September 22, 2011

Bobbi Brown Marrakesh Chic Bobbi Brown Rich Color Eye Shadow Review, Swatches, Photos

Bobbi Brown Marrakesh Chic for Fall 2011 introduces us to the new Rich Color Eye Shadows. These have a unique creamy powder formula which you’re either going to love or hate. They prove an ickle tricky to work with but believe me the extra work is well worth it in the end.

I started out very frustrated with application but I soon warmed up to these and now I’m saddened that they are a limited edition run. So let’s hope Bobbi will relaunch them in new shades soon when these are gone!

Check out my review!


A creamy powder shadow with pigmented color payoff that promises a 12 hour wear time.


Bobbi Brown Rich Color Eye Shadow is a challenging formula. At first I didn’t like these as they are a bit too matte for my taste. Matte for me automatically means patchy application and difficulties blending. Rich Color Eye Shadow without a doubt is a matte finish however they have a certain creaminess to them which keeps things interesting formula wise however this formula doesn’t necessarily make application easier.

At first few tries I became a tad frustrated with these as I did get rather patchy results so they do need a little TLC to get them on correctly and blended out however the extra effort in application is well worth the finished results as the shades add mystery, drama, and sophistication to eyes.

Although many will beg to disagree I find the best application technique involves a finger. I apply on lid with a sponge tip application and proceed to use my finger to blend these completely out. The end result? A perfectly smoked out shadow look. My finger has more control over the shadow than a brush and I can easily smooth the shade out without ending up with patchiness. There is some minor patchiness during application if you’re using a brush so I do highly recommend a sponge applicator to load color on and your finger to blend out.

Colors have intense pigmentation with a smooth, thick texture. The shades aren’t as light and silky as many of Bobbi’s regular eyeshadow range, these have a thicker formula that feels partially cream, partially powder.

I tried five shades but there are eight to choose from. Colors I tried were Coffee Bean (rich, dark chocolate), Pink Silk (nude, natural pink), Royale (royal purple), Wine (warm cranberry), and Rich Kashmir (light warm, velvety brown). The shades were all very flattering on my brown eyes and I didn’t have issues with them making me look tired even though the shades were very intense color pay off wise.


I think the formula will prove a challenge to work with. You need a little patience to get these down correctly. The extra time it took me to get them into place correctly was well worth it because I thought the end result was rather stunning but do expect problems with blending, patchy application, etc…if you rush things!

Also, the formula doesn’t prove long wearing for me. I need a good primer under these for them to wear strong all day. I tried forgoing primer and I ended up with alot of creasing action.

  • Anyone who likes sultry, mystery shadow looks.
  • Those who want warm, rich shades of color for Fall.
  • Those who don’t mind spending a little extra time on their makeup.
  • Those who love Bobbi’s line of eyeshadows (these prove unique).
  • Those wanting pigmented, matte shades of shadow.

  • Those who tend to rush application (you will end up with a mess if you rush things along).
  • Those who have oily lids (be sure to prep well prior to use to avoid creasing).
  • Those who aren’t particularly keen on matte shades of shadow.


Bobbi Brown Rich Color Eye Shadow proved to me that I can do matte. They do take a little time, patience, and love to apply correctly but in the end I absolutely loved the looks they created and that in itself was well worth it. The colors pack a nice color pay off and have heavily saturated formulas that will please matte lovers who aren’t keen on how chalky the finish tends to be sometimes. I had a little issue with creasing but nothing a good solid primer didn’t help. Overall, you’re going to love these really hard or you’re not going to like them. It really depends on the finish you prefer in your eyeshadow and how much time you’re willing to spend on application.

Personally, I thought they were well worth the extra effort I put into them.

Please don’t write them off by simply swatch alone at your counter. Have an artist try one on you, I think you might be pleasantly surprised, I know I was.

These ones get a Muse Approval for purchase.

The downside?

They are limited edition!

Available now at your local Bobbi Brown counter or online at www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com

Did you try them?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Share!

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • HapaGirl84

    AAAAAHH the brown one looks amazing on you! What an intense, creamy shade. I love it!

  • logan

    I love the reddish shade on you with the light red lip. Looks great and a little vampy, very stylish 🙂

  • Swimsalot

    I love the brown one. Looks great on u. Bet it would be great on my brown eyes too
    Just a note. That red headband and lipstick make ur whole face glow. Wear that cool red alot. It suits u

  • Majick

    SHI!!!!!!! – these look really nice.

    The colors look really good on you too. Are you wearing the Rich Cashmere in the brown pic? Gorgeous…

  • Majick

    Wow, glad I asked. Coffee Bean isn’t as dark as I thought it would be. I mean it’s dark but it looks great – not “too” KWIM?
    I might have to try these but it will depend on when I get to a real brick & mortar.

    • the Muse

      it actually is majick but I sheered it out by blending it with my finger 🙂 I don’t suggest an online purchase with these, def a counter purchase, as you can get a feel for them also have them try them on you as they kinda swatch crummy but they wear beautifully on the lid imho!