Philosophy Windows to the Soul Eye Shadow Palette Review and Swatches

Philosophy starts off Fall this year with a color cosmetic launch. As you know from my past Musings, I’m a fond fan of discussing Philosophy’s break through into the cosmetic world. I think it’s official they are here to stay as Nordstrom and even Sephora now have special little displays with Philosophy cosmetic offerings, a few years ago you’d have seen displays featuring skincare and shower gel but not color cosmetics. Pretty great if you’re a fan of the brand right?

The latest release are the new Philosophy Windows to the Soul Eye Shadow Palettes which come in three shade selections. It’s Philosophy’s solution to easy, 1, 2, 3-sy eyeshadow application.

Wanna see ’em?

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Philosophy Windows to the Soul Eye Shadow Palette are a quad of four contrasting shades of shadow to create one great eye look!

The palette is a simple black affair that’s quite a small size. I like the smaller size as it makes it easy to store and travel with. Total size of each shadow is 5.4 g (all four shades, 0.19 oz) so putting size of the palette aside, you’re still getting a good deal of shadow to work with.

The quads are meant to be a user friendly makeup experience as they have four contrasting shades plus a transparent lay over that states how each shade should be used. They come in three color selections, two of which I tried were Plum Delicious and Smoke and Mirrors.

Obviously, Smoke and Mirrors, is the traditional smokey eye quad that includes a white shade (Mystery), pewter (Smoke), silver (Mirror), and black (Magic). I LIKE that Philosophy took time out to name each individual shade. It’s a pet peeve of mind to get a palette that has an overall name but does not name the individual shades as it’s a pain to have someone ask, “What’s that color you’re wearing…?” and having no answer for them. What are you supposed to say? “Oh this is the yellow shade from so and so’s palette…” Smoke and Mirror have a velvety soft finish where as Mystery (used as a highlighter or all over color wash) and Magic (used as a liner) are matte. As with most matte’s, Mystery blends a tad crummy but since it’s only a highlighter it isn’t too bad a deal. Both Smoke and Mirror have a super buttery soft feel and they apply beautifully.

Plum Delicious includes cream (Sweet Vanilla), mauve (Cloudberry), plummy purple (Plum Delicious), and off black (Blackberry). Plum Delicious pretty much brings the same formula to the table as Smokes and Mirrors only in a different color variation.

Each palette includes a dual sided mini brush with a fluffy end and a flat end brush for lining with. It’s not a completely useless brush and actually works quite well if you’re in a rush and applying on the go.

Although the shades sport a great formula they can be tricky to work with or at least for me it was the case. I noticed when it was time to contrast two shades that it was difficult to tell which was the darker and which the lighter as they blended together to create one shade.

Proper prepping and primer is ESSENTIAL as colors tend to migrate around alot, fade off, crease, and cause general havoc so be sure to whip our a good eyeshadow primer and possibly some sort of MAC Paint Pot as well.

The shadows aren’t incredibly bold or rich in color pigmentation and come across more subdued. Great for work in my opinion however if you like bolder more vibrant pops of color, these don’t come across as such.

Funny but true….Plum Delicious reminds me of the shadow Fabio wore on vintage Johanna Lindsey novels!

• Ladies in an office environment (you’ll find the shades very work friendly as they apply so subtly).
• Those who prefer more subtle, subdued shades.
• Anyone who wants a user friendly makeup palette!

• Oily lid chicklets (these may potentially slide and glide around! My eyes are dry and still had that problem).
• Anyone unwilling to dish out $30 on an eye quad!
• Anyone who desires POPPING shades of color!

If you work in a stricter environment or need work friendly colors, this quads may appeal particularly because they apply in a manner that isn’t loud or garish. Colors are all very friendly and easy to work with but proper care and attention is needed to blend out correctly and keep shadow in place. Overall, they are an interesting offering from Philosophy and could potentially end up on your wish list if you’re a fond fan of the brand. I didn’t love how faded and subdued the colors came across on my lids to be honest so unsure I really loved these however those who prefer a more minimal look, may like how subtly the shades are.

Available now from www.philosophy.com

What do you think?

Will you be checking them out?

Any Philosophy fans?

Any fav cosmetics from the brand?

Share it, curious what your fav makeup is from Philosophy!