I will start off by saying that it is my two year wedding anniversary today and because it falls on a Monday, my husband and I decided to celebrate Sunday night with dinner. Seeing as how I had intended to create a Halloween look, but it needed to be appropriate enough to be seen in public at a respectable venue. So, out of the literal bucket (photo) of Halloween goodies I was sent from Hard Candy, I pulled out the Top Ten Eyeshadow Palette in Naturally Gorgeous*($6.98 CDN) and decided that the shades in here would be restaurant AND hubby approved!
All swatches are done without any primer so you can see that the pigmentation for a $6 makeup palette are pretty awesome! They don't feel that buttery to the touch in the pan, but apply wonderfully. I should note that all 10 shades are shimmery in finish.
I guess the Halloween aspect of this whole endeavour are the lips as I decided to try the Hard Candy Fierce Effects Daring Lip Gloss in Black Rose* ($4.98 CDN), which is a watery black/purple shiny gloss that actually leaves a purple/pink stain behind on the lips. I have three coats on as it is quite subtle on the lips though it appears opaque in the tube.
GET THE LOOK!
MAC Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation in NC35*
Brows:
Dior Diorshow Universal Brow Styler in #002 Universal Dark Brown*
Eyes:
Apply Eyes the Limit Long Wear Eyeshadow Primer* followed by the second shade of the Top Ten Eyeshadow Palette*, which I am using as a highlight, to the inner corner and first third of the eyelid.
Apply the sixth second, a dark brown to the middle of the lid.
Apply the third and darkest shade in the palette (right at the end) in the outer crease and blend into upper and lower lash lines. Using a smudgebrush, line lower lash line with shades highlight + dark brown. Apply first highlight shade in a “C-shape” to the inner corners of the eyes.
Line lower lash line with Take Me Out Liner in Soy* and finish off with three coats of 1000 Lashes Mascara in Midnight Black*.
Add your favourite criss-cross false lashes. I'm using a Korean brand with the only English words being "Secret Star Girl"
Cheeks:
Sephora + Pantone Universe Shimmering Marsala Cheek Trio
Lips:
Hard Candy Fierce Effects Lip Gloss in Black Rose*
Final verdict: For $6, the range of neutrals in the palette is outstanding! Pigmentation and wear time were comparable to that of the "big guys" and I can see myself reaching for this palette as often as my $60 palettes! I reviewed another Hard Candy neutrals palette (here) and if I had to choose, I would actually choose the latter ONLY because when I am faced with many eyehadow shades at once, I like some ideas for what to do with the colours. As for the quality and value of this palette, just go get it. If you love shimmers, this will give you much to experiment with!
Hard Candy products are available at Walmart and www.walmart.ca
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