At $41, the Yves Saint Laurent Eyeshadow Duo in Oatmeal/Petroleum Blue from the spring 2009 collection isn’t exactly recessionista material.
But overlooking the price for a moment, take a gander at the color.
Here it is worn around my boring UPS brown peepers…
The color’s a matte slate blue. I love the way it exaggerates the edge between the eyelid and the whites of the eyes. Doesn’t it enhance the contrast between them?
Oatmeal, the second shade that comes with the duo, is a basic matte beige. While pretty, it didn’t give me makeup-gasms like Petroleum Blue, LOL!
Both products in the duo feel finely milled like Dior’s eyeshadows yet creamy like Shu Uemura’s.
And they have all-day staying power, too, even when applied along the waterline.
The problem is the $41 price, ouch.
It’s a lot to ask for a duo, even one with an exceptional color like Petroleum Blue. Maybe if Oatmeal had blown me away… Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B
Steal the look for less
I was thinking today about how to recreate this look for less when I stumbled on L’Oreal HiP Shadow Duo in Magnetic ($7).
Swatches from top to bottom: Oatmeal/Petroleum Blue, Magnetic
The pan comes with two shadows, a shimmery gray blue and a shimmery bluish black. The later applies a little darker and more dramatic than Petroleum Blue, but I think it brings a similar vibe (for 1/6 the price!).
Picture it paired with MAC Brule eyeshadow ($14.50), a more budget-friendly version of Oatmeal.
Canned heat in heels…
Hooray! After a long day of writing and school I’m off to dance class for an hour. To pump up my jam this afternoon I listened to Canned Heat by Jamiroquai. That song always gets me movin’.
What are you up to tonight? How has your week been?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Karen, you look absolutely gorgeous with those eyeshadows. I’m definitely going to pick up the L’Oreal version and give the same look a try. Which brush (or brushes) did you use to create the eyeliner-like look with the darker shadow? I always fail trying to create even lines like that and I’m starting to think it’s more of the brushes fault than my own (lol) because I know I’ve had enough practice.
Hi Elena,
Thank you! 🙂
I used two brushes for the look. First, I used the Sonia Kashuk angled brush to lay down the thick lines on both the upper and lower lash lines. Then, I used a MAC 209 brush to do a thin layer of color closest to the lashes and in between the lashes. The idea is to create a gradient of color, with the darkest, most intense blue closest to the lashes. Last, I used the same Sonia angled brush to apply the shadow onto the upper and lower waterlines.
I then blended out the edges of the lines with a wedge makeup sponge to diffuse the blue into the Oatmeal shade. 🙂 I hope this makes sense… let me know if you have any other questions!
The navy blue looks gorgeous on you! But since its matte, I’m going to have to pass on this one. We don’t get HIP eyeshadows here or I’d snag that one for sure – shimmer is my friend! Thanks!
Great find, Karen! I fell in love with the dark blue the second I laid eyes on that FOTD – I’m so excited (read: my wallet is so relieved, lol!!) that you found a drugstore alternative! I’m definitely checking out this one the next time I go to Shopper’s.
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Karen–
Aren’t those HiP duos amazing? How are you liking them? I own 13! I don’t have Magnetic, though. I thought it looked a bit dark for my (unfortunately fair) skintone.
Hey, I just noticed that lighter blue looks a lot like the blue you were searching for with Frieda Pinto. What do you think?
I have to be honest with you, Oatmeal from YSL does not suite you, Karen. It’s just way too light and matte for your skin, in my opinion. Maybe the duo was made for someone with lighter skin. Petroleum Blue looks gorgeous on you though.
Hey, I have brown eyes. Don’t be dissing the brown eyes. We brown-eyed beauties must stand firm in a society where blue and green-eyed ladies are beloved! Love your brown eyes!
I admit, I have times when I’m weak and want nothing more than a pair of green peepers, then I remember that my eyes are one-of-a-kind and make me me. That and I’ve learned my eyes aren’t just standard brown (who’s are?). Mine have grey edges and are more amber in color than brown. This came from my mini-stint of having natural-looking turquoise contacts. Did you know I actually switched back to colorless in less than 6 months because I missed my brown peepers so much?
You’re right! It doesn’t look like much on its own, but that Petroleum Blue has an amazing alchemy with your lovely, chocolate-brown eyes! 😉
Would you consider re-doing the look with HIP’s Magnetic to see how close a dupe it is?
Am I wrong or is there a new Matte e/s from Revlon in a Navy blue? Tha might be an option too. I would think Oatmeal could be replicated fairly easily.
I like the blue but would go for a cheaper option – it seems like a trendy shade.
Hi K,
Love the look! I think I can do something similar with MAC’s Slate and Blanc Type eyeshadows, what do you think? Do they resemble to the YSL duo?
Hugs :3
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Hi Karen !
Very very pretty, suits you alot lady !
I’m going to try out that look for sure !
hmm we don’t have HiP here but you did a great job on looking good but pay less!
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Hi Karen, Thanks for posting–I can’t get enough of the slate blue eyeliner or smoky eye look. The Dior pricing does seem kind of steep though…
Also, thanks so much for the flat top brush recommendation. I think I’m going to order mine from Target. I’ll let you know how it goes!
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oops, i meant YSL not Dior! need….coffee…
tanya´s last blog post..spring rain
Hi ParisB.,
LOL, shimmer is my friend, too. So is concealer, tinted moisturizer, stretchy pants…
Hi Rae,
Great! It’ll probably look darker and more dramatic but the gist of the look will be the same. Do you have a good beige to use on the lid?
Hi Kate,
No dissing brown eyes here! I love mine, too. 🙂
I was thinking that the lighter shade would be perfect for the Frieda look too!
Hi Glosslizard,
Thanks, lady!
I will try and knock out a duplicate look soon! 🙂
Hi Chris,
Yah, there’s one called Riviera Blue. It looks a touch more royal blue but still looks like a very pretty color. Right now Ulta has ’em as buy one, get one free. Vintage Lace might be a good option for the beige color.
Hi Eru,
For some reason I’m having a brain fart right now (coffee hasn’t kicked in yet) and for the life of me I can’t remember Slate! Is it a darker navy or a more gray blue? You could do either and essentially get the same effect.
Hi Anna,
Thanks hon! Let me know how your look turns out. 🙂
Hi Jojoba,
Yah! It’s nice to have budget options.
Hi Tanya,
LOL, I’m guzzling mine right now. I’m trying to cut back on caffeine so today is my first day of drinking half-caf. If I end up going nuts by ten you’ll know the reason why. 😉
I really think you’ll like the flat top. It’s an amazing brush. I might just take her out so I can admire her, LOL.
Have a good day!
while the look is super pretty i think the cheaper model would be just as good !
i like the formulation of hip shadows i think they are very versatile – in this economy i am hesitant with my makeup expentitures – i will spend the $$ but i need to get true pigmentation and versatility for my $$
its freezing here in nyc – and that doesn’t help my super sore muscles !! (been going to the gym 4 days a week now for 3 weeks in a row!!)
how was dance class?? our instructor at crunch is awesome his name is derek and hes just really good sometime i get lost cause i am in amazement at how he moves lol check out this clip of him and some of his non gym dance students 😀
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ-yTK3P25E&feature=channel_page
I think the stila kajiki duo would be up to the task too…
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Aw, Karen, your brown eyes aren’t boring. I have brown eyes, too.. I mean, we’re in the majority agianst other eye colors! MUhaha.. kidding.
While I think YSL makes extraodinary lip sticks (more than Chanel and Dior), their eye shadows IMHO don’t live it up. That said, I own a lot of their Limited edition palettes consisitng of eye shadows; some of them are good, some are not. However, i paid a lot for each one, so they gotta be above average..
I’d buy NYX eye shadows any time than any high-end eye shadows! LOL
Blue eyeshadow usually reminds me of the 80’s but it looks awesome on you! Your tan complexion offsets the colors beautifully. I think paler folks look more slutty than pretty with blue shadow. 🙂
petroleum looks sooo fantastic on you! I’m very drawn to blue eyeshadow lately but since my eyes are blue I don’t get the great contrast effect. (I still love to buy it and use it though). I wonder if this would work for your blue dupe of the slumdog actress look??? also, I just putting out there another good deep navy blue option-shu ME blue something-darn! I can never remember those stinking numbers….
Hey Karen,
Thanks for your recommendation on the brushes. 🙂 I’ll swing by Target soon to compare the Sonia Kashuk one to my current angled brush. Side note – I feel _very_ silly right now, because I spent a fair portion of last night looking for a cheaper knock-off of the MAC 209 thinking it was really expensive, and then gave up and checked it again this morning, only to realize it’s only $17.50. I’d say that’s a fair price for a good quality MAC brush, so I’ll swing by a counter and hopefully grab one soon.
Hola Karen!
You look so vibrant. I actually picked up the HIP 2 days ago just because, that is soo wild! I should play the lotto…anywhooo I never tried the Sonia brushes, I’m working with the set I got from esthie school which are Aveda. They are pretty good but it’s a good idea to try others. thanks!
Hey Karen! That HiP duo looks really pretty…hmmm.
Love this song!! Is this the song from Napoleon Dynamite? Or was that a different song?
Hi Shefali,
OMG! Are you back from your test? How did it go?
Hey Karen! No, test is tomorrow…the anticipation is killing me. It’s like I felt in my third trimester – I’m ready to go, no matter what, LOL.
I will comment tomorrow as soon as I’m done. Wish and send good thoughts my way!! I relaxed all day and am going to do some reviewing tonight and a little in the morning. Then I’m off to see the wizard!
Karen,
I love your website! I’m addicted, checking in several times a day to see what’s new. This blue is so flattering on your eyes, you rock it! Thanks for all the info and tips that you give, it’s the best website I’ve found.
Your friendly neighborhood housewife, Katrina
Hi YadiQ,
Which HiPs do you have? I really like Magnetic and I think I might get a few more.
Dance class was fun. My teacher busted out some old school music:
SO FUN!
Anyway, I just watched that vid and Derek is a great dancer. I will have to try and see if I can do this routine. This style of hip hop isn’t my forte but we’ll see, LOL!
How was your day? Are you ready for the weekend?
Hi Vivian,
Brown eyed girls unite! 😉
I will have to look into those Limited edition palettes in the future. Do you think the texture is different than the duos?
Hi Heidi,
Thanks! 🙂
I think with paler folks you just gotta find the right shade of blue. I have a pale friend who swears by MAC Parrot…
Hi Amanda,
LOL! I can never remember those Shu numbers either! And the worse thing is the font on the packaging is soooo small. I can barely read it.
Good call on the Frieda Pinto look. I will have to try this blue, too.
Hi Elena,
One thing I really like about the Sonia brush is it’s very soft. It’s so soft I can even use it on my waterline and it doesn’t irritate my eyes. 🙂
I hope you will like the 209. It has a very fine tip and is so great for creating very crisp lines.
Anyhoo, let me know what you end up getting!
Hi Mimi,
Hola! 🙂 How funny about the HiP duo. Did you get the same shade?!?
Hi Shefali,
Good luck! I hope it goes well and that you do great. 🙂
Hi Katrina,
Thanks! I am glad to hear that you like the site. I hope that we get to chat again in the future!
Dear Oh Dear Karen,
I have been visiting your site for quiet some time now (this is my first comment ever!)–and I must say, as simple as the above look is, it definitely makes for my fave look on you! Truly! I don’t know what it is, I can’t put my finger on it…it’s makes you look exotic and mysterious…in a fabulous, fabulous way.
Thank you for ALL of the posts…I definitely LUV visiting your site when I can. =)
P.S.
Brown eyes are not boring!!! 😉
–Dimples
Thanks for doing the look with the HIP brand. I have that shadow so I hope to achieve this look sometime this week.
I <3 Jamiroquai. I think that they are so underrated here in the US.
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I’m nursing my sore/scratchy throat with hot lemon water and honey. It’s working so far. And I’m not wearing any makeup today!