I’m beginning to realize that despite falling in love with a new purple eye shadow single/duo/quad/palette approximately every 6.14 seconds (a side effect of undiagnosed makeup deficit disorder), I could probably function for days, weeks or maybe even months wearing the Hourglass Visionaire Duo in Exhibition.
It’s easily one of my favorite purple duos of all time, and I always feel at least a little better when I get it on my lids.
One side is a shimmery mauve, like a lighter, shinier MAC Shale; the other, a shimmery eggplant with subtle magenta undertones (I notice them more when I apply with a wet brush), which I think give the shade more depth.
Both sides are packed with pigment — enough to please even the most discriminating mulberry mavens, and perhaps hard-core MAC-aholics, too.
The silky, almost creamy rose petal formula makes it easy to build beautiful gradients, and best of the all, the powders completely refuse fallout, creasing and fading.
Wondering how close Exhibition comes to the NARS 413 BLKR duo?
Hmm… I’d say close, but they’re not exactly dupes. The Exhibition shades appear a little brighter and shinier to me, with a corresponding chipper effect on my mood.
I still heart 413 to bits, but I think of it as having a harder edge and more tough-girl zeal.
I’d probably lean toward Exhibition if I were in the mood to slip on a dress and heels…or when I want to strike up conversations with strangers walking their dogs.
I’d save 413 BLKR for more emo days — when I’m just not having it — and all I want to do is wrap myself up in a protective purple cocoon, with a black leather jacket and ear buds, so I don’t have to talk to anyone.
One last thing: if you happen to have Laura Mercier’s Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Grey Pearl, Exhibition looks amazing layered on top!
The long-running Unsung Heroes series features some of my favorite permanent collection products from a variety of bodacious beauty brands. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Love this! Happen to be near a Sephora right this moment….. not good
LOL, welcome to my world, Renee!
Visionaire looks amazing on you – you did a great job in creating a subtle purple smokey eye!
Thanks, Dee. Are you an Hourglass fan too?
Earlier today I was at Sephora and this was one of the shadows I was checking out. I also am suffering from a constant love of purple shadow disorder, but have yet to find the perfect one. I didn’t get this one because I just wasn’t sure I could justify the price. If only I had seen your post before I went! It looks gorgeous on you. Now I have to go back….
Hi KPrice,
Did you end up picking up anything at Sephora? 🙂
This is my second Hourglass duo (after Dune) and it’s so great for a quick smokey eye! The darker shade is SO pigmented but easy to blend. Good stuff!
Great stuff, even! 🙂
Stunning!!!..Karen..could you pretty pls do a step-by-step pictorial of this look?pls pls puhleeeeease gf! 🙂
Hi Varsha,
It’s really easy! It’s the lighter shade applied all over the darker shade in the outer third, and then darker shade applied wet along the upper lash line. Then lots and lots of blending. 🙂
This is a gorgeous duo and a wonderful look on you.
Does the purple have much in the way of red undertones? I find I look “bruise-y” with reddish purples.
Thanks, BooBooNinja. The red tones only really show up if you apply the shadow wet. Otherwise, it’s pretty subtle.
Hi to your kitty! 🙂
I love Hourglass products. I’ve yet to find something I don’t like.
Hi Jasmine,
What Hourglass products are your faves?
I LOVE Hourglass’ eyeshadow formula–so gorgeous! I have Dune and Suede but I ended up passing both along to my mom. I love Suede but Dune, I was a little disappointed in. The texture was gorgeous but I kept finding myself wishing that the dark green side was a bit more green–less blackened. I started using it less and less til finally I decided that I should give it away so it could get the use it deserves. Exhibition, though, is one I’ve been eyeing since I first heard about these duos. Not sure why I didn’t pick it up before the other 2 but I know now that I NEED this!
Hi Becca,
I think I Suede in my life next! 🙂
EVERYTHING you wear looks perfect on you and I can’t decide whether I should buy the Nars duo or this one! 🙁
Love your blog!
x
Hi Marilia,
You can’t go wrong with either! I think, though, if you want a duo that’s easier to blend, you might want to go with Hourglass. 🙂
Hourglass is seriously an amazing brand with some awesome products.
Yup. I could easily wear them every single day.
I love the blouse and the shadows 🙂
Thanks, Vanessa. That top is a wrap dress, believe it or not. It’s by a designer called Maggy London.
Seriously, I adore this color pairing and you look epic gorgeous with it. I might try it!
Hi Annie,
Thank you. 🙂 If you try it please send me a pic. I’d love to see!
I was thinking of getting this one as my first Hourglass duo. I love the eggplant purple so much in here and the lighter shade looks quite unique to me. I love the look you created with it too, suits you so well!
Do this one or Dune. Both are great! 🙂
Thanks a lot for the recommendation Karen! <3
Your eye makeup here is gorgeous!
You look fabulous Karen! I am late to the party with Hourglass (only have their new brow pencil). I love purple eyeshadows amd may have to pick this up. Makes brown eyes really stand out.
The colours are so beautiful and I love the soft smoky eye you did with them.
Are you wearing this duo over LM Grey Pearl in these pics?
Hi Renee,
Nope. Just my regular ol’ NARS primer. 🙂
One thing I don’t have: a purple duo I love. With green eyes I’ve been dying to find one.
DARN YOU KAREN DARN YOU! Cause I know I will love this. And now…need it. LOL!
You look beautiful!!
What lipstick is this Karen??? It looks beautiful.
STUNNING on you. One of your best looks!
Thanks, Lisa! The duo makes it easy to do these looks. You gotta try it!
OMG Loving this! I actually truly adore purple and love it in any form but especially shadow! This looks really beautiful…
Karen are you wearing the make up for ever rouge artist #39 lipstick from the last unsung heroes? gahhh I’m drooling over it I must have that pretty coral!
Hi Angelina,
Good eye, girlfriend! Yup, that’s the color.
uggghh…i think i need the expedition duo!!! lol!! i love purple shadows! btw, i love the lipstick as well!! waaahhh… i think i need that one too lol. btw, what foundation are you wearing here? our skin tones are pretty much the same. im a C4 in mac. so i wanna know that too. thanks !
Hi Rachel,
I’m wearing Bobbi Brown’s Skin Foundation SPF15 in 4.5 Warm Natural on my cheeks, nose and the center of my forehead. Around my mouth, on my chin and at the edges of my face I’m wearing Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation in SB12. To set everything I used Hourglass Oxygen No. 4 Powder.
Super pretty!
You look gorgeous!!
Why must I have this, you do this to me every time Karen!
Hi Rozae,
It’s a really beautiful duo. Seriously, you won’t be disappointed!
It’s probably too late, but please tell me how you did this look! I’m a long time stalker and I’ve always loved this look and I want to wear it to my brother’s wedding tomorrow. I should’ve asked earlier. I thought it’d be easy but I don’t think I can recreate this. It’s beautiful.