Bourjois Colour Edition 24 Hour Cream to Powder Eyeshadows

As part of their Christmas Collection, Bourjois released a fresh take on this seasons smokey eye with their Colour Edition 24 Hour cream to powder eyeshadows. There are six shades to choose from, but I've found myself reaching most for the three used above: The Silver shade - Merveille d'Argent*, The Plum Purple (and my personal favourite) Prune Nocturne*, and finally Pétale de Glace* - a dusky rose with mauve undertones. For £6.99, these are a steal.

I love the luminous finish these cream shadows give off, and the fact that they dry to powder gives is a major plus in the longevity stakes (perhaps not for 24 hours) -  although I do suggest using a eyeshadow primer. I found these a bit rough to begin with and recommend warming up the product with your fingertips and smooth over your lids. You can build up the colour using a fluffy eyeshadow brush - I use my MAC 217. 

Above I have used Pétale de Glace all over the lid and then softly blended Prune Nocturne into the crease, with Merveille d'Argent as a highlight by my tear duct. For a more intense night time look, I'd suggest building Prune Nocturne up some more, or using these as a base before applying powder eyeshadow on top. Prune Nocturne is the stand out shade for me with flawless pigmentation, and also works well for a warmer smokey eye using the golden shade from the range, Or Désir. 

What are your thoughts on cream eyeshadows? Will you be picking these up?

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Cream of the Crop

Over the Summer I truly became a cream convert, loving the dewy Cara D finish and multi-purpose functionality. But that doesn't have to stop now that it's autumn...

For cream blush beginners... You can't go wrong with Stila Convertible Color's - these blend in seamlessly with great colour payoff that lasts. I picked up their trio palette earlier in the year (review here), which was amazing value for money and well worth picking up. Also try out Benefit's Fine One One - a great all in one cream highlight and blush for both cheeks and lips in one simple swipe (read more about it, and other shimmer fav's, here).

On a budget? Why not give Topshop and Bourjois a go. Bloggers went mad for the Bourjois cream blushes and with good reason. I blend Shade 03 onto the apples of my cheeks using my fingertips, giving just the right amount of glow and colour and drying on like a powder. Topshop have a greater range of shades that won't break the bank, I recommened Head over Heels (swatches here). 

Luxury Purchase? I cannot fault Kevyn Aucoin Creamy Glow blush. I have the shade Liquifuschia, a bright burst of pink that translates into a rosy sheen if applied gently and can be built up for a stronger flush of colour. Again, I like to use this as a lip stain also. Perf.

Onto the eyes... I've only started to recently dabble in cream eyeshadows preferring a matte look, but with new releases from Bourjois and brightening cream shadows from Origins they're winning me over.  First off I tried and tested Maybelline 24hr Colour Tattoo's, it wasn't exactly love as they did tend to crease but the pigmentation was pretty awesome for a drugstore brand. I find using a good eyeshadow primer helps to rectify any crease issues. However, the new Bourjois 24hr cream to powder eye offerings are proving to be the pick of the bunch at the minute, but more about that later this week...

What's your favourite cream product or are you a devoted powder fan?

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Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tints For Eyes | Bronze & Brown

After hearing the Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tints (quite a mouthful!) be praised from nigh on everybody I have spoken to, I knew I had to get in on the action. I have hazel eyes and opted to road test the following selection of chocolate browns and bronze shades. From L-R: Lot's of Latte, Full of Fudge, and Ample Amber.

I teamed up the warm copper tones of Ample Amber*, swept across the lid, with Lot's of Latte in the crease. Lots o' Latte* is a warm taupe shade with a subtle golden shimmer running through it, a great shade for a neutral eye look. I can see myself getting a lot of wear out of these two during the week for work and the chubby stick form is super convenient for on the go touch ups on the morning commute. Paired up they really help to bring out the green flecks in my eyes, so I have Lots o' Love for these two.  Fuller fudge* is a richer chocolate shade that is perfect for adding more definition and transitioning the above look from day to night.

I find these chubby stick shadow tints so easy to work with, being easily blend-able even when applied straight from the stick. I tend to smudge these out with my fingers and I'm ready to go, but when adding Fuller Fudge or darker shades I find it easier to using my MAC 217 blending brush to neaten things up. The twist up lid is also a great feature, no more sharpening or wasting product! I know some have found the lasting power of these to be not so great without a primer but for day wear I've found this look to last up to six hours. On a night out I would recommend using a eyeshadow primer beforehand just to keep these from fading and also to intensify your look. These aren't the creamiest of cream shadows but these are easily buildable for your desired look.

The shade selection is beautiful, I'm eyeing up Whopping Willow and Portly Plum for my next Chubby Stick venture...

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