Audrey Dao

Urban Decay Alice in Wonderland Book of Shadows ($52) Open the palette to reveal a pop-up scene of Alice in the mushroom forest. Her “drink me” bottle discarded, she staggers past towering mushrooms, only to cross paths with a very peculiar, hookah-smoking caterpillar. A large mirror rests behind the scene – you feel as if you are transported into the film itself.

Hidden inside a secret drawer are 16 best-selling Eyeshadows, given topsy-turvy names like White Rabbit, Jabberwocky and Oraculum. Alongside them lie travel sizes of Eyeshadow Primer Potion and two 24/7 Eye Pencils. From smoky neutral eyes to flashes of hallucinogenic green and purple, the looks you can create are as endless as the rabbit hole itself. Anyone who loves Urban Decay, Tim Burton, Disney, or Alice in Wonderland absolutely MUST have this palette. Even the Mad Hatter would say this Book of Shadows delivers it all.

My Thoughts:

I own practically all the shades already so there was really no reason for me to purchase the book of shadows, but I couldn’t resist! I told myself no too! The shades are not new. They were just renamed to go with the Alice in Wonderland theme. If you own the any of the previous book of shadows, Ammo palette, and/or the Sustainable palette, you would already own the majority of the colors in this palette. Here is a chart displaying the real names of the shadows and the ones used in the Alice in Wonderland Palette.

As usual, all the shadows are great quality and perform exceptionally well. The majority of the shades are a bit shimmery, glittery. There are not many matte or semi-matte colors. It’s a great value if you don’t own the colors yet or want to try out Urban Decay eyeshadows. I wish they made new shades or limited edition shades instead of re-naming the ones that already existed.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Collector Set ($249)

What it is:
A limited-edition set of 25 Full Size Aqua Eyes Eyeliners.

What it does:
The 25 Aqua Eyes Collector Set includes the full range of 25 shades so that you can create endless eye looks. Aqua Eyes is an award-winning, waterproof, and long-lasting eye liner pencil that contains a unique formula that adheres to the eye lids and resists water—even under the most extreme conditions. Its creamy texture glides on effortlessly for precise application and intense color, and by smudging it immediately after applying to the lid, it can double as a shadow.

What else you need to know:
Shades include Aqua Eyes in Champagne 23L, Fuschia Pink 13L, Purple 11L, Black Purple 6L, Shimmering Plum 4L, Burgandy 18L, Pearly Brown 2L, Light Brown 19L, Light Taupe 24L, Bronze Green 5L, Bronze 10L, Gold 9L, Pistachio 17L, Green 16L, Forest Green 20L, Turquoise 7L, Blue With Green Highlights 12L, Majorelle Blue 15L, Iridescent Navy Blue 3L, Mat Black 0L, Star Black 1L, Dark Grey 21L, Grey 22L, Silver 8L, White 14L.

My Thoughts:

You can read about the Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes review to find out how the eyeliners perform.

This is every makeup and eyeliner addict’s dream.This reminds of the Crayola crayon boxes with 64+ colors. I know the $249 price tag is a lot to take, but if you were to buy these eyeliners individually, it would cost you $425. That is almost double the cost of this collector set. I don’t recommend buying the collector set unless you like wearing color because it would be money down the drain. A good way to cut down on the cost of this collector set is to split the cost with a friend(s). Divvy up the eyeliners. Take what you need/want. You will still be saving money.

I actually got this for myself. I know. I must be one crazy lady. I love this set. I wouldn’t have gotten it if the eyeliners were poor quality. I honestly will not have to worry about buying eyeliners for a very, very long time.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes ($17)

What it is:
A two-in-one eyeshadow and liner pencil.

What it does:
These waterproof eyeshadow and eye liner pencils contain a unique formula that adheres to the eyelids and resists water even under the most extreme conditions, without running or fading.

My Thoughts:

This is one of my favorite eyeliners. My other favorite eyeliner is Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner. Just like the 24/7 eyeliner, it is extremely long wearing. I actually think this lasts even longer. No smudges. No smears. It stays put until you remove it. It glides on very easily. No tugging. However, I think it’s not as creamy as the 24/7. When you first apply the eyeliner, you can smudge it to your liking. Once it sets, it stays. It also lasts a decent amount of time on the waterline. The colors are rich and vibrant. This is absolutely one of the best eyeliners on the market. Don’t be put off by the price. They are worth it. Once you’ve been through as many eyeliner brands as I have, you would be gladly to pay for these eyeliners.

Coastal Scents 88 Warm Palette ($24.95)

We have come up with a winner here! This is the Coastal Scents 88 Warm Palette, it is exclusive to Coastal Scents.

This palette is for everyone!  a  favorite for the professional, wedding makeup, natural photo’s, smokey eyes and more.  The huge plus about this palette is that it is toned in a way that any skin tone can wear the majority of the shades. We have combined matte with shimmer and pearls, there are 42 matte shades, the rest are shimmer/pearl.

Women of all ages and backgrounds will be able to use this palette.

Colors contained are in Silver blues, camo greens, earthy peach and stone, rich plums and so many shades of brown (everyone’s favorite!) There are plenty of highlight colors for below the brow line and inner eye that will work with any look you create.

The case has a matte surface and measures 9″ x 6.5″ (23 cm x  16.5 cm) closed, The pots are Dime Size around and contain plenty of powder for many excessive uses.

My Thoughts:

This is one of my favorite palettes. It’s perfect for day and night looks. The colors are neutral and pigmented. This palette contains a mixture of shimmer and matte eye shadows. You get the best of both worlds! You get so many colors to work with and to test and create different looks. Overall, a great buy.

Don’t be fooled by the photo or the videos on youtube. This palette is actually quite small in real life. Remember, it only measures 9″ x 6.5″ (23 cm x  16.5 cm). That is smaller than a piece of paper. The diameter of each eyeshadow is roughly the size of a dime (1.79cm). Be careful when handling the palette. It’s not very sturdy. Also, don’t use the 2 sponge tips that come with the palettes. It is rather cheap, and once you take it out, good luck getting it to snap back in.

Coastal Scents Ultra Shimmer 88 Eye Shadow Palette ($19.95)

For those of you who love shimmer shadows you will not be disappointed. These are very pigmented and offer a bit  more shimmer than the 56 piece palette.

The case has a matte surface and measures 9″ x 6.5″ (23 cm x  16.5 cm) closed, The pots are Dime Size around and contain plenty of powder for many excessive uses.

My Thoughts:

Just like the Coastal Scents 88 Color Eyeshadow Palette, I think this is a good palette for people who are just starting out or who are interested in wearing colors but don’t know where to start. It’s also a great way to figure out which colors work for you before investing in full size eyeshadows. This palette contains all shimmery eye shadows. There is a range of shimmer between each eyeshadow. Some are glittery while others just shimmer a little bit. Like the Coastal Scents 88 Color Eyeshadow Palette, the majority of the eye shadows are pigmented. There were some (less than 10) that looked a bit chalky or where just chunks of glitter. The shadows go on smoothly and are blendable. However, if you blend too much, the colors can end up looking muddy. Overall, a great buy if you love all thing shimmery.

Don’t be fooled by the photo or the videos on youtube. This palette is actually quite small in real life. Remember, it only measures 9″ x 6.5″ (23 cm x  16.5 cm). That is smaller than a piece of paper. The diameter of each eyeshadow is roughly the size of a dime (1.79cm). Be careful when handling the palette. It’s not very sturdy. Also, don’t use the 2 sponge tips that come with the palettes. It is rather cheap, and once you take it out, good luck getting it to snap back in.

Coastal Scents 88 Color Eyeshadow Palette ($18.95)

Highly pigmented shades, all shadows can also be applied wet for a deeper longer lasting effect. The compact case makes it easy for storing and traveling.

The case has a matte surface and measures 9″ x 6.5″ (23 cm x  16.5 cm) closed, The pots are Dime Size around and contain plenty of powder for many excessive uses.

The colors do not have a ton of shimmer in them if this is what you are looking for, you can always dust shimmer over top as I did in the above photo. It is nearly a 50 50 mix of matte and satin with slight shimmer.

My  Thoughts:

I think this is a good palette for people who are just starting out or who are interested in wearing colors but don’t know where to start. It’s also a great way to figure out which colors work for you before investing in full size eyeshadows. This palette contains a mixture of shimmer and matte eye shadows. You get the best of both worlds! You get so many colors to work with and to test and create different looks. The majority of the eye shadows are pigmented. There were some (less than 10) that looked a bit chalky or where just chunks of glitter. The shadows go on smoothly and are blendable. However, if you blend too much, the colors can end up looking muddy. Overall, a great buy.

Don’t be fooled by the photo or the videos on youtube. This palette is actually quite small in real life. Remember, it only measures 9″ x 6.5″ (23 cm x  16.5 cm). That is smaller than a piece of paper. The diameter of each eyeshadow is roughly the size of a dime (1.79cm). Be careful when handling the palette. It’s not very sturdy. Also, don’t use the 2 sponge tips that come with the palettes. It is rather cheap, and once you take it out, good luck getting it to snap back in.

MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil ($14.50) Waterproof. Longwearing. Metallic, shimmer and matte finishes. Smooth to apply. Won’t transfer, smudge, or budge… Draws the line: powers your eyes. Makes its point. Lasts.

My Thoughts:

I like MAC Powerpoint, but I don’t love it. It’s a waterproof pencil eyeliner that glides on very smoothly. The staying power is great and so is the pigmentation. I do have to touch up about half way through the day. The reason why I don’t love it is because you can’t really apply it to your waterline. The color doesn’t really transfer onto your waterline.

MAC Fluidline ($15) Ultra-smooth, Fluidline’s gel formula provides the precision of a liquid liner with a silkier, softer finish. Goes on “foolproof” with a brush in an easy dip-and-stroke action. Long-wearing. Smudge-proof. Lines up in a rich array of colours and finishes.

My Thoughts:

This is one of the best gel liners I have used to date. Usually gel liners will dry out within a couple months, but the Fluidline hasn’t dried out and it’s been a few (maybe several) months. It’s still soft and creamy as the first time I used it. If you want the same precision you get when you use a liquid liner but need a quicker and easier way to achieve it try this gel liner. Not only is it true to the color in the jar and long lasting, but it is very easy to apply. I didn’t experience any smudging or fading, and I have oily lids. I highly recommend Fluidline. It’s a bit expensive for a small jar, but you really don’t need to use a lot when you apply since it’s so pigmented. Just remember to screw on the lid when you’re not using it, and it won’t dry out quickly.

MAC Magic, Mirth, and Mischief 6 Sorceress Eye Shadow Palette ($36) Say “open sesame” and enjoy six bewitching new Eye Shadows: Magnetized, Altered State, White Rabbit, Edge of Dark, Hold My Gaze and Hypnotizing. The sleek, square silvery-pewter compact decorated with a whimsical pattern of coloured dots on the lid, each one representing a shade from the compact’s palette. Limited edition.

My Thoughts:

This palette was love at first sight. I mean look at the colors! It’s even more gorgeous in person. Yes, it’s small, but the colors are so pretty! The range of colors are awesome.  The shadows perform just as well as MAC individual shadows: vibrant, pigmented, and lasting. I also love the packaging. Look at it! How cute, right? It’s sleek and a bit heavy, but eye catching. This is my favorite MAC Magic, Mirth, and Mischief eyeshadow palette.

MAC Magic, Mirth, and Mischief 6 Smoke and Mirrors Eye Shadow Palette ($36) Create illusion with six new shades of Eye Shadow: Fire in Her Eyes, Black Magique, Spell No. 9, Wide-eyed Wonder, Smoke & Mirrors, and Deception. The sleek, square silvery-pewter compact decorated with a whimsical pattern of coloured dots on the lid, each one representing a shade from the compact’s palette. Limited edition.

My Thoughts:

I know. I know. How many smoky eye palettes can you have? Isn’t one enough? The answer? One is never enough! This is perfect to create the perfect warm smoky eye for the holiday season coming up. It won’t be as dramatic as black, but more softer and neutral. I can already tell this will be pretty popular with holiday weddings or weddings in general. The shadows are all pigmented and long lasting. A total must have.

MAC Magic, Mirth, and Mischief 6 Mystic Cool Eye Shadow Palette ($36) Six mystical new shades of Eye Shadow cast their spell: Cool Incantation, Shhh, Don’t Tell, Blue Enchantment, Rose Potion, Deep Secret and Violet Vow. The sleek, square silvery-pewter compact decorated with a whimsical pattern of coloured dots on the lid, each one representing a shade from the compact’s palette. Limited edition.

My Thoughts:

I admit what attracted to me the Mystic Cool Eye Shadow Palette was “Deep Secret” (dark navy/indigo) shadow. It’s gorgeous! Perfect for a smoky eye. Can you tell I’m a tad obsessed with smoky eyes? I’m predicting I will be reaching for this a lot when attending holiday parties. The color will be a lot of pop to your eyes. Again, the shadows are all pigmented and long lasting. Something you can totally depend on.

MAC Magic, Mirth, and Mischief 6 Devil May Dare Warm Eye Shadow Palette ($36) To reflect the devil in you, six new daring, warm-toned shades: Dare Ya, Devilishly Dark, Oh My Darling, Prankster, Sorcery and Gold Tease. The sleek, square silvery-pewter compact decorated with a whimsical pattern of coloured dots on the lid, each one representing a shade from the compact’s palette. Limited edition.

My Thoughts:

I have to admit I was hesitant to get this, because I have quite a number of shadows and palettes that are warm colors. I got it anyways, because I figured I have the others so might as well complete the set or it will nag/bother me. The colors didn’t really jump out at me, but that doesn’t mean the palette isn’t good. It is just as great as the other palettes in the collection. For me, this will be more of a day-at-the-office palette for the fall and winter seasons.

(Photos from Makeup For Life)

Benefit Velvet Eyeshadow ($18) These velvet eyeshadows glide on light as a feather & the gorgeous shades look fabulous on everyone! Glide on bare lids for a dose of sheer, velvety color or layer over creaseless cream shadows for even richer color.

My Thoughts:

I love these eye shadows. All the colors are so gorgeous and the staying power is awesome. They are pigmented and very easy to blend. I can’t get over how smoothly they go on. Velvety smooth.  If you’re worried about the shimmer, it is very subtle. Sort of like a sheen. Creasing? Doesn’t exist. It lasted through a hot, sweaty California summer day. These shadows are perfect for daytime. At night, you can use these as a highlighter. I highly, highly recommend these shadows.