You know what they say. If you like it, you better put a ring on it 😉
Its what Bobbi Brown hopes you’ll do with her Luxe Eye Palette launched for the bridal season to help you create your look for your big day. The Bobbi Brown Bride. But you know what? That rather puts me off, if I’m to be honest. Whilst its a great idea for a bride-to-be to consider, what about someone who isn’t a bride-to-be? Does it put some sort of pressure on women who just want to own this palette because they happen to like how it wears? Does even looking at it in store set off the clanging of wedding bells in the air? (If that happens, run – it might be the fire alarm 😛 )
Well, this were exactly the thoughts that ran through my mind when I read about the palette and also why I set it aside after I received it, not overly keen to look bridal. When I eventually picked it up and tried it, I was quite simply, blown away by how much I liked this NOT for a bridal palette, but for a very lovely, very wearable, very mistake proof eyeshadow palette. If you too feel the same way I do about marking this down for a bridal palette, don’t. You might miss out on a very lovely piece.
The Bobbi Brown Luxe Eye Palette comes in a very compact and shiny metal case. There is good heft to the case which does allow it to live up to the “luxe” claims.
Open the palette and you have 6 eye colours chosen to be very safe, very neutral colours. Nothing exciting, nothing that makes you go “OMG Look at that!” but at the same time, nothing brown. Nothing makes my stomach turn as much as opening up a ‘neutral’ palette to see 6 shades of brown staring at me in the face.
With the Bobbi Brown Luxe Palette you get the following 6 shades which (correct me if I’m wrong) are available as singles. Here’s a quick run down starting from the Left column, running top to bottom.
- Cream Eyeshadow – Described as a creamy beige this is a matte shade that practically disappears into my skin. This would be the ‘base’ shade that you use all over your lid to create a base for other colours to build on.
- Pink Opal Shimmer Wash Eyeshadow – A shimmery nude beige with a hint of pink. Not something I’d call pink to its face because I see it as just being a shimmer neutral beige.
- Oyster Grey Metallic Shadow – I love this shade. Despite the ‘metallic’ tag, its not metallic at all and has a lovely satin finish. It isn’t very grey either and looks to me like a shimmer cream. I like using this one over Espresso for a very simple, very fast eye brightening look.
- Pink Pearl Metallic Shadow – I don’t know where all these pink references are coming from, but this looks like a lilac to me. Again, unlike the ‘metallic’ tag, its not metallic at all, and like Oyster Grey, has a lovely satin finish. It too works beautifully on its own over Espresso or just on its own with Espresso to line.
- Pink Lilac Sparkle shadow – Again another pink reference I don’t get. This one is sparkly as the name implies and looks to my eye like a light lilac shade. Strictly highlighter use.
- Espresso – A matte dark chocolate brown that is almost black. Espresso appears in almost every Bobbi Brown eyeshadow palette as the crease/liner shade. I’ve had a few BB palettes in my time and Espresso features in every single one! Can’t deny that its useful though.
Here are the swatches to accompany the description. Swatched from Top to Bottom, Left column first then right column.
Left-Right: Cream, Pink Opal Shimmer Wash, Oyster Grey, Pink Pearl, Pink Lilac, Espresso
All the colours look light and shimmery which I can imagine will make many of you wrinkle your nose. Espresso felt and swatched a bit dry to me, and even when I use a brush it feels the same – a bit dry and patchy going on. So I have to be careful with how I apply it. Its very pigmented however, and makes a lovely liner or base.
I’ve been wearing this palette exclusively for a week and guess what? I’m not tired of it. It says a lot, because these aren’t colours or textures I usually wear. I am in fact, slowly crawling out of an eyeshadow rut where all I’ve been using is just 1 single colour swiped across my lid. No inspiration. So this palette is a good way to ease into things.
Here’s an idea of how I usually wear the Luxe Eye Palette.
I wear Espresso close to the top lashline and smudged upwards, then I take Oyster Grey and apply it all over the lid and blend with Espresso so it gives a hint of depth as you may notice. I then take a fluffy brush, dip it into Pink Pearl and Pink Lilac, brush it over my lid and up to my brow. Done.
I like the gentle shimmer it gives to the eye area and how it brightens the eye area without making it look too heavy with colour. I’ve also learnt that if I really wanted to, I can use Espresso to deepen the base for a stronger evening look. I took it with me for a quick work trip this weekend and it was lovely worn in the evening for a softly smokey look, amd transitioned into a glowy eye for the day.vIt really is quite a versatile palette and a very user friendly one, and importantly, very fast to work with.
Sure, you could wear it on your wedding day, I suppose. But me, I just like wearing it everyday because it just works 🙂
Eyes: Bobbi Brown Luxe Eye Palette | Cheeks: Bobbi Brown Apricot blush | Lips: Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Elise | Face Lunasol Skin Modelling Foundation + Nars Creamy Radiant Concealer in Vanilla
In a nutshell
The Bobbi Brown Luxe Eye Palette is a palette created to entice brides-to-be but I feel that it rather gives a wrong impression because the palette in fact, works very prettily for daily wear. The colours are soft and shimmery but not overly so and if you blend it out, the lids look like they are glowing which is lovely. The use of Espresso is quite important in this palette to tone the shine down and to bring depth to what are otherwise very flighty airy colours. Espresso helps give dimension to the lids and can even be used to create an evening look with this very same palette. I don’t know or think it’d work for the very dark skinned or very tanned so I do believe this palette will work best for light to medium skintones. A lovely palette. Put a ring on it 😉
Pros: Easy to use, light blendable colours, Gives a glow and fresh look to the eyes
Cons: Light shades will not suit deeper skintones, Light colours look too similar on skin
Who will like this: Anyone who isn’t keen on bright eye colours, Anyone who wants an easy to tote palette that can work easily and effortlessly for day or night
I used to have a number of Bobbi Brown eye palettes and they are really nice if a little boring and I do notice that they are making more shimmer ones these days instead of satin/matte shadows as they used to before. You don’t go to Bobbi Brown for bright, striking colours but when neutrals and daily wear shades call, Bobbi Brown is usually a good place to start.
Have you checked out the Luxe Eye Palette? Do you have a favourite Bobbi Brown eyeshadow or palette?
I have and love Rockstar, a metallic grey that is just beautiful and super bling! I still pull it out now and then when I’m feeling like a rockstar 😀 Its the first time I’ve checked out Bobbi Brown shadows in a while and I must say, I better revisit so hit me with your fave shades! What say you – put a ring on it or let it go? 😉
Paris B
Bobbi Brown Luxe Eye Palette Price: RM240 Availability: Bobbi Brown counters for a limited time
I’m not too sure about this one. The palette looks beautiful, but against my skin tone, they all look too similar. However, when I wore it for my bridal post, Espresso can be so versatile, to define the crease and also as a liner. Mixed feelings…
Yep, I think Espresso is the key colour in this palette. Without it, the rest of the colours are just ho-hum. With it, it brings out the depth of colours. But still, I only ever use Espresso + one other main colour or maybe even 2. The colours don’t show up, but I love the glow it gives. Unique in this regard perhaps 🙂
Wow! Your eyes look more cheerful! Naturally beautiful 😀
Are the brushes ok so far?
By the way, love your Diamond ring 😀
Thank you AnT 😀 I used the brushes over the weekend and they’re just ok. I prefer to use my regular brushes but the ones included will do in a pinch 🙂
As a pink lover, the shades of pink themselves are enough to entice me…. But meh…. I’m not an everyday make up girl, only during outings, events or occasions…. so i hardly have the chance to make up coz everyday is just going to class…. So i guess i’ll pass on it, for now…. Oh pink~~
Haha when I was a student, I and my friends went to class or anywhere really, without a lick of makeup, or at most, some tinted lipbalm. It looks like times have certainly changed! LOL
Haha…. I guess times are changing…. even pre school kids are slapping full face make up…. *runs to hide own face* My friends do put on make up to classes so i look very pale n plain standing next to them…. My practice on full make up is only when there are wedding dinners to attend…. Haha…. Otherwise, going out is just eye liner, mascara n lip gloss….
I have noticed many young girls, still at school already messing with makeup. I’m not all for it to be honest but I guess in this day and age, there’s just too much exposure. If I don’t have to be anywhere important, I hardly have any makeup on even right now! LOL!
I saw this yesterday at Isetan, Gardens. This looks good on you but like you said, it would not suit deeper skin tones.
On another note, I saw your instagram on the Shiseido sunscreen package that you bought. The picture brought a smile to my face as I got the same one on Saturday and was so happy I managed to purchase it since there were limited packs on offer 🙂
Woohoo!! *high5* 😀 I wanted to buy 2 packs because it was such a great deal, but my friend told me to only get 1 first. If I don’t spot any deals when I next run out, friend is going to get it from me! LOL!
you look so gorgeous and glowing!!!!
Thank you Summer 🙂
You look so glowy and pretty Paris! <3 You know, the more I see this palette, the more I think I like it. I'm loving light shades on me more and more as I get older, so I might have to give this one a peek!
Aww thank you Tracy! I really did not expect to like this palette at all but I will definitely suggest that you see it in person before you really decide. I think the use of Espresso is key to bringing out the look 🙂
I LOVE the look. I LOVE the palette but I hate the marketing (I’m a little cynical because all I seem to see is, YOU HAVE TO GET MARRIED AND YOU’D BE WORTHY AS A WOMAN, PFFFTTT..EFF OFF) but I’m protesting against it by not buying it. 😛 Also to save my pennies for more important stuff -wines, books, shoes, bags, scarves 😛
Thanks Geek and like you, the idea behind the palette did not intrigue me one bit. I’d much rather they kept to the name – Luxe Eye Palette which is is. Linking it to being bridal will I suppose help sell more palettes but then in our case, not so 🙂
Hello Paris~ U look really nice! Luxe Eye Palette seems nice but hey, not only for bride-to-bes, right? We can look beautiful with the eye palette too 🙂 My favourite Bobbi Brown eye palette is Ultra Nude Eye Palette. Safe colours, hehe 🙂 And guess what Paris? I have Rockstar too! I like Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow in Rose Gold too. My favourite Bobbi Brown eye shadow is Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Beach Honey.
Thank you Rin 🙂 Yes, this is definitely NOT for brides or brides to be or I think it’d be a failure! LOL Imagine not being able to wear it any other day 😀 I actually remember that Ultra Nude eye palette! I thought the colours were all a bit same-y but it is very versatile I think. Oh and high5 on Rockstar! I love that one – so pretty right?!
This palette is one of the very few BB palettes that I think I may like, sadly, the e/s formula is way to dry for my already dry skin. I got some products (e/s, blush and e/s stick) and returned them all. What I like about BB e/s is their muted colours and cool toned grey based shades, I just wish they would make those e/s more creamy, they feel unbelievable dry 🙁 I have to complikent your skin here, you look so fresh and glowy! It is the lunasol foundation or have you changed your skincare? love it!
Sorry to hear it didn’t work for you Claire 🙁 I can imagine it would have been really beautiful on you! Now that you mention it, you are absolutely right in BB’s grey based shades. It must be why I am generally able to wear most of their eye colours quite easily without it looking too warm on me as most shadows tend to, especially from the brown or bronze family! Thanks for the skin compliment 🙂 I was having a pretty good skin day but the Lunasol foundation + some Meteorites and excellent lighting helped a lot! 😀
Stunner of a palette and you pull it off so wonderfully, PB! 🙂 Makes me itch to get it.
Thanks Ksuan – I realise you have a penchant for neutrals so I think this might be something you’d like 😉 Worth looking, even if you don’t get it
Hey Paris, you look lovely, but this is probably not a good palette for me. The light shades are all too light, and the only dark shade too dark. Most shades I reach for are something in between! I wonder what I’ll wear on my big day. Chances are I’ll just do some kind of “everyday” face on my own though haha
Thank you Sunny! I will tend to agree with you – the shades are a bit light so I do think its more suited to those with a lighter skintone for best results. I’m sure when your Big Day arrives, you’ll know what to do… or maybe just get someone to do it and relax 😉
Okay first of all, your ring is BEAUTIFUL, Paris!! 😀 Secondly, the shadow looks gorgeous on you–love that subtle, tasteful shimmer! But I do wish there were a mid-tone shade (or 2) thrown in there.
Aww… thank you Becca! That’s what happens when you buy your own rings – you get to pick what you want and wear them anyhow you want to 😀 I think they did intend for the middle shades to be the in between shades, but they just turned out too light. One hue just in between would have made a much better palette, I agree!
Will give this a miss. It looks easily achieved with any other palette. I’ve stopped buying BB’s eye palettes. Their shades such as Espresso or Bone seem to be in almost every other other palette by the brand. However, i ike your eotd. It gives you a bright eyed look.
LOL!! I had a few palettes and you’re absolutely right. It was always Espresso and Bone in there, so there was only ever a few other new colours! They were really versatile colours but ultimately probably not the best ones to keep repeating. Puts collectors off!
I gave this a pass because the colors looked to pale and too same-y. But it looks GREAT on you!
Thank you Jamilla! You are absolutely right about the colours looking a bit same-y. I’m glad I got it to work and got compliments out of it, but I can imagine its not for everyone 😀
Hi Paris
You looked bright using this palette! Natural but glowy.
Thank you Lavender! The best part is that I get the same result everytime I use it which is really fun especially when I was travelling and wasn’t looking or feeling my best 🙂
Love the palette, the look you created, and it’s got shades of purple – HEL-LO! 😀 Not a big fan of the marketing gimmick for all the above-mentioned reasons, but on its own it IS a very pretty palette…hmm…
PS: Gorgeous “big mosquito” there too 😉
HAHAHA Yes, Purple, right up your alley! 😀 Thanks – always nice to pick out your own rocks 😀
Your eyes look so fresh and pretty and glowing! Your skin too, actually I like your whole look here for that matter. I don’t really look into Bobbi Brown, but this does seem like a very nice palette. Lovely and polished for everyday and a very delicate look. The general direction of the colours reminds me of some of the ligher Dior palettes.
I agree with you on the marketing, I don’t usually listen to it nor do I care for it, but occasionally something will come up that really puts me off. I’m not sure why brands have to market something geared towards a very specific occasion though (although Essie is known for their bridal collections every year, so that’s ok as it’s consistent).
I also don’t find this palette particlarly bridal, but that maybe culture. Here in Britain it might be, but generally in Asian countries, the trend tends to be stronger makeup. For example, red lipstick is expected, but here it would be considered inappropriate for the bride to wear red! (I know it’s a broad generalization of Asian wedding makeup, but being from one of those cultures and with friends from different Asian cultures, I think it’s broadly true).
By the way, is that the ring you debated about buying some time last year? It really is lovely and I’m glad you decided to get it.
Oh look, I haven’t posted in a while (but still reading!) and it seems I’ve got all rambly going everywhere, so I will exit now.
Hello stranger! Hehe! Thanks for dropping by, Leila! I think you’re I about the bridal element being a bit lost here in Asia. Ive seen far too many blue eye shadows making their appearance in photos and at wedding dinners here, and a bright lipstick too! Asians are strange. In many ways, we are afraid of putting on colour on a day to day basis but on their wedding day, everyone has an inch thick makeup on lol! And you have a sharp eye! Yes I did get myself a ring and I like it a lot 😀
I am sorry to say that Bobbi Brown hasnt been cutting it for me these recent years, well not since I spent about $200+ on their products about 2 years ago and finding that the liquid foundation doesnt have the coverage I need, the stick foundation slides off my face in about 3 hours time and the eye cream does nothing for me. The eyeshadows seem too shimmery for me too. The only thing I like are their lipstick, which I carelessly lost in the cinema, and their lip n cheek tint thingy which expired on me lol..
Hahaha don’t be sorry, Sharon! It looks like it is a brand that doesn’t click with you 🙂 I can’t wear the foundation and concealers because they’re too yellow for me. I hear so much about them, I wish they came in more neutral/ivory shades. Despite what Bobbi thinks, yellow doesn’t work on my skin 😛
your ring is so pretty! :))
Thanks Joyce 😀
Bobbi brown shadows dont work for me…esp the cream ones…sad coz i always like thier nude colours…but on me it just washes out in an hour or leaves glitter & or colour on my face except on my eyelids..but have to say thier brushes that comes with the pallete are of good quality. …
Well on the bright side, Kel, there are other formula out there that I’m sure will work 😀 Have you tried the Maybelline Color Tattoo? They are pretty decent stuff! I think it would be nice if they came up with some less adventurous colours though.