Giorgio Armani: Eyes to Kill Quad Shimmers (#10 Mirage)

I have been lusting over this palette for a while, and now I have it I have to say it was worth the splurge. And it was a big splurge, Armani makeup isn't cheap. It was around 55 euros and I got it from an Armani counter in Belgium when I was on holidays. 

 The packaging is super pretty, it has a futuristic feel, like all the Armani makeup. It has a magnetic closure. The only downside is that it shows fingerprints and all the dirt.  

The palette is neutral-warm toned. It is also very summer appropriate.
Shade #1: This is a pretty light pink with golden sheen. It's very buttery and applies like a dream.
Shade #2: This is the lightest shade in the palette and it's a golden-beige. It could also be described as a champagne color. I like this shade the most. It is the most stunning color in my collection. It almost melts into your skin and gives the most amazing effect.
Shade #3: This is a light copper shade, in the natural light you can see some silver sparks in it, but on the skin it just looks glowy and beautiful. Like all the other shades in this palette it has a golden sheen and warm undertone.
Shade #4: This is the darkest shade in the palette. It is a brown with golden sheen. This is also very nice. I like it as a liner as well. It is very pigmented and it's not your typical definition shade. It's special and very beautiful.

This palette contains some of the prettiest eyeshadow I've ever seen. All of them have buttery, almost creamy texture that is super easy to blend and work with. The are all everyday shadows, but you can create some drama with them too. They are very pigmented and blend into skin like a dream. In natural light they look pretty, but in the sunlight they look amazing, because sunshine shows golden sheen they have. I would highly recommend this palette.

Comparisons:

 I tried to find some comparisons for the Armani palette and I found quite few. I guess this kind of colors are right up my alley.

Shade #1: I compared this peachy-pink shade to infamous "All that glitters" from MAC. It turned out they were very similar, but the MAC one is more golden and a bit more peachy. I also swatched the pinky shade from Ahambra duo from Nars and it was lighter, almost in between of pink and champagne color from Armani.
Shade #2: I only compared it with the lightest shade from YSL quad, but the Armani one is more golden toned and more pigmented.
Shade #3: I was sure the copper shade from Alhambra duo would be similar, but it was darker and more coppery. 
Shade #4: I compared it to two darkest shades from YSL "Classy" quad, and it turned out that the Armani one has an almost olive (khaki) undertone. You can see the amazing golden sheen.

In the end I found some similar color, non of them is the exact dupe, but they are pretty close.

Here is the last photo of all comparisons  in strong sunlight.

Chanel Illusion d'Ombre (#82 Emerveille) vs. Giorgio Armani Eyes to kill (#8 Champagne)

Since I adore cream eyeshadows, I decided to do a small comparison between two of my favorite ones. It's between:
- Chanel's Illusion d'Ombre Long-Wear Luminous Eyeshadow in #82 Emerveille (28€/$36.00 for 4g/0.14 oz.) and
- Giorgio Armani's Eyes to Kill Intense Eyeshadow in #8 Champagne (30€/33$ for 4g/0.14 oz.).
They are both a bit pricey, but worth every penny.

a) Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in Emerveille:

This is a potted cream-gel eyeshadow that comes with a small capped angled brush. It's in a peachy, luminous shimmering color that looks very flattering on skin. The texture is very boucy with a squishy texture. It's very smooth and glides on skin like heaven. The best application for a natural look is by fingers but if you want a more intense application, use the brush that comes with it. It's super easy to use and looks amazing on all skin-tones. The lasting power is amazing, it lasted on me for the whole day of shopping which is impressive. It didn't smudge.

b) Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill in Champagne:

This is also an eyeshadow, but the texture is extremely different. It's a hybrid between powder and cream. It's not that moisturizing as the Chanel one, but it will last longer. The color is so intense! And the best quality is the multi-dimensional effect of every color. It creates a metallic, almost wet look that will blow your mind. With just one application! Incredible! It doesn't crease, flake or slide off your eyelids for a very long time. Definitely for a whole day. I like to apply it with my fingers. It blends nicely and it has a velvety finish.

Color of these eyeshadows are quite different. The Chanel one is very peachy, with slight pearly shimmer. It's lovely. The Giorgio Armani eyeshadow is more of a cool toned pink with blue undertones. It has a metallic finish that leans more silver. The GA is more intense, but they are both beautiful.

COMPARISON:
The main difference between this two products is in texture. They are both smooth and super easy to apply. The Chanel one is lighter, softer, while the GA one creates a metallic shimmering effect (Note that I reviewed the least intense shade from the whole Chanel Illusion d'Ombre range, so there are more metallic colors than Emerveille). Chanel eyeshadow is a bit more creamy and moisturizing. It's definitely more natural, while the GA creates lots of drama. The prices are quite similar. I like them both, but for different purposes. The can't actually compare. If you like intense, pigmented color go for GA, but if you prefer soft, shimmering flash of color on your eyelids, the choice would be Chanel.

YSL Golden gloss (#30 Golden Satin)

This lip gloss was one of my first high end beauty purchases back when I started wearing makeup. It is a total splurge. It's called shimmering  and golden lip gloss with a reason. In other words, this lip gloss contains shimmer (golden) and is extremely glossy. It also has a mirror-effect and some gold mother-of-pearl in it. Mine is in number 30, called Golden Satin.

You will have to pay around 25€/34$ for a small tube (6ml) of this luxury in a tube.
The most interesting fact is that it contains 0.2% of 24-carat gold. Can you imagine?!
It also has a lots of hydrating oils that will nourish your lips, like nigelle and cameline oils. They will make your lips very soft and comfortable. 

The packaging is as usual YSL products, golden and amazing. It looks elegant and has that "Worth it's wight in gold" look. I also love the famous Yves Saint Laurent scent. It smells like mango! Very sweet and delicious.

Here is a swatch of product in action. It has a wet, mirror-like effect and you can definitely see golden flecks in it. It's very shimmering and quite sheer. Mine is in #30, called Golden Satin. It's described as peachy color with gold in it. It reminds me of Nars Orgasm blush a bit. Perfect for a sunkissed look.
I think it's perfect for summer, especially in sunny days. I just love the peachy tone and the whole gloss.

Here is a picture of gloss in direct sunlight. It's when the gloss looks incredible. That golden sheen!

The texture is a bit tacky, but this only takes care of longevity of this lip gloss. That way it lasts longer and stays put on your lips.
I also love that after the shiny lip gloss disappears, you're left with a coat of slight peachy color and golden shimmer. It looks very beautiful (like a shimmer stain?)

The application is quite easy. You get a standard brush applicator that is perfect for this kind of gloss.


CONCLUSION:
This lip gloss is pure luxury. It looks amazing, especially in summer time. When sun hits your lips, they look glowy and plumper and just beautiful. It is expensive, but you get what you pay for.

Yves Saint Laurent Pure Chromatics Eyeshadow Palette City Drive Classy

I have a new favorite everyday palette. It's from fall Yves Saint Laurent collection and it's amazing. It costs 51€/55$ and you get 0.1oz/3g of product. 
The palette is the same size as the normal YSL quads (Pure Chromatics), the only difference is AMAZING design. Contemporary graffiti in golden and black are SO YSL and 80's style (to me) . It's ultra chic and the compact is very sleek, great for any kind of traveling.
Palette also includes large mirror and 2 double-ended sponge tip applicators.  

 
Creative director of YSL, Lloyd Simmonds presented this palette as un uptown-styled palette that represents elegant shades of marble, steel architecture and concrete. He felt in love with big, modern cities and Fall collection is all about them. It was inspired by modern woman who channels from classy uptown to bold downtown styles. 

This palette has some incredible, neutral colors that will warm up cold months of Fall and Winter and make us feel special. You can achieve chic, very classic look. You also don't have to use all colors at once. It's created to offer you options. It's made to play with. 
The palette includes 4 colors, from satin champagne to shimmering steel grey. 
I love the fact that you can use it dry for a subtle finish or wet to create some intensity and drama.  When used wet they seem almost creamy.

1.) This is a deep, rich dark brown with some subtle shimmer. It's quite warm and I use it as an eyeliner on my upper lash line. 
2.) Satin champagne color is perfect for highlighting your eyes or for a wash of color all over your eyelids. 
3.) I use this warm, medium coppery brown color either for all over my eyelid or just as an eyeliner on my lower lash line. It has warm shimmer to it. The color almost looks like a light chocolate. 
4.) The last eyeshadow is the one that made people insecure. I read lots of reviews, where people said it didn't fit in palette. But after I read something more about collection and Lloyds reasons I agree with him, it fits perfectly. It's great for adding some shimmer to your eyes, or just a hint of sparkle. This color is very special, I love how shimmering this steel grey eyeshadow is.  


COMPARISONS:

I decided to compare this palette to others I have. I found some good comparisons. But the champagne satin color and the steel gray one weren't similar to any shadows. They are new to shades of my collection. 

1.) Comparisons with the dark brown color:
I compared it with Too Faced shade called "Erotica". Erotica is darker and a completely matte color, while the YSL one has some subtle shimmer. Than I saw Urban Decay's "Busted" which seemed similar. It is, but is way more pigmented and has more red undertone. 

2.) The most similar color from my collection is the one from Dior's trio in "Smoky Nude". The shade I compared it to was the matte chocolate brown. They look incredibly similar. 

3.) Now for the satin, champagne color I couldn't find any dupes. I tried to compare it with Urban Decay's "Bootycall" and an eyeshadow from Too Faced, called "Silk Teddy". But they are both more pink and way more shimmering. The YSL one is deeper and has a satin finish. 

4.) The last color was the shimmering gray one. There was no comparable colors at all. I just swatched Urban Decay's "Pistol" to show blue undertone and amount of shimmer in YSL shade. I love this color, it's so modern and edgy. I'll use it a lot in winter. 


CONCLUSION:
I must say I'm very pleased with this palette. The colors don't look like much, but if you take some time and figure it how to use them, you'll fall in love with them. I think I'll be able to create loads of interesting, beautiful looks with it. It's also suitable for all skin tones. It has some warm colors and also some cool ones. But nothing extraordinary. They are pretty neutral. And very flattering on skin.  
I think they are one of those "comfortable" colors. Very contemporary and urban.

Bourjois Poudre de RIZ de Java

This is a brand new product from french brand that has been one of the most successful ones lately. They released some incredible products that are in trend and the quality of them is amazing.
If you didn't know before, this brand has incredible history.

"In 1863, Bourjois was born on the great boulevards of Paris in the theatre district, at a time when France was the world's second leading economic power. The actor Joseph-Albert Ponsin was the company's first creator; he prepared makeup and perfumes for actors and actresses in the comfort of his own home. In 1868, Ponsin entrusted his entire activity to Alexandre-Napoléon Bourjois. The company blossomed in the hands of Monsieur Bourjois, who made it internationally known."
(source: Bourjois official website)

HISTORY OF JAVA POWDER:
It was launched in 1879, and they immediately sold two million boxes of this rice powder to women who loved it. They created first product that highlighted skin and added subtle glow. The texture was silky and this was a product that made Bourjois popular worldwide. It was also first best-seller in history of makeup.

This year was their 150yrs anniversary. And in honer of their history Bourjois re-released Java powder. They also re-formulated formula a bit, just to keep in time.The packaging is quite similar, just made out of plastic instead of carton. It's so beautiful. It reminds me of typical Ladurée packaging. Just very parisian and chic.

Powder is slightly pink and is extremely fine. It's a shimmering powder that will brighten your skin and give you an illusion of youth. It can be used as a highlighter or even as a finishing powder. But if you're planning on using it all over your face, be careful. You can get very shimmering face. I use it to highlight my cheekbones and sometimes I use it on my nose, cupid bow or all over my cheeks. You can just play with it and see what suits you the most. It's a versatile product.

It also has a vintage smell to it. To me it's typical rosy smell with powdery touch to it. I imagine woman 100yrs ago smelled like this. But it's not overpowering. It will make you smile.
You will have to pay around 11€/£9.99 to get around 5g of this amazing product.


CONCLUSION:

This is one of the most original and amazing products beauty world released lately. It adds "healthy-glow" to your face and creates flush of shimmer to your skin. It smells nice, and the whole product just screams history and antique beauty. Definitely a collective product. 

Current/FALL skincare

My previous post was about my old/SUMMER skincare. If you read it than you know I was using some amazing products, but I also had some horrible skincare items that I disliked. Now this post is kind of improved version of my skincare. The weather is also more cold and some products are more moisturizing than my summer ones. And I have to say that I'm truly happy with current routine.

1. Garnier FRUIT ENERGY peeling-gel

I use this gel as a makeup remover. I like that it's also a scrub so it truly cleanses my face. It smells amazing, like fresh oranges and grapefruit. I also love that it's quite gentle and my skin feels very clean after using it. It's also very affordable and you can get it in any drugstore. I love it and I think I've repurchased it for around 5 times so far. I highly recommend this product.

2. Bioderma Sensibio H2O - Micelle Solution

This is one of the most popular makeup removers in the beauty world. It's simply great. It doesn't smell, it's very gentle and the most importantly it cleanses all your makeup, even some waterproof mascaras. It's not super cheap, but it's also not that expensive. It's somewhere in between. And here in Europe you can get it in any pharmacy or drugstore. I use it after my Garnier peeling-gel to remove absolutely all makeup from my face. And this is supposed to act as a gentle toner to. It will maintain skin's natural balance. It's soap-free, it doesn't clog my pores and it doesn't dry my skin. So it's perfect for colder months, when you need all moisture than you can get.

3. Biosource Instant Hydration Toning Lotion by Biotherm

 

I use this toner after cleansing my face to refresh my skin and return lost Ph to my skin. It also removes all truly deep dirt from my skin. I think cleaning your skin is the most important step. And toning helps with that. It also removes any blemishes from my skin and it's nicer in general. It also makes it softer. I think it costs around 23€ for 200ml. I have the Normal skin version, but there is also a dry and oily skin versions of this toning lotion.  

4. Sephora Instant Moisturizer   

The first time I tried this moisturizer was as sample they gave me at Sephora. I tried it at home and I instantly loved it. Now I've been using it for more than 2 months and I still like it. It's very light-weight cream with nice texture. It never broke me out and it takes care of my dryness. It also absorbs to your skin very quickly and I like to gently massage it into my skin. It's suitable for all skin types because it's not to moisturizing, but just between. It doesn't contain any parabens, but it has such a horrible scent. This is the only thing I don't like about this moisturizer. It smells like powdery-roses, just so strong. But it the scent disappears in 10 minutes.

You can get it in Sephora for around 20€ (for 50ml), but I think in USA it costs only 18$, so it's not that expensive. 

I like this moisturizer, but it's not perfect.

5. Nivea  Raspberry Rosé Kiss Lip Butter

This is a lovely lip balm. It applies nicely and it feels lovely on your lips. It's not too thick, but it still moisturizes your lips. I love the packaging, it's just cute and practical. I use it every night before I go to sleep and in the morning after my skincare routine. The scent is nice, it does smell like raspberries. One not so great fact, this does contain Mineral oils. But it's very affordable. I think it's just a normal lip balm, nothing special, but okay. 

CONCLUSION:

As you've seen, my current skincare routine isn't my holy grail one yet. I found some amazing products that I WILL repurchase, but in some departments I'll keep on searching for better options. And remember to take care of your skin regulary. 

 

My OLD/SUMMER skincare routine

The summer is officially over and so are my skincare products that I've been using for the past half a year. I thought it would be nice to do a short post about my previous skincare, all the positives and the negatives of it along with some summer skincare tips.

Now I'll first represent main skincare products I've been using:

1. Neutrogena Visibly Clear Oil-Free Facial Wash

This cleanser is amazing. It's quite cheap, you get 200ml for around 6€ . It's oil-free and alcohol-free, which is always nice. It just cleanses your skin deeply and leaves you with a nice, healthy-looking skin. It's perfect in the summer, because it's great for oily skin. It's also quite gentle and smells lovely. I noticed it didn't clog my pores. It contains salicylic acid that removes dead skin cells and prevents breakouts. It also doesn't contain soap, so it won't dry your skin. I highly recommend this cleanser. 

It also smells amazing, very fresh and like oranges. The wash has an orange tint.

2.Lancôme Eau Micellaire Douceur

This is a lovely makeup remover. It feels very refreshing and has nice smell to it. It is expensive (30€ for 200ml), but it's actually also a toner. It's a great 2-in-1 product. So if you dislike having tones of products or if you're travelling it's very handy. I always use facial wash first (to remove makeup or in the morning) and than I use this cleanser just to make sure I removed all my makeup/dirt/oils and this also tones my skin nicely. It isn't drying and it's very calming. It will suit all skin tones.

I used to use 1, maybe 2 pumps and applied it to my face with a cotton pad. It has a nice dispenser that gives you just the right amount of product. 

And it's also a whole face makeup remover. By that I mean that it's gentle enough for your skin, but it will also remove your eye makeup/eye liner. It never irritates my skin.

Th formula is very light and it looks like transparent liquid. I used it 3 times per day (in the morning, after I removed my makeup and in the evening) and it took me around half a year to finish a 200ml bottle. But I used it after my Neutrogena Facial wash so I probably needed less product than if you'd use it on its own.

3.Lancôme Aqua Fusion Continuously Infusing Moisture Fluid

This is supposed to be a very light fluid that moisturizes your skin without making it oily. But in reality (or at least for me) it was nothing like that. First I used it in late spring/summer time, the time when I don't have dry skin. And believe it or not this even dried my skin. I was left with a strange combination, oily skin with some really dry patches. It's oil-free but it made my skin even more oily. It didn't feel refreshing at all. The smell if very strong, like a powdrey-rosey. The scent is just overpowering.

And when I applied it to my face it immediately burnt my skin. And I don't have extremely sensitive skin. It felt itchy and my face went straight red.

The fluid is colored, it has a light blue tint.

The texture is silky and light, it also has a cooling effect, but it didn't do much for my skin. It didn't moisturize and I don't like it. I stopped using it after a month or more and I tried it last week, just to be sure. It burnt my face again.

It just didn't work for me. And I think Lancôme has discontinued it.

The price is also to much, you get 50ml for around 45€, which is ok for a good, high end moisturizer that actually does something. But this was waste of money for me. The only thing I like is the packaging.

 

Conclusion on my products:

I used some amazing skincare products this summer, like the Neutrogena Facial wash or the Lancôme Eau Micellaire Douceur. I love them and will be repurchasing them. But I also had some horrible product I don't like. The main point of this summer skincare for me wasn't finding those "it" products, but just to try different types of skincare and to learn what suits my skin tipe. I learnt how important regular care is. And I will continue on learning about skin care, products and myself. 

Some tips on summer skincare:

  

a) Try to keep your skin hydrated 

- Drink plenty of water

- Use face masks at least once a week 

- Use a refreshing toner or a revitalizing spritz

b) Exfoliate

- This will remove dry skin and provide smoother skin with a healty glow

- It will also boost the effect of moisturizers, toners or serums

c) Use SPF on your face

- I remember that as a child I never wore SPF on my face. I hated heavy, creamy SPF's that made me feel greasy. But there are so many good moisturizers or sun lotions with SPF that have light and lovely texture. Be sure to use on everyday. This will also tone down your redness (If you have it).

Illamasqua Cream Blusher in Lies

Today, I'll share some thoughts on a cream blusher from Illamasqua. The shade I have is called Lies. You get 4g/0.14 oz.of product for around 26$. It's also a part of permanent collection, but there are some rumors that Illamasqua will discontinue it.

Illamasqua describes it as a "Light pearly pink" cream blusher. It has a frosted, pearly finish. The color in the pan is sheer pale pink, but on my skin the color just disappears. I'm left with amazing sheen on my cheeks. It's extremely glowy and in some lighting you might see some color. And keep in mind that my skin tone (in mac) is 10 with neutral undertones. So you can't get any lighter. And even on me it isn't that pink, it's just a glowy highlighter. But you can also use it on your lips as a glossy creamy lipstick or even on your eyelids. It's a true multi-purpose product.

The texture is very creamy, almost buttery. I usually just lightly tap the product with my fingers and pat it on my cheek bones and other highlighting places on my face.You could probably use a buffing brush to.  It creates almost wet, glossy look that reflects light. It will suit those who like more strong, shown highlighter, because it's not that subtle. It's easy to apply, and you can build it up quite a lot. It blends nicely to your skin, but be careful, because it can it can emphasize your pores or dry patches.

The blusher comes in a black, plastic container. It's very suitable for traveling. It also has a slight scent of vanilla or candy. It's not that noticeable, just a light scent. But it definitely disappears when you apply it to your face.


CONCLUSION:

This is a very interesting product, because it's a cream highlighter with a slight frosty pink tint to it. It applies quite nicely, but it can make your pores stand out. It's not very subtle, but it does give you that healthy glow. I personally am not a big fan of this product, even though it was something new to me. I don't know, it's just not my style. It's too glowy and it can look a bit cakey if not applied carefully. But if you have the patience to work with it and if you're a big fan of dramatic highlight than go for it. 

Comparison: Naked vs. Naked 2 (from Urban Decay)

The first thing  before we start with the real comparison and review: this is probably the most mainstream post any beauty blogger can do. But it's also (in my opinion) one that makes you THE REAL beauty blogger. I think you can't be in this without owning either one of Naked palettes. They are true cult products. They are marked as best-selling products from Urban Decay. And they are essential part of my makeup.
You will have to pay 50$ and they are available in Sephora, Ulta,...or on website of Urban Decay. Each one of them contains 12 eyeshadows that weight 1.3g/0.05 US oz.
The eyeshadow texture is creamy and they are very pigmented. There isn't to much fallout. This palettes are really good. 

NAKED has a velvet case in dark brown, chocolate color with golden foil lettering "NAKED". It also has small mirror (well..medium sized mirror) and you will get a Good Karma Eyeshadow Brush. This palette comes with a travel-size Primer Potion. 
NAKED 2 has a metal case (in taupe color) with embossed name in brown. The packaging is easy to travel and looks nice. But I prefer the look of NAKED. It's just nicer. But it gets more dirty than NAKED 2. You also get a double-ended Good Karma shadow/crease Brush. And you get a travel-size Lip Junkie Lipgloss in Naked. I LOVE this lipgloss. It has that amazing tingling effect.
Both palettes are also cruelty-free.

Now for the color comparisons:

"Foxy" (Naked 2) doesn't have similar shades in Naked. It's described as a matte yellowed beige. Than we have "Virgin" (Naked) and "Booty Call" (Naked 2). "Booty Call" is peachier than "Virgin", but they are very similar. I love them both. They are probably my most used colors. Perfect for iner-eye corners. Now "Sin" (Naked), which is a champagne- light pink shimmer. This is my favorite color (beside "Sidecar"). It's absolutely amazing. This color has no comparable shades.

"Sidecar" (Naked) and "Suspect" (Naked 2) are both light brown shimmers. They are warm colors with almost cinnamon tone to it. You can also see some champagne shimmer in it."Suspect" is more taupe/brown than "Sidecar", which is more champagne. They are also in my top section of UD shades.  

"Verve" (Naked 2) has no dupes here. It's a silver undertoned taupe with lots of sheen to it. It also has cool undertone.
Than we have some matte colors. First, "Naked" (Naked) is a matte light brown with warm undertones. "Buck" (also from Naked) is darker version of "Naked". "Tease" is a true taupe with matte finish. It can't compare with other shades.
"Half Baked" (from both, Naked and Naked 2) is a warm golden with some copper in it. It's highly pigmented and almost glittery. Shades from both palettes are exact dupes. They are actual same eyeshadow.

In this set of swatches I'll start with the darkest color, which is "Blackout" (Naked 2). It's just a matte black. It has no dupes.
Now for the most unique shades of both palettes, "Pistol" (Naked 2), "Gunmetal" (Naked) and "Creep" (Naked). They are all cool-toned with gray base. "Gunmetal" is very pigmented and the most blue of all 3 of them. "Pistol" is a true gray with silver shimmer (I LOVE this color). " Creep" is the darkest color of them and is so beautiful. But "Creep" is very sheer.
Than comes "Smog" (Naked). It's golden, lighter version of "Snakebite" (Naked 2). They both have lovely sheen. "Hustle" is chocolate brown with mauve undertones. It has some shimmer. It's similar to "Darkhorse" (Naked) and "Busted" (Naked 2). They are all chocolate brown shimmers. "Darkhorse" is the darkest on and "Hustle" has the most mauve undertone.
"YDK" (Naked 2) is similar to "Toasted" (Naked). "YDK" is more shimmering and less coopery. It's also very similar to "Sidecar" (Naked).
In the end we have "Chopper" (Naked 2). This is a bronze, cooper color with shine. It's the most orange color in both palettes. Closest color is "Toasted".



Conclusion:

Both palettes are amazing. Naked is more warm-toned and Naked 2 is more cool-toned. They have many similar shades. Each one of them has something unique.
If you want champagne color, go for Naked, because it has Sin and Sidecar.
If you want a matte cream like Foxy, go for Naked 2. Also pick Naked 2 if you want more silver-toned colors (like Verve), matte black (Blackout) or bronze colors (Chopper).
You will prefer Naked if you like silver-blue colors (Like Gunmetal and Creep- they are amazing).
So you see that each palette has some unique, amazing shades. You have to decide what colors do you prefer.
I can't decide which palette I prefer.
But a good tip is: choose palette that suits your undertone more. Than for the colors from the other palette that you like, just buy singles of those shades.

Chanel Ombre Essentielle Soft Touch Eyeshadow (#101 Gri-Gri)

Here is another review. But it's not just an ordinary one, this is a review of a product I've been wanting so badly ever since I first saw it. It was love on first sight.

This gorgeous single eyeshadow is from the Chanel's Fall 2013 Superstition Collection. And this really deserves a capital letter for Collection. It's just amazing. I want every single piece of it. Not only they created some incredibly gorgeous and new products, but they are also very useful. Perfect for every day wear with a touch of sparkle and luxury. Some might complain that the colors are cold, but don't forget it's a fall (even winter) collection, and this time of year is cold.

And their single eyeshadow is not only everything I wrote about whole Collection, but even better (if possible).

You will have to pay around 29€/28$ for 1.6g/0.05 oz. 

The packaging is very sleek and classy. Just the normal Chanel black compact. It's quite small, great for traveling. It also has a mirror and you get the compact in a soft, velvet pouch.

It's officially described as a "metallic taupe". But it's more than that. It's just a divine mix of a neutral under toned light taupe with shimmers of mauve, gold, silver and even bronze. That makes it more suitable for all skin tones.

The color could be more pigmented, but that way it's perfect for every day wear. No one wants to go to work/school/... with tones of glittery eye makeup. This is just right combination of both: subtle color and amazing shimmer. I would also suggest applying some eye primer before, just to make sure this baby will survive through the day. The fall out is nothing to much.

The texture is soft and almost a bit creamy. The application is heavenly.

 

Now for the comparisons:

I was surprised when I found out I don't have any good dupes for this eyeshadow. I tried my best and as usual the Naked 2 came across. I also found something from Chanel's previous collection (Summer 2013), an eyeshadow stick. 

None of them were actually similar. First comparison was with Urban Decay's YDK. It's actually more chocolate brown and way darker. The shimmer is also different. I wanted to show you how light Gri-Gri is. Than I tried Tease (also from UD). It has similar color but it's a matte eyeshadow. It's also a bit darker. My next choice was Suspect. It's warmer and has more subtle shimmer. Gri-Gri also has more grey in it. 

And the last comparison was with Chanel stylo eyeshadow in #7 Moon River. This is the least similar one. It's more gray and has tones of silver sparkle in it. The color is also more pigmented and darker. 

That was it for comparisons, actually I'm glad I didn't find anything to similar, that would make it less original. 

 

 Here is another picture of Gri-Gri. And for the end just something interesting about it. You've probably heard the story for Superstition Collection. Madame Chanel strongly believed in luck and destiny. So she was surrounded with lots of charms and talismans. That way she would get good fortune. She also got her inspiration from them. And as Gri-Gri is a part of the collection, it's also part of her amulets. Not the product, but the name. Gri-Gri is also a voodoo talisman from Africa. This is suppoused to bring luck. 

And maybe if you'll wear this gorgeous eyeshadow, it'll also bring you some luck. 

Who knows?