As an Indian / South Asian Female, I have such difficulty when finding eyeshadow palettes because many things in the market are directed towards fair skin and it is frustrating to find colors that not only match the color of our eyes, but also compliments our skin tones.
So I wanted to do reviews on two palettes that I purchased from Sephora. They are from the Kat Von D collection: Beethoven and Ludwig.
First off, these palette comes with 2 double sided brushes but I don't use these brushes since they don't seem to pack enough pigment because they are on the thinner side. I like to use either sponge applicators or densly packed bristles on eyeshadow brushs.
I apply both of these palettes without an eye primer, but in place of that, I use a concealer. The reason for that is because South Asian women tend to have darker eye lids. So a concealer will wipe out that color and make the eyeshadows true to color as it appears on the back of your hand.
Even without a primer, I don't have any problems with creasing. These are very long wearing eye shadows despite my oily lids. They do not budge off my lids even with intense heat and humidity. Pigmentation is amazing. It has a great color pay off which I have a hard time finding with eyeshadow colors. Both of these palettes has a mix of shimmery and matte colors. Also both come with a matte black and a matte chocolate brown color which I love since if I am packing for travel, I don't have to take too many eyeshadow palettes with me. I will just end up taking one of these and it has enough versatility.
These retail for $34 at Sephora. I was lucky enough to pick them up on sale for $24 a piece so thats $3 a color! I have never faced fall out with these shadows. But make sure, you tap of the excess on your applicator before applying on your lids.
Beethoven:
Swatches:
This is a palette of 8 colors that comprise mainly cool basic colors. These are your essential colors that enhance an everyday look but can also be used as the basis of more extravagant looks for those special occasions.
Swatches:
Ludwig:
Ludwig is by far my favorite palette out of all that I own. These comprise of manily warm basic colors. I use this palette on an everday simple look to just give my eyes a more soft spoken look.
The only problem I really have with these palettes is that I wish there were less shimmery colors and more matte colors. Other than that, I love this brand of eyeshadows since they look lovely on tan skin!
Picture after applying.
Few weeks ago, I went to my local Nordstroms because I wanted to pick up some cosmetic products. After purchasing some products, I asked for a sample of two foundations, one of them being the DiorSkin Forever Extreme Wear Flawless Foundation SPF 25 in shade #40. After trying it under various conditions, here are my thoughts on this:
Cons:
-Price
-Lack of Oil Control
Pros:
-Packaging
-Coverage
-No Oxidation
-Color Selection
-Finish
-Long Wearing
-SPF
-Compatible with Flash Photography
First off, the price of this luxurious foundation is $46. So a little more expensive than the Lancome Teint Idole Ultra for the same size bottle. This is a high price to pay for a foundation, but given the results, I think you will be able to decide if it is worth the splurge for you or not. The only other problem I have with this foundation is the lack of oil control. However, all foundations on my skin do nothing to control my oily skin, but, the DiorSkin Forever Extreme Wear (DSFE) does the best out of all foundations I have tried, to keep the oil off my face for as long as possible. Normally, I have to blot like every 2 hours on a hot summer day. With the DSFE, I can go upto 4 hours without retouching (for me, it is a savior so far). So not a miracle worker by any means, as I would LOVE one in which I can go a whole day without blotting. However, as of now, that seems like an unrealistic expectation.
The packaging is a gorgeous bottle with a saphire blue cover that has stonework accross the border. So for the price, it definitely looks sleek and elegant, as it should. It also comes with a pump which is great to control wastage and bacteria contamination. The coverage is medium buildable. So for the most part, if you have decent skin, you will more than likely not need another concealer except for your normal under eye concealer.
Initially, this color runs lighter than it looks. The color I have looks like 1-2 shades darker than it actually is once blended into the skin. Then, it just becomes part of my skin, while enhancing it. Also, this is the only foundation I have tried so far, that doesn't oxidize on my skin. It stays true to color all day long! This foundation has an SPF of 25 so its great for summer. Also, unlike most SPF foundations, this one doesn't photography white, so it is perfect for flash photography. This is a perfect summer foundation as it is mattifying and is extremely long wearing. I have ridiculously oily skin, and this keeps the shine on my face to a minimum.
I would rate this as a 4.5 only because of price and that it doesn't stay matte all day so I do have to blot twice during an 8-12 hour day.
Love you all!
Harsimran