The Classic Collection: Eye Shadow

I can't believe it's coming to the end of my Classic Collection series and with only 1 post left after this weeks, that will be the last! BUT, panic NOT, jasminehardingmakeup will be brining many more series, with exciting posts to look forward to! Anyway, enough rambling, lets talk about the enchanting world of eye shadows. Funny things really, a crushed up ingredient in pot, powder, stick, cream, mousse, you name it form that we rub onto our eyes... But aren't they beautiful, we all love them. I have to admit, I never used to be into eye shadow, I was pretty rubbish at applying it and never had the effort to do it most mornings, but now I am a total eye shadow addict, they are one of my favourite products to buy, highlighters are top (obviously) but eye shadows aren't far behind. This post is going to be a little different to the usual Classic Collection ones, as I have merged together what could have been two posts, into one- 'The Powder Eye Shadows' and 'The Cream Eye Shadows'. I had a rummage around in my makeup storage and found my favourite product for each, so let me show you what I picked out... 

As always, lets start with the high end bits and the powder shadows. I've always been a Bobbi Brown or Benefit eye shadow girl and wouldn't try anything else but I decided to expand my range of eye shadow brands and try out something new. I opted for the Kevyn Aucoin The Essential Single Eye Shadow as I've read so many reviews about his products being such good quality and seeing as I am obsessed with his Brow Pencil, I knew I would love the shadows, and I was right, they are a dreaaam. The formula of the powder is so buttery, they apply onto the lid beautifully without falling down on my face or pulling my skin when I blend in the colour. Because of the highly pigmented colour, they are long lasting and don't smudge or budge throughout the day. These are a real eye shadow winner for me. Now for a much more affordable option, at £1.99 we have the Natural Collection Shadows, the cheapest eye shadows available in Boots and some of the best. (mostly always on offer for 2 for £3.50). The shade range is pretty good for a cheap brand and most of the shades are staple, wearable colours which can be worn day to day. I have the shades Milk Chocolate (left), a soft, warm toned matte brown, the perfect blending and crease shade. My other shade is Asteroid, a deep bronze/brown metallic shade which I pack on all over the lid. Considering the price, these are very pigmented and long lasting, if you're looking for drugstore eye shadows, ignore Loreal and Maybelline, head straight to the Natural Collection stand. 

Onto my favourite part of the post, the cream eye shadows in stick form, a much easier, effortless and timeless way to add some sparkle and shine to your eyes, basically the perfect option for someone who's lazy in the eye department, like myself. A firm favourite shadow stick of mine is by the wonderful Laura Mercier and her little caviar stick friends. You may have already read my full review of the Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks, but just to sum them up in one word, they are impeccable. The creaminess of the product glides onto the lid so easily and evenly, all I have to do is dab it in with my finger or a brush and I am good to go in about 10 seconds, it is the most simple and effective makeup product I've ever used. Looking for a budget alternative? Kiko have the answer, the Colour Up Long Lasting Eye Shadow Sticks from the Daring Game collection, are creamy, smooth and give an intense layer of colour. Once the colour is fixed in place, it will not budge until you attack it with makeup remover in the evening. I use this all over the lid either alone for a full colour velvety finish or it works as a great base to build up other formulas on top of. The original Long Lasting Shadow Sticks come with much more colour choice but have the same finish, blendability and lasting power. 

What is your favourite brand for eye shadow and do you prefer cream or powder?