Hourglass Cosmetics Visionaire Eye Shadow Duos

Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” is perhaps the world’s most recognized work of art.  What makes it so special?  There is much speculation and debate on that, but part of it is her enigmatic gaze which seems to follow viewers wherever they go.  Would you like to be followed wherever you go?  Then perhaps using Hourglass Cosmetics’ Visionaire eye shadow duos is a start.  Hourglass is a company which I admire first for being devoted to quality over quantity.  They do not generate one new product after another simply to remain in fashion; their items will remain sophisticated, chic, luxe classics for decades to come.

The Case and the Colors

Hourglass Visionaire Eye Shadow Duos are available at Sephora for $38.00.  Pricey?  Not really, considering the quality and the multiple effects you can achieve with these decadent hues.  Them come in clever, sleek, magnetized compacts which slide open and swivel 360° to expose a mirror.  I first purchased “Exhibition” (mauve and eggplant shimmer) and “Prism” (slate blue shimmer and black with micro glitter), shown below, and will go on to collect the rest.  Other glimmering shades include “Dune” (champagne/deep olive green); “Gypsy” (peach/ivory and bronze); “Lagoon” (seafoam blue/teal–especially great for spring and summer); and “Suede” (ivory/light beige).

(“Prism” is shown at left, “Exhibition” at right)

 I have always looked to Christian Dior eye shadows when it came to setting the bar for perfect, deep pigmentation, silky texture, and ease of application and blending.  Hourglass powders are so buttery, so very rich and opulent that they practically apply themselves!  They meld seamlessly.  These colors wear through heat, humidity, and long days of work with nary a crease.  Do not fear the sheen.  It is so fine that it is completely appropriate for wear during the day; moreover, there is absolutely no annoying “fall out.”

Various Looks

Unlike most shadows, these come with well-made dual-sided hair applicators rather than foam ones.  I generally prefer to use my own shadow brushes (Hourglass has great brushes for eyes and face) and keep the small ones for touch-ups if needed.  Hourglass suggests using a brush to apply the lighter shade first and then blending with your finger for a gradation of color.  Contour with the darker shade.  An option here for additional “oomph” is to wet your brush before application, creating a gilded look (also known as “foiling”).  Visionaire affords you the ability to create a perfect “smoky” eye with just two shades and little effort.  You may want to smudge some of the deeper hue under bottom lashes for a liner effect.  Or you may want to wear each color individually.  The possibilities are endless–and oh-so-flattering on you.  There is yet another reason to keep the applicators included.  You will probably need them to beat away the men who will be trailing after you when you are sporting these!