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!

Beauty in a tick: Hourglass' Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in Soft Brunette

Hourglass' Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil

Bigger. Bolder. Better.

If my brows could talk, that's what they'd say.

My Lily Collins/Cara Delevingne mission is just about as old as this blog -- close to three years running and I see no end in sight. On a good day these brows of mine might appear full, but the sheer wizardry I possess in these small hands is downright frightening.

Behold the before and the after...

Before: Brows filled in with MAC's Mystery (a plum brown)

After: Brows filled in with Hourglass' Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in Soft Brunette

I only require a minor amount tweaking by filling in the gaps which still lay bare from years of over plucking. 

My switch to powder was fruitful as it was a gentler approach. Waxier formulas proved to be too harsh for my delicate situation -- traditional pencils gripped and tugged to the point where I was pulling out freshly grown hairs. We were working at cross purposes.

Always wanting more for my brows, I switched over to Hourglass' Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil and I'm so glad I did.

For me, it really comes down to the anatomy of this defining tool.

Built-in spooley brush

The spooley brush is luxe, soft, helps to comb through product and keeps errant hairs in check.

Triangular shaped, retractable tip

The clay hued tip lines, defines and refines my sometimes unkempt brow situation. The product is firm yet soft in its ability to lay down colour without tugging or pulling.

No sharpener required. Win!

Swatch of Soft Brunette

This two-fer streamlines my makeup bag and completes my brows.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Hourglass' Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil:

• $48.00 AUS / $32.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 10 out of 10 bags — My eyebrows are thriving.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• Thinking about buying a backup or two.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush

If a freshly cut stone could talk, it would say, "I so know how Hourglass' Ambient Lighting Blush came to life. Just think of me, time, the combination of elements and the acceleration of said time."

Igneous rock in a pressed palette

I'll spare you with too many thoughts about Hourglass' Ambient Lighting Blush.  Suffice it to say, it's [the blush] proving to be more popular than their Ambient Lighting Powder. On a whim I snatched up Radiant Magenta and Dim Infusion during a pre-release sale from Sephora -- I knew my patience wouldn't stand for the trans-Pacific lag time between the US and Australia.

Radiant Magenta (golden fuchsia) 

Swatch of Radiant Magenta

Wearing Radiant Magenta on my cheeks and Burberry's Sweet Pea on my lips

Radiant Magenta is a power player as it's always prepared to go big with very little effort.

This is my fresh from the gym flush minus the workout.

If you love NARS Orgasm, then you'll certainly cherish Radiant Magenta.

Dim Infusion (subdued coral)

Swatch of Dim Infusion

Wearing Dim Infusion on my cheeks and NARS New Lover on my lips

Dim Infusion is timid, but give it time -- with a little convincing Dim Infusion will come out to play.

Lusting for a Hawaiian glow? Dim Infusion is the mai tai of your eye.

Swatches from left to right: Radiant Magenta (left), Dim Infusion layered over Radiant Magenta (middle) and Dim Infusion (right)

Four other shades are ready for the taking (as described by Sephora)...

• Diffused Heat (Vibrant poppy blush combined with Diffused Light for a subtle halo effect)
• Luminous Flush (Champagne rose blush fused with Luminous Light to evoke a candlelit glimmer)
• Mood Exposure (Soft plum blush fused with Mood Light to brighten the complexion)
• Ethereal Glow (Cool pink blush fused with Ethereal Light for a moonlit luminosity)

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush:

• $50.00 AUS / $35.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 7 out of 10 bags — Hourglass could've been more generous with the palette size.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• If Hourglass offers a blush trio similar to the Ambient Lighting Palette released for Holiday 2013, I'd plunk down money for that.

Beauty in a tick: Hourglass Femme Nude Lip Stylo in Nude No. 5

Hourglass Femme Nude Lip Stylo

My quest for the perfect muted, everyday lipstick continues. On this particular stop we have Hourglass' Nude Lip Stylo in Nude No. 5, a creamy peach with subtle flecks of gold.

It took me a while to narrow it down to No. 5.  I swatched and re-swatched all six shades on two different occasions -- the determining factor was No. 5's shimmer. 

Nude No. 5

Swatch of Nude No. 5

Nude No. 5 lasts well over four hours on my lips, it even saw me through pancakes and coffee on Sunday morning. 

The Femme Nude Lip Stylos are drama free with their sturdy cap and twist-up/down features. Pencil sharpener not required. 

While I do enjoy Nude No. 5's subtlety, I think all six shades will really shine on a darker complexion. Perhaps, a few weeks in Hawaii will work like a charm in two weeks' time.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Hourglass Femme Nude Lip Stylo in Nude No. 5:

• $42.00 AUS  / $30.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 7 out of 10 bags — I'm in like with it at the moment.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• I'd love to see how well Femme Rouge Velvet Creme Lipstick performs.