Smashbox Full Exposure Palette Review

As promised, today I wanted to share my new favorite palette – the Smashbox Full Exposure palette. This palette would make a really great Christmas gift! I wanted to post this next week as my Product of The Week, but I really want to post this today because I’ve been teasing you all with tutorials using this palette. So, I’ll categorize this under Product of The Week even though I do not put it up on the title.

*Update (Feb. 23, 2015) – I have a Smashbox Double Exposure Palette review for you!*

What is Smashbox Full Exposure Palette?

“A set of universally awesome neutrals that’s essential, effortless, and enhanced for your eye shape. […] This totally versatile palette is organized with crease-resistant, long-wearing shimmers in the top row and velvety smooth mattes along the bottom. Fourteen essential neutral shades include a range of nudes, blacks, shimmers, and mattes. Use the brilliant eye shape chart, dual-ended brush, and Full Exposure Mascara to complete any look.

[…] Smashbox has taken the guesswork out of application with a cool, new dual-ended brush. There’s a fluffy end perfect for blending matte shades and a flat end to easily lay down the shimmer shades without sparkle overload. Plus, it’s double-sided with black bristles on one side and white on the other, so you’ll never accidentally dip a light shade into a dark shade.”

Sephora, 2013

Smashbox Full Exposure Palette ReviewAt first look, I was attracted to the huge flecks of glitters in the top row of the Smashbox Full Exposure palette. They did say it’s actually shimmer, but I feel that the light-reflecting particles are definitely too big to be considered as shimmer. I was, also, quite skeptical regarding how well the glitters would stay on the lid when being used dry since I’ve negative experience with other brands.

When I swatched the eyeshadows on my hand in Sephora, I was very surprised and happy that the glitters stayed really well at the back of my hand. That sealed the deal for me! I took the beautiful palette and paid for it.

I know quite a few reviews in Sephora website said that they hated this palette because the glitters couldn’t stick well to the skin. Well, I didn’t have this issue at all, perhaps because I applied the glitters in a different way. First of all I applied eyeshadow primer on my eyelid. Then, I used a dense flat eyeshadow brush to apply it.

If you want to see samples on how I applied the “shimmer” eyeshadow from the Smashbox Full Exposure palette, please check my posts in Smashbox Full Exposure Look #1 and Holiday Look using MAC Diva.

Smashbox Full Exposure Palette

Packaging

A black sleek carton packaging. 14 eyeshadows  in a square (yay) pan. The Smashbox Full Exposure Palette also contains 1 sample-size Full Exposure mascara tube, a double-ended split-fiber eyeshadow and fluffy blending brush, as well as a large sheet (folded in the picture) of eye makeup tutorial.

The eye chart sheet shows information on how to create several looks based on your eye shape.

Longevity

I’ve yet to wear this palette without a primer underneath. With Urban Decay Primer Potion, the Smashbox Full Exposure palette proves to be quite resilient. It lasted for 8hrs without creasing.

Smashbox Full Exposure Palette Review

Finish

Top row: shimmer (S1-S7); Bottom row: matte (M1-M7)

  • S1 – Chocolate Brown with Golden Pearl
  • S2 – Deep Golden Brown with Gold Pearl
  • S3 – Soft Gold with Gold and Silver Pearl
  • S4 – Light Tan with Gold and Silver Pearl
  • S5 – Golden Wheat with Gold Pearl
  • S6 – Midtone Slate with Silver Pearl
  • S7 – Rich Grey with Multicolor and Silver Pearl
  • M1 – Matte Warm Chocolate Brown
  • M2 – Matte Midtone Brown
  • M3 – Soft Matte Midtone Tan
  • M4 – Creamy Matte Beige
  • M5 – Soft Light Taupe
  • M6 – Ashy Dark Brown
  • M7 – Suede Black

Price

CA$58 (before tax) for 0.035oz x 14 eyeshadows, double-ended makeup brush, mascara and eye chart.

Smashbox Full Exposure Palette Swatches

Pros:

  • Excellent colors – browns, nudes, and greys.
  • You get 2 different textures – shimmer and matte.
  • Great pigment pay-off.
  • Glitters stick well to the skin if you pack the eyeshadow with a flat and dense eyeshadow brush.
  • Matte eyeshadows are not chalky, it has quite a velvet finish to it.
  • You can mix the matte eyeshadows to be used for the brows.
  • Palette have a great range of colors, which is great for different skin tones.
  • Great eye chart for inspiration.
  • Awesome brush and mascara.
  • Not too pricy – considering it’s around $5/eyeshadow when you break it down individually.
  • Makes for a great bridal palette!

Cons:

  • The flat split-fiber eyeshadow brush does not pack the glitter on the eyelid that well. You might have to use another brush for the glitters.
  • Quite a fall-out from the “shimmer” rows, so watch out! Try to do your eye makeup first before your base.