Huda Beauty Rose Gold Eyeshadow Palette Review

2016 was the year of eyeshadow palettes. I told myself I wasn't going to buy anymore after I purchased the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette and the Anastasia Beverly Hills Master Palette by Mario on a whim.

I had been eyeing the Huda Beauty Rose Gold Edition Eyeshadow Palette for a bit but repeatedly talked myself out of it (and it was pretty much sold out every time I checked so that helped).  The reviews were mixed and I tend to reach for the same few palettes usually so I managed to hold off for a while. I started getting bored of the same matte colors that I had and was really interested in how the glitter shadows were in the palette

Product details:
The palette contains a good mix of matte and glittery shadows.
Specifically, the palette has: ten matte shadows, two pearl finish shadows, and six 3D metal shadows.

List price: available on Sephora.com for $65.00.
Currently sold out on http://www.shophudabeauty.com/ but you can add yourself to the waitlist (free shipping on orders over $75)

Thoughts:
I was lucky enough that I was able to snag this palette from Sephora's website because I received the product in two days (shout out to Sephora Flash Shipping!).  I had heard horror stories from people that had ordered from the Huda Beauty website not receiving their packages for well over a month.


The packaging is typical of Huda Beauty products (still a sucker for it, though). The eyeshadow is laid out on a fairly cheap black plastic palette, which I was expecting since others had mentioned the poor quality.  It's similar to the Anastasia Beverly Hills Creme Contour Kit case but cheaper quality.

When I initially read reviews regarding the palette, I was concerned because some of the common complaints were about the lack of pigmentation of the shadows.  However, I didn't find this to be true - especially with the pearl finish and matte shadows. They were very easy to pick up and apply with a brush and equally easy to blend out.

The only issue I experienced (similar to other users) was that the glittery shadows are nearly impossible to apply with any sort of brush.  This problem is pretty easy to solve if you just use your fingers for these, but if you're not a fan of that technique, then this palette definitely isn't for you. I was skeptical about how these more stubborn shadows would show up on my eyes (I haven't used my fingers to apply eyeshadow in...a few years...) but the end result was great and very pigmented. The 3D metal shadows are not chunky so if you're expecting a very obvious glitter look (think "instagram makeup tutorial looks"), then you'll find yourself disappointed with the shadows in this palette.

When I swatched these shadows, the color payoff wasn't as great as on my actual lids, but I think that may be due to the fact that I primed my eyes prior to application.  Keep that in mind if you decide to purchase this palette.

Also, the swatches shown below are with two swipes of an eyeshadow brush.

(top to bottom): Dubai, Fling, 14K, Rose Gold, Trust Fund, Angelic

3D Metallic Glitter Shadows (swiped using fingers)

(Top to bottom): #Blessed, Bossy, Flamingo, Shy, Bae,Moondust

(Top to bottom): Black Truffle, Suede, Coco, Maneater, Henna, Sandalwood

Repurchase?
The Huda Beauty Palette is pricey and incredibly difficult to get, as it's been sold out almost every time I've checked since it's release.  If you have the ABH Modern Renaissance palette and tend to stay away from glittery eyeshadow (and/or hate applying makeup with your fingers), then I would skip this palette. You'll be missing out on very little.  However, one of the greatest draws of this palette is the ability to play with muted looks, as well as, more vibrant and colorful colors.  I have been traveling quite a bit these past few months and the versatility of this palette is great because I can pack just this and have a variety of different colors/textures at my disposal.