It seems that every cosmetics company, from prestige brands to Markwins International's The Color Workshop, have released special edition gift sets or palettes for the holidays. The problem with gift sets or palettes is that while one might find a few shades she really likes, the rest of the shades go unused. That's why The Style Page prefers singles, and come to think about it, that's why she wasn't smittened with American Beauty cosmetics, as it offers eyeshadow duos only - see the posting on Beauty from Kohl's Department Stores.
Creme eyeshadows from Jouer
Jouer (pronounced "zhoo-ay", French for "to play") is a cosmetics line from film producer Christine Zilber and makeup artist Kerry Malouf. It features singles for face, lips, and eyes that can be attached together to create individualized palettes.
I took advantage of the 3-for-2 offer from the Lucky Breaks section of November 2004 issue of Lucky to try Jouer cosmetics. I selected lip gloss in Monsoon (a deep wine) and cream eye color in Cashmere, described as "khaki brown with shimmer" but really a shimmery taupe. As the freebie, I received lip gloss in Starfish, described as "luminous buff with shimmer" but it's so sheer, it's like applying clear shimmer.
Performance-wise, I liked all the Jouer products I received. The textures are indeed sheer but layerable, as the Jouer website says. The customized palette system is smart, but the white packaging would get dirty in a makeup kit. I would consider buying Jouer products again, even though the price ($18) for an individual color is too steep for my liking.
Jouer may be purchased directly from their website. The 3-for-2 offer from Lucky might still be valid - check the November issue to be sure. Also, Jouer is offering free shipping for purchases over $70 to registered users - you would have to buy a minimum of four colors to qualify.
Alternatively, Jouer may be purchased through Sephora.com
