Review: All About EyeShadows & Brushes
10:15 AMYou may have already noticed, but if you hadn't, I have now upgraded from what I used from my essential post for eyeshadows. I now use a total of 5 shades to create my "natural"eyeshadows look. I still can't believe I'm using 5 colors!! Now most of my eyeshadow palettes listed here are what I considered “neutral ", and this is what my reviews are based on.
A lot of these are drug store type purchases, and are very affordable. I just want to note beforehand that most of the store brought eyeshadow palettes require a good primer in order to show clearly, last longer, and not crease.
MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot Quite Natural
This appears here again because now I'm using this as my primer and shadow based vs before I was using it as a stand-alone or part of my eyeshadow routine. You can check out my makeup essential post for more detail there.
- Blendable
- Great as a Primer
- Great as a Shadow Base
- Long Lasting
- Stand Alone
- Pigmented
Dislike
- Expensive
- Can Crease
This color look more like a dark "ashy" grey-brownish color on my lid. It is nowhere near the actually brown color that is seen in the pot, that is why I use it solely as a primer now. It can be used as a stand-alone, or as an addition for a smokey eye look. Based on the primer/base factor alone, I will continue to buy this paint pot, and plan on getting one more in a slightly different color. Note: In order to avoid creasing, I use my finger tip to apply this on my eyelids.
If you interested, the one I'm thinking of getting is Constructivist, since it look like it has a bit of simmer to it. I want to wait and try it out in the store first and see if I can get more of brown undertone vs the dark brownish grey with Quite Natural.
Hard Candy Top Ten Trendsetter Palette in "Raining Men"
This is a recent purchased from Wal-Mart, and I have used it for about two months. My first try was here and the second time was here (at the cruise).
- Blendable
- Long Lasting
- Pigmented
- No Creasing
- Affortable
- Good Range of Colors
Dislike
- Need A Primer
- No Matted Colors
I don't know if the name caught my interest ^_- or the colors, but I have to say I really like this palette, and the colors look true on the lids. I don't like the fact that it doesn't have a matted shade on it, but this palette is pretty good for the price, and I already have some matted colors to help tone down the simmer a bit.
What I really like about Hard Candy period is how pigmented they are, and how blendable they can be. If I come across "Birthday Suit", which is another palette in this series but in matted, I will pick that one up as well. Below is an example of this palette on my skin, for a drugstore type of palette, Hard Candy is very good for budget friendly ladies.
Hard Candy Rush Hour
& Peace
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 |
Like
- Blendable
- Long Lasting
- Pigmented
- No Creasing
- Affortable
- Natural (Dry) & Intense (Wet)
Dislike
- Need A Primer
- No Matted Colors
I use the lighter shade on Hard Candy Rush Hour pretty much every day as my natural go-to look. The dark colors on both Peace and Rush Hours are pretty good, if you looking for a "true" brown, I found it to be true to color, but I think it is too glitter for a natural every day look. That color is perfect for night time wear though, especially if you pair it with Shadow Lady by MAC.
Saw this on a co-worker one day, and she went ahead and purchased this from Wal-Mart the same day and later hand it to me. Her complexion was a little darker than me, and I notice that the color she wore actually looked brown on her, so I ask her about it, and as you can see, the rest is history.
Like
- Long Lasting
- Pigmented
- No Creasing
- Affortable
Dislike
- Need A Primer
- Not Blended
- Double Dip 2x
I love two of the colors on this palette, the matted brown, and the shimmer bronze next to it. I pretty much use this palette EVERYDAY with the matted brown being used the most. The brown is the only one that looks like brown on me (NW 50 on MAC). Even though I love the brown shade in this platte due to the fact that it's the truest brown & matted, this platte is not very blendable. I also have to use more of this products for it to actually show on my lids, I call this the "double dip", meaning I have to tap my brush on that shade more then once to get the color.
If I ever find a brown shade that looks both matted and "true" brown on my lid, then I will switch, but for now, as you can see from my various shade of brown eyeshadows, this will continued to be my go to for my middle to outer lid section.
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| Example of Quite Natural & CG |
Paula Choice The Nude Mattes
This was an impulse buy; I was looking for some matted eyeshadows, and watched a YouTube video where a guy raved about it. I purchased it from his review, but I doubt I would have with knowledge I have now.
Like
- Long Lasting
- No Creasing
- All Matted
- Brush
- Pigmented
Dislike
- Need A Primer
- Expensive
- One Shimmer
- Not Blendable
- Muddy Colors
I could never understand how hard it was to find a truly matted palette until I started searching for it. This is an okay matted palette as far as being true matted (no shimmer in the mattes what so ever). The issue I have with this product is the fact that it so expensive, I really expected more out of it.
I'm not a makeup guru by any means, but the colors are kind of washed out on the lids, and you need to add some shimmery shade from other palette to boost these colors up. So base on that alone, it kind of a sucky palette because it can't be used as a stand-alone. Since you can't use this palette by it-self, I have to give a "no" as far as recommendation is concern. The only noteworthy thing I can mention about this palette is that it did come with a really good brush and that is the brush I use pretty much every time I apply my eyeshadows.
Note: I tend to use this palette when I want to have that bare-face, and makeup free look.
Shadow Lady
This was purchase when I did my MAC session on how to apply makeup. You can visit my post for more detail about it.
Like
- Blendable
- A Little Goes A Long Way
- Long Lasting
- Super Pigmented
- No Creasing
- Stand Alone
Dislike
- Expensive
- Just One Platte
What can I say about MAC other then their products are really good. This shade is truly perfect, and I use this pretty much everyday. I have two more colors by them, and they don't require you to double dip for the color to show, using a light amount will always be good enough.
As for this color, if you want a good smokey look, this color will work prefectly for that, and I think this can be used as a standalone as well. So in conclusion, I know I pretty much list "expensive" as my dislike for every MAC product, but I can't help it, their stuff is super expensive...lol
Real Techniques Eye Starter Set
I decided to upgrade my brushes because I was sick and tired of the randomness of the piecemeal brushes of my old set. Some were shedding, and others had hard bristle which made them painful at times to use.
Like
- Soft
- Perfect for Beginner!
- No Shedding
- Perfect Blending
Dislike
- Expensive
- Doesn't Include Flat Shader Brush
This is a really nice starter kit brushes that you can use every day. I truly think they are perfect for applying simple "everyday" eyeshadows. The only advice I can give you when dealing with brushes, and trying not to feel overwhelm, is to practice. As you continue to work with makeup, the description of each brush will always be there, but you will find with experience, you will instantly know which brushes are needed to create that seamless look you going for.
Never did I think I would own so many brushes when I first started out, but it just happened. That is how I end with Real Techniques Eye Starter Set as my last purchased. I found is truly the best starter kit that pretty much have all the brushes you will need for your whole eye area.
The only thing that would have made this starter kit, the perfect kit, would have been if they had included the "Flat Shader" brush. I understand why they didn't include it though, because if you purchase a good palette like Naked from Urban Decay, you will get it from there.
Examples
The Natural Look was achieved with the above palette. You can click on any of the images to enlarge for more detail.
This was an impulse buy; I was looking for some matted eyeshadows, and watched a YouTube video where a guy raved about it. I purchased it from his review, but I doubt I would have with knowledge I have now.
- Long Lasting
- No Creasing
- All Matted
- Brush
- Pigmented
Dislike
- Need A Primer
- Expensive
- One Shimmer
- Not Blendable
- Muddy Colors
I could never understand how hard it was to find a truly matted palette until I started searching for it. This is an okay matted palette as far as being true matted (no shimmer in the mattes what so ever). The issue I have with this product is the fact that it so expensive, I really expected more out of it.
I'm not a makeup guru by any means, but the colors are kind of washed out on the lids, and you need to add some shimmery shade from other palette to boost these colors up. So base on that alone, it kind of a sucky palette because it can't be used as a stand-alone. Since you can't use this palette by it-self, I have to give a "no" as far as recommendation is concern. The only noteworthy thing I can mention about this palette is that it did come with a really good brush and that is the brush I use pretty much every time I apply my eyeshadows.
This was purchase when I did my MAC session on how to apply makeup. You can visit my post for more detail about it.
Like
- Blendable
- A Little Goes A Long Way
- Long Lasting
- Super Pigmented
- No Creasing
- Stand Alone
Dislike
- Expensive
- Just One Platte
What can I say about MAC other then their products are really good. This shade is truly perfect, and I use this pretty much everyday. I have two more colors by them, and they don't require you to double dip for the color to show, using a light amount will always be good enough.
As for this color, if you want a good smokey look, this color will work prefectly for that, and I think this can be used as a standalone as well. So in conclusion, I know I pretty much list "expensive" as my dislike for every MAC product, but I can't help it, their stuff is super expensive...lol
I decided to upgrade my brushes because I was sick and tired of the randomness of the piecemeal brushes of my old set. Some were shedding, and others had hard bristle which made them painful at times to use.
Like
- Soft
- Perfect for Beginner!
- No Shedding
- Perfect Blending
Dislike
- Expensive
- Doesn't Include Flat Shader Brush
This is a really nice starter kit brushes that you can use every day. I truly think they are perfect for applying simple "everyday" eyeshadows. The only advice I can give you when dealing with brushes, and trying not to feel overwhelm, is to practice. As you continue to work with makeup, the description of each brush will always be there, but you will find with experience, you will instantly know which brushes are needed to create that seamless look you going for.
Never did I think I would own so many brushes when I first started out, but it just happened. That is how I end with Real Techniques Eye Starter Set as my last purchased. I found is truly the best starter kit that pretty much have all the brushes you will need for your whole eye area.
The only thing that would have made this starter kit, the perfect kit, would have been if they had included the "Flat Shader" brush. I understand why they didn't include it though, because if you purchase a good palette like Naked from Urban Decay, you will get it from there.
If you want to know what I basically use every day, then see below.
- MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot - Base & Primer
- Cover Girl Coffee Shop - Brown Color on Eyelids (Middle to Outer Lid) & Gold Color underneath the Arch (Underneath the Brows).
- Hard Candy Rush Hour - Light Color on Eyelid (Inter-Middle Lid)
- Shadow Lady - The very edge of the Outer Lid
Examples
The Natural Look was achieved with the above palette. You can click on any of the images to enlarge for more detail.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Newbie :P I thought I was the sh*t here lol |
Natural Look | Natural Look | Intense Look Hard Candy Raining Men |
✾ Products Mention ✾
45 comments
Such nice colors! Love bright shades, need to look for these :)
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Great review, so informative!
ReplyDeleteWill save it for the next make up shopping trip))
Tanya
www.stripesnvibes.com
BlogLovin
Awesome post dear! I enjoyed it a lot. Have a great day! :D
ReplyDeletexoxo;
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Fashion gets Fierce.
You do an amazing job on your makeup. It always looks natural but enhanced if that makes sense. Great reviews on all of the products you use. I'm a huge MAC fan when it comes to eye makeup, too. A little more expensive but worth it to me!
ReplyDeleteGina - On the Daily Express
Perfect review, great job!!!!
ReplyDeleteKeep on smiling!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
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I love the Covergirl palettes. They come in such great colors & are so affordable!
ReplyDeletemichellespaige.blogspot.com
Especially love the colors of the Hard Candy one!!
ReplyDeleteRosa
Styleyourselfinstyle.blogspot.com
Love the Covergirl palette.Nice.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.fabuloustorture.blogspot.com
Your makeup always looks great! I'm a big fan of MAC and their shadows. My cousin just introduced me to elf (at Target). I'm loving their shadows and you can't beat the price!
ReplyDeleteNicole
Nicole to the Nines
Que paleta maravilhosa amei a cor,
ReplyDeleteVídeo Novo: https://www.youtube.com/user/NekitaReis/channel
Blog: http://arrasandonobatomvermelho.blogspot.com.br
I am clueless when it comes to make up..I'm still learning how to put on and rock eyeshadow. I know I need a good primer badly! I also like the brush set you mentioned. Great post! Thanks!
ReplyDeletewww.dressed2dnines.com
Great review babe
ReplyDeleteLove the vibrant colors
kisses
Maggie Dallospedale Fashion diary - Fashion blog
awwww...isn't it pretty to cool to look back and see how we evolved with our makeup techniques? I love wearing eye shadows, but it gets time consuming with all the blending. and then the brush cleaning! LOL. i think i'm just getting lazy. I do love the MAC paint pots. They are pricey, but they last me a long time since i don't frequent eye shadow looks as much.
ReplyDeleteGreat review Sis! ;) Make it a Fabulous Day! :)
ReplyDeleteOh and BTW ... You are the ish!
DeleteHey Cheri!!
DeleteI absolutely love your comprehensive post on eye shadows! My favourite has to be MAC, but then you're right! It does get really expensive over time! :) Will be sure to check out other brands you mentioned.:)
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I also prefer matte neutral shades...........
ReplyDeletewww.fashable.org
I love the mac eye shadows but I always use covergirl when I need something cheap.
ReplyDeleteMelanie @ meandmr.com
Awesome review! Love MAC!!
ReplyDeletexo, Jane
http://www.fitfabfunmom.com
Such lovely colours! I always tent to buy the same things all the time, which is why I really enjoy posts like this!
ReplyDeleteL'amour De Juliette | Marsala Red
Great beauty rundown, babe! I'm a makeup addict; Sephora is like a second home. :)
ReplyDelete-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Your example photos made me smile. I love eyeshadows and i enjoy creating looks with them. Although they can easily take you from cute to crazy if not careful, hahaha. anyway, i would say MAC is still going strong and i have never had bought an eyeshadow i didn't like from them. Thanks for the brilliant review.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thefashionstirfry.com
I like all the pictures of you on this product. They all suits you
ReplyDeletefashionitazbybuiti.blogspot.com
That is such a nice palette. Happy Friday dear! :)
ReplyDeletexoxo;
STYLEFORMANKIND.COM
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I really love this palette from Hard Candy, it has amazing shades :)
ReplyDeleteHave a great day, dear,
http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/
Hi Kreyola and thank you for your visit! Mac is one of my favorite brands but I don't know this product....I'm really happy for your sharing!!! Today I have started following you also on Instagram and Twitter. Hope you follow me back. What do you think to follow us also on Bloglovin or other socials? Let me know....Have a nice day, kisses,
ReplyDeleteEni
Eniwhere Fashion
Eniwhere Fashion Facebook
I loved the post, so so nice!
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I have that cover girl palette and I love it. Great review!
ReplyDeletewww.effortlesslady.com
Thanks for these recommendations. I m starting to be friends with makeup lately lol.
ReplyDeleteKay of Pure & Complex
www.purecomplex.com
Hi Kreyola! I`am still lurking! Your site is awesome! Trying to format my page to look professional. I probably have to pay someone to build my site! looking good as always! Shine on!
ReplyDeleteThanks Nubian. To get my site looking like this, you have to have some HTML & CSS knowledge. So yes you properly have to pay someone. You can get templates that looks very close though.
DeleteI hate that most eye shadows need primer. I might have to suck it up and buy one one day lol but MAC eyeshadows are perfection
ReplyDeleteI got the real techniques starter kit for Christmas! I love it! I agree it is missing some brushes, but i already had the ones it was missing so it works great for me!
ReplyDeletewww.amemoryofus.com
Love that huge candy colored palette. So cute and gorgeous colors!! Also love the mac liner!
ReplyDeletexx 365Hangers
Eye shadows are beyond my scope....
ReplyDeleteFro Jing at www.bejingxu.com
Haha...it was beyond my scope too. Look at me now...practice makes perfect :)
DeleteIf you like the mac paint pots you should try out the Maybelline color tattoos. The color range is much smaller but they work great. Also I need to get that real techniques set! Their brushes work so well but are so affordable :)
ReplyDeleteMili
Great color selections! I like to keep it neutral too and those real technique brushes are the truth.
ReplyDeleteHey Cookie! :) How the heck are you, Supa Gurl??? Hope you're Having a Blast!
DeleteDang you're a sight for sore eyes! Girl I have been missing on you! It just isn't the same around without you around! Your posts were so Insightful & Inspiring as you and need my Music Fix too! ;)
Keisha LaTanya Cook, you & Sheila are my other Sisters by a different Mother! :) Y'all always make me :) inside & out! Just know you have been Greatly Missed!
God Bless you! Hope to hear from you soon! What was that saying you have ... "It's a Good Day to Have a Good Day"??? Hope you Make it a Great One! :) Just made mine Better!
Love ya, Sis! :)
These eye shadows are just gorgeous! And I can't believe you're blending 5 colors. I suck in doing my eye makeup sadly.
ReplyDeletexx Janelle
Styles & Prints
Love the various vibrant colours. Lovely review for wonderful eye shadows. Have a lovely weekend. http://sophialastyles.blogspot.co.uk/
ReplyDeleteThese are awesome palettes and a great review! The colors are very bright and high pigmented!
ReplyDelete♘ www.sugarpopfashion.com ♘
five shades just for eyebrows! that's fantastic...that makes you somewhat of a beauty expert. I wish I was better with make up, but I guess practice makes perfect, right?
ReplyDeleteNote: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.