Sneaky Peek: Smashbox Double Exposure Palette

Smashbox are all about contouring and shaping this year - there's a new Contouring Kit coming soon (more on that later) and this new palette, Double Exposure, gives you fourteen shades of eyeshadows to sculpt the eye area, with plenty of flattering neutrals alongside a few deeper shades for smokier looks.

The format of the palette is a fairly simple flapover cardboard affair, and whilst the shadow casing is pretty sturdy, I'm not sure how much flapping the flap will take before it flaps its last.  I'm planning on travelling with this palette, but I'm somewhat worried that it'll get dented and damaged along the way.

On the upside, there's a double-ended brush included - one end is a large angled brush, perfect for shadow-as-liner, and one end is a fluffy yet firm domed shape for easy application all over the lid.  I found that the domed end is surprisingly short bristled and firm compared to other shadow brushes I have - making it excellent for precise application across the lid and into the crease.  You will probably need a fluffy brush for blending though.

One thing which surprised me was that the shades swatch completely differently from how they appear in the pan.  For example, the blue in the bottom left hand side of the palette looks much more mid-blue denim in the pan, but swatches as a deep sapphire;  the shade third from the left on the bottom row looks like a fairly plain taupe but as the most gorgeous lilac/gold flash to it.  I think this means that people may well look past this palette because it looks much less pretty in the pan than it does on the skin.

Finally, there's a bit of a twist I've not mentioned - Smashbox actually intend for this palette to be used with a dry or damp brush, allowing for even more shades and more finish varieties.  I've not tried it with a damp brush as I'm enamoured enough with the shades inside without wanting to risk them with a bit of water - but I can definitely see the appeal to make the darker or more matte shades into high impact eyeliners.

At £37, this is an expensive palette, but it does contain a ton of eyeshadows in a variety of shades which are everyday wearable, and yet not all seen-it-before neutrals.  I also like that the vertical pairings work so well as duos, making this an easy early-morning-not-quite-awake bet as well as offering more freedom for interesting colour combos.  My only reservation is that for the high price point, I'd rather a more sturdy, durable bit of packaging - a Too Faced style tin would be great.

Launching on January 7th, you can find it online at the Smashbox and Boots websites, and at Smashbox counters nationwide.

Disclosure: PR sample

This post originated at www.londonbeautyreview.com. If you're reading it elsewhere, it's been stolen, violating my copyright.