But first, some eyeshadow swatches from the rest of the order:

Darling Girl Swatches: Spellbound, London Calling, Fire Inside, Hoity Toity, Beso De La Muerte, Big Bang, Thistle

Color Descriptions:

• Spellbound – Smoky gray-purple base with pink shimmer and bright magenta sparkles.
• London Calling – Wow, just look at this! It has a dark indigo base with a strong reddish-pink shift. Take a look at the detail photos I have below, as it’s hard to capture the complexity of this shade.
• Fire Inside – Another ‘wow’ shade. This is an amazing satin burnt-red with a brownish undertone and bright pops of gold glitter.
• Hoity Toity – Medium, muted near-matte red with subtle glimmers.
• Beso De La Muertes – Really unusual shade, it’s hard to describe.  It looks like a brownish-gray with blackened undertones, a pink-silver sheen, and bright purple glitter.
• Big Bang - Warm olive gold with gold sparkle.
• Thistle – Eeee, I love taupes like this. A lovely, velvety near-matte gray-taupe with a sprinkling of silver glimmers.

Darling Girl Swatches: Scarab, Sultry Siren, Beau Monde, Socialite, Black Day, Mean Streets of Pasadena

Color Descriptions:

• Scarab (GWP) – This is a GWP shade, so sadly it’s no longer available.  A warm shimmery brown with a sea-green shift.
• Sultry Siren – Murky green with a pink shift.
• Beau Monde – That ugly swatch up there doesn’t do this shade justice. Gray with blue and purple shimmer, it’s much prettier in real life.
• Socialite – You’ll want to get this shade if you love eye-popping blues. Royal blue with a strong aqua shift overlay.
• Black Day - Blackened navy with blue shimmer.
• Mean Streets of Pasadena – Here’s my custom shade! :) I’ll talk about it more below.

I’ve been looking for the perfect blurple/indigo eyeshadow since forever.  When I caught sight of this nail polish at Temptalia, I knew exactly what I wanted to request from Susan.  Mean Streets of Pasadena is the perfect mix of royal blue and purple with lots of blue and purple sparkles. Susan did a fantastic job of nailing this one and I couldn’t be more pleased.  It pops best over a sticky base. :)

"Darling Girl Cosmetics Eyeshadow Swatches (Plus My Custom Shadow!)" was originally posted by Ivy on Rock, Roll, Glam! | Indie, Drugstore, Budget Makeup Reviews and Swatches. All rights are reserved by the author. This content is stolen if viewed anywhere but Rockrollglam.com.

Maybelline and I have a rocky relationship. However, I had a $1 off coupon, and I was in the mood for some new makeup, and I dug the colors in the Irresistibly Ivy palette. (I also love the fact that it and I share a name. Heh!)

A lot of products in Maybelline’s line are complete crap, but the Eye Studio collection puts out some pretty decent items. The Color Tattoo eyeshadows are really quite good, and the gel liner isn’t bad either. I wasn’t expecting this palette to be any better than average, considering their track record with pressed powder, but it pleasantly surprised me.

The Irresistibly Ivy palette ($9.99 for 0.09 oz) can be found in most stores that stock Maybelline. The shadows come in a small, rectangular plastic case with a small compartment for a sponge applicator. The plastic feels light and somewhat cheap. The pans are small; unless you prefer a smaller eyeshadow brush, you might have difficulty coating the head with product. The sponge applicator isn’t terrible quality, but obviously it pales in comparison to a real brush.

Each palette contains four colors, one in a larger quantity in three in roughly equal smaller quantities. I don’t really like this approach — I prefer having equal amounts of each color in a palette — but in this case I don’t mind so much since the largest shade in Irresistibly Ivy is a good staple highlighter.

The formula is shockingly good. The eyeshadows are soft and have decent to great pigmentation. They apply well, even with the included applicator. The green — the shade I expected to have the most trouble with — is pigmented and easy to blend.  I’ve used this palette several times since I purchased it and I’ve always been pleased with the results.

Maybelline Eye Studio Irresistibly Ivy

Color Descriptions:

"Maybelline Eye Studio Color Plush Silk Eyeshadow in Irresistibly Ivy" was originally posted by Ivy on Rock, Roll, Glam! | Indie, Drugstore, Budget Makeup Reviews and Swatches. All rights are reserved by the author. This content is stolen if viewed anywhere but Rockrollglam.com.

I adore the color of the Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Candy Apple, but the formula I’m on the fence about.  I purchased Verve ($4.75; described as a “true coral pearl”), a shade from the Vegan Kisser Slicker line, because it seemed like it could be a possible dupe in a formula I’m much crazier about.  I’m not sure why SN didn’t slip the word “red” in there, because there’s definitely a prominent red undertone at work here. Personally, I would describe this shade as a glossy, semi-opaque warm coral-red.  It’s lovely and offers the classiness of red lips without looking too overdone.

I find that I can get full color coverage with just 1-2 coats.  It also has great hydrating properties and kept my lips smooth and soft all day. (The formula is pretty much the same as the vanilla KS; these are just vegan.) The color lasts through eating and drinking surprisingly well, though you’ll want to clean up and reapply afterwards anyway since the formula picks up crumbs.  I did notice some slight bleeding, but not enough to be dealbreaking.  This is one of my favorite lip products, for sure!

I find that the pigmented shades in the Kisser Slicker/Vegan Kisser Slicker line are similar to MAC Sheen Supreme lipsticks.  The creaminess, slip, and pigmentation of Verve were comparable to my Sheen Supreme lipstick in Korean Candy.  However, I’d say that the KS formula is better at hydrating lips.

Mango ($4.75) is from the Butter Cream line, described as a “bright orange with shimmer”. I was admittedly a little disappointed with this; I was hoping the formula would be more pigmented. It translates to the lips as a sheer orange tint with a layer of bright shimmer.  The formula is thicker and less creamy than the Kisser Slickers, Black Label, or Amplifying Lip Glaze formulas.

Nice Tan ($4.50) is an Amplifying Lip Glaze.  It’s a sheer glossy tan nude.  The ALG formula is Silk Naturals’ plumping formula, with an ingredient that “causes a contraction in the collagen fibers to make your lips appear fuller.”  Apparently the more you use it, the more it plumps. To be honest, I don’t know if this is true, nor do I care; I was born with very full lips so I don’t need plumpers. I bought this for the shade, hoping it’d be a dupe for the SEPHORA Lip Attitude – Glamour in Dolce Nude that I loved, but couldn’t use.  Unfortunately, it’s not — Nice Tan has pink undertones whereas Dolce Nude has yellow undertones.  It also translates onto the lips as a very sheer wash of color, whereas Dolce Nude has more opacity.

The formula moisturizes well and is as creamy as the Kisser Slickers.  It has a menthol tingle, which is bearable but not ideal. I don’t like mintiness in my lip products.

Finally, I picked up Pure ($4.95) in the Black Label formula since I wanted a night treatment/general lip balm type product.  As you might expect, this is a clear product so I didn’t bother swatching it. This tube is on my person all the time.  It’s the just the greatest for hydrating my lips.  The texture is similar to the Kisser Slicker formula; in fact, the ingredients lists are quite similar except the Black Label products have additional ingredients.

Silk Naturals Vegan Kisser Slicker in Verve, Butter Cream in Mango, Amplifying Lip Glaze in Nice Tan

The Verdict:

I’m just as satisfied with this order as I was with the first!  The Kisser Slicker formula (vegan or not) is still my favorite of the ones I tried.

Pros:

• All of the formulas are extremely moisturizing and improve the health of my lips whenever I wear them.
• Large selection of shades across the formulas offered.
• Very reasonably priced.
• Friendly ingredients list.
• Non-intrusive flavoring/scent. (Though I don’t prefer the mint/menthol of the ALG)
• Verve kicks aaaaaass.

Meh:

• Still not crazy about the slimline tubes.
• Was a bit let down by the Butter Cream in Mango.

Cons:

• N/A

Final Grade:

6/7

Would I buy again? Yes!

Where can I get it? Silk Naturals

"Silk Naturals Lip Products Review and Swatches (Verve, Mango, Nice Tan, and Pure)" was originally posted by Ivy on Rock, Roll, Glam! | Indie, Drugstore, Budget Makeup Reviews and Swatches. All rights are reserved by the author. This content is stolen if viewed anywhere but Rockrollglam.com.

I picked up a couple of things while I was there. One of those things was the Essence Gel Eyeliner in Midnight in Paris ($3.49 for 0.1 oz). I’ve heard great things about this product–plus it’s mad cheap–so I grabbed it even though I have a rocky history with cream/gel liners. A lot of the liners I’ve tried in the past smudged, melted off my lower lash line, dried up, or were just difficult to apply precisely. I primarily use gel liners for cat eye looks, so if a product can’t give me the precision I need, I really have no use for it.

This eyeliner comes packaged in a petite glass jar with a huge false bottom. The cap is made of a cheaper plastic (as opposed to a harder plastic, like the caps on the Maybelline Color Tattoo shadows or the L’oreal HiP cream liners), which isn’t ideal, but it works. The packaging isn’t sealed, so if you’re buying it in-store, check first to make sure yours hasn’t been touched.

The formula is creamy and lightweight, with a lot more slip than the L’Oreal and Maybelline gel liners. I’ve seen other reviews describe it as “mousse-like”, which is about accurate. It’s incredibly smooth and easy to control. On top of that, it has great pigmentation!  The dry-down time is decent and I generally have no problems with smudging while waiting for it to set. I apply it using my favorite gel liner brush, bdellium tools’ Angled Brow Brush #762. Yeah, I know it’s meant for the brows, but I find that the sharp, small brush head works particularly well for drawing clean cat eye wings. I have the best luck dipping the very edge of the brush into the product, wiping off any clumps, then drawing in smooth, measured strokes.

I find that I get good wear with this product. It lasts all day on my lids (caveat: I have dry skin) and even stays on my outer lower lash line (most eyeliners melt right off, which is why I’ve given up on it until now) with minimal smudging. However, it doesn’t cling on stubbornly when I take off my makeup at the end of the day; a cotton pad soaked in my favorite makeup remover (Neutrogena Oil-Free) is enough to remove it completely.

Swatches

Essence Gel Eyeliner in Midnight in Paris swatches

The Verdict:

This is easily my favorite drugstore gel liner so far. (I haven’t tried any higher-end versions so I’m not sure how it measures up to those.) It’s pigmented, easy to apply, and lasts all day with minor smudging. I won’t be surprised if it dries up after a month or so since the cap feels cheap, but at under $4 I don’t really care too much about replacing it.  I’m also interested in picking up the other shades–London Baby and Miami’s Ink–next time I make an Ulta purchase.

Pros:

• The mousse-like formula is light and creamy.  It has a smooth texture that makes it easy to control.
• Great pigmentation. I only need to dip the edge of my brush in to get an opaque line.
• Lasts all day on my eyes. Minimal lower lash line smudging.
• One of the cheapest gel liners I’ve seen on offer.

Meh:

• The only place I’ve seen it for sale around here is in Ulta, which isn’t a very widely-distributed brick-and-mortar.

Cons:

• The plastic the cap is made of feels cheap.
• The pots aren’t sealed. Be sure to check yours hasn’t been touched if you’re buying in-store.

Final Grade:

6/7

Would I buy again? Yes!

Where can I get it? Ulta

"Essence Gel Eyeliner Review and Swatches (Midnight in Paris)" was originally posted by Ivy on Rock, Roll, Glam! | Indie, Drugstore, Budget Makeup Reviews and Swatches. All rights are reserved by the author. This content is stolen if viewed anywhere but Rockrollglam.com.

Brown Sugar, Pink Truffle, and Candy Apple

Candy Apple, Pink Truffle, and Brown Sugar

 Color Descriptions:

• Candy Apple – This is my favorite of the shades I own.  It’s a bright orange-red.  It looks kind of sheer here, but on my lips it looks much more opaque.  I only need one coat to get the bright red color.
• Pink Truffle – Neutral pink with beige undertones.  This is a nude, MLBB shade — great for when you want to look polished but need to keep your makeup toned down.
• Brown Sugar - Shimmery dark tan with coppery undertones. This adds a wash of brown to my lips.

"Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter Swatches, Pt. 2 (Pink Truffle, Candy Apple, Brown Sugar)" was originally posted by Ivy on Rock, Roll, Glam! | Indie, Drugstore, Budget Makeup Reviews and Swatches. All rights are reserved by the author. This content is stolen if viewed anywhere but Rockrollglam.com.

Feel free to ask if you want a more detailed photo or if you want me to point you to swatches on the blog. Some things to keep in mind:

• US and Canada only.
  
• $7 minimum order.  $10 minimum for international. Paypal only.
  
• All sales are final. No returns.
• I will spray and wipe things down with alcohol to the best of my ability, but I recommend doing sanitizing on your end as well.
• Loose eyeshadow jars will be secured with tape. Unfortunately, there isn’t much I can do about half the eyeshadow ending up on top of the sifters during transit. However, I can remove the sifters upon request.
• Some of the labels are a little stained from being stored with other makeup. It isn’t actual dirt or anything unsanitary.
  
• Swatches for most of these products can be found on my blog.
  

How does this sale work?

Shipping: $3 for 1-5 smaller items (like an eyeshadow/blush or pencil), or 1-2 larger items. $5 flat rate for anything more than that. Unusually large orders may incur an additional fee but I don’t see that as very likely.  For Canadian addresses: flat rate $10 for a reasonably light order. If the actual shipping cost at the post office is less than $10 I will refund you the difference.

Free bonus products: I will throw in a free bonus product or two with every order. If you spend over $15 you can pick a bonus product worth $3 and under.

Processing: Please allow up to a week for your order to ship. I can only get to the post office about 1-2x a week.

Awesome, how do I order?

Comment here with the items you want, and the prices of each. Put your Paypal e-mail in the e-mail field so I can invoice you. (E-mails are not publicly displayed, so you don’t have to worry about that.) Or, e-mail me at ivy@rockrollglam.com with the items you want. Please tell me if you live in the US or Canada. I need to know this to calculate shipping.

Let me know if you have any questions!

$1 each, or 10 for $7

• Rimmel Glam Eyes (used 1x)
• WnW I Got Good Jeans (used 2-3x)
• WnW Fantasy Makers Eyeshadow (swatched)
• Various Rimmel and NYC eyeliners (used 2-3x)
• 2x Rimmel Brow Pencils in Dark Brown (swatched)
• Rimmel Kohl pencil in White (used 2x)
• Double-Ended Black/White Eyeliner (used 1x)
• NYX Round Lipstick in Honey (used)
• Palladio Tinted Lip Balm in Champagne (used 3x)
• WnW Mega Last Lipstick (used 2x)
• Revlon Matte Nude Lipstick (used)
• Jordana Glossy Lip Color (used 2x)
• ELF blush in Candid Coral (used)
• Revlon Matte Eyeshadow in Vintage Lace (used)
• Wet n Wild Bronzer in Princess (used 2x)

$2 each OR 10 for $12

• NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skin Tone (60%)
• NYX Sunrise, Gunmetal, Hunter Green, Extreme Apricot, Silver, and Lime Green
• Milani I Heart You (no applicator)
• WnW Pride palette
• WnW Fly Me to the Moon, Bright Idea, and Dancing in the Clouds (LE DreamWeavers collection)

• Urban Decay Cream Eyeshadow in Mushroom (used 1x)
• Sephora Collection Geisha Kiss and Asphalt
• Revlon Lip Butters in Red Velvet and Creme Brulee (CB shows some use)
• Maybelline Gel Liner in Sapphire

SOLD! Special: Take all indie eyeshadows for $35 shipped (down from $60; free shipping only applies to US)

• Detrivore Cosmetics Prey, Torment, Hemoglobin, Killjoy, Putrid, Dreary, Wormwood, Sacrilege, Abnormal, and Beetle
• Black Rose Minerals Scabbed Wings and Coma Black / Samples of Mediterranean Blue and Into the Void ($1 for both; possible free item)
• Geek Chic Cosmetics Plains, Swamp, and Mountain
• Beauty From the Earth Coal
• High Voltage Cosmetics Teen Spirit and Stargazer
• Dark Heart Designs Vampire Heart and Limelight
• SoBe Botanicals Oak Moss
• Bokeh Face Rebel
• Kiss My Sass Charcoal and Suntan (sample; possible free item)
• Sweetpea & Fay Spiderlings and Web (LE colors)
• My Beauty Addiction Coffee Liqueur and Oopsie
• Evil Shades Heartless Queen
• Sassy Minerals Please Me, Dust Bunny, and Thunderstruck
• Morgana Cryptoria Isis
• Antoinette’s Revolution Cosmetics Goutierre and Guillotine

$3 each OR 5 for $12 OR 10 for $22

• Revlon ColorStay Quad in Siren (marked down to $2; swatched only)
• Milani Paint Palette (swatched)
• ELF Mineral Eyeshadow Primer (NIB)
• Revlon PhotoReady 3D Volume Mascara (used 2-3x)
• tokidoki Gelato Balm in Skeletrina (dark fuchsia stain; used 2x)
• Evil Shades Gloss in Roue (used 2x)
• Body Language Soaps Lipstick in Mistress (used 3x)
• Morgana Cryptoria Gel Lipstick in Luminous Lava (used 3x)
• Morgana Cryptoria Balm in Eggplant (slimline tube; used 3x) and Nudist (regular balm tube; used 5x)
• Concrete Minerals Sexy Lips Tints in Rocket and Maniac (used 2x)
• Manic Panic eyeshadow in Vampire Red (used 2x)
• NYX HD Eyeshadow Base (primer)
• Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner in Black (used 3x)
• Sundara Mixing Medium
• Sassy Minerals Blush in Enlightened (70%)
• Sassy Minerals Finishing Powder in Flash Finish (70%; dewy finish) and Sassy Finish (matte finish)
• Hard Candy Sheer Envy Primer (used 2x)
• Kiss My Sass Highlighter in Halo (used 2x)
• Meow Cosmetics Glow Powder in Quartz (used a couple times)
• Body Language Dryad and Elaia eyeshadow (used)
• Concrete Minerals Hearts, Deviant, Harlequin (swatched-light use)

$3-4 and Up

I decided to change some of the $4 items to $3 after taking the photos. I didn’t want to retake them so I just left the old ones here. Any $3 items listed here CAN be included in the 5 for $12 or 10 for $25 deals.

Special: Take all three indie blushes for $9

• $3 – Kiss My Sass Bronzer in Suntan
• $4 – Geek Chic Blush in Nerdgasm and Plum Princess

• Various Indie samples – $4 for all (will include more not pictured here)

• $3 – Sonia Kashuk LE Eyelash Curler
• $4 – Sonia Kashuk Perfecting Luminous Foundation in 01 Bisque (Used a few times)
• $3 – No7 Colour Calming Primer Green (Corrects red complexions; used a few times)
• $3 – Kat Von D Painted Love Lipgloss in Rosary (Used a few times; not pictured)

• $5 – Majolica Majorca Mascara (Used several times)
• $8 – Too Faced Shadow Insurance (Used several times, mostly full though. It’s begun to separate a bit though I’m not sure if it’s the product or the fact that I haven’t used it in a while.)
• $5 – Inglot Blush #33 (used several times; no dip)
• $5 – Inglot Slim Gel Lipstick 50 (60-70%)

"(Moving) Blog Sale – Most Items $3 And Under!" was originally posted by Ivy on Rock, Roll, Glam! | Indie, Drugstore, Budget Makeup Reviews and Swatches. All rights are reserved by the author. This content is stolen if viewed anywhere but Rockrollglam.com.

I’m not a huge fan of the packaging. For one, these slimline tubes are awkward for me to use due to my lip shape. (I don’t blame indies for using them, but that doesn’t change that they’re annoying to maneuver on my lips.) The labeling also looks kind of amateurish, in my opinion. For an indie company as developed as Silk Naturals, I would think they would put a little more thought into making their brand image look more polished.

The formula is a whole different story. Silk Naturals isn’t lying when they say these are some of the best moisturizing products around. I have dry lips that crack and flake easily, so these are an absolute treat to use. The formula is smooth and creamy, but not so much that it slides or transfers too easily. It stays on well even throughout my compulsive lip smacking habit. It’s one of those products you can feel sitting on your lips, but in the best way possible, in that it’s soothing and oh-so-luxurious instead of heavy and suffocating. When it finally wears off (usually when I need to eat), my lips are pillowy-soft and seem to have less lines than before.

There is a hint of scent to the formula, but it’s not strong and has a pleasant earthy, sweet quality to it. (I don’t smell any vanilla, as SN claims it has.) It fades quickly so it doesn’t linger around, irritating your nose.

I’m not sure if I would describe the Kisser Slickers as lipglosses, to be honest. (I wouldn’t describe them as “slick”, either, as that implies a lot of wetness or sliding around.) They impart a sheen but not the glossy, lacquered finish I’d expect from a true lipgloss. They have more in common with the moisturizing lipsticks that have become popular recently, such as the Revlon Lip Butters or Inglot Slim Gel Lipsticks.  The Kisser Slickers are slightly thicker than either of those two, feeling more like balm than a lipstick.  However, they are far and above them in the hydration department, and possibly the only lip product that could substitute for my go-to lip balm (Jack Black).

Swatches and Color Descriptions

Caramel is a warm yellow-pink with beige/brown undertones. This is a MLBB shade, through and through.  It works splendidly with my NC15/20 complexion — SN’s description is right on target! It has a mild glossy sheen.

Skinny Dip is a sheer darker tan with slight pink tones and a shimmery finish.

Verdict

I’m currently on an unofficial no-buy, but I think I might have to make an exception to pick up a few more of these Kisser Slickers.  If nothing else I’d like the Clear shade, because I have a feeling this formula will do wonders for my lips if worn overnight.  I have nothing but love for this quality, super-affordable product; the packaging is the only reason I’m not giving this one full marks.

Pros:

• Formula is creamy and smooth, and feels soothing on the lips.
• Moisturizes like a boss and noticeably reduced my lip lines.
• Lasts surprisingly well for a moisturizing lip product.
• Super cheap.
• Friendly ingredients list.
• Non-intrusive flavoring/scent.

Meh:

• Wish there was a better selection of louder shades.
• Not a fan of the packaging or labeling.
• The name is a little weird.

Cons:

• N/A

Final Grade:

6/7

Would I buy again? Yes.

Where can I get it? Silk Naturals

"Silk Naturals Kisser Slicker Lipgloss Stick Review and Swatches (Caramel and Skinny Dip)" was originally posted by Ivy on Rock, Roll, Glam! | Indie, Drugstore, Budget Makeup Reviews and Swatches. All rights are reserved by the author. This content is stolen if viewed anywhere but Rockrollglam.com.

Here’s another round of ‘official’ swatches for Shiro Cosmetics, this time for the Science collection.  Caitlin switched around and removed a bunch of eyeshadows not too long ago, so what you see here is the current lineup.

Shiro Cosmetics Science Swatches: Incinerator, Are You Still There?, Because We Can, Wheeeeee!

Shiro Cosmetics Science Swatches: Conservation of Momentum, Triumph, Thinking With Portals, Subject Name Here, Test Subject

Shiro Cosmetics Science Swatches: Enrichment Center, Still Alive, Beta

Shiro Cosmetics Science Swatches: Emancipation Grid, A Neat Gun, You Were Adopted, Reverse Psychology

Shiro Cosmetics Science Swatches: Aperture Laboratories, Your Best Friend, Party Escort, Impossible

Shiro Cosmetics Science Swatches: For Science, Shoes For Orphans, There Will Be Cake, Deadly Neurotoxin, Shall Not Be Mourned

"Shiro Cosmetics Complete Science Collection Swatches" was originally posted by Ivy on Rock, Roll, Glam! | Indie, Drugstore, Budget Makeup Reviews and Swatches. All rights are reserved by the author. This content is stolen if viewed anywhere but Rockrollglam.com.

NYX Eyeshadow Swatches: Hunter Green, Wild Fire, Lime Juice, Sunrise, Extreme Apricot

 Color Descriptions:

• Hunter Green – Shimmery smoky forest green.
• Wild Fire – Cool-toned green with slight gold glimmers.
• Lime Juice – Shimmery pale yellow-green.
• Sunrise – Cool, pink-toned red with silver sparkle.
• Extreme Apricot – Matte hot red with warm undertones.

NYX Eyeshadow Swatches: Black, Charcoal Brown, Dark Gray, Silver, Deep Charcoal, Herb

 Color Descriptions:

• Black - Matte dark black. This is actually one of the best matte black shadows I have — the formula is silky-smooth and very pigmented.
• Charcoal Brown – Blackened matte brown with gray undertones.
• Dark Gray - Matte gray. This color is extremely stiff, sheer, and dry. Don’t buy it.
• Silver – Smooth, bright metallic silver.
• Deep Charcoal - Metallic gunmetal gray.
• Herb – Metallic golden olive green.

NYX Eyeshadow Swatches: Pure Gold, Iced Mocha, Vanilla Sky

 Color Descriptions:

• Pure Gold – Metallic gold with coppery undertones.
• Iced Mocha – Metallic taupe with a golden sheen.
• Vanilla Sky - Shimmery pale, creamy ivory with yellow undertones.

"Super Old NYX Single Eyeshadow Swatches" was originally posted by Ivy on Rock, Roll, Glam! | Indie, Drugstore, Budget Makeup Reviews and Swatches. All rights are reserved by the author. This content is stolen if viewed anywhere but Rockrollglam.com.

The product comes packaged in a glass jar with a glossy black plastic lid. The jar has a nice, heavy feel to it on par with higher-end brands. I like that the lid label is aesthetically appealing (unlike the L’oreal Infallible shadows’ label, yuck).

Now, I can’t speak for the other shades, but I’m pretty damn impressed with the formula here. It’s creamy, blends easily, and exhibits fantastic pigmentation. It does dry down relatively fast, so you need to blend quickly. Once it sets, it’s nearly impossible to budge without makeup remover. It makes a decent base for powder eyeshadow.

I wore it without primer for about 10 hours, and by the time I took it off, it was still completely intact. I didn’t test the 24 hour claim since I hate wearing makeup to sleep.Other people have commented on this already, but I’m surprised at how few neutral/office-friendly shades are in this line. Tough as Taupe is easily the tamest of the bunch. I think a skin-tone shade would be quite popular, as would a plain matte black.

The Verdict:

This is a lovely product. The cream formula is smooth, pigmented, and easy to blend.  It stays in place until I take it off at the end of the day with no smudging or creasing.  This is one of the few drugstore products where I can say an $8 price tag is more than fair.

Pros:

• Very pigmented. You don’t need a lot for opaque coverage.
• Smooth, blendable texture.
• Great lasting power, as advertised.
• Packaging is of good quality.

Meh:

• Difficult to blend once it dries down. And it does so quickly.
• Not enough neutral/office-friendly shades, in my opinion. While it’s great that a drugstore brand is focusing on color for once, I think this line would have wider appeal if it included more shades like Tough As Taupe.

Cons:

• None! (Aside from a ridiculously long product name.)

Final Grade:

7/7

Would I buy again? Yes.

Where can I get it? Any store that sells Maybelline products. The Color Tattoo shadows have been integrated into the permanent line by now, so you should see them on the shelves instead of in promotional displays.

"Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24 Hour Cream Gel Shadow Review and Swatches (Tough As Taupe)" was originally posted by Ivy on Rock, Roll, Glam! | Indie, Drugstore, Budget Makeup Reviews and Swatches. All rights are reserved by the author. This content is stolen if viewed anywhere but Rockrollglam.com.