It’s no secret that I have a serious weakness for palettes, especially ones that multitask. So, when I first saw this gorgeous all-in-one eyeshadow/contour/brow palette from Smashbox, I knew I had to try it. I’ve been testing it out for the past month, creating all sorts of looks, and so far I’m seriously impressed!
Retailing for $55 at Sephora and smashbox.com, this stunning palette features 9 neutral shadows, 3 contour powders, 1 highlight, 2 brow powders, a brow wax, and a double-ended eyeshadow brush. The packaging is sleek and sturdy, and features a large sized mirror, so it’s perfect for travel. All of this combined comes to a whopping $276 value!
EYESHADOWS
If you’ve ever purchased a large palette, then you know the quality can be hit or miss. But, the consistency of these shadows really impressed me. Some are creamier than others, but they all have great pigmentation and blend like a dream!
Shadow descriptions are from left to right, starting at the top row.
Vanilla works beautifully for blending, or for highlighting the brow bone. It’s creamy and smooth, and not chalky like light mattes can be.
Totally Nude has a slightly drier texture, but the pigmentation is still nice. It works great all over the lids.
Champagne features a buttery soft texture, and a stunning satin finish.
L-R: Vanilla, Totally Nude & Champagne
Stripped is a soft warm brown that works perfect as a transition shade. It’s creamy, smooth, and really easy to work with.
Posh is a pearly satin finish pink. It’s got the same buttery texture as Champagne, and it blends effortlessly.
Platinum is a gorgeous taupe with a satin finish. I’ve worn this several times all over the lids, and even featured it in my last Face of the Day.
L-R: Stripped, Posh & Platinum
Sumatra is a deep matte brown with a slightly dry texture. It has wonderful color payoff, and works great for darkening the crease.
Aubergine is an eggplant purple, with the same texture as Sumatra (all the shadows in this row are slightly drier than the others). Despite that, it also works really well on the lids.
Blackout is a deep matte black that wears nicely in the outer corner. It blends beautifully, and it doesn’t appear patchy on the lids (like other black shadows can).
L-R: Sumatra, Aubergine & Blackout
CONTOUR & HIGHLIGHT POWDERS
Like the shadows, the quality and pigmentation of the contour and highlight powders are spot on. They blend beautifully, and feature creamy textures that are a joy to work with.
Contour is a matte cool toned brown that works great for creating shadows on the face. It’s not muddy, or streaky, and it applies like a dream.
Bronze is a warm bronze that looks beautiful all over the face for a tropical glow. It’s not orange, shimmery, or patchy and leaves behind a great faux tan.
Highlight is a matte cream that works well alongside the contour powder to create a sculpted face. The texture is slightly drier, but the pigmentation is still great.
Glow is soft yellow highlight with a satin finish. It looks stunning on the cheekbones, brow bone, or as an inner corner highlight.
L-R: Contour, Bronze, Highlight & Glow
BROW POWDERS
Taupe is a cool toned brown, that would work best for lighter haired gals (blondes or light brunettes). It has a creamy texture, and easy to work with color payoff.
Soft Brown is a warm matte brown, that is best suited for those with medium brown hair. I’m not sure it’s dark enough for my hair color (dark brown), but the texture and color payoff are nice.
Also included is a clear brow wax.
L-R: Taupe & Soft Brown
DOUBLE ENDED BRUSH
The brush included features two ends, one is fluffy and perfect for applying color all over the lids, and the other is slanted which can be used for both brows or lining the eyes. Both ends have soft bristles, and the handle is sturdy.
PALETTE IN ACTION
On eyes (Stripped, Champagne, Sumatra & Blackout). On Cheeks Contour & Glow powders.
On eyes: Stripped (transition), Champagne (lids), Sumatra (crease) & Blackout (outer v)
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I cannot believe this palette is only $55! It has everything you need – eyeshadows, contour and highlight powders, a bronzer, even brow products. The quality and texture of the powders have all been a joy to use, and the shade selection is great for creating soft and natural or bold and smokey eye looks. I highly recommend this palette to everyone, from very beginners, to full fledged makeup addicts!
Have you tried this palette? Let me know what your thoughts are!
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Absolutely gorgeous palette! I would just love it. Beautiful swatches and eye look!
It’s a total hit, I highly suggest it!
What a stunning palette! I am so glad to see that this was a hit!
I can’t believe more people aren’t talking about it, it’s a great one!
This looks so beautiful on your eyes. I just love those colors. The brow shades would be way too light for me though.
Yeah, the brow shades are quite light. But, thankfully everything else is great!
I love this palette too! I’m hooked on the matte highlight shade for setting my under eye concealer.
I am so impressed with all the powders, I can’t put it down!
I have never tried Smashbox shadows before as I’m not a huge fan of the brand, but this set look and sounds great! Your eye makeup is so pretty, I love the close up shot, Great post, Julie!
http://www.lipstickisalife.com/
I think you’d love this, Amanda! The set really is a steal, and the shadows are so nice! 🙂
I have this palette on my wishlist, I need to buy it, soon.
I hope you get your hands on it!
I love your eye look girl, so beautiful on your eyes. 🙂 This palette surely is a looker 😉
It’s been my go-to since I got it! 🙂
I love your eye makeup. This palette is a steal considering the quality and quantity of products
I agree, the amount of product for the price is phenomenal!
I swear it gets better every time I see it.
It’s such a great set, it’s got everything you’d need!
I absolutely love this palette, the shades are just beautiful and again I love your makeup x
Thank you! It’s definitely a great addition to my collection!
Thanks muchly for this detailed review. I love Smashbox large palettes – the quality is always nice, and they contain all the face colours required!
I took this with me on a weekend trip, and it was all I needed. I love it!
So pretty! Love this palette, and great job reviewing it!
So glad you liked the review! 🙂
You could have so many different looks from this palette!
I’ve created a few, all so different, I love it!
Such a gorgeous palette (and finished eye look!) – I also have a soft spot for eyeshadow palettes! <3
Thank you! This palette is definitely a keeper!
I saw this palette when it first released, but didn’t get it. Good to hear that it’s worth the price tag, tho! Thanks for the thorough review!
It’s definitely worth it if you do decided to splurge on it!
This is the best and most useful palette I’ve seen in a long time! I love the look you’ve created xxx
I agree, it’s got so many uses! 🙂
Ohh this looks amazing! I’ve been wanting this palette!
It’s a great one!
This looks like a brilliant palette! I’m really hoping to get the hang of contouring in the new year so I’ll definitely be considering this 🙂
Jess xo
http://just-jesss.blogspot.co.uk
Let me know if you pick it up, the contour shades are super easy to work with!
This palette seemed to have been planned and designed by a very creative and intelligent person. LOL multitasking palette. So gorgeous and I love your eye makeup