Bobbi Brown Luxe Gems Eye Shadow Palette Review & Swatches
Luxe Gems
Bobbi Brown Luxe Gems Eye Shadow Palette ($75.00 for 0.49 oz.) is a new, limited edition palette for the holiday season that features seven shades of the brand’s Luxe eyeshadow (which is their more expensive formula). The Luxe formula can be used dry or wet, though the current description of the formula indicates to use it with a wet brush to intensify the shine–and that seemed to be true for most shades in the palette. They are supposed to wear for eight hours, and most of them lasted between seven and eight hours on me.
Luxe Gems
LELimited Edition. $75.00.
Incandescent
Incandescent is a brighter, yellowed-peach base with peach-to-pink shifting sparkle and a metallic finish. It had opaque pigmentation that applied similarly dry as it did with a dampened brush, though the wetter application yielded a shinier finish. The texture was smooth to the touch, dense without being too firmly pressed into the pan, so it was easy to pick up and apply. This shade wore nicely for eight hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NARS Push It (LE, $22.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Celestial Eyes (Prime) (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- MAC La-di-da (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Anastasia B2 (Norvina Mini Vol. 1) (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Colour Pop By the Pound (LE, $5.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- Colour Pop Prelude (P, $7.00) is brighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Makeup Geek Hologram (P, $12.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Milani Pink Sand (PiP, $5.99) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Dior Expose #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- MAC All in All (LE, ) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$38.00/0.08 oz. - $475.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be "applied dry for instant impact or applied with a damp brush for a liquid metal look" that "glides on and blends easily." The shades that I have tested have had good pigmentation both wet and dry with the dampened application yielding a smoother application and a stronger sheen. They could be used dry, but they adhered exceptionally well to bare skin when applied with a dampened brush. There was some fallout over time (seven to eight hours) when used dry and very minimal fallout over time when applied with a dampened brush.
It's a good formula overall, but the price point seemed skewed, even within the brand's formula (typically, eyeshadows are less expensive compared to the brand's lipsticks, and the Luxe Lip Colors are $37 so these are more expensive). I think if these were around $29, they would be (marginally) easier to justify, but at $38 for a single eyeshadow, that's a real commitment to a single shade.
Browse all of our Bobbi Brown Luxe Eye Shadow swatches.
Incandescent
LELimited Edition. $38.00.
Bijou
Bijou is a soft, muted peach with warm, orange undertones and a satin finish. It had semi-opaque pigmentation applied dry and opaque (slightly darker) coverage applied with a dampened brush. The texture was denser and firmer in the pan, but it wasn’t stiff, so I was able to pick up product easily with a brush and didn’t have any issues with fallout or blending. It lasted well for seven and a half hours on me before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Tarte Paradise (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Colour Pop Catch Me (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- LORAC Fawn (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Becca Ombre Nudes #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Urban Decay ABC Gum (P, $19.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- Milani My Daily Latte (PiP, $5.99) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Dior Matte Nude (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Dose of Colors Basic (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Too Faced Peaches 'n Cream (PiP, $16.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Sephora Magnolia (PiP, ) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$38.00/0.08 oz. - $475.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be "applied dry for instant impact or applied with a damp brush for a liquid metal look" that "glides on and blends easily." The shades that I have tested have had good pigmentation both wet and dry with the dampened application yielding a smoother application and a stronger sheen. They could be used dry, but they adhered exceptionally well to bare skin when applied with a dampened brush. There was some fallout over time (seven to eight hours) when used dry and very minimal fallout over time when applied with a dampened brush.
It's a good formula overall, but the price point seemed skewed, even within the brand's formula (typically, eyeshadows are less expensive compared to the brand's lipsticks, and the Luxe Lip Colors are $37 so these are more expensive). I think if these were around $29, they would be (marginally) easier to justify, but at $38 for a single eyeshadow, that's a real commitment to a single shade.
Browse all of our Bobbi Brown Luxe Eye Shadow swatches.
Bijou
LELimited Edition. $38.00.
Volcanic
Volcanic is a deep purple with warmer undertones and a sparkling finish. It had semi-opaque color payoff in a single layer applied dry, though it needed to be applied with a dampened brush to get to full coverage. The texture was dense, fairly smooth but felt a bit more textured based on how much sparkle was in it (relative to the other shades), and blended out well with a touch of fallout. It stayed on well for eight hours with light fallout over time. This shade was released individually before, but the version in the palette was better pressed and was easier to work with.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Midnight Shine (P, $18.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Lancome Hotel Particulier (LE, $26.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Bondage (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Honeymoon #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- MAC Sparkling Moment (LE, $18.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty How You Want (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- NARS Wishing on a Star (LE, ) is more shimmery, less pigmented (85% similar).
- Colour Pop Stereo (P, $6.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- Stila Hypnotic (LE, $24.00) is less shimmery, lighter, less pigmented (85% similar).
- Too Faced Better Together (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, lighter, more muted (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$38.00/0.08 oz. - $475.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be "applied dry for instant impact or applied with a damp brush for a liquid metal look" that "glides on and blends easily." The shades that I have tested have had good pigmentation both wet and dry with the dampened application yielding a smoother application and a stronger sheen. They could be used dry, but they adhered exceptionally well to bare skin when applied with a dampened brush. There was some fallout over time (seven to eight hours) when used dry and very minimal fallout over time when applied with a dampened brush.
It's a good formula overall, but the price point seemed skewed, even within the brand's formula (typically, eyeshadows are less expensive compared to the brand's lipsticks, and the Luxe Lip Colors are $37 so these are more expensive). I think if these were around $29, they would be (marginally) easier to justify, but at $38 for a single eyeshadow, that's a real commitment to a single shade.
Browse all of our Bobbi Brown Luxe Eye Shadow swatches.
Volcanic
PiPPermanent in Palette. $38.00.
Sunstone
Sunstone is a soft beige with warmer undertones and a sparkling, metallic sheen. It had semi-opaque pigmentation applied dry with light fallout during application, whereas dampened application yielded opaque coverage and a smoother finish with just a smidgen of fallout. The texture felt smooth to the touch, dense but not too firmly packed into the pan, and it was blendable without having issues with lots of fallout. It wore well for eight hours with slight fallout over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Giorgio Armani Gold Ashes (12) (DC, $39.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Monroe (220M) (PiP, $29.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Lumino (212M) (PiP, $29.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- PIXI Beauty Metal Mauve (PiP, $20.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Astral Solstice (PiP, $25.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury The Rebel #1 (DC, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- Viseart Celestial (GPV2 #3) (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Shock 'Em (LE, $28.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Colour Pop Supermodel (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Milky Way (LE, ) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$38.00/0.08 oz. - $475.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be "applied dry for instant impact or applied with a damp brush for a liquid metal look" that "glides on and blends easily." The shades that I have tested have had good pigmentation both wet and dry with the dampened application yielding a smoother application and a stronger sheen. They could be used dry, but they adhered exceptionally well to bare skin when applied with a dampened brush. There was some fallout over time (seven to eight hours) when used dry and very minimal fallout over time when applied with a dampened brush.
It's a good formula overall, but the price point seemed skewed, even within the brand's formula (typically, eyeshadows are less expensive compared to the brand's lipsticks, and the Luxe Lip Colors are $37 so these are more expensive). I think if these were around $29, they would be (marginally) easier to justify, but at $38 for a single eyeshadow, that's a real commitment to a single shade.
Browse all of our Bobbi Brown Luxe Eye Shadow swatches.
Sunstone
LELimited Edition. $38.00.
Ultra Velvet
Ultra Velvet is a blackened plum with warm undertones and a satin finish. It had semi-opaque pigmentation applied dry and slightly deeper color but similar coverage when applied with a dampened brush. This was the only under-performing shade in the palette as it seemed firmer, stiffer, and a little drier, so it was harder to diffuse and blend out. The color lasted decently for seven hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Dark Chocolate (P, $5.00) is less shimmery, darker, more pigmented (90% similar).
- Jouer Mahogany (LE, ) is darker, more pigmented, cooler (85% similar).
- Anastasia Palm (LE, ) is less shimmery, brighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Laura Mercier Hot Chocolate (LE, $23.00) is less shimmery, darker, more pigmented (85% similar).
- bareMinerals Stiletto (LE, ) is darker, warmer (80% similar).
- Dior Lucky Star #5 (LE, ) is less shimmery, brighter, more pigmented (80% similar).
- Too Faced Risky Biz (PiP, $16.00) is less shimmery, warmer (80% similar).
- Viseart Dolce (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, more pigmented (80% similar).
- Urban Decay Punk (P, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (80% similar).
- Dior Devilish #5 (LE, ) is darker, more pigmented, warmer (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$38.00/0.08 oz. - $475.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be "applied dry for instant impact or applied with a damp brush for a liquid metal look" that "glides on and blends easily." The shades that I have tested have had good pigmentation both wet and dry with the dampened application yielding a smoother application and a stronger sheen. They could be used dry, but they adhered exceptionally well to bare skin when applied with a dampened brush. There was some fallout over time (seven to eight hours) when used dry and very minimal fallout over time when applied with a dampened brush.
It's a good formula overall, but the price point seemed skewed, even within the brand's formula (typically, eyeshadows are less expensive compared to the brand's lipsticks, and the Luxe Lip Colors are $37 so these are more expensive). I think if these were around $29, they would be (marginally) easier to justify, but at $38 for a single eyeshadow, that's a real commitment to a single shade.
Browse all of our Bobbi Brown Luxe Eye Shadow swatches.
Ultra Velvet
LELimited Edition. $38.00.
Electric Sapphire
Electric Sapphire is a deep, blackened navy blue base with tons of sparkling flecks of blue and lighter blue throughout. The texture was dense, more substantial, and creamier, which ensured that the sparkles mixed with the base pigment for a smooth, even lay down of product that had minimal fallout during application.
It had rich color payoff that applied the same dry as it did wet, though it seemed to have a slightly smoother sheen applied with a dampened brush. It wore nicely for eight hours on me with a smidgen of fallout over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Colour Pop Patchwork (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Colour Pop Antimatter (P, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Lunar Metal (LE, $21.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty For Once (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Kevyn Aucoin Impulse (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Splendor (P, $8.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Colour Pop Warrior (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- NARS Moskova #1 (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Colour Pop On One (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Anastasia Mermaid (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$38.00/0.08 oz. - $475.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be "applied dry for instant impact or applied with a damp brush for a liquid metal look" that "glides on and blends easily." The shades that I have tested have had good pigmentation both wet and dry with the dampened application yielding a smoother application and a stronger sheen. They could be used dry, but they adhered exceptionally well to bare skin when applied with a dampened brush. There was some fallout over time (seven to eight hours) when used dry and very minimal fallout over time when applied with a dampened brush.
It's a good formula overall, but the price point seemed skewed, even within the brand's formula (typically, eyeshadows are less expensive compared to the brand's lipsticks, and the Luxe Lip Colors are $37 so these are more expensive). I think if these were around $29, they would be (marginally) easier to justify, but at $38 for a single eyeshadow, that's a real commitment to a single shade.
Browse all of our Bobbi Brown Luxe Eye Shadow swatches.
Electric Sapphire
LELimited Edition. $38.00.
Black Pearl
Black Pearl is a darker taupe with subtle, warm undertones and a silver shimmer-sheen that gave it a more metallic finish. It had good color coverage that applied similarly dry as well as wet, though the dampened application yielded a more metallic, reflective finish that made it appear a touch lighter.
The texture was smooth, dense without being too firmly pressed into the pan that it became stiff to work with, and it applied evenly and had no fallout. It stayed on nicely for eight hours on me before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Tom Ford Beauty Soleil et Lune #3 (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Industrial (45M) (PiP, $29.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Kat Von D Darling (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Dose of Colors Slinky (P, $20.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Stud (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever ME554 Gunmetal (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Kat Von D Melancholia (DC, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Huda Beauty Smokey #4 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Chanel Silver Screen (822) (LE, $36.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Drunk Text (LE, ) is darker, warmer (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$38.00/0.08 oz. - $475.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be "applied dry for instant impact or applied with a damp brush for a liquid metal look" that "glides on and blends easily." The shades that I have tested have had good pigmentation both wet and dry with the dampened application yielding a smoother application and a stronger sheen. They could be used dry, but they adhered exceptionally well to bare skin when applied with a dampened brush. There was some fallout over time (seven to eight hours) when used dry and very minimal fallout over time when applied with a dampened brush.
It's a good formula overall, but the price point seemed skewed, even within the brand's formula (typically, eyeshadows are less expensive compared to the brand's lipsticks, and the Luxe Lip Colors are $37 so these are more expensive). I think if these were around $29, they would be (marginally) easier to justify, but at $38 for a single eyeshadow, that's a real commitment to a single shade.
Browse all of our Bobbi Brown Luxe Eye Shadow swatches.
I held off on purchasing this palette pending seeing reviews and so I am glad you were able to do so before the sale. I haven’t gone to the site to look for it but doubt it will be sold out before the sale. I love the eye look you did with this palette and that was really what prompted me to pay attention to this palette. It is still a maybe for me, though.
Man, I really do wish that Ultra Velvet had been as rich as its pan shade! If so, I would have loved to get this palette. Other than that one failed e/s, it really did give you a stunning eye look, though!
Ooh, this is really pretty! Color scheme is right up my alley, I might just have to pick this one up.
Such a lovely palette. I almost bought it. How does Incandescent compare to previous single release? I wish those purple and blue sparkle shades weren’t a black base. I find that it just turns charcoal throughout the day as the sparkle disappears.
Sorry, I don’t have the previous release.
This is one of the nicest palettes that Bobbi Brown has released for quite awhile, although there are a couple of under performing shades. The jewel tones are beautiful and have a lot of depth to them.
I really loved your eye looks Christine.
The fail on Ultra Velvet sealed the no-buy fate. I think your eye look is pretty!
I almost added this to my purchase list and then I saw the price and decided no thank you, lol.
What a pity that Ultra Velvet was a letdown. It looks so good in the pan. Bijou isn’t very exiting and with two eye shadows, one under-performing and one I don’t care for it’s an easy, well, kind of easy pass.
This palette is just stunning to look at and I love a majority of the shades. I’m not going to rush out and buy it, but it is on my “think about it” list and I’m weighing my pros and costs (not sure if I’d get enough use out of every shade to make it worth the price, but swatching in person may change my mind). I really love Black Pearl and don’t think I have anything similar.
They are so pretty in person, but I couldn’t get any pigment at all at the Bobbi Brown counter with my finger or a brush! that doesn’t include the blue and purple of course, but I feel like those are in so many palettes now. This is too much money for nothing new.
This palette is surprisingly lovely!