Inglot Eyeshadow Freedom System Palette ~ AMC45S, 414P, 419P and 451P

Since my first visit to Inglot a month ago, I have fallen completely in love with the texture, pigment and variety of eyeshadows offered that I had already decided to go back for more. Just last week, I was given the opportunity to attend the official media launch of the brand and thought it was probably good to pick out a few eyeshadows at the same time.

Inglot eyeshadows come in six different finishes, which are Matte, Pearl, Double Sparkle, AMC (Advanced Makeup Component), AMC Shine and AMC Pigment Powder. The texture of their eyeshadows are generally smooth, soft and buttery with minimal fallout. Their colours are also very pigmented and are visually stunning.

I had intended to get greys and blues since I had gotten browns, taupes and purples the last time. But I ended up coming home with this rather clever combination thanks to the three evil enablers I met up with that day. They had already spent an hour doing most of the legwork and all I had to do was "hitch" on their idea and add one more shade to complete the quad. You may start seeing similar colours popping up around the beauty blogosphere soon :-)

I am especially happy with AMC45S because it's not a shade I would have picked on my own. Xin was playing around with it at first and when I swatched it, I knew it was coming home with me. I have finally found a yellow I can wear because it remains more cool than warm. Another shade I like is 414P. This is one seriously gorgeous green and multi-dimensional too.

* sorry about the grotty photo, was in rush that evening *

I had a dinner to attend on Saturday and wore 419P as a base colour and shaded 414P on the outer corner of the eye. I then added AMC45S as a shimmery golden highlighter below the eyebrow. This is a really lovely combination and the colours blend and compliment each other very well.

Many eyeshadows tend to disappear when my eyes are opened but you can tell that these Inglot eyeshadows remain pigmented and visible. They lasted well through the evening. I had applied them around 5PM and the colours remained true past 2AM. I was wearing an eye primer so that helps the colours last longer.

This experience of self-selecting colours has also helped me be smarter and it's what the Freedom System is about, as it allows you to compose your own palette. The previous two palettes were chosen based on specific colour families.

* re-used my old photo but added the numbering schemes this time *

There is no right or wrong way of creating your own palette. Go with what you like and whatever colours that make you happy!

Availability:

Inglot products and eyeshadows are available at Ingot in Sunway Pyramid. Each square eyeshadow retails at RM28 for 2.5g worth of product (which is quite a lot!). The Freedom System palettes range from RM16 onwards.

Recent Haul ~ Getting Naked and Much Eye Love

When domncroxd from Belle Demoiselle called to let me know that Urban Decay's Naked Palette was back in stock at Sephora KLCC last week, I immediately told her to snap one up for me (thanks, babe!). I have been waiting for what feels like forever to get my hands on this elusive, always-out-of-stock palette.

My preciousssssss... * strokes lovingly *

My preciousssssss... * softly caress its brown velvety casing and gaze fondly at the twelve gorgeous eyeshadow shades *

I won't be reviewing this today because I have not the heart to molest the palette yet. There are loads of reviews and tutorials in the beauty blogosphere, so I'd recommend you check them out if you intend to purchase this palette (if you can find it, that is).

I also got the Too Faced Eye Love or Eye Love Too Faced (depending on how you want to read it) palette, which is a collection of two shades from four of its popular "Eye" kits. I think this was offered as a 500-point gift redemption in Sephora US and I really hope our local Sephora will offer some sort loyalty card or membership as well.

Like the Naked palette, Too Faced included a mini version of their bestselling eye primer. This is a really nice palette to travel with, it has enough shades to create different looks and is relatively slim and light.

I think you can tell by now that I am a huge fan of eyeshadow palettes. They are so much more practical and versatile. Probably the only eyeshadow singles I'd purchase these days are from Inglot but that's only because I can pop them into a palette.

The eyeshadow ban has been a big, fat fail.

Availability:
The Naked palette retails for RM175 and Eye Love for RM125 at Sephora Starhill or KLCC. Naked is of course, hard to come by so if you do see it, grab it quick.

Smashbox In Bloom Eyeshadow Palette ~ Pretty Spring Neutrals

The day after I declared an eyeshadow ban, I went out and bought more eyeshadows. I am such a hopeless case and can't seem to exercise much self-control, especially when Smashbox's Spring 2011 collection was so hard to resist.

Talking about a spring release now may sound outdated as most of the beauty blogosphere has moved on to fall, but the In Bloom Eyeshadow palette is just too pretty to cast aside.

The eyeshadows are housed in a sleek, black case with a fairly large mirror. It also comes with a brush and although the hairs are synthetic, the bristles seem to pick up colours well. It is a welcomed addition to my brush collection.

The eyeshadow palette consists of ten watercolour-like shades. They are pigmented and are very smooth. There is a mix of mattes and shimmers, dark and light shades. The lighter shades are perfect as a wash or highlighter whilst the darker shades can double up as a soft liner.

I really like Smashbox Spring releases because they are usually so pretty and this year's collection is no exception. Although this palette consists of neutrals that may seem boring to most, they are such classic, wearable shades and I find them to be very versatile as they tend to suit most skin tones.

Smashbox has arranged the colours vertically in duos to help you coordinate more effortlessly but that doesn't mean you can't mix and match the different shades from one end to another. With such easy and soft neutrals, they can be paired with almost anything.

Today, I used the first duo from left, which are Pink Lily and Soft Orchid.

Soft Orchid may look a little brown on my lids but it has a hint of purple and lavender. I used Pink Lily on the inner half of my eye but it does not show up very clearly on photo.

I don't wear fancy schmancy shades to work and usually reserve whacky or adventurous colours for weekends or parties. Muted tones that enhance the eyes but do not dominate are definitely more office-friendly.

I would most certainly recommend this palette to any working girl who's starting out with eyeshadows. However, as this is a limited edition item, it may be difficult to find locally. I purchased this nearly a month ago and the SA was telling me that there were only two palettes left. But I think he was trying to scare me into buying. He probably spotted the word "sucker" stamped across my forehead.

The Smashbox In Bloom Eyeshadow Palette retails for RM199 and might be available at Smashbox in The Pavilion. And yes, I know... that works out to RM19.90 per eyeshadow, which I'd like to think is value for money so I won't feel so guilty for breaking the eyeshadow ban :-)

My Favourite Eye Brushes

Eye makeup may be one of the trickiest cosmetics to apply and it certainly helps when you have the right tools at hand. I honestly never knew the importance of makeup brushes until I started working. As a student, I used to just dab on stuff with my fingers and call it a day. That was many, many moons ago.

Today, I will take you through several of my current favourite eye brushes.

From left to right:

1. Stila Brush #15 (Double-Sided Crease & Liner Brush)

This is one of my older brushes and I got it when Stila was available locally. I normally use the tapered end to create a "v" on the outer corner of my eye. It can double up as a liner brush by either using it damp or dry to smudge along the upper and lower lash line. The flat or paddle head is mostly used to lay colours on certain parts of my lid or to apply an allover wash. I like to take this along when I travel because it is essentially two brushes in one. Just remember to keep the little round plastic sleeve if you plan to store it upright because you wouldn't want one end to get smooshed.

2. MAC 213SE (Fluff Brush)

I cannot remember which limited edition set I got this brush from. I like using this to apply an allover shade across the lid. It is soft and feels really nice. The head is quite dense so you can also use this to pack on eyeshadows.

3. MAC 239 (Eye Shader Brush)

I think this is one of MAC's bestseller brushes and rightly so. It has a dense, rounded head and is perfect for patting on colours in specific areas of the lid. I also use this to smudge darker shades along my upper and lower lash line. I have a few eyeshadows with poor colour pay-off and this brush allows me to build the colours more intensely. The fibers are fine but dense. You can also use this with emollient or cream-based products.

4. MAC 217 (Blending Brush)

This is an all-rounder brush that can be used to pat on colours or to blend. You can probably complete a whole look with this brush alone. Like the MAC 239, it can be used with cream-based products. You can use it damp to pick up pigment powders as well. The bristles are firm and can get a little scratchy but I have no complaints otherwise.

5. MAC 219 (Pencil Brush)

I use this to smudge or blend dark shades on my upper and lower lash line. The tip is pointed and it allows more precise application. It can be scratchy if used directly on the waterline so I wouldn't recommend it for that purpose. I also use this to highlight the inner corner of my eye with a pearly or shimmery pale shade.

6. Urban Decay 24/7 Brush (Shadow Pencil Blending Brush)

This is a recent purchase and it's already one of my favourites. It is designed to be used with UD's 24/7 Shadow Liners but I find it to be the perfect brush to smudge or blend any eyeliner. It is soft yet stiff enough to feather out colours. The synthetic fibers are made from PET (recycled plastic bottles). I like the fat purple handle too because it is less boring than the usual black.

7. Laura Mercier Pony Tail Brush (Blender Brush)

This brush is very soft and feels incredibly nice on the eye. I use it to blend, blend and blend. It doesn't matter if you use circular or wiping motions as it works beautifully with any type of blending you do. I use this to apply a wash of colour over the eyelid quite often and also to highlight below the brow. This is another brush I'd bring along when travelling. This brush is 3 years old and it still looks good.

8. T. LeClerc Brush #5 (Large Crease Brush)

I have had this brush for nearly ten years and it still looks new! It is my favourite blending brush because the hairs are super soft and it fits into my crease perfectly. Besides blending, I can use it to lay on colours, highlight and swipe. I also like the fact that it's held up well over the years and I don't think I've seen this thing shed before.

9. NARS Brush (Angled Eye Shader)

This is a recent acquisition and is a really lovely brush. The fibers are made from pony hair and are very soft. I use this to shade the crease area and to line my upper or lower lash line. It can also be used as a highlighter around the inner corner of the eye. Creating smoky looks with the brush is quite simple too.

10. Shu Uumura 6oB (Natural Badger Angled Brush)

I use this as an eyebrow brush and it is quite precisely angled for that purpose. The bristles are firm but not scratchy. I use it with a powder colour to fill in and define my eyebrows. It can also be used to smudge harsh pencil brow liners to create a more natural look.

11. Inglot 30T (Bent Eyeliner Brush)

This is one of the best brushes for gel liners. The bent edge lets me see my eye better so I can draw a more precise line closer to my lashes. The tip is fine and pointed so creating a wing or flick at the end is fairly easy. You can go as thick or thin as you want with this brush.

12. MAC 209SE (Eye Liner Brush)

I have waxed lyrical about this brush before and I absolutely love using gel liners with it. It is quite an idiot-proof brush and I think it would be suitable for newbies to eyelining. The fibers are firm enough but do not feel hard or uncomfortable. I could never use gel liners until I discovered this and I have actually improved in applying eyeliners all thanks to this little brush. You can use it with liquid or ink liners that come in a pot. I have even used it damp with powder eyeshadows to intensify the colour and to draw along the lash line.

Acquiring good brushes can get expensive but if you care for them well, they will last a long time. Over the past thirteen years or so, I have collected a number of wonderful brushes as well as duds. My recommendation would be to try them out in person. But if you are not able to, do your research and read reviews because there are resources online that can help you make a decision. These days, there are many fantastic and affordable options out there so it's not necessary to plonk money down on expensive brushes. Just look around and shop wisely :-)

INGLOT at Sunway Pyramid and A Little Blurb on Freedom System

*** warning : this post is pic heavy ***

* Inglot store entrance *

A few weeks ago, ParisB informed me that Inglot was opening soon at Sunway Pyramid. Unlike her, I live close to Sunway so it's not much of an issue for me to get there. Inglot Cosmetics is a Polish makeup brand I have only read about in the beauty blogosphere. They are known for their huge selection of colours and the Freedom System, that allows you to combine different colours into palettes. I believe the store opened its doors on 27th May but I was away at that time and couldn't check it out until this evening.

When I say colours, I really mean colours!

* eyeshadows for square palette *

* lip colours for round palette *

* lipsticks, glosses, balms and tints *

* huge variety of foundation shades *

* blushes and highlighters *

* pigment powders *

* eye brushes *

* nail polish colours *

I apologise for the poor picture quality as these were taken with my phone because I forgot to bring my camera along. But do you see the sheer quantity of colours? In varying finishes to boot. I was so impressed with the quality of the eyeshadows and they had the sort of colours I've been looking for, so I came home with a few different shades.

What surprised me most was the pricing. A single square eyeshadow costs RM28 for 2.5g of product. I actually had to ask the SA to repeat herself when she told me the price because I couldn't quite believe it. The Freedom System consists of magnetic palettes in various sizes for different colour combinations. The palette themselves range from RM16 to RM43. Considering that I have paid loads more for eyeshadow palettes with lesser product, Inglot Cosmetics have definitely won a place in my heart for their reasonable pricing and high quality products.

I played around with quite a number of colours before deciding what to take home with me. I had been looking for some cool browns and taupe shades. Inglot offers so many choices that I had a really hard time deciding. Sadly, I couldn't stay long because le hubby was waiting outside the store and I had to hurry the SA along too.

The Freedom System is a really cool concept and appeals to my inner geek. There are different palette sizes ranging from 2 to 60 (!) pans but I think the biggest available at the store is up to 10 pans. You pick the colours you want and pop them into the magnetic palette. The magnet is quite strong and your products should not fall out. I turned the palette upside down and shook it quite vigorously but the eyeshadows didn't budge.

The eyeshadow single comes in a plastic sleeve and it is easily taken out. And all you do next is to pop it into your palette.

One of the best parts about the Freedom System is its stackability. I love having a well organised stash and really appreciate the uniformity of these palettes. I chose the 4-pan palette (RM27 each) because it is more travel-friendly.

* two palettes stacked *

If you are a fan of colours or have been hunting for a particular shade of lipstick or eyeshadow, I'd recommend paying Inglot Cosmetics a visit. You will likely find something you want. Also, the prices won't break the bank. You can start with a palette and pick one or two colours first, and then go back for more and slowly build your own Freedom System.

I will write a more in-depth review of the eyeshadows in the future. But so far, I am extremely impressed with the texture, colour pay-off and quality. I already plan to go back for more colours, maybe grays and blues, but I honestly need to be on an eyeshadow ban (!) for the next three months. I have at least 10 unused palettes in my stash, which are mostly limited edition collections from various brands. Maybe I should start gifting a couple away so I won't feel so bad :-)

News Alert: theBalm Shady Lady Vol. 2 & 3

I popped by Subang Parade today as I had to grab some last minute things before my trip to Hong Kong tomorrow. I only intended to get a bag of Shiseido's facial cotton pads but saw that they had theBalm Shady Lady in Vol. 2 and Vol. 3 available at Sasa. I have hunted for Vol. 2 for a long time but they were usually out of stock. So imagine my delight when I spotted both today :-) What's more, Sasa is offering either palette for RM79 (usual retail RM120) with the purchase of any theBalm product.

Even at it's regular retail price, RM120 is not too expensive for nine beautiful eyeshadow shades in a palette. The size of each shadow is the same as MAC's, so considering how much MAC sells their eyeshadow singles, the palette is pretty good value for money.

The texture of these shadows are so buttery and soft. Pigmentation is fabulous and each shade has a varying degree of shimmer but the texture is never gritty. They apply very easily and seem to be quite long-lasting (based on many reviews). I have read they can be used either wet or dry, which is great because several of the shadow liner shades will look wonderful with wet application.

* Shady Lady Vol. 2 *

* Shady Lady Vol. 3 *

When I was at Sasa's, there were three or four of these palettes left. I forgot to ask when their promotion expires but it may be in two days' time. So if you're interested, hurry and go grab one!

note :

Temptalia posted about these palettes (with swatches and description) - Vol. 2 and Vol. 3

Shu Uemura Sakura Collection 2011

I have never heard of Mika Ninagawa until the release of Shu Uemura's sakura collection this year. She is a Japanese photographer / film director and has collaborated with Shu to bring us a really pretty springtime release.

There are three UV Under Base Mousse in this collection, all in a special edition canister designed by Mika. I picked up BB Beige as it's a limited edition shade and I already have Pink in a regular can. These mousse bases are quite light and airy but the BB Beige does feel a little heavier than the regular ones and offers more coverage too.

The shade may look a wee bit darker than my natural skintone but it does blend in quite well. As much as I love the texture of the BB Beige mousse, it is sadly a little too drying on me. However, the one in Pink seems to work better.

You can also purchase a limited edition Face Architect powder foundation case in this collection. The case is so pretty! I've always liked this powder foundation and am nearly hitting pan on my existing compact, so I did not mind picking up another.

There are six Rouge Unlimited lipsticks that were inspired by the different tones of the beautiful sakura. I chose pk332, which is described as a modern pink with warm undertones. It is quite a wearable pink but if your lips are very pigmented, it may not show up well.

Then there's the special edition makeup pouch, which I really like because it has a number of useful slots within. I had a lot of fun taking photos of this collection because everything was so bright and cheerful.

You can purchase the Mika Ninagawa set for RM313 (original price RM393) and 10% of the sales from this collection will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross, in support of their disaster relief efforts.

Personally, I have always loved spring blossoms and the sakura flower is indeed special in full bloom. This reminds me of a trip I made to China two years ago in spring. There were peach, apple, pear and plum blossoms everywhere and it was such a joyful experience.