Wet n Wild Photo Op Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches
The new Fergie Centerstage Collection includes four new Wet n Wild Photo Op Palettes for $4.99. This collection appears to be exclusive to Walgreens for Spring 2013.
Wet n Wild really amped it up with the collection as the packaging got a super revamp. However, sadly it appears they spent more on the packaging than the actual quality of the products as this eyeshadow quad turned out very disappointing.
With the price increase ($4.99 versus Wet n Wild’s typical $2.99-$3.99) Wet n Wild could potentially alienate a few fans of the brand. I didn’t purchase this myself, a friend did, but I wouldn’t mind paying more knowing that Wet n Wild does have some VERY nice eyeshadows.
The packaging revamp also puts these into a higher price bracket as Wet n Wild creates a studier, larger compact for the quad. The entire redesign is quite lovely so yeah, the price rise stinks but if you’re getting something more substantial for your dollar I don’t think you can complain.
Sadly….
You aren’t.
Coloricon Palettes are a raging success in the beauty budget world. With good reason…they are pigmented, have a great formula, and are cheap as day old chips. Gotta love it.
However, with these new Photo Op Eyeshadow Palettes Wet n Wild seems to have reformulated their eyeshadows and not for the better. The shadow palette I have here is entitled Desert Festival. The colors are a beautiful array of coppery burnt oranges and browns. I love shades like this. Wet n Wild did an excellent job pairing chocolate browns with perfect oranges. There isn’t any major guess gaming for application and ease of use and pairing of shades is had here. I’m thankful for not having the deal with a mismatch of shades.
The main issue?
The formula. They included three eyeshadows and one liner shade in the quad all of which have the potential to create a very pretty look. However, the shadows are dry, dry, dry….they have a semi-matte formula with some minimal glitter and shimmer in the mix. The sparkle factor blends away easily so you aren’t left with a disco-ball-like effect. Sadly, the dryness of the formula really makes the shadows apply patchy and uneven. They also lack pigment due to this dryness. A cream base or using a wet sponge applicator will aid in application but you shouldn’t have to go to extra steps just to get an eyeshadow to apply correctly in my opinion. I’m very surprised at the formula. Typically Wet n Wild has a silky formula that applies easily with intense pigment. These lack all those characteristics. Sheer, lacking pigment, very dry, difficult to apply…..it just adds up to a bad shadow experience for me.
Oh well.
You can’t win ’em all.
If you absolutely have to have them, wait for a sale. Otherwise you can safely save your $5 and buy something else.
No likey!
Tried ’em?
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