Splurge or Save: Eyeshadows

Splurge

Cle De Peau Beaute Eye Color Quad In 306
$110, from Cle de Peau Beaute counters

A four-shade star palette from the brand's autumn winter collection.

Review: Like many of the brand's eyeshadow palettes, this neutral one comes with beautiful shades which do not flake off. There is a pearlescent pink-beige, a shimmering chocolate brown, silver, as well as a metallic charcoal, all of which give eyes depth. It is a breeze to create day-to-night looks with this palette.

The fine silky texture makes the shadows easy to apply and blend, even with a sponge-tipped applicator. The light floral scent of the powders add to the luxe factor, while the two double-ended eyeshadow applicators of various sizes are a plus. This palette is an indulgent but worthy investment.

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Too Faced Natural Eyes Neutral Eyeshadow Collection
$49, from Sephora stores A handy palette with nine shades for everyday eye make-up.

Review: The neutral beige and brown colours - four matte, three metallic and two shimmering ones - are easy to mix and match for different looks, from subtle to smoky.

It was easy to pick up the colours with an eyeshadow brush. The powders sit on the skin without flaking off, even when I did not use an eyeshadow primer.

If your forget your make-up pouch, the subtle metallic pink shadow can also be used as a highlighter, while the two matte brown shadows will work well as brow powders. The set comes with a useful step-by-step guide for three eye make-up looks as well.

Overall, this is a value-for-money make-up kit staple. But I wish it came with eyeshadow brushes or applicators for days when I forget to bring along my make-up brushes.

This article was first published on August 8, 2014.
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