Smashbox Fade to Black (Black Gold), Clinique Chubby Stick Intense (Curviest Caramel), Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow (Almond)
[All purchased by me]
So these might not be actual must haves for every person (or every budget) out there but sometimes you just go a little crazy with new releases, long time lemmings and the odd GWP promotion. Two of these are quite new to me but have shot to the top of my recommendation list. New products tend to do that to you, no?
(Also I recommend the The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll wish you didn't have so many feels)
First, we should probably talk about the one thing I've been holding on to longest of the three. Burberry eyeshadows are every high-end makeup lover's dream. Expensive, beautifully packaged and selective shade offering all scream luxe. For me, I had heard so much of the formula that I had to give these a swatch in real life when I came upon a counter. Midnight Brown was almost a buy because I it made the most impact, but I knew I was on the hunt for a perfect crease shade and this is it. This is The One (not to say there aren't other "The One"s out there but I just haven't come across it yet). It looks pretty blah in the swatch and trust me, I've resisted the boring crease shadows for a long time, but this is just the perfect shade to transition any crease/lid color into the brow highlight or non-highlight of your choice. It just works to blend any difficult shadow color out seamlessly. For anyone who struggles with blending or wearing bolder lid colors, a shade like this is a serious life saver. That perfect shaded, shadowy blend the pros always get? This achieves that with minimal eye tugging.
Next is a thing that I just talked about but now is in a more INTENSE version. The Clinique Chubby Stick that I like so much is offered in a more opaque version that looks like lipstick and feels like a balm. Whereas the original truly offers more of a tint, this is full-on impact. What really blew me away and moved this up to "must recommend" for me is the shade. I am not a fan of nude lip colors. I think they make me look washed out and they don't seem flattering on my lips. This, however, offers the hint of pinky beige hue that actually livens up the lips and makes lips look plumper. I already knew I liked the formula but now I really like this color. This came as a gift with purchase (GWP) and is well worth the $17 retail value for the full size.
Lastly, the thing I am most excited for: Smashbox's Fade to Black Waterproof Shadow Liner in Black Gold. This thing is beautiful. I saw a swatch online and knew I wanted it instantly. I tend to first make sure the formula is worth checking out and then I fall hard for colors that I think are unique and multi-dimensional. This shadow stick is incredibly smudge proof and long wearing. It rivals the Maybelline Color Tattoos in terms of wear and also packs a punch in terms of pigmentation. I recommend blending out the crease with fingers if you wear this alone and use the smudger only for lower lashlines. Really, though, let's be honest and say I just really, really wanted this color. It reminded me of my favorite shade in the Too Faced Natural At Night palette in Moonstone (check previous posts for swatch). I don't think I own any other Smashbox products but this olive/gold/bronze shade just screamed "EXCITING NEUTRAL" and I rarely get excited by neutrals. I think brown eyes look great in olive shades and this one, with it's multi-dimensional golden flecks and not-too-green olive tone is perfect. I do wish this was retractable but since I rarely use any shadow up, I won't be too bothered by it.
 |
| Burberry Almond, Clinique Curviest Caramel, Smashbox Black Gold |
 |
| LOOK AT THAT SHINE! |
 |
| Close up...*drool* |
