Product Review |. L.A. Girl Cosmetics Pro Artistry Eyeshadow Palette

Product Review |. L.A. Girl Cosmetics Pro Artistry Eyeshadow Palette ($14.99, Target / $15.99, Ulta and $18.00 L.A. Girl website)

Product Details (from Target's website):  #YouAreThePRO. Pro.Eyeshadow 16 color palettes bring expertly coordinated shades with high intensity shimmers, and soft, pigmented mattes. This collection was created and designed for professional makeup artists, inspiring beauty creatives and the day-to-day makeup lovers. Artistry brings out your creative skill with bold, vibrant pops of color and complementing transitions. Mastery masters the basics, featuring silky-smooth rosy tones and wearable neutrals. Complete your makeup kit like the PROs.

Review:  The last L.A. Girl products I used were the Pro Coverage HD Longwear Illuminating Foundation and their Loose Powder - both I loved and enjoyed using.  I've always been wary of drugstore eyeshadow palettes with the exception of a few brands such as E.L.F. and Colourpop.  I have been venturing out of my comfort zone by doing eye looks that require vibrant shades (I still won't leave the house with them on, but it's good for me to practice different techniques).  I went to Target for the first time since February to pick up a couple of palettes from E.L.F. (review coming soon); but I stumbled upon this beautiful combination on neutral and colorful shades.  I could not resist and decided to take it home with me.  

I am actually impressed with the packaging.  While it did not come with a box, it came in a large sturdy plastic square compact.  It comes with a full size mirror and 16 beautiful matte, shimmer and satin finishes.  The pan size is pretty big; hence the larger size of this palette.  Although for storage purposes, I'd prefer a smaller palette, probably in a rectangular shape.  However, this size of this palette is not a deal-breaker.

I just finished re-creating an eye look that I found on L.A. Girl's Instagram page using this palette.  A short video and final photos will be posted on my Instagram (@thelovelist1) within the next few days.  I will update this blog post with a photo of the look I created after I publish it on Instagram (**Update:  Photo posted below).  I was surprised on how the shadows swatched on my arms.  I rarely go by swatches anymore; but the swatches (see photos below) and they way they apply on the eyes are the same.  They are are extremely pigmented, long-wearing (it took me a while to take them off) and they are beautiful on the eyes.  They are easy to blend on their own or on top of another shade.  The powders are soft pressed so there is some kick up; but most eyeshadows even my favorite ones from Natasha Denona and Pat McGrath have them.  The very top shade, Expressive, can be chunky but remember to tap your brush and it will apply nicely.  

Overall, I really love this palette.  I'm surprised by the pigment, the quality and the varying finishes of the shades.  I love that you can create a neutral eye look or a vibrant one using one palette.  The sturdy case makes this a travel friendly palette.  Some of the metallic shades are chunky and are prone to crumble but with a light hand; it shouldn't be too much of a problem.  For $14.99, this palette is a keeper and I definitely recommend it.  Also, if you are getting this in store, such as at Target, make sure to open the palette and check for broken shades.  I didn't check mine so one shade (it's the silver gray one on the photo) in my palette had a small chunk crushed but once pressed, it's fine.