Skylark Snowkissed Cashmere Eye Shadow Palette

The palette comes with 6 eyeshadows and 1 highlighter along with 3 how to cards and 1 full size dual sided brush. The colors are gorgeous for smokey eyes but seem a bit random, well to me at least. At first, I thought Pinecone and Nutmeg was the same eyeshadow  but one is just more "warmer" than the other. And Lace was very chalky and not very pigmented and it was the only one that wasn't shimmery. It was not very flattering on my dark skin. The eyeshadows went on smooth, velvety, and highly pigmented. The eyeshadow last a decent amount of time before creasing and fading. It is a decent palette but not worth the $40  as I am not super excited about the colors. I tend to wear bold colors but these work well for work or those who like the "natural look".

Studio Gear Cosmetics Holiday Smokey Eye Palette

I was recently asked to try out this palette. I love trying new brands so I jumped at trying this palette and since it was a holiday theme it is a win - win. The palette had four eyeshadow and one blush. When I swatched the colors I noticed that the eyeshadows were gritty  and bit difficult to apply; unlike other makeup that goes on smoothly and blends easy. The colors were not highly pigmented and doesn’t last very long. While the palette had a tutorial that did go in detail, the colors didn’t match up in the tutorial and in the set. The palette contains a nice tutorial, it felt a bit lacking. It promoted using their brushes, but it didn’t recommend following up the smokey eyes with mascara or  any lip product. Everyone knows, to make a good smokey eye you need layers upon  layers of mascara! Overall, this was mediocre set for the $45. The consistency and quality reminds me of those cheap drugstore gifts set they have around the holiday. If the price was lower [$10]  it would be a good set for a teen or a novice makeup user. I don’t see myself ever purchasing this again but I might give their other products a try.

Reader Discount: 10% Off

Reader Discount Code: SGHOLIDAY

Note: This code does not expire and is good for 10% off your entire order on www.studiogearcosmetics.com.

Urban Decay Deluxe Shadow Box

A close up of the front

A close up of the images on the mirror

A close up of the felt back

I was in the market for some new makeup for my birthday trip and I came across this and had to try it. I was supposed to save it to actually use on my trip but I couldn't pass up on it! The palette included  Fishnet, Honey, Ransom, Graffiti, Zero, Peace, Shag, Scratch, and Underground eyeshadow with a deluxe Urban Decay Primer Potion. The colors are shimmery and can be used for both day and night as there is an even mix of nice "loud" colors and subtle ones. The eyeshadow is shimmery and nicely pigmented. I did notice you really did have to use a heavy hand to get the color deposited into my lids. I didn't use the sponges provided since I usually I have tons of brushes [but I honestly only use one or two].

Fishnet -  a duo chrome color of fuchsia and purple

Graffiti  - a shimmery Kelly green

Shag -  a metallic coppery color

Honey - reminds me of a rich honey color  [haha!] its like an old gold metallic color

Zero -  a charcoal goal with hint of silver glitter [I can't really tell it is super tiny...]

Scratch - reminds me of Stila's Kitten. It is a soft wash of rose gold

Ransom - a blue with purple highlights

Peace - a teal blue. It reminds me of the water in some nice beachy island.

Underground - a slight wash of taupe/brown