The non-review: Maybelline's Color Tattoo Metal 24HR Cream Gel Eyeshadow

There are no smoke and mirrors with Maybelline's latest offering (I use that loosely here because these guys have been on the market for almost a year). Primer isn't necessary and don't even think about reaching for your NYX Milk stick.

What you see is what you get and that's a good thing.

Electric Blue is a striking navy hue with an undercurrent of silver. Tis far prettier and cheaper than Chanel's Apparition.

Fat Bastard will only have eyes for Gold Rush. Unfortunately, this colour was never released in Australia.

Looking for a steely gaze, Silver Strike might be more to your liking.

Barely Branded is a close cousin of MAC's Bare Study.

Inked in Pink could easily pass for Bobbi Brown's Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Oyster Pink.

Swatches from left to right: Barely Branded, Inked in Pink, Silver Strike, Gold Rush and Electric Blue

Last year I wrote a pretty thorough review -- definitely check it out if you're a Color Tattoo newbie.

Mom, thanks for trolling around Wal-mart and CVS in order to find these bad boys.

Total amount for Maybelline's Color Tattoo Metal 24HR Cream Gel Eyeshadow:

• $11.95 AUS / $4.97 USD

Help dial back the shine with Rimmel London's Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation

Stay Matte

It's noon and there's an oil slick across my face.

And in my purse I have what I consider to be my essentials:

• iPhone 
• Brush
• Hand Moisturiser 
• Keys
• Tram Card
• Wallet
• Loads of lip products

But, I always manage to rule out blotting paper. One of these days my happy, shiny face will serve as a glaring warning to the rest of you out there.

Shining my "light"

Instead of fighting oil with paper, Rimmel's Stay Matte pulls double duty with its light/medium coverage and shine fighting properties. If you're already planning on putting something on your face, why not make it work for you?

Swatches of Stay Matte in Classic Beige (left) and Sand (right)

Stay Matte is a light mousse with no discernible scent, applies easily (a little goes a long way) and stays for the day. With my sun kissed glow all but gone Sand proved to be a tad too dark for me with its orange undertones, but Classic Beige is a bang on match for my skin ATM.

Wearing Classic Beige

For the dewy kinda gals, Stay Matte might not be for you. 

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Rimmel's Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation:

• $14.95 AUS 

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 9 out of 10 bags — If you're in the market for a wallet-friendly foundation, Stay Matte (available in 8 shades) is definitely one to toss in your shopping basket.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• I'd be lying if I said no :)

*PR sample provided –  Thoughts and ramblings written here are completely my own.

Cuz you never know when you'll spot a cute pair: Marc Jacobs Style Eye-Con No. 3 in The Shoe Gazer

When fashion and makeup collide

Before releasing his makeup range, Marc Jacobs took great care with both the design of his packaging and the contents inside.

A pleasurable experience is felt from first spying the black lacquered plastic case peeking out of the grosgrain coverlet and then there's the satisfying click of the closure. It's a makeup junkie high. 

Just remember to breathe.

During my hours long excursion at Ala Moana Center, I ventured to Sephora -- Marc Jacobs Beauty was no longer a temptation to fixate on.

For the true make it or break it test, I opted to pick up one of his eyeshadow three pan palettes in The Shoe Gazer.

The Shoe Gazer

Peachy bronze sheen

Matte taupe brown

Light turquoise blue sheen

Swatches from left to right: Bronze, Taupe and Turquoise

Layered swatches from left to right: Turquoise over Taupe, Bronze over Taupe and Turquoise over Bronze

Side by side comparison

The texture of Jacob's eyeshadow formula is soft and creamy, thus lending itself to eyeshadow harmony. Because the performance of his eyeshadow was relatively unknown to me and my oily eyelids, I made sure to apply primer first in order to give things a fighting chance. 

During application I found all three colours built up quite nicely and I didn't experience any fallout.  Over the course of eight+ hours The Shoe Gazer stayed put and never creased.

Wearing The Shoe Gazer on my eyes

Close up of the final look

If you're looking for a proper introduction to Marc Jacobs Beauty, start with colour first.

Other items worn in this look:

• Becca's Beach Tint in Lychee on my cheeks
• Shanghai Suzy's Miss Brooklyn on my lips
• Benefit's They're Real Mascara
• Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Crayon in Ro(Cocoa) on my upper waterline (review to follow)

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Marc Jacobs Style Eye-Con No. 3 in The Shoe Gazer:

• $42.00 USD - Sold exclusively through Sephora

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 8 out of 10 bags — I took a couple points off for price, but in exchange you do get a beautiful finish on your eyes.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• I also picked up the perfect red lipstick called Neo-Noir.

Beauty in a tick: Rimmel's Lasting Finish Matte in Kiss of Life

Kiss of Life

Don't get me wrong while I do love a luxe lippie, sometimes (actually, always) the price tag stings. A few months ago Rimmel London came to the matte lipstick party with 10 shades for the taking.

Swatch of Kiss of Life

IMHO Burberry has been bringing their A-game with their matte formula, but I also think Rimmel's Lasting Finish Matte is an extremely close second. It's..

• Affordable
• Long-lasting with high impact colour
• And if you love Mac's Ruby Woo, Bobbi Brown's Old Hollywood or Burberry's Lip Velvet in Military Red, then Kiss of Life is for you too.

What more could you ask for?

Wearing Kiss of Life mixed with a dash of old Hollywood glamour

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Rimmel's Lasting Finish Matte in Kiss of Life:

• $12.95 AUS  / $4.97 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 10 out of 10 bags — enough said.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• Rimmel's Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation is next in the queue.