September 4, 2012

Too Faced The Return of Sexy Palette Review & Swatches

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

The new Too Faced The Return of the Sexy Palette ($48) is an exciting launch for the brand as it introduced a new shadow formulation that should be very appealing to those who love Asian makeup.

As you know from a prior post I did, I really feel like this formulation is quite similiar to Japanese Eyeshadows. They are soft, almost creamy and build super easily.

I think this is a surprising little palette that’s worth checking out.

Have a look!

Unlike past Too Faced Box of Shadows this offers the option to create six looks instead of three. The large rectangle compact features 15 total eyeshadow arranged in three groupings to create an evening and a day look.

Small how to get the look cards are tucked into a tiny pocket by the mirror. You can mix and match any shade of shadow you choose to create your look but Too Faced’s get the look cards make it easy to create six different looks featuring the shadows.

This is a little more money than some of Too Faced’s older palettes but remember you are getting more. Where as $36 got you nine eyeshadows in the past, this includes 15 shades for $12 more. You also get a mini Too Faced Shadow Insurance as well as a full size Perfect Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in Perfect Black.

I think the new shadow formulation will be thrilling for some, confusing for others, and perhaps even disappointing for others. No worries, I doubt Too Faced will revamp their entire shadow formulation so if you like the old formula I’m sure it’ll be around for a long time. I posted some photos in this review that feature a few different Japanese eyeshadow compacts so you can understand the comparison I am trying to make!

If you love and enjoy Japanese Eyeshadows you should have no issues with this formula. Where as Too Faced normally favors a velvet, thicker eyeshadow formulation. These are a lighter formula with a sheerer color pay off that can be built using the correct tools. My suggestion? Sponge tip applicators build up color fantastically and also keep fall out to a minimum (these tend to produce a good deal of fall out). After color is in place you can blend using your other brushes. You’ll find bushier brushes pick up less color and produce sheerer color pay off so I do suggest sponges.

The formula is a dupe for what you’d experience from KATE, a Japanese brand. They are soft almost creamy with a refined sparkle. The formula glides on eyes easily without skipping or patchiness. They almost feel like a hybrid cream and powder formula.

I think if you’re used to Too Faced’s original formula you might be surprised by the pigmentation at first application. You also might be a little surprised at the texture and lack of drama. But don’t be too disappointed, these shades create some very pretty, wearable eye looks.

Another perk of the palette is Too Faced names each shade in the palette. My biggest pet peeve is a palette that has a name but who’s individual colors are NOT named. So this is a nice extra and perk of the Return of the Sexy Palette.

Overall, this one was a winner for me. Anyone who adores Japanese makeup will understand the joy. It takes a second to get used to this type of eyeshadow but once you do, I think you’ll love the palette as much as I do. Remember, building is key for the best pay off and that can be achieved best with simple, cheap sponge applicators.

I love this one.

I do recommend checking it out in store.

If you tried it, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Available now at Sephora and Sephora.com

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

  • OrangeLipstickBlog

    I think it’s crazy how pigmented these are in your swatches! Mine were dry, dry, dry and patchy with terrible pigmentation! I’m glad it worked for you!

    • the Muse

      aw that’s awful 🙁 these worked amazing for me, sponge tip applicator cures all dude ;-D

  • Abs

    I got my start in makeup with Kate eyeshadow, so at first that was all I knew. Then I got some BareMInerals Ready eyeshadows and the Urban Decay naked palette, and I was shocked how different they were from the Japanese ones. Now I’m so used to using BM and UD, that I feel disappointed whenever I go back to Kate or Majorica Majolica and try to use a brush to pick up pigment. Hmm…maybe I’ll try using the sponge applicators and experimenting some more. But for now, I’m sold on the non-Japanese formula.

    • the Muse

      sponges are MUCH better abs they may change the way you feel about Japanese eyeshadows 🙂

  • Lulle

    I swatched it in store and was very disappointed by the lack of pigmentation. I like my shadows rich and buttery, and these were sheer and too shimmery for my taste. So I passed!

  • AmandaM

    This palette is on my wishlist-thanks for the tip about using sponge-tip applicators, as I usually use brushes to apply my eyeshadow.

    Lovin’ that sexy purple smoky eye look you are rockin’…GORGEOUS!!

    • the Muse

      amanda sponge tips are def helpful with this ;-D thank YOU! you’re far too kind <3!

  • Jennie

    The layout in this palette reminds me of the Lancome Color Design palettes. I might try this one out. I have the Too Faced Naked Eye Collection and I’m not a big fan of it. I just think it’s too sheer and powdery. This formula seems like it’d be better.

    • the Muse

      i agree jennie failed to make that observation in my review but quite agreed! 😀 this is sheer but buildable ;-D

  • Cookie

    Muse, your eyes look uh-mazing in that purple shade!!

    I love me some purples — but I don’t know how much use I’d get out of the greens. Are those green or more gray? I don’t own any Too Faced makeup of any kind. Would you recommend this as a start?

    • the Muse

      aw thanks cookie you’re way kind! ;-D more grayish mauve kinda taupe. It’s a good start but doesn’t really define the brand’s original formula, just keep that in mind! 🙂

  • Misato-san

    I’ve got plenty of eyeshadows but I’m curious about this palette… ;_;
    it’s your fault, Muse! XDDDD

  • Sandi

    I want this so bad. 🙁 I made a deal with hubby last weekend that if he let me adopt another shelter dog, I wouldn’t buy any makeup except staples till the new year. Must figure out how this fits into the staple category. LOL

  • Melissa

    Thank you I’ve been reading a mixed back of reviews. i think I am going to play with it before committing at sephora. The purple looks lovely on you!

  • Kiss & Make-up

    That’s one sexy-looking palette (ha ha) but I put myself on an eyeshadow no-buy for now. I really really REALLY don’t need any more… So I’m going to have to ignore this palette! 🙂

  • JenJ

    I swear Muse I’m not fooling wit chu no mo LOL!!! Really tempted to get this now! *hides*

    • the Muse

      too faced isn’t Japanese I am merely comparing the formula of the shadows to Japanese eyeshadows I own and love. If you never tried Japanese eyeshadows before you probably won’t get the comparison of the two formulas/textures.

  • Christine

    Cute looks! 🙂 I think I understand what you are getting at about the formula, and the neutral set basically has exactly the same shades as dollywink’s shadow palette in 01. Except for the name, Japanese brands usually have cute or dreamy names rather than sexy names haha. I recently hauled a few palettes from Japan during my holiday there so I think I’m going to skip this^^;

  • Carrie

    Although it’s nice to know that sponge-tipped applicators help, I hate products where you have to jump through extra hoops just to get them to apply decently, especially when we’re talking about spending that kind of money!

    • the Muse

      it’s not really jumping through hoops for me as I typically uses sponges anyway and blend out with my mac brushes so I’m cool with a sponge applicator 🙂

  • Tiffany Martin

    WOW if this is similar to JP style eyeshadow it’s a great deal. LOOK AT THE SIZE DIFFERENCE lol. (: Thanks for sharing this it’s an exciting palette collection!

  • Olive

    These colors look pretty but I’m unsure if I’d like the sheer-to-build texture. I’ll have to check it out!

  • Meredith

    Okay, the shadows look great but what color is on your lips? Your lips look fantastic! Oh, and please forgive me if you mentioned it above. It’s been one of those weeks so it’s possible I missed it.

    • the Muse

      oh it’s an old shade of korres cherry oil lipgloss Meredith…! thank you!!! ;-D unfortunately discounted le sigh! 🙁

  • susan

    You’ve sold it! I’ve ordered on internet here in UK after reading your review. I haven’t tried any Too Faced yet or Japanese make-up so I’m intrigued. I do have a Chanel palette made for the Asian market only and have found the shadows more sheer and less pigmented than what I am used to but a nice texture, so may be it will be similar.

  • Quynh Le

    You are so right about the similarity to Japanese shadows!

    I first saw pictures of these when it first came out and wasn’t interested….until I went to Ulta and saw it up close and personal. That’s when I knew I definitely wanted to buy them because of how similar they looked to my Japanese shadows – that’s actually the first thought that jumped to my head xD

  • Lilloulou

    Thank you for your review. I got this during the Sephora 20% off and I havnt been able to get it to work for me. I was ready to take it back, but I’m going to wait and try it again with a sponge applicator. Thanks!

    • the Muse

      lilloulou def def try with a sponge tip applicator, it’ll pile on color well…you can also slightly dampen the sponge that will help too!

  • Anna C

    Thank you for the wonderful review! I had doubts when I read some other reviews, but you convinced me 🙂 I purchased this palette last week, and it is my FAVORITE palette. Every time I’ve worn it I have received compliments on how good the colors look: it is very sparkly, but very wearable, even from people who don’t usually comment! I used primer and sponge applicators like I always do, and I had absolutely no fallout with any of the colors, so I’m really not sure why people are complaining so much. Honestly unless I’m using loose pigment, I always use sponge tip applicators, they may not look as glamorous but they just apply color better. Thank you Muse for bringing this sparkly treasure of a palette into my life!

  • Elle

    I ended up with this in my VIB basket simply because of your review. I have way too many palette but couldn’t resist anything you recommended 🙂
    Thank you!!!

  • Lt

    Any chance of closer up face shots? I really can’t see what’s going on with how the shadows actually look on.