We are now on the 4th part of my makeup favorites for 2015 and we will be doing the Eyeshadows, Blush and Contour/Highlight Kit edition. As you all know, 2015 can be tagged as “The Year of Contouring” – are we supposed to blame the Kardashians for that? Not really, because contouring has been existing years ago only that it was given emphasis this year with the help of the social media.

Photo courtesy of sofeminine.co.uk

But I have to admit, there are those OUTRAGEOUS like REALLY, REALLY OUTRAGEOUS contouring & highlight tutorials that I have watched in Instagram and boy! some can be quite scary… A piece of advice: CONTOUR MODERATELY – I mean, I am sure that you can do it and still look like a normal person, you know what I mean? 😉

Okay, going back… Here are comes the list (drum rolls, please):

Best Eyeshadow/s

1. Tom Ford Eye Quad

I know that this ain’t a new thing and people have been raving about this a long time ago, but because of the hefty price, it took me years of window-shopping, reading the reviews and watching tutorials before I finally purchased it. Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad costs 112 SGD  – so it is not affordable, but despite the price, you will not regret buying them because these eyeshadows are finely milled, opaque and blends so well.

I also love the luxurious look of the packaging and how easy it is to pack in your handbag.

2. Make Up Forever – Artist Palette

I haven’t played with all of their eyeshadow (including the individual ones) but based on my experience with this palette, they are great. Just like Tom Ford’s, the colours in this palette blend so well; they are finely milled and opaque. You can get these 9 colours for a lesser price (69 SGD).

Best Blushes

1. NARS

Still my no. 1 choice. I have their famous blushes in Orgasm and Matahari and why they are on top of my list? Because they are so pigmented, wear so well that you do not have to reapply even if you have a humid environment like here in Singapore.

I bought my first NARS blush (Orgasm) in 2013 and I still have it today and yes, it still works the fine.

NARS in Matahari

NARS blush in Mata Hari (50 SGD)

2. Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher

Just like the NARS blushes, CT’s Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher is <3. They are pigmented and long lasting. Check out my complete review for the Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher – Love is the Drug.

3. Tom Ford Cheek Colour

Let me sum it up for you why I like it.

• Finely milled
• Pigmented
• long lasting
• easy to blend
• Impressive and luxurious packaging
• Easy to pack/bring

Tom Ford Cheek Colour is sold at 88 SGD.

Tom Ford Cheek Colour – 05 Ravish

Best Contour & Highlight Kit

1. Kat Von D’s Shade & Light Contour Palette

I am so satisfied with this that I no longer considered looking for other brands. I have created some of the nicest if not my best looks (without looking fake and heavy) using this palette. My favourite pair is the first set from the left (LUCID – highlight; SOMBRE – contour) as they are the cool toned ones and they are the most flattering out of the three sets. Sometimes, I would use the highlight to powder the area under my eyes.

Photo courtesy of Sephora.com; sold at 46 USD (shipping fees not yet included)

The first time that I used the Shade & Light palette was when I took the photos for my Colourpop Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick review.

2. Charlotte Tilbury Film Star Bronze & Glow

For everyday contour, I prefer to use my Charlotte Tilbury Film Star Bronze & Glow. This helps you achieve the contour look without looking harsh or muddy – perfect for your everyday shadow and highlight. See my complete review of this product here.

Before I end this post, I want to give a special mention to one of my best buys for this year:

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Palette (Limited Edition)

This palette stirred a mix of good and bad reviews from makeup bloggers last year. Some were disappointed with the size/amount of product that you get while others were saying it was a good deal because it is travel-friendly. I was one of those who had doubts because of these mixed reviews but I decided to get one for myself.

What made me buy this palette?

Hourglass is new to me because this brand is not available here in Singapore but I know that it is one of the best brands in the market based on recommendations and reviews from its users. With this palette, I am given the chance to try all of the 6 palettes (combination of lighting, blush and bronzer) for a lower price. So if I love them all, then I can purchase their full sizes in the future. Also, I would agree that this palette is very handy especially when you are travelling.

Hour Glass Ambient Lighting Edit Palette is sold at 80 USD (sold in Singapore from 120 -170 SGD)

After using it for a month now, I can say that yes, I am impressed with the quality of this product. I am thinking of getting the full sizes but that will take time (and money), but I also want to save this palette so I have a handy palette when I travel.

As the trend in 2016 is all about highlights and glowy skin, this palette can be justified as a best buy. You can always be creative with your palettes and let them multitask. Eyeshadows can be highlighters and eyebrow makeup while some lipsticks can be used as eyeliners. Here is another example: I use the Iridescent Light Powder as an eyeshadow for a fresh and light day look. 😉

Thank you for reading and until my next post! 😀 Check out my previous posts for Berry’s Favorites for 2015 thru the links below:

• Skin Care Products
• Primer, Foundation and Concealer
• Eyebrow Makeup and Eyeliners
• Lip Products