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Eye Product Reviews
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Clarins Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Clarins Color Fizz Collection Eye Shadow in Sunny Yellow
Tester: North African (Moroccan) about Halle Berry’s complexion with dark brown eyes.
“I’ve always been very pleased with Clarins skin care, so I was expecting great things from the cosmetics, and it did not disappoint. Sunny Yellow is part of their Spring ‘08 Color Fizz line. In the compact (very sleek, modern and I loved the mirror inside) it appeared to be as sunny a yellow as the name would suggest.
When I applied the color on my lid, I found it very pigmented, smooth and very blendable. It's a great true warm sunny yellow color that really brightened my whole face. On me it showed up as a true yellow on me, but with a touch of gold. I also found that it worked well layered with bronzes and pretty caramel shades to create a soft, pretty look.
I was very impressed with the staying power of this shadow, which was amazing. This can be applied lighter for a day time look that is quite appropriate for a work setting or more intensely for a more dramatic look in the evening. I also found that this color looked best with a dark brown or brown eyeliner to soften the yellow effect a bit. This color will work best on warmer complexions and up to a Gabrielle Union shade.” Y.M.
Go-->Clarins Color Fizz Collection in Sunny Yellow
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
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AWAKE Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Awake Point Makeup Remover, Eye & Lip
Tester: Multi-Ethnic (Turkish & British) with combination skin.
“I found this to be a great, non-greasy eye makeup remover. It completely erased all types of mascara and eye liner that I wore (regular, long wearing and waterproof) as well as foundation and lip products. The bottle looked small; however it lasted forever because I only needed just a tiny amount on a q-tip to remove my makeup.
I used it every day (sometime 2x day if I reapplied makeup after the gym) and after a month I still had a 90% full bottle. It’s a very mild formula that was soothing on my eyelids, and didn’t irritate my eyes (I wear contact lenses). This is by far one of the BEST eye makeup removers I have used. It’s worth every penny and I won’t be without it now!” L.D.
G0-->Awake Point Makeup Remover, Eye & Lip
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
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Tester: Hispanic (Dominican) late 30’s with some under eye puffiness and normal to dry skin.
“What an innovative product from the Japanese brand Awake! These are small curved gauze-type strips soaked in a soy based concentrate that I laid on my under eye area for about 10-20 minutes. I found after several weeks (using them 2x week) of use that my under eye area really was more hydrated and it also helped with the dark circles. Upon the first use my under eye area was definitely plumper, but after using the masks for a month, I did noticed a significant reduction in fine lines and dark circles.
The packaging is also innovative. There are 10 masks which you place on the under eye region. Please note: Once you open the disc that holds the eye patches and add the liquid you have to use the patches within 10 weeks, once you open the product you must use it otherwise they dry out. The eye masks are not individually wrapped so you need to use one at least once a week (but believe me it’s not a hardship!).
It really added moisture to my eye area and made that area brighter and fresher. This is a nice addition to my overall skin care routine when I just want to really treat myself with a beauty indulgence!” T.M.
Go-->Awake Eye Concentrate Mask
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
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Stila Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Tester: Asian (Pakistani), about Padma Lakshmi’s complexion with medium brown eyes and normal to dry skin.
"I absolutely love this palette. The packaging is beautiful, with a beautiful vintage velvet black vine with red buds design (creating a subtle “S” for Stila I suppose?) contrasted against a stark white background. One of the best features about the packaging is that the pans are removable (magnetic) and the palette can be reused.
All four colors matched perfectly together. The two stars of the palette are the gold eye shadow (upper right hand corner) which is just gorgeous and it made my brown eyes "pop!" Is a beautifully rich gold that is warm, has depth and would look good on everyone. Each of the shadows is buttery smooth and is highly pigmented, making for easy application and long wear. The second standout is the blush. It is beautiful and gave me a natural flush. It is very pigmented though so it should be applied with a very fluffy brush and layered lightly. The blush has no shimmer, it's a matte finish.
The other two eye shadows are neutral ones. The lightest shade I used as a very subtle highlight or as a wash. It gave me just a subtle shine. The other shadow is a pretty chocolate shimmer. With the exception of the lightest shade, everything else is super pigmented so use a light hand. Note: The packaging is beautiful, but if you keep this in your purse as opposed to home and it bangs around a lot those fine black threads creating the vine decoration on the cover will shed.
If you're looking for a nice nude palette with a twist this is it! It became my go-to when I felt inspired to use neutral and unique bright colors together. And long after this palette's is finished I will be able to continue to enjoy the beauty of the packaging. It is a gift that keeps on giving.
The palette as a whole will work best up to a Gabrielle Union complexion, but the eye shadows will work on all skin tones." A.V.
Go-->Stila Blanc Palette
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
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Tester: West Indian (Trinidadian) about Kerry Washington’s complexion with dark brown eyes, combination skin with good skin tone.
The Noire Palette is a lovely palette for a “cool face”, featuring periwinkle blue shadow, pearly pink lavender eye shadow and a cool pink blush.
The palette itself has a lovely, unusual design of silver and white flowers and vines with a black background. The black felt on the white and silver is a nice touch The magnetized palette opens up to 3 eye shadows and one blush. No mirror included in the palette. The pans can be taken out and exchanged for the individual Stila eye shadow and blush pans.
The top left eye shadow in the Noire Palette is a light pearly pink. I found this to be beautiful for highlighting. The top right eye shadow is a periwinkle blue, which I tended to blend with the bottom left eye shadow which is a sparkly black that was excellent for a smoky eye look. The blush in the bottom right spot is a bright pink.
When I used the periwinkle I tended to layer this one more heavily as it is not as pigmented as the others. It read a little more blue/grey on my skin and was very pretty. I tended to use the glittery black quite a bit as both an eye shadow and it also made a nice, soft charcoal liner for a daytime appropriate but smoky look.
The blush is actually the winner of the palette. It’s a bright but deep pink color. It looks a little bright in the pan but goes on really sheer, natural and flattering. It just looked like pretty flushed pink cheeks which really complimented my skin tone and not bright pink obvious blush. Because the blush is very pigmented I used it with a light hand.
The cost is also a great deal as opposed to buying eye shadow and blush pans plus palette or compact costs. This palette will work best up to an Iman complexion.
Go-->Stila Noire Palette
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
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Stila Eye Shadow Pan Twig (refill)
Twig, pictured left
Tester: Hispanic (Puerto Rican) about Daisy Fuentes’ complexion with light brown eyes.
“Twig is now one of my very favorite eye shadows. It's very shimmery with deep brown and golden/reddish hues. What I love about Stila shadow is the fantastic amount of pigment that they use. This color suits warm skins of all shades very well and looks great on any shade of brown or even green eyes, in particular.
I mainly used this color to achieve a brown shimmer smoky eye instead of using the usual black, navy or grey. This shadow quickly turned into a must have in my eyeshadow collection. The shimmer isn't overpowering and there's a beautiful depth to the color because it's not just a brown, there are lovely reddish hues to it (I got SO many compliments when I wore this color!). If “red” sounds scary – don’t worry - the red in this is not over powering.
I found that it also worked very well as an eyeliner (both wet and dry), and isn't too dark to wear in the crease, even for day. I t also have a lovely silky consistency and stayed put all day or all night.
A little goes a long way and the Stila pan is quite large so it’s also a fantastic buy!” M.B.
Editor’s Note: This shade is also a favorite of Palacinka Beauty Insider, Celebrity Makeup artist Sam Fine!
Go-->Stila Eye Shadow Pan Twig (refill)
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
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Kanebo Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Kanebo / Kanebo Sensai Eye Contour Balm--15ml/0.5oz
Tester: West Indian (Jamaican) late 40’s with dry/sensitive skin and under eye circles.
“This is an excellent eye cream. It moisturized my eye area unbelievably well. I just felt my skin just drink it in every day. It has a wonderful silky texture, spread easily on my skin, didn’t clog my pores and was emollient enough to provide great moisture. After using every day for several weeks consistently, this cream seemed to really reduce my under eye bags, all without causing any breakouts.
Quite frankly, I noticed the results from the first day. The few lines around my eyes either disappeared or diminished, my under eye bags were reduced and the dark shade of my under eye area lightened up to the point that I now I don't actually need to use concealer for regular day use! It’s a luxury purchase that is worth every penny for waking up day after day and loving what I see in my eye area!” L.D.
Go-->Kanebo / Kanebo Sensai Eye Contour Balm--15ml/0.5oz
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
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Olay Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Olay Definity Illuminating Eye Treatment - .5 oz
Tester: Hispanic (Cuban) late 30’s with slight under eye circles and fine lines around the eyes with combination skin.
“Like many women, I am always on the lookout for an eye cream that can “do it all”. Lighten dark circles, reduce puffiness, hydrate and just make the eye area look brighter and fresher – especially now that I am nearing 40!
Well, Olay has taken the time to create a product that answers most if not all of these wishes with impressive results.
I have dark circles and small lines around my eyes. It only took one application to see a difference. It lightened up the circles under my eyes almost immediately. It felt so silky, and it was not greasy or shiny. It absorbed fairly quickly and did not leave any residue. I honestly couldn't believe how well it worked.
Definity Eye Illuminator brightened the eye area and moisturized very well. I found that on days when I didn’t need a very made up look, I didn’t even need to use concealer! Just a tiny, tiny amount was needed so a little went a long way and that definitely makes it worth the slightly higher drug store product price tag.
The secret to this little gem are the micro spheres that actually cancel out and balance the darker/red/green or even blue tones under the eye, as well as provide illuminating effects. I noticed it also made those fine lines around my eyes appear less visible. So that's another plus. The great thing about this is not only can you see immediate results, but after continued use, it is gradually lightened the circles under my eyes. Genuis!” T.F.
Note: This product must be used after cleansing and before application of any makeup!
Go-->Olay Definity Illuminating Eye Treatment - .5 oz
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
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Olay Regenerist Derma-Pod Eye Anti-Aging Triple Response System
Tester: West Indian (Trinidadian) early 30’s with slight under eye circles and dry skin.
“I’m was once again on a search for a nice eye cream, and being a fan of Olay, I was eager to try this product. Overall, I was very pleased with the product and the packaging. I did note that this is best for dry/very dry skin as the cream does seem to leave a slight coating that does not immediately sink in the skin. For this reason, I found it to be an excellent night time treatment.
The system has 24 pod applicators, and by using and discarding a fresh applicator each time, and applying the recommended 3 times a week, this lasts for a total of eight weeks. If you’re like me and are not crazy about sticking your fingers in creams, this is perfect because it’s completely hygienic. After washing my face, I followed the first step and squeezed the little packet to release the product into the thin round sponge/pad on top. Then I applied the product with a dabbing motion to my upper and lower eye areas, one eye at a time. Finally, beginning with the upper inner corner of one eye, I massaged in circles across to the upper outer corner and to the temple. From here, I massaged in circles following my under eye area to my lower inner eye, making sure to keep the pad flat against my face. I repeat the massage for one minute. Then, I did the other eye. After using for several weeks my eye area looks fantastic, my circles also have brightened up and I found I the longer I used it, I could even skip a few treatments per week.” T.G.
Note: For best results try using a half a pod and if you find you need more product, then apply the rest, otherwise you may find that your entire eye are can feel slightly “tacky” from the cream.
Go-->Olay Regenerist Derma-Pod Eye Anti-Aging Triple Response System
This product gets 3 "Palacinka Points" *
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Napoleon Perdis Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Napoleon Perdis Peep Show - Madame Beyond
Tester: Multi-Ethnic (Japanese & French Canadian) with short, thin straight lashes.
“This mascara may be a “sleeper” to some of you who don’t know much about the Perdis brand, but believe me it definitely deservers any beauty lovers attention!
It really made my lashes dark and long and pretty! It volumized my lashes and didn't weigh them down (That's one thing I judge on mascaras). The brush is rather unique with a small indent in the middle of it which really allowed me to pull the brush up easily from the base of my lashes and get the perfect amount of product on them. In addition, there was no flaking, which is another really important factor for me. It lengthened my lashes without clumping (even 3 coats!). All in all, it is a very good mascara that will not be far from my makeup kit.” A.F.
Go-->Napoleon Perdis Peep Show - Madame Beyond
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
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Chantecaille Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Chantecaille Shine Eye Shade in Bois
Tester: Hispanic (Dominican) about Michelle Rodriquez’s complexion with dark brown eyes.
"I’ve been a huge fan of Chanticaille since a girlfriend gave me a Chanticaille lip gloss years ago – I was amazed by the color, the feel on my lips and the packaging. Now I have the opportunity to try their eye products and I couldn’t have been more impressed!
Bois is a stunning, wearable color that is worth the luxury price tag. Bois flattered my brown eyes in a believable, natural way, and lasted all day with no creasing. The color complexity is truly sophisticated and elegant -- it's a blend of muted brown, plum, copper, peach & mauve. The shine eye formula gave me just a hint of shine -- no glitter, or obvious sparkle.
The color is simply amazing and elegant. No sparkles or glitter. On me, the golden tones showed up a little more prominently than the brown shade. For those of you who want to blend shadows, this is great for the crease or you can apply it wet to add on intensity. I also adore the packaging, which is a lovely single silver compact with a white translucent lid. Bois is a very universal color that will work best up to a Serena Williams shade." A.N.
Go-->Chantecaille Shine Eye Shade in Bois
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
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Hard Candy Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Caramel, pictured left
Tester: Multi-Ethnic (Jamaican/French Canadian) about Paula Patton’s complexion with dark brown eyes.
“Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! This is a finely milled caramel/peachy color and the container is adorable; it's this bright baby pink slide out compact.
The texture is matte with tiny amounts of glitter, but depending on what you do by day (working in a more conservative office for example); it may be a bit too glittery. Overall, however, the glitter can be layered for a more pronounced effect. I did a light wash on my lids on most days and it was fine. At night I really layered it and it became more of a peachy-bronze tone which went well with my brown eyes and recent tan.
I found that this worked alone for a “light eye” look with a little punch, and it’s beautiful also as a highlighter on the brown bone and to layer with darker browns and peach colors.
It's great for an all over color wash. The colors are sheer, easy to apply, stay on for a decent amount of time, and have that perfect shimmer level to them. This color will work for all skin tones, but for very dark complexions (e.g. Alex Wek) will work better as a highlighter. I’m excited to try more shadows from this line!” H.L.
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
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Lancôme Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Lancome LUCI Ombres Glacee Cooling Eye Gel Illuminator for eyes and face in Chameleon
Tester: Multi-Ethnic (African-American/French Canadian) about Lisa Bonet’s complexion with medium brown eyes.
“The Cooling Eye Gel Illuminator is one of my favorite products from the LUCI collection. It’s a very light cream eye shadow that appears to be an opalescent pearl shade out of the tube, but as soon as it hit my skin it turned into the most beautiful combination or soft pink, peach and apricot, reflecting different colors wherever the light hit it. It was noticeable but definitely not too over the top or distracting. I loved the effect!
I used it on my brow bone on top of my cheekbones and even experimented applying it on top of a neutral power shadow. It really brought out my features. It very creamy in consistency and does have a very brief, cooling effect which was pleasant. I also applied just a little with a small brush on the inner corners of my eyes to brighten my entire eye area (great after a late night!). Because this color reflects light off of the skin, this looks great on all skin tones as well! On some people they will see more pink, others more of a peach or even a violet tone at times.” S.D.
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
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Lancome LUCI Ombres Glacee Cooling Eye Gel Illuminator for eyes and face in Chameleon?