Review: Z Palette & Depotting Eyeshadows

My Z Palette

 I decided to depot my MAC eyeshadows because I never use them anymore.  Sorting through all the containers was no fun in the morning.  I like to sleep in so I don't give myself much time to get ready when I get up.  In general, I reach for Urban Decay's Naked Palette because it is so easy and I love all the colors.  However, I have a good sized collection of MAC neutral eyeshadows as well.  I originally intended to buy the MAC palette but it wasn't in stock because they are getting new ones with clear lids.  In the mean time, I decided to google other palettes.  The Z Palette is pretty popular and I like that it is made of sturdy recycled paper so it is more environmentally friendly than the plastic versions.  I also considered the Unii palette but it looked too small.  I did love the design though!  Reminds me of  iPhones.  I ended up with the Z Palette which I purchased through www.drugstore.com.

Let me tell ya, depotting MAC eyeshadows is a pain in the ass.  After the first few, I got the hang of it but I did ruin two eyeshadows when I first started.  There are many YouTube videos that show you how to depot eyeshadows like this one and this one.  I tried the candle method first and did not like it.  It burned the plastic unevenly.  I used my flat iron the next time but I didn't want to wait until the heat burned a hole through the plastic because I thought the heat might ruin the powder.  I waited until the glue melted and tried to pry the pan out with a screwdriver.  Big fail - I ruined two eyeshadows because either the screwdriver slipped or wedging it in between the plastic and the pan caused the pan to become deformed.  So, the lessons I learned are:

• Using your flat iron is a better way to distribute the heat
• Let the flat iron melt the plastic until you see a little hole form
• Use a paperclip or needle to pop out the pan from the plastic
• Don't touch it right after - the pan is frickin' hot

I haven't had the Z Palette long enough determine whether it will last but I do like the design and the fact that it comes with metal strips since those MAC pans are made out of aluminum (which is a non-magnetic metal).

Neutral Palette - mostly MAC eyeshdaows

Eyeshadows in palette:

• Square eyeshadows are Shu Uemura.  Taupey brown shimmer = ME Brown 850.  The other two, not sure.  But can I just say that Shu Uemura makes it super duper easy to depot eyeshadows?  There's a hole in the back of their containers and you just stick a paper clips through and they pop right out.  Kudos to you, Shu Uemura. 
• Big round eyeshadow pans are Stila:  shimmery brown = Golightly, matte dark brown = Java, and pinky peach shimmer, not sure.
• Smaller round eyeshadows are MAC.  Top row L to R:  Carbon, Club, Smut, Sketch, Woodwinked, Wedge and Brule.  2nd row L to R:  Patina, Camel and Vanilla.  3rd row L to R:  Naked Lunch, Soba and Shroom.  Last row L to R:  All That Glitters, Cork and Retrospeck.

Review: Benefit Erase Paste vs. Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Concealer

 
A few years ago I was walking by the Benefit makeup counter at Macy's when the makeup artist convinced me to try their Erase Paste.  I don't normally have dark circles although I do get them from time to time if I don't get enough sleep.  She applied the Erase Paste on one side and then handed me a mirror.  Honestly, I couldn't believe it.  I bought it right on the spot ($26 USD).  It really does brighten up the eye area!  I'm on my second pot.

Recently I discovered Skinfood's Salmon Dark Circle Concealer after reading about it on Musing of A Muse's blog.  I wasn't really sure I needed two peachy/salmon concealers but when iMomoko had a Skinfood coupon code, I couldn't resist.  I paid about $9.  If you happen to live in California, there are Skinfood stores popping up around the state.

Pots:

L to R:  Benefit Erase Paste #2 and Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Concealer #2

Swatches:

L to R:  Skinfood Salmon Concealer #2 and Benefit Erase Paste #2

Texture

Benefit - the name "Erase Paste" is fitting.  It is thick like a paste. You don't need a lot and sometimes I forget that and it ends up getting cakey because I put on too much.  It comes with a little spatula to scoop out the product since the pot is small.  So handy!

Skinfood - lighter in texture, thinner and creamier, less "sticky" than the Erase Paste.  Feels moisturizing and doesn't settle into fine lines.

Shade Match (for reference I'm an NC30)

Benefit - I have this in Medium #2.  It is a brightening concealer so it doesn't match my skin per se.  It's peachy to cancel out dark circles.  It does work with my skin tone though and really brightens up my eye area.

Skinfood - I own this in #2.  This is also a salmon colored concealer although it is closer to my actual skin tone (less peach) than the Benefit.  Blends well to match my complexion.

Coverage

Benefit - this offers full coverage.  Again, you don't need a lot of product since it has a fairly thick consistency.  If you apply too much, it can look cakey. 

Skinfood - medium to full coverage, more buildable than the Erase Paste in my experience.

Comments

I love the Skinfood for everyday.  I use it with the Skinfood Eye Brightening Cream.  When I want to really brighten up my eye area for special events (or if I have particularly dark under eye circles), I use the Benefit.  It's not as easy to apply but I like the brightening results.

OOTD: Cousin's Afternoon Wedding 8/19/2012

I 

I wore this to an afternoon wedding.  I was going to wear the Joie Sari dress in Blood Orange but decided it was too bright.  

Dress:  Rebecca Taylor.  The racerback is woven eyelet lace! (dress in different color here)

Shoes:  Ivanka Trump Whisker in Light Natural

Bracelet:  Leighelena

Necklace (too small to see in this pic):  Dogeared Sideways Cross Necklace