Ever since Urban Decay upped the bar with the launch of their original Naked palette, it's been a domino effect for any smart brands out there who realise that these little beauties really do sell like hot cakes. Every beauty-lover is always on the hunt for the 'perfect' nude palette, and while (for me at least) all three Naked palettes have come close, none of them have quite hit the nail on the head due to one gaping hole in the line up...
not enough matte shades.
I was therefore internally jumping for joy when I caught wind of the full exposure palette... half matte, half beautifully eye-catching shimmers, ranging from warm to cool, it seems to have it all! Fourteen shades on total (more than Naked's 12). What's more? It comes with a double-ended brush. A proper brush, not a cheap, useless one or a sponge applicator. It also comes with a mini version of Smashbox's Full Exposure mascara (which I already own and really like).
So it all seems good on paper. How does it fare in the flesh?
Well, it's fair to say that it really is a thing of beauty. From the packaging to the shades, I can't really fault it. The swatches showed up beautifully too, but when applied on the eyes, something about a couple of the shimmery shades just doesn't translate as well as I would like it too (the khaki-toned one being the worst). I have to say that the formula of the shimmers isn't quite as good as the urban decay alternatives.
The mattes on the other hand are beautiful and buttery soft. They are really smooth and perfectly blend-able. The palette on the whole is really nice, and I'm sure I'll get a lot of use out of it, but it hasn't totally satiated my hunger for 'the perfect palette'. If you're a fellow neutral-eye lover... it's definitely worth taking a peek at this though, it's available online and in larger Boots' stores now, priced at £36.
The hunt continues...
I've seen a few mixed reviews of this, but these are by far the best swatches I've seen :) It looks gorgeous :)
ReplyDeleteGeorgina
www.makeup-pixi3.com
I keep seeing this and am lusting after it, the swatches are amazing! May have to treat myself :)
ReplyDeleteI've been excited about this product since the first time I heard about it, and I am happy to hear that it is worth it's price point. It's also good to hear that the 'extras' are worth being there. Great post Fleur!
ReplyDeleteYou write your blog posts so nicely! xx
ReplyDeletehttp://lou-lous-views.blogspot.co.uk/
This palette looks amazing :)
ReplyDeletehttp://emmaalouisee.blogspot.co.uk/
You should have a look at the Lorac Pro palette next time you're in the States, it's half matte half shimmer but the colours translate better than these and it's definitely the closest i've found to the perfect palette!
ReplyDeleteDo you have the Lorac Pro Palette? The smashbox palette is similar but I havent seen it in person. The Lorac palette has half matte and half shimmer too.
ReplyDeleteIt is such a beautiful palette, shame the consistency isn't as great!
ReplyDeletehttp://starsandspaceandstuff.blogspot.co.uk/
I really like the look of this.. the colours are lovely!
ReplyDeletexxx | daisydaisyxxo
Oh wow, those mattes really do look lovely! I think this is a must have! Thank you for the review :) xx
ReplyDeleteThe swatches look beautiful!
ReplyDeletehttp://beautyandthebaking.wordpress.com/
Oh I love, this palette is so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThis seems like a great palette and one that I can honestly see myself purchasing! Thanks for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteThis palette is beautiful! I need it! Keeley's Wardrobe
ReplyDeleteAmazing colours & pigmentation! <3 Gorgeous palette :)
ReplyDeleteOh, and I love the new layout!! Looks so lovely! :)
Love your honest opinions. Excited to give this a try! Thanks Fleur! Oh and I love the new layout of your blog!
ReplyDeleteI also have it and its beautiful x
ReplyDeletethegirlsnextdooruk.blogspot.co.uk
Llevo soñando con esa paleta desde la primera vez que la vi, pero en España no se vende Lorac por ninguna parte :(
ReplyDeleteKyllie | Make Up Fragrances
I can't even express how much I want this pallette, the shades are perfect. Has anyone seen any good tutorials using this?
ReplyDeleteLa-receta-de-la-belleza.blogspot.co.uk
This palette is so beautiful! Going by the swatches, I bet it looks so lovely and flattering when applied. Think I'm going to have indulge in this sometime soon! x
ReplyDeleteOh So Bridie | Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle
My friend got this the other day and she loves it! All of the shades are so pretty.. but I think I'll be saving my money for the Narsissist palette (if I can ever get a hold of it that is! x
ReplyDeleteRachael | overdosedemaquillage.com ♥
This is a very pretty palette but I too have read similar reviews stating issues with some of the shades. It's so much money to spend on something that isn't perfect I guess.
ReplyDeleteAmy x | A Little Boat Sailing
This palette is really beautiful but idk if I'm wiling to splurge
ReplyDeleteCasualllyawkward
Those matte shades look great indeed!
ReplyDeletexx Stephanie (www.stephaniesstyleblog.com)
Those shades are perfect for everyday! Also, love the new blog design! :) X.
ReplyDeleteamylaurenxo.blogspot.co.uk
This palette looks so good your blog looks amazing!
ReplyDeletehttp://followeroffashionn.blogspot.co.uk
This is gorgeous, my friend mentioned it to me the other day! Sadly I really don't think I can justify buying another palette anytime soon!
ReplyDeleteamyalaska
xx
This palette looks great!!! The new design of your blog is really cool!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://mabulledepensees.blogspot.fr/
This kind of reminds me of the Lorac Pro palette with the half matte/half shimmer shades, but I think I like the packaging better on this one..though I know most people favor the Lorac formula better. ..nice post!
ReplyDeletek.f.c. =P
http://kfclovesyou.blogspot.com
Shades look stunning and the pigmentation looks decent :o) Xx
ReplyDeleteMakeup by Candlelight
Lovely shades, I love a good matte! x
ReplyDeleteThe Beauty Scrapbook
Wow how pretty are them colors I recently bought the smashbox wonder vision palette and they where so pigmented so I might cave in and buy this one:)
ReplyDeletewww.shaunasharp.com
they look gorgeous! Might have to treat myself to this http://my--socalledlife.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to try Smashbox and after seeing this post I may have to give it a go and invest in some of their eyeshadow!
ReplyDeleteCharli xx
www.girlonthemoon.co.uk
Really pretty palette! Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.chelsealeigh.ca/
I love that there's a shimmery and matte version of every colour! Beautiful! And the new blog design is so pretty!
ReplyDeleteLaura xx
cosysaturdaynight.blogspot.com
Shame it's a little sheer, and it's strange that the mattes are more pigmented than the shimmers! Usually it's the other way around :-)
ReplyDeleteSharlotte //
It looks lovely but I love shimmery shades so much. If the shimmery shades aren't good enough it just isn't for me. Thank you for the review because I would never have known.
ReplyDeletehttp://thesecretlifeofabeautylover.blogspot.com
Wow, those mattes look beautiful! Might have to splurge on this one!
ReplyDeleteRosieLM Beauty Blog x
These look lovely, the matte shades sound especially amazing!
ReplyDeleteMillie x
smudgesofthoughts
i'd definitely recommend the Bare minerals Ready palette, a perfect selection of neutral mattes and shimmers :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeletewow looks very similar to the Lorac Palette! Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteBlameKara
It's a beautiful palette but is the second time that a trusted blogger has criticized the formula of the shimmery shades, so I'm going pass on this one :) Thanks for the review, Fleur! xx
ReplyDeletebeautyvisions.blogspot.com
Goodness this looks beautiful! It's a shame about the shimmery shades, as they're always my favourites
ReplyDeleteshannonbecca.blogspot.com
It looks and sounds pretty amazing, although that's a shame that a couple of the shimmers aren't as convincing when applied. I love SmashBox though :) Wendy xx
ReplyDeleteScottish Wendy | Wendy's World
I love the look of the matte shades, so pretty! x
ReplyDeleteMaddy from UNSTITCHEDD
♥
Love your new blog re-design btw - really nice. However - not a big fan of that photo of you though - you look like you're being judgemental about someone to your right! Anyway - great re-design!xxx
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame some of the shades aren't as good, because they all look lovely! I love that theres mattes as well as shimmers, want this! xx
ReplyDeleteAbby | http://teenagelovesxo.blogspot.co.uk/
The shimmery shades are no good? Oh no! The LORAC PRO looks better! Try LORAC PRO!
ReplyDeleteHey, thanks for the review! I appreciate it!
That black matte looks ACE!
ReplyDeletehttp://talisatalksbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-for-her.html
Looks very similar to the LORAC Pro, so I would pass on this. I'm not really a fan of Smashbox shadows in general anyway.
ReplyDeleteRIKKI POYNTER
// RIKKI POYNTER MAKEUP
The Matte swatches look divine, hmm do I.. don't i?
ReplyDeletehttp://floradorarose.blogspot.co.uk/
This looks gorgeous! I love neutrals.
ReplyDeleteKatie | and-katie.com x
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI love the half and half idea, smashbox eyeshadows are really pigmented and those shimmery eyeshadows look magnificent!. I just did a review on the smashbox wonder vision palette, it was £49 for 30 eyeshadows, 3 blushers and a bronzer! Crazy! But this palette is definitely for those natural girls, it also seems portable with the right size make-up bag ;)
ReplyDeletemona-menaoui.blogspot.co.uk
They look SOOOO pigmented and gorgeous!
ReplyDeletewww.amandaloves.com
xx
I love this palette. I think it is great for the day and night time. But If I had to choose between UD Naked palette and this one I would definitely choose UD one.
ReplyDeletehttp://pinkbowsandbigsmiles.blogspot.com/
great post!
ReplyDeletexx
daniella
simplybeautifulelegant.blogspot.com
Stunning palette! I swatched this in stores yesterday and loved it! And I'm a neutral girl, so your post has definitely helped me make up my mind! xoxo
ReplyDeleteEmily ⎜ daisylocks.blogspot.com.au
Great swatches! Really want to try this one!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a stunning palette! I don't have any Smashbox products!!!! I can't believe it! What type of a beauty junkie am I????
ReplyDeleteBeth
bethandbeauty.com
I've always been a bit unsure about taking the plunge and trying Smashbox (I have no idea why), but these swatches are fantastic. I now want all these matte options in my life and am even feeling slightly disappointed with the lack of them in my Naked palette, which I hadn't even noticed before... thanks for that!! ;)
ReplyDeletehttp://paigesime.blogspot.co.uk/
Have heard such mixed reviews on this palette, how do they last throughout the day Fleur? xx
ReplyDeletewww.elisabethrilatt.com
These shades look incredible very neutral and just love the shimmer x
ReplyDeletewww.krystelcouture.com
Damaris £100 Lingerie Giveaway! X
I love my Naked Palettes but the ultimate matte and shimmer palette for me is the Lorac Pro. You cannot go wrong with that. 8 of each finish and very slender packaging!
ReplyDeleteEveryone keeps going on and on about this palette, must be amazing! I will be definitely getting it on my next trip to Ulta or Sephora.
ReplyDeleteI'm new in this community so I would appreciate any kind of comment, suggestion or recommendations :) http://sheseeksvictoria.wordpress.com
Thanks you and have an amazing day!
This looks nice, but try the Lorac Pro Palette if you can! It's also half matte, half shimmer but there are a different range of colors that I like a bit better than this
ReplyDeletehttp://skinstuffbykaty.blogspot.com/
so desperate to get this palette, it's so gorgeous!
ReplyDeletelisaalways.blogspot.com
I really like the look of this palette - I like how all the shimmery and matte shades correspond (:
ReplyDeletewww.madeleineslittleblog.blogspot.co.uk
OH WOW, those shimmery shades are gorgeous! :D
ReplyDeleteJust from looking at the pictures, I really wanted it and then I read what you wrote and decided I was going to get it!
....I just have to wait until I can afford it! :P
Ellie,xx
Elephant stories and more
Omg, that palette looks like a dream!!! You should definitely do a makeup tutorial using this palette.
ReplyDeleteTemmy
http://temmyduong.blogspot.com/
Oh my goodness, this palette is to die for! Great swatching! x
ReplyDeletewww.natalielovesbeauty.com
I've heard amazing things about this palette and those swatches look stunning! I can't wait to get my hands on it! xx
ReplyDeleterachraves.com
These eyeshadows look beautiful and the pigmentation looks great. I love that it is such an everyday palette that has a ton of neutral shadows. Great for people who like that sort of look :)
ReplyDelete-Shelby
http://bittersweetshelby.blogspot.co.uk/
Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteCan not wait to get my hands on this little beauty! I've been lusting after it for a while and those swatches are to die for i need this in my life.
ReplyDeletehttp://wednesdayswwpink.blogspot.com.au/
xx
E
I agree about the Naked palettes not having enough matte shades, it's very annoying.
ReplyDeleteThis palette looks gorgeous, but for the price I think I prefer the Naked ones.
Amelia Rose | Beauty Blogger
What about the Lolita palette? Is that one not perfect? I'm thinking of buying it when I go to the States in April. For now, my favourites are the Lorac Pro palette and the Soap&Glory quad.
ReplyDeleteI heard it has a lot of fallout and don't blend in that easily. Is it true?
ReplyDeleteFretty Anggeni
It looks gorgeous, it's a shame I can't justify spending £36 on one palette!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a lovely neutral Palette Fleur. Thanks for the review, although if the colour pay off is not so good, I think I'm going to opt for the Naked palette, when I eventually cave in! haha. I've recently started blogging myself and have done a Valentine's nail tutorial, if anyone has a spare moment and would like a read? www.carolinarainbowsandroses.blogspot.co.uk x
ReplyDeleteIt looks amazing! I love neutral eyeshadows so I think this one would be great for me xx
ReplyDeleteJustine | BRIGHTON DREAM
love the new blog design Fleur!
ReplyDeleteThis looks so nice! I love your new blog theme fleur!
ReplyDeleteBerrieBlogs - Beauty Blog x
This looks so nice, a perfect combination of colours x
ReplyDeletehttp://missarahlouise.blogspot.co.uk/
Such a gorgeous palette, love the pigmentation of the shades! xx
ReplyDeleteA Little Treat | Beauty & Fashion Blog
I kind of really want this palette now! Hehe, I do wonder if any of us will ever find the perfect palette, but ones like these will do just fine until we do:) great review xx
ReplyDeleteI would love to try this palette! I have smashbox brown eyes palette and love it soooo much:-)
ReplyDeleteHosting GIVEAWAY on my blog:-)
ziriane.blogspot.com
I think the shades in it are stunning! I don't think I can justify buying it because I already own the Lorac Pro palette as well as Naked Basics and I try to keep my makeup collection into a size that I can work with and use realistically... but those swatches are really calling out to me. I can't decide!
ReplyDeleteI do not wear eyeshadow on a daily basis and I like to keep it looking fairly natural so when I do, I stick with neutral shades. I haven't "invested" in a great palette since I didn't really know which one to pick but I think you have convinced my to give this one a go!
ReplyDeleteMD. http://byourbself.blogspot.ca/
The matte shades in this palette look gorgeous.
ReplyDeletexo Ashley
I cannot wait to get this palette. I love neutral makeup and tend to wear more warmer colors but I still want to check this out. The original Naked palette is my favorite!!!
ReplyDeleteThis palette is latest word on the streets!! Everyone keeps talking about it!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cindyslittleblackbook.com
I have been looking everywhere for great neutral matte eyeshadow palette. Ever since i first saw this i knew i needed it! Ahh can't wait to get it
ReplyDeletehttp://dreamerena.blogspot.com.au
There have been so many posts about this one :) Have to try it when the next chic week comes along.
ReplyDeleteMISSY IN THE MIRROR
Those matte shades look lovely, too bad the shimmery ones didn't work out! Thanks for the post!
ReplyDelete~Rachel
http://www.mymakeupmusts.blogspot.com/
This palette has mixed reviews, I think that your swatches are one of the best swatches I've seen! The matte shadows so pigmented as well! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeletehttp://thaaaaai.blogspot.ca/
Those colours are beaut
ReplyDeletePlease visit my blog about beauty, DIY & remedies and lifestyle!
www.cosmeticbetty.blogspot.co.uk
Hi, I'm a bit late commenting on this, just found your blog. I had heard so many good things about this palette, and the concept is very good. Unfortunately I have to agree about the shimmers. The matte shades are good, the shimmers are really not good at all. I had lots of fall out, not just when applying them but also during the day and I do wera a primer. The shimmers also lacked pigmentation compared to the mattes. Some of them, when applied to the eyelid were almost invisible the only thing one could see was shimmer.
ReplyDeleteI'd really save my money when it comes to this one, no matter how gorgeous the colours are.
Now this is just me, but generally I like Smashbox, I use shimmery shades almost daily as I think only mattes makes my eyes look dull.
The swatches were lovely and the review interesting and fun to read. I will follow this blog in the future.
I really like reading your blog and piglet is crazily cut. I have just started a blog and was wondering if you had any tips
ReplyDeleteBeen debating getting this palette for months, and still can't decide! Its between this one and the Naked 2 or 3...
ReplyDeleteMaybe i'll be naughty and just get all of them.. ahhhh so many decisions :)