  Urban Decay Vice 2 Palette

This lovely palette is the follow-up to the popular Vice palette that Urban Decay released last year. I was tempted to buy that palette, but decided against it when YouTube Makeup Gurus emphasized that the colors in the Vice palette were super bright and vibrant. I prefer palettes with more neutral colors for everyday wear for work. However, the Vice 2 palette looked like it mixed neutral shades with more vibrant shades, which sold me on this palette.

Row #1 (at top) from left to right: Smokeout (dark taupe-black satin); Lovesick (black matte with iridescent micro-glitter); Shellshock (bright metallic silver); Coax (medium metallic pink with golden iridescent micro-sparkle); and X-Rated (baby pick satin). Row #2 from left to right: Prank (deep navy matte with turquoise floating pearl); Madness (bright metallic blue shimmer with blue micro-glitter); Strike (antique gold shimmer with silver micro-glitter); Stash (deep olive green shimmer with iridescent micro-sparkle); and Poison (charcoal satin with iridescent micro-sparkle). Row #3 from left to right: Radar (metallic brown shimmer with iridescent micro-glitter); Damaged (bright metallic emerald shimmer); Voodoo (metallic purple shimmer with iridescent purple micro-glitter); Betrayal (bright purple satin with blue shift); and Derailed (medium metallic taupey-brown shimmer). Row #4 (at bottom) from left to right: Dope (warm champagne satin); Toxic (metallic copper-pink shimmer with tonal micro-glitter); Habit (light nude matte); Ambush (metallic brown satin); and Rewind (medium brown matte).

SOURCE: Sephora.com

3.  Smashbox Limited Edition Heat Wave Eyeshadow Palette

I originally spotted this palette at Sephora during the summer. I was instantaneously attracted to the earthy shades, which were perfect for an everyday look. However, I decided against buying the palette at that time. A couple of weeks ago, I was checking out the new Nordstrom Rack in Kakaako and spotted this palette again, but for less the cost. Seriously, how could I pass this up?

This palette contains ten rich neutral shades that work for day and night time looks. Each shade also has a wet/dry formula that can transform your eye look from natural to amped-up. The palette contains shades that are unnamed, but include neutral shades such as nude, peach, bronze, copper, gold, taupe, and brown. The back of the palette has a QR code that offers additional looks for you to try.

SOURCE:  Drugstore.com

4.  e.l.f Essential Little Black Beauty Book - Eye Edition in Cool

I don't own very many e.l.f. cosmetic items because there are a few places in Hawaii that sell e.l.f. products or a huge array of these products. The most popular place to find e.l.f. products in Hawaii is Target, which is not place that I regularly frequent. Last Christmas, I noticed that the makeup section at Sears had a few e.l.f. products and I bought the Fall Festive e.l.f. Essential Little Black Beauty Book.

I recently found some more e.l.f. products at T.J. Maxx and liked the shades in the Cool palette. This palette includes an array of 48-eyeshadow shades from neutral colors to vibrant, jewel tones. I especially liked the array of pinks and purples, which are the colors that I like to wear. Although I don't usually wear blues and greens, I liked that these colors are available for me to use. The size and weight of this palette also make this item perfect for traveling. I took my Fall Festive palette with me this summer on my Baltic Sea and Russia Cruise. It was perfect to use to create day-to-night looks.

SOURCE: Sephora.com

5.  MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes in Champagne and Matte Black

I am always in the hunt for a good eyeliner that stands the test of time - no smudging or fading and long-lasting - especially for my bottom lash line. I am a fan of Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils. However, after a while I find that even these pencils will fade or smudge. Aqua Eyes is listed as one of Sephora's bestselling eyeliners that promises you won't have raccoon eyes at the end of the day.

I've been hearing about MAKE UP FOR EVER products for years from YouTube Makeup Gurus, but never tried this product line. The other night while at Sephora, I decided to bite the bullet and bought two Aqua Eye pencils in Champagne and Matte Black. I intend to use the Champagne shade along the inner corner to middle of my bottom lash line and the Matte Black shade for the middle to outer corner of my bottom lash line. I hope that this eyeliner lives up to everything that the YouTube Makeup claim it does.

SOURCE: Sephora.com

6.  Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Original

I am a HUGE fan of Urban Decay's Primer Potion, so while I was at Sephora the other night, I decided to pick up a backup since I am starting to run low. See, my Beauty Review on this product. Although the primer potion comes in various shades, I prefer the Original shade.

The Original Primer Potion creates a more vibrant eyeshadow look that lasts for 24 hours and never creases. The formula glides on smoothly and dries invisible. The squeeze tube allows you to control the amount of product to use and the nose-tip applicator allows you to apply the product directly onto your eyelid.

I wear this product religiously because my eyeshadow creases like crazy without it due to my oily eyelids. I can't totally vouch for the vibrancy of the eyeshadow while using this product since I tend to use an eyeshadow color base before I apply my eyeshadows. However, the eyeshadow lasting power of this product is fantastic.

SOURCE:  Sephora.com

7.  NARS Powder Blush in Albatross

Like Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion, I am a HUGE fan of NARS Powder Blush in Albatross. I previously bought this product along with the blush in Deep Throat and absolutely love Albatross so much that I use it everyday as a highlighter on my cheeks. Thus, I hit pan on this product in no time at all and decided to pick up a backup the other night at Sephora.

Albatross has just enough shimmer to naturally highlight your cheeks and create the illusion of higher cheekbones. It applies smoothly - not chalky - and has a satin finish. I use a small flat top brush to apply this translucent blush along the tops of my cheekbones and sometimes on my Cupid's bow.

Except for the powder blushes, I haven't tried any other NARS products. I was thinking about trying the bronzers, but quickly reminded myself that I already have quite an array of bronzers at home that I haven't used yet.

So, that's it. More eyeshadow palettes for me to play with. Hopefully that is the last of my purchases for a while. Crossing my fingers and avoiding looking at the Sephora website.

SHOPPING THERAPY: Online Release of the Naked 3 Palette

SOURCE:  Sephora.com

It has certainly been a while since I blogged, but I wanted to send a quick note to all makeup addicts out there that Urban Decay has released its latest edition of its every popular Naked Palette online! The Naked 3 palette is expected to be available in stores on December 12, 2013, but Urban Decay has decided to start online sales of the Naked 3 palette prior to its slated in-store release.

The Naked 3 palette is available online now at Sephora.com and Ulta.com. It is already sold out on UrbanDecay.com. Sephora limits your purchases of the palette to two palettes per order, which is perfect as I picked up one for myself (of course!) and my friend for Christmas.

The Naked 3 palette debuts 12 rose-hued neutrals in a range of shades from pale, shimmery pink to deep black matte with red micro-glitter and in matte, pearl, and glimmering metallic finishes. The shades are as follows (from lightest to darkest):

• Strange (pale neutral pink matte satin)
• Dust (pale metallic pink shimmer with iridescent micro-glitter)
• Burnout (light pinky peach satin)
• Limit (light dusty rose matte)
• Buzz (metallic rose shimmer with silver micro-glitter)
• Trick (light metallic pinky copper shimmer with tonal micro-sparkle)
• Nooner (medium pinky brown matte)
• Liar (medium mauve shimmer)
• Factory (pinky brown satin)
• Mugshot (metallic taupe shimmer with slight pink shift)
• Darkside (deep taupe mauve satin)
• Blackheart (smoky black matte with rose red micro-sparkle)

I am so excited about this new palette as I absolutely love my original Naked and Naked 2 palettes. I brought my original Naked palette with me when I traveled to Japan, San Francisco, Scandinavia and Russia, and the Pacific Northwest. That palette has traveled more miles than any other eye shadow palette I have in my makeup collection.

So, get your credit cards ready and get yours today because I imagine the Naked 3 palette will go out like hotcakes! Merry Christmas!

SHOPPING THERAPY: Eye Shadow Haul

NYX 'Butt Naked' Palette
SOURCE:  Nordstrom.com

I told myself that I would abstain. I didn't need anymore eye shadows. I had more than enough in my makeup drawer. In fact, my drawers were filled with eye shadows that I didn't even TRY yet! I thought I was being pretty good. I've remained on the wagon for a while now, but I've also been busy with work, so that was a beneficial distraction for me. In fact, I walked into Sephora at least three or four times WITHOUT buying any makeup products for myself. So, just when I was ready to pat myself on the back for a job well done, I fall off the wagon and become the owner of some more pretty eye shadows! ARGH! Maybe I'm am too easily suckered into the pretty colors or susceptible to clever makeup ads in the stores.Whatever the case may be, just stick a bulls eye on me and label me "target consumer" across my forehead.

Last night I was browsing around Nordstrom Rack; not looking for anything in particular. My boyfriend wanted to pick up a gift card for a birthday present and some socks for work. While he waited in the checkout line, I decided to browse the makeup area, which is located near the checkout stands. I casually looked through the nail polishes (did you know that Nordstrom Rack has Butter polishes?) and Urban Decay stuff, but nothing caught my fancy. I looked through the NYX collection as well. Just as I was about to conclude that I didn't see anything, I found the the NYX 'Butt Naked' Palette! I couldn't believe my eyes! I always wanted to try this palette, but always talked myself out of buying it off of Haute Look or the NYX website. I watched the beauty gurus rave about this palette, but as the owner of the Urban Decay Naked and Naked 2 palettes, I kept reminding myself that I didn't need another nude palette. Plus, I already own a whole bunch of NYX ten color 'Runway' palettes as well as a whole bunch of single shadows and trio sets. But, how could I resist? There it was right in front of me. No shipping and handling to worry about. No waiting for it in the mail. It was right there in pristine condition. So, I did what any sane makeup loving gal would do, I bought it, and just in a nick of time too because I found my boyfriend had already made his way up to a cashier. Score! No waiting in a long checkout line either. Seriously, it was meant to be, right?

L'Oreal Colour Riche Shadow Quad in Rose for Romance
SOURCE:  Drugstore.com

My next eyeshadow purchase...well...I have no excuse for that one. I was at the drugstore the other day and discovered that L'Oreal cosmetic products were all 30% off. I'm a sucker for sales and L'Oreal is one of my favorite (if not top) drugstore brands. L'Oreal has revamped its Colour Riche Shadow Quads recently. In fact, I've noticed that L'Oreal seems to be phasing out the HIP line of products. I don't see as many HIP Shadow Duos anymore. I bought two quads--Rose for Romance and Sultry Seductress.  I haven't tried either quad yet, but intend to do a Beauty Review for each as well as the NYX 'Butt Naked' Palette, so stay tuned!

BEAUTY REVIEW: Maybelline Expertwear Quad Eye Shadow in "Plum Smokes"

SOURCE:  Drugstore.com

I have to admit that I am a huge fan of Maybelline's Stylish Smokes quad eye shadow in "Natural Smokes."  In fact, I previously did a review on that product.  It's a great "go-to" every day eye shadow that you can wear day or night.  Thus, I was looking for more Maybelline eye shadow quads to add to my collection.

I noticed the Maybelline Expertwear Quad in "Plum Smokes" one day as I perused the makeup aisle at the drugstore.  I tend to gravitate to eyeshadows in plum shades and thought this might be a good quad for a day or evening look; just like the "Natural Smokes" quad.

I was right!  I love this quad!  The four shades are separated as follows:

1. Base:  Light peachy shade
2. Lid:  Lavender shade with slight gold undertones
3. Crease:  A subdued violet shade
4. Liner:  A rich chocolate brown shade with a slight sparkle finish.

I follow the numbered sequence on the package, but are more than welcome to mix and match the shades with others you may already have on hand.  These shadows go on easily and lasts long if applied with a good eyeshadow base.  The only drawback I can tell with this product is the packaging.  I really don't understand why Maybelline went from four equal squares to two long ones and two short ones.  To top it off, the rectangular eye shadows (base and liner colors), so you will run out of the based color fairly fast, which probably mades Maybelline happy as we find outselve buys more Maybelline products.  

BEAUTY REVIEW: Jane Long-Wear Eye Shadow Kit in "Reef"

Jane Long-Wear Eye Shadow Quad in "Reef"

I am really behind schedule tonight in posting my blog entry, so I am going to try to post this as quick as possible without compromising content.  About a month ago, I was perusing through Nordstrom Rack when I happened to find a display of Jane Cosmetics.  I heard of the brand before on YouTube, but did not know where to find this line on the rock I live on.

I quickly rummaged through the display stand and gathered quite a bit of items to try--mostly eye shadows and a bronzer.  At $3.97 for each item, how could I go wrong?  I admit that I went a little nuts, but was unsure whether I would ever see this brand in the store again!

I tried all, but one of the eye shadow quads thus far.  My favorite eye shadow quad so far is the Long-Wear Eye Shadow Quad in "Reef."  The picture on the Jane website does not do this quad justice, so I snapped a picture of the quad with my new camera that I just got for my birthday!

This eye shadow states that it contains certified organic ingredients, including jojoba and almond extracts. It is a mineral shadow that applies smooth with a hint of sparkle for a pigmented satiny finish.  I apply my Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion (UDPP) and then use my NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Strawberry Milk as a base color.  I then apply the pink shade (lower right-hand corner) all over the lid, the matte pewter grey shade lightly on my crease (top right-hand corner), and the deep violet shade (lower left-hand corner) on my outer crease/eye area.  I blend these colors with a fluffy blending shadow brush and then apply the cream shade (top right-hand corner) on my brow bone and inner corner of my eyes for highlighting.

I find that using the NYX Jumbo Pencil helps bring out the pink shade and the UDPP helps prevent creasing.  Although the product description claims that this is a crease-proof formula, I haven't tested out that claim by applying without UDPP.  Regardless, this eye shadow applies smooth and last throughout the day.  You can use this as a wash of color for work or darken it up for the evening.  I like the pigmentation of the deep violet shade.

So far so good...let's hope that Nordstrom Rack will continue selling Jane Cosmetics!

BEAUTY REVIEW: NYX Eyeshadow Trio in Aloha/Mink Brown/Deep Bronze

SOURCE: Amazon

As I said before in previous reviews, I tend to gravitate to neutral shades.  It doesn't matter how many neutral eyeshadows I have in my personal makeup collection, I still catch myself looking for more.

My favorite neutral shadows are from the Revlon Colorstay 12 Hour Eyeshadow Quads in Coffee Bean and in Copper Spice.  The circle of my favorite "go-to" eyeshadows became larger when I discovered the NYX Eyeshadow Trio in Aloha/Mink Brown/Deep Bronze.

This NYX Trio was my first NYX product purchase and started my NYX collection thereafter.  These neutral shades have a satiny finish when applied and last well throughout the day if a eyeshadow primer is applied first.  I use the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion.  I usually use all three shades:  Mink Brown on my eyelid, Deep Bronze on my outer corner, and Aloha on my brow bone for highlight.  This creates a really simple and clean look.  If I want a more dramatic look for evening, I apply more Deep Bronze for a smoky eye look.  On the weekends, I will wear a sheer application of these shades and apply a thin line of eyeliner with mascara to highlight my eyelashes.

This palette started me on my love connection with NYX eyeshadows!  It is one of my favorites and it is so affordable too!  Love-love-love!

BEAUTY REVIEW: Maybelline Stylish Smokes Eyeshadow Quad in Natural Smokes

I am trying to refrain myself from buying more eyeshadow quads because my eyeshadow collection is getting too large for what I really need.  After all, I only have one pair of eyes and usually wear a single look per day.  However, I broke down and bought this product in Natural Smokes after rave reviews from various makeup gurus on YouTube.

I thought I would give it a try since I always tend to gravitate toward browns and neutral shades for eyeshadow.  Case in point, I am a huge fan of Revlon Colorstay 12 Hour Eyeshadow Quads in Coffee Bean and Copper Spice, and NYX Trio Eyeshadow in Aloha/Mink Brown/Deep Bronze.

The color pigments in the quad palette are pretty good and tend to last throughout the day.  Although I noticed that the colors have a tendency to blend into one color by the end of the day.  I use the brow, lid, and crease colors eyes.  If I am going for a more dramatic evening look, I will use the outer corner color to line my under eye lash line.  I also use my Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion before applying this product to ensure that the colors will last throughout the day and not crease.  I prefer not to use a color base, but have used the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in French Fries in the past.  However, I think the lid color looks better and has a more satin dewy finish on my bare lid without a color base.  It's totally up to each individual's preference.

This product has such a good color pay off that I bought the Stylish Smokes eyeshadow quad in Amethyst Smokes.  I haven't tried that one yet, but intend to in the near future.   All in all this quad is great for day and night time looks.  If you plan to wear this look from day into the night, you may need to reapply as the colors do blend easily.  You may need a touch-up before heading out for the evening.  I totally recommend this product!