It is quite rare for me to declare something as Holy Grail material, especially when it comes to cosmetics. For countless years, I've had to deal with smudgy, creasy, messy eyeshadows because my lids are oily and nothing seems to stay on for long.
I first read about Too Faced Shadow Insurance (TFSI) a couple of years ago but never got around to ordering it online. It was not available locally until Sephora opened its doors in KL less than a month ago. I was contemplating on purchasing Urban Decay's Primer Potion (UDPP) as well (another iconic product) but I chose Shadow Insurance instead.
Product Description:
"Your full-coverage insurance policy against eye shadow fading, creasing, and melting. Our silicone-based eyeshadow primer transforms any eye shadow into a perfectly blendable, color-drenched, intensified version of itself, then locks it down perfectly until you take it off. Our skin soothing formula evens out the skin tone on your lids and smoothes out lines while it secures a barrier between the oils of your skin and your makeup, so no shadow catastrophes will ever happen again."
Tips & Tricks (recommended by Too Faced):
• Apply to clean, dry, lids using your finger.
• A little goes a long way, the product will blend in without being visible.
• Create shadow intensity for smoky eyes by placing Shadow Insurance on lids only, wait 30 seconds, then apply shadow.
My Thoughts:
I generally prefer liquidy products that come in tubes or pump bottles instead of doe foot applicators because I can control the amount better and it is a lot more hygienic. The first time I gave the tube a squeeze, a tiny bit of clear, oily film came out. I was sort of prepared for it because I read that the product may separate and you just need to give the tube a good shake or massage and the issue should not reoccur.
From the swatches, you can tell that the eyeshadow with TFSI is so much more vibrant. I was impressed with its longevity too because the eyeshadow stayed put even after wiping off gently with a piece of tissue.
I only needed a small amount to cover my whole eyelid, maybe the size of half a grain of rice. A little product goes a long way. The shade is quite neutral and light, in fact it goes on almost clear upon application. It has a silky, smooth texture and dries down quickly. I didn't have to wait the recommended 30 seconds and probably let it settle in less than 5 seconds. I felt that my lids were more evened out too. Eyeshadows go on very smoothly and can be blended easily.
* when freshly applied *
* after 12 hours *
What amazed me most was the fact that my eyeshadow did not resort to its usual disgusting mess. Typically, my eyeshadow would have migrated, separated and creased within a matter of a few hours, even when I've used a base or primer beneath. With TFSI, the colours pretty much stayed the same albeit slightly faded.
I kept checking at different points over the day and just couldn't believe that my eyeshadow was still there. TFSI is simply the best eye primer I have ever used! And trust me, I have tried quite a few (Paul&Joe, Canmake, Kose, Smashbox, etc.).
Pros:
• wonderful smooth and silky texture• easy to apply
• quick dry down with matte finish
• eyeshadows / colours appear more vibrant and beautiful
• eyeshadows / colours stay on the whole day
• no creasing (finally!)
Cons:
• only retailed at Sephora locally, so it is not widely available
Ingredient List:
Isododecane, Talc, Cyclopentasiloxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Triethylhexanoin, Polyethylene, Trihydroxystearin, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Isopropyl Lanolate, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Propylene Carbonate, Dimethicone, PEG-40 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Mica, Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Availability:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance is available for RM69 at Sephora, KL. Each tube contains 0.35oz (9.9g) of product.
