Clinique eye shadow lasts the distance (Clinique Colour Surge Eye Shadow Soft Shimmer)

Member Name: steedandpeel

Product:	Clinique Colour Surge Eye Shadow Soft Shimmer
Date:	06/08/09 (48 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Nice colour, gentle sheen, good blending, limited clumping

Disadvantages: Pricey

My sister asked me earlier in the year if I wear pink eye shadow (it was just before my birthday and she was putting together a present). I immediately said no - it usually makes me look puffy eyed. However, she ignored me and gave me a Clinique Colour Surge Soft Shimmer Eye Shadow Duo in Victorian Pink shade. The eye shadow was in plain green packaging, not the usual classy Clinique presentation, so I suspect this was a free gift - that and the tell-tale 'not for resale' stamped on the back of the package. Nevertheless, it is the Colour Surge Soft Shimmer product, despite the packaging.

The first thing I noticed when opening the eye shadow was the colour of the two shades - neither could be described as pink. One colour is a light shimmery beige colour, whereas the darker colour is a muted light brown. Both are neutral in tone and definitely more suited to me than pinky shades, so I was very pleased.

The eye shadow comes with a sponge applicator, which looked of a pretty standard quality - nothing special. However, I always use a proper eye shadow brush so I haven't used it myself. I usually find that sponges put too much colour on and leave the colours harder to blend.

Before I first applied the eye shadow, I prepared my face as usual, moisturising, foundation and powder. I then used the lighter colour, sweeping it over my lower lids, highlighting my inner eye area and applying it slightly above my sockets. The shadow went on easily and gave a good even coverage, with a soft shimmer as promised. I secondly put the darker colour on, just along my eye socket line. Again, I was impressed with how easily I could apply it. I was also pleased at how well the two colours complemented each other and blended together with ease. The overall effect gave a nice sheen, but was not too glittery - I would feel comfortable wearing it to work as well as for a night out.

However, application of the eye shadow is just one test in my opinion; I usually use a much cheaper shadow and I always find that by the end of the day it has clumped together in my eye socket. The true test of a good eye shadow is its staying power throughout the day.

On the day of my first application I had a number of tasks to undertake; I was going to meet some friends in town for an outdoors event. In the evening I was going to a party. When I was in town, I was twice caught in rain showers and it was rather windy. However, when I checked my makeup before heading off to party, it had miraculously not shifted! I was very pleased. However, by the end of the night of a few drinks and dancing, there was some slight clumping in the creases of my eyes, although nowhere near as badly as cheaper products I usually use. I also have tested the shadow at work, and am pleased to report that after a day in the office, it didn't shift. Therefore, I am very impressed with the product.

To summarise, I was pleasantly surprised by this initially unwanted present. The colour is definitely not as described, which is a bonus; however, it is available in lots of different shades, so there is bound to be one to suit you. I know that Clinique is an expensive brand, and this eye shadow retails in the region of £15. However, in terms of staying power, it far out-performs cheaper brands. I would also add that eye shadow is not a product that needs replacing often - usually one palette will last me about a year, despite wearing it every day. Therefore, the cost difference is not that great between cheaper and premium brands such as this. I would definitely recommend it for its excellent staying power!

Summary: Worth shelling out for an eye sheadow with superior performance