December 27, 2012

Almay Intense I-Color Smoky-I Kit Review & Swatches

I picked up this Almay Intense I-Color Smoky-I Palette for Brown Eyes about two hundred years ago…naaa, not that long. But it was late last year when they originally released for Spring 2012.

I just now dug it out of my “to be reviewed” pile after getting curious about the new palettes Almay released for Spring 2013. I figured, “hey, I already have one to try!” so why haul the new ones unless I knew I’d love ’em!

Let’s take a look!

Excellent packaging on these as they feature a diagram and instructions for application. This shows how evolved drugstore makeup has come as before it was kinda toss us in the pool and learn to swim. Nowadays drugstores (and even higher end brands) make a ton of effort to give us easy to follow instructions for getting the most of palettes. I personally love that aspect of this range and appreciate the little extra of including a how to get the look guide.

I purchased this at Harmons for $5.79 at the time. That price is very budget friendly for what you get. They created this palettes for an easy to apply smoky eye look and that’s exactly what it delivers.

Unfortunately there color selection in this brown eye palette is a little off for me. Both the brown and cream shades are excellent picks but I was at a lost for the lilac shade. They suggested using it in the crease but I found it blended into the brown and it was hard to notice any contrast from it at all. A lighter brown paired with this chocolate brown they included might have proved better for definition.

Aside from this small mishap the formula is quite good. Although the lighter shades are sheerer the brown is richly pigmented. I love the creamy beige and think I’ll make a ton of use out of it as it’s soft, delicate, and makes for an excellent color wash. Colors are easy to apply, blend out, and use. They have a soft, silky formula sans any major glitter and a smooth, satiny finish that adds depth to eyes. They wore well under primer without fading or creasing.

I’m disenchanted by some of the color selections I’ve seen in these trios since they appear a tad mismatched. As I mentioned above even this one was a tad odd, lilac? Who pairs that in a smoky brown look? But outside of that the quality is here. The shadows have a very nice formula on a whole. Almay just needs stop concentrating and marketing shades on what they would look best with certain eye colors. Forget that idea completely. Just release shades that work together and stop with the marketing to certain eye colors and you’d have a total win.

Worth exploring!

Especially with new ones available for Spring 2013 and these older ones on clearance at certain drugstores.

Tried ’em?

Do share your thoughts!

I purchased this item.

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Icequeen81

    Pretty. like this brand even is a a lil bit expensive here for a drugstore brand, I like the idea that they are hypoallergenic and also cruelty free brand

  • charlotte

    I grabbed several of them recently, I found some at Walmart for $4 and got a few more at Rite Aid when they were 40% off. I was honestly shocked at how nice they were. Not super pigmented, but still plenty of color, smooth and easy to work with. Sometimes I prefer a shadow that is a medium pigmentation, it’s easier to build color than take it off. I agree about the whole “eye color” thing.. just pick what you like.. and some of the combos are a bit weird (although they are a lot better than the older versions), but I could see this being really pretty with the purple on the lid and the brown in the crease/outer corner. I wore the Satin for browns (purples) one day out Christmas shopping and got several complements and one lady asked me what was on my eyes, when I told her she was really surprised. I did put a light layer of Painted Purple color tattoo underneath (I wear a base 90% of the time no matter what brand I wear).

  • LINDARRAGNAR

    Oh I have always looked at those and thought, they look nice except for that color!! its nice to know I am not that only one!!

  • Teresa

    It’s good to know the quality is good. I can always pick up a couple of these when they go on sale and “mix and match” the colors with others in my stash. The selection of lilac for a smokey brown look is odd. I hope Almay looks into this with further collections.

    Besides that, I love the color on you!! Very pretty!!

    • the Muse

      actually a ton are on clearance now teresa so no need to wait ;-D thanks!!!!!!!!!!!! <3!

  • Christina

    I hate these things! I cannot tell you how many times I have tried the Almay palettes and every single time been disappointed. They have no pigmentation or staying power, even with a primer. Yuck! My experience has been so bad that, as nice as the new ones appear to be, I have sworn off Almay powder shadows. However, I have purchased the liquid shadow + primer with high hopes since I was OK with the CoverGirl ones.

    • the Muse

      aw sorry to hear it I really didn’t have a prob with these at all. good pigment, blends well, only issue I had was the odd color mesh up! sorry Christina!

  • maryann

    I have three of them and I like them all. The colors are all well pigmented and last all day. I apply with a brush, I am really liking these a lot!