Hi everyone,
This will be a 2 part review of the ZA products. It took me sometime to finally get down to it, I thought of using it for a few days, before giving my comments, but the colors I got aren't ones which I would use everyday in my morning routine... so I had to apply the colors on my eyes today, and hopefully share with you what I think about them.
According to the product information which came with the products:
- the eyeshadows come in a combination of 4 gradation shades to achieve big, defined and bold eyes, effortlessly.
- the poreless powder covers uneven areas (creases) around the eye to create a smooth finish.
- contains Vitamin E to nourish skin around the eyes
- smooth texture allows powder to glide on easily
- wrapped in a new look -- chic pink packaging
In my opinion, I have a feeling that these products appeal to consumers who are looking for an affordable and easy to use options when it comes to makeup. You don't need to figure out colour combinations, as all the colours which you need in the eye makeup look is all in one neat palette. And also, the shimmery shades of these eyeshadows also probably appeal to the younger segment of the market (late teens, to early 20s?).
Well, before I ramble on, let's see some swatches - you might also want to click on Kas' blog entry for her swatches of the eyeshadows.
Also, do take note that I did not read all her entries on the ZA cosmetics so that I can give the most objective review and comments about the products.
I swatched the colors using the sponge tip applicator that comes with each palette.
Next, I also use the same applicators to apply the colors, obeying the instructions that came with the products on how the 4 shades work together, and how to achieve the look that 'creates bigger, brighter and defined eyes effortlessly'. Reason I did not want to use my own makeup brushes is because I want to put myself in the position of a regular customer who may not own a lot of makeup brushes and might be actually using these sponge tip applicators to apply the products. Personally, I find that there is nothing wrong with using sponge tip applicators for eyeshadows... just that they are usually too tiny for my hands to handle, and many of the eyeshadows I bought and use comes without the applicators, so I tend to reach for brushes most of the time.
From the swatches, I find that only the lightest and darkest shades are different, while the middle shades aren't too different in terms of tone.
Here are the instructions for application:
And this is what I came up with -- I also used the same MAC Bare Canvas paint on my eyes. I did not use a colored base, because I did not want to change the color and texture of the eyeshadows. I just needed something neutral which will grab on to the eyeshadows.
I also use the ZA Wide Eyed Mascara.
This picture, we have the Silver palette, which looks like the typical colors you would use in a smokey eye look, the silvery black type of smokey eyes.
And the Violet palette and Violet mascara : the colors look more vibrant in the swatches than the actual application.
And a close up picture of my eyes with the Black Wide Eyed mascara -- My sister said my lashes look sooooo pathetic!!! But hey, in my defense, I did not even curl my lashes here.. I think I have forgotten how to curl my lashes too.... I prolly end up pinching my lids instead of curling my lashes.
My thoughts on these products, in particular, the eyeshadows:
The darkest shades in both palettes contains very pretty iridescent shimmers, and I can see that can add a very interesting touch to a smokey eye look. However, in using this shade as a liner, as mentioned in the instructions, it doesn't last long at all. In fact, by the time I am done with one eye, the 'liner' is gone/ faded! So I recommend using this as a outer crease color instead.
There is fall out situation going on, especially from the lighter shades. My whole eye area and my nose were covered in a little silvery particles from the eyeshadow. This happened despite the base which I put on.
The middle 2 shades are not very defined in terms of color difference. So my lid colors are not very obvious before they fade into the highlighter shade.
This is a very small palette, and the colors are very close together, but I think this isn't a problem as long as you are using the sponge tip applicators instead of a brush, which might make the eyeshadows mix together.
The texture of the eyeshadows is rather powdery, so using a base is recommended. If you want more vibrant color payoff, use a matching colored base.
Personally, I would use each shade individually, instead of as a palette combo. This is because all the shades are shimmery, and I prefer to have a mixture of shimmer and matte shades when I do my eye makeup.
The color payoff is not very impressive, because the colors are very pale, and pastel, except for the lightest and darkest shades, which are good as highlight and outer crease colors.
These palettes are good for makeup beginners who want to create a simple eyelook with a palette.
These palettes are also good for girls who like shimmery eyeshadows, or like to sweep the colors across their lids (ie, not very defined in terms of colors difference, but just a light sweep of color all over the eyes for brightening effect).
The packaging is also very cute, with the mirror on the inside and outside of the compact, allowing you to 'close up' on your eyes during the makeup process. I also like how the sponge tip applicators are firm, and apply the colors rather smoothly.
The mascara, from my experience with such tooth combed applicators, is very good for separating and lengthening the lashes... not so much for volume. You can see how long my tiny tiny tiny lashes look after 3 or 4 coats of the mascara.
I would let my sister use the mascara for one week, and watch out for Part 2 of this review. Because she uses mascara everyday, and she can give a more comprehensive opinion on the mascara.
I hope this review has been helpful, and thanks for reading!!!