Some years ago I felt it was time to upgrade my makeup products and adapt my makeup routine, I sat at the Trish McEvoy counter one day and they told me what I was doing wrong. They kept on saying “Now you have to… Now you cannot..” it was a bit upsetting because I had to face the fact that I wasn’t 20 anymore and I was also sad because I loved shimmery and metallic textures and daring looks. However, when I left their counter that day, I looked much younger and refreshed, they weren’t wrong at the end 😉
I am in my 40’s and it’s now a necessity for me to pay attention to what makeup I wear and how I wear it, these are my eyeshadow rules and recommendations :
- Find the right texture, not too powdery, not too shimmery, if you see that the texture accentuates the wrinkles and settles into the lines, upgrade your makeup to a more appropriate eyeshadow finish
- Place the dark colors at the right place, use smaller and more precise brushes
- Blend well and define without harsh lines
- Find the colors and the looks that are the best for you, “Less is more” is definitely the best way to go, but with the right products and right techniques there is no reason you could not afford a more dramatic look
- Always use a primer, it will help to prevent the eyeshadow from sliding into the fine lines and I choose a primer that is lighter than my foundation (Laura Mercier, Trish or UD Eden)
- After applying the eyeshadow, if I find that the result is too shimmery and not appropriate, I take a cotton a go softly over the eyeshadow application, it really does help to remove that over shimmery-looking effect when I don’t have time to start over.
- I sometimes use secret-weapon products like the Trish Line Refiner for around the eyes orthe Chantecaille Lip contour for around the lips…
- Last but it’s actually the most important advice I could give you : use good make up brushes !
The eyeshadows I will show you here are mattes, satin, some are even more shimmery but they all are extremely forgiving and flattering, I have tried to pick mostly mattes but I really love a more luminous and silky finish so there’s a bit of everything :
Most of them are extremely expensive brands, you can find less expensive brands that also work well but here I am talking about ultimate results and most of the time you will have to pay the price for that.
Some of these palettes might be discontinued and I am really sorry about that, but, it will show them to you anyway, this will give you an idea of what the brand has and if one day you come across some sale or outlet, then you may even find them at a good price. If I mention them here, it’s because I highly recommend them and I am hoping that if they are not available anymore, the Brand will re-promote them or add them into their permanent collection.
Chantecaille
Les Macarons
There is nothing not to love about this palette, the two eyeshadows on the left are gorgeous, the blush is a lovely shade to wear, same for the highlighter and the lipgloss which is also absolutely gorgeous. The dark shadow is so easy to blend and the finish is just perfect, the beige eyeshadow is to die for..
Olivia’s palette
Such an expensive palette… but honestly, this is one of my best purchases ever. You really have to try it to see how flattering the colors and the finish can be on any eyelids. The first time I used it, when I finished the look I said to myself “Did I do that???” The result is that good !
If you need a black matte shade that is appropriate for more aging lids, this Chantecaille black is perfect. There aren’t many black shadows that I love to use today, my favorite blacks are this Chantecaille and the Shu shown at the bottom of the post.
Individual eyeshadows
On the picture above, there are two shades that are from Makeup For Ever, the bottom left (127) and the top right (92), the MUFE are also swatched in the next picture. The other shades are Chantecaille and sold individually. They are so insanely beautiful. Everybody needs the Smoky Topaz, I think it’s one of the best textures under the stars… There are two grey shadows here, Meteorite and Sel, both are amazing. You can see a nice post here on the Meteorite and here on the Sel.
Makeup For Ever
MUFE makes nice matte or pearly shadows, my favorites are the 127 and the 92, amazing pigmentation and finish.
Burberry
If you haven’t tried Burberry eyeshadows, you should start right now.
I have just selected 4 neutral matte or satin eyeshadows that are amongst my favorites. Porcelain and Trench are HG material, so flattering and of the best quality you could imagine.
Trish McEvoy
This is the quad that had been recommended to me when I first started using matte-ish eyeshadows and more appropriate looks for my age. It’s a winner. The eyeshadows here are Blackberry Granite Definer, Soft Peach and Deep Taupe. Gorgeous finish, gorgeous eyeshadows !
Hourglass
This palette is also a must-have, looks so natural on the eyes, perfect for “Less is more” type of looks, elegant, so pigmented and easy to work with. The lightest shades are what I call perfection. On the bottom left there is one shimmery base color, stunning, and on the right, the most perfect and luminous “matte” cream color ever !
Neo-Classic palette
Addiction
If you have the chance to be in Japan or to have someone pick you up some items, try this brand. They are mind-blowing, long-lasting, flattering… Earth Wind is not that pigmented but the other 5 are must-haves. The matte Truffle is insanely pigmented and so long-lasting. Singita is so much more gorgeous than it looks here, Sandbar is a complex and flattering all-over color, Rigoletto is pure sexy beauty and Flash Back is a taupe at the highest level of quality and pigmentation.
Kevyn Aucoin
I throw this in my bag when I don’t have time to do my makeup, it’s so easy to wear.
This is also the palette I wear when I want to do a black winged eyeliner. I wear the white all over, the peach very lightly on the lid, a brown very lightly in the crease with a bit of black (it’s more like a very dark brown-grey), then I put the eyeliner and it’s such an elegant and glamorous look !
Palette #1
Clé de Peau
The lightest shade has some tiny sparkles but they catch the light and provide a stunning result. This is an old palette so I don’t know if it’s still being sold, the texture of the matte eyeshadows is absolutely divine.
Palette 117
Dior
I don’t usually wear Dior quints but this one, that I cannot find anymore, is such a beautiful palette ! I wish they would repromote this kind of palettes, easy to wear and more on the matte-satin, less on the shimmery side.
Beige Masai 705
Edward Bess
I find Edward Bess makeup overpriced, but this palette is a must-have, you can easily create a smokey eye appropriate for any age. Great quality eyeshadows.
Soft Smoke Trio
Chanel
My favorite Chanel quad, so easy to use, I love the taupes here, you cannot go wrong with it. Great texture but high price and if you can get the USA version of the quad instead of the European/Asian one, I think you will much happier (better pigmentation).
Prelude – USA version
Inglot
I don’t have many Inglot eyeshadows but this one is a must-have !!!
Matte 363
Laura Mercier
This is an old palette but I’ll still swatch some of the neutral shades for you, I think most of them are permanent anyway. Laura Mercier makeup will never look overdone, it really does “enhance your beauty”, when I use them, I look younger and my eyes pop. They make very good matte eyeshadows but the Buttercream shadow is a bit too powdery if you use too much, I found out that if I use only a light application it’s much better. I love Stellar and Sandstone but all of them are fantastic. They don’t last as long as the Chantecaille or the Addiction.
RMK
I love RMK blushes, I own only these RMK eye shadows. I did not find any others that really appealed to me, or if they did, they were sold out anyway…
Mix Colors for eyes 08 Beige and Ingenious Powder Eyes BR-01 Dark Brown
Ingenious Dark brown – Mix for eyes in Beige
Serge Lutens
When you think you saw the most expensive eyeshadow quad ever made, check this one out… 160 usd…
YES it’s good, but it’s a crime to sell eyeshadows at this price, and it’s even worst to buy them at that price 😀
I deserve to be burned at the stake for such a behaviour !!! 😛 naughty me… I shouldn’t do that… way too expensive, don’t do that at home, unless you really really need to…
Les Salons du Palais Royal Shiseido
Rouge Bunny Rouge
My favorite is Blackpepper Jay, I don’t like to use Papyrus Canary that much because of the powdery finish, you can blend it and apply it lightly to avoid that effect but I prefer other more luminous shades like the one in the Hourglass palette, Papyrus Canary is actually the only RBR eyeshadow I don’t like to wear as much as the others.
Other than that, the quality of RBR eyeshadows is outstanding.
Shu Uemura
I have many Shu Uemura eyeshadows, two Z palettes full of neutral and colorful eyeshadows, I have selected some matte and satin to show you, overall I love them but the matte ones are not that mind blowing like Chantecaille are for example.
The M 871 is one that I like to use on my brows.
Mac
Of course I also love Mac eyeshadows, but not all of them. These are the most flattering matte and satin eyeshadows I have and that I recommend :
Suqqu
Suqqu is my coup de coeur, I can wear any quad or quint they made, even if it’s shimmery, I never have problems with the finish. Of course I would rather pick the most shimmery eyeshadows for an evening wear but I am never disappointed. I just love to wear Suqqu eyeshadows, and even more when I need some extra help.. I call Suqqu my “comfort” makeup 🙂
I only swatch two of them, but you get the idea, there is a liner and a base/blending color and two other more shimmery colors. The new palettes are quints instead of quads.
12 Konruri – 11 Kozuecha
They also have some individual shades but I think they are stopping these… so not sure if they are still available :
Guerlain
The 2, place Vendôme is one of my favorite Guerlain palettes, the eyeshadows are of good quality and very elegant. It’s a nice everyday palette to have if you don’t have easy access to other brands.
The brushes
As I said, the brushes are very important, you don’t need to go high end but you definitely need good brushes.
These are the type of brushes I cannot live without, here I am not talking about the brand but just about the shape of brush I need :
- A base brush
- A lid brush
- A bigger crease brush
- A smaller crease brush
- A pencil brush
- An eyeliner brush
- A smudge brush
- A socket brush
- A bigger blending brush
- A medium blending brush
- An eyebrow brush (but I can manage without it if I use a pencil)
Bottom Lime
My top favorites are Chantecaille, Burberry, Suqqu and Addiction, they are the most flattering eyeshadows in my collection but all the eyeshadows pictured here are the best I ever found.
I have added some shadows that are not matte but that are still appropriate for more mature eyelids, actually I think I need to do a full post on flattering shimmery eyeshadows 🙂
What are your favorites brands and textures ? I would love to know what you like to use and discover other brands 🙂
82 comments
Holy cow!! If this isn’t the mother of ALL eyeshadow posts ….EVER!!!
I’m speechless…and that does NOT happen often:))
I need to re-read this a few times before being able to make a coherent comment.
Seriously GREAT stuff Sonia !!
Thank you Buggsiebee .. I appreciate you like it 🙂
Is this a mistake ?? Because so many tutorials use a highlighter in the corner of the eye and on the water line , after several expensive mistakes ( make water line puff up , disappear as soon as you put them on , so waxy the product buils up and looks vile etc.) I ordered Rouge Bunny Rouge Eyes Wide Open pencil, which has a more natural looking pinkish-white for the water line , and a milky white end for highlighting brow and putting in the inner corner of the eye , on the nose bone . It still doesn’t look right : is this something you use , or is it really for younger eyes please ?
Helen, I hope this helps :
For the inner corner of the eye, I use several options:
1) a pencil like the Addiction Sugar Blond or any other with a similar shade, after application, I heat and blend with the fingertips. It never looks too harsh and if I use whitish shade, if I do, I blend even more.
2) for a little bit more visible application, a Burberry Trench eyeshadow or something similar, but not too shimmery and not everywhere in the inner corner, just very precisely around the tear duct but not inside.
3) for a dramatic highlighter, cream highlighter in the inner corner with some Tom Ford sparkles patted on top 🙂
On the waterline :
I don’t really like to apply a pencil in the waterline, I only apply dark pencil when I really need it for the look, otherwise I avoid it. Do you remember Nikita ? the old series ? It’s really obvious, she always wears white pencil on the waterline. If I want to, I use a beige and not a white shade on the waterline, more appropriate for me. By the way, Nars larger than life, Bonaparte and santa monica have a nice long lasting power, well, I mean decent on the waterline.
On the lower lash line :
To make the eyes appear bigger I love to line the lower lash line with Chanel Rose platine, or UD underground or Guerlain Cupidon, these are just examples, then if I want some more definition, I add some darker pencil or powder below that or in the outer corner.
Cupid’s bow :
If I want to highlight the cupid’s bow I’ll use Nars Bonaparte or Guerlain Cupidon or Addiction Sugar blond.
Nose and cheekbone
Something like Kevyn Aucoin candlelight or any other very fine powder (Mac have several MSF’s that are very nice for that). I have an old palette from clarins called cotton flower that I love for that, very subtle, or Becca shimmering skin perfector but it doesn’t last as long on me.
You can also play with a lightest foundation or a base eyeshadow if you don’t have a highlighter powder.
I find the application of highlighter in the inner eye corner very appropriate for any age, I’ll just avoid metallic looking highlighters 🙂
Oh my gosh!! Me too!! I will absorb and reply!!!
Thank you! Awesome!
Stacy
absolutely, thanks a bunch !!!
HI Sonia, great post! Would be helpful to know the names and numbers of brushes too, do you think you could update it, thanks!
I love Chantecaille & Suqqu too. Do you know where I can find Kose Addiction in London?
Hi 🙂
thank you ! I will update the brushes as well.
There is no Kose Addiction in London I am afraid, the only way to get them is online from Japan, and I realized that the online sellers are asking much more than the retail price 🙁
If you have the possibility to get them from someone in Japan that would be the best option.
Will let you know when it’s updated..
I have updated the numbers, you don’t need that many brushes, I could use only the two Mac 239 and the Mac 217 for everything, I am just a brush lover 😉
The Inglot is very big, maybe too big for most of the people… for Hakuhodo sizes, they are mentioned on their website hakuhodousa.com
talk soon !
Sonia I hope you appreciate your power ! I bought the NARS 12 eye brush after seeing your photo and I’m very very pleased with it . I think I must have small eyes as the MAC 217 deposits on too large an area.My latest question to you is about eyeliner : I took on board your recommendtions about no harsh lines etc. and I think I would like to try the “tight line” ( is that right ?)method. I have a Laura Mercier flat brush and used to use it with the brown water-soluble eyeliner .Is there anything better you can recommend or should I just buy this again please ? thanks hx
Hi Helen, glad you like it.. 🙂
well I appreciate I can help that’s for sure 😛
That’s right, tight line, I love to do that but I have problems with that method, my brush (Trish) is too hard and I can’t work with it very easily, I still in the hunt for the appropriate brush and technic to do that, I love the result but I am not a “master” yet 🙂
If you wish to wait just a few more days, I might be able to help you a bit more, I am quite loving the Laura Mercier tight line product, just need to find the best brush to apply it… will keep you informed !
wow, what a great post! I’m not really on matte eyeshadows but I love satin textures and you created a new obsession with chantecaille eyeshadows, burberry seem very good also but there is not a very wide color selection. as for lutens cosmetics, I agree with, there is quality but prices are insane for what it is, I have two lipsticks and colors are quite unique but texture is so-so.
thanks Nikoleta, let me know what you think of Chantecaille if you try them 🙂
Burberry are fantastic, once I receive my new ones (I am waiting for 3 more) I will do a post on them.
That’s why I did not buy the lipsticks, I find that the Lutens lip texture looks a bit dry, is that correct ?
well, I’ve bought votre sienne et garde-rose, I love both but for a fraction of the price you can find similar shades or at least with similar feeling, garde-rose (mac rare exotic and others as it is bright fushia pink), votre sienne (it’s the most unique one, I’ve never found a dupe for it but there is something a bit similar in the elysambre line, black up line and lauder as long as I remember). I’ve had the little sample card and indeed, other colors are nice but dupable and price is insane. For a price like this not only shade should be really unique (and it is so difficult now with all the choice) but texture should be out of heaven, that’s not the case : they are not moisturising and mise à mort was leaking. I largely prefer Armani and By Terry.
Amazing info, thank you so much !
I have just ordered the J series now, just a few (10) eyeshadow and small highlight brushes, if they are great, then I will order a few more for the face 🙂
They just arrived online if you were thinking of ordering a few…
HI Sonia,
Which type of shipping method did you choose? I previously choose the USD39 method but thinking if USD12 would be safe, since it is without tracking..
Hi CC, I always choose the 12 usd, it’s very fast !
So which ones did you choose? I was going to get the J5523 but it is now sold out!! 🙁
I chose these :
J116 Highlight Brush Round & Flat
J214 Eye Shadow Brush Round
J214R Duo Fibre Eye Shadow Brush Round
J242G Eye Shadow Brush Round & Flat
J220G Eye Shadow Brush Round & Flat
J515 Eye Shadow Brush CM Angled
J532 Eye Shadow Brush Round & Flat
J5523 Eye Shadow Brush Round & Flat
J5522 Eye Shadow Brush Tapered
J5521 Highlighter Brush Tapered
If I am happy I will order some bigger brushes next week, I know that I will certainly love them…
The J5523 looks similar to the Mac 217, I am trying to find a dupe for it, it isn’t the case for the Trish I recently purchased because it’s flatter, so we’ll see. I will let you know but don’t worry they will probably soon restock them.
Since I wasn’t ready I chose some of the ones I had selected, they were 33 originaly ! and I sure cannot order 33 brushes !!!
Hakuhodo white goat brushes ??? I just can’t resist…
A great post! Have you tried Sisley or La Prairie shadows? I only have two Sisley shades (snow, jungle) and one quad and moonstone from La prairie but they really seem to me a cut above other high end shadows (like RBR). Admittedly, my experience is rather limited and have not tried Suqqu or Addiction, etc. It also seems to me some sparkly shadows (e.g., Chanel Illusion d’ombre, Cle de Peau sparkly shades and even some very sheer sparkly Dior shades most seem to disfavor) are very flattering to less than perfect eyelids. Could you do a post on flattering sparkly, shimmery shadows? I read your post on Tom Ford quads and would guess that you consider them as flattering sparkly shadows but would love to hear more from you on the subject.
Hi Yancy, thanks ! no I haven’t tried La Prairie yet, I should do that, maybe I tried Sisley in the past but I don’t remember why I did not get it… it was a very long time ago !
TF do better shimmery than mattes, sure I can do a post on that, somebody else also asked me what my favorite eyeshadows were so I think it’s time for that !
I’ll start to work on that tomorrow but it may take me a few days, for some of them I will have to see if I can still pull them off … I actually wear sparkly and shimmery looks quite often since I love that so much, and I will carry on as long as I can 😉
I very much look forward to it! I wasn’t impressed at a Sisley counter either. The colors are limited and the texture seemed even dry. My guess is that the shadows don’t hold up well exposed to air and constant swatching. But the ones I have are nothing like that. They just make me look so clean and put together effortlessly (no primer and minimal fussing and time spent) more than any other shadows I have.
On a different note, how do you differentiate socket brush from crease brush?
good to know 🙂
The socket brush is just a bigger pencil brush, the bristles are softer and denser (so that you can pack and place the powder but still without streaky lines) A socket brush will give you a more precise application for the socket and outer V and the crease brush will give you a more subtle but still defined crease shadow application depending on which brush you use… I hope this helps 🙂
I have some Sisley Sonia. I could post them to you for a little testdrive:)
Silly to invest before the test. You can post them back when you’re done.
oh.. thank you 🙂 isn’t it too expensive to ship from there ?
Buggsiebee, Which Sisley do you have? I have used a lot of their skincare in the past, one blush but no eye shadows… Do you like?
Yancy’s description is enticing 🙂
Hi CC! Which J series did you end up getting?
Sonia: Looks like your J Series order will arrive first…. cant’t wait to hear how you love them!!!!
Stacy
I forgot how fast Hakuhodo could take care of an order… shipped the same day… After ordering some Koyudo and waiting so long, we are even more surprised afterwards to get such a fast service ! Probably it’s not the same size of company.
Anyway, as soon as I get them you’ll see pics and first thoughts !
Hi Stacy,
I have not ordered any J Series.. I really wanted the J5523 and was quite upset knowing it’s sold out. The CS said they will restock somewhere next week so I will only order then. Save on the shipping. 🙂
My friend, who is now in Japan, just told me he will be coming back soon and asked if I need him to get anything. I am now thinking if I should have him to get me the Chikuhodo Z8 brush since Sonia has high praise for it.. Or maybe even the Z1.. or the Z9.. Or maybe the Suqqu.. Or maybe more Addiction..
Everything looks so tempting I just hope my wallet / credit card / husband can take it!!
Shame for the J5523 🙁
It’s not often that you have the possibility to get something from Japan without the additional costs, I would say go for Chikuhodo brushes from Z series and Addiction eyeshadows..
Hey Stacy the Chrome queen:))
Chrome is fantastic on foreign websites!!
I’m not certain about the Sisley shadows. I think perhaps I just chose the wrong colors for myself. Sometimes i get carried away and buy colors I like , but not those which compliment my eyes/complexion. I shipped them off to Sonia today as i don’t use them & that’s a waste. My feeling is that for such a high end brand , they’re not consistent enough. Some are a bit dry, some gritty with fall out & others creamy dreamy. For such expensive shadows I expect more. I’ll stick to their blush, powder & skincare from now on.
I am really a lucky woman !!! thank you Buggsiebee !
I had a doubt but I confirm I never tried them before (it was Kanebo…)
I am preparing my next review which is on Burberry eyeshadows, I have just received Mulberry that I purchased together with Dark Sable and Gold Trench. Mulberry is so gorgeous, I don’t know if you like this kind of shades but after trying the Chanel duo Sable Emouvant, I couldn’t resist this ! I don’t regret it, what a great quality !!!
I’ll check what the post office has to say OK?
CC the super swatcher:))
Those swatches are amazing!! And….you have divinely perfect skin !!!
A great choice of colors! Much better than ordering online from color swatches:(
The Matte 387 in set #2 reminds me of Addiction’s concrete jungle which I love. It’s one grey I can actually wear without looking like Dracular’s bride:))
Pearl 419 & 415 are gorgeous & I’m loving 361, 383 & 375 too.
I wonder how 361 would work on the cheeks? Too powdery / too pale??
Thanks so much for taking the time to swatch them.
Sorry you didn’t get the J5523:(
That’s frustrating!
Everyone seems to have wanted the J5523 except me?! At $18,- It’s so cheap I should have put it in the basket. I’m really keen to hear the FB on it SONIA:))
I wonder how the goat hair quality compare to that of the hugely expensive TF brushes.
One of the brushes I ordered was the radically angled J513. Looks interesting:))
I don’t know how it will compare to the TF but I can tell you that I can recognize Tom Ford hair quality with my eyes closed 🙂 It would be great if the quality is as good, I know many that would love to get it and for 18$ compared to TF pricing it’s gets seriously interesting !
The J513 is indeed intriguing but I bought the Burberry and I am disappointed so we’ll see… I still have selected the J515, I need to see if I did not like it because of the shape or because of the quality…
There isn’t one brush in their J series that doesn’t look good … this is one the most awaited releases of all year ! together with Koyudo discovery they are the biggest makeup surprises of 2012 🙂
Thanks for the compliment, Buggsiebee! 🙂 I am glad you like the swatches.
Yes, Matte 387 is a bit like concrete jungle, though I think 387 is a bit darker. I love this one and I paired it with Matte 361 last week and it actually worked! I have Nars Ramatuelle in my mind while I was standing in the Inglot shop and they do have the similar silvery-grey like the one in Ramatuelle but somehow it does not turn out too good on my skin tone. I opted for this instead.
I have no idea how 361 would work on the cheek.. I will try that tomorrow. It could be a little powdery.. I think.. (Speaking of cheek, just saw the RMK fall-winter collection.. the creamy sheer powder cheeks looks good.. I have a hard time contemplating which one to get..)
I love Pearl 451 too.. Today I have Addiction Sandbar my eyelid as base.. paired it with 451 on the crease area.. I think it sorta ‘opened up’ my eyes. I mix and match a lot these days, every morning is an fun-filled experiment to me. 😀
YIKES!!! Don’t even mention any more new collections!!
Hopefully it will be a while before BeatyBay gets the RMK Fall colllection in:)
I also love to fiddle around doing my makeup in the morning & I get sooooo frustrated when it’s one of those rush days where I barely have tiime to apply mascara, blush & a lippie. I have to get up REALLY early if I want to get my three boys fed & off to school, walk the dog & get myself done in time for work. Fortunately I don’t have a full work week so I don’t have to go in every day:)
Hii Sonia:)
Wait with the thanks till you try the shadows:)) I also sent a single THREE shadow in a greyish tone. Quite a few Asian bloggers raved about their shadows but I don’t know?!? Their pencils are great but the shadows….hmmmmmm. The two THREE quads I have are mega giltter bombs:) I did think of sending them too, but I didn’t want you to feel like the garbage disposal:D
By the way, I sent your parcel registered as a international letter – which is waaaay cheaper than a parcel – and it cost a WHOLE €5,50. Not bad huh?
Not bad at all, here the same registered letter is 20$ for Europe, 26 for outside Europe.. 🙁
Garbage disposal 😀 mmmmmm …..seriously that’s so kind of you !
I have the Dark Sable. I like the Burberry nude & brown shades a LOT!
I was too scared to order the Mulberry sight unseen because those sort of colors can make me look old, tired &, hung-over……..not a good look:D
The case of one of my Burberry shaows has a huge crack on the side because I set it down on top of another Burberry shadow & due to the magnetic poles being similar the one shot the other one off the shelf & onto the bathroom floor. I was lucky that the shadow stayed in tact but it’s something to watch out for. Same thing with the Hourglass shadows!
I was scared to wear these shades but when I tried the Chanel duo I changed my mind ! Mulberry is not exactly the same though. I will also put comparison swatches in my post. This shade makes my eyes look huge and sultry 😛
what color are your eyes ?
They’re mongrel eyes……a mixture of all colors:))
Officially they’re ‘hazel’, but one makeup consultant looked at their color and asked ‘who did this to you?’ and that pretty much sums the color up:D
Omg I cant stop laughing ….
Thats interesting… 🙂
Buggsiebee, I can’t stop laughing “who did this to you” too funny!! That is interesting about THREE. I had contemplated ordering some pencils then just let that idea go!
Now you have me really wanting to see CC’s swatches!!! CC, you must share!!
Sure Stacy, my pleasure to share. 🙂
Dear Sonia, could you please forward the same email to Stacy?
Thanks!
I will 🙂
Sonia, I think you probably need La Mamounia from the Addiction Desert Rose collection for fall 2012. You like those brick red colors & I bet it’s a good one.
http://www.frontline.atelierbeauty.com/2012/08/09/addiction-fall-2012/
I agree with you that Singita is an amazing shade. It is one of my favourite Addiction shadows & was a really nice surprise. I just sort of ordered it on a whim and never expected it to be so good. Another two good colors which also work well together are together are Missa & Concret Jungle.
Concret Jungle also looks a bit boring on the site, but it’s a really lovely.
I’m wondering how the new blue shade, Sheltering sky, will compare colorwise with Midnight oasis (excellent pigmentation).
I agree with you on the Dior Beige Massai. I got it after I saw Lisa Eldridge using it and although I was a bit disappointed when it first arrived, my opinion changed dramatically once I used it. It’s a perfect no brainer palette. I must admit that although I love the idea & look of palettes/quads and own way tooo many of them, BUT I hardly ever use them:(
Oh looks nice… I have to try these liners one day… I love them all 🙁
I will have a look at Missa and the others you mention ..
I love the idea of palettes but there’s often one essential shade missing in each one… either the crease, the highlighter or the blackish liner…
Hi Helen:)
Just a tip to using a pinkish/beige liner on the waterline…..whatever you do, stay clear of the tear duct! Perhaps you knew this already, but I just thought I’d mention it because I too had to be told. It didn’t even occur to me that I was clogging my duct which was causing tears & irritation?!?
Oh thank you , it’s obvious now you say it , but I hadn’t been doing that .Sonia recommends Kose Addiction 02 Sugar Blond- can’t find a site to order from UK; any ideas please ? thnx hx
Oh dear:(
That’s another item which you’d need to import from Japan I’m afraid.
I have a good one from Illamasqua, but I couldn’t find it when I checked for you today. Either they discontinued it, or it is listed perhaps with the lip pencils as a nude lip contour liner.
I just realized I forgot to mention the Chanel Beige CLair, I know you can get it here : http://www.izzysbeautyshoppe.com/chanel_stylo_yeux_waterproof_eyeliner_86_new.html but maybe you can buy it somewhere else cheaper. We did not get it in Switzerland at all so I like to check this site for Limited Edition items or Asian releases…
Izzys is out of Beige Clair, but it is still available on Chanel.com ( don’t ship internationally though ) or Bonboncosmetics.com.
Thanks for info 🙂
I need to check Bonboncosmetics.com more often by the way… or better not 😉
I’m getting myself a back-up of the RMK mix cheeks in 04 from Bonbon. They’re about $20,- cheaper than the other online stores & I love the #04 sooooo much!!
The Kanebo Lunasol fall 2012 collection looks very interesting. Have you tried their lippies yet?
Hi Buggsiebee , I’ve just received my RMK 04 from ichibankao.com and it IS gorgeous , unbelievably natural -looking . It’s taken 10 days to get to me in UK , and with postage was 48 euros , which is quite some mark up ! Having made such an investment I’m tempted to buy a Tom Ford brush to apply it 😀 Is there another brush you would recommend ? Sonia says she can tell a TF brush without looking ! Hx
Hi Helen,
Nice ! I am so happy you like it !
There are so many brushes I could recommend you, furthermore with this Hakuhodo J series we are blessed !
Let me wash the face brushes I got today and I will tell you tomorrow what I think compared to the TF…
I have to rewrite on my favorite brushes because recently I got some real gems 🙂
Hi Helen:)
Yay!! I’m so happy that you like the RMK 04:) It’s such a tiny little thing for €48,- but to me this is blush mix is really soooo good that I feel that it’s money well spent. There will be no waste on this one. I’ll be hitting pan on it one day for sure! Do you swipe the brush over all the colors? I like the way that one can either end the swipe on the pink shade or on the peachy color so that one has either more a more pink end result, or more peach. I do sometimes like my blush to have more oompf & also enjoy bold colors, but I find this particular cheek mix absolutely perfect for an easy & refined everyday look. It looks so natural – like my cheeks but better:))
I’ve been using the Chanel #4 blush brush / Nars Yachiyo / TF # 06. As the RMK 04 is not overly pigmented and has a perfect texture one doesn’t have to be that cautious with application so in my opinion any good cheek brush will do in this case. The TF # 06 blush brush is an absolutely beautiful soft & dense brush. If you need a treat ….DOOOOO get it: because I am certain that you won’t be disppointed!
Hi Buggsiebee , no I haven’t yet had a ” play ” with the colours in the blusher but I certainly will now ; thanks for the idea 🙂
I have rationalised buying the Tom Ford 06 on the grounds that …….mmmm…..I want it SO much – very naughty ! The only thing I’m thinking is that I have a small face , and are the Japanese brushes that you and Sonia wax so lyrical about ( Suquu is the only brand I can get in a shop in London as far as I’m aware ) slightly smaller ? Possibly a silly question as they are marketed throughout the world . What was that “bunny ” something web-site you mentioned re RMK 04 please ? Hx
Hihi…….bunny = .bonboncosmetics perhaps?? They don’t stock Suqqu / Addiction ….but they are cheaper for the RMK & they also have the Chanel Asia releases……e.g. Chanel Beige Clair Stylo for the lower waterline. I had forgotten about them to be honest. Ichibankao & Mihokoshop jump up at you first when you google. I have found Bonbon to be slow, but the goods always arrived.
I also have a small face and the TF is so compact that it is perfect for me. You need to bear in mind that the TF is goat hair….allbeit incredibly, extremely soft goat hair …..so it will pick up more product that a squirrel hair ( Suqqu) brush. When you are applying a strongly pigmented blush …( think Illamasqua / Nars ) then sometimes a squirrel brush helps you to have a lighter hand:)
RMK & Lunasol also have SUPER quality blush brushes – mainly squirrel. See Sonias review & look at the reviews Delicatehummingbird has on them.
You can also get them at Bonboncosmetics.
Hello
Thank u for the great post. I’m about to do an order from Japan(expensive grrr) of Suqqu and Addiction. are u still loving addiction- what would your top picks be and of course I am wanting the new Suqqu ex-07 palette- cheek I’m not sure which brand to go for- any advise would be appreciated.
Hi Jodi,
Sure I am still loving Addiction eyeshadows, Singita, Flash Back would be my top picks but I also love the Rigoletto, Sandbar and the Truffle one. Depends which colors you usually wear.
I would go either for Suqqu Konruri (I prefer it to the EX-07) or for the Addiction eyeshadows mentioned previously in my reply to you. Addiction is really very expensive, I did not notice that the price was so higher on online sites than in Japan 🙁
It’s a matter of preference, but either Addiction or Suqqu are excellent choices !
I know how difficult it can be to choose, so sad the prices are so insane !!
I hope this helps 🙂
Thank you for all the info you sent me- Yes it is very expensive- but high end brands in my country (South Africa) also are- The new YSL palette is about R850 and the suqqu will come in only a bit more. I have a friend travelling to the UK in Nov- but thought I would try a suqqu palette before hand. The addiction suggestions look great. I am looking at getting Flashback, the new kohl product (in a powder form?) and the cheek stick. The eye laquer is on my wish list but will have to wait till next time.
Thanks again xx
Hi Jodi,
I hope you will be able to get some Suqqu. If you do get the new kohl and/or the cheek stick, do you mind letting me know what you think of them ? I know many of us are interested in Japanese cosmetics 🙂
Talk soon I hope !
Hi Again – I did get som products from Addiction and an slowly reviewing them. You can check ou my blog!
Hey Jodi:)
I’m an ex-pat ,so obviously I checked out your blog & I’m glad I did. You make excellent
swatches!
Hi Sonia 🙂
I’m digging up old posts because I was browsing the Addiction eyeshadows on Rakuten because I wanted to try it but I’m meant to be saving up…. Just your opinion, if I have Burberry’s Pale Barley, Almond, Dark Sable and Midnight Brown, and I’m planning on getting Suqqu’s Konruri, out of Singita, Truffle and Sandbar, which do you suggest I should get if I could only choose one or two?
Oh, and why I didn’t name Flash Back and Rigoletto is because I have LMdB’s Corinthian, which I never wear and I guess it appears similar to Flash Back. I’m very tempted by Rigoletto but I’m not an adventurous eyeshadow wearer and it seems very shimmery! But oh-so-pretty 🙂
Yet another brilliant blog, Sonia.
At the moment I’m using a combination of fat NARS pencils on the lids and corner and the Too Faced Matte eye palette for the crease, brow and brow bone. I’m on a campaign to use up ‘old’ cosmetics before buying more products. We’ll see how long I can hold out.
Konruri looks absolutely dreamy!
What is the best orange eyeshadow?
Katie, are you looking for an orange “on-your-face” or for a wearable orange ?
if you are looking for something a bit strong but super fun, if you get the palette Sleek I-divine “Respect 892” it has 3 orange-ish shades, plus one taupe plus some neutrals and a very very nice deep black. I found pics here for you : http://www.google.ch/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=QUnzcUCkdLSHKM&tbnid=IX8775LElsUfkM:&ved=0CAgQjRwwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgnomagno.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F01%2Fsleek-respect-palette.html&ei=5nJUUsbsKoHPtAbQrYD4Bw&psig=AFQjCNGAMvD2-KAIPO6a5v64annUDp22aA&ust=1381352550838810
I am not much into oranges, when I want to wear something in that range I use “Light my fire” (I mentioned it in this post at the end : http://sweetmakeuptemptations.com/2013/01/27/chanel-printemps-precieux/) but it’s more red than orange.
Then there is the L’Oreal 034 Pepsy Coral but it’s very coral. I am not very good for oranges as you see 🙂
Have a look at Rouge Bunny Rouge too, they may not be pure orange but so pretty (Veiled Lyrebird) and some Shu (but the number of my orange shadow is not on it anymore). Have also a look at Inglot, I have some mattes from this brand and they are absolutely stunning, but not oranges… 🙂
Hello Sonia or anyone else,
do you know of a similar grey matte eyeshadow as the top left one in the Chanel Prelude quad? My everyday look consists of this grey colour in the crease and under the eyes and Burberry’s Porcelain on the lid. But I find the colour payoff of the Chanel e/s to be very poor, so I’d like to find a substitute. There are so many grey hues, but it’s difficult to find a right one 😉
I have to check that… I am just like you, at this moment I use the Tom Ford she wolf but that is much darker! will check and let you know!
ok.. I think I found one but I will have to double check in the daylight tomorrow, at night I can’t see the similarities that well!
do you have the Bare Minerals the Power Neutrals ? http://www.temptalia.com/bareminerals-the-power-of-neutrals-eyeshadow-palette-review-photos-swatches
I love this palette, there are 5 fantastic mattes, that are buttery and gorgeous.
Othewise the Edward Bess Smoke palette (but the grey is not as translucent so it wouldn’t be a dupe..)
Have you tried the US version of Prelude (with the square pans ?)
No, I haven’t tried the US version of Prelude. Would I get it, if I ordered it from a US store?
I haven’t tride neither Bare Minerals nor Edward Bess, maybe I am missing out on something worth knowing here? You have previously written very highly of Edward Bess, so I trust you to order that brand 🙂 I am still deeply in love with Burberry Beauty which I bought on your recommendation!
I would go for the USA Chanel Prelude, then if you can swatch Edward Bess, try the Over the Moon too 🙂 not as “complex” as the grey in Prelude but pigmented and silky and probably the kind of shadow you may want for the crease. Happy you love the Burberry, I am loving the palettes too, they did so good! I have to check the other ones when I’ll be in London (not yet though but one day…)
Thanks Sonia! I would very much like to try the US version of Chanel’s eye shadows.
I actually tried to follow Olga’s advice on scratching the surface of the eye shadow that I have (she did so with a hard blush), and it became so much easier to get the loosened powder shadow on the brush 🙂
If you try them let me know!
I just saw the new Dior quints on Selfridges.com and if they are as pigmented as the recent Constellation collections that is very promising. since I had to place an order today for my skincare I order Cuir Cannage but the 056 Bar could be one option for you (to see after the swatches…)
Are products from bonboncosmetics.com authentic? I want to buy some chanel brushes, but am skeptical of their authenticity. Thanks, KJ
As far as I know I found mine to be authentic, I have ordered a few times from them, so did my friends, so far all good!
I’d love an updated post on great eyeshadows <3 New types keep coming 🙂
Hi. Can I get the Orange shadow name from the Shu Umera singles? Does it have a silver or gold or neutral undertone? Is it orange or coral. I have been looking for a shimmer or metallic just straight orange eyeshadow for so many years and still have not found one. Also, can you send pics of all the grey/gray/silvery cool shades with names and numbers as well even if they have a lil bit of purple or brown in the tone. That whole palette is gorgeous. My email is: mac12twelve@gmail.com. Thank you so much