I first saw the limited edition Smashbox Softbox palette in Sephora Ion Orchard. I swatched some of the colours under the eyes of a scary pushy SA and instantly fell in love with this shade called Truffle.
I’m in a crazy phase of falling in love with random taupe colours – Truffle is one of them (I wish Smashbox would come out with a single!) and the other is Chanel’s Fauve – but you’re not going to see it here (yet) because it costs over RM100 for a single and I’m still debating dropping that sort of cash on ONE shadow. I’m crazy… not stupid… yet.
Ok back to Smashbox 😛 For just about the price of 2 Chanel Ombre Essentialle single eyeshadows, you get a palette of 9 neutral eyeshadow shades and 2 cream shadows/liners and a double-ended brush… AND a lid primer. Will the excitement never end 😛
If you’re wondering what on earth a softbox is, its that contraption that professional photographers use to diffuse lighting. You know those umbrella-y boxy things they use to shine on you to get a soft diffused look? Yes, that one. And that’s the inspiration behind this palette too. The eyeshadows aren’t loud, smack in your face, vibrant colours. They are soft, diffused and when applied, layer to give a there… but not… colour … but not sort of look. I thought I’d be all blah about it.
But its the one palette thats gotten me compliments every single day I wear it. Its fascinating really. And the best part is that with your eyes kept all diffused and soft, you can go with the red lippie! 😀
Some quick swatches will tell you that the shimmer colours swatch very well. The colour is quite true to the colour in the pan, and the shimmer is not overly glittery. Its lovely and soft to the touch too. The matte shades however, don’t pick up very well with fingers. With a brush, its fine. But with fingers, not so fine. Texture is good though.
Smashbox Softbox Palette Swatches L-R: Nectar (Matte), Lucky Penny (Shimmer), Sienna (Shimmer), Vanilla (Matte), Sugar (Shimmer), Nude (Matte), Flirt (Shimmer), Stone (Matte), Truffle (Shimmer), Taupe Liner, Bronze liner
The colours and descriptions are self explanatory. Like almost all Smashbox palettes, you can use the colours across for contrast, or vertically for complementary colours. It tends to be a bit flyaway. So I do find I have to blow off the eyeshadow dust after using this palette, because it does get a little dusty, especially the matte shades.
I worked out two very simple looks with this palette.
Look #1 – Truffle, Stone, Flirt
Also Featuring: Diorsnow powder foundation, Bobbi Brown Pink Coral Shimmer Blush, Dior Addict Ultra Gloss #557 Empire Pink
Look #2 – Truffle, Vanilla, Sienna Sugar
Also Featuring: Diorsnow powder foundation, Smashbox Masquerade Illusion blush/highlighter, Bobbi Brown Pink Coral Shimmer Blush, Maybelline Pulse Perfection Mascara, Ellis Faas Glazed Lips L303
You can’t really see the colours on the lids. They aren’t meant to be seen that way – but for some reason, I get a very polished look with this palette. I especially love layering the colours – it isn’t heavy or chalky and it applies very nicely. Its a palette I wear when I pull on a tailored dress, pumps, pearls and my Chanel (I’m just kidding about one of it :P) It, for some reason, brings out the professional and lady in me – I have no idea why! But it does. And I like that I have a palette for those days when I just want to feel and look like a lady 🙂
In a nutshell
If you don’t already own a palette full of neutral shades, take a look at this one. The colours are soft and neutral. It could do with a really dark shade for lining and definition but in the main the colours play well together to give a subtle diffused shade to the eye that is very work friendly and flattering. You may like this if you like neutral colours or don’t have a neutral eyeshadow palette, or don’t have the colours in this palette. You may not like this if you like bright colours.
Pros: Lovely soft texture, Shimmer colours are not overly shimmery, Lovely wearable neutral colours, Inclusion of a brush and lid primer is useful for a well rounded palette kit
Cons: Palette is rather bulky, Cream colour/liner may dry out over time, Shadows are a little flyaway
The Smashbox Softbox eyeshadow palette is limited edition. I do realize its not the most exciting eyeshadow palette out there, but who knows eh, if it might appeal to you too 🙂 Now, Smashbox, please make Truffle a single shadow – its an amazingly versatile colour!
Paris B
Smashbox Softbox palette retails at RM209 at Smashbox counters at Parkson Pavilion KL, 1 Utama and Sephora Starhill and KLCC. It is limited edition.
Issa says
July 29, 2011 at 10:06 amoh, i love the second look! you look so sophisticated and that’s right, polished!…. this is a nice palette coz i love neutral colors too 🙂
ParisB says
July 29, 2011 at 10:45 amThank you Issa 🙂 I used to shun neutral eyeshadow colours but now… I’m sold! 😀
shusheshe says
July 29, 2011 at 10:17 amI need to stop looking at this before I actually go out and buy it.
ParisB says
July 29, 2011 at 10:45 amHaha I’ll take that as a compliment! 😉
ksuan says
July 29, 2011 at 10:21 amHave wanted this palette since I first laid eyes on it, and this review is very convincing indeed, Paris… I can feel my willpower crumbling 🙁
ParisB says
July 29, 2011 at 10:46 amYou know what? Me too! I saw it, read the less than stellar reviews, but still wanted it. Tip: Its cheaper here in Malaysia than in Singapore where it retails for S$109!
Nikki says
July 29, 2011 at 10:48 amPB! You sexy you!!! I love the one with red dress/Top?
I have a make-up artist friend who swore on the Smashbox shadows and told me they are the greatest in terms of pigmentation and long wear! I , surprisingly do not own any Smashbox Eyeshadows! Thanks for sharing the swatches and thoughts!
ParisB says
July 29, 2011 at 4:35 pmThanks sweets! 😀 I do think some Smashbox shadows are nice but they do cater for those who like safe colours. Do they have Smashbox in Phillippines?
Lily says
July 29, 2011 at 11:21 amOMG! I’ve been wanting this since I saw a youtube haul by xteeener and I love neutrals. Can’t have too many. I love the second photo. You were glowing 🙂 Nice!
ParisB says
July 29, 2011 at 4:36 pmThank you Lily 🙂 the Illusion powder is amazing! 😀 I do like this palette but I also realise its not for everyone 🙂
Cas says
July 29, 2011 at 11:39 amGorgeous neutral colors. A must have I reckon for any neutral loves 🙂 And I totally LOVE the second look you have on, sophisticated!
ParisB says
July 29, 2011 at 4:37 pm😀 thank you Cas 🙂 Those who love neutrals will definitely appreciate this one. And Truffle! I love that shade!
lyn says
July 29, 2011 at 12:01 pmOooh, very nice! I was deciding between this palette and In Bloom and ended up getting the latter, which I am really happy with too. By the way, I really like that BB blush on you 🙂
ParisB says
July 29, 2011 at 4:38 pmOoh that blush! I’d forgotten about it and now that I’ve rediscovered it, I’m wearing it almost every day! 😀
alene says
July 29, 2011 at 12:55 pmme heart neutrals!!! i’ve hated palettes ever since my Dior one let me down badly – chalky, unpigmented shimmers colors, sudden super pigmented matte colors, and dark colors which i had no use for. bleh. but this! this has caught me eye, and with my birthday cmg up nex week, HMMMMMMM!! my friends shall blame u for this!
oh, and i heart the second look!! but a bit frightening to see Paris looking like a dragon ladeh!
ParisB says
July 29, 2011 at 4:40 pmLol! How can I frighten? 😛 Do check it out though. Its very user friendly but I’m not sure if you’ll find it light. Still I hope you do get it for your birthday and if you do, I hope you love it!
Denise says
July 29, 2011 at 1:25 pmIt’s so nice! I love love love neutrals. I wonder if I can get this online without blowing out my cc >.<
ParisB says
July 29, 2011 at 4:40 pmPsst! Kissandmakeupny do it! 😉
gio says
July 29, 2011 at 2:29 pmI’m not really into neutral so this palette doesn’t really do anything for me but I like the looks you created with it. They’re pretty and elegant.
ParisB says
July 29, 2011 at 4:42 pmThanks Gio 🙂 I know you love your colours and you pull them off so well too!
nicole'smirror says
July 29, 2011 at 3:38 pmParis B, If I am not wrong smashbox do have single don’t they? Because I found few singles from smashbox in my stash tho ‘I have no idea where they came from :/
ParisB says
July 29, 2011 at 4:41 pmHey Nicole, yes Smashbox does singles. I’m just unsure if Truffle is sold as a single 🙂
Jamilla Camel says
July 29, 2011 at 4:01 pmPerfect for a wardrobe of work-friendly looks!
ParisB says
July 29, 2011 at 4:42 pmYou’re absolutely right about that! 🙂
S says
July 29, 2011 at 4:43 pmGack why did I purchase my Naked Palette in the first place! I’ve always been a fan of neutral eye shadows simply because I am afraid of using brighter, bolder colours! This palette definitely seems more versatile than the Naked Palette but it’s best I avoid Smashbox counters lest I drive my account into overdraft :s But I’m really liking your first look as it looks extremely natural with just a tinge of colour! =)
ParisB says
July 29, 2011 at 7:18 pmYou know what S? I’m feeling the same way you do about the Urban Decay Naked palette 🙁 I feel like I caved in to the hype and I’m not using it enough because the colours do tend to be a little too warm for me 🙁 As this one’s a limited edition item, you might be able to pick it up some time in the future when they discontinue it 😉 Can’t promise you it’ll be cheaper but at least you’d be able to pick it up anyway 😉 And thank you – its the most subtle look I’ve sported to date and I loved it!
S says
July 29, 2011 at 7:26 pmi totally agree with you! I caved in simply because it was apparently SOLD OUT everywhere else and I stumbled upon it by accident so I just had to grab it without thinking twice :s Sigh the perils of impulse shopping!
ParisB says
July 31, 2011 at 3:07 pmYou and me both! I guess I’m “lucky” that I got it in the UK and got some VAT back and perhaps a discount 😛 But still, an impulsive purchase 😛
milktea says
July 29, 2011 at 5:47 pmIt reminds me of Urban Decay’s palettes too. But it’s nice, you rock neutrals!! 😉
ParisB says
July 29, 2011 at 7:18 pmHehe… a more wearable sister version 😀 Thank you milktea!
pinkcloud says
July 29, 2011 at 7:39 pmI love the second look, it looks very simple yet polished 😀
ParisB says
July 31, 2011 at 3:07 pmThank you 😀
Shay says
July 29, 2011 at 9:41 pmThis is very nice. I wonder why this palette did not call out to me when I saw it in new York. I am all for the neutral polished look. Make up should enhance but not be seen. 🙂
You look really fab. Wear it more often.
ParisB says
July 31, 2011 at 3:08 pmThanks Shay 😀 I think I’ve finally gone past the “Look at me! I’m wearing makeup!” phase 😀
Shay says
July 31, 2011 at 4:32 pmThere’s a time and place for everything! 🙂
Isabel says
July 30, 2011 at 9:15 amI NEED this is my make up closet!
ParisB says
July 31, 2011 at 3:10 pmEeps! I hope you get it 😀
Applegal says
July 31, 2011 at 8:59 amI love both your looks! I wonder whether I can do the same thing with my Naked Palette!
ParisB says
July 31, 2011 at 3:29 pmI’m sure you could! 😀 Give it a go and thank you!
plue says
August 1, 2011 at 3:45 pmi love look no 2!
ParisB says
August 3, 2011 at 1:17 pmThanks Plue 😀
Rynn says
August 4, 2011 at 1:45 pmOMG, I love all the colours. Am tempted to get one too ^^ Thanks for your reviews & swatches.
p/s: I’ve been reading ur beauty blog for a few months but this is my 1st time posting ^^ I love ur reviews & thoughts!
ParisB says
August 4, 2011 at 4:18 pmThank you Rynn 😀 Appreciate you dropping by!