IT Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Palette
When I first found out about this all matte eyeshadow palette, I was ecstatic and had extremely high hopes for it … unfortunately, those fell flat after my first attempts at using it. Simply put, the quality leaves a LOT to be desired. If you’ve ever tried matte finish eyeshadows from ANY other eyeshadow brand (MAC, Jane Cosmetics, Laura Mercier, Physician’s Formula, Stila, etc.), then you know what I’m talking about. With those brands and many more like them, you get a smooth, buttery finish that glides on and is easy to blend. However, with the IT Cosmetics palette, I don’t feel like these eyeshadows are truly matte. They apply similarly to how MAC’s Veluxe Pearl or Satin finish eyeshadows apply and I don’t consider them truly matte. Additionally, some, not all, of the eyeshadows in this palette are powdery and require a good deal of layering to get the true color to show. I also feel like the eyeshadows fade after wearing them throughout the day and the colors can end up looking muddy.
However, here is what I find utterly fascinating about this palette and had it been executed better, it would have been fantastic – it comes with a large eyeshadow on the end called ‘Transforming Pearl’. The idea is you layer this sheer, shimmery shade over any of the other shades in the palette and it is supposed to transform them into a more shimmery version. Due to the existing finish of the eyeshadows, and how they aren’t fully matte, I don’t feel like it works as well as it should. If the eyeshadows were truly matte, I’m sure it would be awesome.
Needless to say, I was none too pleased with this palette and I recommend saving your money if you’re expecting these to be the quality of other matte eyeshadows you might have tried in the past. If you try it, and like the finishes of these eyeshadows, that’s great! 🙂 I simply want to make those aware who are expecting a matte palette, that it won’t be the matte finish you might be expecting.
Look #1 – click here for the video tutorial!
Eyeshadows Used:
- Sunset (on the lid, below the crease)
- Sunrise (crease)
- Love (applied wet onto the middle of the lid, and blended into Sunset on the edges)
- MAC Blanc Type (blend)
Vicky
I saw your video on this palette, so I knew you weren’t a big fan, which is why I appreciate all the more that you’ve posted a whole set of looks. I do like this particular palette, and don’t mind the slightly-less-than-matte texture of the colors. Perhaps they should have called it “Vol. 1 Satin Luxe” instead!
Zabrena
Haha! I agree! 😉 Glad you enjoyed the post, Vicky! 🙂
PJ
I remember when I first saw this palette and in my head I said “Satin” when I read matte. I am not a know-it-all makeup person at all, so for me to look at it and see the satin finish astounds me how they can advertise them as matte. When looking at your swatches there seems to be about 5-6 shades that are too similar, that is a waste to me and another reason I did not purchase it. I do agree that if they were truly matte that pearl shade would be fantastic. Great review!
Zabrena
I couldn’t agree more, PJ. I was very disappointed in how these colors just mold into one another. Look #7 in the post is a great example; it uses three different shades, but they ultimately came out looking like one, unfortunately. 🙁 Very disappointing.
Jenn
I’ve had this palette in my hands at Ulta sooo many times and changed my mind everytime. Must have been you speaking to me from afar…well, that was creepy. Lol. After seeing your looks and swatches, I’m glad I passed it up. Seems like your looks all pull an orange shade. Seems like you get some similar looks from Stilla’s in the Know.
Thanks for being amazing!
Zabrena
Haha! I’m in your mind! 😀 LOL!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this palette, Jenn!
Karen Maitland
Thank Goodness Z, finally someone who isn’t raving about this palette, I thought I was going insane not loving as the rest of the world seem to! Karen x
Zabrena
Haha! You are not insane at all, my dear! 😉
Generally when I see a product being raved about as much as this one has been, from a relatively new company, I get REAALLLLYY skeptical, and instincts are usually dead on!
Mariella
Generally speaking, I love IT Cosmetics products and on the Shopping Channel here in Canada, the values offered are pretty amazing. So I considered getting this palette several times and what held me back initially was just being “paletted out” – I have far too many palettes (and eyeshadows in general) that I just don’t use because I’ve got so much. Then I saw your initial comments about this palette being lacking in quality and I was glad I demurred. But the thing is, I have read some really glowing, “best thing EVER” reviews for this too so then I get all “verklempt”, as Linda Richman used to say! (g) But I think I will pass on this one and see about getting the Lorac Pro palette(s) – either both or one of the two if we get to NYC in the next 2 weeks.
Zabrena
Ouu, definitely! I’d say go for the LORAC Pro #2 instead, so very much worth it!
Katrin
I, too, got this palette a few months ago, prompted in large part by a few other bloggers’ raves. Well ok, and my general palette addiction! 🙂 But I agree that it was a bit of a disappointment. Nonetheless, thank you for posting some looks! I have really been struggling with how to get some use out of this one, and the combos I initially tried to think up myself just came out kind of muddy and “blah.”
Zabrena
Happy to help! 🙂
I too have that same palette addiction; I feel ya! 😉
Lise Hauser
Thanks so much for your review and the looks you posted with this palette, Zabrena. I love this palette for the paler shadows, and the finish is just right for me. My coloring is very similar to yours, so I always learn how to use the darker shadows from your posts. One thing I really don’t like about this palette is the cover. It’s a fabric rather than hard plastic, and difficult to keep clean. Bad decision on the company’s part there.
Zabrena
That’s great, Lise! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this palette 🙂
I agree about the cover being made out of fabric; doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, plus it being a light pink?!
KeysofFreedom Alliance
Hey Z
Since I am definitely NOT going to purchase this Palette, do you have any MAC Dupes for the colors in it?
Namaste, A
Zabrena
Haha! Don’t blame you! 😉
Which colors are you looking to dupe? This palette is one of those that will be harder to dupe with MAC as the colors are so off in this palette, in my opinion. 🙁
KeysofFreedom Alliance
Thank you so very much Z for getting back to me so quickly! You are always so on top of your game. I think of you often these days with brand new little Burmese Kitten who is into, onto and under everything you can think of !
So, here are the ones I am wanting dupes for:
1. Love
2. Soft Light
3. Sunrise
4. Sunset
5. Mocha
6. Java
7. Transforming Pearl
How’s that for specifics?
Hugs and Love, A
Amalia
I was 100% sure about your honest opinion . Although I would like to see a Mac dupe post , if you have the time . Big hugs from Greece!
ANNETTE NIERATKO
Most your looks use pale peach or orange and bright blues and many colors that don’t work for medium to dark medium skin tones. I’m Mexican and native american so those colors don’t work for me. Have you ever considered using a model or trying alternative looks on yourself that work for us.
Donna
I use this palette almost every day and I really enjoy it a lot. I’m going to try and use some of your suggestions though. Your site is invaluable!
leticia de los Santos
I decided to do the “Pan that palette challenge” and guess which one I use once or twice ? Yes this one ! I used some of this looks and I can’t get enough of this palette now so thank you Z for the inspiration I needed to use this palette now I can’t wait to use a different combination almost everyday !
xo -Lety
Kelly Bryant
I have this palette and I totally agree with everything that you have said about it, Zabrena. I use a base coat but they still don’t stay on very long. They aren’t really matte. So, I am going to look for one of the palettes that you have recommended.
Laura Ross
I feel like the odd man out because I really like this palette, and I have a ton to choose from as well as most of the shadows MAC and Makeup Geek offer. I don’t know if I use a different base or what (I typically use Too Faced shadow insurance or Urban Decay) or it’s my lids, but they work well for me.
Zabrena
Aw! I know how you’re feeling, but please don’t feel badly! 🙂 I think it’s great that it works well for you and you like it!
Anna
I almost bought this palette and then I thougt, no, let’s see if Zabrena has a review of it first. So glad I did that now!
I wonder if you could help me find MAC dupes for three of the shades, please?
Love, All Heart and Soulful.
Thank you so much!