NEW Almay Intense i-Color Eyeshadow Review

Almay has released some great palettes for creating quick, trendy makeup looks in just a few simple steps and recently the Intense i-Color collection was launched in fabulous new packaging and crease-proof pigments to enhance your unique eye color. These easy to hold, tear drop shaped portable compacts include three shades each in various styles including Everyday Neutrals, Evening Smokey and Party Brights designed for brown, hazel, blue and green eyes.

To make things even easier the diagram at the back of each palette demonstrates where to apply the colors and since I have brown eyes I am loving the Evening Smokey palette in 145. These pigments are warm, deep and inviting with a beautiful bronze for the lids, sultry black for the crease and gold for the brow bones. The shadows are buildable so you can control the intensity of the smokey effect by deepening them and I like to blend the black thoroughly and fade it upwards from the crease to create a seamless look. This combo is super trendy for fall!

I like that each palette contains expertly coordinated shades to take the guess work out of getting ready and the pairing of matte and shimmer finishes mesh well. The coverage seems to vary by shade, the lid and crease colors are smooth, soft and more pigmented whereas the highlight doesn't pack as much punch. I get best results and better color pay-off when I use a primer but some of the shadows (mainly the lighter hues) are on the sheer side so I wouldn’t classify them all as “intense.”

#125 for brown eyes contains beautiful purples and although it is categorized as “Party Brights” the shades are quite cool, soft and rather tame. The bottom purple has a pastel vibe and looks pretty with the deep smokey purple blended in the crease. This is a great palette for transitioning to fall and if you are going for a party effect you can jazz it up with a bold winged liner to make your eyes pop!

Palette 105 Everyday Neutrals is quite tame and soft with bronzy-brown, purple and silver. If you prefer light shades this palette is suitable for day looks.

Although I would have enjoyed a bit more color intensity you can layer the shadows for more coverage and the palettes are a great size for travel or use on the go! You can find this collection at drugstores for $10.49 each.

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Almay Smart Shade Butter Kiss Lipsticks Review

The Almay Butter Kiss Lipsticks are a new range of ultra-hydrating lip color available in 12 flattering shades that are designed to match your unique complexion. The range includes: light, light-medium and medium hues with a wonderful buttery soft, moist texture that many people seem to crave in a lip product. The smooth, nourishing formula keeps lips looking pretty and pouty while battling dry chapped skin and the classic pink, red and berry hues look great on everyone!

Red Medium

Although you can go for the lipstick that best suits your undertone I tend not to limit myself when it comes to color and all of the shades are very wearable. I love lip products that unify the alleviating benefits of a soothing, healing balm with a touch of trendy color. This buttery formulation contains a wonderful blend of coconut, shea and vitamin E to glide on velvety smooth and help seal in moisture.

Pink-Medium

These lipsticks are perfect for those who prefer subtle, light-weight color and are suitable for all seasons. In the packaging they appear bold and bright but once applied the coverage is sheer with a shiny finish and a deliciously sweet scent.

Swatches from left to right: Pink Medium, Red Medium, Nude Light

For chapped lips these are quite comfortable and provide long-lasting hydration. I like that the color does not settle into dry skin to enhance the texture and after the pigment begins to fade and wear away it leaves your lips feeling soft and supple.

Nude-Light

The Butter Kiss Lipsticks retail for $9.49 ea and are available at most mass market retailers.

*Press samples featured