Troubleshooting Hourglass' Modernist Eyeshadow Palette

Hourglass' Modernist Eyeshadow Palette in Infinity

So, you've handed over a wad of moolah for Hourglass' latest release, now what? You've read the reviews, watched the how-to videos, stared at its uncharacteristic features -- its ripples and rolling waves, while trying to wrap your head around the fact that the pan lacks dividers. Or is it just me and the fine line of OCD-like tendencies I steadfastly walk along?

I, too, read the reviews and had my reservations regarding performance issues. Would my experience dissolve into a moment of frustration and regret? Let's delve into the Modernist eyeshadow's formula, and tailor your application.

The Formula

It's mighty soft, and finely milled to help reduce the amount of guess work for you. Hourglass has dumbed down these palettes, and I for one do not feel insulted. The eyeshadows lend themselves to mixing and melding for that sultry, smoky, editorial look (how very Nina Garcia of me).

The Colours

They're natural. Elements derived from the earth to intensify the colour of your eyes. I was drawn to Infinity for its rich chocolate-y browns and plummy/tea rose undertones. It's worth noting four of the five shades featured in Infinity are matte, whereas the fifth shade (centre) is the magician with its shimmery, metallic come-hitherness.

The Brushes 

Now, this is purely based on what I personally own, but I'll do my best to offer similar brushes based on affordability and accessibility.

• An all-over brush to ace your base and to blend at the end: MAC 217 / Zoeva Soft Definer
• Define the lower lash line (I prefer stubby, rounded brushes): Zoeva Smudger / MAC 214
• A shady lady to work the eye lid: MAC 239 / Zoeva Luxe Smoky Shader / Real Techniques Shading Brush 
• Cut a crease or contour: Zoeva Luxe Crease / MAC 275
• A petite miss for detailed handiwork in case you're into that sort of thing: Real Techniques Accent Brush (part of a set) / Dior Eyeliner Brush (a repurposed multi-tasker)

Application Tips

1. Before applying your eyeshadow, prime the eye area.
2. Set out your brushes in a handy spot for easy access.
3. Curl your lashes first to prevent unnecessary smudging.
4. Ok, we're ready to apply. When you bring the brush to the pan gently dab the surface to agitate and lift the product onto the brush. Sweeping back and forth will only lead to a messy situation.
5. Next, dab (again) excess eyeshadow onto the back of your hand in order to reduce the risk of fallout. Tapping your brush over the basin works, too.
6. Follow the order of operations (my method) >> Base > Contour > Shade > Line > Define > Mascara.

You'll notice there's a bit of dabbing involved prior to bringing anything near the eye area. This gentler approach means you'll be wearing eyeshadow instead of it wearing you. Does that even make any sense? In other words, your eyes won't be reduced to a powdery mess.

Swatches of Hourglass' Modernist Eyeshadow Palette in Infinity 

Wearing Hourglass' Modernist Eyeshadow Palette in Infinity on my eyes

Tinkerbell (lower right) approves!

With your palette in one hand, and a few key eyeshadow brushes clasped in the other get ready for a strong eye game, I know you can do it!

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Hourglass' Modernist Eyeshadow Palette:

• $76.00 AUS / $58.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 8 out of 10 bags — Work with it, and it'll work for you. I can't speak for the six other shades' performance, but I am pleased as punch with Infinity.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• Ambient Lighting Bronzer? Yes, please!

Mecca Maxima haulin' and other random bits of madness

Can you say out of control?

Well, I've gone and done it again.

Ahhh, retail therapy, that inhalation of stale air, the teetering back and forth under horrible fluorescent lighting while clamouring for the newest makeup-y things to hit the shelves. That was me this past Friday.

I recently changed employers, hence the infrequency in posting since late January. Needless to say it was a stressful and emotional time for me before, during, and after saying see ya later to the the company that gave me a shot after landing in Oz. To celebrate this transition I felt the need to treat myself.

Here's the rationale behind my latest spend..

Argument: If it's good enough for Vivianna and Lily, then it's good enough for me.

Being the enablers that they are, both ladies, in their own way, convinced me (it's the accent, I swear) to purchase Bobbi Brown's Powder Brush (holy crap, it's crazy expensive), Real Technique's Setting Brush, Bumble and Bumble's Sunday Shampoo, and UD's Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer in Light Warm. I hope these ladies work on commission, because they're doing something right!

Argument: Needed a fill me up.

True story: This Works Perfect Eyes Recovery Cream really works! It de-puffs, hydrates, and reawakens the under eye area. Definitely using this on the regular.

Argument: It was pretty!

Nars' Eye Paint in Porto Venere had me at first swatch. That said, if you own MAC's Painterly I don't think you need Porto Venere this very second.

UD's 24/7 Glide on Pencil in Sabbath for its matte-y, navy, and equally dreamy qualities. I can tell Ro(Cocoa) will be getting a bit of a break now that I have Sabbath in my life.

My shop wouldn't be complete without grabbing a lippie, cue UD's Sheer Revolution in Sheer Shame. Slightly intimidating in the tube, yet appears as a sheer beet-y, plummy hue that only sticks around for two or so hours -- points off for longevity.

Argument: Memories / nostalgia.

Essie's Ballet Slippers will forever hold a special place in my heart as it was the first shade to ever be professionally polished on my nails. I was nearing the end of a winter break from school, so my Mom treated me to a last-minute manicure before driving me back to Boston. Thanks Mom!

A good hair day paired with pretty much everything I mentioned above

After this latest indulgence, let's just say I've handed my debit card over to Scott to help keep me honest.

Your turn. What did you last splash out on?

The lemming list for Autumn Winter 2015

Virtual shopping, it's akin to window shopping minus the cardio -- no shirt, no shoes, no problem!

Let's spend some time together surfing the Internet without the guilt. Without further ado, here's my Autumn Winter edit for 2015 for your viewing pleasure.

The Shirt

APOM's (A Part of Me) Dino Cross Back Top - It's fun, it's playful, and it's got dinosaurs! If the price tag weren't so hefty it would already be mine.

The Shoes

Nicole Warne of Gary Pepper collects the best accessories, so it was no surprise when she sported fellow style blogger and friend Chiara Ferragni's Flirting Flat Sandals. Don't take these shoes too seriously, and accept them for what they are -- a wink-y perk me up for any day of the week.

The Handbag

There's no denying the creative duo behind newish accessories label Mansur Gavriel's star is rising. Seriously hoping to hitch my wagon to their very fashionable Crossbody Bag, but it looks like I'll have to hang out for its September release. 

The Lipstick

Shanghai Suzy has eight more shades set to drop some time this April. Miss Victorine and Miss Nina are both begging to make their way into my makeup bag. 

The Dress

The Pleated Pyramid Dress featuring gold, navy, cerulean blue, and loads of symmetry hits all the right notes for me. Please stop it, Gorman -- my wallet can't handle it!

The Palette

The grown up version of all the nude eyeshadow palettes out there. YSL has come to the party, and they pulled out the stops with the Couture Variation Palette. Expect to blow your makeup budget on this little gem.

Urban Decay hits Australia today, finally!

A smattering of my Urban Decay collection

Urban Decay's launch is nigh, we're talking less than a few hours to go, ladies! Now, I can't tell you about all things Urban Decay, but I'll certainly give you my two cents on what to grab immediately, what to consider, and what to walk away from.

Buy Now

Buy a palette, and make it a good one. My personal faves are Naked, Naked 3, and the Electric Pressed Pigment palette. For whatever reason Naked 2 has eluded me, but chances are I'll be changing that this weekend.

UD's Primer Potion in Enigma, because it looks like Mac's Painterly, except you don't have to faff about with a glass jar. Plus, 100% of the proceeds from this particular purchase goes directly to their foundation, The Ultraviolet Edge. I'd like to think I'm helping to educate another woman somewhere in this world, one tube at a time.

Because the lovely Lily Pebbles rates this stuff so highly, be sure to grab Urban Decay's Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer.

Think About It

During your visit go play with the Naked Ultra Nourishing Lipgloss, this stuff is seriously like MLBB (my lips but better). The colour range may be whisper soft, yet they make for a no fuss, swipe and go sort of look. This particular gloss is never tacky, and always minty. Yum!

An item that's been on my radar is UD's Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Colour in Love Child. I first spied it the Shattered Face Case back in 2013, but I never nibbled. If Love Child is too muted for you, there are seven other colours to choose from. Also, be sure to swatch their Glide-On Lip Pencils.

Leave at Mecca Maxima

Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner was such a bomb for me -- application issues aplenty. While I revelled in the idea of glitter in a bottle, in execution it bombed, and not the glittery sort. 

Naked Basics is the annoying little sister to the larger Naked Palettes. This palette may be streamlined, but it's not without its faults. Chalky, lacklustre, blech. A definite skip. Surprisingly, I gave Naked Basics a positive review waaaay back in 2012, but for some reason I felt the need to purge this baby during a fall cleaning session last year.

Still can't make up your mind? Buy an all-inclusive palette such as Naked On the Run.

The only point of contention I'll throw out there is pricing. Let's discuss this topic once the UD high has worn off.

Finally, Mecca Maxima's been pretty coy about what will be on offer in store, but I'd put my money on the fact that you'll be able to shop the full range judging by the amount of PR pushing this launch. Happy shopping!