I’ve been wanting to try Paula Dorf cosmetics for a while now. The brand is known for high quality cosmetics and innovative problem-solving products such as Transformer® (from eye shadow to liquid liner) and Perfect Illusion® for lips (ends feathering lips) among others. So I was very happy to have an opportunity through Brandbacker to get to try out some new Paula Dorf eye makeup! I received Aztec City Eye Palette and Teal Mascara.
Paula Dorf Aztec City Eye Palette
Paula Dorf Aztec City Eye Palette makes a great first impression.
It comes in a sleek black plastic slim palette that’s easy to take along if you’re traveling. In fact, I took it with me for Thanksgiving weekend. There’s also a long mirror inside.
The 5 shades are inspired by the Aztec landscape from “the desert sand to the crisp blue sky”: they are natural, neutral shades. Often I am concerned when I receive eye shadow to review that I’ll get bright shades that I can’t possibly wear on my well over 40 eyes. Not to worry. The shades in this palette are perfect for those of us who prefer somewhat more restrained shades. I think they are lovely.
Although the 5 shades aren’t named, I would describe them as:
- champagne satin
- blue-grey satin
- mauve satin
- camel matte-satin
- chocolate brown satin.
Here are the swatches. The champagne is at the top but it didn’t show up very well in the photo. Also, the blue looks much more blue-aqua in the photo rather than the blue-grey that it is.
I found them to be a little powdery in the palette (talc is one of the first ingredients), but I didn’t have any fallout when I was applying them.
I applied them over Urban Decay Anti-aging Eye Primer. Still I found that – except for the chocolate brown – I had to really pack the shades on in order for them to show up on my dry eyes. However, the shades blended well, and I think they looked very pretty. They lasted for about 6 hours and they faded a bit over time the first time I wore them. Today, I really packed on the color, and it wore well with no fading for 10 hours.
I used the champagne in the corner, mauve and camel on the lid, chocolate brown in the v and crease, and I used the blue shade as eyeliner.
The champagne is more like a highlighter that gives a glow rather than color. The blue, mauve and camel shades were light but very attractive. The chocolate brown makes its presence known 😉 Definitely a good palette for neutral lovers like me.
It comes with a dual-ended brush, with blending and slant-tip sides. I thought the quality of the brush was much better than most brushes included with palettes.
The Paula Dorf Aztec City Eye Palette is priced at $36, and you can get additional information or purchase it on the Paula Dorf website. The total weight is 0.30 oz./8.5 g, and each good-sized shade is 0.06 oz/1.7 g.
Ingredients: Mica & Dimethicone, Talc & Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Magnesium Stearate, Solum Diatomeae, Capryl Glycol & Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Piroctone Olamine. May contain (+/-): ci 77019 & ci 77891, ci 77742, ci 77288, ci 77491, ci 77492, ci 77499.
Paula Dorf Teal Mascara
I was very excited about the Teal Mascara because I thought I would love mascara in a teal shade with my blue eyes. The black lightly rubberized tube also makes a nice presentation.
The wand is a traditional normal sized and shaped wand.
This is what the website said about the product: “This teal color, smudge-proof mascara conditions, thickens and lengthens to create beautiful flake-proof lashes. Water-resistant formula gentle enough to be worn with contact lenses. ”
Unfortunately, the Teal Mascara was a fail for me. I have blonde eyelashes, and I could hardly get this mascara to cover my lashes and make them show up. I tried several coats, and I tried several times and got the same result every time. Just about nothing. No volume, no lengthening, almost no coverage. I wonder whether I got a bad tube?
Also, the shade didn’t look particularly teal on my eyes, but a wan black. What do you think? When I removed the mascara with makeup remover, I could see the teal shade.
I’m sorry to not be able to give this mascara a good review, but it did not work for me, and I do not think the formula that was in the tube I received would work for anyone.
Teal Mascara is priced at $22 and the tube contains 0.33 oz/9.3 g. More information is available on the website.
Ingredients: Water, Propylene Glycol, Beeswax, Ethyl Ester of Pvm/Ma Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Pvp, Kaolin, Stearic Acid, Triethanolamine, Copernicia Cerifera (carnauba) Wax, Cetyl Alcohol, Magnesium, Aluminum Silicate, Simethicone, Phenoxethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Trisodium Edta. May Contain: Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Ultramarines, Chromium Hydroxide Green.
Now the good news is: my readers will receive the Teal Lash Color/Mascara for free with the purchase of the Aztec City Eye Palette. Just put in the code: TEAL at checkout on the Paula Dorf website! Then you can let me know your experiences with the mascara.
Disclaimer: I was provided the products reviewed above through my association with Brandbacker, a bloggers association. Nevertheless, the opinions expressed above are my true opinions and are not influenced by receiving the products to try.
Kind of a bummer about this set! I really wanted to try the teal mascara, but it doesn’t seem very impressive. Thank you for the honest review!
Amber recently posted…Frozen Inspired Manicure
I like the eye palette, but I was soooooo disappointed by the teal mascara. I was really excited by teal lashes, but they just didn’t show up 🙁
I just got this and can’t wait to try it. You look lovely, but can’t see that teal mascara.
Aleya Bamdad recently posted…MAC Objects Of Affection Review And Giveaway
I am really curious about the mascara you received, Aleya. The one I got was so bad that I think there was something wrong with the tube I received. I hope yours is fine and works well for you!
Such a pretty palette!
Jamie recently posted…A Year Goes By So Fast. At Least For Me.
It is very pretty and the shades are very wearable!
I believe that Lisa Eldridge uses Paula Dorf brushes a lot- at least, that’s what it seems like in her videos. I’ve been wanting to try their brushes out but can never bring myself to do it.
Brianna recently posted…November 2014 Favorites
I haven’t noticed which brushes Lisa E uses, but I love her videos. The brush that’s included in the palette is definitely a better quality than the typical palette brush.
Pretty colors in this palette and nice swatches.
Kim recently posted…Isotoner Women’s Active smarTouch Matrix Nylon THERMAflex gloves Review
Thanks, Kim! I like the palette a lot 🙂
The shadow palette is pretty but that mascara looks like a dud.
Erika recently posted…China Glaze All Aboard Swatches and Review ~ Part Two
A definite dud, Erika. I wonder whether I got a bad tube?
Such a bummer about the mascara! I was most excited about that! The palette is very pretty!
Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog recently posted…BITE Beauty Best Bite Remix: High Pigment Lip Pencil Extravaganza | Review, Swatches and Availability
Yes, it was a tragedy, lol, Lola! I had high hopes for that mascara. The blue mascaras I got from Milani this summer were so bright that I thought this one would be too. But yes, the palette is very nice, and even the brush works!
I got the Maybelline Great Lash teal mascara a few months ago (ordered it on Amazon.com as none of our local stores carried it). The color was a strong shade of teal and did show up well on my lashes. However, it was a look I would have to get used to, not as great as I had anticipated. What I tried then was using regular black mascara with the teal one as a last coat on only the tips of the upper lashes. That was cooler!
I missed that one from Maybelline, Sybille, but I received three different shades of blue mascara from Milani, and like your Great Lash experience, they really showed up! I wore them a few times during the summer and they were fun. I remember that one of them sort of worked like a blue mascara and eyeliner in one. I LOVE your tip about using it just on the lash tips. I will dig out those Milanis and try it that way. It was too bad the Paula Dorf Teal Mascara was a dud. I’m hoping I just got a bad tube.
You look beautiful!
Too bad the mascara didn´t live up to its promises.
Leelo R recently posted…OOTD: teal and black outfit
Thank you, Leelo! Yes, I was so disappointed. I think a real teal mascara would have been gorgeous!
Allison recently posted…Paula Dorf Aztec City Eye Palette & Teal Mascara
Lovely FOTD
Thank you so much, Nidia <3
Love the soft muted colors!
The blue and the deep brown really are not muted. I tend to blend, blend, blend till everything is muted. On my eyes, that’s the best way!
I wish the teal looked more like a teal blue!
Phyrra recently posted…The Simple Guide to False Lashes
The Teal Mascara was anything but teal. Such a disappointment
Beautiful look! Love the palette!
Jess Scull recently posted…MAC Keepsakes Gold Limited Edition Lip & Eye Bag – Swatches & Review
Thanks a lot, Jess!
I like the universal neutral shades that come in the palette!
Miranda recently posted…6 Stocking Stuffers for Beauty Lovers
They really are wearable for just about everyone!
Sorry to hear the mascara was a let down – the shadows look pretty, though
Kristin Bassett recently posted…November GLOSSYBOX
Thanks, Kristin. Yes, a bummer about the teal mascara but I’m glad the pretty palette worked for me 🙂
The mascara was a total dud for me too. I actually didn’t care for the shadows either. Really just no pigmentation.
El recently posted…November Boxycharm Box*
That is very interesting, El. I actually liked the palette well enough because if I packed on the lighter shades they were fine for me, and the deep brown and blue were very pigmented on me. I was afraid that they wouldn’t approve my review when I submitted it because it was too negative, but that was the truth about the mascara. Thanks so much for commenting and letting me know that it wasn’t just me! Sorry they were both a disappointment for you 🙁
Yeah mine is going up next week and I wonder how that will go over. Of course the shadows have good qualities like their softness.
El recently posted…November Boxycharm Box*
I imagine if you say something good about it like the softness (I agree, they were easy to blend because of that), it should get approved. They hopefully want honest reviews!
The shades in that palette are so soft and pretty. I imagine they would look great on a lot of people!
Laura MyNewestAddiction recently posted…The Perfect Holiday Gifts for Her from Kipling
I think so too: a nice, universal neutral palette with a twist (the blue)!
The shades in the palette looked gorgeous, but it’s too bad about the mascara. I totally agree that teal sounds pretty great- and different from your average blue or black.
Bailey recently posted…Kiss InstaWave Automatic Curler
Oh well. I would’ve liked a teal mascara, but I’m happy that the palette works for me 🙂
What a bummer about the mascara but I liked the eyeshadows!
Justina recently posted…Josie Maran Lip & Cheek Creamy Oils
Thanks, Justina. Oh well, I guess every now and then there’s a fail. But I am happy with the palette so it’s all good.
I like the colors in that palette. It’s like a classic with a twist.
Anastasia recently posted…Beauty Blogazons Holiday Giveaway – Win $350 Visa Gift Card!
Yes, the desert-theme is a nice idea and that pop of blue with the neutrals is a good twist!
I felt the same way about the mascara – not so great!
Sheila recently posted…Save On Beauty Bundles When Tarina Tarantino Beauty Hits Hautelook 12/4/14
Yes, not so great, actually terrible!
I do neutrals for myself and I gotta tell you this looks so right up my alley, plus it looks stunning on you
NORAH recently posted…Enter To Win A $250 Sephora Giveaway!
Thank you very much, Norah! I love neutrals and this gives me a change from my other neutral palettes with the pop of blue.
The palette looks gorgeous! I love it on you!
Brooke @ Blushing Noir recently posted…Treat Your Skin to Fresh Hydration with St. Ives and Target + Giveaway!
Thanks, Brooke! I think these soft shades work well with my coloring
I’m sorry the teal mascara was such a fail for you. But at least you enjoyed the shadows and you look FAB!
Ashley recently posted…Old Factory Candles + Big News!
Thanks a lot, Ashley! Yes, I’m glad that the palette works for me!
I would def wear these shades all the time!
They are perfect everyday shades or with the blue, you can amp up the volume!
It looks lovely on you
Kimmi @ The Plastic Diaries recently posted…The Feel-Good Gift Guide + Competition
Thanks so much, Kimmi!
The shadows look very professional & clean!
Stephanie Louise (@StephLouiseATB) recently posted…The Smashbox Master Class 3 Palette is my Favorite!
What a great way to describe the palette, Stephanie! You nailed it 🙂
I love the texture of the shadows
Betzy Carmona recently posted…Holiday Beauty Gift Guide 2014
Do you have them too, Betzy? The texture is nice, though a little powdery in the palette when I’m getting them on my brush. I really love the shades
Yeah it sure could have done a better job for sure! But you still look great!
Kendra recently posted…DIY Free People Inspired Earring Set
On my full face photo, I gave up on the Paula Dorf mascara and went with my favorite, reliable L’Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Intenza instead, lol!
Do you watch Tarababyz on YT? She just talked about RMS cream shadows being really moisturizing and a good cream shadow base for dry eyelids. I’m starting to go with more natural products and those sounded intriguing.
I will check her out for sure. I don’t know RMS cream shadows but I am a big cream shadow fan. I’ll look for them! Thank you for the great tip!!