Baby Blue Eyes - Look Mini Make Over Palette

One of my beauty soft spots is palettes, but somehow I very rarely make full use of them. There's usually 2-3 shades that I really like and will use down to the pan, and the rest I'll barely look at. I have also always liked the idea of a palette that has not only eye shadows, but matching lip products and blusher as well, so when I saw the Look Mini Make Over Palette I absolutely had to try it - not that I need another palette to clutter my wardrobe, but I wanted to see if the idea of an all in one palette works in reality. These Look Mini Make Overs come in different shades to create either a rock chic look, or to emphasize blue, green or brown eyes. I have to say that the shades are all very pretty and tempting, but I went with the palette Baby Blue Eyes.

It's a very nifty, thin and compact little palette with 8 eye shadows, 4 lip colors and a blush that fits perfectly even into the smallest of clutches - just imagine never a need to bring 3-4 separate products, when you get them all in a size slightly bigger than a credit card.

The 8 eye shadows are all high sheen, shimmery metallic shades - so they'll be perfect for this A/W make up trends. They are all lovely shades that compliment each together well to create different looks, but personally I would have liked to swap one or two of the metallic shades for a matte peach or champagne shade for more versatility. Swatching the eye shadows I was a bit sceptical since many of the budget palettes look pretty, but the pigmentation is rubbish. Unfortunately the swatches didn't turn out very well in the photo and since they don't have any names or no:s I've tried to describe them below from left to right, top row first - as they are in the palette:

From left to right top row

1. Dark chocolate brown

2.  Copper

3. Gold

4. Sandy buff

From left to right bottom row

5. Pale khaki

6. Peachy pink

7. Light mocha

8. Light taupe   

I can tell you that the swatches don't do these eye shadows any justice at all and despite being metallic shades they are VERY pigmented. The first look I tried, I used the copper and light mocha shades, and the payoff was so strong that I had to spend a good few minutes blending and toning with powder to fade it out. Don't make the same mistake as I did, so I would recommend that you barely touch the eye shadows with your brush and then build it up if need be. Another great thing is that they settle really well on your eyelid without creasing and they last throughout the day - in a way I never would have expected. These can easily be used individually across the eyelid for a vibrant sweep of color and I've tried that with both the taupe and the pale khaki (although this shade isn't as rich as the others). The only thing I wasn't so keen on, was the fall out under my eyes so you might need to apply your eye shadow before the foundation.

I've also described the lip colors and blusher below, in the same way as I did the eye shadows - from left to right, starting with the top row and having the blusher furthest to the right:

From left to right top row

1. Nude beige

2. Cedar rose

From left to right bottom row

3. Peachy coral

4. Classic red (blue undertones)

5. Blusher Golden apricot

While the eye shadows were very pigmented, unfortunately I can't say the same for the lip colors. They are all matte with a fairly dry formula that doesn't apply easily so you have to use quite a lot to build up a color, and even then - the finish is more like a stain. While it's not sticky and it settles well, it doesn't last very long and it does dry, leaving those unattractive marks on your lips, so for me personally I definitely need to prep with a a lip balm before applying any of these shades. Out of the 4 colors, my favourite is the red one and I even surprise myself by saying that - since it gives a subtle matte finish that looks very natural but still noticeable and I've used it a lot with a barely there eye make up and it looks fresh but a small hint of glamour.

Finally we have the blusher, which is a beautiful golden apricot shade with light reflecting shimmer. Again I have to issue a word of warning - this is even more pigmented than the eye shadows, it really has to be seen to be believed! Knowing now exactly how much to use and how to work with it, I absolutely love it. It gives a lovely rosy peachy color and I had almost forgotten what blushers can do for your look. 

Overall this palette is such a lovely surprise and I highly recommend this bargain buy! I love the concept, I love most of the shades and products and I will definitely continue to experiment with it, and may even try some of the other palettes. Have you tried any of the Look Mini Palettes or any other ones with the same all in one idea that you recommend?