If you take a peek at my beauty collection, there's one makeup item that takes over - eyeshadow palettes. From the heady heights of Tom Ford to the blogger-enabled UD Naked palettes, I've always been suckered in by pretty compacts, especially when they contain golden tones. Being a neutral lover, I've amassed enough to sink a ship, so I thought I'd share a few of my favourites with you, featuring some that won't break the bank and a couple worth splashing out on.
If you're looking for an affordable option, then the Sleek i-Lust The Gold Standard Eyeshadow Palette* is an absolute beaut. Containing four, powder shadows and two creams, the one palette allows you to create a multitude of looks, appropriate for both day and night. For such a bargain brand, the textures are impressively smooth and blend-able and the pigmentation is surprisingly good (although applying a primer first boosts the intensity and longevity even further). The cream shadows do crease slightly when worn alone, but I love using them for an undone, imperfect-perfect kind of finish. Just look at that stunning line-up of shades, too!
Another high-street palette I've been loving recently, is the MaxFactor Smokey Eye Drama Kit in Sumptuous Gold. Whilst the two, lighter eyeshadows have quite a glittery finish, the two darker shades have more of a satin finish, so can be used to contour and add definition. Even the lightest touch of a brush picks up a heap of product, but the result is quite sheer and pretty when the powders are blended well with a fluffy brush. When packed on with flat, tightly-packed bristles, you can build up the colour quickly, though. What's great about this compact, is the tiny size of it, which is ideal for slotting into your makeup bag when on-the-go or travelling, to give you everything needed to create a warm, smokey eye.
If you prefer your golden shades to be a bit brighter and less warm-toned, then the Shiseido Luminous Satin Eye Colour Trio in BR209 is ideal. Texture-wise, these powder eyeshadows are so finely-milled, making them velvety soft and smooth. The colours simply melt into the skin when blended, so I love using this trio when I'm in a hurry and want a quick, flawless finish. Compared to the others I've mentioned, these shadows don't have such a strong shimmer to them, making them perfect for daytime looks or for people who prefer a less in-your-face finish.
If you want a palette that can give you an ultra-glam, sparkly result, then look no further than the YSL Pure Chromatics Wet & Dry Eyeshadow Palette in 20. Used dry, these shadows give a sheer, glittery look, but when mixed with a drop water, the drama is ramped up and an opaque, metallic gleam can be achieved, with the intensity guaranteed to last all day/night. I always pull this palette out when I'm heading for a night on the tiles and I always get compliments on my eye makeup, whenever I use it. Plus, the luxe, decadent packaging that YSL always create is pretty hard to resist!
The formula of the Estee Lauder Pure Colour Eyeshadow Trio in 05 Gilded Chocolates is what sets this palette apart from the rest. Although they're powder eyeshadows, you could be fooled into thinking they had a cream consistency, thanks to the gel-like, buttery-smooth texture and amazing longevity. Even with just one swipe of your brush, these shadows give such strong pigmentation that refuses to crease or fade for around ten hours. Again, this is another palette perfect for carrying in your makeup bag, as it's so small and includes a handy mirror in the lid.
Which of these palettes do you like the most?
AGB X
71 comments
These are all such gorgeous palettes!I love gold eyeshadows, they're really nice with dark hair and eyes.
ReplyDeletexx Dany
http://the-queens-empire.blogspot.com
They're my favourite colour range for that reason, I find them so flattering with my skin-tone and hair colour! x
DeleteBeautiful shades! I think any skin tone and eye colour benefit from golden, bronzy shades, they look so pretty on the eyes. x
ReplyDeleteMummy’s Beauty Corner
They really do :) x
DeleteSo many beautiful shades here. Can't believe how amazing the pigmentation is of the YSL shadows when used wet. My favourite is this last palette from Estee Lauder, it's just stunning x
ReplyDeleteBeauty with charm
I know, the difference a little water makes is crazy! x
DeleteThe YSL palette - wow, stunning.
ReplyDeleteLovely review girly and blog xx
Katie Loves ~ UK Fashion & Beauty Blog
Follow on Bloglovin’ ~ ‘Katie Loves’
Instagram ~ @katielovess
Thanks so much! x
DeleteI love the last one! ^^
ReplyDeletehttp://www.alovelystyle.com/
That seems to be very popular! :) x
DeleteI never feel like I suit golds all that much, despite them supposedly being perfect for blue eyes, I think the rest of my makeup is always so rosey toned that it doesn't match.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite however is definitely Charlotte Tilbury's champagne diamonds, have you tried it out?
Lizzy | by Lizzy x
What a shame, golds really make blue eyes pop! I always wear more bronze/peachy tones over pinks, so warm golds match very well. I do love a bright, gold eye with a fuchsia lip, though! No, I'll have to check that out - I love her Dolce Vita quad though, one of my favourites! x
DeleteI don't really use gold eyeshadows, so I only have a few gold eyeshadows. YSL one is my favourite, they look so pigmented and the colours are beautiful. x
ReplyDeletewww.elabellaworld.com
It's a gorgeous palette, isn't it? I think it's my favourite for the colours, too! x
DeleteI love a gold shadow and these are all stunning. I'm definitely going to check out the Sleek one and the YSL one! xx
ReplyDeletewww.lpagebeauty.com
Oooo, I hope you love them if you give them a try! x
DeleteThese are all so pretty, but I think the Sleek and YSL ones stood out to me the most. I love the idea of the uber sparkly YSL shades for evening. x
ReplyDeleteKate Louise Blogs
Just shows how both cheaper and premium brands can both produce amazing products, doesn't it? :) x
DeleteMax Factor one looks stunning!
ReplyDeleteBeataba.blogspot.com ❃
It's lovely, isn't it? x
DeleteI do wish Sleek is easily available here in Canada but the only way to buy (as I know) is through Amazon.ca and it's so darn expensive! That YSL eyeshadow quad though, wow...that's a real stunner.
ReplyDeleteShireen | Reflection of Sanity
What a shame - it's so frustrating when there's products/brands you want to try but they're hard to get hold of! I'm the same with everything from Tarte and Colorpop! x
DeleteBeautiful palettes
ReplyDeleteMade in Mauve ☆ Bloglovin
:) x
DeleteI love the look of the Estee Lauder trio - such gorgeous shades xx
ReplyDeleteGemma ♥ | Miss Makeup Magpie
They're so soft-toned and flattering! x
DeleteI love the look of them all - think the YSL one is my favourite!
ReplyDeletewww.ohsobecky.com
It's hard to pick just one favourite, isn't it?! x
DeleteThe Estee Lauder palette looks stunning - if you hadn't said, I also would've thought they were cream! I will definitely check out the Max Factor one for an affordable option :) xx
ReplyDeleteJasmine Talks Beauty
I hope you love it, too! x
DeleteI spy Estée Lauder with my little eyes. And I love it. Actually, I love all the brands - I have yet to make the bold move to wear gold eyeshadow, but I might. I just might. When they look like that I don't think anyone can really resist it.
ReplyDeleteElla Pinto xx
Go for it, gold eyes are one of my favourite looks! You don't have to use any really bright gold/coppery shades to begin with, ease yourself in with some subtler, toned-down shades first :) x
DeleteI just came across your blog and I'm loving it! These palettes are absolutely gorgeous! Hope you have a great sunday, Alice! xx
ReplyDeleteAle | www.alemint.net
Thanks so much, you too! x
DeleteYour photography <3 your make up collection! <3
ReplyDeleteCan't believe that palette is SLEEK! It looks high end!
Dannie x
You are too sweet! <3 I know, such amazing quality for the price! x
DeleteVery nice post, I looove these palettes, I really want to test ! <3
ReplyDeleteSuzanne xx
Check my blog sweetie : http://yourlovelyplace.blogspot.fr/
You have to, you'll love them! x
DeleteAll five of these are gorgeous! The YSL one is beautiful, so pigmented! I want to try the Sleek one as it seems like a good, affordable option xx
ReplyDeleteJasmine || http://www.blogsallbeautyy.blogspot.co.uk
It's hard to pick a favourite, isn't it?! The Sleek one is so gorgeous and the high quality is worth way more than it costs, in my opinion! x
DeleteThose palettes look gorgeous! Those shades are seriously right up my alley!
ReplyDeletewww.themakeupaficionado.com
Great taste! ;) x
DeleteEye-shadow palettes are one aspect of my make-up collection that I'm lacking on. I'd love to rummage through your collection :P I really like the look of the YSL palette X
ReplyDeleteTHEFASHION-JUNKIE
I'm always happy to act as a makeup-purchase enabler, whenever you need me! haha x
Deleteone more pretty than the other! The Sleek palette is so beautiful! I had never seen it before!
ReplyDeletePam xo/ Pam Scalfi♥
Gorgeous, right? It's limited-edition, so pick it up soon if you want it! x
DeleteAll of these palettes looks amazing! I have to get one in to my collections :3
ReplyDelete<3: Jasmin N | Little Things With Jassy
Let me know which one you pick up, if you do! x
DeleteI need that YSL palette, the colours are gorgeous and right up my ally x http://theworldofmegansmith.blogspot.co.uk/
ReplyDeleteIt's well worth the extra expense! x
DeleteStrangely enough, the MaxFactor one is the one I like the best judging by the swatches. Gold is something I do enjoy greatly wearing on my lids, so I have quite a collection of similar shades as well.
ReplyDeleteLinda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
Golden tones are definitely my favourite for the eyes and the amount of similar palettes I have definitely reflects that! I think I could put together a few more of these posts! x
DeleteLove the palettes! Thank you for sharing this with us darling. Visit me www.its-dominica.blogspot.co.uk whenever you can. Kisses, Dominica S. xXx
ReplyDeleteOf course I will :) x
Deletebeautiful shades!! craving for all of them! and the YSL pallete is so stunning!
ReplyDeletex, Ivana | www.ivananatashas.com
They're all amazing, aren't they? x
DeleteSo much gorgeous shimmers!! I love it
ReplyDeleteCandice | Beauty Candy Loves
Great stuff! x
Deleteoh my god all the colours are amazing! i love all the burgundy shades too
ReplyDeleteHannah at WRITTEN BY HANNAH
I love deeper, warmer tones paired with gold :) x
DeleteSleek is always such a great affordable option for makeup and the shades in the i-lust gold palette look so vibrant. I am however drawn to the shades in the YSL Pure Chromatics Wet & Dry Eyeshadow Palette. How gorgeous is that deep shimmery brown! I think that one has to be my favourite.
ReplyDeleteSamio
www.samio.co.uk
Yeah, Sleek's palettes are such great quality for the price! It is easy to fall in love with the YSL one, with those beautiful shades, though! x
DeleteFab post lovely, you’ve chosen some really gorgeous palettes. The Sleek I-Lust palette looks so stunning and the shade range is stunning, I’ve not tried Sleek in ages so will definitely have to go and check this out. Wow the EL Gilded Chocolate palette looks stunning and I agree the consistency does look really creamy!!
ReplyDeleteCharlee XO | CharmedCharlee
Thanks, lovely! I definitely need to try even more products from Sleek, too! x
DeleteWhat a nice selection of golden hues!
ReplyDeleteThe MaxFactor one is really cute and probably a great value, but I'm most impressed by the Estée Lauder trio. The shades look absolutely gorgeous!
Beaumiroir
Golden palettes are just perfection! I think that Sleek palette is very comparable to the high end ones you mention in this perfect post! Loved reading this, your photos are stunning too, brilliant job!
ReplyDeleteKiran | www.alittlekiran.co.uk
I totally agree! Thanks so much :) x
DeleteI love the look of the Sleek and Max Factor palettes. I wasn't aware of this Sleek palette but I will definitely check it out. Tom Ford eye shadows always look amazing. Such a luxurious brand... I love it! Thank for sharing, lovely! x
ReplyDeleteNinz/ www.ninzbeauty.com
Ooooo I love Tom For palettes, too. Cognac Sable is my favourite! x
DeleteThe Sleek palette looks beautiful! Think I might just have to get this... don't know what planet I've been on x
ReplyDeleteIt's limited-edition, so fingers crossed it's still available for you! x
DeleteThanks for taking the time to read this post and leave a comment! I try to reply to each and every one of them within 24 hours! x