I'm jumping ahead and posting - i still have 290 messages to read!
Yesterday i went in and tested the ED collection in my local MAC. They were missing two Skinfinishes, the same two missing on MAC on line.
BLUSHES
For those wondering about the formula, it is quite different from the eyeshadows and Skinfinishes. It's not metallic like the SFs, nor is it like standard matte or satin finish blushes. It is more powdery than the ED SF formula.
They all seemed pretty sheer - or maybe i was just using the wrong brush. I'll test again with a different brush to see if that's the issue. The only colors i was interested in were Bareness, which is muted peachy, and At Dusk, which is a warm pink, and i suspect those two colors won't fly off the shelves.
SKINFINISHES
All they had was the one, Double Definition. The upper shinier part has a metallic formula like the previous Skinfinishes, while the lower part is similar to the Blushes. In this one the upper part is a sort of golden beige - i really liked it - it is not a dupe of Whisper of Gilt. The lower part is similar to a bronzer. It is not metallic, so it is versatile. And if one wants a shiny bronzer, one can top it with the upper color.
I am very excited about the SFs and can't wait to test the other two!
EYE SHADOWS
Wow! I loved them. That said, they are pale and maybe a little sheer. I know my helpful SA was a bit disappointed in them. BUT in my opinion, they really deliver in terms of finish. I tested four - Zestful, Opalesse, Triple Impact, and Smoky Mauve. Every one has an iridescent, color changing, duo-chrome-ish quality which i think is exceptional. And I ordered all four today.
-- Zestful is not an intense lime green, so some may find it more useful. Those looking for a really strong color may be disappointed, however.
-- Opalesse is sort of ivory with a warm pinkish iridescence. I know i'll be using it close to my lash line.
-- Triple Impact is a noticeably different color from any other releases, being actually pale lavender with lavender iridescence. By comparison, Young Venus is pale pink, while Ready to Party is a cool, blue-toned pink, not really what i'd call lilac. Now i will have all three...
-- Smoky Mauve was a warm mauve, and not as dark as it looks in the pan. I didn't want a dark color, so i'm happy, but those looking for intensity may, again, be disappointed. I didn't play with it to see if it could be built up. If it can, then it will be more versatile.
Sorry, no photos, i don't know where i put my camera. I know it must be around here somewhere...