Smashbox IN BLOOM Eye Shadow Palette & Brush

Posted on March 5, 2011 By Fruity Lashes Uncategorized

Hello Saturday! Are you ready for more stunning dewy fresh makeup? Today I’m bringing you the Smashbox Eye Shadow Palette. This wraps up my IN BLOOM collection reviews for the Spring. Let’s get right to it.

Description: Ultra-pretty eye looks are just a few steps away with this spring-fresh palette of 10 soft shimmers and mattes. The luxe shadows are arranged in duos for surefire color coordination, or use the brush included in the palette to mix-and-match your own custom look.

Tips: Make the most out of this palette by using darker shades such as Iris Blue and Shimmery Copper as eye liner. Using Cream Eye Liner Brush #9, apply along the lower lash line for a look that’s defined, yet soft and diffused.

Size: 0.78 oz

Price: $48

(Source: smashbox.com)

Availability: Smashbox.com, Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, Beauty.com, and select Macy’s

I really appreciate that the brand is paraben free and cruelty free. No more being tested “bunnies”, yay!

Ever wondering what these little slits are for? Ventilation so my palette will stay fresh longer? Sure! But there’s probably one more clever design besides this. It makes this treasure stand up with pride.

Just like so!

Unlike some of the black rubbery palettes that normally turn sticky over time, IN BLOOM has a glossy finish. Even finger prints can be wiped off clean.

The eye shadows are Made in USA, brush is Made in China. Good for 12 months after use.

The palette is super sleek and compact with only half an inch thick. Do note that the enclosure does not have a button to press open.

It comes with 10 full sized soft matte and shimmer shades that’s great for Spring.

Though the brush is made of synthetic material, the bristles are still very soft and not harsh to the lids.

This photo is taken in direct sun light to show the shadow texture.

One last palette photo in HD resolution =) Totally clickable.

Swatches show the top 5 shadows. From left to right: Pink Lily (matte), Lavender Grey (satin), Golden Rose (soft shimmer), Warm Taupe (soft shimmer), and Bone (matte).

Swatches show the bottom 5 shadows. From left to right: Soft Orchid (matte), Iris Blue (matte), Shimmery Copper (metallic soft shimmer), Moss (metallic soft shimmer), and Nude (matte).

Since the colors are coordinated vertically, I decide to swatch them together on a tissue paper. Ta-da! 5 sets of gorgeousness already!

My thoughts about smashbox IN BLOOM Eye Shadow Palette & Brush

What I like:

– First of all, the packaging is simple, professional and sleek. I also love the beautiful Spring blossoming florals inspired outside box.
– All the colors are soft, natural and extremely wearable, perfect for school and work. But the palette is not limited to daytime, you can definitely smolder it up for a soft smokey night look.
– They’re not the most pigmented shadows out there, but plenty space for blending and mixing. Soft mattes and shimmers are really flattering but not too shiny.
– The versatile palette is arranged vertically in duos for easy pairing. But what’s even better is that all 10 shades work seamless together, so the color combinations are unlimited.
– The shadows are finely milled with buttery texture that last all day without creasing or fading.
– $48 is a great deal for 10 great quality, wearable shadows plus a makeup brush.

What could be better:

– It’s a little hard to open the palette given it’s so thin and the closure does not have the button/spring mechanism.
– The synthetic makeup brush is soft but not the best quality. It’d be great if it was duo-ended so it can pick up more colors.
– Good for travel but not a on-the-go palette.

Rate it:

Packaging: 9/10
Pricing: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Pigmentation: 9/10
Product: 9.5/10

Overall: A

Final thoughts:

At the first sight of the ads campaign I was instant drawn by the sweet swirls of pink, red, violet petal soft shades. The whole collection is about natural, fresh, wearable and feminism. The star item of this blossoming floral collection would be the eyeshadow palette. It absolutely does not disappoint. The packaging is compact, the shadows are high quality, the wearability is beyond imagination. Though one thing I want to point out is that, by using the included brush to apply shadows, there’s a slight powder fall out. A sponge applicator or fingertip will easily fix the problem.

– Disclosure –

This review contains a sample product sent for consideration by PR. All reviews are expressed with complete honesty. Fruity Lashes don’t do paid or guaranteed reviews. Read my full disclosure here.

Related Posts:

Smashbox IN BLOOM Spring 2011 Collection Preview
Smashbox IN BLOOM Limitless Long Wear Lip Gloss with SPF 15 Endless Kiss
Smashbox IN BLOOM Soft Focus Powder Eye Liner HEATHER