The last couple of years, I’ve really admired how bold and eye-catching Smashbox’s holiday packaging has been. Last year was the Art. Love. Color. collaboration with abstract painter Yago Hortal, and this year their Light It Up theme’s packaging is really fun as well. I love that this Smashbox Light It Up 3 Palette Set comes in a cool, bright orange, semi-transparent case that can easily be reused. I’ve already added it to my Alex drawers to store makeup! Anyways, onto what’s inside and my thoughts.
Let’s start with the lip palette. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I hate lip palettes. However, the reason I hate them is simply because they’re inconvenient. They’re usually big enough in size that they’re annoying to throw in your bag and touch up later on, which is my whole deal with hating them. However, this lip palette in particular is tiny, so I would be way more likely to use it and bring it along with me during the day in my bag. It also has super gorgeous, totally wearable shades (mind you, they are a bit sheer)- and a nice variation of shades at that. Not bad, Smashbox, not bad!
Surprisingly enough, the eyeshadow palette is what is kind of “meh” for me in this set. The colors are pretty, nicely pigmented and easy to blend, but I feel like if you own a few eyeshadow palettes from various brands already, you’re going to have dupes for these. Regardless, it’s nice to have them in a small, easy to travel with palette.
I’d say the highlight of this set is definitely the contour palette (that was unintentionally a bit punny, haha). The shades are perfect for contouring, bronzing and highlighting your face, and they all blend super nicely. This makes me want to buy the Smashbox Step-By-Step Contour Kit just so I have a bigger version that’s easier to fit a brush into!
Now, don’t get me wrong here- this is a nice set. With that being said though, I don’t think it’s an absolute MUST have if you already have a decent collection of makeup- simply because at the very least, you probably have dupes for the shadow colors and a fair amount of lipsticks to choose from. I think this is a great set to pick up if you are new to makeup or don’t own a lot of makeup and want to get some bang for your buck variety-wise, or if you plan to use it to travel, as the palettes themselves are all very small and can easily be thrown in a handbag or suitcase.
The Smashbox Light It Up 3 Palette Set retails for $45 and you can find it at Sephora, ULTA and Nordstrom.
Also part of the Smashbox Light It Up holiday 2016 collection:
-
Smashbox Light It Up Primer Set ($36)
-
Smashbox Light It Up Mascara + Primer Set ($22)
-
Smashbox Light It Up Lipstick + Mattifier Set ($29)
-
Smashbox Light It Up L.A. Lights Palette ($39 and I NEED THIS!)
-
Smashbox Light It Up Glossed To Go Set ($25)
-
Smashbox Light It Up Essential Brush Set ($55)
Taylor says
I totally agree with you on lip palettes, they’re usually so inconvenient, but this one isn’t as bad! Still, it would be so much harder to apply on the go. But the contour set looks adorable! That would be the perfect travel one!
-xx Tay
Mili says
Like you said, nothing in this set is particularly unique but it does seem like the perfect travel makeup set! The packaging is so sleek and pretty :)
Chelsea says
Agreed! I mean, for people who don’t own a lot in terms of makeup, this would be awesome because it gives them a bunch of variety in product for a decent price… but for makeup hoarders like ourselves, it’s just kind of excessive (but isn’t that the name of the game? Hahaha). And yes- the packaging is stunning! I love it.
Jilly says
Love the eyeshadow palette! I’m not one for a lip palette personally but i might just grab that for my kit instead!
Chelsea says
True, those are always good for MUAs!
Stephanie | thefantasia.com says
What a great kit! I saw it when I dropped by in-stores today and I was intrigued! I’ve never tried much of Smashbox lip or eyes products so it would be a great kit to try a few new things out!!
Chelsea says
It’s perfect if you’re new to the brand!
Katie says
That contour palette looks perfect, wish it was sold individually!
Chelsea says
Smashbox does have a contour kit! This one: http://rstyle.me/n/b43c46n7gn
I’m considering buying it after trying out the mini palette in this set :)