The word is out since almost six months by now, finally highly coveted Beauty Line from Gucci is launched. It has been a big launch, including 10 eye shadow quads, 16 eye shadow singles, 7 eye shadow duos, 7 blushes, 3 bronzers, 25 nail polishes, over 70 lipsticks and lip glosses. It looks like there are lots to review in the upcoming days/weeks, even months. The most pleasant surprise must have been to see that the line launched at many countries at once. I was happy to find out that gucci.com online shop delivers to Germany with free shipping and ordered one of the quads just to try out, #40 in Autumn Fire.
Gucci Magnetic Color Shadow Quad #040 Autumn Fire |
Packaging:
Gucci Magnetic Color Shadow Quads come in a matte black carton box, on it is printed in gold. Inside there is a velvet pouch which carries small imprints of Gucci's two Gs. Inside the package there is an explanation card, it has all written content without pictures. The quad is black and gold, feels heavy although it is made of plastic. The closure is magnetic, which is great: I won't be breaking another nail to open it up in the morning.
Package contents: Gucci Magnetic Color Shadow Quad, Velvet Pouch, Instructions Card |
Inside the compact there is 5 g of eye shadow in four pans. I tried to understand why these are called Magnetic Color Shadow Quad, I don't think it is because the closure is magnetic. I hope it doesn't indicate that I will attract many of these in a short amount of time because they cost 58€ each in Germany.
Velvet pouch: Gucci Magnetic Color Shadow Quad |
I selected a quad which looked more unique and fun and fitting to the fall season. #040 Autumn Fire is composed of warm naturals. Each powder has Gucci G imprint which wear off easily after using it a few times but takes your breath away after you open the compact for the first time. I bet this is the intention.
Gucci Magnetic Color Shadow Quad #040 Autumn Fire |
The shades are as follows:
Top left: Light peachy gold with satin to shimmery finish. The shimmer in this one as well as the shade next to it on the top row is pleasantly complex, read: love.
Top right: Light rose gold with satin to shimmery finish. Similar to golden shade, it has lovely complex sheen. It reminds me of MAC's Expensive Pink and Artistic License (latter reviewed here).
Bottom right: Deep neutral brown with matte finish. The finish of this matte is somewhere along Burberry and Guerlain, very soft and velvety, therefore it blends a bit too much into the other shades, making it difficult to go really dark for a definition. This might be a good or a bad thing depending on your skill level. In other words, it is hard to overdo, which is usually a good thing.
Bottom left: A deep plum with pink shimmer. The finish is close to the two lighter shades but with less shimmer. It is also a great stand alone shade if you want to go for a deep plum, something like Chanel's single Magic Night.
Swatch: Gucci Magnetic Color Shadow Quad #040 Autumn Fire |
Color:
I don't own anything close to Autumn Fire for comparison, if you have any ideas please leave a comment below. I tried to swatch Tom Ford Burnished Amber next to it and the shades were not that close other than two of them showing resemblance. I thought YSL Afrique would be close, once compared shade by shade it isn't either. I still find the end result of Afrique close though.Texture:
In terms of texture, Autumn Fire mostly resembles Burberry's quads, which are pigmented like their last release Nude Blush. After I felt the powder, it reminded me of Burberry with a tad more shimmer. I then found out that the ingredients are all close, Talc and Mica are listed as first two. They also both have 5 g of eye shadow, just note that Gucci is 58€ while Burberry is only 51€.
I was asked if Gucci Quads are close to Tom Ford's. I don't see a resemblance of the ingredients nor the texture between these two, so it is rather hard for me to compare. I personally prefer Tom Ford since they blend slower and so shades can be distinguished from one another on the lids, which again might not be desirable for some others, so it is a matter of preference.
In-action: Gucci Magnetic Color Shadow Quad #040 Autumn Fire |
You see that the end result is soft and very well blended. The eye shadows are very finely milled and they blend effortlessly. If you don't want to blend, well, than you need to put effort in there, which is why the formula is not love but like for me after my first try.
For the eyes I applied the peachy gold on the inner corner, rose gold on the lid, plum at the outer lid and brown matte on the crease. I wished brown matte would be more intense to be able to go on full drama with that one.
Below I am wearing:
- Gucci Quad #040 Autumn Fire
- Diorskin Star Foundation and Hydra BB Eye Concealer
- Burberry Lip Mist in Pink Heather
- Chanel Joues Contraste in Innocence
- Chanel Le Volume Mascara
- Chanel Stylo Water Proof Ambre Dore (lower lash line)
FOTD: Gucci Magnetic Color Shadow Quad #040 Autumn Fire |
Final thoughts: Welcome to beauty world Gucci. Although I tend to like metal cases (like Burberry's) I like the Gucci packaging, it is simple yet chic. The color combinations of the quads are not too ton sur ton, which I really appreciate. The powder is finely milled, it is very buttery to touch. My only concern about Autumn Fire would be that the dark shade is too soft for a real drama and the shades tend to blend a little too effortlessly for my taste. Also the price is a little off putting, 58 € for 5 g, whereas Burberry (with metal packaging) offers the same amount for 51 €. I will be reviewing some other quads shortly. These are permanent, so no rush.
Are you eyeing anything from the new Gucci line?