Tutorial: Maybelline Eye Studio Hyper Diamonds Eyeshadow in 'Charcoal Diamonds'

So in my last post I reviewed the Maybelline Eye Studio Hyper Diamonds Eyeshadow in 'Charcoal Diamonds', and here is the tutorial as promised! The look created is a very sparkly smoky eye that transitions from silver to black. This palette is really fun to use because the glitter will make the eye look glamourous no matter which combination of colours you use! Read below to find out the steps :)

Review: Maybelline Eye Studio Hyper Diamonds Eyeshadow in 'Charcoal Diamonds'

Another great Maybelline eyeshadow palette, this time in simple variations of grey, black and white. I decided to buy this product because I don't really have a Maybelline shadow set that's just dedicated to these kind of charcoal shades, and so I'm hoping this will provide a good colour palette for a basic smoky eye.

Characteristics:

• 5 Shades: Black, white, and a medium, light and dark grey.
• All colours are shimmer tones.
• Comes with a small sponge applicator, with one end thick and the other thin.

Positives:

• A good range of charcoal hues that allows light and shade.
• Good pigmentation for most colours.
• It lives up to its 'Hyper Diamonds' name, as each shade shimmers beautifully.
• Lovely packaging, especially the shapes of each shadow.

Negatives:

• There are only four sides of the sponge applicator, but 5 shadows.
• The white and light grey colours are almost transparent, so these can really only be used as highlights.

Overall, I would rate this product ★★★★☆

Come back soon to see a tutorial using this eyeshadow palette :)

Double Review: Maybelline One By One Volume Express Mascara and Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner

• One By One Volume Express Mascara

After a few months experimenting with different mascaras, I’ve decided to try out another Maybelline product. This mascara promises to add volume to your lashes, without creating clumps. You can find the product here.

Characteristics:

•    The brush is designed to prevent clumps.
•    It is a volumising mascara.

Positives:

• The shape of the brush works really well at preventing clumps - there were literally none, no matter how many coats I did.
• Black pigmentation gives a nice dramatic look to the lashes.
• The mascara is actually quite lengthening if applied well to the ends of the lashes.
• The packaging is really pretty and uses nice colours.
• Having a thin edge allows the brush to get into the inner corner without accidentally pressing mascara on your eyelid.

Negatives:

• To achieve volume I had to use quite a few coats, which is disappointing because that’s the main thing I wanted from this mascara.
• The final result didn’t look as natural as other mascaras that I’ve used.

Overall, I would rate this product ★★★☆☆
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• Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner

This product is the first gel liner I’ve ever tried, as I heard from several people that gel liner is a lot easier to apply than liquid. After using this I wouldn’t say it’s easier to use than liquid, but it certainly takes less time to get the desired shape right. You can find the product here.

Characteristics:

• Waterproof and smudge proof formula
• Claims to last 24 hours.
• Comes in a small pot holding 3g of gel liner, with an application brush.

Positives:

• It doesn’t smudge or need time to dry.
• It’s quite pigmented as long as enough is applied. This means that the liner is buildable, allowing both subtle and dramatic looks.
• The brush provided is easy to use and create shapes with.
• It’s a good price.

Negatives:

• The pigmentation strength of the black is not as strong as a liquid liner would be.

Overall, I would rate this product ★★★★☆

Maybelline Eye Studio Sapphire Siren Tutorial

I reviewed this product a little while ago, and here is the tutorial as promised. This palette has great pigmentation, and it can be used to create a really nice bright blue eye look.

Review: Maybelline Eye Studio Eye Shadow Quad in ‘Sapphire Siren’

Review: Maybelline Eye Studio Eye Shadow Quad in ‘Sapphire Siren’
In my time of makeup use, I’ve always found Maybelline to be a reliable drugstore brand for eyeshadow. This product has proved once again that it is possible to find an eye shadow with strong pigmentation, for a lower price. The Eye Studio Eye Shadow Quad  comes in a range of different colour palettes, which can be found here (scroll down).
Characteristics:

•    Comes with a sponge applicator, one double sided end with thicker width and one double sided end with liner width.
•    Two blue tones, white and black.
•    All colours are shimmer, there are no matte shades.

Positives:

•    The applicator sponge allows for good pigmentation.
•    Each colour compliments one another.
•    The layout of the four shadows makes it easy to create a certain look (which is also pictured on the back of the packaging).

Negatives:

• I would recommend using your own brush when applying this shadow to the crease, as it’s easy to misjudge the shape with the provided applicator. A small angled brush would also be best for applying eyeshadow beneath the waterline, as the sponge comes out with quite a thick line.

Keep an eye on my blog, as I’ll soon be doing a tutorial on how to use this palette to get a nice blue eyeshadow look.

Overall, I would rate this product ★★★★☆