if you read my other posts then you would know that i'm on catrice-streak. i was cleaning my makeup and decided to get rid of most of them and changed them with something new. in the past, i try learning about contouring and i have sleek contour powder set, but somehow i neglect it. being a mom of 2 (at that time) doesn't give me a lot of time to put on my makeup, that's why i usually skip the contouring. so when i was about to buy at catrice counter, i was hesitating, whether to buy the contour set or just bronzer. i've read reviews about their matte bronzer, and many suggest the shade that i couldn't find at the counter. there's only one shade left, so i couldn't compare it. and there are a lot of good reviews about their contour palette, and the shade that many people recommend is available, so i decided to give contouring another chance.
this is the description from their website: professional set for shaping the contours of your face. two easy to blend shades. with instructions on the back. the prime and fine professional contouring palette offers a professional set for contouring every shape of face. two easy-to-blend nuances are the ideal helpers: apply darker shade below the cheekbones, along the hairline, the side of the nose and beneath the jawline. apply the lighter shade on the brow bones, inner corner of the eyes, center of the nose and above the cheekbones. with a practical how-to-use guide on the reverse.
the packaging: it comes in a transparent plastic compact. you can see the palette from the outside so obviously no mirror. the highlighter is smaller, and the contouring shade is bigger. it's logical since you use more contouring than highlighting. there's instructions at the back, with pictures and all. pretty handy since it's quite small but they managed to put the instructions there. i remember that sleek put instructions as well, but in separate booklet. again, it looks sturdy but some said don't drop it.
the product: when i swatch it using my finger, the highlighter feels hard but after a few rubbing, it gets easier to pick up the pigment. while the contour powder is more buttery. it's not powdery at all which is good. the color payoff is good too. but again, it's similar to the blush. using hand, i make a good swatch. but put it on my face, i need to put several layers to get it shown. the size of the palette is similar to sleek, the highlighter is slightly bigger than sleek, but the contouring is smaller.
the color: the highlighter is pearly white. although ashy radiance is meant for fair to light skin tone, i think the highlighter isn't even suitable for fair skin. it's way too white for any skin tone. i think it might be better if it's more champagne to gold highlighter, rather than pearly white. the contour however, is another story. it's a ashy brown, just enough grey in it so it's suitable for contouring without making anyone looks muddy. when i compared it to sleek, the highlighter seems similar, but sleek is a bit more champagne. while the contour powder on sleek is slightly more orange.
the result: this powder gives subtle contour and highlighting. perfect for daily use. although i have to say it's more difficult to get good result from the highlighter. as for the contour powder, it's very good. but you might have to put layers of products to make it show.
this is a 50-50 win for me. i like the contour part since the shade is more suitable for me now. enough grey in it, and it's subtle enough so i can build more layers as i feel comfortable without being afraid of looking like a clown. the highlighter, however, is another story. i've put several layers to make it show but it's still very subtle. and the color is not to my liking. and i've read that many people also dislike the shade choice. i think catrice should put that in their mind and produce something new. as for me, i'm glad i pick this up. i'm learning about contouring more than before so it's not a waste of money. plus, it's super affordable. as for recommendation, definitely pick ashy radiance for fair to light skin tone, but pick the other one for the highlighter.
this is the description from their website: professional set for shaping the contours of your face. two easy to blend shades. with instructions on the back. the prime and fine professional contouring palette offers a professional set for contouring every shape of face. two easy-to-blend nuances are the ideal helpers: apply darker shade below the cheekbones, along the hairline, the side of the nose and beneath the jawline. apply the lighter shade on the brow bones, inner corner of the eyes, center of the nose and above the cheekbones. with a practical how-to-use guide on the reverse.
the packaging: it comes in a transparent plastic compact. you can see the palette from the outside so obviously no mirror. the highlighter is smaller, and the contouring shade is bigger. it's logical since you use more contouring than highlighting. there's instructions at the back, with pictures and all. pretty handy since it's quite small but they managed to put the instructions there. i remember that sleek put instructions as well, but in separate booklet. again, it looks sturdy but some said don't drop it.
the product: when i swatch it using my finger, the highlighter feels hard but after a few rubbing, it gets easier to pick up the pigment. while the contour powder is more buttery. it's not powdery at all which is good. the color payoff is good too. but again, it's similar to the blush. using hand, i make a good swatch. but put it on my face, i need to put several layers to get it shown. the size of the palette is similar to sleek, the highlighter is slightly bigger than sleek, but the contouring is smaller.
the color: the highlighter is pearly white. although ashy radiance is meant for fair to light skin tone, i think the highlighter isn't even suitable for fair skin. it's way too white for any skin tone. i think it might be better if it's more champagne to gold highlighter, rather than pearly white. the contour however, is another story. it's a ashy brown, just enough grey in it so it's suitable for contouring without making anyone looks muddy. when i compared it to sleek, the highlighter seems similar, but sleek is a bit more champagne. while the contour powder on sleek is slightly more orange.
the result: this powder gives subtle contour and highlighting. perfect for daily use. although i have to say it's more difficult to get good result from the highlighter. as for the contour powder, it's very good. but you might have to put layers of products to make it show.
this is a 50-50 win for me. i like the contour part since the shade is more suitable for me now. enough grey in it, and it's subtle enough so i can build more layers as i feel comfortable without being afraid of looking like a clown. the highlighter, however, is another story. i've put several layers to make it show but it's still very subtle. and the color is not to my liking. and i've read that many people also dislike the shade choice. i think catrice should put that in their mind and produce something new. as for me, i'm glad i pick this up. i'm learning about contouring more than before so it's not a waste of money. plus, it's super affordable. as for recommendation, definitely pick ashy radiance for fair to light skin tone, but pick the other one for the highlighter.
 |
| the compact (appreciate the instructions at the back) |
 |
| left: inside the compact right: swatch on hand |
 |
| comparison with my previous sleek contour palette (notice the sleek is larger on each pan, especially the highlighter part) |
 |
| swatch comparison (sleek is slightly more orange in my opinion) |
 |
| on my face |
0 Comments