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Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Review: L'Oreal Colour Riche La Palette Nude 1 and La Palette Nude 2

By now, you've probably seen these palettes at your local CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Walmart, etc., or you've at least seen the "Coming Soon" sign in the permanent L'Oreal display at one of those retailers. I found both palettes a couple weeks ago thanks to a tip from reader Jennifer, who told me they had landed at Walmarts here in the San Diego area (thanks again for that, Jennifer!).

These new palettes retail for $15.84 at Walmart (in-store and online) but I've heard from some of you who have spotted them at drugstores like CVS for about $20. So it really depends on where you buy them, but remember that the drugstores run sales and offer store rewards on L'Oreal all the time (plus, there are often manufacturer's coupons for L'Oreal) so if you play your cards right, you'll NEVER have to pay full price as long as you're patient!

So let's take a closer look....

L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche La Palette Nude 1 and La Palette Nude 2
(retail: $15.84 each at Walmart, 0.62 oz)

Keep reading for my full review, swatches and dupe comparisons...


Since L'Oreal owns Urban Decay, it's no surprise that the shape of the pans, as well as the overall size of the palette, is similar to the Urban Decay Naked palettes. Also, for anyone who is thinking the price of the La Nude Palettes is quite steep for the drugstore, allow me to show you something:

Urban Decay Naked Palettes
0.60 oz for $54
PRICE PER OUNCE: $90

L'Oreal La Palette Nude Palettes
0.62 oz for $15.84
PRICE PER OUNCE: $32.26

Looking at it this way (math tells no lies), I think the price is pretty decent. Also, considering that the new Nonie Creme Colour Prevails palettes (masstige) are $59.37 per ounce, the L'Oreal palettes seem to be priced fairly. But again, if you're patient and wait for a 40% off L'Oreal sale at Rite Aid, Ulta, etc., and/or you use coupons or store rewards at the drugstore, this is all a moot point because you'll pay much less than $15.84 anyway!

Safety seal over opening

Mirror on inside of lid


Accompanying double-ended brush


Brush

This brush has soft bristles, but the overall feel is pretty floppy. I would probably only use this brush in a pinch, and only for blending. since it's not stiff enough for color application.


Sponge-tip applicator

So let's start with La Palette Nude 1:


Back of La Palette Nude 1 

There are four looks on the back of each palette, plus the ingredients list:

Made in USA

La Palette Nude 1

1, 2, 3, 4, 5


1, 2, 3, 4, 5
(Swatches on bare skin)


1, 2, 3, 4, 5
(Swatches over Too Faced Shadow Insurance)

6, 7, 8, 9, 10


6, 7, 8, 9, 10
(Swatches on bare skin)


6, 7, 8, 9, 10
(Swatches over Too Faced Shadow Insurance)

La Palette Nude 1 contains three mattes and seven shimmers.

Here's a comparison to Urban Decay Naked 1:



As you can see, La Palette Nude 1 is not a shade-for-shade dupe of UD Naked 1, however it does evoke a very similar feel. Here are a few shades that stood out to me when compared to UD Naked 1:


Urban Decay Smog vs. #7


Urban Decay Sidecar vs. #9 


Urban Decay Sin vs. #10

I'd also like to point out that the brown mattes in La Palette Nude 1 are similar to the brown mattes in UD Naked 1 (no identical dupes though), and shade #2 in La Palette Nude 1 is similar to Stila Kitten. Overall, many of these shades are similar to well-known higher-end shadows (I'm positive there are some MAC and LORAC lookalikes here too). 

La Palette Nude 2:

Back of La Palette Nude 2


Made in USA

La Palette Nude 2

1, 2, 3, 4, 5


1, 2, 3, 4, 5
(Swatches on bare skin)


1, 2, 3, 4, 5
(Swatches over Too Faced Shadow Insurance)

6, 7, 8, 9, 10


6, 7, 8, 9, 10
(Swatches on bare skin)


6, 7, 8, 9, 10
(Swatches over Too Faced Shadow Insurance)

La Palette Nude 2 contains six mattes and four shimmers. Here's how it looks next to Urban Decay Naked 3:



Again, not a shade-for-shade dupe, but very much the same feel. Rose-golds and colors that play nicely with rose-golds. Here are a few shades that stood out to me when compared to UD Naked 3:


Urban Decay Liar vs. #2 and #7

As you can see, you get two rose-gold shimmers (medium and dark) in the La Palette Nude 2.


Urban Decay Nooner vs. #3


Urban Decay Mugshot vs. #5

There are other shades in this palette that are similar to shades in UD Naked 3, but no exact dupes.




Full disclosure: I have never really liked L'Oreal's powder eyeshadows (with the exception of the Infallibles, of course). Seriously, I've been buying L'Oreal powder shadows off and on since the 80s and, with very few exceptions, I have not loved any of them. So I had zero expectations here. That said, here are the most important things I'd like you to take away from this review:


  • All twenty of these shadows have a nice, smooth, silky consistency. None of these shadows are chunky or grainy. Some are of course better than others, but I really can't say that there are any absolute duds here. This REALLY surprised me, given that there are two matte purples in Nude 2, and you know purples are notoriously difficult. One or two shades in these palettes are a tiny bit stiff, but all of these shadows blend nicely, are easy to work with, and appear quite vibrant and pigmented on the eye when worn over primer (looking at my swatches, you can see that most of these shades aren't mind-blowing on bare skin). I would not suggest wearing any of these shadows without primer, but I'm guessing that you pretty much wear primer with all of your drugstore shadows, right? Also, wear-time over primer is great for me (7-8 hours before I notice fading/creasing). 

  • Let me again say that I have never really cared for L'Oreal powder shadows (Infallibles aside). But I love these shadows, and I loved them even more after I really started to play around with them. Some of these shades might seem disappointing on first swatch, but please be aware that you need to get some of these going a bit before their true beauty comes through. So if you swatch one and think, "G. lied to me!" just keep going. Swirl your brush a few more times, and hopefully once you break the seal, so to speak, you'll see the true beauty of these colors. Also, I do want to point out that some of these shadows kick up a bit of dust in the pan when you're picking up color. Mostly this occurs with the mattes, but like I always say, that's the nature of mattes.

  • If you love the UD Naked palettes but don't necessarily like the chunky glitter, fallout, and intense metallic finishes of some of the UD Naked shades, then you might really love the La Palette Nudes. No chunky glitter here, and no intense metallics (some are pretty shimmery over primer, but not really metallic). Also, I think that some of the shades in the La Palette Nudes actually have a BETTER consistency than a few shades in Naked 1 and 3. And if you like rose-golds, you'll love that there are TWO rose-golds in La Palette Nude 2 (both are beautiful). 

  • A few of you have mentioned that, in terms of dupes, the La Palette Nudes are probably more similar to the YSL Couture Variation Palettes ($95 each). I can see the similarities for sure (black packaging, ten shades per palette, similar color schemes) but I do not own any of the YSL palettes, so I can't do a comparison for you. BUT, L'Oreal owns both YSL and Urban Decay, so it's not a stretch to see why there are similarities in both.


FINAL VERDICT: If you love warm or cool nudes (mattes and shimmers), I think these new palettes are worth considering, even if you already own UD Naked 1 or Naked 3. As someone who owns Naked 1 and 3, I am absolutely delighted with these L'Oreal palettes and I find that I actually prefer the texture/consistency of some of the L'Oreal shadows over some of the UD Naked shadows (some of my UD Naked shadows are a little bit dry and grainy, and that's not an issue with any of the L'Oreal shadows). Do I think these take the place of the Naked palettes? No. I look at them more as "extensions" or "companions" to the UD Naked palettes. So if you can't get enough of these types of colors, or you do not already own Naked 1 or 3, then I think you might enjoy these quite a bit. Just remember to wear eyeshadow primer, since these shadows really come alive over primer.

Do you own either of the La Palette Nudes? If so, I would absolutely love to hear if you agree (or disagree!) with my assessment!

The products featured in this post were purchased with personal funds. For more information, click here.
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58 comments

  1. I found the first one, no luck with the second so far. I think it's pretty good quality, and there are some decent dupes.

    I think the French one has different colors, though? I found a tutorial in French, it said it was the first palette, but the last color used in that one was a dark color, almost a purple-y black, I think. I was able to mimic the tutorial for the softer look they showed, and I got SO MANY compliments on my eyes that day.

    Aside from that hiccup, I recommend it. I actually think their mattes are a little more blendable than some higher end matte shades I own.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I absolutely agree with you about some of these mattes! The texture really reminds me of my favorite LORAC mattes...so smooth and silky. :)

      Also, yes, the European version of the palette is called Nude Rose and they only have one, while the US has two. I explain that all here, if you'd like more info:

      http://nouveaucheap.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-new-loreal-la-palette-nude.html

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    2. Hmm, I remember reading that, but when I saw the French tutorial, I don't think I remembered it then haha.

      Again, it's a great palette, and I'll be traveling soon, and it's a great one to take with, comoared to the other expensive ones I have.

      I was never a fan of Loreal eye shadows before now.

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    3. I found the second palette! Swatched it and swooned!

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    4. I just bought these shadows because they reminded me of my Nakeds. (I didn't realize that they were owned by the same company, duh.) I'm new to playing with some of the darker colors in the palettes. As an African American, I always thought that the darker shades in the brown and purple made me look like I had a black eye! But, using primer and concealer gave me courage. Therefore, I have been working with the darker shades in both L'Oreal neutral palettes. I love the results. You have more experience than I do and can, therefore, see a distinction between the UD nudes and the L'Oreal. I own both, and cannot. So, for the money, I think that the latter has a permanent customer. Bye-bye, UD!

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  2. Thank you so much for the review G. I have been thinking I want a Naked palette but since I don't wear e/s often it wasn't worth it. This gives me a decent alternative for if I decide I need to have an extended palette.

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    1. You're so welcome, R.! And yes, I think these will be perfect for you to keep on hand for those days when you bust out the shadows. :)

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  3. I bought the La Palette Nude 2 and I agree with you about the quality. I put it back once because I didn't think it would be worth the money. I think it may be the best drugstore palette I have purchased. I will definitely be picking up the La Palette Nude 1.

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    1. Aaaah, I'm SO glad to hear you agree about the quality! Thank you for letting me know, and I think you'll love Nude 1 too! :)

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  4. Glad that these palette perform so well. I saw coming soon labels at my local Rite Aid. Can't wait to pick them up!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! I'd love to know what you think when you try these! :)

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  5. Thanks for the review, G! I would have never picked these up because I'm like you and hate L'Oreal eye shadows. Waste of money every time. I may check out the La Palette Nude 2 since I already have Naked 1.

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    Replies
    1. Right? If it weren't for the fact that I kind of HAD to try these (with the blog and all) it probably would have taken me a long time to consider them given my feelings about L'Oreal powder shadows. But I'm so very glad I did, since these really are a serious step up from their singles, duos, trios and quads. Please do let me know what you think when you get them! :)

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  6. I own both palettes and agree whole heartedly with your assessment. I also own all 3 of the UD Naked palettes. I find I reach for the L'OREAL palettes far more often, likely because they're just so easy to wear (no excessive glitter, etc.) These have become my workhorse palettes on days that I just don't want to think about working with shadows but still want a pulled together, refined eye look. Great review! I hope everyone gets these. I really think they're great shadows for a great price!

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    Replies
    1. Yay!!! Aaah, your comment made my day. I have purposefully avoided reviews about these palettes because I didn't want to be influenced when I was testing these. So I'm thrilled to hear you feel the exact same way about them. Thanks so much for letting me know! :)

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  7. G., you never lie to us. ;-) Thanks for the incredibly thorough review; it was so worth waiting for. Great photos as always! I have UD N3 so will probably not get Nude 2 but would like to pick up Nude 1.... if my Wally World ever gets it in!

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    Replies
    1. Aaaw, thank you so much for that! I may not tell you how much chocolate I eat on certain days, but that's not lying, right? That's just not disclosing the whole truth. LOL! :)

      I'd love to know what you think when you try Nude 1!

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  8. I saw them at Target and didnt buy because I thought it was too expensive. There is a display at CVS, but still no actual product. I'll wait for a good Loreal sale with extra bucks, et, al. Can you provide a list( or maybe you already have) of what companies own what other companies.

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    Replies
    1. I can totally understand that, but yes! Wait for a good sale, extra bucks, etc and then go for it! :)

      I haven't posted that, but if you go to the corporate website of L'Oreal, Coty, Estee Lauder, P&G, etc they list all of their brands. They're also on the Wikipedia page for each corporation. Hope that helps!

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  9. G, thank you so much for this review! I do not own any Naked palettes since I'm just starting my makeup collection and the price is just too steep for me. I was waiting for your review and now I will definitely purchase these palettes over the UD ones. Thanks again!

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    Replies
    1. You're so welcome! I think these will be absolutely perfect you. Please do let me know what you think when you try them? Thanks! :)

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  10. (Sorry if this is a double post… Google is being Google-y,)

    Absolutely gorgeous, G! Thank you for the review and swatches. I'm trying to curtail my spending, but La Pallette Nude 2 is calling to me (in that plaintive wail only little puppies and pretty cosmetics can do). As always, love your blog!

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    Replies
    1. Aaaah, that plaintive wail gets me every time! Lol!! Thank you so much for the kind words, and please do let me know what you think when you try Nude 2 (when the wails cause you to give in, that is). :)

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  11. Serious rockstar review. Your reviews are literally the ONLY ones I consider when trying something out. Again, I am a total fangirl.

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    Replies
    1. Oh my gosh, thank you so, so much for that, girlie! You have no idea how much that means to me. I'd love to know what you think when you try these! xo

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  12. I have the Nude 2 palette and just reviewed it, actually :-) While I LOVED the matte shadows, I was really disappointed in the shimmer colors. Compared to, say, Lorac's shimmer shadows, these just didn't show up well on my lids. I had to use a color tattoo or spray it with fix+ in order to make it show up well enough for me. Maybe I'm picky, lol. But I do agree that they did a fabulous job with the matte purple shadows!

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    Replies
    1. Aaaah, I'm so sorry to hear that! :( I agree that a few shadows are stiff (I mentioned that in my review) and in Nude 2 in particular, I found that shade #5 was stiff, but I still got it to show up quite nicely on the eye over TFSI and also my Milani and WnW primers. Especially the WnW primer though---have you tried that one?

      And yep, the mattes in that palette are so good, right? :)

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    2. I can't tell you how many times I Google a makeup product and your blog comes up. You do give very detailed reviews, so thank you. I also look forward to your weekly Drugstore Sales post. It really seems that many drugstore makeup brands are stepping up their game. I have never been one to have to buy expensive brands. There are a few that I like very much, but will buy in kits or on sale (such as bareMinerals). However, I'm finding more and more that I can get my makeup fix filled just as well by shopping at Ulta, CVS/Walgreens and occasionally Rite Aid with coupons and sales. I have no desire to spend $108 on 2 UD palettes if I can get similar colors that will work almost as well for $32 for 2 palettes. I do have 2 UD palettes (on sale of course) and like them for the most part but don't always get the hype. I guess I'd rather spend my money on more important things - but that's just me. I love that your blog meets a need and desire for the budget-conscious and for those who just don't care to spend more than necessary.

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  13. I found both of these and the Blushed Nudes palette, but it's really the La Palette Nude 2 that stole my heart. Those mattes are just as blendable if not more than some of my Urban Decay mattes--and I'm beyond loyal to Urban Decay. xD So, that's a huge deal! I can't keep my hands off of this! <3

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  14. I spotted these palettes for $16.29 at Bed, Bath, & Beyond. With a $5 off $15 coupon, that makes them $11.29+tax. Even less if you have any of the manufacture coupons floating around right now. I'm surprised that I haven't spotted them at Ulta yet. Depending on their price, that may be another good place to pick them up if Ulta keeps putting L'Oreal on BOGO50%off and putting out the $3.50 off $10 coupons.

    I haven't decided if I'm going to pick them up. I have so many eyeshadow palettes that I haven't gotten into lately...I'm trying to be good and not buy so much makeup that just sits around since I haven't gotten off my arse to do a YouTube channel and have some fun giveaways.

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  15. Hi G, thanks for such detailed reviews! I am not sure if I need any of these palettes, and I still haven't seen them anywhere. If I do pick up any, it will be the Nude 2, the shades look really pretty!

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  16. I need more eyeshadow like I need a hole in the head, but it's my kryptonite... So, these will be coming home with me eventually. lol Even if they don't turn out to be something I use frequently, I could always use them for traveling so that I don't have to worry about breaking/losing any expensive shadows. :) Thanks for the review! It was really helpful, especially since I wasn't at all sure what to think about a L'Oreal palette!

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    1. OMG perfect sentiments haha. ITA. I have so many lovely palettes, that I barely touch as it is ... but I'm seriously considering these!! Aaaah!!

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  17. I finally found both of these at Target for $15.99 each. Had a $4 off coupon too so I was happy. Have only worn the Nude 1 so far and I have no complaints. The quality seems good so I'm glad I purchased both of them. Great review and swatches, G. Glad you like them too!

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  18. I always LOL at the word "moot." I was just a wee lil kid when I learned that word thanks to Rick Springfield and the lyric from Jessie's Girl where he sings, "I wanna tell her that I love her, but the point is probably moot." So I can't help but think of that song every time. Sorry that had nothing to do with the review. xo

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  19. How do these compare to the maybelline palettes? Do u have them as a reference? I would be interested to see how they compare

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    1. I have the Maybelline, and these are better quality, I think. I think these blend better, and have better color payoff.

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    2. Melissa, these are much better than the Maybelline ones. If you can find these cheap enough, they are worth the money vs. the Maybelline palettes.

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    3. Have wanted to try the new Nude palettes, but never have had good luck with pigmentation or staying power with Maybelline eye shadows. Thank you for the comparison.

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    4. Excellent question! I appreciate the answers on that one!

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  20. Note that the second ingredient is cornstarch. If you are allergic to corn this will make trouble. the Ulta brand eye shadows contain corn starch and make my eyes itch, so I always read the ingredients.

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  21. Bought #2 at Bed Bath & Beyond where there was a display that held both (3 of each) on the bottom shelf where new displays were located. No slots were empty which really surprised me. Browns tend to wash me out and look like mud on my eyes, ..so was glad to find this today. The price was $16.29 and I had a $5 off $15, which made it a good deal.

    As a side note (don't know if this applies to all stores) I was told that NYX is a new addition to the store (about a month ago or so), and that Prestige makeup was being discontinued.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thank you for the review. I am thinking about buying one of these. I am on the fence if I should get the LA Palette 2 or the Maybelline the blushed nudes (which I am still looking for). This review was so thorough, and informational. I love your blog so much. You got me addicted to wet n wild!! Thank you G!

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  23. A really super excellent review! Thank you!! I do not allow myself to buy shadows right now (I have so many!) but this seems quite worth it! And that I can get behind! :D

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  24. You mentioned something about purples being difficult. Tell me more. I have hazel eyes that are more greenish blue, than brown, although there is brown in my eyes. I look nice wearing a true purple shirt and so have tried purple eye shadow. I like it, but it has to be really subtle. One purple eyeshadow that I have is a dark purple from Bobby Brown but it's just too dark and eventhough I put it on lightly, I feel like I have a black eye, so to speak, and hurry and try to lighten it up. I'm wondering what you thoughts are on purple shadow. Do you think it would be a better fit me to use shades of brown instead? I have dark brown hair. If I were to buy the L'Oréal pallette you mentioned here, which do you think would best compliment my eyes, and hair? I have a medium complexion. Thank you so very much for any advice you could give me. By the way, I'm 53 years old, if that makes a difference.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. P. S. I have blue undertones to my skin. Thought that might help for you to know. 😊

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  25. I'm really happy with the shadows, the are not bad even without primer. But it is true , they come to life over primer. The are more creamy than some high end shadows I own and way better than other drugstore palettes.. Thanks for the review!

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  26. If anyone lives in the Northeast, you can find both L'Oreal palettes at Wegmans; they're $16.99 each. Wegman's also has the Mother's Day 2015 display.

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  27. Ahhh now I want LA2, had it in my hot little hand at Walgreens but alas, no sales or coupons and was feeling guilty after overindulging at Ulta after a tax refund but if they ever make it to Rite Aid and are permanent I'll probably cave one of these days as it would be 20% off with my Wellness card, not counting any other coupons or extra bucks or whatever they call them :) and I really need more mattes. A fabulous review as always! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I Just loved you comparison and currently so intrigued to buy these palettes, but sadly these are not available in India, and I am not finding any ebay seller who would ship these to India. I am mentioning you in my blog, as I am doing a post on this palettes, and I am back linking to this post of yours. Hope you don't mind dear.

    I am blogging fan and a blog reader, I have recently started my own, please let me know if you are not OK with me mentioning you in my blog, then I would re-edit my post.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I was finally able to get my hands on this pallette and for a fraction of the cost. CVS has the Loreal La Pallettes on sale for $15.99 and $5 ECB when you spend at least $15 in Loreal products. There is a $3.00 off coupon in 6/14 RP and if you have rewards from CVS Beauty club it makes the deal even sweeter

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I got #2 today using the same deal. I also paid with the 10.00 cash card so yeah, good deal. I only finally cracked open #1 this morning to try it, even though I've owned it for awhile. I'm trying to use up a 15yr old MAC quad. Yep, I said 15yrs, almost finished though.

      Delete
  30. I picked these up this week with the CVS Extra Care Bucks deal. I've used #1 thus far, and I really love it. Thanks for the review!

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  31. I totally agree! I have Naked 1 & 2 but want the Naked 3. I'm so happy they came out with the Nude 2! It is almost a DUPE for the N3 and the shadows are pigmented and blend so well. I only us Naked 2, Naked Basics, and Lorac shadows, this palette is such a nice addition to my Nudes collection.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I've been debating whether or not to get Maybelline The Nudes or these ones. I have never owned any palettes and would just like a neutral one to start on playing around with eyeshadows. I do doubt I would be wearing any eyeshadows without eye primer just because my lids are super oily and even foundation comes off. Any recommendations on good drugstore primers too?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, check the top menu bar of my blog above. Click "My Holy Grail Products" for my reviews of my favorite primers. :)

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  33. Does anyone know if there is anyway to find out the names of these colors, so if I want just one of them I don't have to keep buying the entire palette ?

    ReplyDelete

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