bareMinerals The Soft & the Smoky Eyeshadow Palette Review, Photos, Swatches
bareMinerals The Soft & the Smoky Eyeshadow Palette
bareMinerals The Soft & the Smoky Eyeshadow Palette ($40.00 for 0.24 oz.) includes eight eyeshadows in subdued, earthy tones. I spotted it on QVC last week and had to have it, and bonus, right now it’s slightly discounted (basically takes care of shipping fees). I ended up liking it quite a bit, and it’s both wearable and smokier–more colorful and more unique than a lot of bareMinerals palettes have been. No duds, but those with extensive Ready collections may find it has too many repromotes.
Celebrate is described as a “yellow-cream.” It’s a light beige with warm undertones and a satiny finish. It had rich pigmentation with a very soft, blendable texture that was silky and finely-milled without becoming powdery. This shade wore well for ten hours before creasing. Chanel Quadrille #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). MAC Apricot Blend #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar). MAC Pretty (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar). MAC Femme-Fi (LE, $17.00) is warmer (95% similar). MAC Oh, Rocky! (LE, $17.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar). MAC Greenluxe #1 (PiP, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). theBalm #18 (P, $6.50) is more shimmery (95% similar). MAC Shroom (P, $17.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Laura Mercier Vanilla Kiss (LE, $23.00) is lighter (95% similar). Make Up For Ever S522 Pinky Nude (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). YSL Saharienne #1 (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar). Make Up For Ever S522 Pinky Nude (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). KVD Beauty Lucius (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Urban Decay 5050 (LE, $19.00) is darker (90% similar). MAC Chamomile (LE, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar). Tarte In a Flurry (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Guerlain Beaugrenelle #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Beige (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). YSL Avant Garde #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). bareMinerals Natural #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
In the Buff is described as a “light golden-peach.” It’s a light-medium, peachy orange with hints of pink and a frosted sheen. It seemed more shimmery than the last version I reviewed of it (this is a repromote). It had fairly good color payoff with a soft, lightly dense texture that blended well and lasted for ten hours. KVD Beauty Killing Jar (DC, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). MAC Say, Yeah! (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). MAC Sun Tweaked (PiP, $17.00) is lighter (95% similar). Benefit It's Complicated (P, $20.00) is lighter (95% similar). ColourPop El Rey (LE, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Mortal #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). MAC Glam Gold (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Dior Shimmer Copper (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). Anastasia Gem (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). bareMinerals Ball Gown (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Deluxe Edition #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Make Up For Ever #153 (DC, $20.00) is darker, brighter (90% similar). Smashbox Crisp (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Painted Lady (LE, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar). bareMinerals Shazam (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). Tarte Rays (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). Makeup Geek Firefly (P, $12.00) is more shimmery (85% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Comfort Zone #3 (PiP, ) is darker (85% similar). Dior Golden Flower #1 (LE, ) is lighter (85% similar). Sleek MakeUP Sunset #11 (PiP, $9.99) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Heavenly Halo is described as a “silver whisper.” It’s a bright, cool-toned beige with a frosted sheen. It had good pigmentation with a silky texture that was easily blended on the skin but didn’t sheer out easily. The color started to crease after ten hours of wear. Stila Moonstone (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar). MAC White (PiP, $21.00) is lighter (95% similar). Tarina Tarantino Glinda's Kiss (DC, ) is cooler (95% similar). Clarins Garden Escape #1 (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). NARS Mortal (DC, $25.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Sephora Hologram (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar). Guerlain Cygne Blanc #2 (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar). Ciate Drawn That Way (LE, ) is warmer (85% similar). Sydney Grace Tangy Citrus (P, $6.25) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Midnight Luminance is described as a “gunsmoke.” It’s a muted, medium-dark reddish-brown with a lot of cooler green-teal shimmer. It’s almost a duochrome, but it seemed like a subdued variation on the green-brown duochrome we’ve seen from many brands in the past and didn’t have a lot of shift. The texture was soft, just a smidgen powdery, and it was easy to work with for application and blending. It wore well for ten hours. L'Oreal Green Promenade (P, $5.99) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). MAC Silver Sun (P, $20.00) is warmer (90% similar). Buxom No Faux (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
A-Ha is described as a “brown sugar.” It’s a medium-dark, peachy bronze with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. It had rich color payoff with a really smooth, buttery texture that blended beautifully and adhered well to bare skin. On me, the color lasted for almost eleven hours. YSL Saharienne #4 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). MAC Permanent Press #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). Sleek MakeUP Court in Cannes (LE, $9.99)(95% similar). LORAC Dark Mocha (PiP, $19.00) is darker (95% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Nude Dip #3 (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Too Faced Moi (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Too Faced Crisp Apple Strudel (LE, $16.00) is lighter (90% similar). Urban Decay Chase (DC, $19.00) is darker (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty The Free Spirit No. 12 (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Make Up For Ever ME644 Iced Brown (DC, $21.00) is darker (90% similar). Urban Decay Nameless (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). bareMinerals Hot Commodity (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Too Faced After Hours (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Chanel Tisse Rivoli #1 (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar). Laura Mercier Bamboo (PiP, $23.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Burberry Nude (No. 002) (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). bareMinerals Treasure Hunt (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Fallen Angel #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Edward Bess Cosmic Bliss #4 (PiP, $30.00) is darker (90% similar). Gucci Beauty Starlight (DC, $37.00) is lighter (95% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
True Chocolate is described as a “soft matte brown.” It’s a medium-dark, yellow-toned brown with warm undertones and a semi-matte finish. This shade darkened a lot when used on the skin compared to how it appeared in the pan! The texture was smooth, slightly thin and a little firm in the pan, but it blended without issue on the skin. This shade started to crease after nine hours of wear. Viseart Toffee (Dark Matte #1) (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar). Sephora + Pantone Universe Cocoa Brown (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Hourglass Infinity #4 (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar). Urban Decay Beware (DC, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). Too Faced Power Couple (LE, $16.00) is darker (90% similar). MAC Clove (LE, $17.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). LORAC Black #4 (LE, $19.00) is more muted (90% similar). MAC Double Feature #4 #2 (LE, $17.00) is warmer (90% similar). MAC Terre (Right) (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Intoxicate (LE, $6.00) is lighter (90% similar). Make Up For Ever M630 Sweet Chestnut (DC, $21.00) is more muted (90% similar). Viseart Taupe (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar). Too Faced Truffled (PiP, $16.00) is darker, brighter (90% similar). Make Up For Ever S616 Chocolate (DC, $21.00) is darker (90% similar). Sydney Grace Tippy Taupe (P, $5.25) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). ColourPop Bravery (LE, $6.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Sephora Driftwood (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). bareMinerals Yes Please (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Make Up For Ever S632 Hazelnut (DC, $21.00) is warmer (85% similar). Inglot #342 (P, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Eureka is described as a “metallic moss.” It’s a medium-dark, olive green with warm, gold and forest green shimmer paired with a metallic sheen. It had rich color payoff with a really smooth, dense, and buttery texture that made it easy to apply to bare skin without losing the intensity. I noticed slight creasing after ten and a half hours of wear. Make Up For Ever D320 Golden Khaki (DC, $21.00) is lighter (95% similar). Makeup Geek Kryptonite (P, $12.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Makeup Geek Masquerade (Stroke of Midnight) (LE, $9.99) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (95% similar). Urban Decay Stash (LE, $19.00) is cooler (95% similar). theBalm #30 (P, $6.50) is less shimmery (95% similar). Urban Decay Chains (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Huda Beauty Emerald #8 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). Anastasia Bronx (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar). bareMinerals Spectacular (P, ) is lighter, more shimmery (90% similar). Tarte Jaded (P, $14.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Mildew (DC, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar). Giorgio Armani Green Iron (06) (DC, $39.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Smoked Opaline (LE, $36.00) is lighter (90% similar). Pat McGrath Wicked Envy (PiP, $25.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Burnished Copper (LE, $45.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). LORAC Seaside (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Smashbox Hundo (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar). Clarins Forest #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Dior Jardin #3 (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar). Rare Beauty Passion (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Mysterious Sky is described as a “midnight smoke.” It’s a subdued, smoky gray with cool undertones and a satin finish. It had good pigmentation with a soft, blendable consistency that wasn’t too thin or too thick. This shade wore well for ten and a half hours before creasing. Too Faced Earl Grey (PiP, $16.00) is darker (90% similar). Dior Golden Snow #5 (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop Tink (LE, $6.00) is darker (90% similar). Fenty Beauty Brain Freeze (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Feather (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Urban Decay Dagger (PiP, $19.00) is darker (90% similar). Makeup Atelier Nude #5 (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar). Rouge Bunny Rouge Trumpeter Koel (P, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty White Suede #4 (LE, ) is cooler (85% similar). NARS Pyrenees (P, $19.00) is less shimmery (85% similar). MAC Cyber Goth (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). bareMinerals Chateau (LE, ) is darker (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
The Soft and the Smoky
LELimited Edition. $40.00.
Celebrate
LELimited Edition.
In the Buff
LELimited Edition.
Heavenly Halo
LELimited Edition.
Midnight Luminance
LELimited Edition.
A-Ha
PiPPermanent in Palette.
True Chocolate
LELimited Edition.
Eureka
LELimited Edition.
Mysterious Sky
LELimited Edition.
See more photos & swatches!
bareMinerals The Soft & the Smoky Eyeshadow Palette
bareMinerals The Soft & the Smoky Eyeshadow Palette
bareMinerals The Soft & the Smoky Eyeshadow Palette
bareMinerals The Soft & the Smoky Eyeshadow Palette
bareMinerals The Soft & the Smoky Eyeshadow Palette
bareMinerals The Soft & the Smoky Eyeshadow Palette
bareMinerals The Soft & the Smoky Eyeshadow Palette
bareMinerals The Soft & the Smoky Eyeshadow Palette
bareMinerals Celebrate Eyeshadow
bareMinerals Celebrate Eyeshadow
bareMinerals In the Buff Eyeshadow
bareMinerals In the Buff Eyeshadow
bareMinerals Heavenly Halo Eyeshadow
bareMinerals Heavenly Halo Eyeshadow
bareMinerals Midnight Luminance Eyeshadow
bareMinerals Midnight Luminance Eyeshadow
bareMinerals A-Ha Eyeshadow
bareMinerals A-Ha Eyeshadow
bareMinerals True Chocolate Eyeshadow
bareMinerals True Chocolate Eyeshadow
bareMinerals Eureka Eyeshadow
bareMinerals Eureka Eyeshadow
bareMinerals Mysterious Sky Eyeshadow
bareMinerals Mysterious Sky Eyeshadow
bareMinerals The Soft & the Smoky Eyeshadow Palette
bareMinerals The Soft & the Smoky Eyeshadow Palette
Oh I really like this palette! Though I already have a-ha and dupes for most of this shades, so I might pass, but still, most tempting holiday palette this year for me so far!
It’s a very interesting set of shades!
Oh man, I’m not usually one to get excited about an eyeshadow palette but when I saw this I think I literally gasped! It’s kind of what I would create if I could make my own palette (which I can and do with my Z Palette but it’s not quite so compact). I love and would use every colour and that’s rare for me. One for the Christmas list I think…or it would be if we all still bought presents for each other. Never mind. 🙂
Maybe from you to you? 🙂
Man, they always do a fabulous job with all their pressed products. *_*
They really are pretty good when it comes to pressed!
The quality seems great! I’m not crazy about the color choice, but I wish I could buy a single of True Chocolate!
I wish they did singles!
I love this formula and the colors are great. But I don’t need it, arg! It’s missing a transition color for me so maybe that will be my reason not to buy it, *sniff sniff*.
Awww!
Ooh! I see you Bare Minerals! The packaging is cute and I’m loving the swatches. Most of all, it’s brown girl friendly. I think I will get this along with Too Faced Bon-Bon. Cannot wait to see your swatches on that. :]
Very true – this will work on darker skin tones, and that is probably a place where bareMinerals doesn’t always nail it!
Oh, I LOVE this! The packaging is so pretty too, is it sturdy? I have a lot of similar colors already but the packaging alone may convince me…
It is plastic, so it is quite sturdy!
Oooh, I love the colors in this set! Subdued earthy tones is a good way to describe them. My faves are Eureka and Mysterious Sky. These are great colors for fall, will go well with the cozy bohemian look.
Eureka is a nice one!
This nicely compact little palette would make a great travel palette, I would imagine! I like how it can go daytime business type look to a more intense nighttime look. Love how you managed to incorporate probably almost all the shadows into one look!
I like how the palettes are compact but still hold a decent amount of product.
OMG, this I so pretty! I need this! I am spent out form the Sephora sale. Ugh. I hope it sticks around!
Okay. I eat my words. Easy pay made me do it! Seriously, why can’t QVC offer free shipping? That is the one thing that turns me off with them. I hate paying shipping! But, this is so my thing. Now, maybe I will quit obsessing about whether or not I want the Regal Wardrobe!
Haha! Love that you ended up getting it 🙂
It’s a very pretty palette. Midnight Luminance is more complex than I thought it would be. Halo is beautiful.
It is! I liked how it was softer than shades that you might think are similar.
Well, I don’t have any Ready eyeshadows, and these colors are gorgeous, so this is a no-brainer, right, Christine? 🙂
Haha! Right 🙂
Wow, those are really gorgeous!
Btw Christine, do you plan on reviewing the new H&M’s makeup line? The internet is all raving about it, but I only buy what has Christine’s seal of approval lol
I don’t have anything from H&M, sorry!
I’ve yet to be disappointed by any of the Bare Minerals Ready Shadows I’ve purchased. Since I’ve been wanting both A-ha and Eureka and because Midnight Luminance is so different, I really, REALLY hope this comes to Sephora, since QVC is yet another thing that’s not available to us Canadians!
I have no idea about this one on whether it’ll be elsewhere! It seemed like a late release/off from the rest of their holiday pieces, but it is definitely in the same type of packaging.
I remember first seeing/reading about The Power Neutals as a QVC or perhaps ULTA exclusive (but I think it was QVC) but eventually – after quite a wait – it became available here. I hope the same will be true of this beauty.
Very pretty! I think it’s the first time a bareMinerals palette piques my interest, I usually find the color combos boring but this one has just the right balance of darks and neutrals.
I think it was perfectly named!
Pretty but much to warm for me!
Boo!
This looks like a very nice palette. I’d really like to have it, it has some colours I don’t think I have any dupes, or anything that comes even near in my stash.
I must check a Bare Minerals counter soon!
I was happily surprised by how the colors worked together!
Holy-moly !!!! this looks great!!
It was quite nice!
So glad you got a chance to review this palette. I was super interested Rose Gold version and was unsure of what the quality was like. This looks great!!!
I’ve been pretty happy with the Ready palettes! I’ve only had maybe one or two dud palettes/quads total!
So happy to hear that!!! Thanks so much Christine!!!
I wish I could justify another neutral palette right now if only for that cute packaging, but I’m still holding out for the UD Gwen collection. The eye look you created looks really nice, though!
Thanks a lot, Alexis 🙂
Your timing is always perfect! I was just looking at this wondering if i need it. I love it but i went for today’s TSV instead because it’s only for 1 day. This is definitely on my list! Your eyes are stunning!
Thank you, Trina!
Those are a super nice combination! I might have to pick this up.
It is!
Such pretty swatches – I do have a pretty good number of BE palettes, but the packaging and unique group of colors are really making me ‘need’ this…
The combo was really cool! It made me think a bit 😀
This looks lovely! I love the colour combination. I hope this gets released in Australia though I’m not holding my breath as many of these never do.
Oh, that is sad to hear, Spring. I will cross my fingers this one miraculously makes it!
Just love this palette SO much! It is stunning and a true autumn palette. Even though I own the Playlist, the colours are not exactly the same. The smoky blues, olive greens and that gorgeous colour Midnight Luminance is beautiful. The only colour I really don’t like and wouldn’t use is the orangey one. Which is pretty good, no black mattes!. Love it.
That eye look you have done Christine is just lovely. I think the bareMinerals Ready eyeshadows are great quality and I am thrilled the brand is going back to colour. Yay!
This definitely has a more subdued/softer look compared to the Playlist.
Thank you!
I am already checking out the places I can buy this at – but QVC does not ship to Australia – boo hoo. I am still looking….
I received this in the mail today. It’s a gorgeous palette!
Awesome! So glad you snagged one, Lisa!
So pretty! I love your eye look. This reminds me I should show my BareMinerals quad some love.
I would pick this over the Naked Smoky. I’m so in love with the warm colors. <3!
WANT! NEED!
This is really pretty! I’m curious as to what this palette would have been like if Bare Minerals made it with 12 shades instead of 8. I know this is one of those Ready 8.0 palettes, but I’m sure with 12 shades they would have filled in the gaps to make me want to buy this palette (darker shades, transition shades, etc). Unfortunately, I think I will pass, but great concept on BM’s part!
Very beautiful look you made with the palette!
I feel the colors would work exceptionally well for Indian skintones. Too sad its not available here.
This is such a gorgeous palette, I love the color selection, beautiful finish of the product and the way the seem to blend on the skin – the look you created is so gorgesou Christine!
I want this one. I Just have “The vision”, from BareMinerals, and this palette looks awesome!!
Wow this is pretty! I really don’t need it and I know I wouldn’t get much use out of the 2 lightest shades, but it’s very tempting!!
This looks like a really gorgeous palette. It might be time to make my first Bare Minerals purchase! The eye look you created is so pretty, and I love your nails too. Is it one of Essie’s fall colors? It looks a lot like Leggy Legend (my favorite nail polish of all time).
OMG, why can’t I find all the good stuff in Canada. I actually really like this palette and I think I would actually get use from it. Sadly, it doesn’t seem to be available over here. 🙁
🙁