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Beauty Board: Eye Shadow

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Published: January 3, 2009

If you're never quite sure whether the ads for popular beauty products can be believed, relax. Our 4you Beauty Board is made up of veteran testers ready to try the latest when it comes to all things beauty. We'll share what worked and what bombed with the hope of making life a little easier for you. This week: Will we say yay or nay to these new eye shadows?

Shu Uemura Dignified Grace Pressed Eye Shadow Palette

Available at www.shueumura-usa.com and Sephora; $65

"Sophisticated golden palette with four new, expertly color-coordinated warm shades to create a natural look with glamorous contrasts."

Rating: D+

Michelle says: What? No brushes with this compact case? That was my first thought when I flipped open the fancy gold cover. For $65, I would like two gold-dipped brushes, one for the eye shadows and one for the blush! This obvious oversight automatically brought down the grade by two scores. At this price, I shouldn't have to resort to Q-tips and cotton balls for applicators. The eye shadows in this set (warm, sparkly hues of brown) and blush go on nicely and passed my 24-hour test just fine. But I had some residue issues, with flakes spilling out when I opened the case. That's another no-no. This product really isn't portable unless you keep a set of on-the-go brushes with you. How impractical is that?

Michelle Bearden, 53, covers faith and values for the Tribune.

NYC (New York Color) Color Wheel Mosaic Eye Powder

Available at Wal-Mart, Target, CVS and Albertsons; $3.99

"Sweep a brush over all the colors for one sensational shade, or use each color solo. The possibilities are endless!"

Rating: C

Kim says: I thought I was going to love this eye shadow compact. The colors in the wheel are all pretty, and I couldn't wait to blend them together. The problem is the colors are so small and close together, you never get the same blended shade twice. And, um, I have TWO eyes. Another downside: No brush was provided. Strike three: The compact took a little tumble, and the shadow cracked into a dozen pieces. I need a case that will keep the product intact. This one ended up in the trash after just three uses.

Kim Franke-Folstad, 50, is editor of 4you and Baylife Magazine.

Francesca Cosmetics Mineral Eye Shadow

Available at Artistic Hair & Makeup by Fran Fernandez, 3201 S. Dale Mabry, Suite 108; $9

Rating: A

Cloe says: I usually wear only high-end eye shadows because the cheap ones tend to irritate my eyes big time and the color never seems to last. But this shadow, from local makeup artist Fran Fernandez, ranks up there with the pricier ones I use. Francesca's mineral shadow comes in 10 shades. I tried the copper. It goes on smoothly, feels weightless and has a nice shimmer factor - no glitter or high sparkle, just a nice subtle sheen that I love. The color stayed put all day and there was no creasing - a rarity for my oily lids. The biggest surprise of all? It never bothered my sensitive eyes. The single palette doesn't come with an applicator brush, but I'm never without a mini-brush set in my cosmetics bag. Francesca is a keeper for my peepers.

Cloe Cabrera, 42, is the fashion and beauty reporter for the Tribune.

The Balm Voyage Eye Kit

Available online at www.shop.com; $14.95

"A plethora of striking colors and fantastic formulas allows you to release your inner artist to create looks that will keep you looking and feeling forever young."

Rating: A

Shantae says: With my dark skin, it's hard to find an eye shadow palette that will make my eyes pop. The Balm Voyage kit makes it happen. It allows me to bring out that inner BEGIN ITALS femme fatale. END ITALS It gives you three long-wearing shimmery shadows that softly illuminate the eyes. The shadows are well-pigmented and soft as butter. This palette should work for most skin tones and complexions and offers enough depth to really have fun. It's a nice way to tone down the smoky eye look if you're tired of using black. The set comes in a cute portable case and includes travel sizes of the popular Shadylady Shadow/Liner in Luscious Lani and Caught in the Act Courtney, and Hot Mama Blush (can be used as eye shadow or blush).

Shantae Brewster, 36, is the Tribune's Readers Desk supervisor.

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