Shiseido Hydro-Powder Eyeshadows in H2 Whitelights & H7 Green Exotique

These are some of the best eye shadows ever made; creamy in texture, soft on application, smooth in finish. The colors are unique and glitters/shimmers are understated yet alive. Truly, Shiseido made a technological breakthrough with the Hydro-Powders.

H2 Whitelights feels like whipped cream. It is somewhat softer and lighter compared to Green Exotique. I think this can be used as a great all-over wash of color on the eyelid or as a highlighter on specific parts of the eye. The glitters in it are bigger and more noticeable than the other Hydro-Powders, yet the effect is pretty set behind a shade of pure, clean snow white.

H7 Green Exotique, on the other hand, is rich and creamy...like green tea milkshake. Its shimmers are considerably finer in contrast to Whitelights. The pigment is rich in this pot, so a little of it goes a long way. Its chameleon-like shade makes it easy to tone down or play up by adding different colored powders on it. It can be deceptively yellow-green, greenish gray, or plain forest green depending on how light hits it.

Each Hydro-Powder comes with a sponge-tip applicator in its own plastic case. I usually use my fingers or a MAC 219 as it is easier to control shadow application. The sponge seems to absorb much of the product and layers the colors in streaks. Sponge aside, these Hydros are great buys. There are a dozen colors available so surely there is at least one to catch your fancy. The nearest similar products to these that I know of are Jill Stuart's Jelly Eye Color N.


~ I have also reviewed H9 Glistening Sand, H10 Languid Lagoon, and H1 Goldlights in Makeupalley.

Awake Stardom Aqua Trans Powder in 02 Venus Sea

Reading about the imminent closure of Awake's Stardom line, I succumbed to a long-time wish: the legendary Aqua Trans Powder containing 77% water.

The gleaming red screw cover is a signature of Awake Stardom line's modern elegance. While most loose powders are housed in wide and low tubs, Aqua Trans Powder is slightly higher and more compact. The fern logo and "AWAKE" font add a very nice touch to the packaging.

There are five shades on the loose: 01, Moon Glint (pale yellow); 02, Venus Sea (translucent); 03, Sand Dune (light bronze); 04, Pink Sunset (pale pink); and 05, Sea Lavender (pale lavender). All have shimmer except 02 Venus Sea, which this post will focus on. Although a tad pale when applied, the powder blends into the skin seamlessly and assumes its natural shade in no time.

The cool feel of the powder definitely left an impression on me. That experience was a first in my history with makeup. It takes some patting for the particles to dissolve onto the skin. The powder provides moderate coverage. I found that using the included puff, compared to a brush, provides a more even finish. It won't cover pimples or blemishes, but it does minimize the appearance of pores. It also controls oil well (tested in air-conditioned environment). It does not cake or settle into pores, and the finished face is natural and smooth.

A plastic cover is provided to keep the powder from evaporating. The puff has also comes with its own protective case.

Below is a picture with some product still left in the tub. The powder is translucent with a tinge of pale yellow.

Overall, this powder delivers despite its revolutionary streak.