Hourglass Exposure Modernist Eyeshadow Palette

Hourglass Exposure Modernist Eyeshadow Palette

Hourglass Exposure Modernist Eyeshadow Palette

Shade:   Exposure 
Color Description:  one champagne shade, three different plum shades and one light bronze
Size:  5  X 0.035 Oz. / 5 X 1.0 g
Price:  $58.00
Made in:  USA
Where to find it:  www.sephora.com, www.hourglasscosmetics.com
Note(s):  

• I really like the packaging and design of this palette but the performance is nothing special.
• The shades are very finely milled and borderline powdery. If you look at the demo in the Hourglass Cosmetics website, you will see how powdery they look when the person taps the brush to removed the excess product. 
• the shimmery shades can be used wet or dry; using them wet intensifies the color 
• A brush with fine bristles helps to apply this product without too much fallout. 

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Yves Saint Laurent Couture Palette No. 4 Saharienne

Yves Saint Laurent Couture Palette No. 4 Saharienne

Yves Saint Laurent Couture Palette No. 4 Saharienne

Shade:  No. 4 Saharienne
Color Description:
Base - light peach
Highlighter - light yellow/gold
Color #1 - dark taupe
Color #2 - medium warm taupe
Color #3 - silvery taupe
Size:  0.18 Oz. / 5.0 g
Price:  $60.00
Made in:  France
Where to find it:  www.yslbeautyus.com 
Note(s):  

• all the shades have good color payoff and smooth texture
• there are not matte shades in this palette, in fact most of the YSL Couture Palettes don't include matte shades

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ColourPop Megan Naik Foursome Collection

ColourPop Megan Naik Foursome Collection

ColourPop Megan Naik Foursome Collection

Shade:  Megan Naik Foursome Collection
Color Description: 
Onai - "creamy white with blue violet opalescent duo chrome in a satin finish"
Farah - "deep brown in a matte finish"
Lectra - "deepened burgundy with pink violet glitter in a metallic finish"
Amira - "antique gilded gold with multi- coloured and multi- dimensional glitter in a metallic finish"
Size:  0.07 Oz. / 2.1 g each shade
Price:  $20.00
Where to find it:  colourpop.com
Made in the USA
Note(s):  

• unique texture; feels wet to the touch
• the best way to apply these eyeshadows is by using finger tips or a synthetic brush
• all the color descriptions are from the colourpop website and they seem fairly accurate
• color payoff depends on the layers applied 
• there was fallout with the glittery/metallic shades 
• these eyeshadows set quite fast and they are not easy to blend

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Sleek MakeUp Blush By 3 in Flame

Sleek MakeUp Blush By 3 in Flame

Sleek MakeUp Blush By 3 in Flame

Shade:  Flame 
Color Description: 
Furnace - mauvy satin red
Bon Fire - matte bright red
Molten - medium shimmery red
Size:  0.68 Oz. / 20.0 g
Price:  on sale $7.49; used to be $14.99
Made in Taiwan
Where to find it:  Superdrug in the UK, also available online at www.sleekmakeup.com
Note(s):

• not an everyday blush color  
• very good pigmentation
• smooth texture on all shades 
• the palette design is small and travel friendly; also it feels slightly heavier and sturdier than the eyeshadow palettes 

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Hourglass Color Field Modernist Eyeshadow Palette

Hourglass Color Field Modernist Eyeshadow Palette

Hourglass Color Field Modernist Eyeshadow Palette

Shade:  Color Field
Color Description:  one matte shade and four shimmery shades
Size:  5  X 0.035 Oz. / 5 X 1.0 g
Price:  $58.00
Where to find it:  www.sephora.com, www.hourglasscosmetics.com
Note(s):  

• the packaging and design of this palette is gorgeous
• the shimmery shades can be used wet or dry; using them wet intensifies the color 
• good color payoff
• When I first used this palette, I did not like it and I was disappointed. Before I bought it, I read the description of the product and sounded good "finely-milled, creamy formula--the first of its kind--is exceptionally soft, longwearing and crease-resistant." The eyeshadows are definitely finely-milled and soft, but the texture doesn't feel creamy to me. I used this palette with a goat bristle eyeshadow brush and there was powder and fallout everywhere. So, I was disappointed. Not ready to give up, I tried it again. This time I used an ultra soft squirrel bristle eyeshadow brush. Using a really soft eyeshadow brush, really helped to minimize the fallout of this product and it also helped to blend the colors. I don't know if the eyeshadows are truly longweaing and crease-resistant on their on, since I used an eyeshadow primer.
• unfortunately not the easiest eyeshadow palette to work with

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Yves Saint Laurent Desir de Jour Couture Palette

Yves Saint Laurent Desir de Jour Couture Palette

Yves Saint Laurent Desir de Jour Couture Palette

Shade:  Desir de Jour
Color Description:
Base - taupe
Highlighter - light yellow with pink shimmer
Color #1 - soft black with pink shimmer
Color #2 - bronze
Color #3 - medium pink
Size:  0.18 Oz. / 5.0 g
Price:  $60.00
Where to find it:  www.yslbeautyus.com 
Note(s):  

• this palette was limited edition and it is not longer available on the website
• all the shades have very good color payoff and smooth texture
• there are not matte shades in this palette, in fact most of the YSL Couture Palettes don't include matte shades
• all shades have a satin finish with the exception of Color #1 in which the shimmer looks more glittery and has a bit of fall out  
• the packaging is beautiful; it has a pink sequin fabric with a black ribbon and YSL in gold on top

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NARS El Agua Velvet Lip Liner

NARS El Agua Velvet Lip Liner

Shade:  El Agua 
Color Description:  lavender rose 
Size:  0.01 Oz. / 0.5 g
Price:  $24.00
Where to find it:  www.narscosmetics.com 
Note(s):  

• not as creamy as it sounds
• texture is more on the dry side than the velvet side
• pigmentation is good  
• I went to the NARS boutique to see this pencil in person. I liked the color and wanted to swatch it on the back my hand. It felt dry and the tip broke. I thought that was probably because at the boutique this lip liner did not have a cap on, but the tip broke on the one I purchased the first time I used it. 
• DO NOT use a pencil sharpener. It sharpens by twisting the bottom. I totally forgot about this and now I have a not so good-looking lip pencil. 

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MAC Perky Pro Longwear Paint Pot

MAC Perky Pro Longwear Paint Pot 

MAC Perky Pro Longwear Paint Pot 

Shade:  Perky  

Color Description:  cream coral with white pearl
Size:  0.17 Oz. / 5.0 g
Price:  $21.00
Where to find it:  www.maccosmetics.com
Note(s):   

• creamy texture
• coverage is on the sheer side
• shimmery finish 
• easy to apply and blend using fingers or a synthetic brush 
• Normally, paint pots stayed on well and don't crease on me. 

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SUQQU Eyebrow Liquid Pen R No. 02 Brown

SUQQU Eyebrow Liquid Pen R No. 02 Brown

SUQQU Eyebrow Liquid Pen R No. 02 Brown

Shade:  No. 02 Brown
Color Description:  light brown
Cost:  ¥ 3,000 / £20.00 / about 25.00 USD (depending how the dollar is doing that day)
Size:  0.02 Fl. Oz. / 0.7 ml
Where to find it:
If you are visiting London or live there, Selfridges carries SUQQU. www.selfridges.com
If you are visiting Japan or live there, SUQQU can be found everywhere, specially at the train stations.
SUQQU is not available in the US yet.
From SUQQU's booklet:
"Smooth liquid eyebrow pen helps to define the eyebrows and enhance the natural shape. Water and oil-resistant to last throughout the day without smudging."
Note(s):  

• the color is so light that it doesn't look like much at the same time it looks natural 
• My brows are black and this shade creates a shadow on the areas that I could use more hair. 

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Sleek MakeUP I-Divine Palette in Ultra Mattes V1 Brights

Sleek MakeUP I-Divine Palette in Ultra Mattes V1 Brights

Sleek MakeUP I-Divine Palette in Ultra Mattes V1 Brights

Shade:  Ultra Mattes V1 Brights 
Color Description:  mix of bright and neutral shades; all matte
Size:  0.03 Oz. / 1.1 g each shade (12 X 0.03 Oz. / 12 X 1.1 g)
Price:  £7.99 / $11.99
Made in China
Where to find it:  Superdrug in the UK, also available online at www.sleekmakeup.com
Note(s):

• I purchased this palette at a Superdrug in London.  
• not all colors in this palette are super bright and unwearable 
• the texture feels smooth and silky
• some looked powdery but blended OK
• pigmentation was good on most shades except for the Sugarlight, which looks like a awesome purple but it is totally disappointing  

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Dior Addict Extreme No. 356 Cherie Bow

Dior Addict Extreme No. 356 Cherie Bow

Dior Addict Extreme No. 356 Cherie Bow

Shade:  No. 356 Cherie Bow
Color Description:  sheer pink
Size:  0.12 Oz. / 3.5 g
Price:  $33.00
Where to find it:  shop.nordstrom.com, www1.bloomingdales.com
Note(s):  

• the color looks orangy in the photo but it is pink
• sheer coverage with enough color to be noticeable  
• it had a glossy finish that wasn't slippery 
• very comfortable and easy to wear  
• this product didn't have a strong scent 

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CHIKUHODO Z Series Z-5 Eyeshadow Brush

CHIKUHODO Z Series Z-5 Eyeshadow Brush

CHIKUHODO Z Series Z-5 Eyeshadow Brush

Brush Name:  Z-5 Eyeshadow Brush
Bristles:  gray squirrel
Length: 13.0 cm (1.5 centimeters bristles, 11.5 centimeters ferrule and handle)
Price:  $44.00
Made in:  Japan
Where to find it:  www.beautylish.com  
Note(s):

• soft bristles 
• this brush is wide; it measures 1.5 cm at its widest 
• looks too big to be use as an eyeshadow brush but it works well
• Whenever I'm feeling lazy and don't want to use more than one brush, I use this one. It places and blends eyeshadow beautifully. 
• Tip: gently wipe the brush with a paper towel to switch between eyeshadow colors. 

Tumblr:  makeupswatch.tumblr.com

Burberry Curve Lash Mascara No. 01 Ebony

Burberry Curve Lash Mascara No. 01 Ebony

Shade:  No. 01 Ebony
Color Description:  black
Size:  0.23 Oz. / 7.0 g
Price:  $29.00
Where to find it:  us.burberry.com 
Note(s):

• the brush in this mascara is really thin 
• it is not waterproof so it doesn't retain the curl of my eyelashes after I used an eyelash curler
• the color looks more like a matte black than a glossy black
• it smudged after I yawned and got a tiny amount of moisture on the corner of my eye 

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NARS NARSissist Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette

NARS NARSissist Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette

NARS NARSissist Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette

Shade:  NARSissist Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette
Color Description:
Europa - Gossamer Pink Peach
Himalia - Shimmering Topaz
Ursa Major - Chocolate Glaze
Subra - Black Orchid
Andromeda - Alabaster
Lysithea - Shark Grey
Giove - Navy
Sycorax - Black
Size:  8 x 0.03 Oz. (1.0 g)
Price:  $79.00
Where to find it:  www.narscosmetics.com, www.sephora.com
Note(s):  

• these shadows can be used wet or dry
• if they are used dry, they have a sheer color payoff
• if they are used wet, the color payoff is stronger and more metallic 
• the best way to use them wet is with a damp brush, the brush should not be too wet (wet the brush and remove the excess water with a paper towel)
• all shades with the exception of Ursa Major are available for individual purchase 
• shades such as Subra and Giove seem to to have a black base
• the design of the compact is cool, but not ideal for traveling since the top is a mirror 

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Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Pomade in Taupe

Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Pomade in Taupe

Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Pomade in Taupe

Shade:  Taupe
Color Description:  warm taupe
Size:  0.14 Oz. / 4.0 g
Price:  $18.00
Where to find it:  anastasiabeverlyhills.com, www.sephora.com
Note(s):  

• creamy texture
• highly pigmented
• supposed to be waterproof
• I use this color to soften up the black color of my brows. After wearing it for a while, I notice that it holds the brow hair in place and it doesn't smudge throughout the day.

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Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill 4 Color Eyeshadow Palette No. 11 Mystery

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill 4 Color Eyeshadow Palette No. 11 Mystery

Shade:  No. 11 Mystery
Color Description:  grayish taupe, champagne, light warm brown, dark grayish brown
Size:  2 x 0.071 Oz. (2.0 g)  / 2 x 0.035 Oz. (1.0 g)
Price:  $59.00
Where to find it:  www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com
Note(s):  

• all shades are very shimmery except for the darkest shade
• good pigmentation
• I like the design of the packaging. It is oval/round and it has a compartment to store the applicators. 

Tumblr:  makeupswatch.tumblr.com

NARS Audacious Lipstick in Dominique

NARS Audacious Lipstick in Dominique

NARS Audacious Lipstick in Dominique

Shade:  Dominique
Color Description:  pink lilac 
Size:  0.14 Oz. / 4.2 g
Price:  $32.00
Where to find it:  www.narscosmetics.com 
Note(s):  

• According to a sales rep, this shade is only available online and at NARS boutiques.
• I couldn't say no to this shade. The color is so pretty and unique. It is a tame version of purple and it is quite wearable. 
• there is not noticeable scent
• the texture is creamy and pigmentation is great 

Tumblr:  makeupswatch.tumblr.com

Sleek MakeUP i-Divine Palette in Snapshots

Sleek MakeUP i-Divine Palette in Snapshots

Sleek MakeUP i-Divine Palette in Snapshots

Shade:  Snapshots 
Color Description:  mixture of matte and shimmery shades
Size:  0.03 Oz. / 1.1 g each shade (12 X 0.03 Oz. / 12 X 1.1 g)
Price:  £7.99 / $11.99
Made in China
Where to find it:  Superdrug in the UK, also available online at www.sleekmakeup.com
Note(s):

• I purchased this palette at a Superdrug in London.  
• This palette is by far my favorite Sleek eyeshadow palette. 
• All shades have good pigmentation. In my previous experience, the matte shades weren't the best in terms of texture and pigmentation, but in this palette they performed well and blended nicely. 

Tumblr:  makeupswatch.tumblr.com

CHIKUHODO Noel Collection Neige Brush Set

CHIKUHODO Noel Collection Neige Brush Set

CHIKUHODO Noel Collection Neige Brush Set

Set Name:  Noel Collection Neige Brush Set
Bristles:  white goat
Length: 
Powder Brush:  16.5 cm (5 centimeters bristles, 11.5 centimeters ferrule and handle)
Blush Brush:  15.5 cm (4 centimeters bristles, 11.5 centimeters ferrule and handle)
Eyeshadow Brush:  12.9 cm (1.4 centimeters bristles, 11.5 centimeters ferrule and handle)
Price:  $135.00
Made in:  Japan
Where to find it:  www.beautylish.com  (not longer available)
Note(s):

• soft bristles 
• this was a limited edition and it is not longer available
• The set included three bushes and one silver brush case. The blue handles are so pretty and the design and letters have texture so you can feel them.
• As a set, I feel that it is missing a least one more brush, such as a blending brush.

Tumblr:  makeupswatch.tumblr.com

Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color No. GR 708 - Moss

Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color No. GR 708 - Moss

Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color No. GR 708 - Moss

Shade:  No. GR 708 - Moss
Color Description:  light shimmery yellowish green
Size:  0.21 Oz. / 6.0 g
Price:  $25.00
Where to find it:  www.shiseido.com
Note(s):  

• creamy texture
• sheer coverage
• very shimmery  
• I wore it alone and did not crease or smudge throughout the day.

Tumblr:  makeupswatch.tumblr.com

Yves Saint Laurent Glossy Stain No. 14 Fuchsia Dore

Yves Saint Laurent Glossy Stain No. 14 Fuchsia Dore

Yves Saint Laurent Glossy Stain No. 14 Fuchsia Dore

Shade:  No. 14 Fuchsia Dore
Color Description:  reddish fuchsia with orangy gold shimmer
Size:  0.2 Oz. / 6.0 ml
Price:  $36.00
Where to find it:  www.yslbeautyus.com, www.sephora.com
Note(s):  

• When I first applied this product, the consistency was thin and when it set on the lips the consistency started to feel thick and slightly tacky. 
• color payoff was sheer and the shimmer was not very intense 
• I wore it for a while and did not leave a stain on my lips.
• Usually, YSL products have a sweet floral scent but not this one. This product smells like citrus and alcohol to me. The scent did not linger. 

Tumblr:  makeupswatch.tumblr.com

Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio No. GD 804 Opera

Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio No. GD 804 Opera

Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio No. GD 804 Opera

Shade:  No. GD 804 Opera
Color Description:  olive green with gold shimmer, light gold, light blue
Size:  0.1 Oz. / 3 g
Price:  $33.00
Where to find it:  www.shiseido.com
Note(s):  

• silky and soft texture
• satin finish  
• buildable coverage from sheer to opaque 
• the color selection is interesting, but I haven't wear all shades at once 

Tumblr:  makeupswatch.tumblr.com

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Medium 2/Ginger

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Medium 2/Ginger

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Medium 2/Ginger

Shade:  Medium 2/Ginger
Color Description:  "golden undertone for medium complexion"
Size:  0.22 Oz. / 6 ml
Price:  $29.00
Where to find it:  www.narscosmetics.com, www.sephora.com
Note(s):  

• this shade is a bit darker than I expected 
• it oxidized turning the shade slightly more orange  
• the texture is creamy without feeling greasy 
• pigmentation is good and has good coverage
• I have to prep the skin under the eye area before applying this concealer otherwise it looks patchy.
• I noticed that it accumulates in the lines if it is not set with powder right away. 

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CHIKUHODO Z Series Z-3 Contour Brush

CHIKUHODO Z Series Z-3 Contour Brush

CHIKUHODO Z Series Z-3 Contour Brush

Brush Name:  Z-3 Contour Brush
Bristles:  gray squirrel
Length:  13 cm (1.5 centimeters bristles, 11.5 centimeters ferrule and handle)
Price:  $42.00
Made in:  Japan
Where to find it:  www.beautylish.com
Note(s):

• soft bristles 
• I'm not sure if I like this brush for contouring. This a round brush with a flat top. The diameter is small and it makes precise lines that are hard to blend using the same brush. I often have to use in fluffier brush to soften the edges. 
• In my experience, this brush is good for placing product but not for blending. 
• I have not notice any shedding yet. 

Tumblr:  makeupswatch.tumblr.com

CHIKUHODO Z Series Z-8 Cheek Bush

CHIKUHODO Z Series Z-8 Cheek Bush

CHIKUHODO Z Series Z-8 Cheek Bush

Brush Name:  Z-8 Cheek Bush
Bristles:  gray squirrel
Length:  15.5 cm (4 centimeters bristles, 11.5 centimeters ferrule and handle)
Price:  $111.00
Made in:  Japan
Where to find it:  www.beautylish.com
Note(s):

• soft bristles and good density
• picks up finely milled products very well 
• I have been using this brush for a while and I have not notice any shedding. 
• It is check brush, but I also like to use with setting powder to set concealer under the eye area. 

Tumblr:  makeupswatch.tumblr.com

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Shadow Stick No. 2 Violet Plum

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Shadow Stick No. 2 Violet Plum

Shade:  No. 2 Violet Plum
Color Description:  blacken purple
Size:  0.05 Oz. / 1.6 g
Price:  $29.00
Where to find it: www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com 
Note(s):

• more than one pass is necessary to get full coverage (one pass looks patchy just like the swatch above)
• the product is very creamy
• I don't know if I didn't allow enough time to set (dry), but some the product settled in my crease within a few minutes of applying it. I tried it with an eyeshadow primer and without it and the product still settled in the crease.
• I mostly had issues in the crease line everywhere else the product looked fine.  

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Sleek MakeUP Face Contour Kit in Medium

Sleek MakeUP Face Contour Kit in Medium

Shade:  Medium
Color Description:  matte medium brown (contour) and ultra shimmery warm gold (highlighter)
Size:  0.48 Oz. / 14.0 g
Price:  $9.99
Made in Taiwan
Where to find it:  Superdrug in the UK, also available online at www.sleekmakeup.com
Note(s):

• both shades have great pigmentation
• the highlighter shade blended well into the skin 
• the contour shade sometimes seem slightly patchy and the color is a bit too orange for me
• this product contains Jojoba oil and I don't like the smell of it
• the scent isn't strong but not my favorite 

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OPI Nordic Collection

OPI Nordic Collection

More info below.