You spot a new launch in the stores. Maybe it's a killer pair of shoes. Maybe it's a perfect LBD. Or maybe it's a limited edition eyeshadow palette. You think to yourself, is this really worth paying full price for? Maybe it'll go on sale. Maybe it'll sell out before it goes on sale! It's a risky game to play. Buyer's remorse goes both ways, both in splurging on something only to find it 50% off a few months later, or putting off a purchase for a few weeks to come back and find your coveted item is no longer available. In the end I've learned to go with my gut. If it's something truly unique that I absolutely can't stop thinking about, then sometimes it's worth just taking the plunge and making the purchase. But (as is the case with this eyeshadow palette from IT Cosmetics) if you aren't going to lose sleep over not having whatever you're coveting, you've just got to walk away and say, if it's meant to be, it'll be. Lucky for me in this particular instance, meant to be it was!
This palette was in my hands while shopping at Ulta around Christmas time. Did I want it? Of course. Did I need it? For $42 probably not. So I sadly put it back on the shelf and walked away. And then one of my fellow Birchbloggers clued me in to a sale IT Cosmetics was having last week, and I was able to snag this palette for $20 with free shipping (wahoo!!). While the sale is over, there are still limited quantities of this palette available on the IT Cosmetics website if you're interested in purchasing it. But first, let me show you a closer look.
The Naturally Pretty Celebration Palette is a special Limited Edition collection from IT Cosmetics that was released for the 2014 holiday season. It features 14 shades of matte eyeshadow, as well as a transforming ombre radiance ribbon that will instantly add shimmer to your look where desired. The talc-free shadow formula is also designed to be anti-aging, with good-for-you ingredients like hydrolyzed collagen, acai, green tea and Vitamins A, C, & E.
There are so many things to love about this palette. First off, how often do you see a shadow palette that is completely matte? I love a good shimmery shade now and again, but as I've gotten older I tend to find myself gravitating towards matte formulas. This palette provides you with a large selection of warm and cool toned neutrals as well as a few darker pops of color that can be used as eyeliner.
The shadows themselves are quite lovely in quality. They're very soft and buttery, and the pigmentation is decent. In general, matte shadows are a little bit more finicky to deal with, so these may require a little bit of blending to look seamless. I promise, though, the end result will be worth it. You can also wear these shadows wet if you'd like to increase their intensity (try this technique for using the shadows as liners). The transforming ombre radiance ribbon is also a cool addition for those of you who like a little sheen in their makeup. The gradient goes from a pearlized sheen to a sheer golden veil, giving you some variety to play with.
The downsides? The cardboard packaging is a little flimsy, which is always a bummer when the shadows themselves are really good. I do really love the holographic pattern though. The juxtaposition of crazy sparkly packaging on a matte palette amuses me. Then again, I am a nerd. The pans are also a little small, but then again no smaller than the ones in the Lorac Pro Palette, and you get more color variety than with an Urban Decay palette.
All in all, this palette is incredibly versatile and would look good on people of any age or skin tone. You get some great quality shadows, and even at the full $42 price, would be getting your money's worth. Unfortunately it is Limited Edition, which means it'll only be available for purchase a little while longer. However, IT Cosmetics does carry the original Naturally Pretty Palette in its permanent collection, which is another a matte-filled, neutral palette you may also love!
I haven't had a chance to photograph myself wearing these shadows yet. But if you're curious to see a tutorial, write a comment and let me know! At the very least I'll try to post some finished look pictures to instagram, so make sure you're following me @littleblushingbirdie. In the meantime, I hope you all have pain-free Mondays and a fabulous week ahead.
