Cosmetic Chemist Guesses Cheap vs Expensive Eye Shadow | Allure

Cosmetic chemist Javon Ford has been challenged to compare different types of eye shadows. Can he figure out which are the most expensive products? Javon uses his high-level of expertise to break down these compounds using tools like microscopes, alcohol and oil to put together an extremely educated guess. How many will he get right? Watch to find out!
Director: Christie Garcia
Director of Photography: Matt Krueger
Editor: Jess Lane
Talent: Javon Ford
Producer: Amy Haskour, Nikola Jocic
Line Producer: Jen Santos
Associate Producer: Shelby Boamah, Sydney Malone
Production Manager: Andressa Pelachi
Casting Producer: Vanessa Brown
Camera Operators: Dominik Czaczyk, Nick Massey
Audio: Mike Robertson
Production Designer: Wade Morrison
Production Assistant: Ariel Labasan
Post Production Supervisor: Christian Olguin
Post Production Coordinator: Scout Alter
Supervising Editor: Erica Dillman
Additional Editor: Jason Malizia
Assistant Editor: Andy Morell
Graphics Supervisor: Ross Rackin
Graphics, Animation, VFX: Léa Kichler
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[@toniedemare]

Allure, it's intentional at this point. Javon is a Cosmetic Chemist, not just a makeup expert. He has a degree. Please respect him.

[@Maialeen]

His occupation is clearly stated in the video 4 seconds in. It's under his name. It's also in the description. The title is worded according to what they feel will garner better general interest. You and comments similar to yours seem to be complaining about nothing.

[@toniedemare]

@@Maialeen Other featured Chemists get recognition in their titles. I said what I said.

[@EyeDigress]

@@toniedemare Exactly! There's a verrrry odd double standard going on that everyone in the comment has been picking up. But KZbin marketers will market, I guess lol.

[@slchld.]

I missed the beginning and was looking at the title thinking how does this guy know so much until I realized he's a cosmetic chemist. If I thought this others have too and it is a big deal because it discredits his education to acquire all of this knowledge. Also if others have their titles posted then so should he.

[@jeannettelee2806]

It was so fast and tiny I had to review it 3 times.

[@tesspalmer992]

So NO ONE at Allure read the hundreds of comments on the last video demanding the title be changed to COSMETIC CHEMIST?! So insulting to this brilliant man...

[@heyitsroro]

YES

[@aiai-j7i]

"Cosmetic chemist Javon Ford has been challenged to compare different types of eye shadows" 👈 It literally is stated in the description box. Save your outrage for an actual cause that matters. I am sure he can stand up for himself.

[@tesspalmer992]

@@aiai-j7i we were all talking about the title of the video which is what everyone sees. And it is a worthy cause

[@kenn202]

@@aiai-j7i Who are you to determine what does or does not matter? Most people are just going to read the title of this video, not click on it and read the description box. He's a Cosmetic Chemist, he should be referred to as such. Where's the problem in that?

[@theprousteffect9717]

​@@tesspalmer992 "Makeup expert" will get more clicks than "Cosmetic chemist." That's likely the only reason for it, and it's not meant as an insult.

[@CatsOrangeAndGrey]

I love videos with Javon Ford. He goes all in with the scientific aspect of makeup. In a community where it’s all been talked about to death, this is a refreshing take.

[@TheB14HB14H]

Because he’s a chemist. And yet, they ignore his qualifications.

[@TheBriar_123]

A refreshing take that only an expert with a degree could make. Ya know. A cosmetic chemist.

[@ricebeansrockroll882]

He has a chanel apparently, chemistea!

[@aliosm.v7231]

I swear listening to Cosmetic Chemists and Professional Makeup Artists talk about makeup is just so much more worth while than some makeup influencers.

[@jesss_craftsss]

It always has been. I’m glad people are picking up on it now. Actual information rather than “I like this a lot it’s very pigmented and pretty” lol

[@suckedintothevoid]

Influences are there to influence, not inform -- their role in promoting products has nothing to do with whether something is objectively better or worse, especially because their promoted products could always be undisclosed paid ads.

[@jesss_craftsss]

@abby I don’t disagree but some people are not that easy to influence. I need more than “it’s so pretty” to feel interested in a product. I like more informed people

[@njerimwangi6224]

glad I knew there different foundations before starting doing make up lol

[@ricebeansrockroll882]

I had to look, and he has a chanel! Chemistea!

[@springwynn9821]

First, Javon is a Cosmetic Chemist. It's respectful to describe him correctly. Second, I absolutely ADORE him and his content! I take away so much everytime I watch!

[@Alanasianful]

What was the original title? 😮

[@ohlifebeauty]

I enjoyed this segment by Javon and educating us about ingredients, performance and quality. Please invite him to do more segments on mascaras, complexion and lip products. Fun way to teach about products.

[@ohlifebeauty]

I see his previous video to this one on complexion products. Going to watch this.

[@karenng9793]

So good! He needs to school us what really is worth the money! (Specific Brands & Products please!)

[@danasalehh]

hearing javon talk so intelligently about makeup is honestly refreshing

[@haidehollins]

Allure is determined to not put Javons' proper title in the description.

[@carhoness78]

What is it?

[@haidehollins]

@@carhoness78 Cosmetic Chemist

[@Familylawgroup]

The version of the video I am seeing, three hours after your post, lists his title as “Cosmetic Chemist.” One hour ago, you replied that IS his title. Did Allure correct the video since your post? If so, major kudos to their online team for reading comments and correcting content. If not, what should the title say? Does he have a PhD? If so, I think that should be listed with his name.

[@haidehollins]

​@@Familylawgroup it says his proper title next to his name once the video plays and is displayed for 15 seconds maybe. The main title of the video says "makeup expert" and that is what I'm referring too. He is a cosmetic chemist because that is what he studied, I follow him on other social sites and have been before Allure had him on. This is his second video with them and the second time they titled the video as makeup expert. On my end they didn't change the title.

[@heyitsroro]

FOR REAL

[@bydivadream]

Here are some of the products used! 1B: STILA Glitter & Glow 2B: PAT MCGRATH Star Wars Chromaluxe Artistry Pigment 3A: MAC "It's Designer" Art Library Palette 3B: JUVIA'S PLACE Zulu Palette

[@PerfectRodo]

Thank you! I recognized the Juvia’s Place palette but was curious about the other one. Do you think 2a could be Colour Pop?

[@PerfectRodo]

Updating to add that the ingredients for 2a are very similar to Sephora’s house brand shadow

[@lauraladyll]

Thank you! I was curious and only recognized the Juvia’s Place palette… but ooph this is the second time I’ve heard someone experienced in cosmetic formula mention Pat McGrath formulas not being worth the price (I still like them though 😅)

[@naxp42]

I recognized the Zulu Palette too and was disappointed he did not enjoy it considering it's marketed towards those with deep skin!

[@bydivadream]

@@lauraladyll honestly I think it's just the product here - it was a Star Wars cashgrab and not part of the permanent range

[@makeupeclectic]

I love these Allure videos with Cosmetic Chemist Javon Ford.

[@Mmmtruk]

Yes, not “makeup expert”

[@Katecatable]

Could we please get a Chemistry Masterclass with Javon? 😊 I was interested and entertained at the same time during this video! Wish I had such a passionate Chem-teacher in school. This is so interesting!

[@sombradelviento7]

Exactly!

[@sweetLemonist]

Go to college and study chemistry. That's your "masterclass".

[@gentleauroraasmr8562]

I really wish he was my chemistry teacher. He explains things in a way it's much more interesting and a little bit simpler.

[@tonkabear2369]

I like how he actually put the products on his eyes and just not on the back of his hand or wherever.

[@marilynnsulak2949]

I love Javon telling about the ingredients of the makeup and I want him to do lipgloss next.

[@breebee702]

MY FAVORITE COSMETIC CHEMIST, MR. JAVON FORD. Y’all need to share this video with everyone you know!! These are the best makeup videos on any platform across the board. Please continue to make these videos! And ALLURE - please promote them with vigor, 31k views after 4 Days is not the energy this video deserves.

[@kaithdvd]

The way he talks is so beautifully crisp and concise. He could be a cosmetology teacher with how professional he talks

[@macassar1]

Finally some science instead of hype. Javon is just one great influencer

[@myca.]

This man is a full blown chemist, not just a makeup expert

[@lizzie3143]

I love this guest!!!! Einstein- “smart people simplify things” he did so well simplifying difficult concepts into laymen’s terms! Loved this!

[@stephgreen3070]

Love that “hmmm. This is *not* worth $32.00…”

[@honeytsubame]

I'm so impressed by Javon's depth of knowledge and how well he explains his reasoning, this is one of the most interesting videos I've seen in a while

[@jojomakes]

He's a scientist so it comes naturally!😁

[@foxygreed70]

If anyone is curious, that palette for the Matte Eyeshadows that was less expensive is Juvia's Place and they're great palettes for the price!

[@RG_Eph]

Ty! Do you know the other products?

[@theprousteffect9717]

Yeah, I knew it was Juvia's Place because they just have very distinctive looking palettes and pan sizes. Being a black owned brand, it's disappointing the eyeshadow didn't show up well on darker skin.

[@foxygreed70]

@@RG_Eph I do not, I just own that Juvia's palette

[@foxygreed70]

@@theprousteffect9717 i thought the same thing about it not showing up well

[@eythanamiller4199]

Yes I have it and I love juvias place!

[@tomorrow661]

Javon always teaches me so much, so glad you’re featuring him! And I like that he is not afraid to give a hot take if he doesn’t like something (sample B in the second set of eyeshadows especially 😂)

[@criticadarling]

I feel a thousand percent smarter after watching this. More videos like this, pleez. ❤

[@joyceliang3658]

More of Javon the Cosmetic chemist please!!

[@myaduro]

💕💕

[@rachelfrombefore]

Love to see Javon all over the internet 🙂

[@nasimm.6200]

Omg saaaaame 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@ButfirstSyrah]

Please call Javon by his title - Cosmetic Chemist. He is brilliant and it shows through out every video of him.

[@koinijikoimizu]

I recognized both of the eyeshadow palettes. MAC Artistry and Juvia's Place Zulu. The JP palettes tend to be pretty amazing on deeper complexions but also hit or miss on some shades. I kinda wanna know what all the products used are though because a few of those shadows looked very interesting.

[@MariasJournal__]

Yes! Was about to comment the same! :D

[@Kerrylinton]

We want more videos with Javon. I like his combination of layman's explanations and technical knowledge. Also, I love the music. Please add credits.

[@anerdslife4me]

I've never seen someone so knowledgeable in cosmetics. I could listen to this guy talk about makeup all day!

[@juliaadriano784]

Love this so much!! I had no idea the reason why my liquid eyeshadow wasn't layering well on concealer until now! Thank you, I almost tossed them!

[@sam.k44]

I really appreciate you mentioning ethical mining. Why dont the eyeshadow chemists at least test it on top of different color foundations?

[@anand3127]

javon ford is amazing!!! hes so good at explaining the most complicated things all while making it really comprehensible you can tell how dedicated and informed he is

[@ohwowoh7281]

I love this series with Javon! Very educational!

[@nasimm.6200]

Love Javon’s content on insta. Love seeing him featured and hope it continues. Scientific expertise explained in a digestible way, honestly and unbiased. Keep killing it Javon 🎉❤

[@madamedex5989]

He even responds on his insta too! Class act.

[@khills]

Thanks for mentioning he's on Instagram! Off to follow...

[@Notnotdani]

I’m so happy seeing Javon here!! I love his content 🙌🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@juliustheturbocat]

i love javons tiktoks! and his hair looks great!

[@katedann8377]

I absolutely loved this video. Makeup is my special interest and having knowledge about the ingredient and the chemistry that goes into it is just so satisfying for me. I wish Javon would create his own KZbin videos showing his knowledge like this one. I would watch every single video.

[@kmarieking12]

I love how he analyzed each and every product and his comments were spot on *chefs kiss* 💋👌🏾

[@anitachandra2030]

This video was very informative. Please continue this series. It good to know about the science of makeup.

[@fuegofuego127]

I love Javon’s videos! I hope that you keep bringing him back- I’d watch every single one of them

[@myaduro]

I agree 😁

[@clearumbrella5278]

I love this human 😭💗he’s so intelligent and has this soft energy I just adore

[@IngaVideor]

wow how cool was that to watch. Also, Javon seems like a very sympathetic person!

[@jakewelch8423]

Love Javons insight on glitter eyeshadow!👏

[@raatrani38]

Can we get a full hour of Javon please?? He was super informative and accessible.

[@MT-hv4rk]

Wow... I love hearing Javon's expert explanation on this!! Makes me think of makeup in a whole new way, this is so awesome

[@Mehjabeen83]

Very impressed with Mr Ford’s expertise and knowledge here. He really represents cosmetic chemists and himself well! Very well spoken and insightful. Loved it!

[@KS-dz5tp]

This man deserves to be have his correct title of Cosmetic Chemist used, he is incredible and should get all the recognition! 🎉

[@alexisb646]

I'm so happy you got this opportunity Javon!! I love watching you on TikTok!!

[@beccalife275]

I didn’t realize that your “makeup expert” was actually a chemist until I saw someone mentioning this video on Reddit. I thought this was going to be a beauty guru who was going to be swatching products.

[@tnnovation]

They did the same thing last time they brought him on. Countless comments asked Allure to credit Javon as a cosmetic chemist in the title, but it seems that nobody listened

[@fireflieer2422]

@@tnnovation which is so mindboggling and honestly disrespectful to me… I guess no one cares at Allure

[@butters5824]

I would never consider an MUA let alone self proclaimed KZbinr/instagrammer MUA as a make up expert.

[@alanadawn1755]

I feel like a makeup junky because I can easily identify most of these products…😅 I guess working at Ulta payed off. Want to try some of these experiments!

[@gkalenaki]

So this video just came up on my feed and I have to say that it's beautiful! This man has all the potential of becoming a teacher/tutor if he isn't already one! Love how he's breaking down the information into small easily digestible bits that makes you feel you're enlightened when the video ends, and all this combined with a smooth voice and a calm yet not boring presentation. Thank you for sharing this video with us! 😊💕

[@livs7636]

i love it how he gets each and every one correct

[@mariagomez3105]

I love Javin and his expertise! Please have him in more videos 🙏

[@SidraAdele]

His knowledge is mesmerizing. Love this!

[@zawooX]

More of Javon please!

[@hayleyv337]

allure: oh you want us to call Javon a cosmetic chemist? ….no, but here’s another video with him as a “makeup expert”

[@MScoachDANI]

Yay🎉🎉 So happy to see him back, love to see him back educating us all.

[@myaduro]

🎉🎉

[@melaninmelancholy]

Please bring him back! I loved how informative this was

[@HeyPrettyKittty]

Javon is so fascinating to listen to. Please do more videos with him! ❤

[@spongebracket]

I love how he really used his eye lid for application, great way to test an "eye shadow."

[@bekahnavarro]

I could listen to him talk makeup on day. What a cool and smart man!

[@saracontesavieasmr]

I’m obsessed with this serie ! Learning more about what’s inside the products is so interesting ❤

[@catluvr123]

JAVON!! slaying as per usual

[@TT_09]

Thank you Javon! Had I gone to your Chemistry class in school I might have paid attention!

[@yannybravo]

more Javon please !!! love him

[@amandah.3763]

More of him, please! I love this type of content!

[@celestebrock1854]

Oh I definitely recognize some of these products. I have 2 of them😂. But no he is definitely right companies need to consider how all pigments show up on different skin. I always had difficulty getting pigment to pop in my skin. But I feel so informed now watching this

[@realness2b]

I LOVE THIS GUY! Please have him do more blind comparisons!

[@scorpion-lg4ic]

I wish Allure would tell us what the actual makeup is. like I would love to know what that liquid metallic eyeshadow was. I really liked "B".

[@Blukaleidoscope]

They can’t. If those brands are sponsors and his opinion is “against” it’s a conflict snd could be perceived as bias if they are the preferred

[@NatalieValentina6]

I believe that it's Stila's. Shimmer & Glow, in the shade "Cloud".

[@RunwayCats]

i wanna know what A is

[@jenjen2864]

Yessss I love this person he has an amazing personality I could listen to him talk about makeup all day ❤

[@fsantos199]

Javon is so amazing! Love to see he analyzing and all his chemical knowledge!

[@myaduro]

❤❤

[@liladjgal1204]

Seems like Allure listened to comments, good to see Javon here again!

[@avalencia8373]

My favorite cosmetic chemist!

[@itsaneta5971]

Love Javon! Very informative and honest. More Javon content please.

[@myaduro]

🤭💕

[@dyanalovesnutella]

Liquid shadow A: Chanel Ombre Première Laque Longwear Liquid Eyeshadow in 32 Vastness B: Stila Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Cloud

[@PiXie232]

Please make more videos like this! Love it! Javon is extremely knowledgeable and would love to see more videos such as this.

[@myaduro]

💖💖

[@clusterfawk]

Can we please update these video titles to say “Cosmetic Chemist”? He’s literally known for being a cosmetic chemist so it may boost the views as well.

[@kaitmarie6505]

I'm delighted to see Javon back on the channel!

[@heyitsroro]

Allure this is embarrassing!! Cosmetic Chemist should be in the title!!! Not once but twice has this error been made even after allll of the comments on the previous videos!!😔

[@myaduro]

👍👍😍😍

[@walterdrinker]

Absolutely love his approach to make up! Hopefully he does lipsticks next

[@movedbythemoon]

Probably the best content allure has ever put out. Having an educated colored person on here is a 10/10 for me. Let alone the information he shared. I'd love for him to do reviews on product. Having a chemist do reviews on product is game changing! Thank you Javon!

[@KaliKali-hv9bt]

Thank you Javon! I enjoyed you and your expertise.

[@Frenchforaday]

That was a very interesting and educational video. Thanks for sharing! xoxo

[@myaduro]

💝💝

[@-beee-]

Wow, I learned so much! Also Javon Ford looks stunning in all these colors

[@leannezzers]

I appreciate that this says Cosmetic Chemist now!!!

[@xsTycho]

It’s my first time watching Javon Ford and I learned so much! What a knowledgeable and interesting person! Wish they’d put his accurate title (cosmetic chemist) in the description though.

[@Rosdcuvyx3]

Javon is AMAZING. Bravo on the informative and entertaining content.

[@Aaprriil]

So happy seeing javon on KZbin! Seriously he’s a treasure!

[@MissKrykke]

I love these videos. Great that he also touched the theme of ethical sourced ingrediens 😊

[@ArinSauls]

I have learned so much today. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us all.

[@amygreen4408]

Many thanks to Mr. Ford for sharing his knowledge and making chemistry fun!🎉 Had I know there was such as job as cosmetic chemist, i would have enjoyed chemistry so much more.

[@Foxxytaye]

GO OFF. Cosmetic Chemist Daddy. I LOVE A Well Educated & Informed Person!❤❤❤❤

[@MoonDionicio]

Oh my gawd I love the shimmers in that Mac palette!!! 🤤 But I am brown and getting the yellow and light green to show up on my eyelids definitely requires a lot of effort 😄

[@myaduro]

❤❤

[@iammango08]

So happy to see Javon here!!! 🎉🎉🎉 Love his content

[@mrs_plinkett]

such a huge fan of Javon, would love to see him in more videos here! ❤

[@morganchurchill5482]

love Javon and this series. he has taught me so much❤️

[@myaduro]

🥰

[@DrDaniOT]

OMG! Please make a series of these ❤

[@steviana466]

this guy seems cool! I like listening to people who really know what they are doing

[@caseyfinnegan4139]

I got all of them right except for the last one (which is understandable since they are both roughly around the same price point!)

[@leerose1056]

Loved this video. Really interesting subject, would definitely watch more of Javon’s content