YSL Beauté Metal Eyes Collection - Pure Chromatics Wet and Dry Eye Shadow

Brand new from YSL Beauté, The Metal Eyes Collection offers six Pure Chromatics Wet and Dry Eye Shadow palettes ($48).

Through the magic of water and a revolutionary new process, Yves Saint Laurent has pushed the limits of color with Pure Chromatics, a new generation of eye shadows. Real makeup artist magic is made easy with six emblematic harmonies that captivate the eyes.

The new water-process technology employed by YSL is the company's latest discovery in color, yielding pigments that are more intense than ever before. Water does not dilute, but instead enhances the color pigments in Pure Chromatics. When used wet, the water rehydrates the eye shadows and gives full intensity to their pigments. The effect is a transformation of the satiny powder into a luxurious cream, while pearls shine with a metallic finish. These can be flashy eye shadows.

I purchased #6, which is shown at left. I have to admit that the quads looked a little too outre for me when Kathy Shoreman at Neiman Marcus sent me a photo of the palettes - the second they arrived at the counter. You can see all the palette shades here. Just click on the little circle for an enlarged view. As we talked about the first palette I would try, I selected #6, even though I worried about the plum shade. Once I got a chance to try it, I was smitten - even with the "plum" shade. You'll see why below. I understand #6 quickly became the most popular of the quads as shoppers and gals working at Neiman Marcus got their hands on them. I find it interesting that it's #2 that is showing as sold out at YSL's Web site.

Here is a swatch photo, taken outdoors in full sun. I applied the shadows dry with a sponge-tipped applicator. I swatched in a clockwise direction, starting at top left with the olive green shade. I find all four shades, including the one that appears very plum in the pan, enormously pleasing. Olive, gold, smoky brown-plum, and peach - there isn't a shade I won't wear. This is a stunning mixture of shades. Love it!

Three of the four shades appear to be a different color in the pan than they look on my skin. In the pan, the golden shade appears to have peach in it. On the skin, it is a pure medium gold. The plum is a stunning smoky shade. Even the shade that appears to be pink in the pan is a warm, shimmering peach. I am extremely pleased with the #6 palette.

I'm wondering if the other quads are deceptive at first glance. I want to get over to the store to see the rest in person. Even if I end up with only #6, I am thrilled with it. Have you seen them yet? What do you think?

You can purchase the Pure Chromatics Wet and Dry Eye Shadows at the YSL Web site, Neiman Marcus, and, I suspect, all YSL counters now.

Photos at top courtesy of YSL Beauté