Chanel Prelude Swatches, Review, and EOTD

With flash but more accurate of the color depiction 

With no flash 

Starting from the top of the quad working clockwise

This quad is so stunningly beautiful with such simplistic colors that are classic and always in vogue (just like a Chanel handbag). I personally love beige, gray, and mauve-ish taupes, that this quad is right up my alley. I had read that this quad had been described by some as "blah", "boring", and "nothing special", I began having second thoughts about ordering this sight unseen. Personally, I think those descriptions are really off base. Yes, these are not the most original colors by any stretch of the imagination, but in its simplicity lies the beauty.

I don't have the heart to swatch this yet but rest assured when I have time, I'll swatch it and post an EOTD with Prelude as the main attraction. I then can give a further review on pigmentation, blendability, and staying power. For now if you were debating over whether you need this Chanel quad in your life - my take on it? An unequivocal YES!!!

*edit*

 I added a picture of the swatch which is taken in direct light to best capture the shimmer. I also added an EOTD picture to show how different the swatch on my arm looks vs. my eyes. I hope these pictures come in handy to someone who is debating over whether to make Prelude theirs! I wore Prelude over my MAC paint pot in Bare Study and had no problems with color fading. Like most Chanel eye shadows they blended really well and the pigmentation was excellent, no fallout with these shades! 

Giorgio Armani's Eyes To Kill in Champagne #08 Swatch and Review

Well, ever since I picked up one of these amazing eye shadows, I knew I needed more. I finally made it to the counter yesterday and after looking at the testers, settled on Champagne (#08).

Champagne is probably the most natural one of the 15 shades offered and is perfect for a natural daytime look. I love how shimmery these shadows are and yet it does not come off in a juvenile way whatsoever.

These shadows are so silky and even though they have a creamy texture they are more like powder shadows. The Armani sales associates recommended putting on a base first and then the shadow to give the shadows something to adhere to and to also prevent fallout since these shadows are shimmery!

The champagne color is closer to a rose gold with silvery undertones.  I noticed this particular shadow did not have the staying power that Pulp Fiction (#04) had (see my review on it here), but I also didn't wear it with a base. Next time, I will wear this over my MAC Painterly pot and see if I notice a marked difference. I also want to experiment and wear this particular one wet to see if it comes across as more dramatic, more intense looking.

I don't need a shadow to last 12 hours on me. I've always been the type that likes to wash her face as soon as I am home, it feels great to let my skin breathe after wearing makeup all day. I'm happy with 6-8 hours of staying power. I did notice that when I was washing my arm with soap and water to get rid of the swatch that the swatch faded quite easily, especially compared to Pulp Fiction (#04).

Retails for $32.00USD and can be purchased from high-end retailers everywhere (Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, etc.) and found online at http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty.com/ .

Not in direct sun

In direct sun

Not in direct sun

In direct sun

It comes with this stomper to help contain the shadow

Which Eyes To Kill Silk Eye Shadow is your favorite?

Sneak Peak

Here is a picture showcasing some of the goodies that I will be reviewing in the next week. I hope this picture whets your appetite! I'm excited to try my first Rouge Bunny Rouge eye shadow, and Becca nail polish sent by the fabulous Jane at Modesty Brown. I am also excited to use my Le Metier De Beaute brushes as they are made from high quality materials.

Have a fabulous extended weekend for all those stateside. To all my international readers have a great weekend!