1. Muted tones, not ashy shades
As a beauty junkie who's been stuck in a rut with the same old eye looks and hasn't bought eyeshadow in ages, this palette reignited my desire to shop for eye products. Some shadows turn ashy when applied, but the colors in this palette are beautifully muted and balanced, adding depth and a sense of calm to the eyes.
2. Versatile color and texture range
Unlike some muted palettes that lack contrast or a dark liner shade, this one includes a deep, intense color on the far left that's perfect for lining. The palette offers a diverse mix of colors and textures for various combinations. It features both brown and pink tones, with matte, shimmer, and glitter finishes. I usually avoid palettes due to limited use of shades, but I can see myself using every color and texture in this one.
3. Perfect pigmentation
I prefer moderate pigmentation (not too intense like Too Faced's buttery formula) and this palette hits the sweet spot. The color payoff is just right, ideal for creating subtle, muted looks.
As a bonus, the glitter shade (Bling Lace) is perfect for the inner corner of the eyes. Its semi-wet formula ensures excellent adhesion, making it incredibly useful.
1. Less portable
The signature horizontal design of Etude's eyeshadow palettes, while recognizable, can be inconvenient for fitting into makeup bags. A 5x2 layout might have been more practical for on-the-go use.
The included eyeshadow sponge applicator isn't great for applying or blending matte shadows. However, it's excellent for precise application of shimmers or glitters to specific areas like the aegyo sal (under-eye area). The sponge tip picks up pigments well and deposits them exactly where you want with minimal fallout.