ANOTHER nude eyeshadow palette from essence. This time it's the How To Make Nude Eyes Make-Up Box ($9.99).
The packaging is extremely reminiscent of Benefit's boxed sets but at a more affordable price point. I'm not a huge fan of boxed packaging because typically the boxes take up way more space than the actual size of the shadows. On the bright side, there's a mirror and an applicator with a sponge tip AND a brush. The box also comes with two step-by-step instruction cards for two different looks (which I won't reveal, you'll need to check the Essence How to Make Nude Eyes Palette out for yourself!).
The palette contains six shades:
- Eye Light Beige (white)
- Go For Gold (bronzed gold)
- An Eye on Apricot (light gold)
- All About Nude (purple-grey)
- Nude Night Out (cool dark brown)
- Team Nude (warm dark brown)
Each of the shadows have a slight sheen. The shimmers are very fine, so they reflect the light nicely off the eye for a natural hit of dimension. The downside is that none of the shades are truly matte...and for neutral/nude palettes I like to have at least one matte highlight for the brow bone and one matte medium brown for blending. This palette has neither. However, if you don't deem mattes necessary in your eyeshadow routine, then it's all good. Furthermore, the shadows are so-so quality but Essence has definitely put out softer, less chalky eyeshadows in the past (see the Essence All About Chocolates Palette).
Below is a simple look that I came up with using An Eye on Apricot all over the lid and into the inner corners, Team Nude on the mobile lid and Nude Night Out on the outer third of the eye. The shadows are sheer yet noticeable and add a slight glimmer to the eyes without looking overdone.
Overall, the Essence How to Make Nude Eyes Palette is a really great no eyeshadow eyeshadow palette that's perfect looking pretty in a conservative office environment or on first date (or even at the gym... shhhhh... no one will ever know!).
Do you like your eyeshadows sheer/neutral/natural?