What it is: Korres Sunflower & Evening Primrose Shimmering Eyeshadow in Plum

My initial reaction: was that it was pretty in the pan, but I didn’t really like it. I use my violets a lot for lining my eyes, and it just doesn’t show up very violet-y when you do this! It’s more blah-brown than anything else, when used dry. However, Korres shadows are insanely buttery and soft, which is always nice to work with.

But then: I promised to take swatch photos for someone, and I realized it’s actually not a half-bad shadow! As long as you’re not expecting it to be hugely violet, it’s nice – and I mean, it isn’t supposed to be intensely violet; it’s supposed to be plum! It would be a nice way to start using colour, and it would look great blended into the crease. However, if you really want the pluminess to show up, you’ll have to foil it.

All in all, the more I use this, the more I like it. It’s a great brownish-violet shadow, and the finish is lovely.

Dry/wet/over primer

The verdict?

I like the formula of Korres shadows, but as for the shade, you’ll have to decide for yourselves. Some days, I’m convinced this is perfection; others, it’s a little boring. These swatches are pretty darn close to what I’m seeing on my arm, though, so if you like the swatches, you’ll like the shadow!

At the regular price of $16 for 1.8g/0.06oz, I’d pass on these, but they seem to be on a “secret sale” at Sephora.com, where they’re currently $7US/$10CAD. I would definitely buy this at its sale price, but I’d pass at $16 a pop.

P.S. As an added bonus, Korres shadows are paraben- and fragrance-free!