Temptalia https://www.temptalia.com In-depth makeup reviews with swatches and dupes, plus what you need to know about new product launches and tips on how to use your makeup! Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:44:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9.13 30 Days of Make Up For Ever: The Final Wrap-Up https://www.temptalia.com/30-days-of-make-up-for-ever-the-final-wrap-up/ https://www.temptalia.com/30-days-of-make-up-for-ever-the-final-wrap-up/#respond Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:21:54 +0000 Christine http://www.temptalia.com/?p=11833 30 Days of Make Up For Ever: The Final Wrap-Up We did it! Today concludes our feature on Make Up For Ever, and I've finally shared with you the entirety of my IMATS haul (where did you think most of this stuff came from?! thank goodness for discounts!).  I hope you've enjoyed the coverage and learned a little bit about the brand! Looks Gold, Orange, & Pink Chartreuse Greens Orange, Pink, & Purple Tutorial: Green, Teal & Blue Green & Blue Look Tutorial: Green Eyes Green, Teal, & Blue Look Ideas 4 Eyeshadow Combinations to Try 4 Eyeshadow Combinations Reviews Continue Reading… ]]>

30 Days of Make Up For Ever: The Final Wrap-Up

We did it! Today concludes our feature on Make Up For Ever, and I’ve finally shared with you the entirety of my IMATS haul (where did you think most of this stuff came from?! thank goodness for discounts!).  I hope you’ve enjoyed the coverage and learned a little bit about the brand!

Looks

Ideas

Reviews

]]> https://www.temptalia.com/30-days-of-make-up-for-ever-the-final-wrap-up/feed/ 0 Make Up For Ever: Brand Overview & Thoughts https://www.temptalia.com/make-up-for-ever-brand-overview-thoughts/ https://www.temptalia.com/make-up-for-ever-brand-overview-thoughts/#comments Thu, 30 Jul 2009 06:01:19 +0000 Christine http://www.temptalia.com/?p=11827 Make Up For Ever: Brand Overview & Thoughts We're just about finished with 30 Days of Make Up For Ever, and it sure has been a ride, yeah? Lots of products covered, albeit skewed towards the eyes for sure. (But really, did you expect anything less from me?!) I thought I'd give some of my thoughts on the overall brand based on my experience thus far, as well as tell you about some of my must-haves from what I've tried. A lot of people have asked me throughout the past month whether Make Up For Ever eyeshadows are better than Continue Reading… ]]>

Make Up For Ever: Brand Overview & Thoughts

We’re just about finished with 30 Days of Make Up For Ever, and it sure has been a ride, yeah? Lots of products covered, albeit skewed towards the eyes for sure. (But really, did you expect anything less from me?!) I thought I’d give some of my thoughts on the overall brand based on my experience thus far, as well as tell you about some of my must-haves from what I’ve tried.

A lot of people have asked me throughout the past month whether Make Up For Ever eyeshadows are better than MAC’s. The short answer? No. The long answer? At times, but other times, no. What Make Up For Ever excels at is matte eyeshadows. Their shimmer eyeshadows just don’t do it for me — they tend to feel a little flat. It’ll be a green shadow with green or silver shimmer. There’s just not enough contrast, change in tone, subtleties or what-have-you. Their matte eyeshadows, on the other hand, are extremely pigmented, smooth, and fairly easy to use.

I think MAC makes a mean frost/shimmery shade. A good MAC shadow is just as good as a good Make Up For Ever eyeshadow. MAC’s biggest issue is that it just isn’t consistent, particularly with limited edition eyeshadows. Some of MAC’s matte eyeshadows are amazing, but their variety is a lot more limited compared to Make Up For Ever’s. MAC’s permanent line of eyeshadows is also pretty good and fairly consistent as well — I just find a lot less consistency and overall quality in some of the limited edition launches.

Make Up For Ever also offers a lot of bright, intensely pigmented shades that MAC doesn’t offer. One really great thing about Make Up For Ever’s eyeshadows is that even if you buy them off of Sephora, so they’re in individual compacts, they’re all magnetic and can be popped out like it’s no big deal. No depotting necessary! Make Up For Ever eyeshadows are larger with 0.08 oz. of product for $19.00, compared to MAC, which are 0.05 oz. for $14.50, which does make Make Up For Ever cheaper by the ounce.

Bottom line? You can’t really go wrong with either brand on the whole. If MAC doesn’t make the shade you’re looking for, definitely consider Make Up For Ever. If you want intense pigmentation or love matte finishes, try Make Up For Ever.

Their lipglosses were less impressive, though I only tried the Glossy Full Couleur. Their Smoky Aqua Lash mascara was so-so, but it didn’t make me want to switch from MAC Plushlash or Chanel Exceptionnel. I did, however, love their Aqua Eyes Liners, which are pigmented, have a nice sheen, and are long-wearing–all good things in my book! The Star Powders and Pure Pigments are nice, and I definitely prefer the Star Powders for their versatility and wearability. Pure Pigments are just a little too intense for me–just not something I’ll wear often, if ever!

  • Must-Have Eyeshadows: #5, 52, 72, 75, 83, 91, 92, 93, 99, 118, 159
    Skip These Eyeshadows: #101, 147
    Must-Try Products: Star Powders, Aqua Eye Liners

P.S. – Don’t forget, all Make Up For Ever eyeshadows can be used as blushes, too. They are meant to be used interchangeably.

]]> https://www.temptalia.com/make-up-for-ever-brand-overview-thoughts/feed/ 30 Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Eye Liner Reviews, Photos, Swatches https://www.temptalia.com/make-up-for-ever-aqua-eyes-eye-liner-reviews-photos-swatches/ https://www.temptalia.com/make-up-for-ever-aqua-eyes-eye-liner-reviews-photos-swatches/#comments Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:40:13 +0000 Christine http://www.temptalia.com/?p=11785 5L, 17L, 20L, 12L, 7L, 15L, 10L Aqua Eyes Eye Liner Make Up For Ever's Aqua Eyes line is probably one of the top eyeliner formulas on the market to-date.  It's extremely budge-proof, smudge-proof, and water-resistant.  It actually holds up quite well to all three claims.  Add to that a diverse range of color choices (Sephora sells 25), and you have a winning combination.   They're smooth, well-pigmented, and deliver long-lasting color. #5L is a khaki-bronze with a hint of green in it. It's like a deep, slightly green-toned antique gold. I love wearing this with golds, browns, and greens. #17L Continue Reading… ]]>


5L, 17L, 20L, 12L, 7L, 15L, 10L

Aqua Eyes Eye Liner

Make Up For Ever’s Aqua Eyes line is probably one of the top eyeliner formulas on the market to-date.  It’s extremely budge-proof, smudge-proof, and water-resistant.  It actually holds up quite well to all three claims.  Add to that a diverse range of color choices (Sephora sells 25), and you have a winning combination.   They’re smooth, well-pigmented, and deliver long-lasting color.

  • #5L is a khaki-bronze with a hint of green in it. It’s like a deep, slightly green-toned antique gold. I love wearing this with golds, browns, and greens.
  • #17L is a soft, yellowed spring green with soft shimmer sheen. I was hoping for a little more chartreuse in it, but it’s still a nice, subtle liner color.
  • #20L is a forest-green with teal in it. I adore this one — a definite must-have. I pair it with blues, teals, and greens.
  • #12L is a dark blue with a subtle shimmer-sheen. It’s not super unique, but it’s a nice blue shade.
  • #7L is a nice pop of blue-based turquoise. It’s the brightest color that I own.
  • #15L is an violet-blue shade. I liked this one, because I felt like it was fairly unique. I don’t have anything like this in my collection of eye liners.
  • #10L is a bronzy-copper. It’s very “me” in a sense, because I love these kinds of warm-toned bronzes. It’s great with warm-toned looks, particularly neutral looks, for an extra kick.

See more swatches…


5L, 17L, 20L, 12L


20L, 12L, 7L, 15L


15L, 10L, 18C (Lip Liner)

]]> https://www.temptalia.com/make-up-for-ever-aqua-eyes-eye-liner-reviews-photos-swatches/feed/ 48 Make Up For Ever: Star Powders & Pure Pigments https://www.temptalia.com/make-up-for-ever-star-powders-pure-pigments/ https://www.temptalia.com/make-up-for-ever-star-powders-pure-pigments/#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:47:36 +0000 Christine http://www.temptalia.com/?p=11756 Star Powder #920 Make Up For Ever Star Powders ($19.00 for 0.09 oz.) are finely milled loose color. Think MAC pigments, but more of a powdery texture and more finely milled. They can be used wherever you want, however you want. I only used mine with mixing medium, personally, as I found without the adhesiveness of mixing medium, they didn't stay put as well. Pure Pigments ($19.00 for 0.12 oz.) are extremely pigment-rich loose color that are matte in finish. They're like Star Powders, but they're more intense and contain no shimmer. Pretty much all of the Pure Pigments will Continue Reading… ]]>


Star Powder #920

Make Up For Ever Star Powders ($19.00 for 0.09 oz.) are finely milled loose color. Think MAC pigments, but more of a powdery texture and more finely milled. They can be used wherever you want, however you want. I only used mine with mixing medium, personally, as I found without the adhesiveness of mixing medium, they didn’t stay put as well.

Pure Pigments ($19.00 for 0.12 oz.) are extremely pigment-rich loose color that are matte in finish. They’re like Star Powders, but they’re more intense and contain no shimmer. Pretty much all of the Pure Pigments will stain the skin (and your brushes — so be sure to wash those ASAP! after using).

  • #920 is a shimmery muted golden yellow with frosty shimmer. This is a good base shade under golds, browns, pinks, and oranges.
  • #910 is a grayish-green with golden shimmer. It looks like an olive green at first, but it’s a bit more gray.
  • #958 is a pretty medium green–reminds me of a grassy green, actually. It has slightly more subtle shimmer than some of the other Star Powders, though it is still noticeably shimmery.
  • #960 is a mix of blue with aqua and green shimmer. It reminded me a lot of MAC’s Parrot eyeshadow, but in a loose form. It also seemed a little bluer.
  • #929 is a warm, chocolate brown with golden shimmer. It goes on smoothly and has good color pigmentation.
  • #18 is a matte turquoise. If you ever lusted after MAC’s long-discontinued Turquoise pigment, check this out. It’s extremely similar, but it’s much better in finish/texture. If you’re into intense color, you’ll love Pure Pigments. I don’t like how much they stain skin/brushes, and I don’t have a need for shades quite this bright, so I don’t think I’ll pick up any additional shades going forward.

Which of these are your favorites?

Check out more photos!


Star Powder #910


Star Powder #958


Star Powder #960


Star Powder #929


Pure Pigment #18


Star Powder #920, 910, 958


Star Powder #910, 958, 960


Star Powder #958, 960, 929; Pure Pigment #18

]]> https://www.temptalia.com/make-up-for-ever-star-powders-pure-pigments/feed/ 22 Make Up For Ever: Eyeshadows (#50, 71, 137) https://www.temptalia.com/make-up-for-ever-eyeshadows-50-71-137/ https://www.temptalia.com/make-up-for-ever-eyeshadows-50-71-137/#comments Sun, 26 Jul 2009 17:29:51 +0000 Christine http://www.temptalia.com/?p=11753 Eyeshadows: #50, 71, 137 These are the last three Make Up For Ever eyeshadows I'll be reviewing :) #50 is matte lightly pastel orange. It's a bit more subdued than #5. It also comes out a little more like an orange than #5 does at times. #71 is a matte, sunshine yellow. This is a shade that just doesn't work on my skin tone--it's a much, much more pigmented MAC Chrome Yellow. #137 is a shimmery mauvey-plum shade. This is really pretty, and it's has a soft sheen rather than a high frost finish making this very wearable. Which of Continue Reading… ]]>


Eyeshadows: #50, 71, 137

These are the last three Make Up For Ever eyeshadows I’ll be reviewing 🙂

  • #50 is matte lightly pastel orange. It’s a bit more subdued than #5. It also comes out a little more like an orange than #5 does at times.
  • #71 is a matte, sunshine yellow. This is a shade that just doesn’t work on my skin tone–it’s a much, much more pigmented MAC Chrome Yellow.
  • #137 is a shimmery mauvey-plum shade. This is really pretty, and it’s has a soft sheen rather than a high frost finish making this very wearable.

Which of these are your favorites?

Check out more photos!


#50


#71


#137

]]> https://www.temptalia.com/make-up-for-ever-eyeshadows-50-71-137/feed/ 12 Make Up For Ever: Eyeshadows (#148, 4, 123, 57) https://www.temptalia.com/make-up-for-ever-eyeshadows-148-4-123-57/ https://www.temptalia.com/make-up-for-ever-eyeshadows-148-4-123-57/#comments Sun, 26 Jul 2009 04:10:14 +0000 Christine http://www.temptalia.com/?p=11739 Make Up For Ever #148 Eyeshadow Here are a few more reviews on Make Up For Ever eyeshadows! :) #148 is a shimmery taupe brown with warm golden shimmer. This isn't a terribly unique shade, but it is pretty and has good color pay off. #4 is a matte dark black. It's smooth and richly pigmented. #123 is a shimmery golden-olive green shade with slight golden iridescence. It reminded me of MAC's Golden Olive pigment, actually, with less frost. #57 is a muted lime green shade. It has a satiny finish to it, so it's not quite matte. Which of Continue Reading… ]]>


Make Up For Ever #148 Eyeshadow

Here are a few more reviews on Make Up For Ever eyeshadows! 🙂

  • #148 is a shimmery taupe brown with warm golden shimmer. This isn’t a terribly unique shade, but it is pretty and has good color pay off.
  • #4 is a matte dark black. It’s smooth and richly pigmented.
  • #123 is a shimmery golden-olive green shade with slight golden iridescence. It reminded me of MAC’s Golden Olive pigment, actually, with less frost.
  • #57 is a muted lime green shade. It has a satiny finish to it, so it’s not quite matte.

Which of these are your favorites?

Check out more photos!


Make Up For Ever #148 Eyeshadow

Make Up For Ever Eyeshadow
Make Up For Ever #148 Eyeshadow


Make Up For Ever #4 Eyeshadow

Make Up For Ever Eyeshadow
Make Up For Ever #4 Eyeshadow


Make Up For Ever #123 Eyeshadow


Make Up For Ever #57 Eyeshadow

]]> https://www.temptalia.com/make-up-for-ever-eyeshadows-148-4-123-57/feed/ 6 Make Up For Ever: Week 3 Round-Up https://www.temptalia.com/make-up-for-ever-week-3-round-up/ https://www.temptalia.com/make-up-for-ever-week-3-round-up/#respond Sat, 25 Jul 2009 04:33:17 +0000 Christine http://www.temptalia.com/?p=11709 Catch up on this week's Make Up For Ever posts... Look: Orange, Pink, & Purple Tutorial: Green, Teal & Blue 4 Eyeshadow Combinations to Try Review: Glossy Full Couleur #1-5M Review: Glossy Full Couleur #6-10 Review: Eyeshadows #311, 141, 162, 84, 47]]>

Catch up on this week’s Make Up For Ever posts...

]]> https://www.temptalia.com/make-up-for-ever-week-3-round-up/feed/ 0 Look - Make Up For Ever: Orange, Pink, and Purple https://www.temptalia.com/look-make-up-for-ever-orange-pink-and-purple/ https://www.temptalia.com/look-make-up-for-ever-orange-pink-and-purple/#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:50:54 +0000 Christine http://www.temptalia.com/?p=11637 Just a quick look I put together the other night! :) You will need the following... Eyes: MAC Soft Ochre paint pot (nude base), MAC Melon pigment (peachy-pink), Make Up For Ever #5 Eyeshadow (matte orange), Make Up For Ever #75 Eyeshadow (matte hot pink), Make Up For Ever #92 Eyeshadow (matte purple), Make Up For Ever #159 Eyeshadow (matte blue), MAC Nylon eyeshadow (yellow-gold highlighter), Urban Decay Ransom 24/7 Liner (purple), Urban Decay Lash Primer, Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash Mascara Cheeks: MAC Petalpoint blush (plummy-pink) Lips: Urban Decay Naked lipstick (pinky-beige), MAC Crystal Rose lipglass (fuchsia-purple) Brushes: Continue Reading… ]]>

Just a quick look I put together the other night! 🙂

You will need the following…

  • Eyes: MAC Soft Ochre paint pot (nude base), MAC Melon pigment (peachy-pink), Make Up For Ever #5 Eyeshadow (matte orange), Make Up For Ever #75 Eyeshadow (matte hot pink), Make Up For Ever #92 Eyeshadow (matte purple), Make Up For Ever #159 Eyeshadow (matte blue), MAC Nylon eyeshadow (yellow-gold highlighter), Urban Decay Ransom 24/7 Liner (purple), Urban Decay Lash Primer, Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash Mascara
  • Cheeks: MAC Petalpoint blush (plummy-pink)
  • Lips: Urban Decay Naked lipstick (pinky-beige), MAC Crystal Rose lipglass (fuchsia-purple)
  • Brushes: 266 (firm, angled brush), 226 (fluffy crease brush), 219 (pointed crease brush), 214 (smudge brush), 249 (flat, firm brush), 239 (fluffy shadow brush), 116 (dense blush brush), 165 (highlighting brush)

Directions: Define brows using a coordinating powder shadow applied with the 266 brush. Apply MAC Soft ochre paint pot all over the lid as the base with the 249. Apply MAC Melon pigment just on lower lid with the 249. On the inner lid, pack #5 eyeshadow on using the 239. Apply #75 eyeshadow to the middle portion of the lid. On the outer lid and crease, apply #92 eyeshadow with the 226. Darken crease with #159 eyeshadow using the 219, and then blend out with the 226. Sweep MAC Nylon eyeshadow underneath the brow bone to highlight with the 217. Apply Urban Decay Ransom 24/7 Liner on lower lash line. Smudge lower lash line with #151 eyeshadow with the 214 brush, pressing into lower lashes. Apply Aqua Smoky Lash mascara on lashes. Sweep apples of cheeks with MAC Petalpoint Blush using the 129. Apply Urban Decay Naked lipstick to lips, and then top with MAC Crystal Rose lipglass for color and shine.

Check out more photos!

]]> https://www.temptalia.com/look-make-up-for-ever-orange-pink-and-purple/feed/ 38