Purple has been my very favorite color for my entire life, and as a teenager I made the discovery that my favorite color also was incredibly flattering when juxtaposed with my hazel eyes. Therefore, I have always sought wonderful purple eye pencils and shadows to line my eyes, and Urban Decay definitely delivers with Empire and Rockstar.
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils glide across the skin and deposit color effortlessly, and once they set they don't budge. Rockstar and Empire are stunning, and ultra-flattering, eggplant purple shades that offer buildable coverage, and that are fuss-free to use. They do require sharpening.
Rockstar: is described as the darkest eggplant shimmer
Empire: is described as a dark eggplant matte
According to Urban Decay,
An award-winning eyeliner pencil with a waterproof formula that glides on smooth, delivering vibrant color. This creamy, richly pigmented eyeliner doesn't drag or skip when it's applied, and it stays soft for blending before drying to a long-lasting finish that won't budge.
Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Isododecane, Synthetic Wax, Polybutene, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Ceresin, Ozokerite, Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax/Cire Microcristalline), Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Phenoxyethanol. [+/- (May Contain/Peut contenir): CI 77491/77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77019 (Mica), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 75470 (Carmine), CI 77510 (Ferric Ferrocyanide)].
Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Rockstar is a finely milled shadow, with a sumptuous velvety texture, that glides across the skin and deposits buildable color effortlessly. This pigmented formula is crease-proof, has no fallout and it such a treat to use. I like to use it on my lids, but most often smudge it into my lash line on top of my liner to create more intensity and depth.
Rockstar is a deep aubergine shimmer.
According to Urban Decay,
The secret to the new formula is our Pigment Infusion System™, a vehicle for color that holds tightly to pigment and gives the formula its glide. The proprietary blend of ingredients allows color to weave itself through the Eyeshadow formula. What does all that mean? Insane payout. Color that stays on your lids. Sparkle that doesn’t fall. And a velvety, suede-like smoothness and blendability.
This amazing technology works for every shade and finish. Have you ever had trouble blending a black or purple shade? How about a matte? Every Urban Decay shade goes on silky, blends easily and stays put.
THE FORMULA
• Soft, amazingly velvety texture
• Rich, dense and decadent color
• Smooth, uniform pigment distribution and blendability
• Long-lasting, crease-free wear
Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Talc, Zinc Stearate, PTFE, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid. May Contain: CI 77019 (Mica), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 75470 (Carmine), CI 77510 (Ferric Ferrocyanide).
Overall Assessment: Rockstar and Empire are the Perfect Pure Purple Paradise!
Stila Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Kitten is a perfect eyeshadow pick for summer. Described as a "shimmering vibrant nude pink"– Kitten embodies a warm day of summer. The rich color, suspended in a translucent base, offers a beautiful high-shimmer sheen, but there are no chunks of glitter, and no fallout. The formula is lightweight, buildable and long-wearing. It can be sheered-out for a light wash of color, or built up for a bolder nighttime look.
The doe foot applicator is large enough to effectively sweep across the lid, and it is very soft and flocked– making it very comfortable on the skin. It glides across the skin effortlessly, deposits color evenly and is so easy to use.
The formula itself is impressively long-wearing, transfer and crease-proof, and it doesn't flake. It is light and moist when it is first applied to the skin, but it does dry and set very quickly. I can wear it all day without a primer, but I do not have oily eyelids, therefore your wear-time may vary, and you may prefer to use a primer.
According to Stila,
A long-wearing, high-shimmer liquid eyeshadow. Glisten and gleam with Stila’s new Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow—rich, beautiful color with a high shimmer sheen, minus the glitter. The pearl-packed translucent base offers versatile wear. Apply a sheer layer for daytime, or add layers for nighttime drama. This uniquely lightweight, water-infused texture gives a barely-there, refreshing feel and smooth color laydown. The non-tacky, non-transfer, adhesive base means minimal fallout—no primer needed.
Formulated without: Parabens, Sulfates and Phthalates. Cruelty-Free.
Jane Iredale is such an exemplary beauty brand, and between their amazing quality ultra-luxe makeup coupled with their cruelty-free and ECOCERT Natural and Organic certifications– this is a brand that you can feel really good about using.
Jane Iredale PurePressed Eye Shadow Duo in Berries & Cream is a versatile eyeshadow duo that features two mineral shadows that can either be applied wet or dry. They can be worn together, separately, or blended to perfection. They are very finely-milled, and they glide across the skin effortlessly, deposit color evenly, and last on me all day with a primer. Furthermore, Jane Iredale formulates these lovely shadows with vitamins and botanical extracts to nourish the delicate skin around the eyes. The sleek and minimalist rose gold compact is a study in elegance, and it features a usable mirror for easy touch-ups. Berries & Cream consists of a deep, lightly shimmering, berry and and a pink-kissed beige with very light shimmer. The light color can be used as a base, placed in the corner of the eyes for brightening, or blended with the berry shade for a less intense lid shade. That these shadows can be used wet or dry means that their hues and saturation can be intensified when applied with a damp brush. The berry shade is perfect when smudged into the lash-line, but it is also a wonderful crease color. If you are more daring, it makes a statement as a lid color particularly if you want an intense smoky eye.
According to Jane Iredale,
Silky smooth and simple to blend, this crease-free, long-lasting and richly colored eye shadow can be used wet or dry. Gentle and safe for sensitive eyes.
Berries & Cream is a duo palette with a shimmery deep berry hue and a shimmery sandy beige hue.
Key Benefits:
Can be used wet or dry
Gentle and safe for sensitive eyes
Highly pigmented, crease-resistant and long-lasting
Vegan, paraben-free, sulfate-free, certified cruelty-free and phthalate-free
Ingredients: Mica, Boron Nitride, Dimethicone, Pinus Strobus (Pine) Bark Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract. [+/- (May Contain) Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77489, Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Carmine (Ci 75470), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288). Vegan and Gluten-Free.
Overall Assessment: If you are looking to try high quality cruelty-free, eco-cert makeup, and truly amazing quality eyeshadows, then you need to try out Jane Iredale's fantastic products. They feature healthy ingredients and sustainable practices without sacrificing luxury.
Bodyography makes absolutely gorgeous loose eyeshadows (different shades reviewed HERE), and they are so unique and lovely that I love to wear them. That may not seem like a particularly significant declaration, but I generally find loose pigment eyeshadows too messy to deal with (especially since I only have a couple minutes to get ready for work in the morning). However, Bodyography Glitter Pigments are neither messy, nor are they a traditional glitter (replete with considerable fallout). Instead, while they are loose shadows, they have an amazingly creamy gel-like texture that melts into the skin, and they can be used wet or dry. You get the most beautiful pearlescent finish without large chunks of glitter and fallout.
The two colors that I recently received are utterly gorgeous, and they are so easy to work with. Bodyography Glitter Pigment in Stellar is a stunning rose-gold copper that is perfect for a wash of color on the eyelid and Bodyography Glitter Pigment in Caviar is a beautiful smoky brown that can be smudged into the lash-line or used on the lid.
Features:
- Creates a metallic sheen on the lids
- Unique gel texture can be applied wet or dry with little to no fall out
- Available in 12 shades
- Formulated without parabens, gluten, fragrance, & talc
- Cruelty-Free & Vegan
According to Bodyography,
Bodyography Glitter Pigments feature one-of-a-kind eyeshadow technology. Incorporating the saturation of a loose pigment, the cushion of a cream, and the silkiness of a powder, Glitter Pigments have a beautiful pearlescent, high-glitter finish.
Bodyography Glitter Pigment in Caviar
Bodyography Glitter Pigment in Stellar
Cruelty-Free, Vegan & Gluten-Free
Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Mica, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Diisostearyl Malate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Calcium Titanium Borosilicate, Isododecane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Tin Oxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Illicium Verum Fruit Extract, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate +/- CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491 (Red Iron Oxide), CI 77499 (Black Iron Oxide).
Overall Assessment: If you want fuss-free loose eyeshadows with a gorgeous pearlescent finish, but that are truly fuss-free, then Bodyography Glitter Pigments are worthy of your consideration.
There really are are only a few nights of the year that most people go bold or go home with their makeup and outfits, and New Year's Eve is definitely one of them. If you are thinking about going glam, I have a few products that you might want to check out for NYE.
Bodyography Glitter Pigments ($23.00 for 0.105 oz. each from Bodyography): If you love glitter for New Year's Eve, but hate the mess– then these Glitter Pigments are just what you are looking for! While they are loose shadows, they have an amazingly creamy gel-like texture that melts into the skin, and they can be used wet or dry. You get the most beautiful pearlescent finish without large chunks of glitter and fallout.
According to Bodyography,
Bodyography Glitter Pigments feature one-of-a-kind eyeshadow technology. Incorporating the saturation of a loose pigment, the cushion of a cream, and the silkiness of a powder, Glitter Pigments have a beautiful pearlescent, high-glitter finish.
Features:
- Creates a metallic sheen on the lids
- Unique gel texture can be applied wet or dry with little to no fall out
- Available in 12 shades
- Formulated without parabens, gluten, fragrance, & talc
Top to Bottom: Prism and Halo
Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Mica, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Diisostearyl Malate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Calcium Titanium Borosilicate, Isododecane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Tin Oxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Illicium Verum Fruit Extract, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate +/- CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491 (Red Iron Oxide), CI 77499 (Black Iron Oxide).
If you want a little extra color for the NYE festivities, Bondi Sands makes "an effortless tan accessible to everyone. Their formulas work to give you an even and natural look that also hydrates your skin, making you stay bronzed for longer."
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam in Dark ($24.00 for 7.04 oz. from Bondi Sands and Cloud 10 Beauty): If you have an olive complexion and are seeking a darker tan, then this lightweight tanning foam is made with you in mind. It leaves skin moisturized, even in tone and with a gorgeous glow.
According to Bondi Sands,
A lightweight, Self-Tanning Foam that’s simple to apply and gives a flawless finish, every time. Enriched with Aloe Vera and Coconut, this is a salon quality formula. Simply smooth on for an even, streak-free tan.
Use With: Apply with an Application Mitt. Use any of our Gradual Tanning Products to prolong your tan.
Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Foam in Light/Medium($24.00 for 7.04 oz. from Bondi Sands and Cloud 10 Beauty): If you have a light to medium complexion and want a more subtle tan, then this is the best choice of you. It offers a streak-free finish, and is a great product for first-time self-tanners.
According to Bondi Sands,
Enriched with Aloe Vera and Coconut, this lightweight, self-tanning foam will leave your skin looking like you’ve spent the day at Bondi Beach. Simply smooth on for an even, streak-free tan.
Use With: Apply with an Application Mitt. Use any of our Gradual Tanning Products to prolong your tan.
Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk ($19.00 for 13.2 oz. from Bondi Sands and Cloud 10 Beauty): If you are seeking a fuss-free gradual tanning milk that leaves skin with a very natural looking golden glow, then this is the perfect product for you. It has a delectable cocoa butter scent and it is hydrating and nourishing.
According to Bondi Sands,
Bondi Sands new gradual tanning milk, perfect for keeping that summer glow as the days get colder and your skin begins to see less and less sun. Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Milk with innovative dual action formula hydrates and nourishes your skin while giving you a golden glow all year round. Enriched with Aloe Vera, Vitamin E and a delicious Cocoa Butter scent this tanning milk is perfect for everyday use.
Use With: Our Gradual Tanning Milks can be used with any of our Self Tanning Products to prolong your tan.
Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self Tanning Dry Oil ($24.00 for 5 oz. from Bondi Sands and Cloud 10 Beauty): If you are a fan of dry oils, then you will absolutely adore this self-tanning oil. It sets quickly, but it takes a few hours to develop. Skin is left with a gorgeous luminous sun-kissed glow. It has the delectable scent of coconut, and reminds me of the summer!
According to Bondi Sands,
Glide it on, glow all night. This superior dry oil formula sets in a moment, develops over 2- 3 hours and lasts for up to a week; leaving you with perfectly bronzed skin that glows from within. Infused with the fresh scent of Coconut and hydrating Argan Oil, Liquid Gold is our longest lasting tan and conveniently requires no wash off.
Use With: Apply with an Application Mitt. Use any of our Gradual Tanning Products to prolong your tan.
Sultra Bombshell 1-Inch Clipless Curling Rod ($99.00 from Sultra, Ulta, Amazon and Target): If you are looking to have gorgeous beachy curls and waves this New Year's Eve, then the Bombshell 1" Clipless Curling Rod really delivers. No clips means no lines of demarkation left behind, and no hair gets caught in the clip! This is definitely a worthwhile investment, particularly if you have straighter hair that needs a little coaxing to get that extra body.
According to Sultra,
The Bombshell 1-inch clipless curling rod lets you create beachy curls and waves in half the time of a traditional curling iron with no clip lines or demarcation while styling. The Bombshell 1-Inch creates even heat distribution, ensuring your curls and waves are consistently true to rod size for lust-worthy looks and styles. Exclusive Advanced Care Ceramic Technology mends and protects your hair while you style with constant 395 °F heat while generating ions and near infrared rays, ensuring to smooth the cuticle, strengthen the hair, and lock in your look.
Features:
- Perfect for color-treated, dry, or damaged hair.
- Easy to use-wrap, release, repeat!
- Curls in half the time of traditional “clip” curling irons with no clip lines.
- Universal voltage.
- Auto shut off.
- Includes a complimentary Styling Glove and Iron Pad.
Fekkai Soleil Beach Waves Spray ($7.19-$21.00 for 1.7- 5 oz. from Fekkai, Jet.com, Gilt, HSN, Target and CVS): This beach spray enhances waves, curls and shine without being in the least bit sticky or crunchy. It does an enviable job keeping frizz and fly-aways at bay and it has a light beachy citrusy smell.
According to Fekkai,
Sexy, Sun-Tossed Waves. Anytime, Anywhere. Sheer sea salt infused spray gives hair sexy, surf-kissed texture and volume. Inspired by the summer chic hair in St. Barths, beloved by bombshell hair everywhere. Adds volume and texture without stickiness or tangling. Controls frizz. Infused with Sunflower Seed Oil.
Directions: Flip hair over and spray on damp or dry hair. Scrunch and tousle with hands to maximize volume and waves. Salon Tip: Use with Fekkai Pré-Soleil Hair Mist for sun-kissed shine.
Oscar Blandi Polish Glossing Crème ($25.00 for 4.2 oz. from Oscar Blandi): If your hair is prone to frizz, and you need a little extra help containing it and keeping those frizzy-fly-aways at bay, then this cream really does the trick, plus it leaves hair with a gorgeous glossy shine.
According to Oscar Blandi,
Don’t let frizz get you down this summer. Unexpected rain showers, humid weather, or balmy beach are no match for this Oscar Blandi anti-frizz favorite!
This versatile styling crème delivers weightless shine to all hair types as it tames frizz and smooths flyaways. It also prevents cuticle damage from heat styling leaving hair with a natural luster.
Directions: Prep damp strands with Polish Glossing Creme. Blow-dry with a round brush to enhance smooth texture and tame frizz. You can also apply to dry styled or natural hair when on-the-go!
Overall Assessment: These products are reliable picks for New Year's Eve, and they will definitely deliver on their promises, and will last all night long with our smearing, fading or frizzing.
The new limited edition Shu Uemura Holiday Collection, La Maison du Chocolat, is both breathtaking and utterly delectable, and it features one of the most beautiful eyeshadow palettes that I have seen for this upcoming holiday season. I have most of the collection, and will be sharing the rest of what I have at the beginning of next week, but I was simply so excited about this palette that I had to share it with you now.
The Shu Uemura La Maison du Chocolat Collection is a gorgeous and ultra-luxurious collection that will make your mouth water. It features stunning fall makeup that boasts a perfectly on-trend color stories for the fall and holiday seasons.
La Maison du Chocolat Ganache & Praliné Eye Shadow Palette is available in two lovely color stories: Dark Cacao and Framboise Berry– of which I have the former. First, if you haven't experienced Shu's powder shadows, you are in for a real treat. They are ultra-finely milled, creamy and silky to the touch and beautifully pigmented. They glide across the skin effortlessly, deposit color evenly and they blend like a dream. Dark Cacao consists of a combination of shimmer and matte shades that offer a good balance between warm and cool-toned colors. The 8 shadow palette includes a mirror the full-size of the lid and a small sponge-tip applicator and dual-sided brush. Both tools will suffice for travel, but I much prefer using higher quality full-size brushes.
According to Shu Uemura,
Limited edition palettes feature 8 special eye shadow shades, exclusively designed for Shu Uemura 2018 holiday collection with La Maison du Chocolat. Mix and match the irresistible shades for festive eye makeup looks. with a package inspired by a box of assorted chocolates, each palette features deliciously fragranced colors with silicone-coated powders that glide smoothly onto eyes. Choose: Dark Cacao for bold chic looks or Framboise Berry for more sweet elegance.
Left to Right: Dark neutral matte brown, warm golden taupe shimmer, cool cranberry shimmer and matte ivory.
BOTTOM ROW:
Left to Right: Stunning Champagne taupe shimmer, cool chocolate taupe shimmer, golden yellow shimmer and warm chocolate matte.
The packaging embodies the idea of giving or receiving a luxurious box of chocolates.
There is no fragrance whatsoever to any of these beautiful eyeshadows.
Choose: Dark Cacao for bold chic looks or Framboise Berry for more sweet elegance
Overall Assessment: Shu Uemura La Maison du Chocolat Ganache & Praliné Eye Shadow Palette in Dark Cacao is utterly sublime.
