Benefit cream shadow in Farenheit Fab Gabbi

I've been on a real cream shadow kick lately.  When I'm in a rush I swipe some on and go, knowing that there will still be *something* on my eyes at the end of the day.  When I have more time, they can take the place of primer, making a great base for powder shadows, enhancing their colors and making them last infinitely longer.  Benefit is one of my favorite lines for cream shadows, giving good value for a wonderful product.  The only other brand that I've tried that comes close for this is Bobbi Brown, who takes the advantage in color and finish variety, since Benefit's shadows are all shimmers and frosts & Bobbi has a nice selection of mattes to round things out.

The packaging is simple: glass jar with a heavy plastic screw top.  It has a wide mouth that allows easy access for your fingers or a cream shadow brush.

 shade

sun

It looks pretty blah in the jar, really. In shade it looks like a boring beige, and even in sun it's just another sandy gold. I wouldn't have taken a second look at it if a MA hadn't pointed it out as one of her favorites.  But look what happens when you put it on!

shade 

sun

The photos really don't do this shadow justice.  It *glows*.  I can't wear it to work without toning it down with a topping on powder shadow.  It really brightens up my eye area, and it lasts ALL DAY.  Really.  If I put it on at 7am it is still there in all its glory when I get home at 7pm!  And have I mentioned that after it sets it can't be smeared or smudged?


If you need an eyeshadow that lasts and lasts without fading or smudging, this is an excellent choice.

Essie Braziliant collection giveaway on Beauty by Kayla Shevonne

Kayla Shevonne is giving away the ENTIRE Essie Braziliant collection!  How cool is that?

Essie polishes always go on easily, look great and wear really well.  This collection is full of gorgeous hot colors (and one pretty pale green).  Read Kayla's review of the collection here.

Enter by September 15!

Clinique Young Face Powder Blusher in First Blush/Honey Blush

This was purchased in the mid-1980's. The case is hard plastic and slides open like a drawer instead of in the more common clam shell operation. Inside are two small pans of blush that can be used together or separately. The bright pink First Blush always scared me, so I tended to use the much tamer Honey Blush by itself.

Both blushes have medium pigmentation and are a touch powdery. They do blend well and look natural on as long as you use a light hand with the brighter one.

Full sun

Shade

Lancome Jeux d'Ombres Ombre Poudre Duo in Bleu de Chine 17

This is a gorgeous eyeshadow duo I bought in the mid-1980's. The compact is plastic, with the Lancome logo on it. It contains two smallish wells of pressed powder eyeshadow.

Full Sun

Shade

Both shadows are still a nice consistency depite their age, and haver a shimmery finish.

Full sun

Shade

These shadows have great pigmentation and apply smoothly. I'm amazed at how well they perform given how old they are. They are a bit on the bright side, but if you don't want to go full-eighties in your look, they can be applied sheerly or used as accents in a more neutral eye.

Patchouliriffic giveaway on This Blog Really Stinks

Jen is giving away a bottle of Wild Child by Opus Oils at her perfume blog, This Blog Really Stinks.

This was the winner of Perfume Pharmer's Summer of Patchouli Love contest, and it sounds really delicious. Jen sure loved it! Hurry over and enter, because the contest closes Friday, 8-12-11 at midnight EDT.