A good palette is a source of unremitting joy for any stalwart makeup fancier. However, though the very sight of palettes sets my soul to singing, I have heavy expectations of them. They tend as a rule to be expensive investment items for your makeup bag, so proceed carefully.
The combined items within the palette should always cost less than buying the components individually should. Most if not all of the shades should be wearable. (Otherwise, what are we paying for? No, I don’t want a crimson glitter eyeshadow, thank you.) In addition, the quality should be high.
Do not be seduced by the intoxicating siren song of the colours and textures. Research your palette and choose one that you know you’ll use all year round.
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NARS NARSissist Unfiltered II Cheek Palette (€45 from February 1st)
NARS is a behemoth among blush manufacturers. An individual blush from the brand will cost more than €30 (and is worth it for quality and longevity), but this palette contains six sumptuous shades, working out at €7.50 each.
Charlotte Tilbury Seductive Beauty Instant Look in a Palette (€69)
This is an entire face (apart from foundation and concealer) in a palette. The quality is beautiful and there’s real value for money here, considering that it contains your everyday staple products as well as evening shades.
Dior Coral Colour Gradation Palette (€59)
The (authentically or otherwise) tanned skin of summer calls, and these soft, warm pinks will sing on yellow-based and slightly deeper olive skin tones.
Chanel Les 4 Ombres in Codes Subtils (€50)
This palette is a joy. All the shades are wearable, yet all are daringly pseudo-metallic in finish. They radiate light without being garish or sparkly. Perfect worn individually or as a unified smoky eye look.
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage concealer (€38)
When trouble is afoot, stick to what you know to be reliable. When skin trouble is afoot, this industry great can cover any blemish. I don’t know a makeup artist who doesn’t keep several in their kit.
Catrice the Nude Blossom Collection Eyeshadow Palette (€5.50)
Soft pink tones can light up a paler complexion and really make blue or green eyes pop. This industrious little palette is lovely, and will leave you change from €10 for more than one bag of Maltesers.
Burberry Beauty Complete Eye Palette in Mocha (€44 from net-a-porter)
This palette is so luxe yet so supremely wearable that opening it every morning feels like a triumphantly indulgent act. Wear the shades alone or together – you can’t go wrong with this one.
Pixi ItsLipTime Palette (£28 from pixibeauty.co.uk)
Any product that allows for the mixing and customising of shades appeals greatly to me. I’m fussy with nude and red shades, and this palette gives the joy of mixing a shade to suit any mood with ease.
Clarins Palette Contour Visage (€45)
Contouring is a fussy business that I can’t be bothered with most of the time, but when the mood strikes, only an easy, straightforward product will do. This is finely milled and deliciously blendable.
