Flashback Beauty Friday 40: Estee Lauder Pure Color Eyeshadow (Part 2)

Post does not contain affiliate links or PR gifted items.

If you've been following my Flashback Beauty Friday posts since the beginning (the end of last year), then you'll likely remember my Estee Lauder eyeshadow post, where the compact kinda looked like an ice-cube. I loved that packaging, but EL later changed it to a flatter style and I'd completely forgotten I owned one, until I found it recently, so here it is.

Beauty Lately...

Post contains some affiliate links (which when clicked, can earn the blog a small commission on purchases made). No PR gifts included in this post, promotional (gift with purchase) items are noted.

Beauty Lately... is a selection of mini reviews; good, bad or indifferent of beauty products I'm currently using. If you missed it, you can find my post from last week here. Today I have a couple of new to me brands, a new season lip product and a rediscovered favourite nail polish.

Beauty Lately...

Post contains some affiliate links (which when clicked, can earn the blog a small commission on purchases made). No PR gifts included in this post, promotional (gift with purchase) items are noted.

Beauty Lately... is a mini review post of beauty products I'm currently using. If you missed it, you can find my post from last week here. I have a very pink selection of products for you today.

Flashback Beauty Friday 3: Estee Lauder Pure Color Eyeshadow

Post does not contain PR gifted items or affiliate links.

It's Friday, so time for another look back at some old makeup.  Like last week (Too Faced Gossip Gloss), this item wasn't limited edition, but this style of packaging no longer exists.  These are the Estee Lauder Pure Color Eyeshadow and not being funny, I thought this compact was the epitome of cool back in the day. As did everyone!  You really earned beauty street cred (is that a thing?) for owning these. 

Estee Lauder: GWP & Pure Color Love Lipstick Swatches

I was shopping the other week and there was a really nice Estee Lauder GWP in Debenhams. I had my eye on their Pure Color Love lipsticks, but my first choice, then second choice were both out of stock. I was really taken in by the sparkly ones, so got a white one instead (intended to be a topper over liner or another lipstick), but really had my heart set on the other two. The girl told me to take a photograph of the other ones I liked so I'd remember their names if I saw them elsewhere. I thought I had nothing better to do than go home and buy them online, but they were sold out everywhere I could think of. I kept torturing myself with that photo of the testers, but fast forward a couple of weeks and an email popped up about another GWP and lo and behold, they had the lipsticks I was after! I must admit to double and triple checking, because I thought it was too good to be true and I'd got the shade names muddled! However they arrived last week and are the ones I wanted. You'll be surprised because they are quite different for me (not nudes), but lately I've been veering away from lighter neutrals and opting for darker statement lips.

Haul & Swatches: Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Lipstick

So you know when I go to buy makeup, I take this super serious and organised stance, researching colour descriptions, trawling blogs for swatches, scribbling notes, saving photos and in the end completely confusing myself by adding more discoveries along the way to my wishlist? Well I spent two days figuring out which of these new Estee Lauder lipsticks to buy. Two entire days. Unfortunately it's something I have to do when I'm unable to get to the shops. I could swatch 'em at a counter and make up my mind in about 2 seconds flat, but that's not an option for me right now. Anyway I bought two online and have another to buy once I figure out if it's different enough from those I've already got.
The new lippies are called Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick and have created a real buzz in the beauty industry already. I can absolutely see why. It's the first time in years that EL have formulated new packaging for their lipsticks and this one is very impressive, with a cool, sleek, laid-back kinda elegance. It feels incredibly weighty and luxurious in navy blue with gold ends and branding scribed into the top. The shade name is clearly stated on the base and inside you'll find more branding on the...what would you call the twisty bit you turn up? "The twisty bit"! I'm a big geek fan of that clicky noise lipsticks make when you put the lid on, but this one has gone one step further with a magnetic closure. Like my Guerlain ones, once the lid is almost at the base, it automatically closes itself, thus avoiding those loose lipstick lids and mushed lipstick in handbag moments. I can verify the snapping shut bit is extremely satisfying even without an actual 'click'!  I may have demonstrated several times to my sister while she looked on blankly. Then she smeared chocolate fingerprints onto my brand new cases, when I forced her to try it herself.  Clearly we are not related.    
Inside the lipstick looks so glossy and creamy, even before application. I obviously opted for nude shades, but there are pinks, reds, coral, darker browns and even plum. There's bound to be a colour for everyone. The one I originally wanted was 110 Insatiable Ivory (below), which was described as a warm nude.
Some photos made it look quite dark and I prefer light nudes, so I was a little concerned it would be quite brown in real life. My photos I suppose also look quite dark and in the swatches it's not the palest nude I've ever seen, but it's still oh so lovely. When it comes to the swatches, remember I literally haven't seen the light of day in weeks, so my hand is as pale as you can get. On my lips it doesn't look nearly as dark.
The other one I got was 120 Desirable (above) after to-ing and fro-ing between that and Impulsive. You'll never believe the amount of blogs I went on that had photos and swatches that weren't labelled, it was rather annoying! I knew exactly what I wanted from their pics, but there was no real reference to which shade was which. I think Impulsive may be lighter than Desirable. Desirable is described as lip tone pink nude, while Impulsive is a light, milky pink nude. Maybe there's not much in it and this is why I'm holding off buying it, if it's too similar.  I then also wondered if Desirable would be too similar to Insatiable Ivory, but you can clearly see the difference when they are side by side (Desirable is the lighter, pinkier one on the right).  I quickly applied them to the lips last night before bed, because I was super excited to see how they looked.  I applied one to the top lip and one to the bottom and ok, the lighting wasn't perfect at that time, but I did think they looked very similar!  They don't in the swatches though.   
As I thought from looking at them, they apply so smooth and creamy (my swatches don't do that justice). Despite these being the lighter shades in the range, they only need one swipe for a noticeable colour. I haven't had the chance to wear them all day to see how long lasting they are, but I've heard good things about that.  I suppose the shades I picked aren't super unique, but for this amazing creamy formula, I'd quite happily buy more!  They are shades that I'll wear loads and so it's money well spent in my opinion.  Speaking of, they are priced £24 each and I actually had £20 on my beauty card and for the first time, spent it online (you can do that now), so technically I got one free-ish (there was 10% off last week too).  For the swatches, I took one inside (below), then as the sun was shining so brightly in my window, another where my hand was directly in the sun (bottom).  
I bought mine from Debenhams who currently have a lovely GWP instore until the 15th (buy two products, one to be skincare or foundation) or you can opt for the gift I got by buying online, which is a makeup duo and bag. There's no restrictions on what you can buy (just two EL products and if the gift doesn't add to your basket, it's out of stock). You get a mini Sumptuous Extreme mascara and this adorable lipstick keyring. It's like Barbie sized, it's so darn cute!! I really should've placed it next to something for a comparison of just how ickle and tiny it is.  It's a Pure Color Crystal shimmer lipstick in 41 Tiramisu and I've swatched it next to the others below. It's a sheer rose with sporadic shimmer.  
I would seriously recommend trying these lippies for yourself as I'm sure you'll be completely enthralled with them too.  I'm desperate to see Impulsive and buy it decide if I need that too, then if I see the others I might go bold and buy something non-nude!  Go me! A quick note that I've been updating my shopping links page and added tonnes of new brands to it.  If you click through any of these links or ads and make a purchase, I get a small commission.  I'm sure I don't have to explain that I'm still completely honest in my opinions and reviews-I've previously linked to Debenhams (and other brands on that page) a million times before without commission, so it just seemed silly not to, when I naturally do it anyway.  Let me know if you've tried these lipsticks or suss out Impulsive for me!  

Monster High Monday: Picture Day Lagoona

One of these days my Monster High Monday post will actually be uploaded on a Monday. Maybe! It's usually late afternoon until I sit down to start writing the post and see how the photos have turned out and by then I only have an hour or so. Plus Monday is a busy TV night for me (Hart Of Dixie (trashy I know) and hooked on Under The Dome), so I never have time for more after that. Totally going off on a tangent here, but I feel like I didn't watch anything on telly recently and all of a sudden my evening schedule is full! I've decided to watch X Factor USA again which is on twice and don't even get me started on the fact CSI: NY is on four times this week, er hello, when am I supposed to do anything?  Plus I have Covert Affairs, then our X-Factor at weekends.  Phew!
Anyway yesterday was like a summers day, it was actually warm and sunny. So I thought I'd look for a nice bright dolly to replicate and of course that would involve Lagoona. Did you know the reason behind the blue streaks in her hair? It's because she spends most of her time in the pool and the chlorine has discoloured her blonde hair.  I think that's a cute little MH fact! As usual she doesn't stray too far from her pink lip and turquoise/pink eye. There is the addition of a nude lid this time and her lips are a dusky, slightly lilac pink. I had no major problems finding dupes, the pink eyeshadow could've been a little more neon (mine was darker toned than Lagoona's). I never realised MHM would require so many different shades of pink eyeshadow, something I have some but not much of.
So starting with the eyes, I applied Urban Decay Primer Potion and applied the pale pinky shade from Givenchy Prisme Again in 1 Zen Pastel on the eyelid up to the crease. I applied Estee Lauder Pure Color in 41 Aqua Pool, a matte turquoise, under the eye and MAC's Eyes On Manish palette came in handy yet again, where I used the bright pink in the socket. I then took a really thin brush to apply the darkest purple from Dior's eyeshadow quad in 970 Stylish Move directly along the crease.
Under the brows, I applied W7 Glitter Eyes gel in 02 for sporadic sparkle like Lagoona.  I ran Laval Kohl Eyeliner Pencil in Lilac through my brows for a purpley effect and used L'Oreal Super Liner GelMatic* on the upper and lower lashlines with perfect Slim* for the flicks. On my lashes is YSL Babydoll mascara.
On my face I'm wearing YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat in BR10 with Dainty Doll concealer in 002 on blemishes. I used the concealer in 001 as my highlighting colour and the dark tan shade from Diorskin Nude Tan in 001 Pink Glow as my contour colour. I swirled all four colours together for my blush and am wearing The Balm 'Sexy Mama' pressed powder.
For the lips, I found a couple of colours quite similar but one was leaning too warm while the other was too lilac. I decided to mix both together for the perfect shade. The lipsticks were MAC Viva Glam Gaga and Viva Glam Nicki 2. I wore Pout's Lip Liner Definer, a colourless liner underneath.
I think this week turned out really well in both application and colour.  It was pretty simple to do too.  What do you think?  My outfit for The Shoe Girl Diaries is up now, featuring a new dress with an adorable print that you have to see.

Monster High Monday: Dance Class Lagoona

Monday seems to come around quickly, when there's MHM and sadly, I've not had time to post anything else since last week! Today I bring you the delightful Lagoona Blue from the dance class line which launched last year. Lagoona makeup is pretty predictable (soft pink lips and a turquoise/pink eye), so I was pleasantly surprised the turquoise leaned more green and the lip was brighter on this doll. I managed to find dupes pretty easily and the application was particularly fuss-free this week.
I even attempted a wearable version of her purple brows this time! Her eyes are mostly that greeny shade but with a thin lilac line and her lips are bold and bright fuchsia. I had to edit in slightly greener eyes and was tempted to define my freckles a bit more as hers are just too cute! Sadly mine usually get caked in makeup and hidden somewhat.
Starting with the eyes, I applied Urban Decay Primer Potion and Dainty Doll eyeshadow in 008 Jungle under the eyes and on the lids, up beyond the crease. For the thin lilac line I used an old eye pencil (not sure they still make these) Rimmel Extreme Definition Two Tone Eye Definer in 010 Rock Chick (the purple end) and just sketched out the line freehand. As it was applying over the green eyeshadow, I had to use the darker purple as the lilac end was turning pale blue.  A pencil seemed like the easiest way to replicate this line.  
I'm wearing L'Oreal SuperLiner GelMATIC in Ultra Black* on both lashlines with their Perfect Slim in Intense Black for the small flicks. On my lashes is Guerlain Maxi Lash mascara and I also applied Lancome Poudre Superbe in 02 Argente as a highlighter under the brow as Lagoona has a subtle sheen there. On my brows I ran the lighter (lilac) side of that Rimmel pencil through, for a subtle purple effect.
On my face I'm wearing Lancome Teint Miracle in 005 with Dainty Doll Concealer in 001 as my highlighting shade and The Balm Bahama Mama bronzer as my contouring colour. I wore a touch of Paul & Joe UV Pressed Powder in 003 Beach Baby with Diorskin Nude Tan in 001 Pink Glow on my cheeks.
MAC (Satin) lipstick in Hollywood Nights was the closest I could think to Lagoona's lip shade. In reality it's not quite as dark, so I decided to use Estee Lauder Automatic Pencil For Lips in 21 Fig all over my lips. It's a terracotta brown and just dulled down the bright pink slightly.
So that's it! Seemed quite simple this week, but worked well.  I was a little frustrated with how the photos turned out, because this look was rather pretty in the flesh, but the flash just made me look shiny!  You can see my full outfit (including some awesome Barbie leggings) over on The Shoe Girl Diaries now.

Monster High Monday: Ghoul's Alive Frankie

I wanted something with contrasting colours this week and certainly got it with Frankie, combining bright red with purple! Ghoul's Alive were the launch of three dolls dressed much the same as the original versions but with their freaky traits enhanced.
Frankie is the daughter of Frankenstein, so she already comes with stitches, scars and bolts in her neck, but with the push of a button she crackles or sizzles and her face and rib-cage light up! It's pretty neat!
Anyway I ended up selling my original Frankie after never taking her out of the box and deciding I could live with the light up version alone. The makeup is similar to the original but the finish is slightly different purely because she isn't made from the same plastic as the regular dolls. It looks very matte and powdery with no shimmer or gloss at all. So from that view-point I struggled a little upon colour-matching because we all know I like a sparkle or two.
So on the face I applied Lancome Teint Miracle in 005 Beige Ivoire with Dainty Doll Concealer in 001 under the eyes and 002 on blemishes. I also applied YSL Touche Eclat in 2 under the eyes. I finished with Clarins Ever Matte Mineral Powder Compact in 00 Translucent Opal and wore a little Models Own Powder Blush in Warm Glow on my cheeks (even although Frankie wears no cheek colour).
Over Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, I applied Estee Lauder Pure Color Eyeshadow in 29 Orchid winging it up and out over the crease towards the eyebrow. I tidied up the edges and I would've loved if the doll had worn some highlighting powder under the brow because the lines were quite harsh without it. I then applied Urban Decay Matte Eyeshadow in Revolver along the lower lashline. The colour match was perfect.
On my lashes is YSL Baby Doll mascara with YSL waterproof eye pencil on the lower and upper lashlines and Lancome Artliner for small flicks. 
The lips were super bright red and I knew just the lipstick for the job! I got this the other day, it's YSL Rouge Pur Couture in 01 Le Rouge. I wore it over Pout's Lip Line Definer which is a clear liner. Obviously there is a slight gloss finish, but I don't think I own any matte reds.
So there it is for another week. I liked the bright red, I would've liked to soften the eye like I mentioned, but overall it wasn't too bad. I jotted down all the dolls I've emulated so far and this is actually my 21st week, which I hadn't realised! I was starting to get muddled with who I'd already used and who hadn't, but not to worry there are still plenty of weeks to come. Do you think I got it right this week? My corresponding outfit post can be seen here at The Shoe Girl Diaries.