Essence 'Hello Autumn' Eyeshadow Palettes - Review

Ola loves! It's been a long time since I was this excited over a limited edition. Essence released a limited edition 'Hello Autumn' which was wonderful to behold: all the shades I adore, and all this in the cutest packaging ever. You can check out the entire collection HERE and HERE. Today I bring you the reviews of two eyeshadow palettes that are a part of this beautiful collection - they're so cute, right?

I love these palettes. The packaging is sturdy and strong , this is the same packaging as the Catrice Nude and Matt palettes. You get a sponge applicator with the palettes, but I've never been a fan of those so I don't really use them. I suggest using eyeshadow base with these palettes because it really makes the colors pop and last longer. When it comes to pigmentation, each shade is different. Some have stronger pigmentation, others have very weak pigmentation. When it comes to the shades that are not that pigmented, it makes a world of difference if you apply them with a wet or a damp brush. No two shades are identical in these two palettes, though some may look similar. Both these palettes offer shades with sparkle and glitter particles, so they will not suit you if you're trying to avoid glitter. These shades really stand out. Application is very easy, and the shades are easily blendable and easy to work with. Overall, I've fallen in love with these palettes. Price: 32,90 kn

Essence, Hello Autumn, eyeshadow palette, 01 Walk in the park

This one is my favorite out of the two. I love the Ombre look of the palette, and I think you all know I'm a nut for golden and bronze shades. The texture of the eyeshadows is dusty and this palette contains lots of tiny sparkles and glitters and shimmer. Now on to the individual shades, and swatches are below:

1: White and shiny (has tiny sparkles that shimmer in the sun), with a pearl-effect and a metallic-like shine, has weaker pigmentation (suitable for brow-bone area)

2: A gold shade with a bronze undertone, good pigmentation, contains tiny shimmer particles

3: This is a 'true' bronze shade, though a bit lighter; has good pigmentation, a metallic-effect, and contains tiny gold shimmer

4: Copper bronze shade, great for the crease area, contains tiny shimmer particles

5: Brown with a gold shine, has a metallic effect, good for the outer V-corner

6: Brown-oak shade, with metallic effect and silver sparkles (has a silver shine), good pigmentation

Essence, Hello Autumn, eyeshadow palette, 02 Keep calm & go for a walk

At first I wasn't sure if I should get this palette or not (since I'm not a big fan of green eyeshadow), but the bronze shade (no.3) makes it worth it to me. I think this palette is visually less appealing than the first one (or maybe that's just me, since I love bronze shades), but it's still cute. A lot more glitter and shimmer in this palette, though. Individual shades review and swatches are below:

1: Shimmery white shade with a pearl effect and a strong metallic effect, very strong white tone, good for the inner corner of the eye, very dusty

2: Yellowish golden shade, with a metallic effect, dusty, somewhat weaker pigmentation

3: A dark bronze with gold sparkles, has strong pigmentation, contains tiny shimmer particles, this is my favorite shade from both palettes

4: An 'evil' shade of green (a villain's shade), strong metallic effect, easy application, good pigmentation

5: Weak green shade, contains lots of gold sparkles, has a metallic-like effect and oil-spill effect (color-wise), has the weakest pigmentation in this palette, suitable for the lower lash-line

6: Black with a blue glow, contains visible gold glitter, has super strong pigmentation, and it almost has a matt-finish

What essence says about these products: ''The eyeshadow palettes offer six long-lasting autumn colors in the combinations gold-brown and beige-green with various effects ranging from semi-matt to metallic. The double-ended applicator is included in the set and guarantees easy application and blending.''

Comparison: Though some shades may seem similar on the promotional photos, or on the swatches, no shades are true 'twins'. For instance, shade 3 from 02 palette is not the same as shade 4 from 01 palette (shade 4 is brighter), and it's still not similar to shade 5 from the 01 palette, because shade 5 has weaker pigmentation.

Shade 2 from the 02 palette is not the same as shade 2 from the 01 palette (this one is more golden), nor is it similar to shade 1 from the 01 palette (this shade is more white, and it's better pigmented).

The shades that are the most similar are 1 (01) and 1 (02), however, 1 (02) is a tad whiter (better pigmentation), and 1 (01) is more nude, or beige white.

I'd say if you're into eyeshadows that have a matt finish, or if you want very strong pigmentation, you will not find what you're looking for here. However, if you're a palette nut like me, if you love gold and bronze shades, this is something to buy. I think the 01 palette will be great to take with me when I'm traveling.

The rest of the collection is also to die for, everything is cute and hard to resist. This collection has already hit Muller stores, and it's just arriving to dm's in Croatia. Will you grab anything? Other than the palettes, the things that have caught my eye are the eyebrow sets, blushes and the gorgeous bronzer. Overall, this has to be the prettiest essence limited edition in the last 2 years. Would you agree?

Thanks for stopping by, see you guys soon! Don't forget to follow me on facebook, bloglovin' or GFC.

Love, J.

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Catrice Absolute MATT Eyeshadow Palette: Swatch And Review

Hey everyone! When I saw the promotional photos, I knew I had to have this product: the gorgeous Catrice Absolute Matt Eyeshadow Palette. I already had Nude (but I skipped Bright because it sucks, LOL) so I needed this to complete my 'collection'. When Nude came out, I immediately said how happy I'd be if there was a matt version - and here it is! Yaay! I am a palette 'nut', so naturally I love this product and I've been enjoying it so much!

Type of product: Eyeshadow palette, 6 matt shades
Product name: Catrice, Absolute Matt Eyeshadow Palette, 010 Eyes Wide Matt
Price: 39,90 kn (6g of product)
Where to purchase: Muller (Croatia)
Rating: 10/10
Would I repurchase: Yes
My opinion: Let me start off by saying I've been really enjoying this palette and I use it almost daily. It's just what I was looking for: the colors are soft and easily blendable. Now, when it comes to palettes, I love them all, so it's hard to be objective, but I'll give it a try. The packaging is sturdy and you can bring it with you without fear of it breaking. All the shadows have basically the same texture, which is quite powdery (soft surface and a bit dusty). At first I was afraid that there would be a ton of fallout on my cheeks while applying these shadows. However, I was wrong and have no fall-out problems. All the shades are matt and give a matt finish which I adore. The colors have the same durability as any Catrice matt eyeshadows (which is pretty good). I always use eyeshadow base though, so I can't say how they behave without the base. Application is easy. Now, on to the individual shades:

1: A soft white matt shade. I do not use it under my brow (too light for me), but I do use it for the inner corners of my eye. The shade isn't very pigmented, so it's great for me, since I don't like the chalk-look. This shade is barely visible on my skin if I apply a thin layer.

2: A nude-pink shade. Barely visible on my fair skin. This is the shade I use under my brow: it's a very nice matt highlight shade.

3: A light brown with a hint of a rose undertone. This shade is very light (none of the shades are very pigmented, they're light, which makes them easily blendable and great for everyday; also great for when you're in a hurry and want a little smokey eye, but don't want to look like a panda).

4: A nude brown shade, with a purple undertone (visible in the sun). This shade is everything, it's my favorite in the palette.

5: A true brown, great for inside the crease.

6: A dusty brown-black shade (again, not with strong pigmentation). It seems black, but again, lacks the intensive pigmentation to be very black, so it still looks more brown-ish.

Conclusion: I love all my palettes, but I've been using this one a lot. It's just what I was looking for: great for an everyday look, the shadows are really matt (which I love). The ''lack'' of pigmentation is a plus for me, since I needed some matt eyeshadows with light pigmentation to use in a hurry. The shadows are easily blendable, and, despite I was afraid this might be the case, there isn't a lot of fallout on my cheeks. Also, you can apply just a little, or you can build up the colors for a more dramatic look. Overall, I'm happy with this palette because I got exactly what I was looking for.
This product is for you if: If you love matt eyeshadows, if you're into the Kylie Jenner look, or if you love Catrice eyeshadows.
You should avoid this product if: If you don't like matt eyeshadows, if you're looking for shimmery eyeshadows, or if you need eyeshadows with very strong pigmentation.
Swatches: I'd say the swatches are true to real colors. The eyeshadow base goes through the middle of the swatches - it makes a slight difference.
Links: My review of the Catrice NUDE palette HERE

Catrice Limited Edition Palette review HERE

Here is the brush that comes with this palette, it's quite similar to the brush from the NUDE palette. Nice try Catrice, but I honestly take out these brushes and I never use them. They're just not my thing.

As far as comparisons go, I do not have the BRIGHT palette (because it sucks), but I do have the NUDE one. Honestly, there's no point in comparing them: one is full of matt shades, the other is full of shimmery shades. I love both palettes, so pick and choose what you prefer. Obviously, all the shades are different.

So, this product arrived in Muller about a month ago, but they still did not have testers out. However, I think they put out most of the testers last week, so hopefully now you can check out this palette before buying it. I know many of you loved the NUDE palette, I wonder if the MATT palette will have the same effect. Will you get it? Are you excited about this palette? Let me know, and thanks for stopping by.

love, J.

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Introducing: Chi Chi Cosmetics

Hello, ladies! I recently came across these gorgeous eyeshadow palettes while browsing the web, and simply had to do a post on them. These are hands down the most gorgeous eyeshadow palettes I've ever seen in my life. Chi Chi Cosmetics is an Australian make up brand, and you can order their products online. You know I'm an eyeshadow palette nut, so this make up brand is just my cup of tea!

These lovely products are Glamorous eye palettes, 12 gorgeous variations available, each one more lovely than the next. Let me share my thoughts on each palette.

Naturals: My favorite, great everyday colors, very wearable.

Nude: Great if you need a wearable, simple, and elegant everyday look.

Bronzes: What a stunner! I love the color selection here. Great for summer nights out.

Bases: I've been into these shades lately, so this one would be handy right now. So feminine and chic, right?

Here are 4 very bright and bold palettes. Everyone needs some color in their life, right?
Brights: What I love about this brand is the color coordination within each palette. The palettes are so pretty to look at. This palette is for you if you love statement looks.
Oasis: This palette has some bolds and some everyday colors, great if you often go for different looks.
Rich Gems: This one seems so 'arabic' to me. It's stunning. I'd use it for special occasions.
Metallics: Some of my friends would go nuts for this one. The last three shades are so gorgeous.

And these 4 palettes are very day-to-night. I'd take these with me when I'm traveling.

Classics: The tone of this palette screams 'pants suits' LOL. The first 6 shades are pretty much what I wear on a daily basis.

Elegant: Great palette for all the women with office jobs and dress codes.

Sultry: Great name selection for these palettes. This palette is great for all of you who love to wear purple.

Smokeys: This one is just so bad-ass. It seems very fierce and edgy.

One more thing that caught my eye: the Creamy Matte Liquid Lipsticks. The color selection is very wide, and all the reviews I've found are positive. I love wearing matte lips, and they have so many gorgeous shades available....aaargh gotta have them all.... O.o

Anyways, that's it for this post. Did you hear about this brand before? What do you think of these eyeshadow palettes? I think they're such eye candy. The prices are CHEAP, which makes them a dream product. Or maybe I just love Australia too much and am not objective at all LOL. I think my 6 favorite palettes would be: Bronzes - Naturals - Rich Gems - Bases - Elegant  - Nudes. How would you rank them?

You can find out more about Chi Chi Cosmetics on their WEBSITE, their FACEBOOK, and make sure to check out their INSTAGRAM for gorgeous photos. I'm so excited I've discovered this brand! I love products that look this gorgeous! Until next time,

xoxo, Jelena

***Photos borrowed from the Chi Chi Cosmetics website.

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Preview: Catrice, August 2014 - Eyes

Catrice, my favorite brand, is kicking the summer off with some exciting new products that will be arriving in August. There are a lot of new stuff, so I've divided the photos into a few posts. I'm really excited about some of these products, and it seems the brand has been listening and are giving the customers what they've asked for.   

I love the packaging of these Absolute Eye Colour Mono Eyeshadows, the quality of these eyeshadows is amazing. I have nothing but positive experiences with them. Just look at the stunning shades they're releasing - the entire first row is breathtaking. I also love the dark purple. Sensational, right? I wish I could have them all...

Now, I love the concept of these eyeshadows - I am a sucker for anything matte. However, I am not a fan of round packaging, it's a weird quirk of mine (square packaging, please LOL). But that's not important. I wonder if this wine red shade is as gorgeous swatched as it is on the photo. I am so happy they're releasing so many matte products.

OMG Have they been paying attention?! I have been shamelessly saying how much I'd love the Nude eyeshadow palette - if only there were a matt version of it. And here it is!!! This will be the first thing I purchase. Catrice eyeshadows are a lot of fun and this will turn out to be amazing as well, I'm sure of it. Thank you Catrice for making my dream come true. I'm so excited about this palette! I love the shades they chose for it.

All these lashes look amazing - there's something for everyone, no matter what your style is. My favorites have to be the ones in the brown packaging, these will be great for opening my eyes up and making them stand out.

I'm not sure if these eyebrow products are for me, because lately I've mostly been using powder products to shape my eyebrows. I'll wait to see what other girls say, then I'll make a decision. Hm...I wonder if I might use these as eyeliners? Hm.....

This is interesting - lash growth serum. Having used this type of product in my life (but from a different brand), I can say that they do work, I have seen results. However, you have to be diligent and apply it every night. I will be testing this out for sure, we can all use thicker eyelashes, right?

Anyways, didn't want to write too much, I know everyone just wants to see the photos, right? Or is it just me? So, how are you liking these products? A few of them are on my to-buy list. I'm so happy we're getting yet another eyeshadow palette, and this time it's a matte one, I seriously couldn't be happier. If you want to know the price for any product, let me know in the comments; I didn't want to clutter the post with words, when there are such gorgeous pictures here. Don't forget to follow me, links are on the right side.

xoxo, Jelena

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Catrice Absolute Nude Eyeshadow Palette - Swatch And Review

Type of product: Eyeshadow Palette
Brand:  Catrice
Name of product: Catrice Absolute Nude Eyeshadow Palette, 010 All Nude
Price:  44 HRK
Where to purchase: Muller, Kozmo, Dm
Rating:  4/10
Would I repurchase: Nope.
Opinion: I've already talked about this product, but I wanted to do a review after I've used it for a longer time. I was so excited when this palette came out, but the longer I have it, the less I like it. The good sides are: the packaging is very good quality, it's sturdy and will not break easily, and the quality of the eyeshadows is good (but something to keep in mind: they're not very pigmented, so don't even think about using it without base). The thing that I dislike is: the shades. I don't think this is a nude palette. It's got way too much shimmer in it. I think I've said this before - it would be amazing if Catrice released a matte version of this. I've had this palette for 6 months I believe, and I only ever use the first shade as highlight on my brow bone. I do not think you can use it to create a work or school look, because it's way too sparkly for that. It's ok for a night out if you want shimmer and brown/nudish shades. Overall, I think I could have lived without it had I not purchased it. I never use the brush that came with it, it's ok but I've got better tools. Catrice has also released a new palette (the Bright palette), and I did not get it - it's just a bunch of highlighter shades that all look pretty much the same once applied to the skin. 

Conclusion: I like where Catrice is going with these palettes and I hope they release more of them, but this one does not have what I'm looking for. I do not like the metallic shine of some of the shades, or the crazy amount of shimmer. I think they should have put in at least one matte shade with strong pigmentation. If you're looking for an every-day palette, this isn't for you.

Did you get this palette? Is your opinion of it as mellow as mine? Let me know, and thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to follow me!

Follow this LINK for my review of the LE palette by Catrice.

xoxo, Jelena

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Alverde Schminkpalette 10 - Swatch And Review

Product: Creamy make-up palette, no. 10
Brand: Alverde naturkosmetik by dm
Rating: 2/10
Price: On sale 10 kn, regular price 40 kn (5 euro)
Recommendation: Avoid at all costs if you have any intention of using this.

I've written about this product before, but I did not post swatches. Well, carnival time is upon us, and to my horror, I've seen this horrible product again in DM, so I thought I might write again and warn you about it. I bought it because I thought it looked so cute (and it is cute), but the product is useless. The pigmentation is bad (except for black, and maybe red), and the product will not stay in place. When applied, no matter what base/setting is used, it will always stay creamy and sticky, so if you touch your face it will smudge, or worse - transfer to clothes or people. And the feeling of having something like this on your skin is not nice. I think this product might appeal to people with kids - they might think it would be useful to paint the kid's faces for halloween/carnival. But, what you will get is 5 hours of work trying to wipe this off of every single surface. If you happen to see this in store, avoid it. I wish I never tried mine out at all, it would look so pretty if it wasn't smudged. Yeah, the packaging is cute and very sturdy, that's why I graded it with a 2. If the packaging sucked, it would be a clear 1. Maybe I'm missing something? Anyone tried this out? Were you able to use it?

So there you go - an adorable-looking product that I am unable to use at all. Any product that you've tried that had a great packaging and appearance, but disappointed you when you tried using it?

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