SISLEY Phyto Ombre Eclat in #9 Garden Rose Review and Swatch

Hello everybody,

this eyeshadow was purchased several months ago, because I wanted something pink that I could use as a blush and this was the perfect shade.

Sisley eyeshadow contain 1,5grams and retail for around $50 (very pricey). It comes in a matte plastic black box which catches fingerprints quickly. The mirror and the spoonge tip applicator are included.

Garden rose is a warm pink with peachy gold shimmer. The shimmer is not very noticeable – it is here to give an extra dimension, rather than in-your-face sparkle.

The texture is soft and buttery. There is no fall-out or chalkiness. The pigmentation is just right and it is easy to blend. It is very longlasting, both as a blush and as an eyeshadow.

Although I intended to use it as a blush, I prefer to use it as an eyeshadow because this shade perfectly emphasizes the blueness of my eyes.

As a blush, it gives a light, healthy looking flush. When I wore it, I got instant compliments (and I don’t usually get them). I really hope that in Sisley, they will make a blush similar to this. If they don’t, I know that this will be the shade I’ll repurchase a lot

In spite of its extravagant price, I’m a huge fan of Sisley eyeshadow and I recommend them.

SISLEY Phyto Ombre Eclat #17 Stardust Review and Swatch

This eyeshadow was love (more like obsession) at the first sight. I’ve had it on my wishlist for ages and this spring I have caved in and finally bought it.

Sisley Phyto Ombre Eclat eyeshadow contains 1,5 grams and retails for around $50. Definitely pricey, but in my opinion, worth it.

It comes in a compact with mirror and sponge tip applicator. On the outside, the compact is matte and holds the finger-prints. Inside, the compact is shiny black.

Stardust is a very complex colour – medium dark shimmery silvery-greyish-olive green. There is one similar shade: Lancôme Erika F (which is repromoted in the newest Lancôme Ombre Hypnose mono eyeshadow collection).

It could be a bit more pigmented, but it is possible to layer it to get the full intensity.

The shimmer stays put, so there is no fallout.

The texture of the eyeshadow, especially when compared to my other Sisley eyeshadows, is a bit on the drier side (probably because of the shimmer). However, once I pick it with a brush, it goes on smoothly and evenly.

As with all other Sisley eyeshadows, I cannot complain on the wear – with the primer on my super oily lids lasts for well over 10 hours without creasing.

The shade is definitely unique one, but depending on the price of Lancôme, Lancôme might be the first choice for many.

I only have one objection to Sisley Phyto Ombre Eclat Eyeshadows in general. The pan does not stick well to the compact. At first I though that this was the problem with only one eyeshadow, but I have 5 Sisley eyeshadows and in each the pan moves slightly when lightly prodded. The pan didn’t fall out, but I don’t think this is acceptable for $50 eyeshadow.

INGLOT Matte Eyeshadow M352 Review and Swatch

This is the second eyeshadow from my palette.

M352 is a matte light pink. It is very pigmented and the colour in the pan is true to the colour on the skin. I use it mostly on the browbone as a highlight.

The texture is a bit on the drier side (this is typical for matte eyeshadows), especially compared to P393, but it doesn’t affect the application. There is no fallout.

The wear of the eyeshadow is very good, too. It lasts for 10 hours without creasing (with the primer).

So far, I’m happy with every single Inglot eyeshadow I have and I’d definitely recommend them.

INGLOT Pearl Eyeshadow P393 Review and Swatch

Several months ago, I have picked my first Inglot shadows for a palette. I’ve bought 3-shadows square palette and got 2 light shadows to use all-over-the-lid or like a highlighter.

P393 looks like the pearly peach in the pan. The eyeshadow goes on pigmented, but the problem is that on the skin it looks more like a frosty white with a hint of peach. While this is not quite what I was looking for, I’m still satisfied since now I finally have a pearly eyeshadow to use in the inner corners of the eyes.

The texture of the eyeshadow is buttery soft, there is no fallout.

As for the wear – I’m happy with it. I have very oily lids, so I didn’t test it without a primer, but when worn with the primer (Essence), I got 10 hours of wear without creasing. For me, it’s more than enough.

In general, I’m very happy with Inglot eyeshadows and I hope my collection of that brand will grow.

L’OREAL Color Infallible in All Night Blue Review and Swatch

Even though I’m on “no eyeshadows” project, I couldn’t resist this shade. I’ve heard a lot about these eyeshadows and I have found the perfect opportunity to try it for minimal price when I found one on the super sale (around $3) in my local drugstore. I think this shade will be discontinued, though.

The consistency is like a pressed pigment. It comes in a small jar and has additional black plastic cover. Do not throw it away, because it helps preserve the product.

The colour is a vibrant shimmery royal blue. I’m going to primarily use it as an eyeliner – I wanted a blue eyeliner for ages, but majority was either too dark, almost black looking, or too bright. This shadow is perfect.

As you can see from the swatch, it is super-pigmented. I was afraid that it will be more black than blue (a common problem with some eyeshadows), but it remains true to pan even applied in a thin layer.

And finally, the staying power is amazing. I have tested it on the probably hottest day in Croatia (the coldest room in my house was 31 degrees Celsius) and outside was 40 Celsius. I have extremely oily lids, and the heat certainly didn’t help.

However, L’Oreal Color Infallible has an amazing wear. I have tested it with a primer (Essence I Love Stage) on one eye and without a primer on the other. The results were excellent. After 10 hours there was just a slight creasing, but no fading on the eye without a primer. Over the primer, the eyeshadow looked as good as it did the moment I applied it. There was no creasing and the colour hasn’t faded a bit.

I am very impressed and I recommend those if you are on a hunt for affordable, longwearing eyeshadows.

CHANEL Illusion d’Ombre in Abstraction and Vision Swatch

Here is the last part of Chanel’s Les Expressions de Chanel collection swatches.

You can find the swatches of the quads by clicking on the name of the each quad: Eclosion, Intuition, Variation.

Abstraction is a rich pomegranate red with a metallic sheen.

Vision is shimmery gold.

Out of these two shades I prefer abstraction – it is pigmented and can be applied in even, thin layers. If Vision is applied a thin layer, it becomes almost tranparent and all you get is gold shimmer.

Also, Abstraction feels more creamier and smoother.

Now, onto the bad (even thought this might not be the issue with these, but I feel that I should mention it).

As you know, I have Illusion d’Ombre in Mirifique (shimmery black) and not even a year later, it is almost completely dry. I really take care for my make-up and I have never left it sit open. Whenever I use it, I dip the brush in and firmly close the jar. I keep it in cold and dry place. However, It is practically dry. I can get a bit of usage if I really dig the brush in, but even then, the majority of the product simply falls off the brush when I try to apply it. Currently, I’m using it with Inglot Duraline, which facilitates the application, but I don’t think that Chanel product should last for less than a year.

This is just my experience with Illusion d’Ombre. I have bought it the moment they came out and maybe they have changed the formulation, so the new one won’t have that problem.

I, however, am weary of purchasing any more Illusion d’Ombre eyeshadows.

CHANEL Les 4 Ombres #37 Variation Eyeshadow Palette Swatch

 

 

 

Chanel has recently launced a sort of collection with three quads and two new shades of Illusion d’Ombre.

 

I admit that I’m not a fan of Chanel eyeshadows – the packaging is gorgeous and the shade selection amazing, but every time I swatch it, they are powdery nad not very pigmented. I have never been even tempted to purchase it (an I’m an eyeshadow freak). This palette has just firmed up my opinion.

 

I have swatched the European version of the quad (the one with only 1,2 grams of eyeshadow) which is baked. Such palette can be used both wet or dry. If used wet, the eyeshadows are supposed to be better pigmented.

 

At first, the Variation quad seemed the best of the bunch, but at closer look it’s very far from it. My opinion might modified because of the fact that I like this colour scheme the best, plus this is the only palette which contains the perfectly pigmented eyeshadow. However, other shades in this palette doesn’t measure.

 

The top left shade is a shimmery white with pearly base. It has more pigmentation than the top right shade in the Eclosion quad, but less than the top right shade in the Intuition quad.

 

The top right shade is shimmering lavender grey. Quality wise, it is the same as the top left shade.

 

The bottom left shade is supposed to be the medium dark lavender. However, it is the shade with the worst pigmentation overall. It has no pigment at all (I have applied around 5 to 6 layers) and it applies unevenly.

 

The bottom right shade is perfection. I don’t understand why they couldn’t make all the shades this way. It is smooth, rich aubergine. I have swatched this one with just a light swipe over the eyeshadow.

 

The shadows are swatched on NC20 skin.

 

CHANEL Les 4 Ombres #36 Intuition Eyeshadow Palette Swatch

 

Chanel has recently launced a sort of collection with three quads and two new shades of Illusion d’Ombre.

I admit that I’m not a fan of Chanel eyeshadows – the packaging is gorgeous and the shade selection amazing, but every time I swatch it, they are powdery nad not very pigmented. I have never been even tempted to purchase it (an I’m an eyeshadow freak). This palette has just firmed up my opinion.

I have swatched the European version of the quad (the one with only 1,2 grams of eyeshadow) which is baked. Such palette can be used both wet or dry. If used wet, the eyeshadows are supposed to be better pigmented.

Intuition is much, much better than Eclosion, even though eith this palette I also had to apply multiple coats to get a decent payoff. If you are pale, you might like it as the soft neutral palette, but if you are darker, I don’t think you’ll be happy with it.

The top left shade is a pearly champagne. Its pigemntation is ok, although I applied two coats, because it is too similar to my skin.

The top right is shimmering gold. This time, even with all the shimmer, there is enough golden base to give some color payoff.

The bottom left shade applies unevenly and I had to use several layers to get it to show up.

The bottom right is a warm brown with decent pigmentation.

The shadows are swatched on NC20 skin.

If I had to buy one palette from this collection, I’d pick this one.

CHANEL Les 4 Ombres #34 Eclosion Eyeshadow Palette Swatch

 

Chanel has recently launced a sort of collection with three quads and two new shades of Illusion d’Ombre.

I admit that I’m not a fan of Chanel eyeshadows – the packaging is gorgeous and the shade selection amazing, but every time I swatch it, they are powdery nad not very pigmented. I have never been even tempted to purchase it (an I’m an eyeshadow freak). This palette has just firmed up my opinion.

I have swatched the European version of the quad (the one with only 1,2 grams of eyeshadow) which is baked. Such palette can be used both wet or dry. If used wet, the eyeshadows are supposed to be better pigmented.

Eclosion is the worst of the bunch. Extremely powdery and not pigmented. I had to really dig into the eyeshadow to even get a resemblance of colour on the swatch.

The top right shade is extremmely shimmery – it is basically pure shimmer with no colour at all.

The top left shade is very sheer, pearly.

The two bottom shades offer some colour pay-off, but the bottom right (th last one swatched) applies unevenly.

The only decent shade is the bottom left (third one on thte swatch).

The shadows are swatched on NC20 skin.

DIOR Eye Gloss Swatches (Summer 2012)

Dior Eye Gloss comes in a similar bottle like Dior Lipgloss with the sponge tip applicator. It retails for around 25 euros.

Eye Gloss is a cream eyeshadow, available in four shades and, as far as I know, all of them are limited edition. Don’t expect amazing pigmentation – when you spread the eyeshadow, they are very sheer and they give a hint of colour and a lot of shine. Applying another layer after the first one had dried might deepen the colour, but don’t expect too much.

The shades are:

750 Sunset. Shimmering pinky peach coral.

020 Sheashell. Pearly white shade.

240 Azur. Shimmering baby blue with a hint of turquoise

560 Tan. Shimmering bronze medium dark brown.

The eyeshadow dries very quickly upon application and I think that those with non-oily eyelids won’t complain on the lasting power. I have extremely oily eyelids and I have tested the product only at the counter without a primer and, once applied, it stayed on for three hours without creasing. After five hours, the creasing was very visible.

INGLOT Matte Eyeshadow M353 Review and Swatch

Inglot Matte Eyeshadow in M353 was my all-over-lid eyeshadow after finishing Sisley Vanilla. This was my first Inglot eyeshadow, so I have purchased it in a compact pan, rather than refill pan for the pallete. The compact it comes in has a twist-off cap, which is transparent on the top. The retail price vary, depending on the country, but in Croatia it retails for around $12 and you get 2 grams.

The colour is light beige-vanilla. Compared to Sisley Vanilla, Inglot is 100% matte. The swatches I have made are so-so because the colour is very close to my complexion and it isn’t very visible.

I use it with an eyeshadow base (currently Essence Made to Stay, which isn’t very good) and it stays on without creasing for over 9 hours. That’s very good, in my opinion.

What surprised me is the texture of the eyeshadow. When I applied it with my Studio Basic Blending Brush, the shadow appeared very powdery and there was a lot of fallout. After I have switched to Inglot FS7 Brush, it applied like a dream and there was no extra powder fallout all over the pan. Weird, because Studio Basic Brush has no such a problems in applying any other eyeshadow. However, Inglot Brush seems much softer, so this is probably the reason for no fallout.

Overall, I’m really happy with it. It is a great and cheap choice for all-over lid colour.

BIODERMA, SISLEY and YVES SAINT LAURENT Haul

This is the last one (at least until my birthday), I promise. Bioderma exfoliator was a necessity, Sisley eyeshadow my long-time wish, but the rest is purely impulse purchase (I hope I won’t regret it).

I’ve bought way too much stuff and spent too much, but thankfully Sisley GWP makes it less painful.

So, first the skincare.

As I have mentioned, Bioderma Sebium Exfoliating Purifying Gel was a necessity as I have spent my Sisley Crème Gommante and I have found myself without an exfoliator.

However there was a Bioderma promo at the pharmacy and the SA turned my attention towards Bioderma Purifying Correcting Care which came with a free Bioderma Sebium H2O Micelle Solution (value $13. I also got a samples of Bioderma Pore Refiner, Bioderma Sebium Hydra Moisturizing Cream, Bioderma Sebium Serum and Bioderma Photoderm AKN spf 30 sunscreen.

I can’t wait to try the products. From my experience so far, Bioderma is an excellent skincare line and I wonder why haven’t I tried it before.

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Now onto the make-up (and a bit of skincare).

Sisley had a GWP promo and since I’ve been lemming Sisley Phyto Ombre Eclat Eyeshadow #17 Stardust for ages, this was chance to finally get it.

The GWP was a mini set for oily skin:

Cleansing Milk with Sage (30ml) – I love it.

Grapefruit Toning Lotion (30ml)

Radiant Glow Express Mask (15ml) – wanted to try it for ages.

Hydra Global Cream (10ml)

Tropical Resins Complex (4ml) – I already have the full-size, but the sample will be good for travelling.

Phyto Teint Eclat foundation #3 (2ml) – too dark, but I will use it during summer.

I have wanted to get Sisley lipstick, but there weren’t any in stock, so I’ve browsed other counters and found Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture in #17. It was impulse, but I’m in love with that shade.

While I was at YSL counter, I have also tried the new Rouge Pur Couture Laque and I’m disappointed. My disappointment mainly stems from the fact that, based on the packaging, I have expected them to be YSL’s version of Chanel Rouge Allure Laque – that is a liquid pigmented lipstick which has glossy finish. Unfortunately, YSL can be described as a lip tint. The colours are gorgeous, but they are very sheer. However, they are very longlasting – I had to wash my hands several time with the soap to completely remove the stains.

I have also tested Clarins Gloss Prodige – it is very pigmented, but what puts me off is extremely strong fruity scent.

Anyway, I hope that I have satisfied my shopping impulses for a while.

Thank you for reading.

P.S. How do you like bigger pictures?

MAKE-UP STASH INVENTORY (January 2012)

I think it’s high time for me to start to control my impulsive purchases and redirect the money I spend on cosmetics I don’t need on something else. I’ve had much more self-control before I started to get involved in beauty community. Before, I’d purchase something only when I would need it, but now I’ve been buying things only because they seem pretty or I think that I simply must have it (even though I’ll probably use it several times before the product is lost in my stash.

I don’t like feeling overwhelmed every morning when I’m doing my make-up with all of the products which I have. Sometimes it takes me literary 10 minutes only to decide which eyeshadow I should use. I’ve tried the concept of creating “looks” which would include several products and then wearing the look for the next week. It is a good concept, but this means that 90% of my stash sits there unused while I’m wearing the “look”.

I do not plan to use up all of my make-up. I’ll use eyeshadows only until I hit the pan (especially if it is a discontinued or LE product). The same goes with lipsticks. I always leave a millimetre or two of the lipstick in case I ever need to find a dupe. After that, I put the product in the original packaging and put it in my “finished products” drawer. I know this sounds a bit ridiculous, to keep the boxes after you have spent the product, but I have paid a lot for these products and I cannot imagine throwing the compact of, let’s say, Guerlain eyeshadow away.

I have taken a photo of all the items in my stash, for my reference (I’ll do the same the next year). Compared to the previous stash pictures, you can see that I have spent some items (yay! for me) and hit the pan on many others.

GUERLAIN Terracotta Loose Khol in Mirage Review and Swatch

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

Guerlain Terracotta Loose Khol is a loose eyeliner which comes in a 2 grams bottle (30 euros). The vial is a bit inconvenient as its shape doesn’t allow it to stand up. The top of the vial openes by pulling out the wand-applicator (it resembles a toothpick) which is immersed in the powdered pigment.

You can apply Loose Khol in two ways: one is to apply it “normal” way – above upper and lower lash line (this is how I usually wear pencil). The other is to tightline. Tightlining basically means to apply the eyeliner on both lower and upper waterline.

Loose Khol can be used as an eyeshadow, too.

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SHADE DESCRIPTION:

Mirage is a neutral brown matte shade which looks extremely natural. It was a limited edition from Terracotta Summer 2010 collection.

The regular shades available are Noir (matte black), Brun Dore (very similar to Mirage, but with golden shmmer) and Bleu.

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REVIEW:

This is the only one eyeliner for which I can swear that it won’t smudge on the waterline. Since I have really small eyes, I find the shade Mirage softer and more appropriate for my features.

The khol is very pigmented and sticks immediately to the skin. If you decide to use it as an eyeshadow, be sure you have very precise application, as it won’t be very easy to remove.

The tricky part of this kohl is the application: there is a plastic wand – no longer than a toothpick, which is fixed to the cover. Since it is constantly immersed in the loose powder, I don’t know how hygienic such applicator is.

The applicator really isn’t appropriate to apply the kohl the “normal” way. If you apply the kohl above the lashes, the applicator won’t deposit the kohl evenly. You’ll just end up with a lot of mess and no eyeliner.

On the other hand, the applicator is really made for tightlining.It gives a very natural, but emphasizes eyes perfectly. I think it might work on all eye shapes and sizes. I was a bit afraid of this look, but my eyes lined in such a way doesn’t look as small.

It is extremely longlasting: it will fade a bit on the waterline, but it will never smudge. I’ve worn it for over 12 hours and it only faded a bit.

Guerlain Loose Khol is definitely worth of checking out if you are on the hunt for a longwearing eyeliner.

P.S. You can find a step-by-step tightlining tutorial with pictures HERE (unfortunately, there will be no video as I don’t have a good quality camera).

DIOR 3 Couleurs Smoky in #091 Smoky Black and #291 Smoky Navy Swatch and Review

Together with their fall 2011 collection, Dior have released and ingenious concept of trio eyeshadows. The compact cost $48 and it contains three shades, each of a different texture, two applicators and a mirror. The top two shades are darker – one is matte and the other is packed with glitter and shimmer. Below these two shades, there is one lighter satiny shade, in a bigger pan.

The concept seems ideal – you practically get everything you need in one compact. The colours are well coordinated and I could see myself wanting all of these. However, not all the shades impressed me when trying them in a real-life.

However, I’d like to warn you that I have only tested these products at the counter. I’m still writing a review based on this first impression because I believe that the testers are there in order to impress the customer and make them buy the product. Also, the swatches were done with a light swipe of finger. The purpose was not to show the exact colour (swatches on Dior website are pretty accurate), but rather to show a level of pigmentation the shade has.

DIOR 3 Couleurs Smoky in #781 Smoky Brown and #481 Smoky Khaki Review and Swatch

Together with their fall 2011 collection, Dior have released and ingenious concept of trio eyeshadows. The compact cost $48 and it contains three shades, each of a different texture, two applicators and a mirror. The top two shades are darker – one is matte and the other is packed with glitter and shimmer. Below these two shades, there is one lighter satiny shade, in a bigger pan.

The concept seems ideal – you practically get everything you need in one compact. The colours are well coordinated and I could see myself wanting all of these. However, not all the shades impressed me when trying them in a real-life.

However, I’d like to warn you that I have only tested these products at the counter. I’m still writing a review based on this first impression because I believe that the testers are there in order to impress the customer and make them buy the product. Also, the swatches were done with a light swipe of finger. The purpose was not to show the exact colour (swatches on Dior website are pretty accurate), but rather to show a level of pigmentation the shade has.

 

DIOR 3 Couleurs Smoky in #051 Smoky Pink and #571 Smoky Nude Review and Swatch

Together with their fall 2011 collection, Dior have released and ingenious concept of trio eyeshadows. The compact cost $48 and it contains three shades, each of a different texture, two applicators and a mirror. The top two shades are darker – one is matte and the other is packed with glitter and shimmer. Below these two shades, there is one lighter satiny shade, in a bigger pan.

The concept seems ideal – you practically get everything you need in one compact. The colours are well coordinated and I could see myself wanting all of these. However, not all the shades impressed me when trying them in a real-life.

However, I’d like to warn you that I have only tested these products at the counter. I’m still writing a review based on this first impression because I believe that the testers are there in order to impress the customer and make them buy the product. Also, the swatches were done with a light swipe of finger. The purpose was not to show the exact colour (swatches on Dior website are pretty accurate), but rather to show a level of pigmentation the shade has.

CHANEL Ombres Contraste Duo Noir-Ivoire (Holiday 2011) Review and Swatch

Ombres Contraste Duo eyeshadow ($42.00) proves that Chanel can make a decent eyeshadows when they want. What is really funny is that this shades look worse on the photos than in the real life (it is opposite with the mono eyeshadows).

These two shades were swatched with just a light swipe of finger (the mono eyeshadows were packed on for the swatch).

CHANEL Ombre Essentielle Soft Touch Eyeshadow in Beige Lame and Blazing Gold (Holiday 2011) Review and Swatch

Ombre Essentielle Soft Touch Eyeshadow ($28.50) is available in two shades. You should note that both shades look better on the swatch picture than in the real life. I swatched them as I usually swatch the powdery products – with my fingers. These are definitely the most disappointing items in the collection.

My SUMMER Make-up Favourites

Summer is officially over and fall has brought cold, grey days and lots of rain. Still, I cannot let go the summerrrrr. I’ve comprised the list of the products I have used the most this summer, hoping that the pictures will bring back the warm sun (if only in my memory).