August 17, 2017

The Balm SmokeBalm Vol. 4 Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches

There’s something to be said about simplicity and that’s exactly what you get with this new The Balm SmokeBalm Vol. 4 Eyeshadow Palette ($14.50). Three shadows, easy application, instant gorgeousness!

Earlier this month I was talking about how I lacked the creativity and know how to use the shades in the Anastasia Beverly Hills Subculture Eyeshadow Palette. It just felt really overwhelming trying to combine the shades. I don’t know how anyone tackles creating a look with 5 or more eyeshadows. Props to anyone that can.

As for me, I’m all about simple which is why this trio from the Balm is pure perfection.

The Balm SmokeBalm Vol. 4 Eyeshadow Palette is a new permanent Fall 2017 Eyeshadow Trio that contains matte and shimmer or as foil shades. The three shades included are Striking (dark brown foil), Luminous (warm terracotta brown), and Smoking (luminous light champagne).

The palette is a little smaller than a box of Chiclets but still manages to squeeze in a tiny mirror and plenty of the Balm’s traditional pin-up girl artwork. Off topic, but did you know that’s why I fell in love with the brand many, many years ago? I’ve always had a girl crushes on Dita Von Teese, Bettie Page, Jayne Mansfield, and Virginia Bell! I just adore how after all these year’s the Balm hasn’t changed their fun, vintage packaging.

The Balm SmokeBalm Vol. 4 Eyeshadow Palette Swatches (Striking, Luminous, Smoking)

The shadows have a soft, finely milled texture with excellent pigmentation and easy blending. Striking is the stand out shade here which adds the “smoke” element where as Luminous is also a star in its own right as it’ll work fabulously all its own in a natural eye look. The back of the diagram has a small how-to-get the look guide that advises using Striking on the lid, Luminous in the crease, and Smoke as the highlighter shade on your brow born or inner corner of the eye. It’s pretty basic and standard application which gets you a super glam look in a few seconds. You don’t have to have a ton of blending skills to get the look either which is why I liked it so much. When you’re rushing around in the morning and want a quickie eye look these shades will get it for you in seconds.

As we head into Fall we’ll be bombarded when plenty of monster palettes but take my advise and stick to the basics, you’ll likely save time and energy using a quick trio like the The Balm SmokeBalm Vol. 4 Eyeshadow Palette and be happier with the results.

Loves this!

Available now at thebalm.com.

Muse Approved.

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

  • Dani

    The balm makes some of my favorite makeup staples! I can’t wait to get the 3 pan blush palette that is going to be released. I wear balm beach almost every day!

  • Susan

    VERY pretty! I kind of wonder if we as consumers are “palette”d out and I often miss the days when pretty much the most eyeshadows you could buy as a set was a trio or a quad.

    • Isabella Muse

      Likewise! Trios are just easy ya know? It’s simple, to the point! And not a lot of blending is required to get a really pretty look!

  • Lindsey

    Why is this a volume 4 of this series of palettes? I was never aware of a 3 volume. I have both volume 1 and 2 of the smokey balms…and I do enjoy them!

  • Lori Lynn

    Wow! Looks awesome on your eyes. It’s nice to know that “simple ” still exists and that it also can look fabulous. I’m not knocking being creative at all but sometimes it’s a breath of fresh air to get back to the basics. Thx for the review!

  • Agona

    Off-topic but still about smoky shadows…bareMinerals has a new Smokey Eye quad on their website!

  • Melissa

    I just want to say that You are now My #1 & Only that I follow, respect and just LOVE!! You are just so absolutely beautiful inside and out!! I dropped like 5 others for You! For some reason You are just My Favorite!! It’s like each new day that God gives Me, I wake up so excited to read My daily Devotionals & check my email for My Muse!!Keep up the awesome job You do! You are truly very appreciated!! Lots of Love from Linthicum Maryland!!

    • Isabella Muse

      oh my gosh Melissa you’re going to make me cry! Thank you so so so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You made my day today 🙂 Thank you!

      • Melissa

        Awh…but it’s so true & You deserve so much love!! You da best girlfriend!! Have a wonderful weekend love & a BIG WHOOP WHOOP For Our Muse!!

        • Isabella Muse

          I love you 🙂 <3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy weekend my dear 😀 and It's good to be loved by YOU!

  • Celine D

    Hey Muse,
    I love the look you did . Very Pretty on you !! Looks like a great little “simple ” palette. I just ordered it from there website and used promo code ipsy20 and only paid $ 11.60 w/ free shipping . Woo- Hoo !!!
    I really like The Balm products and there pin up girl artwork too ! Its so Unique! Packaging is adorable.
    BTW I also feel the same as Melissa does about you . You Rock! Have a great Weekend and keep up the great work !
    Celine

    • Isabella Muse

      thanks Celine! SWEET! great price 😀 I LOVE the packaging! It’s what made me fall in love with the brand 😀 AWWWW thank you!!!!!!!!!!! Hugs! You guys are the bestest Internet friends evers 😀 xoxoxoxoxoox!

  • genevieve

    The Balm is an underrated brand, in my opinion and they put out lots of really good products and this little gem is no exception. Perfect shades that complement each other and a couple of different finishes. Just beautiful on you Muse!
    And by the way, I think you are not alone when you ponder about the ABH Subculture palette either…..

  • Lorraine. E.R

    I gotta get on board here because I totally agree that it’s nice to see something simple and easy and also agree with the Muse Fan-girl-ing going on. You’re amazing and I really appreciate the work you put into this blog.