First of all, I really love the packaging - it's sleek, stylish and compact. I like how it opens up with just the eyeshadows and lipsticks showing, and then it slides opens further where the blushes are. It definitely looks a lot more expensive than it is! This palette also contains a nice, compact mirror, and three applicators for each type of makeup.
The five 12 Hour Colorstay eyeshadow shades, from left to right are: Charcoal, Bronze, Eggplant, Pink Frost and White Whisper. Personally, I miss the old 12 Hour Colorstay formulations - they were much more creamy and pigmented than the new 16 Hour range. The shades in this palette are gorgeous - some matte, some more shimmery; wonderfully pigmented and easy to work with.
The five Super Lustrous lipstick shades, from left to right are: Rosedew, Wine with Everything, Icy Violet, Coffee Bean and Scarlet Velvet. These are very nicely pigmented; creamy and hydrating. They are a little difficult to apply evenly (the palette versions aren't too easy to work with), but the lip brush that comes with the set does a decent enough job.
The blushes are probably the weakest part of this palette. I wasn't impressed with either of the shades (Tawny Peach and Smoky Rose), which really didn't look good on my pale, cool-toned complexion. The quality isn't bad, but the colours just didn't do it for me. The blush brush however is of very nice quality, so I'll keep hold of it to use with other products.
Here are the eyeshadow swatches. Pink Frost and White Whisper are both lovely, slightly shimmery shades, perfect for highlighting. Bronze is your standard, deep brown matte, and probably the least exciting out of them all; although it is a decent, neutral shade, there are many like it already out there. My personal favourites in this palette are definitely Eggplant - a nice, deep purple; and Charcoal - a blue-based grey. This is a lovely, versatile selection of shades and you can create many different looks with it. I like to mix Bronze and Pink Frost for a casual look; or Charcoal and Bronze if I want to go for something a little more dramatic.
Here are the swatches of the five Lustrous lipstick shades. Wine with Everything is my personal favourite - a classic, deep red with a satin finish. I recommend it to anyone who's looking for a nice, wearable red shade for autumn that will compliment any skin tone. I was a little disappointed with the Scarlet Velvet shade, which looked lovely and red in the packaging, but turned out to be a little more on the pink side when applied. As for the other colours, I think that Icy Violet and Rosedew are both really gorgeous, easy to wear, casual shades. I especially recommend Icy Violet for autumn - it's a lovely nude with pink and purple undertones. I'm not a big fan of Coffee Bean, but that's entirely down to my own personal preference - it would be great for anyone who enjoys rich, natural brown shades.
Overall, I'd highly recommend this little palette - the lipsticks are gorgeous and it's worth purchasing if you miss the old 12 Hour Colorstay eyeshadows. You can find it in your local TK Maxx or Amazon; and if you're UK-based try perfume-click.co.uk - they stock this palette for just £13.
Have you tried this Colours in Bloom palette? What is your favourite makeup palette? =)
