October 24, 2011

Smashbox Photo Op Mega Palette

Smashbox has been hiding away its QVC Today’s Special Value behind an iron curtain. There was whispers of it, speculation, and some rumors but no one knew exactly what it was going to be.

Sadly, in my opinion, the much guarded secret wasn’t worth the wait.

Jump!

Smashbox Photo Op Mega Palette is an extra large Holiday Palette that was similar to last year’s release. The details for last year’s palette are a little fuzzy and I’m not sure how much bigger this new one is but I’m going to throw it out there and say they are probably along the same lines.

The collection includes:

  • 56 Smashbox Photo Op Eye Shadows
  • 4 Smashbox Brow Tech Powders
  • Smashbox Brow Tech Wax
  • 8 Smashbox Cream Eyeliners
  • 2 Smashbox Blushes
  • 3 Smashbox Soft Lights
  • 4 Smashbox Lipglosses

The palette is made in the USA so you can rest easy purchasing this one. I’m pretty sure you’ll get some quality with these but not what you expect from Smashbox’s regular catalog but that’s mere speculation on my part.

I think for the most part it’s a bit uneventful for me. I know of several other monster Holiday palettes I’d rather indulge in.

If you want it, it’s available now for a brief time at QVC.com for $84.96.

What do you think?

Indulging?

Bored?

Do 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‘.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  • BunnyMasseuse

    After their issues last year with shipping the plastic palettes they look like they’ve improved on the design.

    Sadly, I’m getting away from these offerings, even if they ARE diff. than last years because it’s got the Photo Op component of the e/s.

  • JennaP

    Why do so many companies skimp on the quality when it comes to palettes? It is because they are trying to make it a “better deal?” I’d rather just have the good quality and pay more!

  • AmyK

    Hi Muse! I’m a big fan of your website but I have never left a comment before. I have an old mega palette from Smashbox that I am not a big fan of, but I ordered this palette as soon as I saw it. The eyeshadows are actually the same exact same shadows that they sell in their new photo op trios. It includes ALL of their current trios plus some shadows from their recent smokebox and softbox palettes. It also contains 3 of their soft lights powders that are currently sold open stock. I think they may be the same quality as their open stock shadows. There are also 3 plastic sleeves that attach at the top with the names of all the shadows so you can buy your favorite trios separately when you run out. I’m super excited about it. I can review it for you once I receive it if you’d like.

    • AmyK

      I hope the plastic sleeves keeps the palette from getting too powdery. I guess I’ll find out!

    • the Muse

      Hi Amy happy to hear how excited you are about the new palette ;-D! I’m not very interested to be honest, it’s a bit overdone for me but glad you hauled it, do stop back when you get it would love to hear your thoughts!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <3!

  • Linda

    According to the presentation the shadows are suppose to be the same as their new formula that just came out. I love the new formula. It’s suppose to be all the colors they make in the trios. I was a sucker and ordered. Hope they are truthful about the formula.

  • Mindy S.

    I am like Linda I decided to order it. I mean I have until January 2012 to decide if I like it or not and if I don’t I can send it back for a full refund (excluding shipping fees of course). But I don’t mind giving it a try. I have several other Smashbox products and I really like those so I thought what the heck!

    I’ll be glad to let you know what I think of it once it arrives!!

  • Olivia

    muse, are there any monster holdiay palettes, as you call them, that are under 30 dollars?! I want to get one for my friend that isn’t coastal scents haha. she mainly wants eyeshadows!

    • the Muse

      mmm agreed cait my spring palette from smashbox has hardened liners already :-/

  • deb

    I was suckered in too and when I saw you didn’t like it Muse, my expectations dropped. I did do a little research on the new formulation of the shadows and it seems like it’s getting good reviews. Like Mindy said, I have plenty of time to return it, but I’m keeping fingers crossed I won’t have to!

      • deb

        Hey Muse, wanted to let you know what I think and I have to say I love this palette! The shadows are pigmented and I love that they are set up in trios. So far no problems with the liners or gloss, I am a little concerned they may dry out. The palette folds together tightly and I think it will travel well. Just what I was looking for!

  • LaurieS

    I wanted it but I passed. I have so many e/s already and would probably only use 2-3 of those regularly and then feel guilty for spending so much $.

  • Lucy

    I ordered it too. I’ve been drooling over the new eyeshadow trios at Sephora but not wanting to shell out $28 for each one. Some of those trios are so gorgeous! The new formula swatches well and with 4 easy payments of $22 I couldn’t refuse! I know the liners, brow tech stuff, and glosses will dry out and get gross. I wish they worked on better packaging for those but this is worth it to me for the eyeshadows alone. I hope, I hope that they’re good quality.

  • Sheryl

    Hey Muse! Love your blog, read you religiously, and almost never disagree with you. But I have to say I LOVE this palette! I find the quality of the shadows to be amazing! Not just that, but I love the blush, the soft lights, and nearly everything else in the palette as well! It has a really substantial weight to it, and does not feel or look cheap to me in any way. When closed, the heft of the palette added to the plastic sleeves seems to form an airtight cover for the cream liners, but I do worry about them drying out while I have the palette open doing makeup. But really the only thing I would change would be to leave the 4 lip glosses out. I don’t think they’re needed, but I also don’t hate them either.

    I am so thrilled I took a chance on this palette. I can easily see this becoming one of my favorites and my go to palette for travel. I have never bought a large palette from Smashbox before so I can’t speak to last years palette, but this one is great and I want to scream it from the rooftops!

    • the Muse

      hey sheryl! Aw thanks, really flattered 🙂 I’m glad to hear it’s awesome. I was a little skeptical as last year’s set was a bit on the meh side tbh! 🙂 I’m so happy you’re loving it!!!!!!!!!!!! now I feel bad I didn’t indulge 😀

  • Mindy S.

    I got mine. I wanted to try it out first before posting but I am happy to report that this palette is wonderful.

    The colors are beautiful and pigmented. Also the palette seems very sturdy.

  • Bishakha Sen

    I own this palette . I love it . Everything is very high quality. I am 32 years old , a wife and a mom . My make up has to be wearable and not scream ” WOW too much make up”. All the shades are super wearable . The sahdows are of very high quality and the exact same stuff they have out in the trios . It is an exceptional value . It suits my medium complexion . A lot of times I cannot wear a lot of make up that’s out there since its made specifically for Caucasians , it all looks pretty but is either too light or too dark or too bright for me . it is pricey but its very portable , very high quality and also you have a lot of nude shades and is definitely worth it . Those that are saying that it is cheap have obviously not tried it , nor do they own it . You wouldn’t say that if you really have it . Now you may or may not care for the the new photo op formula but then that’s a different story . Also some ppl may not like the colors in their trios or may not love smashbox in general and that’s understandable too, and you may not like this palette then.

  • JenJ

    They presented this last night on Tuesday Night Beauty. Free ship and easy pay. The offer is still up and I’m debatting. My inner makeup junkie wants it like right now!! When I started getting back into makeup Smashbox was the first brand I tried out. And I love everything I’ve used except maybe one or two things. My “sensible” inner makeup junkie is like hoe have a seat because you don’t need anything LOL!! Decisions, decisions….

  • CC

    Old news but this pallette is amazing! Great quality, great colors, great products over all! If you can still haul the dmaller version from Sephora it is really good!