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 Sponsored: Indulge Yourself at Sephora for the Holidays https://www.temptalia.com/sponsored-indulge-yourself-at-sephora-for-the-holidays/ https://www.temptalia.com/sponsored-indulge-yourself-at-sephora-for-the-holidays/#comments Mon, 16 Nov 2015 16:00:00 +0000 Christine http://www.temptalia.com/?p=211696 Kat Von D Metal Crush Eyeshadow ($21.00) is a really richly pigmented, dense powder eyeshadow formula that wears well, blends beautifully, and applies intensely over bare skin. My favorite shades: Iggy, Thunderstruck, Thrasher, Doce. (Read reviews or see swatches.) Make Up For Ever Nudes You Need Artist Palette ($42.00) has been a real go-to travel palette for me, because the colors are flattering and easy to wear, and the formula is blendable, long-wearing, and pigmented, so it's no fuss and I can rely on it when I'm out of town. (Read reviews or see swatches.) Kevyn Aucoin Starlight The Celestial Continue Reading… ]]> Temptalia's Holiday Gift Guide

Temptalia's Holiday Gift Guide

Kat Von D Metal Crush Eyeshadow ($21.00) is a really richly pigmented, dense powder eyeshadow formula that wears well, blends beautifully, and applies intensely over bare skin. My favorite shades: Iggy, Thunderstruck, Thrasher, Doce. (Read reviews or see swatches.)

Temptalia's Holiday Gift Guide

Make Up For Ever Nudes You Need Artist Palette ($42.00) has been a real go-to travel palette for me, because the colors are flattering and easy to wear, and the formula is blendable, long-wearing, and pigmented, so it’s no fuss and I can rely on it when I’m out of town. (Read reviews or see swatches.)

Temptalia's Holiday Gift Guide

Kevyn Aucoin Starlight The Celestial Powder ($44.00) is a luminous, champagne-shimmered peach that gives the skin a beautiful glow that doesn’t read too strong or too subtle. On lighter skin tones, this can even work as a highlighting blush. The texture is silky-smooth and finely-milled, which helps it blend effortlessly on the skin. (Read reviews or see swatches.)

Temptalia's Holiday Gift Guide

Viseart Paris Nude Eyeshadow Palette ($80.00) is a workhorse, neutral palette that doesn’t lean too warm or too cool in tone. It works well as a standalone palette or complements any existing eyeshadows you have, especially your favorite mattes. (Read reviews or see swatches.)

Temptalia's Holiday Gift Guide

Guerlain Rouge G Lipstick ($53.00) is one of the more decadent purchases I know I make. It’s the one lipstick formula that has stood the test of time for me, as it remains my favorites years after trying, and it remains a true luxury purchase. It’s hard to go wrong with any shade that tickles your fancy, but a few of my personal favorites are Garconne, Gina, Girly, Gracia, and Gemma. (Read reviews or see swatches.)

Temptalia's Holiday Gift Guide

Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Polish ($18.00) is a long-wearing, pigmented formula that comes in an assortment of shades. I like that the range has some unexpected shades as well as great basics. (Read reviews or see swatches.)

Temptalia's Holiday Gift Guide

Hourglass Lip Treatment Oil ($42.00) is a decadent overnight treatment for your lips–it’s one of my go-tos after a long day of lipstick or gloss swatching. (Read review.)

Temptalia's Holiday Gift Guide

Urban Decay Bittersweet Afterglow 8-Hour Powder Blush ($26.00) is an unexpected pop of purple–true purple at that–for the cheeks, and it just may surprise you with how wearable it really is. I like the idea of spoiling one’s self with something surprising, something new and adventurous. (Read reviews or see swatches.)

Temptalia's Holiday Gift Guide

Josie Maran Argan Oil Luminizing Veil ($30.00) is a soft beige highlighter that is on the subtler side and doesn’t emphasize pores. The texture is incredibly soft and smooth! (Read review.)

Any holiday favorites that you’ve picked up from Sephora this season?

]]> https://www.temptalia.com/sponsored-indulge-yourself-at-sephora-for-the-holidays/feed/ 27 The Best Eyeshadow Palettes for Your Holiday Wish List (2015 Edition) https://www.temptalia.com/the-best-eyeshadow-palettes-for-your-holiday-wish-list-2015-edition/ https://www.temptalia.com/the-best-eyeshadow-palettes-for-your-holiday-wish-list-2015-edition/#comments Wed, 04 Nov 2015 16:45:00 +0000 Christine http://www.temptalia.com/?p=211618 It's easy to get lost in a sea of limited edition palettes--especially during the holiday season when it seems like there's a new one every other day!--but here are palettes well-worth a look that are available year-round. In order to be considered a palette, the compact had to house at least four shades (so quads and larger).  Perhaps one of the more interesting things that comes from doing a round-ups like these is seeing where there are holes:  bright, colorful palettes and cool-toned neutral palettes (the latter is no real surprise) are harder to come by as permanent products. 1. Continue Reading… ]]> The Best Eyeshadow Palettes

It’s easy to get lost in a sea of limited edition palettes–especially during the holiday season when it seems like there’s a new one every other day!–but here are palettes well-worth a look that are available year-round. In order to be considered a palette, the compact had to house at least four shades (so quads and larger).  Perhaps one of the more interesting things that comes from doing a round-ups like these is seeing where there are holes:  bright, colorful palettes and cool-toned neutral palettes (the latter is no real surprise) are harder to come by as permanent products.

1. Viseart Paris Nudes Eyeshadow Palette ($80.00) | It’s a subdued take on neutrals; mostly mid-tones with warmer and cooler shades as a mix. This is a palette that I personally take with me whenever I travel now.

Where to Buy:  Sephora, Beautylish

2. Viseart Bridal Satin Eyeshadow Palette ($80.00) | The texture on this palette is really dense and buttery with incredible pigmentation throughout the palette. I like how it has a few pops of color paired with neutrals.

Where to Buy:  Sephora, Beautylish

3. Chanel Tisse Rivoli (226) Les 4 Ombres ($61.00) | It’s a very wearable, office-friendly palette featuring warm-toned neutrals with satin to frost finishes. They’re incredibly soft, blendable, and wear well.

Where to Buy:  Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks

4. MAC Warm/Neutral ($80.00) | While MAC has struggled in the last several years to churn out quality palettes, their permanent 15-pan neutral palette is a winner. It includes some favorites from the permanent range as well as some exclusive shades. If you like your shimmery, warmer, light to mid-tone shades, you may enjoy this one.

Where to Buy:  MAC, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s

5. Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette ($54.00) | The neutral palette that spurred a million more. The original is still my personal favorite, but I think Naked2 and Naked3 are also quite nice; which one is for you is dependent on your preferences for tone and finish.

Where to Buy:  Sephora, ULTA, Beauty.com, Macy’s

6. bareMinerals The Designer Label Eyeshadow Quad ($30.00) | I love the Ready eyeshadow formula in general, and nearly all of their quads and palettes are good to great, so it’s hard to go wrong. The Designer Label features more earthy tones, but if you want some purples, try The Dream Sequence or The Truth for neutrals.

Where to Buy:  Sephora, ULTA, Beauty.com, Macy’s

7. Sleek Vintage Romance i-Divine Palette ($9.99) | It’s one of the few cooler-toned palettes (though it has warm shades in it) that has good pigmentation and blends well. I find Sleek’s shimmery shades to be extremely rich, dense, and pigmented, and their satins and mattes tend to be a bit weaker (some are good, some aren’t). Sunset is fantastic for brighter warm-tones.

Where to Buy:  Amazon, Sleek

8. Viseart Dark Matte (04) Eyeshadow Palette ($80.00) | It is possible to find mattes that work well, and Viseart did it with their Dark matte palette. Their Neutral Matte is also nice, but with so many neutral palettes on the market, I think Dark Matte is more impressive.

Where to Buy:  Sephora, Beautylish

9. LORAC Unzipped ($40.00) | It’s a set of ten “rose” themed eyeshadows. I really enjoy the formula LORAC uses in the Unzipped palettes (Unzipped Gold is also worthy of consideration), as it is denser and adheres better to bare skin.

Where to Buy:  ULTA, Amazon, Nordstrom, Beauty.com

10. Make Up For Ever #1 Nudes You Need Artist Palette ($42.00) | You know me and the Artist Shadows, right? Like I’m obsessed with them and still buy all the palettes they release even though I have them in full-sized? Their palettes have been really consistent when compared to the individuals, but they’re a much, much better value and far more. (The #2 Colors You Crave Artist Palette is awesome if you’re looking for brights, but it is technically limited edition, even though it is still available.)

Where to Buy:  Sephora

11. Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Contour Palette ($46.00) | This would be my top pick for a mostly matte neutral palette, as the formula is blendable and forgiving on the skin. It ranges from light to dark with a few neutral-to-warm shades (though mostly warm-toned).

Where to Buy:  Sephora

12. Marc Jacobs Beauty The Starlet Style Eye-Con No. 7 ($59.00) | If you like your more metallic neutrals, this is a good option. I like that there are some rosier/taupe-y shades paired with silver and gray to make a little different than your typical neutral palette. If you like mattes, though, look elsewhere!

Where to Buy:  Sephora

]]> https://www.temptalia.com/the-best-eyeshadow-palettes-for-your-holiday-wish-list-2015-edition/feed/ 42 The Best Eyeliners for Your Holiday Wish List (2015 Edition) https://www.temptalia.com/the-best-eyeliners-for-your-holiday-wish-list-2015-edition/ eyeliners https://www.temptalia.com/the-best-eyeliners-for-your-holiday-wish-list-2015-edition/#comments Sun, 01 Nov 2015 18:50:12 +0000 Christine http://www.temptalia.com/?p=211285 I confess... I LOVE EYELINER! Especially in shades of teal, taupe, and gold. But you knew that, right? I feel like the most obvious favorite of mine is teal eyeliner, because it adds just the right amount of oomph whether it's paired with no eyeshadow, neutral eyeshadow, or bold eyeshadow! I like eyeliners that have pretty good pigmentation in a single stroke or can be built-up to full intensity in two layers or so, don't tug on the lash line but don't slide around easily, and preferably, not a total nightmare to remove. 1. Sephora Contour Eye Pencil ($9.00) | Continue Reading… ]]> The Best Eyeliners for Your Holiday Wish List (2015 Edition)

I confess… I LOVE EYELINER! Especially in shades of teal, taupe, and gold. But you knew that, right? I feel like the most obvious favorite of mine is teal eyeliner, because it adds just the right amount of oomph whether it’s paired with no eyeshadow, neutral eyeshadow, or bold eyeshadow! I like eyeliners that have pretty good pigmentation in a single stroke or can be built-up to full intensity in two layers or so, don’t tug on the lash line but don’t slide around easily, and preferably, not a total nightmare to remove.

1. Sephora Contour Eye Pencil ($9.00) | These are my most reached for eyeliners; they come in a huge assortment of colors, wear well, remove without a lot of work (but still stay on when you need them to), and glide on without tugging. I love Flirting Game in particular as it is a nice alternative to black and brown.

Where to Buy:  Sephora

2. Milani Liquid Eye Pencil ($6.99) | These are really fun, pigmented shades that go on well and last awhile. I only wish the shade range was larger!

Where to Buy:  Drugstore.com

3. MAC Chromagraphic Pencil ($16.00) | It’s an intensely pigmented, long-wearing matte eyeliner formula. Some shades are not safe for the eyes (it is a PRO product), so take care in selecting, but the black and flesh-toned shades are great basics.

Where to Buy: MAC

4. Stila Smudge Stick ($20.00) | It’s a twist-up, fine eyeliner that comes in a variety of shades. They apply well and give you a lot of control with good longevity and color payoff. Mint Julep is one I use often.

Where to Buy:  Sephora, ULTA, Beauty.com

5. Sephora Contour Matte Gel Eyeliner ($14.00) | This is a richly pigmented, matte formula that glides on easily and wears well. They have some fun, bright shades to choose from!

Where to Buy:  Sephora

6. MAC Pearlglide Intense Eyeliner ($16.00) | For sparkling, shimmery eyeliner with deeper base shades, this is a fun formula. I love Undercurrent and Lord It Up!

Where to Buy: Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s

7. MAC Pro Longwear Fluidline ($16.00) | I’m so glad MAC revamped and released additional shades in the Fluidline family, because now there are a ton of colors and finishes to select from. I find the pearl and matte finishes are the best-performing, while anything that gets really sparkly/glittery is going to be sheerer. Blue Peep and Brassy are favorites.

Where to Buy: Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s

8. Tarina Tarantino Eye Dream Hyperliner ($15.00) | This is still one of my favorite eyeliner formulas, and I wish they’d come out with more shades! Spark of Envy is my all-time favorite.

Where to Buy:  Beauty.com

9. Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Crayon ($25.00) | This one is still on the list with a caveat… it is said that they are working on repackaging or reformulation as recent releases (including newly made batches of long-existing shades) have gone awry (very dry), but when they were manufactured more consistently, they are fantastic. Here’s hoping they get it all sorted out ASAP, as it is one of the longer-lasting eyeliners, particularly for the waterline.

Where to Buy:  Sephora

10. Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes ($19.00) | Lots of shade, good wear and pigmentation, and a creamy enough consistency that it doesn’t tug on the lash line–what’s not to love?

Where to Buy:  Sephora

11. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil ($19.00) | This was one of the first eyeliner formulas I fell in love with, and I still really like it. Some shades are absolutely fantastic–really pigmented in a single stroke, long-wearing, and creamy–but most shades have more buildable coverage, which I find works just fine for real-life application (I tend to apply in short strokes, back and forth motions). Some of my favorite shades are Deep End, Junkie, and Mushroom. Honey is my all-time favorite, but it was discontinued!

Where to Buy:  Sephora, ULTA, Beauty.com

12. L’Oreal Infallible Silkissime Eyeliner ($8.99) | There aren’t too many shades available, but the ones that are available are amazing. These are incredibly rich in pigment, long-wearing, and easy to apply. I am obsessed with True Teal!

Where to Buy:  ULTA

]]> https://www.temptalia.com/the-best-eyeliners-for-your-holiday-wish-list-2015-edition/feed/ 53 12 Products Worth Splurging On for the Holidays https://www.temptalia.com/12-products-worth-splurging-on-for-the-holidays/ splurges https://www.temptalia.com/12-products-worth-splurging-on-for-the-holidays/#comments Sat, 31 Oct 2015 13:00:00 +0000 Christine http://www.temptalia.com/?p=211249 With the Sephora holiday sale right around the corner (and countless other Friends & Family sales to come, if last year's November was any indicator!), I thought I'd put together some recommendations if you're looking for something new to try. This list features products at $35 or higher in price point that are permanently available, and generally, these are very strong formulas that come in more than the shade you'll see in this list, so don't forget to check out the full shade ranges!]]>
01.

01. Soft Berry Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown

DCDiscontinued. $37.00/0.13 oz.

A
Bobbi Brown Soft Berry Luxe Lip Color (Discontinued)

Bobbi Brown Soft Berry Luxe Lip Color ($35.00 for 0.12 oz.) is described as a "neutral rose berry." It's a muted,...

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Bobbi Brown Soft Berry Luxe Lip Color ($35.00 for 0.12 oz.) is described as a "neutral rose berry." It's a muted,...

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02.

02. Opal Becca

Becca

DCDiscontinued. $38.00/0.19 oz.

A-
Becca Opal Shimmering Skin Perfector Poured

Becca Opal Shimmering Skin Perfector Poured ($38.00 for 0.19 oz.) is described as a "golden opal pearl." It's a...

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Becca Opal Shimmering Skin Perfector Poured ($38.00 for 0.19 oz.) is described as a "golden opal pearl." It's a...

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03.

03. Shadow (07) Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani

DCDiscontinued. $39.00/0.22 oz.

A
Giorgio Armani Shadow (07) Eye Tint

Giorgio Armani Shadow (07) Eye Tint ($38.00 for 0.22 fl. oz.) is a cool-toned, purple-taupe with a metallic...

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Giorgio Armani Shadow (07) Eye Tint ($38.00 for 0.22 fl. oz.) is a cool-toned, purple-taupe with a metallic...

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04.

04. Starlight Kevyn Aucoin

Kevyn Aucoin

PPermanent. $44.00/0.11 oz.

A+
Kevyn Aucoin Starlight The Celestial Powder

Kevyn Aucoin Starlight The Celestial Powder ($44.00 for 0.11 oz.) is a champagne-shimmered peach with warm undertones and a luminous finish. bareMinerals...

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Kevyn Aucoin Starlight The Celestial Powder ($44.00 for 0.11 oz.) is a champagne-shimmered peach with warm undertones and a luminous finish. bareMinerals...

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05.

05. Ni Toi Ni Moi Christian Louboutin Beaute

Christian Louboutin Beaute

PPermanent. $50.00/0.4 oz.

A
Christian Louboutin Beaute Ni Toi Ni Moi Nail Colour

Christian Louboutin Ni Toi Ni Moi Nail Colour ($50.00 for 0.40 fl. oz.) is described as a "mint green." It's a...

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Christian Louboutin Ni Toi Ni Moi Nail Colour ($50.00 for 0.40 fl. oz.) is described as a "mint green." It's a...

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06.

06. Air Kiss (304) Guerlain

Guerlain

PPermanent. $37.00/0.12 oz.

A-
Guerlain Air Kiss (304) KissKiss Lipstick

Guerlain Air Kiss (304) KissKiss Lipstick ($37.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a softened, medium-dark plum with subtle warm...

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Guerlain Air Kiss (304) KissKiss Lipstick ($37.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a softened, medium-dark plum with subtle warm...

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07.

07. Corail Decollete (303) Givenchy

Givenchy

PPermanent. $36.00/0.12 oz.

A+
Givenchy Corail Decollete (303) Le Rouge

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08.

08. Diffused Heat Hourglass

Hourglass

PPermanent. $40.00/0.15 oz.

A
Hourglass Diffused Heat Ambient Lighting Blush

Hourglass Diffused Heat Ambient Lighting Blush ($35.00 for 0.15 oz.) is described as a "vibrant poppy." It's a...

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Hourglass Diffused Heat Ambient Lighting Blush ($35.00 for 0.15 oz.) is described as a "vibrant poppy." It's a...

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09.

09. Candlelight Kevyn Aucoin

Kevyn Aucoin

PPermanent. $44.00/0.11 oz.

A+
Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight

Candlelight is a light, golden beige with warm undertones and a luminous sheen. The texture is soft, smooth, finely-milled, and it blends beautifully...

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Candlelight is a light, golden beige with warm undertones and a luminous sheen. The texture is soft, smooth, finely-milled, and it blends beautifully...

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10.

10. Garconne Guerlain

Guerlain

DCDiscontinued. $58.00/0.12 oz.

A+
Guerlain Garconne Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color

Garconne is described as a "classic red." It's a slightly muted, medium-dark red with strong, blue undertones and a glossy finish. It had fully opaque...

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Garconne is described as a "classic red." It's a slightly muted, medium-dark red with strong, blue undertones and a glossy finish. It had fully opaque...

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11.

11. Earthy Burberry

Burberry

PPermanent. $42.00/0.24 oz.

A
Burberry Earthy Light Glow Natural Blush

Burberry Earthy Light Glow Natural Blush ($42.00 for 0.24 oz.) is a light-medium brown with subtle warm tan...

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Burberry Earthy Light Glow Natural Blush ($42.00 for 0.24 oz.) is a light-medium brown with subtle warm tan...

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12.

12. Pink Quartz Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown

PPermanent. $46.00/0.4 oz.

A-
Bobbi Brown Pink Quartz Shimmer Brick

Bobbi Brown Pink Quartz Shimmer Brick ($46.00 for 0.40 oz.) is described as a "soft, warm pink glow." It's a...

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Bobbi Brown Pink Quartz Shimmer Brick ($46.00 for 0.40 oz.) is described as a "soft, warm pink glow." It's a...

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With the Sephora holiday sale right around the corner (and countless other Friends & Family sales to come, if last year’s November was any indicator!), I thought I’d put together some recommendations if you’re looking for something new to try. This list features products at $35 or higher in price point that are permanently available, and generally, these are very strong formulas that come in more than the shade you’ll see in this list, so don’t forget to check out the full shade ranges!

  1. Bobbi Brown Soft Berry —
  2. Becca Opal —
  3. Giorgio Armani Shadow (07) —
  4. Kevyn Aucoin Starlight —
  5. Christian Louboutin Beaute Ni Toi Ni Moi —
  6. Guerlain Air Kiss (304) —
  7. Givenchy Corail Decollete (303) —
  8. Hourglass Diffused Heat —
  9. Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight —
  10. Guerlain Garconne —
  11. Burberry Earthy —
  12. Bobbi Brown Pink Quartz —

See side-by-side swatches!

12 Products Worth Splurging On for the Holidays

]]> https://www.temptalia.com/12-products-worth-splurging-on-for-the-holidays/feed/ 31