YSL Pure Chromatics Wet & Dry Eyeshadow for Summer 2011 - #20

Through the magic of water and a revolutionary new technology, YSL Beauté introduced Pure Chromatics, its latest generation of eye shadows, in March. You can create "makeup artist magic" with any of the eight harmonies for the eyes. There are two palettes (quads) featured in the Summer Look for 2011.

Depending on how you use Pure Chromatics 4 Wet & Dry Eyeshadows ($48), you can achieve subtle or intense metallic looks. Used dry, they are nicely shimmering shadows. Used wet? YSL says to expect the unexpected. When used wet, the water rehydrates the powder eye shadows and is said to give full intensity to their pigments. YSL says the satiny powder transforms into a luxurious cream, while pearls shine with a metallic finish. Conservative, moderate, or bold in your approach to makeup, you're likely to be pleased by Pure Chromatics.

I purchased both of the new quads at Neiman Marcus. Today, I'm featuring #20, with four shades that are all delightful. My photo of the compact is at left. My swatch photo is below.

I applied the shadows for the swatch photo with a dry sponge-tipped applicator, and I took my photo in full, afternoon sun. I swatched clockwise, starting at the top left of the quad.

The top shade is a peachy gold to my eye. Some might call it pure gold. The white shade could best be described as platinum or metallic white. Unlike some white shadows from this season, it applies evenly and isn't at all crumbly (a pet peeve I have with some recent whites from other lines). The plum-brown is a fabulous eyeliner shade for me - not too plummy. Others with darker skin may find it a great accent or contouring shade. I could use it that way, but probably will restrict its use to liner. The bottom gold shade is pure gold to my eye, lighter than the other gold - and equally gorgeous.

Interestingly, I did give the shadows a go with a damp brush and didn't like them as much. Whether I didn't use enough water or I made some other mistake, I found them to be superior when applied with a dry shadow brush - even with my sponge-tipped applicator! I'll check in with the YSL product specialists about that, but I can wholeheartedly recommend them for dry application. They apply easily and evenly, and the look is shimmering without being glittery.

For my feature on Pure Chromatics in #6, see this link. It was my favorite of the quads from the earlier introductions.

The beautiful new Pure Chromatics Wet & Dry Eyeshadows are available at YSL's Web site and Neiman Marcus. I'm sure the other stores received them too - or will soon. Call ahead if you plan a trip to see them. I'll show you #19 if I can get a swatch photo tomorrow. It's been hit or miss here for sunshine.

Photo at top courtesy of YSL Beauté; other photos by Best Things in Beauty