Surratt Beauty Mesmer Eyes Prismatique Eyes Review, Photos, Swatches
Surratt Beauty Mesmer Eyes Prismatique Eyes
The following was previously written for my first review on this formula, as all three I tried were very consistent in performance: Surratt Beauty Prismatique Eyes ($38.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a two-part compact that twists to reveal a glittery, more powder-like eyeshadow on the lower level, and then on the upper level, the lid twists off and reveals a cream eyeshadow. The brand states that the cream eyeshadow is a long-wearing, “water-proof shadow base” that can be used underneath the glittery eyeshadow or as an eyeliner. The glittery eyeshadow is called a “prismatic top coat.” The two only work well when used together, but neither works that well alone. Together, they’re pretty, but the cream eyeshadow is fussier than ideal for a cream-based product, so blending and getting even coverage were quite challenging.
Based on the fact that the cream eyeshadow is the long-wearing part and has the most claims, I rated this as a standalone product plus how well it did hold the glitter eyeshadow, but the wear considers it on its own as well as when worn with the glitter eyeshadow. On the other hand, the glitter eyeshadow’s wear is based on how long it wears over the cream base (there seem to be next to no claims made for the eyeshadow, other than calling it a top coat and it designed to be very sparkly!). The cream eyeshadow worked decently as an eyeliner without the glittery eyeshadow on top of it, but on the lid, it had a tendency to crease before it had a chance to set due to a longer dry-down time. If I applied the glittery eyeshadow on top of the cream base as it was drying down, the glitter was fairly locked on and seemed to prevent any initial creasing. Then the whole layer cake of product lasted for nine hours before I noticed faint creasing. The cream eyeshadow was fairly crease-resistant, but the longer dry down time meant keeping the lid close and lightly patting the cream eyeshadow back into place after 15-20 seconds until it was fully dried at about 45 seconds. I recommend a flat, slightly narrow, synthetic brush to pat on the glitter eyeshadow for best results.
The glitter eyeshadow will get everywhere without the cream base to lock on, and the glitter seemed like flecks, which were a pain to remove from the skin (it is always amusing that glitter won’t stick to the lid, but it’ll stick to your nose no problem!). The cream eyeshadow was generally pigmented but had a fair amount of slip to it without being really thick, so it tended to look patchy and uneven on the lid, especially the more I blended out the edge. It is the type of product that is easier to use as a base on the lid and then use traditional powder eyeshadow to do crease work. The packaging felt flimsy to me, and I’ve too often swiveled open the lower level and nicked the edge of the pan as a result. I had consistent results across the three shades I purchased inasmuch as wear and application went. This particular duo had a more pigmented, buildable cream eyeshadow in it, though it was even more slippery than Glamour Eyes, so it easily looked patchy and streaky applied.
Mesmer Eyes (Cream) is described as a “khaki green.” It’s a murky, medium-dark olive green with warm, brown undertones and a natural sheen. It had semi-opaque coverage that was buildable to opaque coverage after two passes, but it takes some doing to manage the formula as it dries down. I kept my eyelid closed and patted lightly over the natural crease about half-way through the dry down phase, which helped to push color out of the crease. Once it dried down, the color would last for eight and a half hours. Makeup Geek Dirty Martini (DC, $6.00) is less glossy (95% similar). ColourPop Charmed (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). NARS Shade III (LE, $25.00) is lighter (90% similar). Viseart Olive (Dark Matte #12) (P, ) is lighter (90% similar). theBalm D4 (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Giorgio Armani Incognito #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). Melt Cosmetics Sour Diesel (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar). MAC Mo' Money Mo' Problems (P, $17.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). NARS Mozambique (P, $25.00) is lighter (85% similar). Chanel Noir Supreme #1 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). Sydney Grace Kiwifruit (DC, $5.25) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Mesmer Eyes (Glitter) is described as a “glistening green-gold duo-chrome.” It’s a light-medium, yellow gold base with a green-to-gold shift that is most apparent when it is layered but is very subtle on its own. The texture was smoother and less crumbly than Glamour Eyes, so it was easier to use and applied more smoothly over the cream eyeshadow. Viseart Sunlight (GPV2 #23) (P, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Clionadh Sol (P, $5.25) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Ciate Haze (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). MAC Gorgeous Gold (DC, $17.00) is darker (85% similar). MAC Night Thrill (LE, $22.00) is darker, more muted (85% similar). Pat McGrath VR Fire Opal (PiP, $25.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). Melt Cosmetics Poppin' Bottles (LE, ) is warmer (85% similar). Touch in Sol Sun Aurora (4) (P, $18.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). Natasha Denona Lime Chrome (PiP, $29.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Mesmer Eyes
PPermanent. $38.00.
Mesmer Eyes (Cream)
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Mesmer Eyes (Glitter)
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Surratt Beauty Mesmer Eyes Prismatique Eyes
Surratt Beauty Mesmer Eyes Prismatique Eyes
Surratt Beauty Mesmer Eyes Prismatique Eyes
Surratt Beauty Mesmer Eyes Prismatique Eyes
Surratt Beauty Mesmer Eyes Prismatique Eyes
Surratt Beauty Mesmer Eyes Prismatique Eyes (Cream)
Surratt Beauty Mesmer Eyes Prismatique Eyes (Layered)
Surratt Beauty Mesmer Eyes Prismatique Eyes (Layered)
Surratt Beauty Mesmer Eyes Prismatique Eyes (Glitter)
Surratt Beauty Glamour Eyes Prismatique Eyes
Surratt Beauty: Mesmer Eyes, Scandal Eyes, Glamour Eyes
Surratt Beauty: Mesmer Eyes, Scandal Eyes, Glamour Eyes
I was reading the review, and seeing the overall score, and feeling quite grumpy that a high-end brand puts out such an odd, poor quality product – then you undermined all that by putting together a great eye look!
Aww!
Holy sh*t, the layered effect it simply breathtaking, love it :-O What a pity the performance isn’t quite on point.
They are pretty together!
What a shame about that cream base, because this is a beautiful shade! But if I can see it creasing a bit on you, I already know it would be some downright hot mess disaster on my lids. My eyelid fold goes deeper and my lids have major hood-age, so nope!
lol!
These products do look very pretty layered. But, since I have so much trouble with cream eyeshadow creasing on me, I have a feeling that this one isn’t for me. I think I could get a very similar effect by layering olive cream eyeshadow and yellow-green powder eyeshadow that I already have. I might still have some trouble with blending, though! I’m still working on my cream-eyeshadow-blending technique — how to get it blended without blending it mostly away. Timing seems critical as it dries down.
That makes sense to me, Fran! I think that most things hold up OK on me – at least six hours – so my “really good” is more like anything beyond nine hours, so if you typically have issues, then I’d probably hold off on this one!
Too bad the formula is so fussy and the packaging is so flimsy, because I love green shadows. The swatch for the cream shadow looks kind of watery, so maybe that causes the long dry time. I also have a hooded eye, so I can imagine what would happen if I blinked! There are much better cream shadows out there for a lot less money. The combined product reminds me of Makeup Geek Foiled Shadow in Jester, so will just grab that.
The packaging bothers me a bit, just because of the price point. Like I feel that on top of feeling flimsy, it isn’t as functional 🙁
I know! I have a Surratt blush, La Vie En Rose, which is the perfect natural blush color for me, but it’s such a tiny, teeny amount —.14 oz for $32, but it’s in a refill pan that is cheap and flimsy that I can’t travel with it at all, so you have to buy their travel compact for another $17, so that would be almost $50 combined. What a rip off! I can get a Tom Ford blush for $60, and it has 2x as much product at .28 oz. Or I can get a Chanel Joues Contrast Blush for $45 at .21 oz.
Very pretty when the cream and shadow is combined, but the application is too high maintenance for me. So glad I waited for your review, Christine!
Happy to share, Bonnie!
The cream reminds me of TF Burnished Copper which is not the same as the Spring 15 one. The color the powder makes on top is so pretty! Great suggestion!
Thank you for the tip, Joy!
Gorgeous colours individually and together – but such a mess is made creating this look would deter many, including me. Such a beautiful look you have created Christine.
You’re too kind! Thank you, Genevieve!
They look beautiful as you have placed them but I wouldn’t wear the color or buy it for friend with such an overall bad rating. It looks so lovely layered it’s a shame.
Thanks, Erin! 🙂
You look amazing! That being said, it’s a “no” for me.
Thank you, Jan! 🙂
While I personally love khaki green eye shadows, I think I will give this a pass. The overall rating as well as the glitter( which sticks to nose rather than the eye… Haha)…. Thats a real put down for me. I wonder if these high end brands actually apply the product on themselves before releasing it for the masses.
I wish the cream eyeshadow performed better on its own!!
What is the green eyeliner you’re wearing in that eye look? It’s fabulous, and I need it, haha.
I think it’s Urban Decay Mars, but I can’t find it written down.
Some, I liked but must be careful with green. (Never have anything to wear on St Paddy’s day) did not like these greens.
Easy pass! 🙂
The performance is meh, but at least they look nice together! I am liking that green.
They do work well together!
Pretty, but I do have a thing with cream eyeshadows, they crease easily and quickly.
I must say I love the gorgeous dramatic look you did.
Thank you, Helene!
Christine, would you consider doing reviews of some Morphe eyeshadow? You do the best, in depth review which is really helpful. Thank you. Shari
Sorry, I don’t have anything by them!
I like the result of the combined product but am put off by the faff factor! I also don’t like the look of the cream shadow on its own. Rather expensive for how it performs, too.
Yes, the cream eyeshadow should be more usable/easier to use for the price point 🙁
I’ve gone ahead & ordered this even though it looks like it’s going to take some work. I really like the color and I have a few Surratt quads that this shade will work awesome with. Thanks Christine for the review! I appreciate all you do for us.
My pleasure, Trish! Enjoy it 🙂