Eye shadow has to be my favorite makeup product of all. It's an easy way to change your entire look, whether you want to appear younger, fresher, darker, or more elegant. In the mornings however sleep takes priority over all, and I don't have as a much time to play with colors. Especially since I left a good number of color palettes in the Philippines. Late last year I was trying to branch out of my usual nude eye and took advantage of HauteLook's beauty section. HauteLook is a members only shopping site that sets up limited-time sale events with known brands in fashion, shoes, accessories, furniture, and of course, beauty -- usually when the brand is trying to move old stock. Because HauteLook gets orders directly from the brand and then re-pack for re-distribution, it does take some time to ship. I have gotten good deals on theBalm and tarte, which they offer for like half-price.
This is the Kevyn Aucoin The Essential Eyeshadow Set #04. Kevyn Aucoin was an influential makeup artist whose concepts preceded that of Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier, and MAC. He unfortunately passed from a pituitary tumor at the age of 40.
There are seven Essential Eyeshadow sets; still I chose the colors that are warm and very wearable. I was especially attracted to the olive green.
Each set is composed of five complementary shadows. The first is a shimmery champagne, a good overall lid color. The second is a glittery pale pink highlighter for the inner corner of the eye. I would not use it as an eyebrow highlight as it is too shiny. The taupe brown shade is matte, one of my favorite colors for contouring the socket to deepen the eye. The navy and olive green shimmers are good for the outer V, or for a colored smokey eye. I really like the olive green, a rich shade with small gold flecks.
The shadows provide sheer washes of color and take some time to build, even the dark shades. To be honest these are almost too light, they're more sheer than Japanese shadows! Though these kick up a bit of powder, the textures are nice and buttery. These are meant for a subtle eye look, and will not overpower a dark lip or strong brow, for example.
Any combination of the colors will give you a nicely defined eye. Here I used all colors except the pink highlighter: taupe brown on the crease, green on the outer V, champagne on the lid, navy on the lash line. Please ignore the bushy brows, I haven't had time for threading in months. :(
The shadows are housed in a lovely bordeaux case with gold accents, which looks great in photos but feels flimsy in the hand. It's light plastic with no weight at all. The gold trim is a bar you press to open the case. It opens TOO easily; many a time I've seen it bump into a foundation bottle and open spontaneously on my makeup tray. I wouldn't trust it in a purse.
I got the Skin Tinted Balm as well but it's totally the wrong shade and I'm giving it away.
The Wrap
Pros: Buttery shades that are very wearable, for a foolproof nude or smokey eye.
Cons: Colors may be too sheer, take time to build up. I honestly haven't been reaching for this palette unless I'm matching it to an outfit haha.
The Kevyn Aucoin Essential Eye Shadow Palette #04 retails for US $58 at major department stores (Nordstrom, Barneys, etc). I purchased it for US $28 at Hautelook.
