The Sisterhood of Sparkly Shadows will probably kick me out of the sorority for this, but eff it! — I’m saying it anyways: Bobbi Brown’s Smokey Eye Cool palette could really use one fewer glittery eyeshadows and one more matte brown.
There. I said it. 🙂
“This carefully edited mix of six eye shadows is the perfect palette for those who prefer their smokey eye look on the cool side. Featuring everything you need to take eyes from day to night including Bobbi’s beloved base shadow in Ivory and an array of sparkly and shimmery textures in cool grey hues. A Mini Dual Ended Shadow/Liner brush completes this mirrored compact-all it needs now is a bow.”
— bobbibrowncosmetics.com
I’m really not trying to hate on the sparkly stuff, ’cause you know I love me some glitter.
WOO-HOO! TEAM GLITTER! *fist bumps*
It’s just that I tried to make this work using only the six shadows in the set (it comes with three mattes, one shimmer and two glitters), but I couldn’t tie them all together without a medium brown shade to ease the transition from the lighter shades into the darker ones.
It’s like a piece of the puzzle is missing, ya know?
Now, if I were able to swap one of the Sparkle Eye Shadows, which are Bobbi’s take on pressed glitters, for an easy-to-use golden brown along the lines of MAC Cork, it would be so on…
No fallout, easy-to-blend shadows that don’t look like they’re packed on your lids and — best of all — shadows that seem to have a softening effect on fine lines? Um, yes? It’s almost like something from over at Dolce & Gabbana — something that would undoubtedly have a much higher price tag.
Coupled with a sturdy eye primer like NARS Pro Prime, the shadows even last from 7-9 hours with almost no fading.
On my warm skin tone, the neutral-ish cool colors tend to lean a little purple, which I like. I think it might have to do with the color temps being slightly warmer than straight-up cool.
As for the transition color I wish this palette had, you could always just add your favorite brown to the mix, which is what I ended up doing with MAC Cork (I swept it in the crease and along my lower lash lines), but if you do end up using a brown shade to tie everything together, I’d stick to neutral golden browns and steer clear of warm reddish or orangey ones, since the latter could look pretty jarring against the backdrop of the cooler grays in the palette.
PRICE: $48.50
AVAILABILITY: Available now online and at Bobbi Brown counters
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
It’s look gorgeous on you! I’ve always wanted to try their sparkle eye shadows (not that I need more of those!)
Hi Xuvious,
They’re really beautiful and glittery, but in a subtle way. It’s classy sparkle!
Hey Karen, I love how this palette looks on you! I agree with the analysis though. It would have been better to throw a transition shade in the mix. Still, I’m glad to hear the quality is good!
Hi Sunny,
Yes, the quality is great! Love Bobbi. 🙂
Karen! There you go again killing it with your smokey eye skills, I am so jealous!!
Thanks, Sylvia. It’s my favorite look to wear. 🙂
How’s your Tuesday going?
Wow! a gorgeous look <3 I'm liking this palette, and I also play with other colours even when I have a palette, specially matte highlighters which almost every palette lacks.
Hi Nati,
The beige matte highlighter is very sheer and forgiving. I think you’ll like it!
Aaaaand back on my wish list it goes. I was so trying to justify skipping this as well. Really gorgeous though. Damn you woman! >_<
LOL, Maddie. 🙂 What’s on your Bobbi wish list so far?
Happy Tuesday!
A LOT! (shamefully): the nude glow shimmer brick, as I only have one shimmer brick so far, this palette, the chrome nail polish AND the old hollywood palette. It adds up to a hefty sum on a student’s budget haha! Might watch this space in case you swatch that one too though as I have a lot of goldie-based palettes 😀
These look so nice!
Yup!
perfect bobbi brwn smoked palette
kisses karen and Tabbys
Kisses back, Thatiane!
I see what you mean about the matte brown. But it could be that the BB team thought most women likely already own a brown shadow, so they decided to add a fun sparkly shade. 🙂
Hi Chris,
Probably. But for complete newbies it would’ve been nice, you know?
This palette reminds me of a limited edition Dior clutch-like palettes from years ago. It’s very pretty 😀
This palette looks really pretty. The lack of fall out is pretty awesome. I would just throw my bronzer in the crease, since I would have it with me anyway if I decided to travel with this bad boy.
You wear cooler shades so well Karen! I generally stay away from gray shades but you’ve done such a great look here, I’m tempted!
Another awesome smokey eye…le sigh.:-) I saw this palette in person a few weeks ago and sort of shrugged, but you’re making me think I should take a closer look!
Hi Karen! You look gorgeous with this palette on. What foundation are you wearing???… your skin is glowing:-)
Could you do a smokey eye tutorial or just a step-by-step breakdown of how you did this? It’s stunning, and I have a few Bobbi Brown palettes (including this one) that it would work with. I’ve observed her palettes are often made up of the same kinds of shadows….a cream matte, a dark matte, a nude or two, and a couple of shimmers/glitters.