Clarins Ombre Iridescente Cream-to-Powder Eyeshadow in Aquatic Rose and Aquatic Grey

These cute little pots of shadow are part of Clarins' spring/summer Aquatic Treasures makeup collection, and they're actually a new take on an existing product.  Ombre Matte was launched last year, and boasted a matte finish and a silky cream texture which sets into a powder finish once applied to the lids - Ombre Iridescente is the same thing, just with a more sparkly finish.

And oh, what a sparkly finish - as you can see from the swatches, at full opacity these creams are incredibly sparkly, almost metallic.  I find I have to build up a couple of layers to get to this level of intensity on the eye - a single layer is a much more subtle wash, which still twinkles prettily.

The texture is one of those weirdly bouncy, slightly pliable things, which smooth onto the lid easily and set down into a powdery yet solid finish.  I found it equally easy to apply with a firm bristled synthetic brush as I did with my fingers, although if you're looking for the intensity in the finish, a brush will help you get there much more quickly (and less messily, too).

The only downside is that I've found that I need a really good thick layer of primer to help these shadows last on my eyelids - and even then, I find that they crease after 10 hours.  Certainly not bad, but not ideal if you, like me, have oily lids.  For those without oily lids, and looking for an adaptable bit of shimmer this spring, they're lovely.  Find them now at the Clarins website, where they cost £19 each.

Disclosure: PR samples

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