Review: Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream 02

(image from sephora)

Aqua creams were the biggest craze this summer, setting off launches of other cream shadows from many brands. Cream shadows in pots were around before, though....so why all the hype for Aqua Cream?

Its the intense colors, budge-proof and waterproof-ness, the ability to be used for eyes cheeks or lips depending on the color all packaged in a little plastic pot for 22USD$. (0.21 oz).

For reference, Shiseido Hydropowders are 25$ for .21 oz and MAC Paint pots are 16.50 for .17 oz.

Something to note: Make up for ever doesn't seem to name these shades, instead calling them 01-22. Sephora seems to be the one who names them [02 Steel]. Names seem to be on the box and not the product itself.

Anyways, MUFE says this about the Aqua Creams:

What it is:
An ultra-pigmented, long-lasting waterproof cream.

What it does:
Aqua Cream combines the highest-quality pigments with mother of pearl particles to give immediate rich color payoff with a luminous finish in just one application. It's long-lasting formulation will not crease or smudge under the most extreme conditions and its creamy and elastic texture allows for easy blending.

Exclusively carried by Sephora.

What else you need to know:
Available in shades ranging from soft neutrals to pure bright tones, you can find the perfect color for any purpose.
Shades #5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 are formulated for the Lips & Cheeks.
Shades #1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, and 22 are formulated for the Eyes & Cheeks.

The Aqua creams are indeed very pigmented and creamy. I chose the shade 02 Steel, because its such a gorgeous taupey color.

You will be tempted to rub your finger in it alot but don't! It's too pigmented and will go on thickly if you do. These dry very quickly and thin layers are better if you want to deepen the intensity. As for fingers vs. brushes on these, I use a brush because they dry too quickly for my finger to blend properly (coming from a girl who ALWAYS uses fingers!)

Do these smudge? Hold up in the hot sweaty Chicago summer? Crease?
No, they don't smudge. They're pretty waterproof as well [Waterproof assuming you don't keep rubbing your eyes]. However...they do crease on me after about 8 hours.
However, at the time in question it had been an extremely hot humid day [in the 90s] and I had been outside for 6 of the 8 hours, sweating.

On a normal day, 6 hours, it's perfectly fine and it lasts until I take it off with cleansing oil.

Layering other eyeshadows over it is no problem and it doesn't crease with the powder over it after a school/work day either.

I know some bloggers have been experimenting with it as eyeliner but this particular shade isn't really dark enough to define effectively. I did try it on my lower lashline but it takes a lot of layering for this shade to show up and it was hard to tell whether I still had it on an hour later. Perhaps with a darker more vibrant shade it'd be more effective.

Aqua Creams were created for use with each other but I don't know if you'd use a bright grassy green or crimson very often. Even though they have those intense colors though they also have a nice selection of neutrals.

All in all, I'd recommend these for anyone looking for a stay put eyeshadow! Click here for the link to Sephora. I think I have my eye on 8 Red, 20 Intense Blue, and 15 Taupe next!
The packaging looks nice and utilitarian but my main gripe with it is that its plastic. I don't have a great experience with plastic pots as I find they usually crack easily; I would have much preferred glass.

Swatches: Paul And Joe Eye Gloss N

[image from paul-joe-beaute.com]

These are described as having a whipped texture and a fresh cooling sensation when applied, retailing for about 25USD. They come in five shades, from fresh yellow, pale white, lavender, cool mauve and dark taupe brown. While they are shimmery [I prefer to think of it as 'pearl'], they aren't overly so [AHEM, Jill Stuart Eye Jellies], and they have cute packaging as well. I think the only downside to these is the kind of steep price tag and that they only have five colors. These are easily layerable without looking clumpy, I just didn't sheer out the big lump of product.

Swatches: Jill Stuart Jelly Eyes N

[picture from ichibankao.com]

Hi everyone! I went to the biggest department store in Kaohsiung today; they have Jill Stuart! So I swatched their new Jelly Eyes, retails for 720NTD = about 21.8 USD. Their old ones, which come in very blah pastel colors, seem to retail for cheaper, 680 NTD = about 20.7USD. I know it's only a dollar, but 40NTD can get you lunch! I think they are phasing the old ones out, and the new ones do have some repeat colors from the old line.

These come beautifully packaged, but WARNING: They are GLITTERY! The pics speak for themselves, they are so glittery / frosty...[best seen in the pics on the darker colors]. They have an awesome bouncy jelly texture that seems to be firmer than the old version, but that's the only difference I can detect [apart from the packaging].


01 diamond snow: a beautiful true white. It's not a unique color but I was definetly tempted to get this!
02 gold light: seems just to be 01 tinted with yellowy gold. Again, not unique.
03 platinum satin: I really liked this color! It's a highlighter shade, like 01, & 02, but tinted rose.
04 mint sorbet: It's slightly darker and more green than the pics show, but it's a pastel that almost all Japanese brands come out with.
05 angelic glint: Lighter than 06 but darker and more true pink than 03.
06 berry sparkle: The 'real' slightly blue medium pink of this line.
07: jewel flash: True light purple.
08 crystal sky: I love this color--it's so unique! Reminds me of Circa Plum pigment from MAC, a silvered medium purple.
09: midnight shine: You rarely see this kind of beautiful navy with silver shim--glitter. It's so unique among cream shadows.
10: Vintage decor: A beautiful shade of taupe, identical to the old 19 amethyst mauve.

Swatches: Kanebo KATE Gel Eyeshadow

[picture from ichibankao.com]

I shouldn't even bother with posting these swatches because they are CRAPPY. But it doesn't matter if I redo them or not--they'll just turn out CRAPPY again. Why are they crappy?
Because the texture! The texture of the eyeshadow gel is so bouncy and weird,the only way you can even pick up a decent amount of color is if you smoosh your finger around in it. Oh, and by the way, if you AREN'T aggressive in getting your color, all you end up with is glitter on your finger.

You can tell on these swatches, particularly PU1 and BL1 that there's one part of the swatch that's more pigmented. Yes, indeed, because that was where I actually had to get a little part of the gel disconnected from the rest in the pot to get it swatched. And it still left me with loads of glitter.
The colors that seem a bit sheerer are PU1, PK1, & BL1. [I know that in the Ichibankao pic BL1 is labelled as BG1, but the tester's sticker was BL1. Weird!]

You've been warned...however, if you do intend to test one out for yourself, they're 13$ at ichibankao and not far off that in retailing stores.

Swatches: Shiseido Integrate Prismalise Eyes Cream Eyeshadow

[image from ichibankao.com]

Shiseido Integrate is a drugstore line famous for having Angelina Jolie as it's spokesperson. They're strong selling point is their lipgloss, as, personally, I don't think anything else they sell besides lipstick and blush is worth looking at. Their cream eyeshadow was introduced last year, and retail for about 5USD and come in wand packaging. Check it out:


While they do take a bit of time to dry, and they are a little sheer once spread out, they are very good for a one color lid look.

Review: Jill Stuart Eye Jelly

I'm sure many of you had spotted the initial pictures / preview swatches of Jill Stuart Eye Jelly in Amethyst Mauve 19 many weeks [months?] ago. I mentioned then that I was on the fence about it, but I suppose I have decided to keep it, after some deliberation. And here is the full review!
First off, the packaging. Jill Stuart is famous for having ultra-cute, princessy packaging, all clear and mirrors and elaborate designs. As you can see above, Eye Jelly comes in a clear pot, embossed with 'Jill Stuart' on the side in 3 places, and is covered by a mirrored, faceted lid with a cursive J in the middle. The lid has 8 sides, but the top is cut so it looks like a jewel. Can you say pretty? Definitely an item you can leave out on your vanity. Clear labels on the bottom so you can see the color & name if you choose to store this upside down!

This is a really unique product in terms of texture. It is indeed like jelly--you can probably tell from the picture above--as it's like squishy, but firm. Weird! I really love it though. But one downside is that the formula is a bit hard to control--one little blob of jelly is ultra pigmented, and you need to blend well or it'll look goopy!

The Eye Jelly lasts well, and it doesn't crease over a full day. The one thing that's making me reach for this less is the ultra shimmer. You can see them in the swatches below. Seriously Jill Stuart, I do NOT want my lids to look like a Disco Ball! [they do anyways when I wear this!]. It would be bearable if the glitter stayed put, but it falls all over my face, mostly when I use powder shadows over this [even though it performs as a great base].

Swatches/ Comparisions:



In the last picture, you can see how the formula tends to 'goop up' at the top of the swatch. Then I sheered it out, so that's how sheer it can go.
It's good that I can layer these [even at risk of looking like I'm going clubbing...the shimmer builds up!] because I can make it look more brown [sheerer] or more taupey silver [more layers].

A note: When using these, to have most success and less wastage of product, use your fingers. And don't swipe--pat them on, or you'll be left with the glitters! And, like all Jill Stuart products [well, some of them have a fruity scent], this is scented with rose. I can't detect the smell upon application, so it vanishes quickly.

Jill Stuart Eye Jellies retail for roughly 23$USD, and come in 16 shades, with two limited edition ones for spring 2009. But they are being revamped for Summer 2009 and will then come in 10 shades. I will write a new review when I purchase the new ones, as there seems to be a rather tempting purple coming soon!

NEW: Shu Uemura CREAM EYESHADOW!

(source)
Remember that one post LONG ago about shu uemura cream eyeshadows--Europe and Asia exclusive? WELL, now, they're HERE!!!! (I'm excited!!!

Taken from above source:
"Soft-blend, waterproof cream colored eye shadows with a smooth application and multi-functional usage provides intense color pay off. The unique formula can be layered with Pressed Eye Shadow for a textured, high-impact look, applied alone for a smooth, natural finish, or blended with another shade. 9 blendable and buildable shades in two textures: MATTE: Specially selected shades by specific function for artistic needs - light & shadow control, hue and complexion control. PEARL: Light neutral shades with pearly effect, perfect for base and for usage with Pressed Eye Shadow. Silicone oils provide a comfortable glide. Long-wearing and non-creasing.


PRICE $30.00"

Comes in: Matte (M) and Pearl (P)
M Sand Brown
M Black
M White
P Taupe
P Brown 7a
P Beige
P Pink
P Light Blue
P Light Green.

30$. A little overpriced...

Click here for some swatches (!) and more in depth thoughts. I would say that the matte ones are harder (drier) than the shimmer ones, which are more creamy. All are very pigmented and don't crease. They come in a THIN pot--the lid is thicker than the pot itself, which is probably half the height of a MAC eyeshadow. It is also worth mentioning that in Asia, the product retails for ~20$--Shu is ripping you off! What the heck shu?

Beaute De Kose Esprique Precious Glamorous Glossy Eyes Swatches

These new products from Beaute De Kose Esprique Precious (wow that's a mouthful!) are NOT LE and come in five different colors. They seem to come in a dark shade, and a lighter variation of the shade. They claim to be creaseless, easy to use shadows. While I didn't buy one since the colors didn't appeal to me, I can direct you to a reviewer who I rely on a lot!

They're summer collection also includes two LE Matte Lasting Cream Liners, a pink and very beautiful aqua.
Available at Ichibankao.com for 32USD. Incredibly jacked up, but you could also search on adambeauty.com for it (probably much cheaper too).

Shu Uemura Cream Shadows

These are apparently Euro and Asia exclusive at the moment. The US site does not have these cream shadows.

About: It's not very creamy at all! It's a dry cream definetly, and you'll want to rub your finger around in it. Don't though! These babies are pigmented! They come in a flat pot, almost like Bobbi Brown's Pot Rouges but harder to open. They come in 8 regular colors; Light Blue, Green, Beige, Taupe, Black, White, Pink, & Brown. Only Black and White are matte. Compared to MAC Paint Pots, paint pots come in higher jars and are more creamy, as well as more shades. Both are kind of hard to open. They wear like iron however, and do not crease (I normally don't have a problem with this though).

Some pictures:




If you want one of these (About 20USD IIRC), Ichibankao.com does custom orders!