Tag: MAC

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Powder Eye Shadow

Product:  Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow.  Still searching for the perfect colors for a dramatic smoky-eye makeup look?  Lancôme has some great colors such as, Drape, It List, Riviera and The New Black.

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars – Very Good

Cost: $21.00 each (.42 oz.) ($50 per ounce)  Price Category: Expensive

Cost: $21.00 each (.20 oz.) ($105 per ounce)  Price Category: Expensive

Sold By: LancômeUSA; Dillard’s; Macy’s; Nordstrom; Major Department Stores.

Container:  Plastic container with swing-out lid, outer carton.

Description: Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow is a highly-pigmented powdered eye shadow with a nice silky finish.  You can also get palettes with several colors, but I’m only focusing on the single shadows today.  The shadows do not come with any type of applicator.  You do not need a separate eye makeup remover to take this off; it will come off with any standard facial cleanser.

Sensitivity:  Unlike most Lancôme products that are loaded with perfume, Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow is a fragrance-free product and is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow does not make my nose run, eyes water, turn red or burn.  I have never experienced any sensitivities from using this eye shadow and I have never had any complaints from clients or testers.

Company Claims:  “Make a statement with these shadow singles designed by Lancôme Global makeup artists. Available in a variety of chic shades and finishes—from shimmer to sheen and metallic to matte—to complement every wardrobe. Lancôme’s Micro-aired technology promises effortless application and smooth-gliding color that’s beautifully blendable. The long-lasting, pigment-packed color stays true for daylong wear.”

“Benefits:

  • Color glides on smoothly and blends easily for a professional finish every time.
  • Color stays true and looks beautiful all day.

Technology:

  • Micro-aired powder
  • Ergonomically designed slide compact with see-through cover”

Discussion:  While not my favorite eye shadow, Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow is a close second to MAC and also has a lot of options available.

Colors:  Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow comes in 73 colors.  I decided to feature four that closely correspond to the MAC colors I previously reviewed that I typically use for smoky-eye looks.   These four colors are:

  • Drape (White) (Shimmer)
  • It List (Black) (Matte)
  • Riviera (Medium Grey) (Shimmer)
  • The New Black (Black) (Metallic)

Finishes:  Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow comes in four finishes ranging from a flat dull finish to a sparkly shine:

  • Matte
  • Satin
  • Shimmer
  • Metallic

Morning Review:  I suggest using a base medium or a primer under powdered eye shadows.  When you use a primer the colors will be a little more intense just like when you wet them and will last longer without fading or flaking.  If you do not use primer, the colors will not be as vibrant or deep and the finish will be softer.

I would say that the texture of the Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow is a little silkier and smoother than MAC.  It has a lighter feel to it when applying it to the eyelid.  You can layer these shadows for greater intensity.  I would not say that this is a positive or a negative trait; it is simply a little different.

If you want your smoky eye look to be suitable for daytime or on the subtle side, begin with the lightest shades and work your way to the darkest shades.  If you are going for a full-on glamorous dramatic look, then begin with the darkest shades and blend the lighter shades in.

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow glides on easily and does not tug or pull.  For this classic smoky look, I applied Drape on the inner corner and just under the tear duct. I put Riviera on the upper eyelid up to the crease line.  I then added The New Black onto the brow bone and under the lower lashes.  I then finished with It List at the outer corner.  You will see that this look has a slightly more shimmery effect than the MAC look.  That is because Lancôme does not make a matte white shadow.  The makeup was completed with eyeliner, mascara and false lashes.

Evening Review:  After many hours the Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadows have not faded, creased, or flaked and still look good without the need for any touch ups.

Overall Review:  Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow offers professional results and is easy to use.

Pros: 

  • Performance – Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow performs very well.  It has great staying power and is easy to blend.
  • Finish – If you like a more natural or sheer look, you may prefer these over MAC.

Cons:

  • Price – Each time I buy these shadows, the price goes up and the amount of product goes down, so they are getting more and more expensive.
  • Amount of Product – A few years ago this same shadow was called Color Focus and had .80 ounces. Then it went to .42 ounces and I recently only got .20 ounce in one color.  (See photos below for examples)  These are far too expensive for me to use on clients.  You will note that Lancôme no longer lists how much product is contained in these eye shadows on their website.  I even sent an email to customer service to find out if all of the eye shadow colors are now only going to have .20 ounces in them and was told they would have to research my question and get back to me!
  • Packaging – Also, rather than having a bunch of little containers, I prefer to put eye shadows in my own professional palette and I cannot do that with these.

Appropriate for the Following Users:  Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow is suitable for the following users:

  • All users

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars = Very Good.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Drape

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Drape

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Drape

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Drape

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Riviera

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Riviera

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Riviera

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Riviera

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow It List

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow It List

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow It List

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow It List

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow The New Black

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow The New Black

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow The New Black

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow The New Black

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow The New Black Package

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow The New Black Package

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow The New Black Reverse

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow The New Black Reverse

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow The New Black WithBox

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow The New Black With Box

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Old Box With More Product

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Old Box With More Product

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow New Box With Even Less Product

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow New Box With Even Less Product

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Colors

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Colors

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Smoky Makeup

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Smoky Makeup

Ingredients: TALC, MAGNESIUM STEARATE, TRIISOSTEARIN, PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, NYLON-12, CALCIUM ALUMINUM BOROSILICATE, CALCIUM SODIUM BOROSILICATE, DIMETHICONE, SILICA, TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, ALUMINA, SYNTHETIC WAX, POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE, CETYL DIMETHICONE, ISOBUTYLPARABEN, METHYLPARABEN, PHENOXYETHANOL, PROPYLPARABEN, ETHYLPARABEN, BUTYLPARABEN.

May Contain (Depending upon color and/or finish): CI 19140/YELLOW 5 LAKE, CI 42090/BLUE 1 LAKE, CI 75470/CARMINE, CI 77000/ALUMINUM POWDER, CI 77007/ULTRAMARINES, CI 77163/BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE, CI 77288/CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS, CI 77289/CHROMIUM HYDROXIDE GREEN, CI 77510/FERRIC AMMONIUM FERROCYANIDE, CI 77510/FERRIC FERROCYANIDE, CI 77742/MANGANESE VIOLET, CI 77891/TITANIUM DIOXIDE, CI 77947/ZINC OXIDE, MICA.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer

Product:  Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer.  Is this the best eye primer to keep your makeup from fading or melting?

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars – Very Good

Cost: $20.00 (.39 fl. oz.) ($51.28 per ounce)  Price Category: Expensive

Sold By: Sephora; Ulta.

Container: Plastic squeeze tube with outer twist-off cap, outer carton.

Most eye primers come in glass tubes with wands like lip gloss.  I don’t buy those because once you touch the wand to skin the product is contaminated and there is a lot of wasted product that you can’t get out of the inflexible glass tube.  I prefer the packaging of this Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer.  The flexible plastic tube limits air exposure, contamination and allows you to squeeze out every last drop so there is no waste.

Description:  Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer is a fragrance-free primer that is intended to be used under powdered eye shadows.

Tarte is known for their products that are primarily made from Amazonian clay.  Their tagline is “high-performance naturals”.  I first became interested in this brand because they are environmentally and animal friendly.  As an added bonus, most of their products also perform quite well, some better than others.

Sensitivity:  Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer is a fragrance-free product and is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer does not make my nose run, eyes water, turn red or burn.  I have never experienced any sensitivities from using this eye primer and I have never had any complaints from the numerous clients I have used this on.

Company Claims:  “This primer acts as a smudge-proof base for shadow while preventing fallout and migration of color. The universal shade glides on easily and powers through the day into the evening for 12 hours of perfect wear.”  and

“360 Degree Creaseless can be used as both a shadow primer and under eye base to smooth areas around the eye giving you a seamless application and all around 360 degree eye solutions.”

“Key Claims and Benefits:

  • Waterproof 12-hour wear
  • Dermatologist tested
  • Enriched with Vitamin E”

Discussion:  Should you bother with an eye shadow primer?  Will it really make in any difference in the way the eye makeup looks or in how long the eye makeup will stay on?  Yes, most definitely.  This is especially important for anyone with oily eyelids where makeup will melt off within an hour.  An eye shadow primer will intensify the color of the shadow, make the application appear smoother, and add longevity to the makeup look.

Eye primers are not thick like eye gel creams, or concealers.  The consistency is closer to a lotion or thick serum.  Most are tinted to match your skin, some have a pearly nacreous luster, and some are shimmery and glittery.  I prefer primers that disappear but leave a texture that acts like a two-sided piece of tape: the primer adheres to eyelids while keeping the eye makeup on top from fading or maneuvering into your eyelid crease.  A good eye primer can replace a concealer over the lid and even out skin tone and texture.

Colors:  Unlike other eye primers, Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer only comes in one color.  I have used this on fair-skinned to dark-skinned clients.  It works for all skin tones.

Morning Review:  Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer is a white- colored cream that has no color once it is applied onto the eyelid.  Most eye primers are flesh-toned like Caucasian skin.  Since I apply makeup to all races, I prefer a product that is colorless.  The other benefit to a colorless product is that it will not alter the color of the eye shadows that are being applied on top of it.

The primer has no fragrance and simply has a light chemical smell that completely disappears once the product dries.  I don’t experience any adverse effects from the scent.  A drop of about 1/8 teaspoon is enough for both eyes.  This product actually works best if you do not use too much.  I always let the primer set for at least 60 seconds before applying shadows.  Usually I just apply the primer, do my brows, and then go back to the eyes to give the primer a chance to dry.  Once it dries, the skin on my eyelids actually looks a feels smoother.  It dries to a slightly powdery finish, so this is only good under powdered eye shadows.  Don’t try to use this under a cream or gel eye shadow or it will cause streaking.

This is the primer that I used under the MAC Powder Eye Shadows that I recently reviewed.  You can take a look at that review if you want to see the colors I used.

Evening Review:  Many hours later my eye makeup still looks perfect and nothing has faded, melted, flaked, or settled into the crease of my eyes.  Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer definitely makes a difference in how long eye makeup will stay on without the need for touch-ups.

Overall Review:  I have tried dozens of eye primers ranging in price from $1 to $78 and this is the one I prefer to use.  This one outperforms all of the other eye primers I have tested.  I have used this on young girls with very oily skin and elderly clients with very dry skin and it has proven effective with all skin types.

Pros:  Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer has a lot of good qualities:

  • Professional quality performace
  • Works great with powdered eye shadows
  • No sensitivity issues
  • Works effectively on all skin types from very oily to very dry
  • Packaging system keeps product sanitary and allows full usage of the contents
  • Good for all skin types

Cons:

  • This is not good to use under cream eye shadows.
  • I have a difficult time finding this product in stock and have to order it online.

Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer is suitable for the following users:

  • All users

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars = Very Good.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer Package

Eye Shadow With and Without Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer

Eye Shadow Without and With Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer

Eye Shadow Over Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer

Eye Shadow Over Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer

Eye Shadow Over Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer

Eye Shadow Over Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer

Ingredients: Isododecane, Mica, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone, Propylene Carbonate, Cera Alba/Beeswax/ Cire D’abeille, PEG-40 Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Phenoxyethanol, Boron Nitride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).
Formulated Without:  Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, GMOs, Triclosan.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

MAC Powder Eye Shadow

Product:  MAC Powder Eye Shadow.  Do you need the perfect colors for a smoky-eye makeup look?  Today we’ll take a look at M-A-C Black-Tied, Carbon, Gesso and Knight Divine eye shadows.

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.75 Stars – Very Good to Excellent

Cost: $6.00 by itself (.05 oz.) ($120 per ounce)  Price Category: Mid-range

Cost: $16.00 in package (.04 oz.) ($400 per ounce)  Price Category: Expensive

Sold By: MAC Cosmetics; Dillard’s; Macy’s; Nordstrom; Major Department Stores.

Container: Either a separate metal pan that you place into your own palette or a standard eye shadow in a plastic container with an attached flip-top lid and outer box.

Description:  MAC, also known as M-A-C (which stands for Make-up-Art-Cosmetics) is owned by the cosmetics giant, Estée Lauder.  This is a mid-range to high-end brand that is frequently counterfeited so be sure to purchase your MAC products from a reputable retailer.  MAC was originally developed for makeup professionals and was not intended to be a retail brand, but it is now one of the largest retail makeup brands in the world.

MAC Powder Eye Shadow is a highly-pigmented powdered eye shadow that comes in separate metal pans that you can add to your own case or you can buy the colors separately in a little plastic case.  The case will cost you an extra $10 each.  The eye shadow does not come with an applicator and you will need your own brush.  You do not need a separate eye makeup remover to take this off.

Sensitivity:  MAC Powder Eye Shadow is a fragrance-free product and is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

MAC Powder Eye Shadow does not make my nose run, eyes water, turn red or burn.  I have never experienced any sensitivities from using this eye shadow and I have never had any complaints from the hundreds of clients I have used this on.

Company Claims:  “Highly pigmented powder. Applies evenly, blends well. Can be used wet or dry. Available in a wide variety of textures and finishes.”

“Key Claims and Benefits:

  • Dermatologist tested
  • Ophthalmologist tested
  • Non-acnegenic
  • Safe for contact lens wearers
  • Can be used wet or dry”

Discussion:  I have been using MAC Powder Eye Shadow for most of my career, which spans decades.  Because of all of the available options with these shadows, you are only limited by your own imagination and creativity.

Colors:  MAC Powder Eye Shadow comes in every color of the rainbow.  There are too many colors to count, so I decided to simply feature four that I typically use for smoky-eye looks.  Today I am discussing four colors from the Grey + Black color spectrum.  These colors are:

  • Black Tied (Velvet)
  • Carbon (Matte)
  • Gesso (Matte)
  • Knight Divine (Veluxe Pearl)

Finishes:  Not only do MAC Powder Eye Shadows come in every conceivable color, but they also come in a variety of finishes from a dull non-reflective Matte2 to a super-shiny frost they call Lustre.  Here is the array of finishes:

  • F: Frost. An iridescent shine that adds a highlight to any color.
  • L: Lustre. Smoothly pearlized and intensely frosted with a deluxe ultrafine conditioned finish.
  • M: Matte. High-color payoff with a no-shine matte finish.
  • M2: Matte2. An intense, opaque-matte finish with exceptionally rich color payoff.
  • S: Satin. Pure color in a satin-style finish with a soft, subtle, nonfrost, light-refractive sheen.
  • VLX: Veluxe. A superfine, pigment rich and very luxe finish that is silky, smooth and matte.
  • VP: Veluxe Pearl. Vibrantly toned, velvety soft, shimmering metallic finish overlaid with high-shine pearl.
  • V: Velvet. A soft-look finish with high-color intensity and a plush, velvety look and feel. Some Velvet finish colors also contain metallic shimmers that are slightly less shiny than the Frost finish.

Morning Review:  Today I’m going to apply the MAC Powder Eye Shadows over a primer.  When you use a primer the colors will be a little more intense and will have more staying power.  If you do not use primer, the colors will not be as vibrant or deep and the finish will be a little more sheer.

To prevent contamination I never touch my fingers to my eye shadows and only use a freshly-sterilized brush or disposable foam applicator.  If you want an intense concentration of color, you can wet your brush with sterile eye drops first.  Any wet areas should be applied last.

For the daytime look, I applied Gesso on the inner corner, just under the eye and on the brow bone underneath the eyebrow as a highlighter. I put Knight Divine on the upper eyelid up to the crease line, and added a little Carbon at the outer corner and under the lower lashes.  I then finished the rest of the eye makeup using several other products (gel eyeliner, mascara, lashes, brow products, etc.)  For a slightly more dramatic evening look I added Black Tied on the upper eyelid, a little more Carbon in the crease, and a heavier cat-eye liner.

Evening Review:  After many hours the MAC Powder Eye Shadows have not faded, creased, or flaked and still look good without the need for any touch ups.

Overall Review:

Pros:  MAC Powder Eye Shadow is a staple for many professional makeup artists like myself.  We use these eye shadows because they perform well and there are so many options available.  Yes, they cost more than some brands, but they aren’t expensive if you have your own container to put them in.  A little goes a long way and they last a long time.

Cons:  It is too bad that this is one of the most counterfeited products in the marketplace.  A lot of people sell fake products, so if you bought this from an auction site or reseller and did not like it, chances are you did not get the real thing.

MAC Powder Eye Shadow is suitable for the following users:

  • All users

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.75 Stars = Very Good to Excellent.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Black Tied

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Black Tied

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Carbon

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Carbon

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Knight Divine

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Knight Divine

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Gesso

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Gesso

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Black Tied Package

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Black Tied Package

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Black Tied Box

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Black Tied Box

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Daytime Look

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Evening Look

MAC Powder Eye Shadow Evening Look

Ingredients:  Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Silica, Mica.

May Contain:  The following compounds are coloring agents and may be present, depending on the particular shade of eyeshadow you have chosen: titanium dioxide (Cl 77891), iron oxides (Cl 77491, Cl 77492, Cl 77499), bismuth oxychloride (Cl 77163), blue 1 lake (Cl 42090), carmine (Cl 75470), chromium hydroxide green (Cl 77289), chromium oxide greens (Cl 77288), ferric ferrocyanide (Cl 77510), manganese violet (Cl 77742), red 40 lake (Cl 16035), ultramarines (Cl 77007), yellow 5 lake (Cl 19140).

 Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.