Tried and tested: products to make your eyes pop
This khol has the same twist-and-sharpen cap mechanism as Smashbox’s Always Sharp Lip Liner, so the tip is easily prepped for precise application. The cream formula is reliably waterproof and does not drag on the skin. The colour pigment is consistent and comes in eight shades, including a nude that brightens tired eyes far more naturally than white kohl.
This liner is a nice gel-cream that’s easy to blend and creates a strong line of colour. The price is great. The short-handled brush makes the bottle a good size for your handbag but is not so helpful with controlling application. The formula takes a while to set and is not completely waterproof or even smudge-proof, though you will need a silicone-based cleanser to remove what remains at the end of the day.
This liner is popular with makeup artists for its broad range of colours and finishes. It is a safe solution for those who worry that shimmery eye makeup is aging but still like the look. The formula dries quickly. 24/7 is truly waterproof and many shades have iridescent particles, so have a good waterproof cleanser on hand for thorough removal.
This twist-up pencil requires no sharpening and imparts a rich colour through both thick and thin lines. The price is great and the formula is long-wearing without fading or flaking. Unfortunately, my eyes felt quite irritated as the day progressed. Removal was especially time-consuming.
WATERPROOF EYE SHADOW
This paint dries very fast so be prepared to blend quickly and wipe your brush right away to prevent bristles clumping. Happily, the shadow gives no other cause for complaint. The formula is consistent, long-wearing, and comfortable. The shade range includes classic, rainbow, and metallic shades. They all stay put all day without fading, creasing or flaking.
****
This is a highly durable gel-cream. The texture is particular good for creating smoky eyes. The first layer goes on quite sheer but an extra pat along the contour or a second layer creates intense colour. The shade range is classic but all options have either a pearlescent or metallic finish. The iridescent particles in the shimmery shades may highlight wrinkles.
****
This is my favourite long-wear cream shadow, though I know the metallic finish on all 12 shades won’t appeal to everyone. It may also accentuate wrinkles. On the upside, it is non-glittery and subtle enough for daywear. The formula is silky, light and truly waterproof. Dabbed carefully on the centre or inner corner of the lids, the lighter shades (Riches and Topaz) make eyes appear rounder and brighter.
*****
Aqua Matic takes Best Buy from the Smashbox shadow only because of its more diverse choice of finishes, which ranges from matte to pearlescent. The two brands have otherwise created a similar product: creamy, budge-proof, and easily blended. Shade S-52 (peachy nude) and ME-50 (golden taupe), are wonderful on porcelain skin.
*****
CONTOURING KITS
Laura Mercier’s contouring palette has a subtle highlighter and four bronzers. This is a single product with options for light, medium and dark skin in the same palette, so if a shade doesn’t suit you it is a waste of space and money. You could use those that don’t flatter your complexion as a cream shadow but the formula is quite emollient and will likely need regular touch ups if worn around the eyes.
****
Contouring can be an art form and Anastasia’s bumper kit is perfect for those who enjoy experimenting. Available in three palettes of six shades, the creamy bronzes, blushes and highlighters feel silky and lightweight. The colours in the “Light” option all flatter porcelain-to-light skin, so nothing goes to waste.
*****
This is a great palette for ladies who want to shade, highlight, and go. The creams are lightweight, long-wearing, and easily blended. The four-shade range has a duo tol flatter all. Shade 1 is perfect for porcelain skin. The darker palettes have golden illuminators.
*****
This palette’s powder bronzer and highlighter are both quite deep and Fuschia doesn’t offer shade variations. The matte bronzer is great for sculpting medium skin-tones but it is hard to imagine the biscuit-coloured highlighter achieving subtle results on any complexion, despite its pearlescent particles.
***
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