Givenchy + Purple = LOVE

Barneys, why do you torture me this way?! The Givenchy Tricolor Medium Antigona Duffel is the perfect shade of purple for this purple loving girl! Perhaps Givenchy knows my birthday is right around the corner... oh, but a girl can dream!

EOS Sweet Mint Lip Balm Review

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

I think that we really have a false sense of the seasons living in Los Angeles. The weather here really is temperate year round, and it is not at all unusual to wear what is considered spring and summer clothing during the "colder" months of the year. While the seasonal changes may at times be imperceptible to us- our skin often tells a very different story.

The weather has been gorgeous lately, but I have noticed that my skin is a little dry (and I have decidedly combination skin) and my lips are ridiculously chapped. I have plenty of good moisturizing lip balms, but the other day while at CVS I saw the EOS Sweet Mint Lip Balm that I have been trying to find for some time. So naturally I grabbed it and started using it immediately.

EOS (Evolution of Smooth) lip balms are really comfortable on the lips, and frankly the little twist top egg is pretty fun to use- making it a go-to product for me. I have their Honeysuckle Honeydew flavor as well, but I prefer the refreshing feeling and taste of the Sweet Mint.  This balm really seems to help heal my parched cracking lips, and feels good in the process. I also really like that it is filled with lots of good ingredients, and that it isn't filled with lots of bad ones. That it is 100% natural & 95% organic is even better!

EOS Lip Balm are:

• Gluten-free
• Paraben-free
• Petrolatum-free
• Phthalate-free
• 95% organic
• 100% natural
• Packed with anti-oxidant rich Vitamin E, Shea Butter & Jojoba Oil

Ingredients: Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Beeswax (Cire D'abeille)*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Natural Flavor, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract*, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Cucumis Melo (Honeydew Melon) Seed Extract*, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract*, Limonene, Linalool. * Organic. Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth.

Overall assessment: I really really like EOS lip balms in general, but I L O V E the Sweet Mint lip balm the most! I highly recommend EOS lip balms, but try to find the Sweet Mint!

I paid $3.29 at my local CVS. Also available from EOS, Ulta, Walgreens, Unbeatable Sale, Selfridges, Overstock.com and Bed, Bath & Beyond (Affiliate Links).

A Message from the Editor in Chief

Enjoy the remainder of your weekend- we will see you tomorrow! Jasper, Editor in Chief

NARS Spring 2012 Collection- Swatches of My Top Picks

Last night on my way out to dinner I decided to make a pit stop at Sephora to swatch a few things from the NARS Spring 2012 Collection. I opted not to swatch the whole collection, but instead I did hearty swatches of the colors that spoke to me the most.

Duo Eyeshadow in Paramaribo

This gorgeous Duo Eyeshadow in Paramaribo is described as Metallic Brass/ Metallic Bronze, and it is crazy beautiful, velvety smooth with super-saturated pigmentation. The NARS makeup artist at Barneys told me that this beautiful new shade is not, I repeat not limited edition. 

Top Swatch: Metallic Brass & Bottom Swatch: Metallic Bronze

Metallic Brass

Metallic Bronze

I seem to have a problem keeping the NARS Duo Eyeshadows on (and I do not have oily eyelids in the least bit)- don't get me wrong, I love the quality and pigmentation of them, but even with a heavy-duty primer they crease and fade on me. I am going to try Paramaribo on my eyes before committing to buying it. Fingers crossed that it doesn't fade or crease because it is a spectacular duo. $33.00

Shimmer Eyeshadow in Lhasa

Lhasa Shimmer Eyeshadow is described as a Lavender Grey, and it is stunning. It definitely leans cool, and one might say that it is on the fringes of a very cool greyed taupe. It is breathtaking.

Lhasa swatch

I have much better luck keeping the NARS Shimmer Eyeshadows on my eyelids, so I will likely cave and pick this one up. This is also now part of the permanent range. $23.00

Blush in Gaiety

Gaiety Blush is a gorgeous bright candy pink that is very pigmented and smooth. My swatch below is a bit uneven because my swatches were quite large and the only space I had left was the underside of my wrist. I think that this is a must-have blush for anyone with a penchant for clean cool pink blushes that are more matte. I was told that this is also now part of the permanent range. $27.00

Gaiety Blush. Light swatch on top and a very heavy swatch on bottom

Top: Gaiety Blush & Bottom Lhasa Shimmer Eye Shadow

I also swatched Gaiety & Lhasa together to illustrate just how cool-leaning both colors are.

Overall assessment: This is a beautiful collection, and it is well worth having a look to see if these colors work for you. There is no question that they are all finely milled high quality products, and the colors are just to die for.

Sunday Riley Crème Gloss Sheer Impact Lip Gloss in Sangria- REVIEW!

have been a devout follower of Sunday Riley products for a few years now, and have been astonished by her lack of presence in the blogosphere until just recently- and largely in response to her fantastic new makeup line. Let me just say that her makeup is every bit as good as her skincare line, which in my opinion is as good as it gets! Frankly, one of the reasons that I started this little blog was to sing the praises of her virtually unknown  luxury skincare line- because I love her products that much. In fact the product that inspired my very first first blog entry was Juno oil (review here), and I am as obsessed with Juno today as I was the first time I used it all that time ago.

Sunday Riley Creme Gloss Sheer Impact Lip Gloss in Sangria

Among the recently launched beauty products is a lovely range of lip glosses that is NOW available for purchase at Barneys New York. I received my full-sized Crème Gloss Sheer Impact Lip Gloss in Sangria as a gift with purchase during the Barneys Bag Event last November, and have been in love with it ever since. There are ten different shades in a rainbow of colors ranging from warm to cool tones. I have seen all of them and they really are gorgeous.  

Sangria 

The formula is sheer enough that all of the shades will work beautifully across all skin tones (whether you have warm or cool undertones).

The Crème Gloss formula offers a dewy glossy finish with shimmer, but without any stickiness whatsoever (it's the antithesis of the sticky MAC Lipglass formula). This lip gloss is remarkably hydrating, and provides a fairly long-lasting wear time (she pauses and reapplies more to her lips to adequately describe the experience of wearing this silky lip gloss). It has the moisturizing properties of a lip balm, but with the elegant finish of a high-end luxury lipgloss. The consistency is much thinner than Chanel's Glossimers- which are thicker and stickier, but lack the moisturizing properties that one finds in the Crème Gloss Sheer Impact Lip Gloss formula. 

This super conditioning lip gloss was specifically formulated to be non-tacky, long wearing, conditioning all while maintaining a high gloss sheen. Sunday Riley wanted to create universally flattering colors that ranged from semi-translucent to shimmery to intense pops of color. They can be worn alone or layered over lipsticks and /or lipliners. 

Sangria in direct sun. Heavy swatch on left, sheer on right

The key ingredients that make this a magically moisturizing lip gloss are:

Sunflower Seed Oil which provides high levels of hydration for the treatment (and prevention) of chapped lips- it conditions and nourishes very effectively.

Vitamin E also works wonders to nourish and condition even the driest of lips.

Stable Vitamin C is used because it effectively increases collagen levels to plump up the lips naturally. It also brightens skin, reduces melanin production (which can lead to hyperpigmentation), and is a powerhouse vitamin for its ability to repair the damaging effects of UV exposure. 

Polybutene 100 is the magical ingredient that creates the intensely glossy shine without any of the tackiness that one usually finds in high shine lip glosses (making this ingredient one of the most coveted in Sunday Riley's Creme Glosses).

Sangria is best described as a mid-tone raspberry, particularly in the tube. It is among the semi-transclucent shades, but with a nice dose of shimmer. It is one of those MLBB (My Lips But Better) shades on me, therefore it is the perfect pick when I just want a very natural sophisticated grown up pink lip. However, this shade plays very well with others- so I love using it on top of so many different colored lipsticks ranging from neutrals to in-your-face vibrant shades. There is a certain undeniable complexity to this shade as well- despite the fact that it is on the more sheer side. Different lighting reveals different aspects of this lovely hue. Captured below you will see how this morphs into a brighter nearly fuchsia shade in direct sunlight.

Sangria in direct sunlight

I just love EVERYTHING about this lip gloss formula, but I am probably most thrilled that it isn't sticky! Don't get me wrong, I have quite a few sticky lip glosses in my stash, but sometimes you just want to wear your hair down without having your hair get stuck to your lips.

Overall assessment: LOVE LOVE LOVE!

NOW available at Barneys New York  in 10 GORGEOUS shades. $28.00 each. 

Sunday Riley Bionic Anti-Aging Cream Review

Today is going to be one of those super fun days because I'm headed over to Barneys for another spectacular Sunday Riley facial and makeover. Barneys is my favorite store, Sunday Riley is my favorite line, Adina is my favorite esthetician- I think that you get the pictures-- I'm pretty much a Barneys & Sunday Riley fanatic.

In celebration of all things Barneys & Sunday Riley, I thought that  it was befitting to do a review of Bionic Anti-Aging Cream. I have used this lovely cream for nearly two years now, and simply can't say enough good things about it. Because it is a richer formulation I tend to use it at night and Skin Adrenaline (review forthcoming) during the day for my combination skin.

According to Sunday Riley Bionic Anti-Aging Cream is,

Built on Hydration + Anti-Aging fusion technology. Highest concentration of key ingredients to Rebuild Collagen, Stimulate Elastin Production, Densify the Skin, Reverse Photodamage, and Increase Skin Energy. All emerging anti-aging technologies and causes of aging covered in the creation of this stimulating, cutting-edge product.

Bionic is a "powerhouse cream for all ages, all skin types."

The first thing that I notice after applying Bionic to freshly cleansed skin (I tend to prefer using this cream after washing my face with Ceramic Slip Cleanser reviewed here) is how it soaks in quickly leaving my skin velvety soft like nothing else that I have ever tried. What is remarkable is that it has all of the intensely emollient properties that one expects from a rich thick cream, but in a much thinner formulation (housed in an air-tight bottle with a pump which keeps all of the active ingredients potent and uncontaminated). There is nothing worse than spending a small fortune on jar of cream only to have it lose potency from the exposure to oxygen, and to be contaminated by sticking fingers in the jar.

When I wake up the following morning the texture of my skin is so supple and smooth. There is what I would describe as a radiance and clarity to my skin that I haven't ever noticed before (presumably because it wasn't there before!). Even my husband, who doesn't tend to be the most observant man, says that my skin just glows and feels so soft- and trust me, that's a lot coming from him!

I think that this cream is suitable for all skin types, as intended. However, I think that people with very oily skin should use it sparingly. In fact if you have super oily skin, I would suggest asking for a sample to try it before buying a full bottle. That said, I have combination skin with an active T-Zone and have never broken out from Bionic.

Bionic contains no petrochemicals, but it does contain a couple parabens at the bottom of the list and a couple of silicones. The parabens are there because they are very effective preservatives that prevent the growth of bacteria, fungus, and mold. Therefore they also extend the shelf life of the product. If you suspect that you may have a sensitivity or an allergy to either of these ingredient types then I would definitely try a sample before buying. My skin can be very finicky and difficult at times, and I have only ever had stellar results from this luxurious cream. Don't let the bad rap that parabens and silicones have been getting lately dissuade you from trying this product- it really is phenomenal!

Key Ingredients:
-EGCG (99% pure, Prevents + Treats Photodamage; Reverses UV Collagen Destruction)
-Resveratrol (99% pure, Profound Antioxidant; called “Long-Life Extract”)
-Purified Retinol (Reverses Photodamage, Densifies the Skin)
-EMPP (Stimulates Elastin Production, Accelerates Healthy Skin Growth)
-Biopeptides (Reduces Depth + Volume of Wrinkles, Stimulates Collagen + Elastin Production, Densifies the Skin)
-Coenzyme Q10 (Increases Skin Energy to build Collagen, Stimulating, AntiOxidant)
-Copper GHK Peptides (Aids in tissue regeneration)
-Centella Asiatica (Collagen Building)
-NV-5 Ageless Complex (5 Native American Botanicals which Rejuvenate Damaged Skin, Pro-Actively Fight Aging, Anti-Pollution, Detoxifying)

Ingredients: EGCG, Resveratrol, Retinol, EMPP, Biopeptides, Coenzyme Q10, Copper GHK Peptides, Centella Asiatica, NV-5 Ageless Complex. Prickly Pear Extract, Blue Agave Extract, Lady’s Slipper Orchid Extract, Cactus Extract, Aloe Leaf Extract, Yeast Extract, Urea, Sunflower Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Squalene, Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, PEG-75 Meadowsol, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth 20, Shea Butter, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Saccharomyces, Fermet Lysate Filtrate, Green Tea, Xanthan Gum, Pomegranate Extract, Steareth-2, Palmitoul Oligopeptide, Copper Tripeptide-1, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Cholesteryl Nonoate, Cholesteryl 1, 4 Dichloro Benzoate, Cholesteryl Oleyl, Chloesteryl Chloride, Butylated Hydroxytoluene, Methyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben, DMDM Hydantoin.

Overall assessment: I LOVE THIS CREAM! I will definitely repurchase Bionic.

1.7 oz. $225.00 at Nordstrom, Sephora, Barneys New York, Beauty.com & Bloomingdale's (SpaceNK) (Affiliate Links).

Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil Review

I have to admit that I was no fan of Bobbi Brown's Cleansing Oil the first time that I tried it, at all. I read the reviews, and knew that so many people really loved this stuff, so I was delighted when I received a deluxe sample as a gift with purchase at Nordstrom a while ago.

My fatal error was treating it like a regular eye makeup remover- I pumped it onto a cotton ball and swiped it all over my eyes and what I ended up with was a filmy oily mess in my eyes-- it was uncomfortable and unpleasant (to say the least). Then I did what I should have done before trying the product the first time-- I read the directions, imagine that!!

According to Bobbi Brown the way to use this product is:

Pump a liberal amount into your hands. Gently apply to your dry face, lightly rubbing lashes into the oil to remove eye makeup, then massage your face with wet hands. Rinse with warm water.

So I decided to follow the directions (SHOCKER) and I have to say this is one great performer! This removed every single trace of eye makeup (including waterproof formulas), and it left my skin soft and supple- score! This also works brilliantly as a pre-cleansing oil to remove all traces of foundation, blush, and stubborn lipstick (yes, that includes you, Ruby Woo)- basically anything that you can throw at it.

This luxurious 2-in-1 formula was specifically created to remove all traces of makeup and to cleanse the skin while maintaining your natural levels of moisture (read: it won't strip your skin at all). You can thank the ingredients- this cleansing oil contains olive oil and jojoba oil which soften and moisturize the skin, and the ginger root extract calms and soothes even my finicky combination skin.

Overall assessment: Used incorrectly I HATED IT, but once I used it correctly I started to covet it. This is a real winner!

6.7 oz. $39.00

Wedges I AM LOVING (AND WANTING)!!

I Really love wedges- I always have and always will. Outside of my penchant for wearing flip-flops my all-time favorite shoe type is without question the wedge. After receiving my Wedge Shoes at Nordstrom email, I wasted no time looking at their recent offerings, and man did I like what I saw!

Chloé Cut Out Wedge Sandal

The Chloé Cut Out Wedge Sandals seriously make my heart go pitter patter, and if I had them you would definitely know it because I would wear them so often that my feet would be tanned with scalloped edges and triangles!

Pedro Garcia 'Tamesis' Velour Sandal

Pedro Garcia's 'Tamesis' Velour Sandals are so cute, and they look very comfortable! I can no longer wear shoes if they aren't very comfortable-- it's just not worth it to me to have sore feet in the name of cute shoes.

Fendi 'Dancing Days' Cork Wedge Sandal

If I could design a super cute strappy cork wedge it would look like the Fendi 'Dancing Days' Cork Wedge Sandal, without question!

Prada Braided Wedge Sandal

I LOVE Prada wedges, and still mourn the pair that got away last year at Barneys' clearance sale. They were a little big so I decided against them, and have regretted it ever since. I do really like these Prada Braided Wedge Sandals, though nothing in reality measures up to my romanticized idealizing of that lost pair (let's just all be clear that I don't even really remember exactly what they looked like)!

Yves Saint Laurent Patent Leather Sandal

Oh la la, do I ever dig on these retro YSL Patent Leather Sandals. These beauties evoke some of the shoe styles à la 1970s disco era at its best! This criss cross strappy wedge with the Famolare inspired wave sole is truly L O V E L Y (though Famolare shoes were never this chic, sophisticated, or attractive)!

Jimmy Choo 'Poplar' Platform Espadrille

I'm loving these Jimmy Choo 'Poplar' Platform Espadrilles, but I am hard on shoes, and therefore don't really trust myself with gleaming patent leather. I could see these on my sister though!

I Love the Theatricality of Illamasqua: The Theatre of the Nameless is an Intertextual Dream Come True!

The other day when I was drooling over so many of the products on the Illamasqua website I decided to have another look at the Theatre of the Nameless Collection (Fall/Winter 2011), and was immediately struck by a bolt of lightning! These images were so hauntingly familiar, where had I seen them before-- what glorious theatrical reference was being made (either unconsciously or intentionally)? Then I had my Aha! Moment that led me right back to my childhood..."Dammit Janet"

Tim Curry as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

The similarities between Tim Curry's character Dr. Frank-N-Furter from Rocky Horror and the Illamasqua Theatre of the Nameless campaign imagery is remarkable and fantastical. This Collection is an intertextual delight for those who like Rocky Horror Picture Show, but is an artistic and theatrical marvel even for those unaware of the film. I love Illamasqua's theatrical approach to makeup, and while I would not dare to wear my makeup with this type of verve I certainly do appreciate their daring artifice.

Illamasqua Theatre of the Nameless

Illamasqua Theatre of the Nameless

Clare Vivier Pink & Orange Clutch

I am a HUGE sucker for the pairing of bright orange and pink (shocker given the blog color scheme, I know).  This is no new fetish either, I painted my childhood desk BRIGHT orange with magenta accents. So it's safe to say that this juxtaposition of oddly compatible colors has resonated with me my entire life. I love it in clothing, makeup, household accessories, and fashion accessories. I'd be tempted to buy a car with this color scheme too-- can you imagine a magenta Prius with a bright orange interior--but will have to refrain since they aren't (to my knowledge) available! You might look eccentric or über artsy driving it, but I think you could actually get away with it in LA. 

For now I will have to dream of this combination on a smaller scale- so with that in mind, I was delighted when my sister introduced me to Clare Vivier's gorgeous Pink & Orange Foldover Clutch. I love that this is a local Los Angeles company, but her products are widely available (click here for a list of retailers). I want to get my paws on one of her makeup bags in this color combination!!!!!

Clare Vivier also has a very cool blog worth checking out!

The Top Three Pink Blushes I Can't Wait To Get My Hands On!

Nars Gaiety is a gorgeous bright candy pink ($27.00)

Illamasqua Katie is a lovely light milky pink ($24.00)

 

MAC Sunday Afternoon Pearlmatte Face Powder (Limited Edition) a clean bright pink/ clean bright fuchsia/ soft pale pink with white pearl from the upcoming MAC Vera Collection ($28.00). Launches February 16th, 2012

Gucci Goo: Just Tickled by Gucci's Spring Collection at Bergdorf's

Gucci's Spring Collection at Bergdorf's has so many pretty pretty drool-worthy things to tempt you!! 

Chanel Spring-Summer 2012 Haute Couture Show at the Grand Palais

Chanel Spring-Summer 2012 Haute-Couture Show, January 24th, 2012, at the Grand Palais, Galerie Sud-Ouest in Paris.

Click here to watch the gorgeous and inspiring show, or watch below.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Launches La Bohème Spring 2012 Collection at Sephora

La Bohème Spring 2012, a Sephora exclusive, is a small but mighty Limited Edition Collection just released by MAKE UP FOR EVER, and available exclusively at Sephora (online only).  MUFE's Bohemian-spirited romantic demi-collection is sure to thrill MAKE UP FOR EVER devotees and newbies alike.

It features:

Two lovely lipsticks ($19.00 each): Bohème (an iridescent peach), and Folk (an iridescent red coral).

La Bohème Baked Eye Shadow Palette ($39.00) featuring 6 baked eye shadows in Lagoon Green, Vegetal Green, Beige, Parma Purple, Brown  & Coral. 

 La Bohème Aqua Eyes ($18.00) in Gypsy (a matte dark brown).

www.sephora.com/

Blushing Noir is Having a Fantastic January 2012 Giveaway- Don't Miss out!!

Don't miss out on Blushing Noir's fantastic January 2012 Giveaway!! Enter for a chance to win Benefit THRRROB and Georgia Blushes! While you are there be sure to check out her blog-- it's one of my favorites!

Jennifer Fisher Jewelry at Barneys New York

Jennifer Fisher Grate Cuff

Jennifer Fisher Sun Bangle

Jennifer Fisher Mini Gothic Letter M Bracelet

These are certainly among the most tame pieces from the Jennifer Fisher Collection. There are bone cuffs, bullet cuffs, and mini skull diamond earrings (all made of various metals) to name a few of her edgy goth inspired designs. Check out her collection here.

Beauty Posts This Week from Around the Blogosphere

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog staff discussing their top picks from the beauty blogosphere this week

These are the posts that LSBB staff really enjoyed reading this week:

London Makeup Girl reviewed the Viseart Basic Eyeshadow Palette which is a gorgeous set of 12 neutral must-have mattes!

Glossed in Translation did a brilliant review of Yves Saint Laurent Glossy Stains (#4 and #10). She is also an amazing resource for all things Hakuhodo!!

The Shades of U is having a fantastic New Year Giveaway for her followers. Two winners will be selected, and let me just say that she has selected some drool-worthy items!

Pink Sith is in love with NARS eyeshadow single in Lhasa. Her raving review was so great that I now have to get my hands on this shadow!

Modesty Brown's post about IMATS London 2012 got me weak in the knees when I saw all of the Hakuhodo brushes!! No doubt she will be enjoying her first IMATS next month!

I loved The Non-Blonde's review of the new NARS Dark Rite Touch Shadow Eye Pencil (Spring 2012).

Best Things in Beauty did a lovely review of Laura Mercier's Lip Shine from the Lingerie Collection for Spring 2012. She chose the new Tempting Coral Lip Shine- which is G O R G E O U S!!

Karla Sugar swatched the entire NARS Spring 2012 Collection & the entire MAC Iris Apfel Collection. Karla always has the BEST swatches!!

My Beauty Bunny shared 4 recipes for Natural Homemade Fruit Facials.

Blushing Noir did a very nice review of Korres Quince Lip Butter Glaze.

Everyday Beauty did a very thought provoking post On Aging.

Reika's FOTD- Hot Pink Lips marks another fantastic post from Front Row Beauty!

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog reviewed Sunday Riley Prismasilk Eye Color in Twig and Fool's Gold.

Enjoy your weekend! See you tomorrow.

There Must Have Been a Major Shift in the Earth's Axis- Kevyn Aucoin, Napoleon Perdis, NYX & Jane Iredale are Now Available at Nordstrom!!

Kevyn Aucoin Beauty Pure Powder Glow

In LA I have only been able to get Kevyn Aucoin at Barneys New York, but now you can find some of his wonderful things at Nordstrom.

Napoleon Perdis 'Blush Patrol' Blush

I was cruising around the Nordstrom website the other day only to discover that they are now carrying Napoleon Perdis products as well!

NYX Sheer Lip Gloss

NYX is perhaps one of the biggest surprises-- these products are nice quality at bargain prices- so this is a nice addition to the Nordstrom beauty line-up!

Jane Iredale Quad Bronzer

Nordstrom is now offering a nice selection of Jane Iredale products- which will delight those who want a more natural line of makeup.

Sunday Riley Prismasilk Eye Color- Fool's Gold & Twig Eye Shadows- REVIEW

Prismasilk Eye Color in Fool's Gold

Sunday Riley's Prismasilk Eye Color Eye Shadows come in 32 shades ranging in finishes from mattes to satins to shimmers, and finally to vibrant metallics (click here to see my overview and preliminary review from the November 2011 launch). All of the shades are gorgeously pigmented and ultra-finely milled making them exquisite to the touch. In fact, they are so soft and creamy that you will be tempted to apply them with your fingers!

Eye Shadow Display at Barneys New York in Beverly Hills

This luxurious formula is long-wearing and highly pigmented which is always a winning combination. These shadows are formulated to be worn wet or dry, alone or blended, and with or without a primer. They also work beautifully as eye liners- which I have found work best when applied wet rather than dry. 

Fool's Gold

Sunday Riley uses advanced Air-Milling technology which is credited for creating this ultra-fine luxurious texture. Air-milling evenly disperses the pigment throughout the entire shadow ensuring absolute consistency in every single application from the first use through the last one at the bottom of the pan. This alone makes a super concentrated single-stroke application- so you won't find a patchy, chalky, or inconsistent shadow anywhere in the Sunday Riley Eye Color range. The additional use of micronized spherical pigments create long wearing color that is always effortless to apply. 

Fool's Gold: the two left swatches were applied wet and the two right swatches were applied dry

Fool's Gold is a very complex shade with a base color that is best described as bronze. However, this color is so much more than just a shade of bronze due to its chameleon-like character when light captures its modulating magnificence. It reflects a myriad of multicolored shimmery goodness with a rainbow of colors- including the loveliest shade of teal imaginable. This shade is gorgeous, but it does have quite a bit of fallout when applied dry. However, this color is so gorgeous that it's worth it. If you want to avoid the fallout be sure to apply it with a damp brush. Fool's Gold also makes one gorgeous eyeliner-- especially when applied wet. This not only minimizes the fallout, but it also really heightens the intensity of this color. I also find that applying it wet over a rich black eyeliner further intensifies this color.

Twig

Twig is another gorgeous color from the new range of eye shadows. It lacks the same level of complexity that is found in Fool's Gold, but it is still one amazingly complex eye shadow.  It defies being given a single color description- instead it might be classified as a golden coppery rusty brown with golden champagne shimmer. Or maybe it is best described as a light golden bronze, or a golden beige copper with golden shimmer, or maybe a golden brown with gold shimmer. I think that it actually encompasses all of these descriptions- which makes for one spectacularly gorgeous eye shadow. Like Fool's Gold, you will experience some fallout with Twig, but the shimmer particles are smaller than those found in Fool's Gold- so the fallout isn't quite as pronounced.

Twig dry swatch applied heavily

Overall assessment: Sunday Riley has another hit! These are beautifully pigmented and lusciously creamy powder eye shadows. This line has an impressive range of eye shadow colors and textures, but you will find fallout issues with the shimmery and vibrant metallic shades when applied dry. This should not deter you from trying those shades- because they are truly a pleasure to wear.

I purchased mine for $26.00 each at Barneys New York.