Kat Von D Esperanza Eyeshadow Palette

I really, really wish we got Kat Von D's makeup range here in the UK.  The US based tattoo artist's range is unapologetically richly coloured - it's not a range for shrinking violets.  I picked up the limited edition Spring 2014 Esperanza palette during a recent work trip to the US, and oh my, is it gorgeous.

The packaging is decorated with sugar skulls and other Day of the Dead style illustrations, and it's a bright and stylish addition to my dressing table.  There's a generously sized mirror inside, although the book style of the palette does mean that it flops open constantly, making the mirror a bit more difficult to use.

It contains eight eyeshadows in a mixture of finishes - they're an eclectic mix, from neutral mattes to deep and sparkly metallics.  Daygo is a 'transformer shade' which can be applied atop other colours to give them a bit of a golden/green shift.

Selena, Dayglo, Galore, Placebo

Santeria, Archangel, South, Dog Roses

The soft shimmering peach Galore and matte mid-pink Placebo go incredibly well together for a colourful eye which isn't too in your face, and Santeria and Dog Roses are fantastic alone for a statement, jewel toned eye.  To get the full sparkle out of Dog Roses, you'll need to pack it onto the lid, but it's totally worth it - the result is a metallic golden bronze which looks amazing with plenty of black mascara.  All the shadows are blendable and soft without being so soft they crumble everywhere.

Unfortunately this palette has now sold out online at Sephora - but if you're lucky you might still find one or two lurking in store.  At $36, it's reasonably priced for eight high quality eyeshadows, even if the cardboard palette does mean it's better suited to your dressing table than to being carried around.

Disclosure:  Purchased by me, because I apparently don't have enough eyeshadow already.

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