January 9, 2014

Clarins The Essentials Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches

This was provided to me by a brand for review and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post but all opinions are my own.

Clarins The Essentials Eyeshadow Palette1

My Clarins The Essentials Eye Palette ($45) review is a little late as it was released for Holiday 2013 but it’s such a timeless eyeshadow palette you likely won’t mind my lateness getting this review to you!

Take a look!

Clarins The Essentials Eyeshadow Palette

Clarins The Essentials Eyeshadow Palette contains ten natural, nude shades of shadow which are a generously sized 0.04 oz each. The palette comes in a hard cardboard shell with a wrap around elastic to keep in closed and small dual sided shadow brush for application. The actual shadow tray removes completely from the box which makes life easier when applying as you don’t have to deal with any excess packaging. It also means you can use all the shadow and maybe store trinkets or smaller brushes and makeup inside well after the shadow is used. Clarins also includes a simple clear sheet overlay with a diagram and a recommendation for color placement on lids to create your looks.

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Clarins The Essentials EyeSshadow Palette

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Clarins The Essentials Eyeshadow Palette22

This is really the first time I’ve seen Clarins do a palette this large. Typically they release quads of eyeshadow but never something this big. For the most part the finish across the board is satin but there is a matte in there as well as a few frosty shades. Overall all of them blend out very well with a soft, buttery texture and excellent pigmentation. The lightest matte shade was a little sheerer and crumbly but with a sponge eyeshadow applicator I was able to use it easily.

Clarins The Essentials Eye Palette

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Clarins The Essentials Eyeshadow Palette8

Clarins The Essentials Palette swatches

Clarins The Essentials Eyes Palette Swatches

Clarins The Essentials Eyeshadow Palette swatches

I think this palette could be in danger of falling to the side simply because its been done before with Urban Decay as well as a variety of other nude, natural palettes we’ve seen lately but personally I loved it. I like the idea of having ten shades of eyeshadows in one place that all flatter my eyes. At one time in my makeup life I hated brown and felt it terribly boring but as I get older I really appreciate having a multitude of beautiful browns, bronzes, beiges, and other natural shades to create looks with as they are classic, timeless shades that work well for me.

I also feel like Clarins brings plenty of pigment to the table with the Essentials Eye Palette but also doesn’t over do it. Mind you I LOVE the pigmentation of Urban Decay’s formula. It is outstanding…! But Clarins has more of a softer more delicate finish in comparison and when you’re up in the morning and your eye bags are flying high for all the world to see and your concealer just isn’t cutting it, well, softer shades are your very best friend.

Needless to say this gets a Muse Approval.

Clarins is a little too underrated sometimes and doesn’t get nearly the recongition other higher end brands do. The Essentials Eye Palette is proof of the quality the brand can create.

Clarins Essentials Eye Palette FOTD

Clarins the Essentials Eye Palette FOTD

This is gorgeous palette will make a welcome addition to any beauty junkies wardrobe.

You can grab it now at Nordstrom.com.

Own it?

Do share your thoughts on it!

musings_approved

This was provided to me by a brand for review and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post but all opinions 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

  • Littlecreek81

    So how similar is this to Naked 1 or 2. I have both but I LOVE my neutral eye looks. Is it a need, buy on a whim kinda thing?

  • Christina

    Ooo this looks lovely, Sista Muse. Correct me if I’m wrong but it appears to be that, although neutral, the colors lean cool and in some cases the shades look mauve? If that’s the case, I want I want I want!

  • Littlecreek81

    Well for the sake of science I guess I’ll just have to get it and compare it myself. 🙂 Darn right?

    • Isabella Muse

      LOL absolutely…! I suck at dupes that’s why I didn’t compare them…!

  • Christina

    Clarins owes you a big thank you on this review. I hadn’t even heard of this palette nor seen it in any stores — but now I own it (well’ it’s on its way to me). After reading your review and loving the swatches, I went ahead and ordered it. Do I need it? Heck no. But when has that ever been a requirement? 😉 I only hope it looks as cool toned as it does in your pictures.

    • Isabella Muse

      aw thanks girl 😀 hehe! It actually releases for the Holiday but I didn’t get the chance to review but it was still available and so timeless (it’s perfect for daily use) that I had to post up a review 😀 lol!!!!!!!!!!! I really hope you like it. A few shades are cooler but there are many warm too…!

  • Ashley

    Are these two different palettes? One looks darker and more blue tones and the other more natural like a naked palette.
    I love the colors you are wearing in the photo, very stunning together!

    • Isabella Muse

      nope both are the same palette could be my lighting sorry! 🙂 and thanks!

  • Kathy R.

    Thanks for reviewing this!!! I hope I can still find this palette!! It looks wonderful!!!

    • Isabella Muse

      my pleasure kathy 🙂 good luck! My counter still has it plus available online as well!

  • Renu

    Ooooh pretty! I will look out for this when I hit the Clarins counter next month (now on post-Christmas spending ban). I usually don’t like Clarins eyeshadows, but these look very pigmented.