Surreal Skies Pure Color Eye Shadow Palette was a rare unplanned purchase. I was at the Estee Lauder counter playing with other items when I spotted this understated set and somehow found myself testing and promptly falling in love. I remember seeing photos of Surreal Skies but never thought that this was the right combination for me, which proves that sometimes there's a real value in visiting a counter.
Estee Lauder Pure Color range has signified a real turn for the brand. There are eight palettes available at the moment, and while when they launched the striking Blue Dahlia was the one getting all the attention, I think the neutrals are perhaps the more important items in the collection because they're so carefully chosen. Add to that an excellent texture and finish and you get a truly worthy product.
I admit that Surreal Skies doesn't look like much in the compact. But there's something about these shades that makes them work beautifully on the lid. As you can see, the colors are neutral-to-warm with a hint of mauve (especially No. 4). The eye shadows have different finishes: 1-shimmer, 2- metallic, 3- satin, 4-shimmer, 5-matte. I wish 1 (the ivory) was a satin or even matte, so it would look more natural under the brow. As it is, it's a beautiful highlight for the inner corner or a top layer in the middle of the lid.
The texture of all five eye shadows in Surreal Skies is silky and easy to blend. They can be layered, of course, but I find that a big part of the charm is that you only need to use two or three of them at a time for a very effortless appearance. I do tend to go a bit heavy on the liner, but that's my personal style, and the palette is perfect for a summery natural look.
Bottom Line: highly recommended.
Estee Lauder Surreal Skies Pure Color Eye Shadow Palette ($48) is available at the counters and from esteelauder.com.
You know, this is the one Pure Color palette that I keep overlooking for her flashier sisters. Will have to devote a little more attention next time I'm at the counter.
ReplyDeleteI fell in love with the EL shadows with Surreal Violet from the Blue Dahlia collection in 2010. I agree that the shadows are amazing. Even though I loved it, I haven't been back for more (I'm easily distracted). This one's lovely, though. I'll have to check it out next time I hit the mall. Thank you for including the textures/finishes as well...those are as important as the actual colors sometimes.
ReplyDeleteThat is a gorgeous combo! I love neutrals too :)
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly the kind of neutrals that visually appeal to me (not too brown, with a rose-mauve tinge) but which end up looking like mud regardless on my cooler and ruddier skin. They do look beautiful on your own skin tone though! Very pretty!
ReplyDeleteThis palette looks absolutely stunning. What a pretty, sophisticated collection of colours. I always tend to overlook these sorts of shades for the bright colours!
ReplyDeleteWOW, this is gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteI have this palette too. It's a great neutral and I use it frequently. But, I have most of the 5 color palette's by EL. I'm really looking forward to their fall 2012 palette. Have you seen the pictures of it out on the intetnet yet? Gorgeous.
ReplyDelete~Katherine~
That is a very pretty neutrals palette. I am ashamed that I still haven't tried any of the Estee Lauder Pure Colour palettes yet. It feels like an omission. At least I can correct this now my ban is over!
ReplyDelete