5 Midnight Navy Blue Eyeshadows
This type of shade is popular, and there are so many wonderful versions available! These are five of my favorites, from high-end to budget-friendly.
MAC Cosmetics
Video Review: MAC Vera Collection
First impressions and swatches for the MAC Vera collection that will launch in-stores on the 9th (previously the 16th). Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! 
Buxom Stay-There Eyeshadows
Buxom Stay-There Eyeshadows (Part 3)
Buxom Stay-There Eyeshadow ($17.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a cream-gel-mousse formula that’s designed to have a lightweight texture, yield “vivbrant, lively, buildable” color, be waterproof, and long-wearing. Just for fun, Bare Escentuals made a charitable contribution to Canine Companions for Independence when this product launched. They are also exclusive to Sephora. The last four shades I’m reviewing are: Saint Bernard (deep sea green), Schnauzer (vivid violet plum), Sheepdog (frosty white), and Shih Tzu (gilded lime green).
According to the brand, these are supposed to have sheer color coverage, but they are buildable to an extent. The five featured in this post are very true to that creed–they can easily be used as a sheer wash of color, but they can also be used opaque by either initially applying more color or by applying a second layer of color on top of the first. Stay-There Eyeshadows have a spongy quality that reminds me of memory foam; you can press it, and it will slowly spring back to form. You can jab at it with a pencil, and you’ll end up shifting it around more than anything! These actually launched well before Chanel Illusion d’Ombres, which have a similar texture.
I like using a really stiff, firm, and flat brush with these, but I’ve had the best luck applying these with fingertips. Once applied, they dry down to a powder finish in just the right time–not instantly but not so long that it’s creased before you’ve finished applying product to the other eye. I’ve tested several shades without primer as washes, including Black Lab, Bulldog, Chihuahua, Collie, Mutt, Pug, Saint Bernard, and Shih Tzu, and I haven’t had any issues with the shades creasing, fading, or smudging. I’ve even worn a few of them during showers to test waterproof claims, and they haven’t budged.
- Saint Bernard is a pop of green-based teal that’s semi-sheer. This shade did not build up color as well as some of the other shades–it was more like Black Lab in that respect. Maybelline Edgy Emerald is similar but a little less green. NYX Seafoam Green is slightly darker. NARS Misfit is darker and more opaque. MAC Aquadisiac is slightly less green.
- Schnauzer is a brightened eggplant purple with red undertones and a fine violet shimmer. Like Saint Bernard, it’s not as buildable in color as other shades, so semi-opaque is the highest opacity I was able to achieve. Guerlain Boulevard du Montparnasse is similar but a touch darker. Le Metier de Beaute Fig is deeper and browner. MAC Fig. 1 is a bit darker and has a matte finish. Inglot #445 is lighter and has a frosted finish.
- Sheepdog is a frosted white with semi-opaque color coverage. It’s similar to a lot of other white eyeshadows.
- Shih Tzu is a springy green with a chartreuse shimmer-sheen. MAC Lucky Green is brighter, more intense. Inglot #412 is lighter, more olive. Make Up For Ever #304 is brighter and greener.
Where to Buy: Sephora, $17.00 each
THE GLOSSOVER
PRODUCT : 9.5/10
PIGMENTATION : 9/10
TEXTURE : 9/10
LONGEVITY : 10/10
APPLICATION : 4/5
PACKAGING : 4/5
FINAL THOUGHTS
They're not quite as buildable as they seem like they should be, because for some, you really can't get much more color than what one layer of product yields (like Saint Bernard). The wear is really great, though, and if you like using sheer color as a base or as a wash for quick looks, you'll enjoy these.OVERALL: A-
See more photos & swatches! Keep Reading!
5 Lovely Lilac & Lavender Eyeshadows
Purple can be a hard color to nail, and even lighter variations of purple can be tough. For those who love the idea of purple but haven’t found a good way to wear it yet, consider a lighter shade, which can be easier to work with.
What’s your favorite lavender/lilac eyeshadow?
Video Review: MAC Shop MAC, Cook MAC Collection
First impressions and swatches for the MAC Shop MAC, Cook MAC collection that will launch in-stores on the 9th. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel!
MAC Attack February ’12 Recap
With an unexpected early launch online, last minute release date changes, and a whole slew of products, here is a recap of all of the recent MAC collections. Shop MAC, Cook MAC is still slated for a February 9th release in-stores, but New York stores have released it on the 2nd (I would call to confirm with your local store); it will also be available online at retailers like Nordstrom, Macy’s, etc. closer to the in-store launch date. Vera has been moved up to February 9th for in-stores. Viva Glam is still listed as February 15th for in-stores. As always, the best thing to do is call your local store or counter and ask.
Shop MAC, Cook MAC is now available online at Nordstrom
MAC Shop MAC, Cook MAC Collection
- Lips: Kissable Lipcolours, Lipsticks, Tendertones
- Eyes: Fluidlines, Call Me Bubbles Eyeshadow Quad, Colour Added Eyeshadow Quad, Shop & Drop Eyeshadow Quad
- Face: Florida, Optimistic Orange, Restores Dazzle
- Nails: Nail Lacquers
MAC Vera Collection
- Crushed Metallic Pigment Stacks: Aloha, Butterfly Party, Strawberry Patch
- Lips: Plushglasses
- Eyes: Pearlglide Intense Eyeliners
- Face: Flower Fantasy, Sunday Afternoon
- Nails: Nail Lacquers
