Is it just me or are holiday releases coming wildly early this year? Maybe it was like this last year, and I just am noticing more this year? Regardless, new palettes, limited edition products, and holiday releases are being revealed in full force. Today I wanted to pop by at go over 5 new palettes, some I love and some not so much.
In the wake of holiday launches, I thought it’d be fun to do a small series here on The Lipstick Narratives talking about the new releases and whether or not they’ve peaked my interest. Because like anything, we can’t have it all. So keep reading for this week’s Loving or Leaving post all about new eye shadow palettes.
Becca ‘Volcano Goddess’ Eye Palette | $46
This ‘Volcano Goddess’ eye shadow palette is actually the product that sparked this post. I’m just not into the unicorn-esque themes in makeup we’ve seen for like a million seasons. It’s not appealing at all to me–not the packaging or the pastel colors that usually accompany them. However, I’m a slut for anything indigenous rock/gemstones/earth/etc. So this intrigued me immediately.
I’ve never actually tried any shadows from Becca, but from what I’ve gathered it’s more of a mature brand. What I mean by that is that they aren’t too concerned with creating crazy pigmented colors like Urban Decay or Too Faced. It’s a little more sophisticated, and while there are colors and pigment, it’s more suited for every day.
The colors in the palette aren’t revolutionary or anything. We’ve definitely seen similar palettes, but I’m partial to this color story. Warm tones look best on my skin. And I’m loving coppers and browns for fall this year. The ‘Volcano Goddess’ palette contains 12 shades in various finishes including matte, shimmer, and metallic.
I haven’t decided if I’m actually going to purchase any of these I mention today. But if I do, this is on the list.
Colors I’m most excited about: Agate’s Ash, Midnight Sapphire, and Red Rock
Anastasia Beverly Hills ‘Sultry’ Palette | $42
When I saw this on ABH’s Instagram, I was really excited. But not because I wanted it–because I loved the color palette. I have all of these shades with the exception of that bright red/coral and maybe the shade Cyborg. But the configuration made me see combinations and looks I didn’t see before, because some of the shades are singles or in different palettes.
Like I said, I have most of the shades. It’s not really innovative. The packaging is consistent with their other palettes–14 shades ranging from matte to foiled metallic finishes.
Because it’s not different enough, I’m not going to purchase this. And if you have Soft Glam or even Modern. Ren. or Norivina from ABH, I’d pass. I’m going to try to find a dupe shade for the Cyborg color, because it’s the one I don’t think I have in my collection and like. But I’m not going to spend $42 on a palette for one shade.
Waitlist link here.
Natasha Denona ‘Safari’ Palette | $129
Another brand I’ve never tried is Natasha Denona, but I’ve heard amazing things. While I’ve always thought her palettes were beautiful, I’ve never felt the need to spend the money because I’ve not been intensely excited. The quality may have been there, but I’ve always had similar shades or had access to a more affordable alternative. But the ‘Safari’ palette is the first one that’s really sparked my interest enough to consider dishing out the cash.
The ‘Safari’ palette contains 15 matte shadows, which I hear is one of the best matte formulas out there. My favorite colors in makeup, in clothing, in life are earth tones. It could be browns or colors like blue and red, but I love the earthy tone that mutes them. And the safari theme warrants a plethora of those earthy tones I love.
One thing that really draws me in about this palette is the color arrangement and selection (duh) but more from a place of thought and intention. The top row is all cool tones of muted grays and blues. Warm neutrals fill the middle row. And the bottom row contains rich red tones. I read Natasha Denona designs her palettes so any 3 shades in any row/column will create an entire look. Monochromatic looks can be created working horizontally while polychromatic look are achieved by working vertically. And when you look at the palette that way, I see a ton of different and wearable looks coming from this palette.
Huda Beauty ‘Precious Stones’ Eye Shadow Palettes | $27
Huda Beauty has expanded their Obsessions palette line with 5 new gemstone inspired palettes dubbed the Precious Stones palettes. In keeping with the Obsession trend, each palette has 9 shadows in a mix of finishes. You probably already know I’m into the precious stones concept–because slap an amethyst on it, and I’m in. I love the variation of one color per palette, and I think that’s something the beauty community has been wanting. Neutral tones are beautiful and sometimes necessary, but color lovers need some color!
I like that the palette is small and can be used alone to create a full, dimensional look, or used with a companion palette. I also love the price–$27 for a 9 pan palette is a great price.
Pictured above is the Ruby Obsessions: Striking ruby shades can be used to create bold and sultry eye looks.
Sapphire Obsessions; I have a feeling blues are going to be a hot trend for fall and winter this year, because we’re seeing an increase in blue shades across the board. The Sapphire Obsessions palette has everything from dark navys to vibrant teals to a chartreuse green!
Amethyst Obsessions: The Amethyst palette ranges from soft pink shades to deep plum and rich violets. This is one I’m intrigued by but not sold on. I love the ideas of purple eye shadows, and purple is my favorite color. But I tend to not wear it, but these shades are beautiful.
Topaz Obsessions: This palette is inspired by the golden tones of the topaz stone or Firestone. It’s used as a symbol of the sun and sun gods, and Huda has created a fusion of golden rich browns and amber shades. This is right up my alley, and I know I’d get a ton of use out of this! Oranges have been my jam recently. And the pop of purple will help add a ton of definition and depth to a look.
Emerald Obsessions: Another color story that intrigues me is that of the Emerald Obsessions palette. I feel green is going to make a comeback, like blue. Ranging from mints to deep olive greens, you can definitely achieve a look that will make your friends green with envy (cheeky, eh?). I am intrigued by the bottom two rows; it’s the top that keeps from saying yes to this palette. But the shades themselves are gorgeous, and I think a ton of beautiful look would come from this.
The Sapphire and Ruby palettes are outs for me. I know I wouldn’t use them. However, the Emerald, Amethyst, and Topaz collections are speaking to me. And they’re saying “Buy me.”
KKW ‘Cherry Blossom’ Palette | $45
I really like Kim Kardashian West’s makeup line. It’s sophisticated and generally neutral in color, which is something I’m into. The ‘Cherry Blossom’ palette doesn’t disappoint in terms of beautiful colors. If I were to purchase this, I have no doubts I’d use it and love the looks I create. But this just isn’t a unique palette or anything I’m super excited about, like the ‘Safari’ palette from Natasha Denona, for instance.
The palette contains 10 shadows in shimmer and matte finishes. Warm neutral colors are accompanied by red and rosy tones to add depth.
I won’t be purchasing this–that was an decision for me. In my collection, I have so many similar shades that I don’t need to introduce another palette like this into the mix. It’s so similar to Modern Ren. from ABH to me, which I have an use frequently. If you love KKW, the brand or person, I don’t think you’d be disappointed. It’s beautiful; it’s just a no from me.
How do you feel about these new releases? Do they interest you or not at all?
Up Next: The Summer Favorites That Will Make An Appearance In Fall
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