LAURA GELLER’s Neutrally Natural Eyeshadow Palette: A Masterclass in Shadow Skills
Are you ready to elevate your eyeshadow game? The LAURA GELLER NEW YORK The Ultimate Palette Baked Eyeshadow in “Neutrally Natural + Shadow Skills” might be your new best friend. This palette promises a range of neutral shades suitable for everyday wear and more dramatic looks. Let’s delve into what makes this palette stand out, its pros and cons, and whether it’s worth adding to your makeup collection.
First Impressions: Packaging and Presentation
The first thing you’ll notice about the Neutrally Natural palette is its sleek packaging. It’s compact and sturdy, making it perfect for travel. The palette includes a good-sized mirror, which is always a plus for on-the-go application. The layout of the shadows is intuitive, with a mix of matte and shimmer shades that seem thoughtfully curated.
It’s always a treat when a palette feels luxurious even before you swatch the shadows. The overall aesthetic of this Laura Geller palette is sophisticated and practical. The packaging feels well-made, ensuring the shadows are protected. This is important, especially for baked eyeshadows, which can be more delicate than pressed powders.
Exploring the Shades: A Neutral Lover’s Dream?
The heart of any eyeshadow palette lies in its shades. The Neutrally Natural palette boasts a selection of warm and cool-toned neutrals, ranging from creamy beige and soft taupe to rich browns and shimmering golds. The balance between matte and shimmer finishes allows for versatility in creating different eye looks.
Let’s break down the types of shades you can expect:
- Matte Transition Shades: Essential for blending and creating a seamless transition between colors.
- Shimmer Lid Shades: To add dimension and a touch of glamour to the eyelids.
- Deepening Shades: For adding definition to the crease and outer corner of the eyes.
- Highlight Shades: To brighten the inner corner of the eyes and brow bone.
The color payoff is generally good, with the shimmer shades being particularly impressive. The matte shades require a bit more building, but they are easily blendable. This is good news for those who prefer a more subtle, buildable application.
Baked Eyeshadow Technology: What’s the Hype?
Laura Geller is known for her baked eyeshadows, and the Neutrally Natural palette features this signature technology. Baked eyeshadows are created by baking pigment-rich creams on terracotta tiles, resulting in a unique texture and finish. This baking process is said to deliver intense color payoff and a smooth, blendable formula.
But does it live up to the hype? In many ways, yes. Baked eyeshadows tend to have a softer, more luminous finish compared to traditional pressed shadows. They also tend to be less prone to fallout, which is always a welcome bonus.
Shadow Skills: How to Use the Palette
The name of the palette includes “Shadow Skills,” implying it’s designed to help you improve your eyeshadow application techniques. While the palette itself won’t magically transform you into a makeup artist, the curated selection of shades and finishes can certainly guide you in creating various eye looks.
Here are a few eyeshadow looks you can achieve with this palette:
- Everyday Natural Look: Use a matte transition shade in the crease, a shimmer shade on the lid, and a matte shade to line the lower lash line.
- Smoky Eye: Apply a deeper matte shade to the outer corner of the eye, blending it into the crease. Add a shimmer shade to the lid and use a black or brown eyeliner to define the lash line.
- Halo Eye: Place a shimmer shade in the center of the lid and blend darker matte shades into the inner and outer corners.
Experimenting with different combinations of shades and finishes is key to unlocking the full potential of this palette. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new techniques. Shadow Skills can be mastered through practice, and this palette provides a great starting point.
Longevity and Wear: Does It Last All Day?
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an eyeshadow palette is its longevity. Does the color stay vibrant throughout the day, or does it fade and crease? With the Laura Geller Neutrally Natural palette, the wear time is generally good, especially when used with an eyeshadow primer.
Without a primer, you might notice some fading and creasing after several hours, particularly if you have oily eyelids. However, with a good primer, the eyeshadows can last for 8 hours or more without significant degradation. The shimmer shades tend to hold up better than the matte shades in terms of longevity.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective
Every product has its strengths and weaknesses, and the Laura Geller Neutrally Natural palette is no exception. Let’s weigh the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Pros:
- Versatile Shade Selection: A wide range of neutral shades suitable for various skin tones and eye colors.
- Baked Eyeshadow Technology: Delivers a smooth, luminous finish with good color payoff.
- Blendable Formula: Easy to blend and build, making it suitable for beginners and experienced users alike.
- Compact and Travel-Friendly: The palette is compact and includes a mirror, making it ideal for travel.
- Minimal Fallout: The baked formula tends to produce less fallout compared to traditional pressed shadows.
Cons:
- Matte Shades Require Building: The matte shades may require more building to achieve desired intensity.
- Longevity: Wear time can be improved with an eyeshadow primer.
- Price Point: Laura Geller products are generally mid-range to high-end, which may be a deterrent for some.
Comparing with Other Neutral Palettes
The beauty market is saturated with neutral eyeshadow palettes. Let’s see how the Laura Geller Neutrally Natural palette stacks up against some of its competitors.
Here’s a comparison table:
| Palette | Price Range | Shade Range | Finish | Longevity | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laura Geller Neutrally Natural | $$$ | Warm and cool neutrals | Matte and shimmer | Good (with primer) | 4.0/5 |
| Urban Decay Naked Basics | $$$ | All matte neutrals | Matte | Excellent | 4.5/5 |
| Tartelette Toasted | $$$ | Warm toned browns and bronzes | Matte and shimmer | Excellent | 4.7/5 |
| Maybelline City Mini Palette | $ | Various color stories | Matte and shimmer | Moderate | 3.5/5 |
| ColourPop Nude Mood | $$ | Cool toned nudes and mauves | Matte and metallic | Good | 4.2/5 |
From the above comparison, we can see that the Laura Geller palette holds its own in terms of shade range and finish. However, palettes like the Urban Decay Naked Basics and Tartelette Toasted offer slightly better longevity and overall performance. The Maybelline City Mini Palette is a more affordable option, but it doesn’t quite match the quality and pigmentation of the Laura Geller palette. ColourPop’s Nude Mood Palette is close in competition.
Who is This Palette For?
The Laura Geller Neutrally Natural palette is ideal for anyone who loves neutral eyeshadows and appreciates a luminous finish. It’s a great option for those who want a versatile palette that can be used for everyday wear and more dressed-up occasions. If you’re a fan of baked eyeshadows and enjoy experimenting with different eye looks, this palette is definitely worth considering.
This palette might not be the best choice for those who prefer highly pigmented matte shadows or those on a tight budget. However, if you’re willing to invest in a high-quality neutral palette, the Laura Geller Neutrally Natural palette is a solid option.
Application Tips for Optimal Results
To get the most out of your Laura Geller Neutrally Natural palette, here are a few application tips:
- Use an Eyeshadow Primer: This will help to improve the longevity and color payoff of the eyeshadows.
- Apply with a Damp Brush: For the shimmer shades, applying with a damp brush can intensify the color and create a more foiled effect.
- Build Up the Color: The matte shades may require some building to achieve desired intensity. Start with a light layer and gradually build up the color.
- Blend, Blend, Blend: Proper blending is key to creating a seamless eyeshadow look. Use a fluffy blending brush to blend the edges of the shadows.
- Experiment with Different Brushes: Different brushes can create different effects. Try using a flat brush for packing on color and a tapered brush for blending in the crease.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Investment?
The Laura Geller Neutrally Natural Eyeshadow Palette is a well-curated collection of neutral shades that offers versatility and a luminous finish. While it may not be the most affordable option on the market, the quality of the baked eyeshadows and the thoughtful shade selection make it a worthwhile investment for neutral eyeshadow lovers.
If you’re looking for a palette that can help you master your shadow skills and create a range of natural and glamorous eye looks, the Laura Geller Neutrally Natural palette is definitely worth considering. Just remember to use an eyeshadow primer for optimal longevity and don’t be afraid to experiment with different application techniques.
Overall, I would recommend the LAURA GELLER NEW YORK The Ultimate Palette Baked Eyeshadow (04 Neutrally Natural + Shadow Skills) for its quality, blendability and curated color story.