It’s been a minute since I’ve dabbled in the world of cream eyeshadows – like, since the MAC Bare Study/Painterly Paint Pot days to be exact. But the somewhat recent launch of the Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Color Paint Shadows has lured me right back in.

I discovered the Aqua XL Color Paints a few months ago, when I had the opportunity to hang out with Make Up For Ever and the one and only, Kehlani. As someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression for years, and has used the transformative abilities of makeup to overcome feelings of self-doubt, the opportunity to kick it with her and talk all things makeup was an experience I won’t soon forget. Especially when you consider that it was facilitated by my long-standing HG beauty brand, Make Up For Ever. 

And let me tell you, the Aqua XL Color Paint shadows are the perfect product to help transform your look and mood in an instant!

MUFE Aqua XL Color Paint Review

When it comes to cream eyeshadows, the thing I dislike the most is that fact that more often than not they come packaged in a pot. Not only is this a huge turn-off for anyone with a set of claws, it also leads to the product drying out quickly or a drastic change in its texture. So the fact that the Aqua XL Color Paint Shadow is packaged within a tube was an instant bonus for me (and every other woman or man with fake nails). The applicator also provides precise control over the amount of product used and where it's applied. 

The Aqua XL Color Paint Shadows feature an ultra-pigmented cream texture that dries to a powder finish, delivering the Aqua XL promise of waterproof, smudge-proof, and crease-resistant wear. As a novice to cream shadows, I was worried I would end up looking a hot mess after using these shadows, but the formula really is a dream to work with for beginners and pros. But a word to the wise: this formula dries quicker than your average, so it's best to work eye at a time in order to blend the shadow out to a seamless, natural finish. Otherwise, you'll end up looking like Mimi from The Drew Carey Show – woof. 

MUFE Aqua XL Color Paint Swatches

Make Up For Ever never ceases to amaze me with their wide array of shades, and the Aqua XL Color Paints are no different! Not only are they available in a number of neutral and bright tones, this collection also features a range of finishes, including matte, lustrous, and iridescent. 

Although I played with the Color Paint in M-22 (Matte Fuschia) at the MUFE Workshop, I had my eyes set on I-12 and L-22 from the moment I locked eyes with the collection. I-12 is described as an 'iridescent steel grey', while L-22 is described as a 'lustrous dark blue'. Although both shades are rather bold, they can be blended out or used as an eyeliner for day-to-day wear. And on days I'm ready to embrace the fierce MUA within, I can always use them to create a bold lip, a striking smoky eye, or simply use them as face/body paint! 

Shop The Post

If you're looking for a new cream eyeshadow, I would highly recommend the Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Color Paint Shadows. They are incredibly easy to use, available in a wide range of colours, and will leave you wanting more! 

Have you tried the Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Color Paints?
Let me know your favourite shade in the comment section below!

[*]THE ITEMS FEATURED IN THIS POST HAVE BEEN SENT TO BRATTY B FOR PURPOSE OF REVIEW. ALL VIEWS EXPRESSED REFLECT MY OWN OPINION ON THE PRODUCT/SERVICE. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE SEE THE DISCLAIMER FOUND IN THE ABOUT ME SECTION.