theBalm has a very special deal going on Friday, May 25th, only. With purchase of one Shady Lady palette ($39.50), you’ll receive all three editions ($79.00 additional value). I absolutely LOVE the Shady Lady palettes; each contains nine eyeshadows (each containing ~0.067 oz. of product)–I finally have all three (bought the first on off of HauteLook a few months ago), but I have reviews of Vol. 2 (A+) and Vol 3 (A).
Finding a perfectly teal eyeshadow is difficult, because teal is a mix of blue and green and inevitably leans one way or the other. Who knew that Make Up For Ever would have so many fun ones?
theBalm Meet Matt(e) Eyeshadow Palette
theBalm Meet Matt(e) Eyeshadow Palette ($34.00 for 0.33 oz.) contains nine matte eyeshadows named after theBalm’s favorite Matts. It includes a small, dual-ended bristle brush, which is usable and better than sponge-tipped brushes that are often included in these kinds of palettes, but it wouldn’t replace full-sized brushes for me. The palette is small, square-ish, and made out of heavy-duty cardboard. It flips open and has a mirror under the lid.
Overall, the texture of these shades are soft, smooth, and buttery–they’re not as dense or as buttery as theBalm’s more shimmery eyeshadows (think the Shady Lady series or their singles). These are finely-milled and soft enough that there is some excess powder kicked up when you go to use them. The majority of the shades applied with good to excellent color payoff, though Matt Chung was a little chalky and sheer, Matt Schilling wasn’t chalky but it was a bit sheer and a little dry, and Matt Patel was slightly sheer in places and didn’t apply as smoothly. Also worth noting, Matt Batali was a bit drier and not as soft or as dense as the other shades in the palette, but the pigmentation didn’t suffer as a consequence.
Each eyeshadow is 0.037 oz., whereas the average full-sized eyeshadow is typically 0.05 oz. I actually like the size of each shade, because they’re about 75% the size of regular full-sized ones (though theBalm’s individuals shades are 0.10 oz.), you still get plenty of product, but the entire compact fits in your hand and is very travel-friendly. I will point out the obvious that theBalm’s Shady Lady palettes contain a whopping 0.60 oz. (almost double the size of this palette) and retail for $39.50, which is only a little bit more. Nude ‘tude is slightly larger at 0.38 oz. and retails for $36. The Shady Lady palettes are still a super-sized value palette in comparison, but I think the pricing is about right here, and you’re getting a good amount of product for your buck.
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Meet Matt(e)
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| It's definitely one of the better matte eyeshadow palettes I've come across (though two shades aren't entirely matte). Overall, there is good color payoff, smooth, soft textures, and they're blendable and wear well on the eye. | |
Product9/10 Pigmentation9/10 Texture9/10 Longevity9/10 Application4.5/5 |
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Hit it out of the park with Schwing: A rich, long-lasting liquid eyeliner that lines and defines with a marvelously matte-black finish. This specially formulated, easy-to-use eyeliner is smudge proof, non-flaking, and fast-drying (perfect for girls on the go).
Lining and defining eyes has never been easier. Built with a uniquely tapered, felt-tip applicator, Schwing gives you careful control over subtle strokes and bold lines. Create winning looks with this rich, matte-black finish that won’t smudge, flake, or take forever to dry. Cool and compact, Schwing fits wherever you need it. Whether you’re home or away, get ready to bat those eyes and play the field…
Schwing is:
availability: May 2012, $17
If you’re not enamored of corals as much as I am, you may lump them all together as “coral,” but there is a definite distiction between a coral-pink and a coral-orange (and to an extent, coral-red!). There are corals that pull pinker, so they appear less warm, peach, and orange on the skin tone, while there are corals that pull warmer, so they appear redder, more orange, and peachier.
Plum blush can be used in a variety ways, from subtle to bold, so it can really bring drama to the face and create a look that really emphasizes the cheeks if one desires. If you have a cooler complexion, you may look for a plum with a subtle pink or berry tone, while warmer complexions may look for a plum with a subtle brown undertone. Or throw away the rules and go for the one that strikes your fancy 
