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
Alyssa says
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!!!
Karen says
You’ll love it more once you see it in person. That green is AMAZING.
Vijaya says
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.
Karen says
They are lust worthy!
Kimberly says
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! 🙂
Karen says
These are crazy shimmery and glittery!
Nikolas says
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 🙂
Karen says
Let me know if you end up getting any. 🙂 They also had some waterproof liners there that you might like, too.
Soo says
I really like the bright sky blues!
Karen says
Me too!
dani@callitbeauty says
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.
Karen says
It’s sometimes fun to just window shop. 🙂
Beatrice says
Greens and Golds are my faves too >< there's just something so earthy and pretty about it
Karen says
I love a good green on the lid. 🙂
Bun Bun Makeup Tips says
What a colorful arm! LOL! Nice pigmentation but a little too expensive?
Karen says
It’s pricey, but that’s typical of YSL.
Nina says
gorgeous eyeshadows. 🙂
Karen says
Are you tempted by any of these, Nina?
TrishaL says
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.
Karen says
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. 🙂
Evelyn says
I haven’t been too thrilled with the YSL palettes I’ve bought before, but wow that #6 looks fantastic!
Karen says
Doesn’t it though? I’m kinda lusting over it.
Amy says
I am with you on #6- those colors are beautiful. If you get, please swatch. I’m very tempted…
Amy says
To clarify, I meant on your eyes- I saw the arm swatch.
Karen says
Got it. We’ll see how long my willpower lasts.
Karen says
You and me both!
ALEXUTZA says
All are really pretty but my favorites are nr 1 and nr 5.
Karen says
Love #5. 🙂
gio says
The eyeshadows are very pretty and the pigmentation looks good too. Too bad they’re so expensive though.
Karen says
That’s YSL for ya!
auroragyps says
# 6 caught my eye too. Gotta love the green and they matched it up with some really pretty & interesting colors.
Karen says
Imagine the green on the lid with the purple as a liner… pretty!
Phyrra says
I bet they’d look lovely with Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy 🙂
Karen says
I’ve never tried that product before. Is it one of your must haves?
Megan B says
I have picked up #1, #3, #4 and #5! They were my summer splurge. I love them and the color payout cant be beat.
Karen says
I’m sorely tempted by #5. That grayish/taupe shade is gorgeous.
productdoctor says
#6 is gorgeous! I need that green!
Karen says
It’s even more beautiful in person.
AS says
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…