Product Review | Smashbox Photo Matte Eyes Eyeshadow Palette

Product Review | Smashbox Photo Matte Eyes Eyeshadow Palette ($49, Ulta)

Product Details (From Utla's website): When Smashbox noticed that their makeup artists use matte eye shadows as brow powder and liner on shoots in their L.A. photo studio, they knew they had to create a do-it-all formula just for eyes. Each shade in this matte collection is a multitasker - from stay-put shadows that double as liner to brow powders that also work as shadows. And to make it even more versatile, each ultra-silky, richly pigmented shade can also be used wet for a more intense effect.  Formulated without parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, phthalates, oil and fragrance.

Why its' unique:  Think of it as the palette with potential for any look - from understated to amped up. Plus, we know that neutral base shades are the first to run out - so they've doubled up on their most popular go-to shades. It's truly everything you need for eyes in one must-have palette.

Includes:  12 all-matte wet/dry shades that can be used as liner, shadow or brow powder

2 double-size base shadow shades

Double-ended liner/shadow brush

#SHAPEMATTERS lookbook insert with how-to's for 6 eye shapes and 5 brow shapes

Review:

I am always on the hunt for matte eyeshadow palettes because they are the easiest to apply on the eye area, in my opinion.  Shimmer eyeshadows, almost all of the times, have a ton of fall out and do not always adhere on the lids.  I am a sucker for any cool or warm toned brown or neutral eyeshadow palette, and this one is no exception since Ulta Beauty had it on sale a few weeks back at $29 (retail price is $49), so I snagged it.

This is my very first Smashbox Eyeshadow Palette.  The packaging is a really nice sturdy cardboard packaging, almost a plastic-like look and feel.  It comes with a large mirror as well.  This eyeshadow palette is also a brow powder palette.  I have not used this as a brow powder, but I can see why this is a multi-use palette.  A few of the shades will work on different brow colors.  The shades are really versatile neutral shadows, perfect for transition shades and for the crease.  They are easy to blend, have long-staying power (I use the UD Eyeshadow Primer with all of my eyeshadows), smooth and creamy.

They are pigmented (these are first swipe swatches) and true to color.  I love that you can use all of the shades either day or night, as they are very universal.  There is enough dark shades to define the outer "v" area on the eye and to smoke out the under eye.  

Would I repurchase? This is a great eyeshadow palette, but it is nothing like the Viseart ones.  For $29, which is what I bought this for at Ulta, this is a good buy.  However, I would not repurchase this and pay for its retail price of $49.  I recently purchased the new Colourpop Pressed Powder Matte Eyeshadow Singles (they were released in March of this year) for $3.33/piece (they are running a 3 for $10 promo, but the retail price is $5/piece) as I have heard they are very good and comparable to Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyeshadows and MAC.  So if those are better than this palette (and customizable too since you can pick the shades you want), or if you have tried those and think they are truly comparable to the brands mentioned above, you should skip this palette unless you are getting it on sale.