September 13, 2012

Smashbox Image Factory Photo Op Eyeshadow Palette Review, Swatches, Photos

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

Smashbox Image Factory Photo Op Eyeshadow Palette ($39) is a newly launched, limited edition six pan eyeshadow palette in two color variations introduced for Fall 2012.

Of course, I wanted the Muse Palette. Obvious reasons right? But this was also the nude, natural color selection so I also navigated towards it for this reason. The other shade selection is entitled Icon and this has a more smoky look with an added purple twist. Equally lovely but my eyes aren’t doing so well with smoky blacks and purples lately.

Let’s take a peek!

The palette is a plastic snap close creation with a full size mirror, six shadows at 0.02 oz each, and a double sided brush. The design of the palette is funky modern and has a very Smashbox feel due the the photography/magazine element they injected into the print on the casing.

Many of you have raved the new Photo Op Eyeshadow formula and indeed it does deserve to be raved. These are soft, buttery, and offer a smooth application. Even the matte shades have incredible application and you know how I struggle with such a finish. The palette is made up of three satiny shades with a bit of sparkle that have a velvety texture and feel and three mattes.

Although the palette lacks a get the look guide Smashbox is always terribly helpful about including a QR code on the back of the palette. Simply scan with your photo and poof instant video and step and step get the look help!

The palette includes the following shades:

  • Russet
  • Truffle
  • Bare
  • Sandstorm
  • Juniper
  • Sumatra

Ok, now here’s where I get a little honest with myself….

As much as I enjoyed the color variation here and the smaller size of the palette I couldn’t help but remind myself that for $39 I could make my dollar stretch oh so much more. For example at the moment Smashbox has a Master Class Palette that feature 28 shades of eyeshadow, plus blush, highlighter, and much more for $20 more. Or even the Urban Decay Naked Palette for $10 more which features a slew of natural shades.

Overall, the performance, formula, and quality is here. I’m not questioning it at all. The Smashbox Photo Op Palette contains some very nice natural shades that apply easily and flawlessly. But a break on the price would make it a bit more tempting….$39 feels a little too high for the amount of product you’re getting and the limits to the looks you can create using it. Let’s say $20 maybe $22 and I’d be more inclined to rave.

This is available now at Sephora.

Tried it?

Loved it?

Do share!

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

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

  • Valerie

    Your beautiful as always! I bought the Icon palette. I agree, the eyeshadow are beautful but I had a hard time with the price so back to the store it went!

    • the Muse

      aw thanks valerie…it’s such a nice palette but hard a hard time swallowing the $40 price tag so couldn’t rightfully recommend!

  • Suzanne

    Thanks for the review! I feel the same way. These palettes are good, but we there are so many options with greater value…

  • Lauren13

    I’ll argue that it’s not bad considering it’s about the same price as the UD Fun, Dangerous, and Feminine Palettes AND includes a brush. I believe, though, each shadow contains .02 versus the .03 for the UD. For those colors though, yeah, I’d rather have UD Naked for a few bucks more. 11 dollars gets you a brush, twice the colors, AND Naked offers you full sized shadows.

    BUT I have tried two Smashbox palettes – a trio from Sephora and last year’s holiday palette and I don’t love the formula. The pigmentation is only so so and it fades. I’d much rather get Urban Decay for quality reasons, never mind price.

  • JoElla

    I wonder if these are the same forumla as the new revamped photo op colors?

    If so, I would say give it a go.

    I can’t justify buying this, since I have that huge mondo Mega Photo Op palette with a bazillion colors, but boy this is a beautiful collection.