Hourglass Exposure Modernist Eyeshadow Palette ($58.00 for 0.17 oz.) is a real mix in regards to quality with one spectacular miss that really brings down any chance the palette had at a decent score. If that one shade had performed even average, this palette would be closer to a B+ in rating. This set of shades was less powdery compared to the other palettes I’ve reviewed with this formula. It still tended to apply more easily and wear longer when applied damp, though.

Exposure #1 is described as a “champagne.” It’s a light champagne beige with warm undertones and a frosted finish. It had good color payoff both wet and dry, though it was easier to work with when applied with a damp brush, as it adhered better and went on more smoothly. The consistency was very soft and finely-milled, while being lightly powdery. It wore well for eight hours both wet and dry. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

Exposure #2 is described as an “aubergine.” It’s a deepened eggplant purple with a matte finish. It’s extremely powdery to work with, so little color adheres to bare skin; it absolutely has to be applied over a base or primer. The color is actually more pigmented than you’d think, just none of it sticks due to just how powdery the texture is. I found it a little hard to blend and prone to fading within six hours. The way this applies and looks on the skin is so disappointing. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

Exposure #3 is described as a “bronze.” It’s a medium-dark golden bronze with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. The eyeshadow was nicely pigmented both dry and wet, though it was easier to apply to the skin when used with a dampened brush as the eyeshadow adhered better and the dampness eliminated the powderiness of the formula. Applied dry, it wore well for seven and a half hours, and applied damp, it lasted for eight and a half hours. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

Exposure #4 is described as a “black violet.” It’s a deepened, blackened purple with warm undertones and a pearly sheen. It applied nicely both wet and dry, and it wasn’t powdery even when used dry. It had excellent pigmentation, and the eyeshadow wore well for eight hours regardless of how I applied it. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

Exposure #5 is described as a “lilac.” It’s a muted, dusty mauve with rosy tones and a pearly sheen. It was powdery and drier to the touch, which made it harder to apply dry as it was prone to sheering out with the barest touch of the brush. It was better applied with a dampened brush, which brought out the cool tones and shimmery finish. Applied dry, it lasted for six hours, and applied damp, it wore closer to eight hours. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

Hourglass Exposure Modernist Eyeshadow Palette

Hourglass Exposure Modernist Eyeshadow Palette

Hourglass Exposure Modernist Eyeshadow Palette

Hourglass Exposure #1 Modernist Eyeshadow

Hourglass Exposure #1 Modernist Eyeshadow

Hourglass Exposure #2 Modernist Eyeshadow

Hourglass Exposure #2 Modernist Eyeshadow

Hourglass Exposure #3 Modernist Eyeshadow

Hourglass Exposure #3 Modernist Eyeshadow

Hourglass Exposure #4 Modernist Eyeshadow

Hourglass Exposure #4 Modernist Eyeshadow

Hourglass Exposure #5 Modernist Eyeshadow

Hourglass Exposure #5 Modernist Eyeshadow

Hourglass Exposure Modernist Eyeshadow Palette

Hourglass Exposure Modernist Eyeshadow Palette