Jouer Crème Eyeshadow - Cashmere for Taupe Lovers

I ordered one of Jouer's Crème Eyeshadows ($20) recently. Every time I see a cream shadow I haven't tried, I order at least one. I love cream eye shadows; I like their look, feel, application, and wear.

I saw that Jouer offered four shades: Chiffon, Feather, Cashmere, and Organza. I nearly ordered Chiffon. Then I decided it was too predictable (for me), and I needed to branch out of my comfort zone. I ordered Cashmere, which wasn't a huge leap since it's described as a shimmering taupe. Taupe and I go together like best buddies. You can probably imagine my delight when it arrived, particularly if you've used Jouer Cosmetics.

Lightweight in texture with a velvety finish, Jouer's Crème Eyeshadows offer a subtle shimmer. They can be worn alone as a shadow, layered to illuminate the eye, or smudged along the lash line to create natural definition. The soft, exquisitely blendable formula ensures easy fingertip application if you wish, but I use a cream shadow brush to apply my new treasure.

The Cashmere shade is fascinating. It's definitely taupe, with a gleaming, subtle shimmer, but it's almost two shades in one, depending on whether I apply it lightly or heavily. I took two photos of the compact, one in indirect light and one with the pan held toward the elusive sun. The sun has only made rare appearances here this week, and I scramble for photos when it shines.

I painted on Cashmere with a cream shadow brush for the swatch photo above, which was taken in bright light, but not 100% full sun. I got a nice color rendition, but realized I needed a swatch photo of the "light version." So I quickly wiped off the heavy swatch and dashed outside for a photo of a light application. With a light touch, Cashmere is like an antique gold with a touch of taupe. As you build the coverage, it becomes more and more taupe. This feature delights me! The light application is shown at right.

Here's one more photo of the heavy application at left. Basically, I feel like I got two gorgeous cream shadows for $20, the price of one. Now I'm annoyed with myself for not purchasing all four shades when the discount event was underway. I want the other three.

I know that some women have a difficult relationship with cream eye shadows. They may not be the best option for those with oily skin and especially oily eyelids. For me, with my dry skin, they are a fabulous option. They add a gleam that my eyelids don't have naturally. I think they draw attention to my eyes, which are my best feature. So far, I've experienced great wear with Jouer Crème Eyeshadow. It stays where I put it and doesn't fade or migrate into the crease. I do wear a primer.

You can purchase Jouer's lovely cream shadows and all of their products at the company's Web site and Henri Bendel (also Skin 6|2 in Las Vegas). Jouer's Luminizing Moisture Tint, which some of you recommended last week, recently won an Allure Best of Beauty 2011 Award. Maybe I'll break down and order that and more eye shadow. I'm weak when it comes to lust-worthy makeup.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty