Clinique Chubby Stick for Eyes

Perhaps you've heard about the Clinique Chubby Stick, arguably the most popular item to come from the company since the 3-step system. While we know it originally to be a lightweight lip tint, the Chubby Stick has actually evolved into a franchise, with a recently released intense lip version and in February, the eye version.

The Clinique shadows are pigmented, smooth, and easy to blend, which I never thought I would say about cream eye pencils. I did not experience creasing or fading and they last impressively long even without a primer.

I applied the shadow below (Whopping Willow) exactly the way I did here, using the exact same tool. Recently, I've been needing to simplify my regimen for travel while still looking presentable, and I find that cream eye pencils offer the best of both worlds. One simple stick allows me to achieve a decent look, and when the formula is as good as this, it actually becomes a pleasure to apply (unlike this).

In short, when this launches in February (for $16 apiece), everyone should head to a counter and play and then wave your fist at me because then you'll want to have one (or four) of your own.

Full disclosure: This entry contains sample products sent by PR or the manufacturer for editorial consideration.

NARS Spring 2012: Paramaribo Eyeshadow Duo

Here we are at the end of my NARS Spring collection coverage with NARS Paramaribo Eyeshadow Duo, which consists of a dirty gold and a brown-toned olive. 

Paramaribo was a blind purchase (as is the rest of my acquisitions, really) and had I made my way to a counter beforehand I probably would not have bought it. Not that the shadows are not good. This is one of the better duos from NARS and one of the easiest to swatch (seriously. One light dip of the finger), and though the texture is laudable and color insanely pigmented, it's just not something I'd wear very often. I don't know what possessed me in the first place to acquire it, considering that I am very wary of anything that might accentuate the yellow of my skintone and that left shade looked awfully dangerous.

NARS Gaiety on cheeks, Mexican Rose on lips

I was right, the palette is not something I would wear often. I can't think of a suitable outfit to pair them with. But goodness me do I love those colors.

NARS Paramaribo Eyeshadow Duo retails for $34 and is available at major department stores and Sephora. I purchased mine from narscosmetics.com.