Frosty Caramel

When the L'Oréal Miss Candy Collection launched last year with several new Infallible eyeshadow shades, it was evident the only one I'd feasibly purchase was Tender Caramel (033). Although it was neutral and limited edition (under normal circumstances an irresistible combination), I was concerned it was too similar to Bronzed Taupe (890). Each time I swatched it at Priceline, I also wasn't too thrilled with the excess of silver/white shimmer in it. With those two factors in mind, I decided to give it a miss. I had largely forgotten about it for a few months, until I spotted Tender Caramel on sale at Target the other day. The price wasn't hugely reduced, but it was just under $10, which was impetus enough for me to whip out my wallet.

Tender Caramel is a light-to-medium cool frosty brown with a hint of mauve and loads of white shimmer. I find that when swatched, it takes on a more neutral appearance, and in some light, seems almost like a slightly toasty, shimmering beige. On the lids however, it's distinctly cooler, almost a pewter-leaning metallic taupe. To counteract a bit of the coolness, I like applying it with a flat, fluffy brush over a warm, coppery, cream base (like Essence Pas Des Copper or MAC Rubenesque) for a soft, smoky look.

Comparing Tender Caramel to similar shades I have, there are no perfect dupes, but some of them are fairly indistinguishable when applied. Maybelline EyeStudio Mono in Iced Fudged (720) is clearly the warmest of the bunch. It was comforting to see that L'Oréal Infallible eyeshadow in Bronzed Taupe is sufficiently different to Tender Caramel — darker, less frosty, slightly cooler and more brown. Max Factor Earth Spirits in Burnt Bark is more purplish-grey. NYX Iced Mocha is darker, browner, much less shimmery. Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze is a little warmer, more coppery/gold in comparison but still frosty.

l-r: NYX Iced Mocha, Max Factor Burnt Bark, L'Oreal Tender Caramel, L'Oreal Bronzed Taupe, Maybelline Iced Fudged, Maybelline Bad to the Bronze

l-r: NYX Iced Mocha, Max Factor Burnt Bark, L'Oreal Tender Caramel, L'Oreal Bronzed Taupe, Maybelline Iced Fudged, Maybelline Bad to the Bronze

A defining feature of the L'Oréal Infallible eyeshadows is the unbelievable pigmentation. They have a smooth, creamy, slightly spongy texture and can be sheered out or packed on for concentrated colour. They can be applied with the fingers like a cream eyeshadow, though I normally use a brush. You really only need a very small amount for incredible colour payoff. The metallic intensity can be a little bit too much for daytime wear, but used sparingly with the right brush to apply a light wash, it works. Personally, I find Tender Caramel a little bit too cool for my skin tone and overly shimmery, even above the norm for the Infallible range. Warmer, bronzier eyeshadows tend to fare better on me. Though I'd love to be able to pull off more complex, cooler taupes and browns, they often just end up looking murky and dull.