I trained using predominantly powder eyeshadows and it is only really in the last three years or so that I have discovered the wonder of cream shadows, be they in pot, pencil or crayon format.
Cream eyeshadows make applying eye makeup a doddle. You just need to know two things:
- how much to apply (I find less is more on the first layer, then you can build to your desired intensity)
- how to blend the edges (quickly and using your ring finger. Or better still, reach for a fluffy eyeshadow brush like the MAC 217)
There are dozens of cream eye shadows on the market but this one by new brand 3ina has been the stand out for me this year.
3ina is relatively new and not too dissimilar in price to Kiko. Founders Pablo Rivera and Mark Eve spotted that there was an opportunity in the market for a ‘younger demographic who want vibrant products of the moment to express their individuality’ and the stand alone store in Covent Garden was their first globally.
I work a lot with women over the age of 30 who want to look natural rather than bold or expressive and as such, not every product 3ina offers appeals, but the cream eyeshadow in shade 313 is fantastic. I would go as far as to say it is the best bronze cream eyeshadow I have used to date (and I have tried and own at least a dozen including ones by Tom Ford, Charlotte Tilbury, MAC, Bobbi Brown…I could go on and on).
The swatches above hopefully demonstrate how versatile it is. It can be applied as a light wash of colour (above swatch) or layered for a bolder, richer look.
And It. Does. Not. Move. No creasing (a big bug bear with other cream eye shadow that are too mousse-like and lack substance), it goes on like a dream and is one of the most wearable coppery bronzes I have found.
It is shimmery but not as much as say Maybelline’s On and On Bronze (still a favourite of mine). I have tried a couple of the other shades in the 3ina range but as one would expect from a brand selling ‘expression’ to young people, some of us might struggle with the neon yellow 😉 For now stick to this little beauty.
THE FACTS
How much is it:
£8.95
Where can I buy it:
It is currently showing as out of stock on the 3ina website and in the Covent Garden store (I know because I tried to buy it for someone the other day!) but feelunique.com are currently selling it at a discount (as of today’s date, 23.12.17).
Who is it for:
Everyone, but particularly those with blue eyes as bronze shades will really help to make them pop. Good for all ages too. For deep skin tones see shade 314 which is a richer, shimmery brown.
Coming up tomorrow…
A translucent setting powder that has been my go-to for months and is available at Boots! (Last minute shoppers…I got you 🙂
A bit more about my Advent Cal:
My advent-themed calendar is designed to give you, lovely reader, some ideas for presents this gifting season. The list is based on my Top 25 Beauty Buys of recent years. Of the 25 products which made the cut, some I have used for the first time this year and others I have been using for several years. The selection criteria for each product was as follows:
1. It is a product I have repurchased or know I will definitely repurchase at some point
2. It is an item I believe will genuinely make an awesome gift for someone this Christmas
This series is not sponsored and you should know that, like many makeup artists, I am one of the fussiest people I know when it comes to selecting and using beauty products. They have to blow me away. Hope you enjoy!