Look in This Forest and What do You See? Gold, Khaki and Taupe! The New Clarins Eye Quartet Mineral Palette in Forest

I was conducting “research” at a Nordie’s MAC counter a few weeks ago, playing with lipsticks and chatting with the gals who work there (They’re all so nice at the Corte Madera counter!), when I overheard a woman discussing her philosophy on makeup.

Ohhhh-kay. So maybe I was eavesdropping. 😉

The woman was looking for false lashes, and one of the makeup artists asked if she wanted a bold look or something more natural. Her response was something along the lines of, “If I’m gonna wear fall lashes, I want people to notice!” She wanted to go bold all the way! Otherwise, why bother?

“Hell, yeah,” I thought to myself, nodding in silent approval as I secretly swatched berry-colored lippies on the back of my hand. “I hear that!”

Having been in a smokey eye phase for a while, her take on makeup really resonated with me.

Of course, there’s a time and place to tone it down, too. Not every hallway is a catwalk, after all, and runway makeup isn’t always appropriate. Plus, some makeup lovers just don’t do bold.

When you don’t have a runway to strut, or you’re just looking to wear something noticeable, but not overwhelming, on your eyes, there’s the new Clarins Eye Quartet Mineral Palette in Forest ($42).

Recently released for fall, the four-pan palette of powdered eyeshadows has a shimmmery golden khaki, a satiny taupe, a blackened khaki with the faintest flecks of golden glitter (SO CUTE) and a sheer, pale gold, any of which can be applied wet or dry, and still look great. Whatever suits yo’ fancy!

All four shadows, which range from sheer to medium coverage, have a lovely, soft reflective shimmer that catches the light juuust enough, so that you’re compelled to take a closer look.

It’s perfect for that watercolor effect — subtle, but you can definitely tell you’re wearing makeup.

So, where might Forest fit into your fall makeup plans? Well, when I want to emphasize an aspect of my look, like a bold cat eye or a dark lip, it would be a great quad for that. It highlights the eyes without making them compete with the rest of your look for attention.

The Clarins Forest Eye Quartet Mineral Palette

• I notice very little fallout from any of the colors (just a little)
• None of them lean too warm nor cool. Color temp-wise, they’re just right, and thereby should suit most skin tones.
• These are colors I can easily see myself wearing all year long, and not just in fall.
• They look particularly fetching and elegant with berry lips (which are pretty big right now).

Oh, and the way these shadows blend? Off the chain! The powders melt and merge into each other. If you like super-blended eye looks, look no further than Forest.

It’s a fantastic quad for beginners! — or anyone working on their blending skills. Seriously, with these colors, it’s hard to go wrong.

Forest might not suit you if you’re makeup style is full-tilt stomp the runway, but if you like to your shadows more toned down, love a super-blended eye look, or if you’re searching for a straight-up pretty quad to wear with fall’s trendy bold berry lips, it’s something worth checking out.

PRICE: $42
AVAILABILITY: Available now online and at Clarins counters
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+/A-

If you were planning to swing by a Clarins counter anytime soon, do you happen to live near one inside a Macy’s?

Because if you do, Macy’s Clarins counters are offering an exclusive gift-with-purchase deal now through September 29. Purchases benefit the FEED Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting hunger around the world.

Purchase two Clarins products (one has to be skincare) and get a 6-piece beauty gift and an exclusive FEED pouch free. Clarins will also donate 10 nutritious school meals to children around the world on your behalf.

Cool! 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen