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Thursday, January 31, 2013

Review: Flower by Drew Barrymore Color Play Créme Eyeshadows in Awesome Blossom and Flirty Floret

It's time to end the suspense. Last week I posted this picture of my eye, telling you that I was loving the shadow I was wearing (but I didn't reveal the shadow itself). 

Time for the big reveal: it was Flower Color Play Créme Eyeshadow in Awesome Blossom! Congrats to everyone who guessed correctly in the comments/Twitter/Facebook. You guys are gooood.

I purchased two shades from this collection online a few weeks ago (Flower is exclusive to Walmart and, as of the time of this post, only partial displays have been spotted in stores, but the entire line is available online). 

I've been wearing these bad boys non-stop since I got them. So let's get down to it, shall we? I have a LOT to say about these, so sit back, get comfy, grab a cup of coffee or tea and get ready....

Flower by Drew Barrymore Color Play Créme Eyeshadows
(retail: $7.98, 0.12 oz)

Keep reading for my full review...


As with all of the Flower cosmetics I've reviewed thus far on the blog, this product is "Proudly made in the USA" and, per the label, they "never test on animals."

Awesome Blossom (left), Flirty Floret (right)

 Before we go any further, let's just get this out of the way right now:


The bottom of the pot looks very much like a L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow (the pots even contain the same amount of product--0.12 oz.--and the price is the same as well, since most retailers charge $7.99 for the Infallibles).


The biggest different is the height of the container. As you can see above, the Flower shadows are taller. Also, the pot itself is made of glass (The L'Oreal pots are made of plastic). I really love the design of the Flower eyeshadow--it feels nice in the hand, and I love the rose-gold detail (the name plate actually looks like it's an inlay, as opposed to being glued onto the side of the lid). In my opinion, the overall design feels quite high-end.



The one thing I don't care for about this product is that it contains not one, not two, but five different types of parabens. I'm not sure why they need this many, but it seems a bit excessive to me (just my opinion and I am not a chemist, so perhaps there is a reason for this).


I lied. There is one more thing I don't care for about this product. If you look above, you'll see that the inner lid is not flush with the inner edge of the pot. In other words, when you put the inner lid back onto the product, it just sort of "floats" on top of the product. This would not be an issue if this were a pressed pigment (like the L'Oreal shadows), but it's not. More on this in a bit...


Let's start with Awesome Blossom:


The consistency of these shadows can be described as a creamy, whipped mousse. It's not firm to the touch like the Maybelline Color Tattoos. In fact, if you touch it with too much pressure, your finger will sink right down to the bottom of the pot. In other words, it's delicate and it requires a very delicate touch when handling it.

Awesome Blossom is a rich plummy mauve with lots of shimmer (it's almost metallic on the eye) and there is also some multi-colored sparkle in this shade as well.

Here are some pics of me wearing just this shade on my eye (no other shadows were used and no primer either) and I also lined my lower lashline with this shadow:

The original photo I shared last week

 
Same look, in brighter light

Same look, both eyes

Same look, after six hours of wear

I blasted this photo with a lot of natural light so that you could really see how much of the shadow was left on my eyes (which also explains why my hazel eyes look really green in this pic). By the way, this shade really brings out the green in hazel eyes--I get compliments on my eyes every time I wear it. 

As you can see, this shadow is hanging in there after six hours with no primer. It has faded a bit and there was a loss of shimmer, but you can still see it on my lower lash line, which was a pleasant surprise.

Next, Flirty Floret:


Flirty Floret is a rich coppery brown shimmer with some slight sparkle. I was a bit more heavy-handed with the look I did for Awesome Blossom (which I applied with my fingers) so for Flirty Floret, I used an eyeshadow brush for application and I decided to apply a thin, sheer layer so that you could see what that looks like on the eye:


I used no other shadows for this look, and no primer beforehand. I also used Flirty Floret to line my bottom lashline.


In this photo you can see the sparkle in this shadow a bit more (especially on the right eye).

Texture and consistency: In no way are these similar to Maybelline Color Tattoos. The consistency of Flower Color Play Créme Eyeshadows can be best described as a creamy, whipped mousse. However, they don't feel like a mousse during application. In fact, the closest thing I can compare them to, when you're working with them, is MAC Paints. They're as creamy as a MAC Paint and feel quite similar when you're moving them around (applying, blending) on the skin. However, these don't dry to a powder finish like MAC Paints (more on that in a bit).

Finish and pigmentation: Both of the shades I purchased have a shimmery, almost metallic finish with some sparkle as well. The pigmentation is excellent for both shades--you get vivid color with just one swipe, but they can also be sheered out quite easily depending on your method of application.

Application: Since this is a very delicate product, if you're not careful you can have a real mess on your hands. Imagine trying to apply Cool Whip to your eyes. If you used a normal amount of pressure to scoop some Cool Whip up with your eyeshadow brush, you'd have a TON of Cool Whip on your brush, right? Same thing with these. You literally only need to dab your brush on the surface of the product with the tiniest amount of pressure and you'll have all the color you need for your entire eye. But what's awesome about this product, and perhaps my favorite thing about it, is that IT BLENDS LIKE A DREAM. When you're working with it, you can blend, and blend...and blend to your heart's delight and it will never become dry or patchy. Unlike Maybelline Color Tattoos, you have plenty of play-time with these before they set (some may say they even take too long to set). If you're looking for bold color, I suggest using your finger for application. It's a joy to apply with the fingers and it's one of the best shadows I've ever used when it comes to its ability to blend with your fingers. If you're going for a sheer wash, I think it's easier to use a brush because you can be really precise and sheer it out better with a brush (but I still suggest using your fingers for blending up into the crease--you'll see what I'm talking about if/when you try one. They blend out easier with fingers).

Dry time and staying power: Again, unlike Maybelline Color Tattoos, you have PLENTY of play-time before these shadows set. In fact, they don't really ever set in the traditional sense. They never become sticky, powdery or matte to the touch. They stay pretty creamy throughout the entire time you're wearing them, but what's amazing is that they don't turn into a giant, creased mess on my oily lids. Ever. Sure, without primer they only last about six hours before I start to see some fading, but I'm telling you, I have never in my life used a shadow this creamy and had it last on my lids this long. Without primer! Obviously you can't pack this product on and expect to have a creaseless look in six hours, but if you blend well, you don't even have to go super sheer to avoid creasing. Also, these shadows work well underneath powder shadows. I've tried them with a number of drugstore and higher-end shadows and, as long as you wait about five minutes (or even a bit longer) before you apply your powder shadow, the results are gorgeous. My powder shadows look a bit more vivid and very, very rich when worn over these cream shadows. I've been able to get about eight hours of wear when I use this combo (around the nine hour mark, I do start to see some minor creasing, but remember that I've got very oily lids). I also want to add that these shadows do have increased staying power if you use a good primer beforehand (I can get about 9-10 hours before I start to see fading if I wear primer underneath). Oh, and I've been very happy with how these perform when worn as liner as well (see pic above after six hours on my lower lashline).

Fragrance: I detect no fragrance whatsoever when I am using/wearing this product.

Packaging: This product has a gorgeous jar that feels quite high-end (in both appearance and to the touch). I mentioned earlier that the inner lid is not flush with the inner edge of the pot, which means that it just sort of floats on top of the product. I realize that this inner lid was probably designed to help keep the product from drying out, but if you're not careful and you press the inner lid too hard into the jar, product will start oozing out the sides. I think I might end up ditching the inner lid and keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't dry out, because this inner lid seems to get messier and messier every time I open it and close it. Also, the shade name is only printed on the paper label on the top of the lid, so be careful not to remove that (if you want keep the shade name handy).

FINAL VERDICT: Not a perfect product, but certainly perfect in a number of ways. I'm going to go ahead and say that I have never used a product this creamy on my (super oily) lids and achieved such impressive results. Six hours without using primer beforehand and no creasing (just fading)? That in and of itself is unheard of in my oily-skin-world. This product applies smoothly and beautifully with either a brush or just your fingers (I love blending it out with my fingers--it's my favorite way to blend these). Beautiful pigmentation, beautiful colors, beautiful texture and beautiful packaging. My only complaints are the abundance of parabens in the formula and the fact that the inner lid of the jar is getting messier and messier every time I use it. Other than that, these shadows really wowed me and, considering their ridiculously creamy texture, I think they might wow you too.

To see my review of the Flower by Drew Barrymore Nail Color in April Showers, click here. To see my review of the Flower by Drew Barrymore Lip Service Lip Butter in Cherry Chiffon, click here.

Do you own any Flower Color Play Créme Eyeshadows? I'd love to hear about your experiences with them!
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54 comments

  1. Oooh, these sound like the old Rimmel cream shadows that were discontinued a few years back. Wonder if there are any dupes to be had.

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    1. I actually never tried the Rimmel ones, so I can't tell you how they compare. Sorry! :(

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    2. I have one that I hoard... I'll let you know how they compare when Flower rolls into my city. :)

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  2. I knew it! LOL I'd like to order the Awesome Blossom shade after this review -- thanks for sharing!

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    1. Haha! :) You're so welcome. Please let me know what you think if you get it?

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    2. Hey -- just looking back over your Flower reviews after one of my FOUR local Walmart stores (yep, my county has four) *finally* put in a limited display of Flower cosmetics. I forgot the name of the creme shadow you liked so much and will go back and get it. I also purchased a neutral nail color (Make My Daylilly) which I loved so much I went and bought a super dark one yesterday. Along with your new HG NYC top coat that I also purchased recently, it lasted all week! Squeeeee!

      I also bought a lip butter in Sheer Snapdragon. I know you weren't overly impressed with Flower's lip butter, but I just love this particular color on me. I'll see how the staying power goes with it.

      And . . . I bought a lip slick (I think) in a light pink color. Doorhingeteeth recommended a dark brown for me on IG, but my Walmart didn't have it. I'll be on the lookout for it though... :)

      Love your reviews -- and your highlights on IG!!
      Steph

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  3. Thank you, once again, for giving your readers an amazing review. I am speechless when I stop to consider how much time and effort you pour into this blog.

    It is very much appreciated!

    Based on this review, I am DEFINITELY going to give this product a try.

    How exciting; thanks again :)

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    Replies
    1. You are too kind! Thank YOU for saying such a sweet thing. :)

      And please do let me know what you think if you get one? *hugs*

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  4. Yay! I tried one of the velvet lipsticks and didn't really care for it (I'm planning to return it), but I'm glad to have something else to look forward to from this line!

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    1. Bummer! I didn't care for the lip butter. :(

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  5. Hmmm... interesting. To be honest the "it never really sets" kind of scares me. I'm thinking this will be a "try it for yourself" kind of product. The colors are super pretty. I do love the packaging for this line.

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    1. It's not that it never sets, it's just that it doesn't set like other similar shadows, meaning it doesn't turn sticky or powdery. It stays a bit creamy, but it's drier than how it feels during application. Hope that helps!

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  6. Reminds me of Laura Mercier Metallic Creme Colour or the Tom Ford Cream Color for eyes. In fact, it looks the same as the Tom Ford. I need to pick some of these up and compare them. I remember the Rimmel whipped shadows and the Flower shades seem a lot more pigmented.

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    Replies
    1. I'd love to know how you think they compare! :)

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  7. These sound really interesting - never sets, but doesn't crease? MUST TRY!

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    Replies
    1. I'd love to read your review if/when you try one, Emi!

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  8. The shade Awesome Blossom kind of reminds me of my dear old Rimmel colour stick shade Strength (I am still angry that they discontinued it!), but it doesn't look quiet as smoky. I'm just curious what it feels like to wear something that never sets on your eyelids. It seems like it would be a very unpleasant sensation, but I have never tried it!

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    1. Not unpleasant at all! In fact, I don't notice it at all once it's on because it's quite lightweight. Hope that helps!

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  9. Thank you G! I LOVE reading your reviews!! You are ALWAYS my go-to blog when I am contemplating a new purchase! I can't wait to get my hands on some of these! = )

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    Replies
    1. Wow! Thank YOU for saying that! I am so incredibly honored! *hugs*

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    2. I 2nd that! I always wait for your reviews cuz theyre like reading a good book and after im done reading about something u loved i wanna run out and buy it right then(: so thank u just so so much for making it the one i most look forward to reading out of the 150+ blogs i follow! We love u!<3

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    3. Yep, I agree, too! I also second the comment that I am so thankful for how much time you put into this blog. Talk about dedication!

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  10. Hi! Sorry, but I didn't fall in love with these creme shadows. Pretty disappointed, actually. I bought Mum's The Word, a pink almost the exact shade as Color Tattoo's Inked In Pink. When I opened the jar (which was not sealed, so who knows if it had already been opened!), the lid on the mousse was pushed way down, so it was a mess. I wore it on my dry eyelids and it creased and faded horribly within two hours. So sad, I really wanted to like these but this one is going back.

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    1. Both of my shadows came with a sticker that extends all the way down the side of the jar, so you can tell if it's been opened if that sticker is broken (or gone, in the case of the one you referred to).

      I'm so sorry to hear this creased for you. I am prone to creamy formulas creasing within the first hour of wear on my lids, but the two shades I reviewed did not do this. Did you try using less product and sheering it out a bit? I know that if I use too much, it does crease after a few hours, but I really have to pack it on to see dramatic creasing like that.

      Hope that helps a bit!

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    2. I did try using less. It's too light and there's no color, just glitter when it's a sheer wash. My eyelids are darkish, I'm an NC42. Gah. I do LOVE Maybelline's color tattoos, though!!

      Thank you so much for doing such an awesome job. You are totally awesome.

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  11. Black radiance makes a creamy/whipped eye shadow...have you tried them?

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    1. That's exactly what I was thinking too! I have one of those, simply named "mauve" and I love it as a base for a coppery wnw shadow I have from the Dancing In the Clouds palette. With my oily lids I cannot wear it alone though. Totally looks like the same texture as the Black Radiance...so funny!

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  12. Oh, and btw G...funny you mentioned a cuppa, as I just made some Tulsi Sweet Rose tea before I came to sneak a peak at Nouveau Cheap, lol. Seriously, every time I use my phone I haaaavvvvve to take look for a new post. The best!

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  13. I really want to try these after reading your review. Both colors look great on you.

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  14. I was just at my Wally and they had the whole Flower collection set up where the Rimmel used to be! (I live in Maine so this is bizarre since it usually takes months for any new collection to show up -if it does at all!) -I didn't get anything though as I'm on a tight budget until my income tax comes in -and I'm waiting to see some more reviews on the BB cream -I've wasted too much money lately on tinted moisturizers labeled as "BB" :P

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  15. I might have to give these a try, thanks for the review!

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  16. It reminds me of the.l.f. Studio Long-Lasting Lustrous Eyeshadow

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  17. That is a lot of parabens! Sadly I would not buy this, snif!

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  18. Omg u have the exact same eyes as my mom, even the little freckle!

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  19. OMG! My heart leaped when I saw this... I don't remember, but is FLOWER by Drew Barrymore a permanent brand/collection or a limited time release? My makeup-buying fast ends in mid-March and I hope these will still be around...

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  20. G, to answer your question on parabens, the FDA says: "The use of mixtures of parabens allows the use of lower levels while increasing preservative activity."

    http://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productandingredientsafety/selectedcosmeticingredients/ucm128042.htm

    Also, I had no idea kohl was dangerous:

    http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductandIngredientSafety/ProductInformation/ucm137241.htm

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  21. Oh, the suspense was kiling me on your last post! This product sounds so interesting, I don't think I've heard of anything with that kind of texture. And both of those colors make your eye color so vibrant! These are on my to-buy list now, not like I need to add more things on there!

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  22. I tried these shadows and returned them. They are sooo messy and not good for people in a hurry. I didn't see the wow factor in these. I prefer the color tattoos way more.

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  23. These look beautiful on you! I sure hope these are available in Canada soon!

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  24. Bah. I'm never at wal mart. Maybe ill make a special trip..
    I think I'll wait for the new hard candy stuff... Kill 2 birds w 1 stone. Lol

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  25. The texture sounds a lot like the new Estee Lauder shadow paints! Wonder if these could be a cheaper dupe!

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  26. Wal-Mart online shows "out of stock" for tons of the Flower products. And, I can't find a Wal-Mart anywhere in my major metro area that has even one item from this line.

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  27. Many products are already sold out on WalMart.com. And I can't find one store in my major metro area that carries even one Flower product (I'm in the Pacific Northwest). With their billions of dollars and state of the art shipping system, it's hard for me to understand why they aren't doing a better job with this launch.

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  28. that looks amazing. Maybe I will grab one if I see them in stores in future.

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  29. I could have sworn I heard Drew Barrymore say that one of her factories were in Congo on Oprah Winfrey...but maybe that is somewhere in the USA...

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  30. Too bad about the parabens. The colors are really pretty!

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  31. They remind me a lot of the Chanel Illusion d'Ombre shadows. Right down to the colors. Looking forward to actually giving these a wear test.

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  32. The different types of parabens are usually used in conjunction with each other for efficacy, so it's actually much more uncommon to see one or two parabens by themselves. And the whole paraben scandal is one of the most misunderstood issues in the beauty/health industry right now. There is no definitive proof that parabens do any of the things people have alleged, and most of the paranoia among the public started as a result of things like forwarded emails or sensationalist "news" pieces, not because of any scientific studies. Parabens not only occur naturally in a lot of foods, but are used as preservatives in a wide variety of preparations, including chemotherapy. So in the cases where parabens were found in breast cancer tissue (which was not in a controlled study about parabens), the patients more than likely were receiving chemotherapy which contained parabens, and that would have been infinitely more likely to deposit parabens in the breast tissue than the women's deoderant. I'm not saying that parabens are 100% benign, because really who the hell knows what the long term effects of anything are, but at this point in time, the science does not support the paranoia.

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  33. I bought the Awesome Blossom one last night...and was so excited to get home to swatch! I lifted the stopper and it kind of resisted...I pulled a tiny bit harder and so much product came up with it! :/ I do love the color, but G is right when saying it can be a real mess!

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