Studio Secrets Professional Color Smokes Eye Shadow Quad

2 Reviews

1. 

   jealousTomatoe6

   Reply

   I have two of these quads: the blackened smokes (which I believe is still being made) and the bronzes (which has been long discontinued). I bought these 4 years ago when I was just getting into makeup and wanted to try out smokey eyes.
   The blacked smokes quad comes with a glittery black shade, a shimmery white highlight, a silver and a darker metallic grey. I found these shadows chalky and lacking in pigmentation, and the instructions that came on the back of the quad were very confusing. That being said, I am still able to get a pretty smokey eye out of this quad and these colors really bring out the warmth of my dark brown eyes.
   The bronzes quad came with a yellow gold color with a little shimmer, a shimmery bronze (very pretty), a matte off-white highlight and a matte chocolate brown color. I had the same formula and pigmentation issues as with the blackened smokes quad, in particular, the matte white color was absolutely horrible and I couldn’t use it. The matte chocolate brown I use for my eyebrows and it’s ok (I have black hair so it works for me). These colors work really well with my tan skin.
   When I bought these quads, I was also very new to makeup at that time, so part of my problem came from not knowing how to apply eye shadow, but also my lids are very oily so I can’t really use any kind of eye makeup without primer. In general the colors work well together, and once I figured out how to apply eye makeup I got some pretty looks out of these quads. However, I would not buy these again even if they were not discontinued, as there are better quality eyeshadows out there

2. 

   grumpyEland7

   Reply

   I’m doing a review specifically for the Blackened Smokes. I’ve tried three of these and this was one the best.
   It’s pigmented, stayed perfectly in place through an active day, doesn’t need primer to do so, easy to apply, easy to blend and looks good. It gave me a fantastic smoky eye, even with using the sponge.
   It is messy and you do need a near heavy amount for it to work. Then again, it is a drugstore brand so it’s no huge surprise. For what it is, it’s great and I recommend for people who aren’t huge into makeup and want something quick and easy.

   the other two I had tried were terrible. No pigmentation, could not blend and was worthless. I’ve noticed there are two kinds of these floating around. The blackened one is the first generation and they appeared to make a second generation one where the directions are completely different.
   The first generation seem to be where they tell you to line the eye first. the others say the opposite. It’s very confusing how they made these and the quality between the two is completely different.

   The line itself is crap and I was lucky to have found one that managed to work.

   If you’re able to pick up the blackened, go for it but don’t go near the others.
   I would not repurchase because higher end brands have better color payoff and you use much less product.