Press sample provided for my unbiased consideration
With the holidays fast approaching, MAKE UP FOR EVER has recently launched two beautifully curated Artistry kits, the Beauty Kit (CAN $45.00, not shown) and the Studio Case (CAN $68.50) that will surely make the perfect gift for that beauty fiend in your life … if you can bear to part with either kit, that is.
The MAKE UP FOR EVER Studio Case comes in a sturdy black hinged case (and I’m thinking that this can probably be reused for storage, once you’ve used up the shadows) with 12 new Artist Shadows from the brand (albeit, in much smaller size than the individual shades come in) – arranged in 4 convenient groupings of: (top to bottom for each row) Natural, Smoky, Bold and Chic, along with a twist-up Artist Liner in black, and a booklet of ideas to help you create effortless looks from among the afore-mentioned categories – although you’re obviously not bound by this, and free to mix & match these shades as you like.
Recently when I attended a MAKE UP FOR EVER media launch of their new Artist Shadows (reviewed here), I couldn’t help but be completely impressed with the superior quality of these shadows, as well as their high pigment levels (highest in the market, in fact) and application/staying power. Divided into 5 groups, their designations are as follows:
- D – Diamond finish (glittery brilliant in tone but with an ultra-smooth finish)
- I – Iridescent finish (luminous)
- M – Matte finish (non reflective)
- ME – Metallic finish (highest brilliance factor)
- S – Satiny finish (soft glow)
The colour selections found in the Studio Case, offer three mandatory neutrals (M-530, I-524, and S-516), three mid-range hues (ME-108, D-826, and I-544), three darker shades (M-100, I-218, and ME-828) and three vivid colours (ME-122, D-236, and D-926) for brightness and contrast. The brightest and the black matte have seriously intense longevity, and you’ll definitely need an oil-based remover (or a dual-phase one) to get rid of all traces. I experience no powdery kickback with any of these hues, nor any fall down issues. I was surprised to find that both D-236 (aqua) and D-926 (violet) do not initially apply as strongly as they appear in the pan, making them layerable and subsequently more wearable. The selection of taupes/russets in this collection, are some of the best I’ve come across and I just know I’ll be picking up the full-sized versions once these are done.
One lucky person will also have the opportunity to win a MAKE UP FOR EVER Studio Case! Full details at the end of the post.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS CONTEST IS OPEN TO CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY
Good Luck & Happy Entering!
Studio Case Natural trio:
- M-530 – bone/parchment hue, cool leaning
- S-516 – light peach
- 1-544 – mauve/taupe
Studio Case Natural trio swatches, applied dry (left side) & damp (right side)
Studio Case Natural Eye Technique: Gradient
Studio Case Smoky trio:
- ME-122 – bright white, blue reflects
- ME-108 – gunmetal
- M-100 – sooty black
Studio Case Smoky trio swatches, applied dry (left side) & damp (right side)
Studio Case Smoky Eye Technique : Smoky
Studio Case Bold trio:
- D-236 – bright aqua/teal
- D-926 – shimmering purple/violet
- I-218 – royal blue, indigo reflects
Studio Case Bold trio swatches, applied dry (left side) & damp (right side)
Studio Case Bold Eye Technique: Smoky Contrast
Studio Case Chic trio:
- 1-524 – peach with pink iridescence
- D-826 – berry/brick, pink & copper reflects
- ME-828 – rich brown, pink reflects
Studio Case Chic trio swatches, applied dry (left side) & damp (right side)
Studio Case Chic Eye Technique: Halo
Studio Case M-10 Artist Liner | A deep black liner in a twist-up pencil format (non-retractible), that applies exceptionally smoothly along the skin, without any tugging or pulling. The rich buttery texture is not only highly pigmented, but made to last exceptionally long (like, forever – or until you remove it. Seriously.) and you have a few minutes to play with it (i.e.: blend out, smudge) before the colour sets. Once it does, it’s there for the duration and will need an emollient or dual-phase eye makeup remover to take away all traces.
Studio Case M-10 Artist Liner, watched heavy (left side), blended out at right
If you’re new to the MAKE UP FOR EVER brand and wanted to try a fairly decent sampling of their eyeshadows, then this Studio Case is an excellent start – you get enough shades to create a variety of looks, along with a universal black eye pencil, which is something everyone needs in their makeup arsenal. I’m also pleased to note that unlike other holiday offerings from top brands that can sometimes feel rather cheap and not up to standard, the MAKE UP FOR EVER Studio Case displays substance and quality, making it more than able of holding its own – and well worth the price.
Is it just me, or wouldn’t this case – once emptied – make the most perfect jewelry box for any beauty fiend?
Available now through MAKE UP FOR EVER boutiques, as well as Sephora and Sephora.com
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