Clinique Party Favors Set (Holiday 2013)

Today, I bring you Clinique's largest set for Holiday 2013: Party Favors Set.

This set is contained in a neon fold-over cosmetic case.  It has a snap that holds the fold in place.

This kit has all you could ever want in a value set, and includes both perennial favorites and some limited edition products worth grabbing.

The kit contains:

• All About Shadow Quad
• High Impact Mascara (full size)
• Quickliner for Eyes Intense
• Chubby Stick Intense (full size)
• A Different Nail Enamel (deluxe sample)
• All About Eyes (deluxe sample)

First, lets talk about two of the products I won't be reviewing in-depth: High Impact Mascara and All About Eyes.  One is full sized, the other a deluxe sample. Both add value to the kit.

The All About Shadow Quad contains the following shades:

Inside, with flash

Limited Edition Pink Shade, Hazy, Raspberry Beret, Chocolate Covered Cherry.

Swatches:

Inside, with flash

Outside, no flash

One of my favorite things about Clinique quads is that they give instructions for a full-eye look.

I really bought this kit for three products: Black Honey eyeliner, a new Chubby Stick Intense, and to try the nail enamel.

The Chubby Stick Intense for Lips- 09 Roundest Raspberry is a new, limited-edition Chubby Stick Intense shade. Given my love for the formula, I had to nab this new release.

It's a cheery raspberry that gives a wearable berry sheen.  It's much warmer than the other berry products in the Chubby Stick Intense lineup. I've reviewed the other shades elsewhere on this blog.

Swatches:

Outside, on my hand

Inside, no flash

Inside with flash- this looked well within the lip line in person! Wow!

Quickliner for Eyes Intense in 18 Intense Black Honey is another genius application of the classic Black Honey.  I'm having a small obsession with Black Honey right now.  Quickliner for Eyes Intense has a creamy, long-wear formula.

Outside, on a cloudy day

A Different Nail Enamel in Cosmo Chic is a saturated magenta with warm undertones.  I enjoyed this color on my nails, but didn't grab a photo the day I had it on my nails. I'll be reviewing the formula in-depth in the coming days, but I found this to be a one-coater, self-leveling.

Outside, no flash

Outside, with flash

Outside, with flash

Overall, this set is on-trend because of the berry theme. I found it to be a great value, and I'm already enjoying most of the items.  The eye quad will be a struggle for me to incorporate, but it was worth the gamble.

Bottom Line: I think Clinique has hit it out of the park.  Grab this set while there is a GWP at Macy's- you won't regret it.

Pricing/Availability: $39.50, at Clinique counters.

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Eye Cream

This post could be subtitled "Or- the product that made me a Shiseido believer and the only thing to battle my genetic dark circles with any success."

This is the best suggestion I've ever received from a sales associate, bar none. This single item changed my skincare life forever, and it's a product that I cannot bear to be without.  If I'm near the bottom of a jar, I rush out and buy a backup.  I'm finishing up my second jar in under a year's time.

The thickness of this eye cream should be apparent from this photo- just dabbed on the back of my hand.

Many find it too heavy to wear both morning and night, but it's a 3-season day cream and a year-round night cream for me.  Over time, my undereye circles have diminished and my eye area appears brighter (to me).  A good deal of that comes from having vastly improved the hydration in that area.  I always recommend this eye cream when people are looking for a basic eye cream that is friendly to sensitive skin.

Price: $55/0.5 oz

Availability: At Shieseido counters and Sephora.

Late Summer Skincare Routine (PM)

Like my morning routine, this will be changing with the seasons- although not as much as I originally thought.  I've been swapping out my Shiseido Softener for the First Aid Beauty pads in an effort to get my skin at its best

• Caudalie Makeup Removing Water: This is my first experience using a "Makeup Removing Water," although similar products (like the NARS version) have piqued my interest in the past.  I'm nearly through my second bottle of this- and will keep it on-hand. It's very gentle yet effective.
• Shiseido Facial Cotton: Once you try these, you'll never go back to regular cotton again.  These are a pampering treat for my skin. This is the third full pack I've used this year.
• Laura Mercier Oil-Free Makeup Remover: This stuff is amazing- it will take off even the most stubborn makeup.  Just a little bit for the remaining waterproof mascara is all you need.
• Neutrogena Hydrating Makeup Removing Wipes: One of the places where I save money is by using drugstore-brand makeup removing wipes. I've bounced around, but usually alternate these with Boots No.7 wipes. I haven't seen a difference between high-end wipes and these, and I'd rather save money where it's possible.
• Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Creamy Cleanser: See the morning post for mini-review.
• First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads:  See the morning post for a mini-review.
• Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum: Review pending.
• Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Eye Cream: This is the eye cream that re-invigorated my interest in skincare. Full review pending because it was a game-changer for me personally.
• Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Night Cream/Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Night Emulsion: It will be clear at the end of the month why I've got 2 night creams in rotation.  For those who aren't clear on Shiseido's vocabulary, the Emulsions (Day/Night) are significantly lighter than the Creams.  These are part of my HG skincare routine which I've been using faithfully for the past year.
• Shiseido Benefiance Lip Treatment: See morning post for mini-review.