Saturday, May 11, 2013

A True Odyssey

I debated for the longest time whether to get the Clarins Eye Quartet Mineral Palette in Odyssey (09). It was already top of my wishlist in October last year, but somehow I resisted buying it around Christmas when it physically hit our department stores. Before I could second-guess that decision, it was sold out everywhere. For the next couple of months, each time I passed by a Clarins counter, I would have this lingering hope that somehow, miraculously, the Odyssey palette would be there. Needless to say, that never happened.

Knowing it was limited edition, I basically gave up on the idea of it ever being mine. I wasn't quite sure whether it was a decision I regretted. After all, I didn't really need it. There was nothing particularly spectacular about it, right? Just four neutral eyeshadows, gorgeously packaged, one of them being the most amazing gold shade my eyes had ever witnessed. No big deal.

I clearly hadn't completely given up all hope, because one night, I must've been Googling it, or double-checking there wasn't any remnant stock still available online, when I discovered it on StrawberryNet. Even then, I held out. Now wasn't the time for rash decision-making, just because something I'd wanted for literally months, that I thought I could never get my hands on again, suddenly appeared from nowhere for me to potentially buy and have shipped to me in the space of a few days.

Such was the extent of my restraint that when StrawberryNet had 10% off all makeup, I didn't cave. I had it in my cart, total price displayed, credit card details just begging to be entered. But no. I closed the window. But we all know how the story ends. A week later, sale over, I decided the idiocy must end. I did what should've happened five months ago, and bought the damn thing.











This has to be the prettiest palette that I own. Clarins couldn't have done any better with the packaging, which is sophisticated and feminine, and just the right balance of streamlined and decorative. The shadows themselves are exactly what I expected them to be, which comes as no surprise given the extensive research I did before finally taking the plunge. The gold shade is absolutely stunning — you need only the lightest touch to pick up pigment, but the other 3 shades are more on the sheer side, and admittedly, not exactly unique colour-wise (they remind me of a more refined and subdued version of the Revlon CustomEyes Shadow & Liner palette in Naturally Glamorous). They have a soft, satin finish and can be built up in pigmentation. The lightest shade doesn't show up that well on my lids, but the medium brown is a good everyday lid shade (though perhaps a tad too dark). I'm sure I could find close enough matches to all 3 shades in my existing collection, but that hasn't deterred me from enjoying them regardless.

In addition to how pleasing the palette is to the eye, the gold shade is what distinguishes Odyssey from the ordinary. It has an almost spongy texture, but it's not quite a cream shadow. As a finishing touch to your eye makeup, you can gently dab the gold onto the middle of your lids for that extra dimension and drama (as illustrated by Charlotte Tilbury using the Tom Ford Eye Colour Quad in Cognac Sable). With more layers, the gold becomes almost opaque. It's blindingly shimmery and reflective, but still intensely gold, and not silvery or frosty which is a pet peeve of mine. The gold itself isn't too yellow or orange. You can see from the swatch that if I apply it a little too heavily, it practically looks like gold leaf. As an added bonus, I experienced no fallout with any of the shades.

I don't regret purchasing this Clarins quad in the slightest, but only because I was very clear about the aspects that attracted me to it (and I was accepting and prepared for any shortcomings I'd read about in reviews that weren't 100% complimentary), and the palette completely met my expectations in that respect. It's aesthetically beautiful, the gold shade is unlike anything I have, and the other 3 shades, while not anything to get super excited about, are classic, easy to wear and can be used to create a variety of looks.

72 comments:

  1. This palette looks stunning! I love all the colours :)
    http://xtouchofbeautyx.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. I must admit packaging was a huge factor in swaying me to get it! Luckily the colours are also all really easy to wear and pretty fuss-free :)

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  2. That gold shade looks incredible, as does the decorative nature of the palette. Ahhh, I think this palette is one that I shall admire from afar!
    xx

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    1. The gold is gorgeous, isn't it? Definitely one of the primary attractions for me buying the palette!

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  3. Such a gorgeous palette! the lightest shade and the gold ones are the prettiest, in my opinion. I like that the packaging is so pretty too, glad you were able to get your hands on it!

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    1. The light shade is really nice, except it doesn't show up that well on my lids unfortunately. It is very pretty when swatched though!

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  4. The gold shade is absolutely stunning! I also love the packaging.

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    1. Pretty much the two reasons I bought the thing! :p

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  5. Your photography is beautiful.. as is this palette. I'm in awe of the beauty of it.. xx

    Gemma | ♥ | Miss Makeup Magpie

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    1. Thank you :) It is one beautifully crafted palette!

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  6. You caved! The formula sounds insane, especially if you haven't experienced any fallout from the gold shade! It looks like a more refined version of the L'Oreal Color Infallible pots- and the packaging is so chic. I was very intently swatching their latest powder palette the other day- the one with diagonal stripes of blush. But I can't bring myself to spend that much on makeup now- limited edition or not.

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    1. Funny you should say that, I'm hugely, hugely lemming the stupid NARS And God Created the Woman palette. Except that it's like, $95 here. And sold out on the Mecca website. And did I mention $95. That's a 40% markup from US/UK! Daylight robbery on a whole other scale, yikes! But still ... I haven't tried any NARS eyeshadows and Kalahari is just so freakin' beautiful. Sigh :p

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    2. I seriously thought about that! I sat in front of the Mecca website thinking 'The Happening is only $10 more than And God Created the Woman...' but no. I don't know why I let myself even consider it. It's obscene.

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    3. I know, OBSCENE. Preposterous. Laughable. Absurd. Insane. Defies belief! And yet, I'm still thinking about it. I went to the Sydney city Mecca today inside Myer and didn't see it. Didn't go to the actual Mecca in The Galeries Victoria but what if I did and what if I saw it there? LOL. I have seen The Happening a couple of times, but since I already have Orgasm and it's a billion dollars, I didn't entertain the prospect of buying it.

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  7. I love that gold shade. I might be tempted to apply it a little too heavily for that gold leaf effect, although I'm sure that would be very messy.
    S xx

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    1. It can get a bit messy only because I find the best way to apply it is with the fingers! But it's worth it in the end :)

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  8. I looked, I swatched, I walked away. Now I regret it more than ever.
    This product made me drool, and still does. I'm very jealous, there is just something about it isn't there.
    I'm doing the same with their new bronzer. MUST NOT CAVE!!!

    xoxo

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    1. Haha, all these temptations, all the time. It's so stressful being the makeup junkies that we are! :p I applaud you on your restraint though!

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  9. No. No. NOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Don't tell me that these are still available... I really don't need a $50 eye shadow quad but I too have been wanting this since its release. Ugh. Must resist... that gold shade is just everything. EVERYTHING. Shame on you for tempting me. But thank you. Decisions decisions...

    Cassie
    thriftthick.blogspot.com

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    1. Hahaha, I can totally relate to your feelings about the gold shade. I'm pretty sure I wrote something along the lines of "that gold shade is everything" when commenting about it on another blog. So sorry for being such a terrible influence LOL :)

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  10. Wow that gold is stunning, instantly reminded me of gold leaf.... would love to see how it looks on the eyes! Beautiful packaging, it's so luxurious! xx

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    1. Yes, it's incredibly pigmented, metallic and very interesting in texture - you can build it from a more glitter overlay effect to full on gold opacity. Pretty incredible shade! :)

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  11. It's so pretty, I remember pining for it over christmas too :P x

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    1. Can't blame you! It was featured on quite a few blogs :)

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  12. Oh wow. I feel like you just gave me every reason to track this down. It's absolutely gorgeous.

    -Tara Joy

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    1. It's still on StrawberryNet if you're interested!

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  13. 50 bucks...but so beautifulllll. I feel like I don't really have anything like this.. And that gold pigment looks like gold leaf. Ahh, this palette - AHHHH I WANT!

    Ally @ http://thefittedframe.blogspot.com

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    1. The gold shade is definitely a stunner! It's pricey but I held off for so long that I felt in the end that it wasn't worth it just to save $50 for all the agony and deliberation I put myself through :p

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  14. Lol, I'm so glad you finally got it. I wanted it just for the shimmery gold shade alone, and that wasn't enough to justify for me personally. It's gorgeous and I know you'll wear it well! :)

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    1. It's weird with makeup desires, I'm very much reminded of that quote from a recent Game of Thrones episode: "It doesn't matter what we want. Once we get it, we want something else." But I think if this palette was still on my mind half a year after I'd initially heard of it, it's pretty safe to say that I'd rather spend the money on acquiring it than miss my opportunity and eventually regret it somewhere down the line. Or so I tell myself!

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  15. oooh this palette is stunning!!!
    ( have you seen the upcoming collection from clarins, the splendours collection?? it's such one gorgeous collection! )
    I love clarins, not only the make up but also the skin care line. I think, being a high end brand, clarins still managed to maintain its price reasonable.
    glad you finally got your hands on this palette! what a long journey! lol :p

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    1. No I haven't! Must Google that now!

      I haven't tried much makeup from Clarins but I definitely would like to delve deeper into their skin care. I've used up this 30ml bottle of the Multi-Active Night cream and I loved it. So sad it's all gone :p

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  16. I really love the packaging and the gold shimmer looks gorgeous! I will be looking into buying this such pretty shades x

    www.krystelcouture.com

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    1. Me too! It's still on StrawberryNet if you're interested :)

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  17. omg the gold is absolutely stunning!! It looks like a pigment!
    And the packaging is just wow~ expensive looking xD

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    1. It is probably closer to a pigment than a normal eyeshadow, though thankfully not loose. And yes, absolutely love the packaging :)

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  18. It hurts me how much I love the gold shadow

    thoughtsfromanothergirl.blogspot.com

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    1. Haha, I can relate! I can see it becoming very treasured in my collection!

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  19. Oh my goodness that is simply beautiful, I would love to have something like this yet I think I'd be too scared to use it.

    Amy xx
    A Little Boat Sailing

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    1. Lol, it is quite precious to me but I think that's what compels me to try to use it up more, so I can enjoy it now it's here :)

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  20. I think the colours in this palette looks really similar to Maybelline's Chai Latte quad but I'm sure the gold is no where comparable to this one! The swatch is absolutely stunning and the packaging is beautiful. I giggled quite a bit at your story telling for this palette hahha. I think the fact that you had to wait so long makes the palette even more irresistable and once you get it, it's like a trophy purchase :P

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    1. So weird that you mention the Chai Latte quad because I was recently reading a blog post on gold eyeshadows that featured the Maybelline palette and I remarked how pretty the gold was, and how my favourite gold at the moment was this one from the Clarins! I wish that Maybelline palette was available here, I just Googled it and it's beautiful :)

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  21. I'm really tempted by this palette. I've wanted it for so so so long! Now you've rekindled my need for it.

    Sarah
    morethanadored.blogspot.com

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    1. Oh no, I hope you do better than me in trying to resist it! :p

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  22. the packaging is the most elegant ever! and the gold shadow is so great <3

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    1. Two of my favourite aspects of the palette! :)

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  23. I forced myself not to get this. This is the ideal classy classic palette for me! xx

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    1. I forced myself as well ... up to a point :p Clearly, I failed beyond that LOL

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  24. I need this in my life. This is a HUGE deal because I am not an eyeshadow person at all. And I am struggling to find it. It's got the perfect neutrals with that glorious shaven gold....I'm crying. I need it.

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    1. It's still available to purchase on StrawberryNet! They have free shipping and super fast delivery.

      http://au.strawberrynet.com/makeup/clarins/eye-quartet-mineral-palette----/151733/

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  25. I keep eyeing up this palette myself! That gold Clarins packaging is so luxe and the shades are simply gorgeous x

    Evelyn @ We Were Raised By Wolves

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  26. I think you made the right decision buying it. I now want it too!

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  27. It's a really pretty palette, especially with the gold color! :D

    ~ Yun

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  28. Despite the other three shades apart from the gold being quite 'ordinary' looking so to speak I love love LOVE the overall packaging and look of the palette. Those swatches also look so smooth and pigmented! I really really would love the quad with the pinky/coral shade! Hope you really enjoy this quad!

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    1. I'm sure I will :) I remember the first couple of times I used it I was really thrilled which actually doesn't happen too much. I normally grow to love things that I buy, but with this one, it was instant love.

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  29. Wow that gold shade looks gorgeous!

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  30. I use all my Clarins eyeshadows with a damp brush. The pigmentation and finish you get out of these mineral shades is AMAZING! Let me know if you try it :) xx

    P.S This is my absolute fave Clarins quad! Good purchase!

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    1. Thanks for the tip! Will try that some day when I'm looking for even more intense pigmentation, though I'm pretty happy with how they apply dry. This is my first ever Clarins makeup product and I'm very happy with it :)

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  31. HAHA i actually remember when you first wishlisted this! that gold shade is incredible, what a stunning palette

    à la foliee

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    1. Aww, thanks for being a loyal reader and following me on my makeup travails! :p Yes, I finally managed to make it mine all these months later, quite unexpectedly too!

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  32. Goodness me, that packaging is gorgeous and I love how pigmented the gold is! So flecky (pretty sure that's not a word!) and pretttttyyy! Can't wait for an EOTD!

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    1. Might not be a word but I get what you mean hehe :) The gold is absolutely stunning, I'm thrilled to finally have it in my hands!

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  33. When you commented about this palette on my blog the other day and I googled it, the first thing I thought was "I want that gold" haha Packaging-wise it's really beautiful, it's a collector's item, totally. Hope you enjoy it a lot since it's been on your wishlist for quite some time now ^^ xx

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  34. OMG that palette looks so sophisticated! i've been trying out a few clarins product lately and that alone already ruin my wallet condition. this... this... might make it worse :p

    love the post :)

    http://ellyach.blogspot.com

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  35. That gold in this palette really makes it unique, just look at that vibrancy of the shade! Packaging of course, is absolutely gorgeous and luxe, as expected from a high end brand. The red velvet drawstring bag, down to the solid gold case really makes the palette so indulgent. Lucky you managed to nab it on Strawberrynet (although one bad experience from there has deterred me from purchasing from their website again)!

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    1. Oh no, what happened? I've been a bit underwhelmed with SNet at times too, especially when I received two consecutive items where the pan had detached from the packaging. But they're just so amazing with free and super fast shipping, and making available items that simply aren't available in Australia, or are available but like 30-40% more expensive, that I still love it at the end of the day :p

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