Two words: training wheels.
That’s what comes to mind when I wear the colors in Bobbi Brown’s new Ultra Nude Eye Palette, a $45 limited edition release of neutral eyeshadows from the spring Neons & Nudes collection.
These are shades that I think someone like my friend Jen might really like. She’s deathly afraid of wearing eyeshadow but still very curious nevertheless. This palette’s baby stepping beiges and browns could be a great place for her to start.
Bobbi plucked the six classic, neutral shades that occupy the limited edition packaging (super cute!) from her permanent line, choosing a mix of matte and shimmer finishes.
Like a staple piece in a well-rounded wardrobe, a pair of black heels perhaps, these neutrals are the kinds of colors many gals could wear regularly, either dressed up or down. On my skin, most of them apply moderately opaque, and they seem to walk the line pretty evenly between warm and cool.
A couple of the browns display some gray on my skin, and I often use grayish browns for contouring and creating sculpted looks. Lovelies with lighter hair may also find them handy for filling in blonde or very light brown brows.
Overall, I like the colors Bobbi picked for the palette, but I would have loved to also see a couple of warm orange-based browns…
I’m a total ho for orangey browns. 🙂
You know how much I lurves me some neutrals, but these shades leave me feeling almost naked. I’ll rock a “no makeup” makeup look any day of the week, but wearing these I feel like a cat with a fresh lion cut — exposed to the elements.
Ultra Nude Eye Palette swatches from the left: Eye Shadow in Chino, Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow in Praline, Eye Shadow in Stone, Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow in Champagne Truffle and Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow in Cocoa Berry
For quiet eye looks (shh…), they should hit the spot.
If you’ve been prowling for a nude palette light on glitz and sparkle, the Bobbi Brown Ultra Nude Eye Palette may be a perfect fit.
PRICE: $45
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Bobbi Brown counters and also online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Thanks for the review! I was considering getting this, but it looks like the colors may be a bit too nude on my darker skin. Happy Wednesday – it’s one day closer to the weekend. 🙂
I love the Hot Pink packaging though I don’t think half of these would show up on my NC 40 skin tone. Missing your pics wearing these shadows!
Wow, that’s a lot of… Brown. Get it? 🙂 Sorry, I couldn’t resist. I’m with you on this. I’m a neutral kind of gal but even I’m thinking that these are a lot of colors that look a lot alike in the swatches.
I avoid BBrown powder shadows like the plague. And more neutrals. I think the market is overly saturated with that theme!
I don’t think anyone can beat Bobbi when it comes to neutrals.
Thanks for the thorough review! I love gray-browns, but the overall palette does look a bit underwhelming…
You’re welcome, Julie. What are your go-to gray browns, btw?
Tabs should get a lion cut, 😉
Haha, he keeps asking for one! I dunno… I sure do love his fluffy fur. I would miss seeing his orange tum.
gorgeous packaging! the shadows seem OK but might not be for me.
Hi Nina!
Isn’t the pink fun? I kinda wish all of Bobbi’s packaging was like that.
So I went to See’s last week and I couldn’t find those mini lollipops! 🙁
awwww … that sucks! i hope you find it soon! 🙂
i love the pink — it makes me smile!
Very nude indeed, but I think it might work with my skin. Will have to swatch myself first. What a beauty….
Hi DalaLuz,
Glad to hear you like this palette! 🙂 You can never have enough neutrals.
Since I am a pale woman, I’m glad there are no orangey-browns and this might just work for me! I have hed Stonewashed NUdes palette and it is the only palette I’ve ever bought a back-up of. The first Nakeds palette just didn’t work for me!
Hi Barbara,
Sounds like this palette is just the thing for you, then. 🙂 I hope you give it a swatch!
Sorry, should say HER Stonewashed Nudes!
Sorry, should say HER Stonewashed Nudes!
I’ve liked all the Bobbi Brown I’ve bought, but this nude is a little too nude for me.
Sigh, a season too late… I would probably have gotten this over the TheBalm’s Nudetude palette I got during the holiday releases…
How are you liking that palette, Josette?
I love the packaging 🙂 I’m still figuring out what combinations work on my lids. I love TheBalm… it’s a shame Sephora took it out of their B&M stores.
I noticed that the display went MIA a few months ago. Bummer… I always liked their concealer.
What with Naked original and my soon-to-arrive Naked2 palette I’m completely saturated for neutrals 🙂
Have you seen/tried the new Sun Beam highlighter from Benefit? I’m a fan of High Beam but it interests me… Looking forward to spring and summer 🙂
It’s sitting on my desk as I type this. 🙂
Thanks for the review Karen! I’m afraid they might be a bit too sheer for me too (NC30). I like the concept though, and they do look delicious in pan (like pralines)!
Wish I’d seen this before I got Naked2. I was a little disappointed that N2 was so similar to Naked and now I’ve swatched it, (couldn’t resist!), I can’t return it. Ah well. Loving the pink package on this and although they are super nude, I have casper pale cool skin so I think they’d work for me. Must resist!
Hi Karen!
Thanks so much for reviewing this, I was waiting to hear what you think about it!
Being on the pale side, I really love this Palette and I will most certainly get it next week 🙂
I love nudes/greyish browns!
I love neutrals. They’re so easy to wear! Perfect for everyday and suitable for work. =)
I agree with you about the fact that it would be nice to have an orange brown in the mix. While these colors will go on beautifully on my total pail blonde girl complexion, I like to add some color and sparkle to my every day life.
Oh this is just gorgeous. I know “nude” colored palettes are all the rage now but as a matte lover, I have been eagerly looking for one that doesn’t have a lot of shimmer. Like you said, training wheels – really subtle, pretty colors. Love it 😀 Thanks for sharing.
x Renee
You’re welcome! 🙂
BB does great neutrals. Was thinking that this would be a good addition but seeing your swatches – ummm, pass! Loved your training wheels reference!
Thanks for the review. I love the promotional picture Bobbi Brown is using for this collection. It has the word “Nude” in neon lights with items of the collection strategically placed around it. I have it as my wallpaper on my phone lol.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the hot pink packaging. However, I just cant justify buying it, because the swatches look awful. They dont look very pigmented at all 🙁 I wish they had more things in the neon pink! Thanks for saving me money Karen!!!