In my initial review of this palette, I didn’t find it to be too favorable and actually had some doubts I’d ever use it personally in the future. That’s another reason why I enjoy putting these posts together for you. I realize the combos help many make use out of something they’ve either had for a while or something new you’d like to wear, but don’t really know where to begin. For me, it’s a way to find out whether or not I truly like the palette! Sometimes I’ll discover combos that change my mind about a palette or eyeshadow I wasn’t too fond of in the beginning stages. Personally, I despise African Violet in this palette but combo #3 changed my mind about it!
What I like about this palette is its versatility; you can create some beautiful “barely there” neutral, everyday looks, and equally stunning, bolder looks. Hands down, the purples in this palette are simply amazing and the pigmentation/lasting power of these eyeshadows is right on par with Laura Mercier’s quality. Within this palette you will find 6 shimmer shades and 6 matte shades, which is a pretty good mixture compared to other palettes I’ve seen:
Shimmer Finishes:
- African Violet
- Bamboo
- Guava
- Kir Royal
- Primrose
- Sparkling Dew
Matte Finishes:
- Espresso Bean
- Fresco
- Plum Smoke
- Truffle
- Vanilla Nuts
- Violet Ink
If you have never tried any of Laura Mercier’s products, and you’ve been considering a new eyeshadow palette, this is definitely one to consider.
(Bottom Row, L to R) Vanilla Nuts, Primrose, Fresco, Bamboo, Truffle, Espresso Bean
Look #1 – see the video tutorial here!
- Primrose (crease)
- Kir Royal (lid)
- Guava (middle of the lid as a highlight)
- Violet Ink (smudged along upper and lower lashline)
- MAC Blanc Type (blend harsh edges of Primrose)
Jennifer D. Christman
Bought this last Monday and have been anxiously awaiting this post!!! Thank you so much for all the combos. Hope you are feeling better!!!
Zabrena
YAY! Thank you, Jennifer! 😀 I am planning on adding more this week and next! 😉
Jennifer D. Christman
Yay!!! Can’t wait to see what you come up with!!! 🙂
Mariella
Z, I’m curious as to why you hated African Violet. I didn’t get this palette (opted for Vice2 intead), largely based on your lukewarm review but African Violet looked like one of the nicer shades. What’s so bad about it?
Zabrena
Well, it’s like Trax, a purple shade with gold glitter in it. To me, yellow and purple just don’t look right together. Maybe it’s just me. I’m still warming up to this palette; it’s not on my list of ones I’d take with me on a trip, like the first one is. And my palette is starting to fall apart, if you can believe it. I barely used it before this post and when I pulled it out today to work with it, the edges in the seam are starting to curl and fall apart on the inside. 🙁 I feel the quality is still subpar in packaging compared with the first one. However, some have said theirs closes easily unlike mine so maybe I got a real bad one. Ugh.
Karah
I think you received a bad palette Z. You may not like A.V. because of your coloring? I’m not sure. It looks beautiful on you though. I don’t really think it looks like Trax. On me, Trax is a little darker. African Violet is a unique e/s. It’s one of Laura Mercier’s most popular e/s. I think it’s one of those e/s that you have to find the right e/s to go with it. I’ve told you before, but I love look 6. I’ll be trying that one soon. I wonder how these e/s would look with UD’s Vice 2 palette. It might be interesting to combine the two palettes. 🙂 There maybe some e/s in the Vice 2 that would look good with A.V.
Karah
Oh! I forgot to ask you if have used African Violet in both of the palettes? There could be a difference between the older and new palettes concerning A.V. I thought of this because it seems like your new palette is not the best. 🙁 I know you talked before about having eyeshadows and not liking them at first, then you got a different one and liked it.
Tiziana Spiteri
Any dupes pls?
Zabrena
Hi Tiziana!
The dupe post may be found by clicking here. 🙂
Karah
Beautiful Zabrena! I love, love 3&5. 🙂 Thank you for doing looks for this palette. The purples in this palette are so pretty. I know we were talking about all of the light e/s in this palette. There being to many of them. I’m a little concerned with UD’s Naked 3 being similar. Some of the e/s are very similar to each other. Maybe I’m wrong. Hope so! UD needs to have a policy that through the holidays, no one can buy more than 5 Naked 3 palettes, because they’re people online selling them for $100-200. It’s ridiculous! I saw this morning 30 plus palettes for sale on eBay and the sellers had multiple palettes. I can’t believe people are buying them. UD will come out with more. Some where selling for over $200. I’m sorry, it’s not worth that much. Anyway, that’s my rant for the day. Praying for you Z. 🙂
Zabrena
Thanks, K! 🙂
I’m intrigued by Naked3 and looking forward to comparing it to the LORAC Unzipped palette.
I agree with you on there being a cap of the number people are allowed to buy. Selling them for $200 is ridiculous. That is infuriating to see. I need to get three, but I’m surely in no rush to do it. I’m waiting until all the fuss calms down on them; will probably get it more towards the end of December or if Ulta/Sephora offer a discount somewhere with it. This one will eventually be like Naked1 and Naked2, it is a permanent installment so I’m in no hurry! Thanks for your prayers, K; been thinking about you. I have to write ya, I know I keep saying that but I will tonight. 😉
Meredith Brower
I love this palette. I think this is the best palette I own. Thanks for the looks.
Megan
I bought this palette and there were duplicate shades! In the spot where Fresco should have been there was another Primrose! I was so disappointed because I think Fresco is such a staple shade in this palette and I find Primrose to be lacking a little, so one in the palette is enough! There was also very visible filler in Bamboo. I bought it online and of course it was sold out by the time I discovered these issues. Fortunately my local store had them in stock and I was able to exchange it. I love this palette, but I definitely think that there are quality issues.
Zabrena
I’m so sorry to hear that happened to you, Megan! It made me feel a little better though, to know that I wasn’t the only one who got a bad palette!
Nearly everyone I talk to hasn’t had the issues I have with it. I may take it with me on my next trip to Sephora and see if I can exchange it, too.
I can imagine how upset you must’ve been not to have Fresco in the first palette; that’s probably one of the best shades in the whole palette!
Megan
Thank you, Zebrena. Probably the strangest experience I’ve had with a palette, especially considering the price point and the reputation of the brand. I’d be very curious to know if anyone else had the experience of having a duplicate or missing shade, it’s just such an odd thing to happen.
Laura Ross
Hi Zebrena! I tried look #3 yesterday and it turned out so beautifully. I had a friend stop and ask what I was wearing because she liked it so much.
I’m new to the site and while I have a lot of shadows and palettes I’m not very creative in the early morning before work. It was so nice to just pick a look and follow along. I’m so glad I found your site! I’m finally getting some use out of my collection.
tellymama
Will do you be doing any more looks with this palette now that it is be rereleased? I would really love some more!! Thank you!
Christina
I agree that would be awesome!
Vicky (sandrift)
I was also wondering if some new looks might be on tap with the re-release. I tried to find this palette early last year, but it was already gone, so I was thrilled to see it come back.
I’ve been using it for about a week, and really like the colors of this palette – good highlights, mid-tones, and darks, along with a good mix of mattes and shimmers. The colors may not all be unique, but all the right qualities are included in a single place. I read another review that described the textures in this palette as “mature” – not as in “old”, but as in “sophisticated”, and I couldn’t agree more.
Vicky (sandrift)
P.S. The “initial review” link at top gives a 404 error and the video link comes up as “private” on You Tube.
Zabrena
Whoops! My apologies! I’ve fixed it! 🙂 Thank you for letting me know, Vicky!
Andrea
Adding another request for some more looks from this palette. Thanks for all you do for us!