March 21, 2019

Anastasia Beverly Hills Riviera Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.
4 stars out of 5

Anastasia Beverly Hills Riviera Eyeshadow Palette ($45) is a new, limited edition Spring/Summer 2019 14 shade palette that contains bright pops of color combined with a few warmer neutral shades. I’ve become quite boring in my old age which means this eyeshadow palette wasn’t terribly appealing to me but I love Anastasia’s eyeshadow formula so much that I decided to purchase it and see if I could get some fun looks out of it for Spring and Summer.

The palette is made in the USA however, it does contain three pressed pigment shades that are “not intended for use around the immediate eye area”. Stupidly, I noticed this AFTER I played with it. The shades are Bahamas, Cannes, and Palm. Palm came as a slight surprise because it’s just a boring old matte brown why would it be issue around the eye area? None the less these shades may contain ingredients not approved for use around the eye area by the FDA. That being said, if you’re willing to take the chance just keep in mind that there is staining involved with some of these shades. Both Bananas, Cannes, and even Seychelles (which is find for use around the eye area) all had a staining effect on my lids (I swatched on my arm and even on my arm they stained! You’ll see a photo below of what I mean). It was visible for about two days after I applied my eye look. It took about three to four washes before it started to fade. This applies of course, to the US only as the palette isn’t deemed unsafe in Canada.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Riviera Eyeshadow Palette Staining On Arm

Anastasia Beverly Hills Riviera Eyeshadow Palette holds a total of 0.28 oz of eyeshadow and comes with a double-ended blending and eyeshadow brush. The palette is a striped navy and white design that’s gives off a nautical vibe.

The palette contains 14 shades with most of the finishes being matte and the remaining being metallic shimmers and one satin. All the shades are intensely pigmented with the traditional powdery yet silky texture that ABS eyeshadows are known for. The metallics had a very, very creamy feel and glided on my lids very easily. They are loosely pressed but they are easy to pick up with a brush or dare I say even a finger. I experienced very little fall out during application which did surprise me. I had absolutely no problems applying these eyeshadows, blending them, or wearing them. They wear strongly on my drier lid without creasing or fading (no primer underneath). I’m always terribly impressed with the way ABS shadows apply, blend, and wear. They have a really good formula that’s a pleasure to work with.

I want tell you all about how I loved this palette and how amazing it is. But it wasn’t for me. This is a palette for all the color lovers out there. Everyone who loves a good, bold look. As I said above I’m a complete bore lately. I really like light, fresh looks or nude ones! I don’t feel comfortable in aqua or hot pink eyeshadow anymore.

That being said….! Color is fun no doubt and I like creating an aqua look now and again or I LOVE going bold with a really deep blue. But this palette sort of fell flat for me in someways because I had a hard time pairing up looks. For one look I used Bahamas, Cannes, and Seychelles but it felt complicated to combine those shades and blend them out correctly. That’s obviously my fault for lacking good eyeshadow application skills. I had also had hard time pairing a few other shades together and contrasting them. I lack imagination I guess. I tend to like shadow palettes to be straight forward. Where I can just glance at them and know that this goes with that or that goes with this. If I have to think too long about creating a look using shades I start feeling like things are becoming way to complicated. Of course, this is my own fault and in no way having to do with ABS. But I do wish the shades just jived together a little easier.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Riviera Eyeshadow Palette Swatches (Inheritance, Mediterranean, Estate Cabana, Coastline)

Anastasia Beverly Hills Riviera Eyeshadow Palette Swatches (Bahamas, Monte Carlo, Cannes, Palm)

Anastasia Beverly Hills Riviera Eyeshadow Palette Swatches (Sails, Yacht, Seychelles, Palermo, Seaside)

Anastasia Beverly Hills Riviera Eyeshadow Palette isn’t for beginners that’s for sure. Nor for anyone who isn’t into bolder looks. Those who have been awaiting a colorful, bold palette might feel like this is a great pick up! It just wasn’t for me sadly.

What do you think of the Anastasia Beverly Hills Riviera Eyeshadow Palette?

Did you purchase it?

Where to buy

Macy’s Ulta Sephora

Anastasia Beverly Hills Riviera Eyeshadow Palette is a new, limited edition palette that contains 14 eyeshadows. The palette is $45 and contains 0.73 total of eyeshadow (0.025 oz each). The palette is a colorful assortment of shades combined with a few warmer neutrals. It’s almost all matte but there are some gorgeous, creamy metallics thrown into the mix as well. Some of the shades may not be safe for use around the eye area and do stain lids (which will last two to three days and fade after a few washings). The formula of all the shades applied and blended perfectly with very little fall out. The metallics were a stand out with a very buttery texture. They applied very easily with a finger if you should desire. The colors are very bold and pigmented so, if you’re looking for more warmer looks for Spring/Summer this isn’t the palette for you!

Pros

  • Very pigmented.
  • Brilliant formula that’s soft, creamy, and easy to apply and blend!

Cons

  • Some shades stain lids and may not be safe for use around the eye area sadly.

Who

Anastasia Beverly Hills Riviera Eyeshadow Palette is ideal for anyone who loves bold, bright pops of color!

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

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

  • Maria

    I bought it from Abh website. Nothing was said about 3 shades not to use near the eye on website. This does not make sense since it is eyeshadow palette. They should use approved ingredients. I did not use it yet. I wanted to wait until nice spring day in Brooklyn

    The colors look nice on you. Maybe if you use oil based remover, the shades will come off. I was thinking of using the white Sails shade or Estate shade as a base before applying those 3 shades
    And also use my eye primer.

    • Isabella Muse

      I used lancome bi-phase to remove but still left some staining behind even after using an cleansing oil :-/

  • kimkats

    WTH???!!! Eyeshadows that aren’t eye safe, and shadows that STAIN to boot?!? HARD (or actually, EASY) pass for me!!

    What kind of lunacy is that – shadows you can’t wear close to the eye, and ones that will stain?? Have they gone off the rails entirely? Wow – I think that’s all just crazy….

    • Isabella Muse

      I know 🙁 But this was an issue with Urban Decay as well if you remember with the Electric Palette…! 🙁

  • Wendy Sue

    Wait, what? An eyeshadow palette not safe to use on eyes? Isn’t that as dangerous and gasoline for your car that “might” not be safe to use?

    WTF?

    I was considering this palette, but UM NO! WTH Anastasia?

    • Isabella Muse

      they may contain ingredients that are not safe for use around the eye area. It’s sort a hit or miss situation but people deserve to know about it.

  • Maria

    I find it funny. On ABh instragram, models are shown using all different shades including the 3 shades you mention that should not be used near eye area.

    • Isabella Muse

      they may contain reds that are not eye safe…! It’s more a general user beware. I’m not saying don’t use them but be careful if you do and do research prior 🙂

  • Carol G

    Muse, you’re not alone: this has zero appeal to me. Everyone was oooing and ahhhing over a new ABH palette and I was like, meh.
    I think it’s the same thing you are saying that it’s just too vibrant and I guess I’m passed that and/or I have enough vibrant colors already.
    Shocked about the staining though! I’d be pissed if it stained my eyes for a day or more. That’s ridiculous.

    • Isabella Muse

      I typically get excited when ABS has a new palette but I’m sort not a bold person anymore so, not sure this is really me. For me it lasted about two days after about four cleanses. It wasn’t a HUGE huge issue but it’s sort of scary when your lid is showing the signs of having just worn eyeshadow on it.

  • kjh

    As people say all the time,this is a US/FDA issue, and the EU, Canada, etc. all say these shades are fine for eyes. I believe the caveat is included to make ABH, or any other company, legally bulletproof, in case of allergic/other reactions. I’m allergic to everything, and whatever is in e/s and noted not to be eye safe, gives me no problem. That said, something in Buxom Mink Magnet seriously, screechingly pains my lids. I would guess the FDA draws a line, with the use of certain ingredients. Meaning, that if X % of the population gets reactions, then the ingredient, and hence, the shade is deemed not safe near eyes. What I wish would happen, is the ‘outing’ of the potential offenders, which you’ll have noticed, NO ONE does. And that’s pretty inane. I think Riviera is pretty, but saw it irl, and think there’s nothing ground breaking about it. Your looks are fine. Gotta research that issue further.

    • Isabella Muse

      exactly! It’s a give or take situation. FDA has the warnings for a reason due the sensitivities for certain people and yes, they have to be legally say listen, this isn’t quite safe for eye use in the USA.

      • kjh

        Hey, you move to Italy, i’ll move to Germany, and we can be eye safe. Speaking of Germany, I have never seen an unsafe shade warning on Zoeva. You would assume that imports have to have the warnings compliant w/FDA? Import cars have to comply….Don’t think i’ve seen any on Pupa, Kiko either. Or Asian. That 3CE palette keeps tempting me from the sidebar ads here. That IS a nice collection.

        • Isabella Muse

          LOL sounds like a plan! YOU would think but I guess not :-/ The 3CE is def tempting!

  • Michelle Luna

    Ummmm you look amazing in Seychelles!! I love it! Blues were made for us brown-eyed girls! Also digging your lip color in that look too! Would like to see you in that with a more matte finish (but like maybe not actually matte).
    I was only eyeing this palette for Seaside, but I probably have like 3 dupes for it already in my collection. I’ve never tried ABH and after all the complaints about the formulas and stuff of the other palettes I was just turned off from the brand in general. I’m not very up on the newest stuff these days anymore anyway…
    I’m with you on not liking colors to be complicated, though I love love love brights. With my super-hooded lids I don’t have the space for 3 colors in a look anyway, so I just keep it to one shade only, sometimes 2 if I’m being wicked fancy (lighter shade on the inner 3rd, style)
    I do have the UD Electric palette (I only use the colors for minimalist liner looks) and yeah, hello stains. Esp the blue. I haven’t gotten around to experimenting with perhaps an oil-style remover to see if that lifts the stains better…. but I find blue, in shades of turquoise to be more precise, to stain no matter what material it is: eyeshadow, liner, nail polish (yep!). Even with primer or base coat, my lids and nails are stained blue for awhile after removing turquoise-y shades, and the flatter/matte-er the finish, the stronger the stain. Weird huh? Must be something about that particular pigment that really gets in under the surface…

    • Isabella Muse

      oh my gosh thanks! A satin would be good! I really like ABH’s eyeshadow texture! Never really had a lot to bitch about when it comes to their palettes ;-D The staining was def a deal breaker! I don’t really have a lot of staining issues with blues from say mac, tarte, urban decay, but this palette def had staining issues :-/

  • Trina

    I’m sorry the palette didn’t float your boat. The looks you created are absolutely stunning. I think you look amazingly beautiful!!
    Everyone definitely deserves to know about the ingredients so they can make an informed decision but it’s a sticky subject. It’s really a matter of red tape and paperwork. Our FDA and their process for approving certain ingredients is about as old as the dinosaurs.
    A bunch of old makeup forever shadows, ud electric palette, a small handful of colourpop products, jefree star has a few, the list goes on and on. Almost every brand has something. Usually anything labeled as a “pressed pigment” falls into this category. On the abh website those three colors are labeled that way. Abh should not have assumed people would know what that means.
    Did you try using a thicker primer or concealer? Usually primers with a tint work best. Mac paint pots or wet n wild catsuit liquid creme eyeshadows. “May” not be safe for the eye area is a controversial sticky situation and everyone’s opinion is different. I think people have to do what’s best for them. Some might be sensitive and their skin stains and others don’t have a problem. The ingredients are not poisonous! Everyone’s body is different and no two people will have the same experience. I used a legitimate regular eyeshadow and my eyes became irritated that doesn’t make the product bad.
    Change of subject: I think you should reconsider wearing color because you really do look fabulous!

    • Isabella Muse

      Hi Trina! I’ve turned into an old, boring person that sticks to warm neutrals 🙂 but thank you very much. It’s true. It is a very sticky subject but I feel like I need to inform readers of these issues and not review a palette without explaining these things. Just putting a review up and not issuing some warning is a liability for me as a blogger just like it is for a bigger company like ABH. Even if the ingredients are considered safe in other countries they are still considered not approved by the USA government/FDA, which is where I live and blog from, and in that case most people def deserve to know about these issues before they do or don’t apply to their eyes. It’s also a matter of being responsible and informing readers of every aspect of a palette or even a skincare item. I’m in no way an expert but I try my best to keep my reader’s informed as much as I can! I did indeed. I typically use MAC paint pot in Soft Ochre since Benefit Lemonaid got discontinued but the staining does still occur. And thank you again you are too sweet 😀

      • kjh

        You are totally right about needing to CYA. Unfortunately. People will sue over anything. The way I see it, the makers of counterfeit palettes w/horseurine, etc. deserve lawsuits for the damage they caused. If i’m Allergic to an ingredient, I suck it up, give it away, and avoid it in the future. In no way is it the product’s fault.

        • Isabella Muse

          too true. But also, people come here because I am honest and upfront about things. I think the responsible thing to do is to inform them of issues such as this rather than just ignore it and go about reviewing the palette without explaining! I’m sort of damned if I do and damned if I don’t either way because if by some chance I failed to disclose the info about the staining and safety warnings I’m sure someone would call me out on it. And now that I have, I’m getting a few emails and questions about how “It’s only in the US that this applies” Yes but I’m in the US so, that means it applies to me and many of my readers too. I think it’s important for people to know about these issues. I THINK some people might get upset if I reviewed this, they purchased it, and after removing their eyeshadow they noticed they had a ton of residue that was left behind after. Or even god forbid had an allergic reaction. They’d blame me for not being better informed and telling them about that. I def want to remain honest, upfront, and explain things as best as I can to my knowledge.

          • Kish

            You always do a fabulous job of informing us of things, and I appreciate it.

  • Cindy

    Too bad the palette is a fail but the looks you created on your big gorgeous lids are FABULOUS! I couldn’t do that lol

  • Kimmwc03

    I love the looks you created. But, like you, this palette is a pass for me.

  • Sara

    I LOVE the top row but I’m really not feeling the bottom row. I just hoarded some drug store makeup with pretty teals and shimmers (Rimmel Wow palette and LA Girls Wanderlust Palette) so I’m content. I also picked up Just my Luck from Colourpop and I’m smitten!!!

  • Christina

    So fun, and the looks you did are great! I’m like the opposite of you and love the colours they used in this palette, though I have dupes of all of them. In general, brown and nude eyeshadows bore the heck out of me. I’d rather wear softer, colourful shadows than neutrals.

    • Isabella Muse

      Aw thanks <3! 🙂 They used to bore me too! I wouldn't touch them! But now I feel like I look best in them! I became boring lol!

  • Kelly

    Ughhh I’ve been crushing hard on this palette, and your looks with it are so pretty!! It makes me want it more. I’m too freaked out to get it though between the consistent reviews about staining, and the warnings about some of the colors being unsafe. What’s up with them doing that btw?! What a stupid move for an eye palette. I am tempted to get the new Viseart mini palettes instead. Still dreaming about this one though Do any of the other ABH palettes have warnings too?!

    • Isabella Muse

      Honestly, the eye safe issue is all about your personal response to these ingredients. I’m anal about my eyes, I do take these things serious but I’m also a little bit paranoid. It might not be a problem at all for many folks! That being said, the staining is an issue! It’s a pain to have hot pink residue on your lid for a few days later lol! I’m actually not sure! I don’t think so! After seeing the warning, I was going to gather up my other palettes, particularly modern ren, and see if they contained anything deemed unsafe! I just haven’t a sec to look yet!