Haul in the past couple of months :D +

Videos!

Skincare:


Makeup! :D

Let me know if you prefer more videos or primarily sticking to just writing. I know for sure I want to do a video once I have my organization set up. 

My makeup Brushes and Thoughts +

I was asked to do a video on my makeup brushes....and due to my nature to explain my thoughts on them, I broke it down into four sections. I hope you enjoy the videos and feel free to ask me any questions in the comments :) 

Introduction, Face & Lip Brushes:

Cheek Brushes:

Eyeshadow Laydown and Eyeliner Brushes:

Eyeshadow Blending & Crease Brushes and Conclusion:

Haul Video :)

Please be aware that I made a mistake with comparing By Terry Beach Bomb to Florita. I meant to compare it to Orpheline blush. Thank you for understanding. LOL

Video: 2 parts -- What's in my makeup bag?

Part I: the makeup bag itself  

 the makeup bag itself seen here.

dimensions of the bag: 6" height x 8.75" width x 1.25" depth 

 the Alexander Wang bag I would like to get seen here.

---

 Part II: the makeup pretties:

Tsukiakari EX-07 comparison swatches:

Sorry for being late with my post! I've been home visiting family trying to get stuff figured out in my personal life. It's been a busy weekend and I want to write a good review on the blush, so I'll do that if I have the energy once I return back to NYC tonight. 

But I do have some photos for comparison purposes to those who are wondering if EX-07 is worth buying. 

Quick note about the dark blue cream eyeshadow: I recommend wearing it with a primer. It will stay on your eyes if there's no primer used, but the vibrancy of the blue eyeshadow quickly goes away if you don't use a primer. 

Comparison photos below:

the first 2 shades are the shades on the upper left hand corner of each quad respectively. The other swatches are the upper right hand corner of their respective quads.

The pictures were taken with a point and shoot camera. The camera isn't mine since I forgot to bring it along with me, but hopefully the photos are useful.

L to R: EX-07, Suqqu 11 highlighter shades || Suqqu: #9, 10, 11, EX-07, and #1 (d/c) to compare the taupe/brown shades. (flash)

L to R: EX-07, Suqqu 11 highlighter shades || Suqqu: #9, 10, 11, EX-07, and #1 (d/c) to compare the taupe shades. (no flash, but artificial lighting)

L to R: EX-07, Suqqu 11 highlighter shades || Suqqu: #9, 10, 11, EX-07, and #1 (d/c) to compare the taupe/brown shades. (no flash, indoor bedroom lighting)

sorry for the brief review, but my mom is busy nagging me to do stuff. i'll see you later once i'm back in the city. ;)

Quick Preview of Suqqu Fall 2012 (Tsukiakari & Mizumomo) +

I'm literally running to work and as I'm ordering food, I've decided to take a quick snapshot of what I've gotten from Suqqu Fall. Enjoy!

I'll write a review by the end of the week when I'm not at work.

EX-07 || Tsukiakari

EX-07 || Tsukiakari (with flash)

EX-07 || Tsukiakari without flash

EX-02 Mizumomo

Suqqu M Brush +

I've finally have gotten to write this review ... ever since back in May that I discussed Suqqu's L brush, I've been asked how I use the M brush. So here goes ...

Like I stated with the L brush, I still don't know what hairs it consists of, but my guess is still Grey Squirrel. I don't know the actual answer since I don't have access to a Suqqu counter to ask an associate. 

How this brush is different from the "L" brush: It's shorter hairs, and more shaped like a cyclinder on the base, and it's ever so slightly tapered. I don't consider it a pointy brush either. The bristles are a bit more densely packed together than the L brush. I like it because I can use the M brush for the crease for more precise work, moreso than the L since it's a bit too big at times. The L for me is blending a wash of color on the lid, or blending 2 colors on the lid (lid and outer V). For those who want to blend the crease into the highlight or just the crease in of itself, the M brush is a better fit due to the size and shape. 

Sometimes i feel like a really pointy eye brush I can't manage to get a really defined crease to my liking, because it's too defined. What's nice is that I don't have this issue with the M, since it's not too pointy. I will say it's a bit tricky to use at first since the bristles are a bit dense, but it took a bit of practice to get the effect I wanted.

Price: £48 at Selfridges, ¥10000 on ichibankao.com (which is about £81, almost twice the price).

Is it worth having: If you have a great blending brush that you don't find too large, then the M may not be necessary.  If you think brushes like the MAC 222 is too flimsy, MAC 224 is too big and scratchy...or don't have a nice crease brush, then I do think it's nice to have.

Onto the photos!

L to R: Chikuhodo Z10, Suqqu M, Suqqu L

L to R: Chikuhodo Z10, Suqqu M, Suqqu L

L to R: Chikuhodo Z10, Shu 5R (kolinsky) Suqqu M

L to R: Suqqu M, L (color enhanced the photo since flash wasn't cooperating)

L to R: Chikuhodo Z10, Suqqu M

Suqqu L brush +

For a much awaited review on what I got in the mail seen here...I got some pretty makeup brushes that I've tested for a bit. The most common questions I get among my readers is about brushes, believe it or not. How does "x" brush compare to "z" brush. I don't even own that many brushes (I think...). 

a bit of a back story:  

My brush stash has definitely evolved over a span of 14 years. My first brush being an Estee Lauder lip brush (which was amazing, I wish a brand would make an exact replica of it). Then of course I got into MAC brushes, then weened out of those when I discovered Shu Uemura, and then I learned about Chikuhodo and Suqqu. Of course I've tried/tested/returned/exchanged/gifted other brands brushes along the way. Now I'm at a point where I'm almost satisfied with what I own...of course there's a few more I'd like to purchase, but those items aren't really necessary. 

So for those who think what I own is a result of like 2 years of buying...that is definitely not the case. If anything it's the items I buy the least often since I really must have the desire to buy it for a long time before I consider purchasing it. 

i'd like to thank the awesome individual(s) that help me getting Suqqu on a semi consistent basis. you know who you are. seriously, it warms my heart to know that there are people who go out of their way to help me. :)

right...back to my Suqqu L brush...

Hair: I honestly don't know. The Suqqu site doesn't state the hairs used, but it feels like my grey squirrel brush (Chikuhodo). It could be blue squirrel for all I know. Considering Chikuhodo manufactures Suqqu brushes, and they use grey squirrel hair...my guess is grey squirrel.  

Ferrule and handle: it's black, short, and on the thin side. It's not as thin as Shu brushes, but they're not as thick as the Chikuhodo Z series brushes. Some people may be surprised at how "short" the brush is, as I was when I got my Chikuhodo brushes. I'm used to longer handles since I've used Shu brushes for a long time. I didn't know what to think about shorter brushes, but I actually love them after using them for a while. The benefit is that they're easier to carry in a bag for traveling. The ferrule is black, which gives is a sleek, minimalistic look. You know me, I'm all about the minimalist aesthetic.

Application: It's a blending brush, so the hairs are long and the only brush I have that's similar in primary function is the MAC 224. For blending I do use my Shu 10, but the 10's primary purpose isn't blending, but rather a laydown brush for powder, cream, and liquid eye products. I've tried the L brush with powders and the effect is so seamless. Even when I overapply a certain shade, this brush definitely blends it out to the desired effect I like. Not to mention how insanely soft it feels when the hairs touch my eyes, definitely not scratchy feeling at all. I'm seriously thrilled to own this brush. It's a staple in my brush stash now since I have a brush just for blending. It's truly worth owning if you ask me.

Something to keep in mind when it comes to high quality brushes is that you don't experience hairs falling out in masses, or losing their shape after washing them. I'll let the photos speak for themselves.

The one small caveat is that it doesn't work well with my Armani Eyes to Kill Intense eyeshadows, as in blending two ETKI shades together, the L brush doesn't blend it as nicely as I'd like. It's definitely unfair to judge the L brush with those eyeshadows, especially since the ETKI aren't the typical powder formula. I'd figure it's of mention to those who were wondering how it works with the non-standard powder formula. For the ETKI, I now know to stick with my Shu Natural 10. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that due to the size of the brush, it may be too large for those with small lid space, or just small eyes in general. Due to the long hairs and density, if you think the hairs of the MAC 224 are too long, then you may find the L brush a bit too big too. Check out the comparison photos to see for yourself. 

Price: £48 (not including shipping), which is about $76. It's sold at Selfridges (a department store in the UK). To those who do choose to buy online elsewhere, ichibankao has them too, but the prices are a lot higher (as a FYI). 

Worth having?: YES. I didn't know how I lived without this brush. It's full of awesome! 

Onto the photos:

L to R: Shu 10, Shu 11, Shu 8HR, Suqqu L, MAC 224

L to R: Shu 10, Shu 11, Shu 8HR, Suqqu L, MAC 224

L to R: Chikuhodo Z5, Suqqu L

L to R: Suqqu L, MAC 224  [ sorry for having semi dirty brushes D; ]

L to R: Suqqu L (side pic, see how flat it is on its side?), MAC 224

random things i'm loving at the moment ++

I've been a bit of a youtube stalker viewer/subscriber as of late, and watching all of the beautiful ladies and their "Favorites of March, April 2012" videos has made me wonder what I've been wearing often and what I've been enjoying. Who knows? Maybe someone is interested in what I like/use often.

Thank you to my twitter followers for recommending me some awesome people to watch. 

So here are some of my favorites of the moment: 

top row:

Natura Bisse Glyco Extreme Peel: I just started my 2nd bottle of this a couple of weeks ago or so, and it pains my wallet to shell out the cash for this product, but it seriously has made my skin texture more even, exfoliates my skin so well, and in conjunction with sunscreen, it prevents my hyperpigmentation spots from getting darker. My skin is smoother, moisturizers apply better, and I look so much better. It's $245 + tax, but if you think of the price of professional glycolic peels (one session being about the same price as the bottle), I think the price isn't THAT scary (ok, maybe that's just my justification for buying it). The benefit of the Natura Bisse Glyco Extreme Peel, you do get the same professional results, but at the comfort of your own home. I would write a review, but I never took pictures of my skins progress with this item, sad to say. If you'd like to read about my experience with glycolic products, let me know. 

Trilogy Rosehip Oil and CoQ10 booster serum: I always apply these products immediately after doing the glyco extreme peel (once a week), and the rosehip oil every night before I go to bed. With my combo skin, it doesn't break me out and gives me extra hydration. This allergy season has been drying my skin out, and it's been a life saver.

Rouge Bunny Rouge Milk Aquarelle in Chestnut Milk Parfait: I like this product a lot and bought it on a whim. By itself it's a light-almost medium coverage foundation and it covers my natural redness pretty well by itself. It reminds me of a lighter/sheerer version of Ellis Faas Skin Veil. As much as I love Skin Veil, I only wear it when I'm out at night since it's a bit heavier than what I'd like for daytime wear. Chestnut is a bit too light for me now, but mixed with Chantecaille Future Skin in Nude (a bit off in undertone) it gives an almost perfect match. When I run out of Chestnut, I'll purchase the next shade up (darker).

Becca Beach Tint in Watermelon: A true watermelon shade for the cheeks, and it's so easy to take in my bag. No need to really explain the product since it speaks for itself. To get more information about Becca's Beach Tints, check out this review.

Chantecaille Lip Chic in Bourbon Rose: It's a lovely light pink lipstick, glossy in finish and super hydrating given allergy season. I'm thinking about doing a review of this in the near future, but check out my review of Tea Rose (oddly enough I just realized this morning Tea Rose is missing -- I need to buy another one TODAY). I'm that attached to my lip chics that knowing it's missing, I feel incomplete. 

Rouge Bunny Rouge Word of Mouth 

By Terry Rose Contour lipliner: This lipliner was limited edition for this past spring. This lipliner formula is nothing short of magical. I can wear it alone and it's not drying at all. It glides out without tugging the lips, and it's a soft rose shade. I'm not too fond of Terry's current line of lipliners, because the formula isn't really unique. Terry, PLEASE make these new lipliners current! As of late I've been lightly lining/defining my lips with this shade. It's really a gorgeous shade.  

By Terry lipgloss in Gold Digger

Giorgio Armani Gloss d'Armani in 509

Suqqu F, M, and L brushes: my newest brushes which I still haven't really played around with yet. I need to play with them some more before I can give a comprehensive review. I've been too busy working and catching up on sleep, but I just had to show them since I get really excited when I buy new brushes (which isn't often at all).

What are some of the things that you're loving lately? Any thoughts on stuff I should review soon? Or do you have any questions for me in general?

Suqqu #11 Himesango Blend Color Eyeshadow

I'm back, and alive. 

The story of my life aside from being busy trying to learn a lot of new things at work, a mix of unfortunate events, among other things have caused a bit of a hiatus on this blog. My life is somewhat getting back together, and I appreciate the support I've gotten from friends throughout the month of March.

Needless to say, I've been a bit depressed and just not in the mood for anything (even buying makeup). I hope it's a short phase. 

Moving along . . .

I bought some Suqqu Spring, and even though I'm not a fan of Spring/Summer collections, I couldn't help but buy some of the pretties.

#11 was one of the palettes when I saw promo photos, I was almost not going to get it. Me in peachy colors? meh, not a color I reach for, plus I feel like light peach shades look ashy or make me look slightly sick. But of course there's a taupe shade that motivated me to get it. I thought to myself "hey, even if that peach shade looks horrible, at least I have a pretty taupe to make up for it".

Colors: we have a warm peach, almost apricot like on my skin. I still don't know how I feel about this specific shade on my eyes, but man as a cheek highlight it looks AWESOME. Bizarre how I think of other ideas for specific shades. Of course we have the awesome taupe shade with a silver cast/sparkle to it. As for the last shade, (aside from the creamy white primer), it's cool toned brown, but it's not a unique shade in of itself. 

Texture/formula: The texture are their signature buttery softness, but their lasting power on their own isn't anything ground breaking (sad to say), but of course with a primer (like NARS), the lasting power is okay. The formula in terms of how it feels when you apply it (either finger or brush) is so divine. 

Packaging: It's sturdy, sleek, and functional if you ask me. It's a minimalist shiny black enclosure (which are prone to fingerprints), but easily can be wiped away. The best part are the eyeshadow applicators a dual ended sponge and a dual ended brush one. 

Price and size: 49 GBP (i think) 5.5 grams

Worth the purchase: I think it's a lovely quad to carry in your purse since the colors are fail proof, but the colors in of themselves unique? Aside from the peach-apricot one, not really. I like it a lot because it was a nice surprise to have something different in my stash (the peachy shade) and I have a use for it. We'll see if I can get more comfortable wearing peachy colors on my eyelids. 

Onto the colors!

colors clockwise from top left (with flash)

colors clockwise from top left (without flash)

FYI and the Holidays :)

As the year is rapidly coming to a close, I'll be away for a month, which means I won't be blogging during this time. Some priorities have risen and with that said, just a few things:

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season, whether it's with friends/family/loved ones. I'll be with my family during some of this time. 

I made a little Christmas wishlist (feel free to post your wishlist too i'd like to see what pretties you'd like to have ! :D)

Le Metier de Beaute Antiquité Poupée
makeup brushes (this is always my wishlist year round lol)

Guerlain Le Fumes 

By Terry eye serum

By Terry Black Pearl cream eyeshadow

I also wanted to share my By Terry story...

I had the opportunity to meet Terry de Gunzberg herself a week ago at her event hosted by SpaceNK. I didn't take pictures since I couldn't be there the entire time. Anyway, I had an artist who did my makeup (which by the way, was amazing). Terry was customizing everyone's skincare and what makeup for the person to have applied. Of course I'm in the far corner of the room having a fan girl moment seeing her. Out of nowhere she shows up and asked to do my lipstick. I don't know what kind of face I made, but I'm sure I lit up like a Christmas tree. 

She picked out 204 (Narcotic Sienna). She said I had a beautiful face and amazing lips and other awesome compliments. She changed the blush color since she used a red lipstick and applied #2 loose powder. Some of the guest artists were watching Terry work her magic on me, and needless to say I was so star struck. She can seriously work a lipbrush. She didn't spend much time on the other clients, just basically walking around just looking at the makeovers, but not really applying anyones makeup. She probably knew how much I loved her makeup line and how excited I was to see her.

I had to leave and I thanked her for her time. I also said I was so flattered...(which wasn't what I meant to say, because I was that star struck -- ha ha). Anyway, she said it was a pleasure doing my makeup. I just hope somewhere she knows that she made me SO happy. I have a whole new love for Terry as she's pleasant, humble, and just overall awesome. I'll discuss the contents of the seminar in a future review.

But this is what I was sitting next to during my makeover. I just wanted to take all of it and walk home ahahaha

And for fun times, what I've gotten to celebrate my birthday so far: 

Suqqu Holiday quads EX-05 and EX-06 (thank you to my Saint/Angel/Santa/Makeup Fairy for making this possible)

By Terry Glowing Rose (#2) Voile Poudre Eclat

By Terry Pearly Rye (#2) eyeshadow

By Terry Narcotic Sienna (#204) lipstick

By Terry Cover Expert foundation (Lumiere Veloutee's replacement)

Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Concealer.

 

Thank you for your understanding (me being missing in action).

-theblackpanties

Suqqu Face Color Palette (EX-01) +

Part of Suqqu Fall 2011's collection also consisted of a face palette, which is a combination of a face and cheek colors. 

Packaging: It comes in a sleek black rectangular box. Inside if you open it, there's the palette with the blush/highlighter with a mirror. What's cool is that behind the mirror, there's 2 brushes. Most palettes from other brands, their applicators are indeed useless. You know what I mean, the scratchy blush brush, the sponge eyeshadow applicator. Anyway, the Suqqu brushes are so soft and they are useable. The downside is that the brush isn't stiff enough to pick up as much color as I'd like personally. I'd use a brush like this for more pigmented colors so that the color won't be so intense on my face.

Texture: the formula is the signature buttery goodness, that it feels like a cream when you touch it with your finger. It's nice to know that Suqqu is consistent with their powder formulas, that it's smooth and so blendable. Pretty straight forward. 

Colors: 

Face colors: Starting from the left, it's a very mid tone soft brown, alone it almost disappears into my skin. I'd use this color to warm up my eyelids as a base for my eyeshadow. Then you have a light beige which is a nice soft highlight, but it's barely there. I'd use this more for my browbone (matte browbone highlight) if I'm doing a strong eye. Then we have a light pink highlight which looks chalky in photos, but on my cheeks it's AWESOME. it's a soft baby pink with subtle sparkle, which is what I would use to highlight my cheekbones. The three colors mixed together it's like the color of my skintone with a subtle shimmer. Even if I'm doing a strong eye and (or) a strong lip, the face colors mixed together are still too subtle to show up on my cheeks. 

The face colors are underwhelming for someone of my skintone, since I have nicer cheek powder highlighters in my stash (Champagne Silk from Le Metier de Beaute and Oscar de la Renta). I feel like the Suqqu palette was designed for someone who is NC25 and lighter. Individually I can use the colors for specific things, but mixed together I am a bit disappointed at how it shows up on my skin.

Cheek colors: the narrow strip is a cute strawberry blush color with some sparkle, and the last (far right) slightly warmer and it has no sparkle. I adore the colors myself, and mixed together the colors are lovely. These colors are the definite winner out of the palette.

Price and Size:  I paid 49 GBP.  Size is 0.43 oz or 12.4 grams.

Is it worth the money?: I like the palette itself, but do I LOVE it? No. I do see myself using the colors, but it's not something I'm that crazy about to use all the time. As for someone who is around my skintone or darker? No. It's definitely a bit sheer. I do think it's worth the money if you're like NC15.

Photos below: 

Face Palette from Left to Right.

Suqqu EX-04 Toukaede Eyeshadow Palette +

So for this fall, Suqqu came out with some new pretties, and of course yours truly had to get her hands on a couple of items...

So with that being said, it so happened the items I wanted were limited edition. *sob*. I've waited since the end of August for my new pretty...

Formula: the eyeshadows are their signature buttery soft goodness. It feels like a cream when you touch it with your fingers. It's nice to have great eyeshadows that just go on evenly and smoothly. If you like Rouge Bunny Rouge eyeshadows in terms of the texture and consistency, then you'll definitely love Suqqus. 

Colors (clockwise): The top left corner is a nice warm champagne shade, definitely the most shimmery out of the bunch. The color itself required a bit more product than usual for it to show up properly. Definitely a good color for a strong brow highlight, but my fav use for this one is the inner corner of my eye. Then we have a golden-peach-apricot kind of color. I'm a bit surprised that Suqqu used warm, summery type of colors for the fall. Anyway, this shade is similar to Sakurakaba. The main difference is that the Toukaede is a bit more shimmer. 

On the bottom left, there's this pigmented cream white shade that's supposed to act like an eyeshadow primer. I have yet to use the white shade by itself (as a base) since I have my own primer. I use it as a base, then apply the shadow on top.The texture is divine, creamy, and definitely opaque. Moving along, then the last shade is a warm satin finish (as in semi-matte) brown. It has a bit of sheen.  

Price: 49 GBP (which is what I paid) and the size is the standard suqqu palette size (although i didn't check the back of my palette to confirm). 

The colors in of themselves may not be unique per se, but what makes them stand out is their texture and how it looks on your eyes. The effect is so lovely, especially because the shimmer isn't too over the top nor overwhelming.

What I've purchased +

I've never been one to post what I buy for two main reasons...

1. I eventually blog about what's really awesome

2. it seems like gloating if I post what I buy. I mean all of us as bloggers buy a lot of stuff. We want to write about what we all like...but showing what we buy...can be seen as gloating...at least that's how my sister sees it. My sister used to see what I bought and she used to get mad or just be passive aggressive about it. For what reason(s) I don't know, but you get the idea...

As of the past few weeks, I've been working like crazy, especially with my schedule working during the day, and now I'm back on nights...needless to say it's not fun because my body is not adjusting well AT ALL. I've gotten stuff in the mail/bought stuff in store...and with all that has happened in my life...I haven't really played with any of it, which explains the less frequency of my posts. 

but! 

I've decided to show you my most recent makeup stuff. I hope you guys don't see it as gloating, because it isn't. I just want you all to see what I will eventually blog about and to see what I get excited about. This is stuff I've acquired during the past few weeks, so don't think i just got it all in one shot. I hope you enjoy looking at some of my pretties.

I added Becca makeup back into my life. yay ! 

So what did I get?:

By Terry loose powder in ivory peach

Suqqu #4 quad -- Keshizumi

Suqqu LE quad (in the white casing) -- EX-02 -- Sukashizumi

Becca Guava tint

Becca #58 foundation brush

RMK powder brush (to go with my By Terry loose powder -- it's that special).

Becca Halcyon Days Palette

Le Labo Gaiac 10 refill. (my signature fragrance since 2009).

a closeup of Gaiac 10. Yes, it's panties perfume. :)

Shu Uemura 7.5 EXB fan brush (only sold in a certain part of Japan)

Shu Uemura eyeshadows in: ME825, P140, G bronze, M895

Shu Uemura custom palette in: P781, P812, M335

(most of these are only sold in Asia, so don't be surprised if you don't see it on the US site).


am i the only one who really loves seeing haul posts ? let me know how you feel about haul posts ... ? like/dislike and why?

Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow #5 Sakurakaba +

So I finally got my hands on a Suqqu quad...and a fellow blogger An Aura, Chic, Beauty has convinced me to get a Suqqu quad. We all know how we feel about warm colors, so I decided to make my first quad one I normally wouldn't wear (a warm one). Thankfully I have insanely hot lady (who loves red lipstick as much, if not more than myself) who did me the favor of getting this eyeshadow quad for me. So let's discuss ...

Packaging: sleek shiny black packaging. The latch snaps shut...I normally don't do palettes so I can only compare to what I have. You're supposed to push this button for the palette to open. Ok that's fine. So the latch when kept shut, it's not difficult to open the quad by just lifting the lid on its own (you're not supposed to open it by just lifting the lid on its own). It's not a big deal, but just something to be noted.

What's inside? Ok this is a big win for me: it comes with this CUTE and FUNCTIONAL double ended eyeshadow brush and a double ended sponge brush. The eyeshadow brushes are so soft and a very nice quality. My biggest pet peeve when I see eyeshadow quads/quints: the stupid sponge applicator because for the most part it's useless, whereas the brush and this sponge applicator you can actually use them. I know small brushes aren't a replacement for your full sized ones, but for someone on the go like me, these brushes will be great when you're in a pinch/bind. 

Colors: Ok this is the fun part -- at first I didn't quite understand the appeal. But when applied the colors are so glorious on your lids. It's definitely a soft glow of color on your eyes. I wouldn't consider these bold, vibrant colors. I know the soft look isn't for everyone and I'm slowly appreciating the beauty of a subtle look. The colors consist of a shimmery pinky champagne (which has got to be my favorite one, but the hardest to photograph *sad*), a medium warmer gold, the pale white shade acts as a primer (it really only evens out my lids), and a pretty chocolate brown.The colors themselves aren't unique per se, but what makes them stand out are their ... (read on)

Texture(s): they are so buttery soft and refined, so soft that it almost feels like a cream in your hands. It's magical, insanely magical. I will say the medium brown shade is pretty, but I was expecting a bit more from the matte because even though it's soft, and the application is easier than most mattes, but it's a bit subpar in comparison to Shu Uemura mattes since they apply on easier. Overall a win for me.

Price and size: 45 GBP (around $73), 0.22 oz or 6.5 grams

Where it's sold: At Selfridges in the UK, Thailand and of course Japan :)

Is it worth having?: #5 is not a crazy warm palette so I can get away with the colors, so I think it's worth it. :) Plus there's nothing more rewarding than a luxury eyeshadow palette that's so well thought out (color wise and brushes).

colors clockwise from upper left hand corner.

(with flash)

you can see the pinky-champagne highlight shade. It's magical.

no flash

isn't this brush CUTE !?!?!

The sponge applicator

Backside of the palette. 

Back of the box -- ingredients

Back of the box -- I can't read this but I hope this makes sense to someone.