Fully exposed: Smashbox Full Exposure palette

Smashbox title

If you are a VIB at Sephora like me, you probably got a $20 off $50 or more voucher in your inboxes two weeks back.  Being one to never let a Sephora coupon go to waste, I hop, jumped, and skipped straight to my favourite beauty store to spend that baby.

Since I really didn’t need anymore makeup, I thought I would pick up something that has gotten a lot of craze lately.  First on my list was the Lolita palette by Marc Jacobs, which was sold out, so then I went for the Lavish palette by Anastasia, which was also sold out (who knew Winnipeggers were so into makeup?), so I looked over and saw the Smashbox Full Exposure palette in all it’s beautiful glory.  I already have a million-and-one eyeshadows, but these shadows were just too pretty to pass up, so I quickly snatched it up (one can never have enough eyeshadow palettes, right?  Right??!).

closed

Indoor lighting

Indoor lighting

Natural lighting.

Natural lighting.

This palette is made up of 14 shadows, seven glitters (well six, plus one shimmery shade) and seven matte, which was the huge selling point for me.  I feel like most palettes nowadays are filled with shimmery colours but like one or two matte ones (cough, UD Naked palettes, cough).  All the shades in this bad boy are neutrals so they are universally flattering for any skin tone.  Major score. The set also comes with a five week supply of their Full Exposure mascara, a double-ended brush, and an eye chart in case you aren’t sure of how to apply makeup to suit your eye shape.

There is also an English side...

There is also an English side…

I did use this palette in my Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show look from last Monday and since then I have been reaching for this everyday.  This was my first foray into Smashbox shadows and I don’t think they are as great as other brands out there, but I still like this palette regardless.

I really think that the stand outs in this set are the matte shades, as the glitters – although they are gorgeous to look at – don’t apply as nicely as they look in the palette.  They go on quite thin and I feel like the best way to apply them is to pat them on, rather then sweep them on.  As beautiful as they are, if you are buying this set solely for the glitter factor, go with a different set.

Overall, I don’t regret buying this.  It retails for C$58, but I got the $20 off.  I think there are better sets out there in terms of quality, but this one really does have some fabulous neutrals that I think should be staples in everyone’s collection. This set will replace my Naked palette next time I travel, because I like the selection of shades a bit better.  Plus, it has a giant mirror on the top part.

Like I mentioned earlier, I have been reaching for this everyday and although it rocks at creating a gold neutral look, you can also do a pretty cool-toned look as well.  Also, the dark matte brown shade is perfect for filling in my brows.

Brown look open eyes

Note, I used Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in silver as a base on my lids

Note, I used Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in silver as a base on my lids

Have you tried Smashbox’s Full Exposure palette?  What were your thoughts?

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