I recently received the gorgeous YBF Liquid Star Shadows 4-Piece Set, and they are so stunning that you really must see them to believe the extent of their magnificence. They are lightweight cream shadows in a tube that can be applied with the flat paddle of the doe foot applicator, your fingertips or with a brush. While their luminous nearly metallic finishes are perfect for New Year's Eve, they are perfect for daily use as well.
Each of the four shades that I have are ultra-pigmented and they deposit color evenly and glide across the lids effortlessly. They are self-setting, and therefore require no primer, and once they set they neither fade nor migrate. These beautiful shadows are buildable, but can also be sheered out. Furthermore, they can be worn individually or together, and can even be worn as a base for powder shadows. The set of four, which costs $40.00, is a 50% savings compared to purchasing them individually at $19.99 each. Therefore, if you think that you would wear more than one, it is worth buying the set. It would also be a great set to split with someone if each of you is only interested in a couple of the shades.
According to YBF,
Create a delectable temptation with ybf's liquid star shadows and leave the world wanting to know more of what's behind your pretty peepers. Thinner than cream, these lustrous shadows leave no mess under your lids and dry within moments so you can swipe them on and GLOW. With our flat paddle brush, you can easily apply to your lids and then blend out with your fingertips. Can be worn light or built up with ease for high color intensity.
The Set includes:
Liquid Star Shadow: Asteroid Amethyst (a dark and rich blackened and muted purple)
Liquid Star Shadow: Cosmic Chocolate (a gorgeous chocolate bronze with a touch of purple)
Liquid Star Shadow: Galaxy Gold (a stunning and richly pigmented nearly antique gold)
Liquid Star Shadow: Retrograde Rose (a gorgeous mauve-kissed rose)
Amethyst Ingredients: Isododecane, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, C18-36 Acid Triglyceride, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polycyclopentadiene, Silica, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tin Oxide. May Contain (+/-): Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxide Black (CI 77499), Iron Oxide Red (CI 77491), Iron Oxide Yellow (CI 77492).
Cosmic Chocolate Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Propylene Glycol, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Acrylates Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Polyisobutene, Boron Nitride, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Tin Oxide. May Contain (+/-): Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxide Red (CI 77491), Iron Oxide Black (CI 77499), Iron Oxide Yellow (CI 77492).
Galaxy Gold Ingredients: Isododecane, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, C18-36 Acid Triglyceride, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polycyclopentadiene, Silica, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tin Oxide. May Contain (+/-): Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxide Black (CI 77499), Iron Oxide Red (CI 77491), Iron Oxide Yellow (CI 77492).
Retrograde Rose Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Propylene Glycol, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Acrylates Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Polyisobutene, Boron Nitride, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Tin Oxide. May Contain (+/-): Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxide Red (CI 77491), Iron Oxide Black (CI 77499), Iron Oxide Yellow (CI 77492).
Overall Assessment: These shadows are just gorgeous, and definitely a bargain as a set. I will be wearing this far beyond NYE, and highly recommend them if these shades appeal to you. A+
$19.99 each for .11 oz. from HSN and $40.00 for the four-piece collection from HSN (Affiliate Links).
I am currently in the midst of a serious love affair with Charlotte Tilbury makeup, and after testing numerous products I am delighted to say that her brand lives up to its hype, and it is one of the very few luxury brands that is cruelty-free.
Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon Eye Shadow Pencil in Dark Pearl, which is described as a "sparkling grey eyeshadow pencil for brown eyes," strikes me as a bit more of a bronzy taupe shade. It has stunning shimmer that does not migrate, and the consistency is silky smooth. It glides across the skin effortlessly, depositing color evenly, and it sets after about 30 seconds, as suggested, so you want to blend it out rather quickly since I have found it budge proof after it sets. Whether you wear it as an eyeshadow, or as an eyeliner– it offers all day wear without any creasing or migrating on my eyes. I should note that I do no have particularly oily eyelids, and therefore I can wear this without a primer and it stays put until I remove it, but your wear may vary. It is also very important to avoid tightlining, or wearing this in your waterline because it "is infused with Synthetic Sapphire, a mineral gemstone" and Charlotte Tilbury suggests that you immediately, and thoroughly, rinse your eyes with water should it get into them. I have sensitive eyes, and always avoid putting liner on my waterline, but even when I used to I never put shimmering liners that close to the eye.
According to Charlotte Tilbury,
Darlings, my Colour Chameleon eyeshadow pencil in Dark Pearl is a smokey grey glittering shade that will enhance your eyes’ natural colour in an easy-glide formula.
Features:
• You can cheat your way to an intense, bedazzling eye colour in the stroke of a pencil!
• The formula is infused with Synthetic Sapphire, a mineral gemstone that has natural soft-focusing to give you a smooth finish.
• It lasts for up to 10 hours or until you take it off, so it is amazingly long-lasting!
• Do not use this eyeshadow pencil on the insides of your eyes. If it comes into contact with your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.
• Ideal for a pop of colour, brightening and widening your eyes.
• Always make sure the cap is firmly shut to ensure your COLOUR CHAMELEON lasts as long as possible.
Directions: To use, make sure the pencil is sharp! Run the eyeshadow across your eyelid, then using your finger smudge up and out to blend. The formula will set after 30 seconds so blend, blend, blend!
•Charlotte’s Tip: Use this eyeshadow pencil with my Full Fat Lashes mascara for a timeless, chic eye makeup look!
Overall Assessment: I really love this eyeshadow pencil, and plan to pick up a few more colors because I am so impressed by the formula. It has such a gorgeous and flattering finish, and the color and longevity are extraordinary.
I really love cream eyeshadows, and the By Terry Ombre Blackstar Eyeshadows are my very favorite. I have used them for years, and they are the cream shadows that I reach for the most.
The By Terry Ombre Blackstar formula is long-lasting, budge-proof and smudge-proof from the moment that it sets until the time that you remove it– I kid you not! In fact, I have to use a duo-phase makeup remover to take it off. However, if you have particularly oily eyelids your wear-time may vary, and you may find the need to use a primer.
The luxurious texture is creamy and buttery soft lending itself to effortlessly gliding across the eyelids without incident. However, you do need to blend it out rather quickly since it won't budge once it sets. Unlike some long-wearing cream eyeshadows, that seem to tug on the lids once they dry, By Terry Ombre Blackstar Color-Fix Cream Eyeshadows feel natural on the eyelids without any discomfort or pulling. When I apply them it in the morning before leaving for work, they remain steadfastly in place without cracking, peeling, fading, transferring or smudging until I remove them. I have worn them from 7AM until Midnight, and they never fail me. The pigmentation is sensational, and is matched by the overall exquisite quality of the eyeshadow pencils themselves.
If you are interested in one or two shades, then it is probably worth just buying them individually, but BY TERRY Impearlious Ombre Blackstar Gift Collection features 5 of their top-selling shades in full-sizes for $155.00 (rather than the normal $44.00 for each).
According to By Terry the Ombre Blackstar offers,
A flawless, buildable, light-reflecting eye shadow that delivers instant lift and radiance. Formulated with Tahitian Black Pearl, By Terry’s Ombre Blackstar provides luminous color for lusciously smooth lids with just a single stroke of the easy-to-use pen applicator. Its smudge and smear-free formula instantly airbrushes out skin creases, delivering light-reflecting radiance that acts as a rejuvenating lift for the eye area. Incredibly easy-to-apply, this luxuriously creamy eye shadow boasts supremely buildable coverage that’s perfect for creating a dramatic smoky eye, while adhesive polymers provide a color-fixing effect that means your makeup stays impeccably fresh all day long.
Tips: Draw a line at the roots of the eyelashes for a perfect liner effect. Colour the entire eyelid, or blend with your fingertips all the way up to the eyebrows for an easy and quick smokey effect. Create your own made-to-measure look by mixing two or three shades.
BY TERRY Impearlious Ombre Blackstar Gift Collection Includes:
Nº 1 Black Pearl: is a dark blackened gun-metal with stunning luminescent pearl.
Nº 3 Blond Opal: is a stunning gold with golden shimmer.
Nº 4 Bronze Moon: is the perfect neutral and infinitely wearable bronzey taupe shade. It has gorgeous refined shimmer that brightens the eyes without over-doing it. Bronze Moon is the perfect stand alone shade that is at once elegant and perfect as a wash of color, and it's as close to a fuss-free swatch and go shade that I could hope for!
Nº 6 Frozen Quartz: is a breathtaking shimmering peachy pink.
Nº 15 Ombre Mercure: is a golden taupe with the slightest green shift. It is a complex shade that may be my favorite Ombre Blackstar to date.
Note the stunning luminosity in each of the shades
Gift Box:
Overall Assessment: The By Terry Ombre Blackstar Eyeshadows are unquestionably luxurious and expensive, but they are truly extraordinary. If you think that you would wear all of the colors in the set, then it is well worth the splurge– especially since you save $65.00 ($155.00 vs. $220.00 purchased individually), but if you only want one or two, then it is worth purchasing them individually. A+
If you missed out on purchasing TOM FORD Beauty Cream and Powder Eye Color Duos in Naked Bronze and Golden Peach from the Soleil Collection 2015, then you have another chance to get both since they were repromoted for the Soleil Collection 2016. They are gorgeous must-haves if you seek easy-to-wear shades for the spring and summer. I am so glad that I picked them both up, and urge you to grab them, if you have been wanting these twinkling gems, while there are still some left.
According to Tom Ford Beauty,
Tom Ford Cream & Powder Eye Color pairs two coveted formulas in one to create a lustrous and sexy summertime eye. The ultra-pigmented, metallic cream shadow glides onto lids with a rich, molten glow and the sparkling celestial powder intensifies the look with alluring shimmer.
TOM FORD's unique double-decker component will feature two beloved TOM FORD eye formulas: The bottom portion of the jar will house the luminous TOM FORD Cream Color for Eye and the top portion of the cap will house the celestial-like Powder Eye Shadow. The shades can be worn alone or layered, delivering multiple finishes and looks. The cream shadow illuminates eyes with a lustrous, sexy glow. Top off the cream shadow with the sparkling, celestial powder shadow for a shimmering and alluring look. Formula is long-wearing, non-creasing, and stay color true.
Tom Ford Beauty Cream and Powder Eye Color in Naked Bronze (Limited Edition): This glimmering duo features a stunning, warm bronze shimmer cream shadow (repromoted Spice) on the bottom of the two-tiered compact and a stunning warm golden celestial powder on the top. This gorgeous combination of colors creates the perfect warm sun-kissed summer bronzy glow. While the celestial shade offers stunning shimmer, it is not too glittery, and therefore is even office appropriate. Unless you have oily eyelids, you won't likely feel the need to use a primer underneath the cream shadow. I find this formula to be budge-proof and it lasts on me all day without fading, creasing or smudging.
TOM FORD Beauty Cream and Powder Eye Color in Golden Peach (Limited Edition): The cream shadow (repromoted Pink Haze) in this dynamic duo is often described as a warm, mid-tone peach, or as a peachy-brown shade, but I would actually describe it as a peachy-brown infused with rose-gold, and the celestial shade is a warm glittering golden peach. Whether the cream shade is worn alone, or layered with the celestial shade, they are both stunningly beautiful and infinitely wearable. Once again, unless you have oily eyelids, you won't likely feel the need to use a primer underneath the cream shadow, and like Naked Bronze, I find this formula to be budge-proof and it lasts on me all day without fading, creasing or smudging.
These stunning duos are infinitely wearable and utterly gorgeous. The extent to which these colors morph in the sun can be demonstrated by my swatches below.
If you are a huge fan of eyeshadow creams, then you already know that TOM FORD Beauty makes among the finest quality on the market. Here are the gorgeous, Limited Edition shades from the SS16 Runway Collection. TOM FORD Beauty Cream Color for Eyes is my very favorite cream shadow formula, but be advised– once you try them, you will be hooked!
According to TOM FORD Beauty,
The luxurious cream eye shadow illuminates eyes in the lustrous glow of eight ultra-pigmented metallic shades, from the sun spark gleam of Sphinx to the glittering sea-inspired Siren Blue. The versatile, cool and creamy formula seamlessly glides onto the lid to brighten eyes without crease or smudge.
Opaleis a pale golden beige with a pronounced sheen.
Platinum is a gorgeous taupe brown with a high shine sheen.
Sphinx is a golden peachy shade with a duo chrome pink shift.
Spice is a stunning golden bronze with a warm sheen.
Burnished Copper is a warm olive green with a golden sheen.
Midnight Violet is a dark plummy purple.
Siren Blue is a cool aqua its a luminous sheen.
Caviar is a dark blackened gray with silver pearl.
Are you tempted by any of these shades? Do you love the Tom Ford Cream Color for Eyes formula?
Neiman Marcus is in the midst of their beauty event, if you need help at the TOM FORD Beauty counter, please call Michelle Weinstein (Tom Ford Manager) at (310) 550-5900 x2517. She will take great care of you!
There is something inherently satisfying about being able to find high quality drugstore makeup brands that boast the performance, color saturation, longevity and high quality that is associated with department store brands, but at a fraction of the price. One of my very very longtime favorite drugstore brands is Rimmel London– to the extent that I routinely stalk their displays, and often pick up new finds.
Here are a few of my current favorite gems from Rimmel London that are perfect for the season:
This is my current favorite drugstore foundation because it offers medium coverage with a very natural finish. My skin looks and feels hydrated, smooth and glowing. Rimmel claims that it is "party-proof, transfer-proof and leaves you with flawless looking skin around the clock" and lasts up to 25 hours, and I agree with all of these claims, except that I can't verify the 25 hour wear-time because of my unwillingness to sleep in my makeup.
Lasting Finish 25 Hour Full Coverage, our first long wear foundation with comfort serum for feel good, flawless skin that stays put morning to night. Stay-true makeup applies smoothly and evenly, concealing dark circles and imperfections. Leaves skin looking flawless all day long. Transfer resistant for up to 25 hours. New skin-friendly comfort serum for instant hydration, lightweight and extra comfortable wear all day. Vitamin E helps provide additional skin barrier from free radicals.
Available Shades: Light Ivory (Shown), Classic Ivory, Soft Beige, Classic Beige, True Beige and Sand.
This lightweight and natural looking bronzing powder, with a waterproof formula, that gives you the perfect sun-kissed glow anywhere you desire a touch of color.
According to Rimmel London,
Year-round radiance. Fall doesn’t have to mean giving up the glow—you can maintain a sun-kissed complexion all year with help from Rimmel London. Whether you want a natural hint of healthy color or stunning shimmer, Rimmel London has the bronzer you need for non-stop glow. This natural-looking bronzing powder gives skin a warm glow the healthy way—without the sun’s damaging rays. The advanced formula combines the antioxidant properties of vitamin E with the moisturizing and soothing benefits of Aloe Vera for a weightless feel and flawless finish. Light reflective particles help to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin looking gorgeous in any light. Available in three shades with a slight hint of shimmer, Rimmel London’s Natural Bronzer mimics the subtle yet sexy glow of sun-kissed skin—even after summer is long gone.
This is such a great eyebrow pencil and an absolutely unbelievable price. The texture is more creamy than waxy, and therefore doesn't tug at the skin, and it is very richly pigmented. It is perfect for shaping and filling in brows, and once it sets it stays put all day. Furthermore, it includes a very useful brow brush for taming and shaping, and it does require sharpening.
According to Rimmel London,
Rimmel London Professional Eyebrow Pencil is used to enhance and refine the shape of the eyebrows. It can be used to fill gaps or lengthen the arc of the brow to create the desired look.
Available Shades: Dark Brown, Hazel and Black Brown (shown).
Having already successfully experienced Rimmel London ScandalEyes Eyeshadow Sticks, I was looking forward to trying more shades, and Gold Digger and Paranoid Purple definitely spoke to me.
Rimmel London ScandalEyes Eyeshadow Sticks are waterproof and budge-proof eyeshadow sticks that are gorgeous, long-wearing, and come in a beautiful array of richly saturated hues.
Gold Digger is a beautiful and infinitely wearable warm shimmering gold that can be worn as a simple wash of color, or incorporated into a more ornate look. It also works beautifully as an eyeshadow base.
According to Rimmel London, the jumbo applicator, "creates a dramatic look in just one stroke." It can be used as both an eye shadow or an eyeliner, and the creamy application effortlessly glides across the skin depositing color evenly. The ultra creamy formula blends effortlessly and boasts a gorgeous long wearing and fade-proof luminous finish. I get all day wear without smudging, creasing or fading, but I do not have oily eyelids. I wear it without a primer, but if you have particularly oily eyelids you will definitely increase your wear time with a primer. I did not test their 24HR wear claims because I never sleep with makeup on, but I definitely found that the formula was waterproof and smudge-proof. This formula can be used an eyeshadow or eyeliner.
Rimmel's ScandalEyes XX-Treme Mascara is formulated for lashes with extreme volume and length without clumping. The dual impact brush captures lashes, and removes excess mascara to prevent the formation of clumps. I tend to avoid extreme lashes, but I definitely love the length and volume that I am able to achieve in a couple of passes without getting spider lashes.
According to Rimmel London,
Create your boldest eye look ever with revolutionary offerings from Rimmel London. First, go for 360-degree eye-opening drama with ScandalEyes XX-Treme Volume and Length Mascara. With an innovative dual-sided wand and a high-performance formula, the mascara delivers elongated lashes that demand to be noticed. Experience infinite lashes with extreme high-impact volume and dramatic length with this mascara that does it all. Rimmel’s ingenious two-sided dual-action brush visibly thickens, lengthens, and separates lashes for an eye-opening lash look. The arched side of the applicator contains tiny, two-pronged bristles to deliver maximum, quick-load volume, while the flat side has longer teeth to eliminate clumps and define lashes. From root to tip, even your smallest lashes will look curvaceous and bold.
Benefits:
Arched side: Volumizes and loads up lashes for xx-treme look
Flat side: Defines and lengthens lashes from root to tip
Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipsticks are enriched with Vitamins A. C and E to moisturize lips while providing rich pigmentation. The formula is ultra lightweight and glides across the lips effortlessly, and it deposits color evenly without feathering or settling into fine lines. It has the perfect amount of cushion, and the finish has a nice sheen.
Red Alert is an absolutely gorgeous blue-based red that is Valentine's Day perfect! I get a hours and hours of wear-time, and it fades evenly. It has a fragrance that lasts for a few minutes before fading away, but it doesn't bother me in the least. If, however, you are very sensitive to any scented lip products, you may want to smell it before buying it. That said, it fades quickly enough that it won't likely pose an issue for most people.
According to Rimmel London,
New and improved vitamin-enriched lipsticks leave your lips feeling drenched in moisture with intense colour. Never settle for dry, flaky lips or a timid pout with new and dramatically improved Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick. The revolutionary new lipstick hits lips with punch of highly-pigmented colour and a downpour of hydration. With highly improved colour pay-off and a serious increase in moisturizing power, new Moisture Renew Lipstick glides on in 24 luscious shades that last.
Features:
Vitamin A,C,E enriched formula that drenches lips in intense colour and moisture.
Ultra lightweight, comfortable to wear all day.
A burst of brilliance in a rainbow of shades.
Reduces lip dryness without compromising color
Dermatologically tested.
Available Shades: To Nude or Not to Nude?, Pink Chic, Oxford Street Fuchsia, Piccadilly Pink, Ringa Ringa Roses, Rose Blush , Latino, Dusty Rose, Tower of Mauve , Berry Rose, Crystal Mauve, Back to Fuchsia, As You Want Victoria, Diva Red , Red Alert (SHOWN), Mayfair Red Lady, Coral Garden, Coral Britannia, Summer Angel, Saved by the Bell, In Love with Ginger, Nude Delight, Let’s Get Naked, Notting Hill Nude, Amethyst Shimmer.
Rimmel's Moisture Renew Lipstick gives a brilliant burst of rich, pure color infused with a monsoon of creamy moisture. Ready to pamper your lips with luxuriously moisturized rich colour for a soft, cared-for and hydrated feel day after day?
Overall Assessment: Rimmel London remains one of my very favorite drugstore brands because they make so many truly wonderful products that are so affordable. I highly suggest checking out their products next time you pass their display!
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate Links).
