From the Summer 2012 Croisette collection, Aurora is the warmer of the two quints offered. So naturally, I had to have it.

For this collection, the shadows feature a sunburst pleating pattern, which mimics the pleated design of some of the dresses from this season. Gold, orange, bronze...it just screams summer. Without a doubt, it is a stunning palette.



Unfortunately, that's where my happiness ends with this one.

Swatched from top left, middle shade on the bottom.

I love the shades, but the shadows are just not pigmented enough for my liking. The swatches above were heavily applied with my finger. Applied with a brush, these shadows are almost nonexistent.






It's definitely a subtle look, even though I was piling shadow onto my eyes, trying to build up the pigmentation. My lid is still visible through the color, which would not be a bad thing if that is what I had intended. Of course, with a base, the colors would really pop. However, I wish the palette were pigmented enough to stand on its own.



Pigmentation aside, I do really love the texture and finish of these shadows. They are shimmery without being garish and are very smooth and buttery.



Bottom line, I like the shades but don't think they are unique enough or have enough pigmentation to classify this as a must-have.



The Aurora quint retails for $60 and is available at Sephora.com.