For the life of me, I could not concentrate at all this afternoon. So I stopped trying to and ran away to Nordie’s instead. 🙂 Nothin’ like a little retail therapy to clear the mind, or at least to distract it long enough to forget whatever it was having a hard time trying to process.
While I navigated the makeup department with a chai latte for companionship I bumped into these pretty cool eyeshadow quads over at Yves Saint Laurent. They’re called the Pure Chromatics Wet & Dry Eyeshadows ($48 each).
Have you seen these up close and personal before?
Top row from left to right: YSL Metal Eyes Pure Chromatics quads in 1, 2 and 3; Bottom row: 4, 5 and 6
The six of them, all powder eyeshadow quads, were released earlier this spring with the Metal Eyes Collection, a 35-piece release that included some waterproof liners and mascaras along with the quads.
A placard on the counter says that YSL used “a new water-processed technology” to manufacture these that supposedly produces more intense pigments. More intense than what, I’m not sure, but these absolutely do look intense to me, and that metal finish is off the hook!
“Water does not dilute, but enhances color pigments in Pure Chromatics. When used wet, the water rehydrates the eye shadows and gives full intensity to their pigments. The effect is the satiny powder transforms into a luxurious cream while pearls shine with a metallic finish.”
I think it’s kinda funny to hear how revolutionary YSL characterizes the application of shadows with a wet brush, like they just came up with it at lunch. “Jill, you’ve gotta give this a try! Apply the shadows wet!” 🙂 Seriously, guys, I don’t mean to burst any bubbles over there, but we’ve been doing that for years. That said, I do dig how rich and metallic these look when they’re applied wet. They shine like my favorite husky tabby’s eyes shine in the dark.
Swatching these, I couldn’t help but also notice how the soft, smooth texture glides across the skin. Straight up, they feel as good as they look.
Top row: Pure Chromatics in 1 (left) and 2 (right) dry; Bottom row: Pure Chromatics in 1 (left) and 2 (right) wet
Top row: Pure Chromatics in 4 (left) and 3 (right) dry; Bottom row: Pure Chromatics in 4 (left) and 3 (right) wet
Top row: Pure Chromatics in 5 (left) and 6 (right) dry; Bottom row: Pure Chromatics in 5 (left) and 6 (right) wet
YSL Metal Eyes Pure Chromatics swatches with the flash
YSL Metal Eyes Pure Chromatics swatches without the flash
I forced myself not to pull the proverbial makeup trigger today because 1) I had to exercise a little restraint and 2) I couldn’t pick just one, but now I can’t stop thinking about the #6 quad’s mix of khaki green, bronze, pink and purplish taupe. We’ll see how long I’m able to resist…
What’s your take on these? Do you have much experience with YSL?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Ive never tried YSL before but after seeing this I WANT TO. i am a firm believer that wetting the brush before applying the eyeshadow makes the color show better i really really LOVE palette number 6. those colors are so beautiful! 5 is also another favorite. i will definitelty be purchasing!!!
You’ll love it more once you see it in person. That green is AMAZING.
I’ve spent a lot of money in the last two months and I’m backed up in terms of reviews. I’m gonna hold off, lustworthy as they are.
They are lust worthy!
I’ve never tried YSL before either, but I’ve always wanted to. Everything about them screams luxury to me.These eye shadows are so amazingly gorgeous… I, too would have a difficult time choosing only one palette! I love how shimmery they are and they look like they have a lot of pigment. Fabulous! 🙂
These are crazy shimmery and glittery!
Ohhhhhh Karennnnn…. These quads are briliiant!!! I’m particular captivated with the pink/silver/graphite/black combo… It’s diviiiiine & would create an excellent smokey eye!!!! I love YSL sooooo much… (Especially the Rouge Pur & Rouge Volupté Lipsticks) I fall in love with practically anything French… And if it’s in a golden case I just have to have it hahahaha… I must go and swatch these really really soon hahaha 🙂
Let me know if you end up getting any. 🙂 They also had some waterproof liners there that you might like, too.
I really like the bright sky blues!
Me too!
there are some STUNNING colours in those quads! considering it’s YSL though, i’m operating under the assumption that the price will be too steep for me. but that won’t stop me from admiring from afar, though :p.
It’s sometimes fun to just window shop. 🙂
Greens and Golds are my faves too >< there's just something so earthy and pretty about it
I love a good green on the lid. 🙂
What a colorful arm! LOL! Nice pigmentation but a little too expensive?
It’s pricey, but that’s typical of YSL.
gorgeous eyeshadows. 🙂
Are you tempted by any of these, Nina?
I checked these out for a minute the other day, only a minute though with my little one in tow 🙂 thanks for the swatches, number 3 caught my eye in person but I’m also liking 2 now as well. They are very pretty.
The gold and brown shades in No. 2 are so pretty!
That’s cute that your little one accompanies you to the makeup counter, aww. 🙂
I haven’t been too thrilled with the YSL palettes I’ve bought before, but wow that #6 looks fantastic!
Doesn’t it though? I’m kinda lusting over it.
I am with you on #6- those colors are beautiful. If you get, please swatch. I’m very tempted…
To clarify, I meant on your eyes- I saw the arm swatch.
Got it. We’ll see how long my willpower lasts.
You and me both!
All are really pretty but my favorites are nr 1 and nr 5.
Love #5. 🙂
The eyeshadows are very pretty and the pigmentation looks good too. Too bad they’re so expensive though.
That’s YSL for ya!
# 6 caught my eye too. Gotta love the green and they matched it up with some really pretty & interesting colors.
Imagine the green on the lid with the purple as a liner… pretty!
I bet they’d look lovely with Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy 🙂
I’ve never tried that product before. Is it one of your must haves?
I have picked up #1, #3, #4 and #5! They were my summer splurge. I love them and the color payout cant be beat.
I’m sorely tempted by #5. That grayish/taupe shade is gorgeous.
#6 is gorgeous! I need that green!
It’s even more beautiful in person.
I found this post because I just swatched #6 at Sephora today and I want it sooooo bad! But I, too, had to exercise restraint. Did you end up getting it? I’m still thinking about it…