Burberry Pale Barley Eyeshadow ($29.00 for 0.088 oz.) is a pale, almost cool-toned medium-dark brown with a wheaten gold shimmer and sheen. Think taupe meets gold–it’s warmer, less gray than a true taupe, but it’s the warmth comes from the shimmer rather than an undertone. Urban Decay Suspect is warmer, less gray. theBalm Sultry is similar but doesn’t have any shimmer. MAC Patina is grayer, less golden. MAC Era has less of a golden shimmer.

Pale Barley is an easy-to-wear shade; it’s flattering on warmer complexions in particular, but I think the lack of red undertones will make this a wearable warmer brown for cooler skin tones as well. It has a soft, finely-milled texture that applies smoothly on the skin and adheres well without a base (lasts around eight hours without creasing, very subtle fading).  This is a shade that seems “boring” on the surface, but it’s something I could see myself reaching for a multitude of neutral looks. It’s not too shimmery or too dark, so it can be used for softer, daytime looks or combined with darker shades for an evening eye.

Burberry eyeshadows aren’t easy on the wallet, but at least they give you a fair amount of product (the average eyeshadow contains 0.05 oz., Burberry’s contains 0.088 oz.).  My go-to highlighter is Trench, and I’ve used that since Burberry debuted their beauty range–there’s only a small amount of pan showing in the middle, but the sides are still full.  The packaging is gunmetal gray with reflective packaging and the signature check logo on the outside (which does hold fingerprints).  Each compact comes with a velvet black-and-check patterned case.  There’s a sponge-tipped applicator and mirror inside as well.

Burberry Pale Barley Eyeshadow

Burberry Pale Barley Eyeshadow

Burberry Pale Barley Eyeshadow

Burberry Pale Barley Eyeshadow

Burberry Pale Barley Eyeshadow

Burberry Pale Barley Eyeshadow (Diffused/Bounced Flash)

Burberry Pale Barley Eyeshadow (Natural Light)

Burberry Pale Barley Eyeshadow (outer corner/crease), Tarina Tarantino Jasper/Agate duo
elsewhere, Tarina Tarantino Glamorous Thief to line