EOTD/REVIEW: MUA Purple #9...

Have I mentioned I'm a huge Makeup Academy ("MUA", UK company) eye shadow fan? Lol I'm sure I have, but it's time to rave on some more because in my opinion, this is close to being the most brilliant shadow in my kit - Pearl #9, a fabulous purple/blue duochrome. The pigmentation is astounding - so deep and rich, the texture is deliciously creamy, and it takes so little building to create the boldest, sassiest purple eye with a divine blue reflect :-)

Note: this eye shadow costs 1 pound, or converted to AUD, $1.85 - unbelievable! Of course there's heaps of other colours in the range, although not all are available all the time (while writing this I can see that this #9 is not listed - boo!). I have half a dozen or so of the pearls, and I featured the emerald (#6) back in November. They also make five matte shades for the same ridiculous price - I reckon they are as good as the ones made by theBalm, silky smooth and easy to blend, and I use #17 (biscuity beige) every single day to cover up the discolourations on my hoods, and to help make them appear a little less prominent. Sometimes I blend it with the brown (#19), and the charcoal (#20) is a favourite for in the crease to give some added definition.

Occasionally MUA has super duper sales e.g. 30% off with 20 pound minimum spend, and sometimes free postage, but even with $14 shipping, they are still one of the best value shadows on the planet. I've had mixed success with their other products, but their shadows are in a league of their own. The pearls can be used either wet or dry, and they last all day without creasing or fading. For this look I applied the purple dry on the top lid, and with a moist brush on the lower lashline - it's a bit hard to tell from these photos, but like most shimmer shadows, it turns out even more reflective when damp.

As a base I applied Face of Australia Budge Proof Gel Eyeliner in Pure Purple, and patted the MUA #9 over the top using a medium sized soft angled brush. Then I added a fine line of amethyst from the Mirenesse Pearl Crush Creaseless Shadows Baroque Pearls palette in the crease - I often do this with a matte to reduce the likelihood of the shimmery shadow transferring to my hoods. Along the lower lashline is MNY Master Precise Liquid Liner blended with #9, and on the waterline, Mirenesse Mineral Face Gel Colour in Aquamarine.

I created this look to go with another stunning jewellery set that my darling Dad gave me for my birthday - a Swarovski heart pendant with matching earrings. The deep purple crystal has a turquoise reflect in it that only shows up in certain lighting situations, and MUA #9 couldn't have been a more perfect match ♥

This will be my last blog post for 2013 - to all you wonderful folk who have supported my blogging baby steps over the last 3 months, I thank you with all my heart. I hope the next year keeps you and those dear to you happy, safe and healthy, and that you'll join me for a chat or two in 2014 ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx