Bobbi Brown Poison Ivy, Serpentine, Volcanic Luxe Eye Shadows Reviews, Photos, Swatches
Poison Ivy
Bobbi Brown Poison Ivy Luxe Eye Shadow ($38.00 for 0.08 oz.) is a dark green with warm, olive undertones and a metallic sheen. It had rich color payoff applied dry or wet, though the dampened application yielded a brighter, more metallic finish. The eyeshadow felt smooth to the touch without any powderiness, which helped to apply nicely to bare skin and blend out without sheering out too readily. It wore well for nine hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay Wanderlust (PiP, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Lights Out #4 (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Bankroll (LE, $19.00) is darker (95% similar).
- L'Oreal Golden Emerald (P, $7.99) is darker, brighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Hundred (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, more muted (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Starfish (P, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Emerald Isles (Cream Color) (LE, $45.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Linda Hallberg Cosmetics Draco (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Protest (-, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Sugarpill Junebug (P, $13.00) is darker, cooler (90% 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.
Poison Ivy
PPermanent. $38.00.
Explore Temptalia
See all of this year's holiday products rated from best of worst! Plus, our gift guides! Read now.
Serpentine
Bobbi Brown Serpentine Luxe Eye Shadow ($38.00 for 0.08 oz.) is a deep, grayish taupe with subtle, warm undertones and a frosted sheen. It had opaque pigmentation when applied dry as well as when applied with a dampened brush. The texture was slightly dusty in the pan, which was more noticeable when I used a dry brush for application, as a dampened brush made it go on very smoothly without any of the dustiness present. It lasted well for eight and a half hours both wet and dry.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Dior Aventure (081) (P, $31.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Jouer Magic Hour (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Polished Jet (LE, $21.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Giorgio Armani #4 (DC, $33.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury The Huntress (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Viseart Diane (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Inglot #444 (P, $7.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Chanel Tisse Paris #4 (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Eleganza (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Milani Bella Charcoal (11) (P, $4.49) is cooler (90% 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.
Serpentine
LELimited Edition. $38.00.
Volcanic
Bobbi Brown Volcanic Luxe Eye Shadow ($38.00 for 0.08 oz.) is a blackened plum with warm undertones and a glittery finish. This was the only dud of the shades I bought (seven in all)–it was much drier and looser in the pan, which resulted in a moderate amount of fallout during application. It did not get much better when I used it damp, as it just became harder to blend. It wore well for eight hours both wet and dry but there was substantial fallout over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Tom Ford Beauty Honeymoon #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- MAC Sparkling Moment (LE, $18.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Lancome Hotel Particulier (LE, $26.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Danessa Myricks Rocket (P, $18.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Bondage (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- MAC Midnight Shine (P, $18.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- NARS Wishing on a Star (LE, ) is more shimmery, less pigmented (85% similar).
- Too Faced Better Together (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, lighter, more muted (85% similar).
- Stila Hypnotic (LE, $24.00) is less shimmery, lighter, less pigmented (85% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty How You Want (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (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.
Poison Ivy…ooh!!!! So very pretty! But the price is way out of my range.
I hear you 🙁 The price is just too high for the brand, IMO.
Has anyone heard rumors/leaks thatthis formula may become available in palette form? Smaller….providing they are the same….could be a lot better, even if it were a higher priced palette.
No idea but we can hope…
Poison Ivy and Serpentine are quite pretty but a little steep for my pocket book right now. I will pick up Poison Ivy at some point as I love those dusky green/moss shades.
Poison Ivy is gorgeous!
Serpentine has a more complex look to it. I like it.. but.. just not into singles anymore. Especially at this price.
I feel like I’d only reach for singles if it was a shade I’d wear very often (brow bone highlighter) or something really, truly unique…
I’m glad I’ve got Inglot 444 (and it’s in a palette from when they used to have smaller round shadow pans and 3-pan palettes to hold them). These are just too pricey for singles and I imagine that if they even become available here, they’ll be close to $45 each!
Beautiful colors; but, now that I realize how costly it is for one shadow, I will have to pass. Thank you, as usual, for your honesty with regards to quality and color pay off.
My pleasure, Sabrina! 🙂
Poison Ivy is beautiful!
Poison Ivy and Serpentine are such COMPLEX looking shades! My favorite is Serpentine. Makes me think of last night’s crazy weather! Yeah, that woke me from a dead sleep. But I digress, it does make me think of dark, stormy, lightning infused, rainy skies.
Christine, I agree Bobbi Brown has quite a few good products although, overpriced for what they are – I live 2 miles from a Cosmetic Company Store so I normally wait for items to show up there before buying. In November/December they tend to have an extra 40% off their outlet prices. I’m in the medium olive skin coloring and I really like her bronzers/blushes and two of the lipsticks are definitely my all time favorites (crushed plum and crimson) that I would be incredibly disappointed if they discontinued. I also find the foundations to be the best matching in coloring for an olive skin person but the lasting power isn’t always there. They have a new long wear foundation coming out keeping my fingers crossed it works out.
Anyway, I tell you all that to really simply want to say, “Thank you” for reviewing all types of brands not just what’s the flavor of the month. I respect your reviews and appreciate you riding the cost spectrum from high to low.
Serpentine has to be one of the most amazing eye shadows I’ve ever seen, but there’s no way I’ll ever spend $38 on a single eye shadow.
Poison Ivy is beautiful too, but Serpentine is that perfect shade of shimmery taupe that looks amazing on almost everyone. Guess I’ll go browse the dupes.
These are so beautiful but oh, so spendy! I’m glad I’ve got dupes for all 3 (and a better dupe for Volcanic in UD’s Bondage).
A palette of these shades would be stunning, especially if BB fixed up Volcanic. They are all gorgeous shades, especially Poison Ivy and I have loved them all.
It’s a shame about the price, because that will make it too expensive for most to purchase.
Stunning eye look Christine.
Poison Ivy and Serpentine are both gorgeous!
Poison ivy and serpentine are truly gorgeous but I wouldn’t use them enough on the daily to justify their price… That and the fact I have more than enough eyeshadows ?.
Poision Ivy is so pretty!! Wow, what a green!
I don’t think I would ever pay that much for a single shadow, but they are very pretty and are probably worth the cost.
Another heads-up if you do decide to buy these: They’re pretty fragile. On our tester for Volcanic, the shadow basically seperated from the pan without doing anything to it besides having it out at the store to be swatched. Honestly, that shouldn’t happen at all but at this price point it was even more of a let-down.
Serpentine, OMG… need.
Hey Christine. I have been searching for Serpentine luxe eyeshadow since your review. Love at first sight! Can you help?
Not available anywhere except ebay for $79! Not even on BB website. What’s the scoop?
It was LE – says so right in this post 🙂
Thanks Christine