Huda Beauty Gemstones Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette Review, Photos, Swatches
Gemstone
Huda Beauty Gemstone Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette ($27.00 for 0.35 oz.) is a new, nine-pan palette that features shimmery shades with some having larger sparkles and others being more metallic. I think this palette would work well coordinated with other palettes and eyeshadows one might have in their stash rather than used as a standalone palette as it is extremely shimmery and reflective. (It would be great paired with the brand’s Electric palette!) There were some really lovely shades in the palette but some less impressive ones, too. The misses were vastly improved if used with a dampened brush.
For me, I don’t mind needing to use some shades damp myself, so I really loved the overall intensity, high-shine finishes, and blendability of the palette, plus the bonus of the price point and compact size make it a good, complementary palette.
Ingredients
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Gemstone
PPermanent. $29.00.
Gemstone #1
Gemstone #1 is a light pinky-lavender with subtle, warmer pink undertones and a cooler, bluish-teal sheen. It had a strong, metallic finish with slightly larger sparkles, and though the texture of the pan looked rougher, it was actually quite smooth and soft enough to be pressed nicely onto my lid for a smooth, even application. It wore well for eight hours on me before fading.
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Goodish (LE, $6.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Bend the Knee (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Sunflare (LE, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Garden Gate (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Moira Regal (P, $8.50) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Too Faced Mystic Rain (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, lighter, brighter (95% similar).
- Anastasia Mandala (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- ColourPop The Most (2019) (P, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- ColourPop Canele (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Dior Rosee (141) (LE, $31.00) is cooler (85% similar).
Look Using this Product
Gemstone #1
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Gemstone #2
Gemstone #2 is a light-medium pink with warm undertones and a pink-to-violet sheen paired with a metallic finish. It had good color coverage, though it needed to be layered or applied with a dampened brush for full coverage. The texture was softer than it appeared in the pan, and it was creamy enough to glide well onto my lid without appearing too textured or uneven. It lasted for eight hours on me before creasing faintly.
Top Dupes
- Huda Beauty Neon Pink #8 (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Kevyn Aucoin Switch (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, brighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Goodish (LE, $6.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Moira Regal (P, $8.50) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Neon Pink #5 (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Warning (Ultraviolet) (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Makeup Geek Hot Pants (DC, $6.00) is cooler (85% similar).
- Anastasia A2 (Norvina Vol. 4) (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Lilac Wonder (P, $8.00) is more muted, cooler (85% similar).
- MAC Femininity (LE, $32.50) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
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Gemstone #2
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Gemstone #3
Gemstone #3 is a dusky, medium-dark teal with warm, greenish leanings paired with a sparkling, metallic finish. Of the palette, this one was one of the more glittery shades and had less color payoff/base color, so it was hard to use it on its own. It was easier to work with using a dampened brush or a fingertip, which helped minimize fallout and improve pigmentation. On its own, the eyeshadow stayed on well for eight hours but had some fallout over time.
Top Dupes
- Dose of Colors Mint to Be (LE, $25.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Chanel Griffith Green (126) (LE, $32.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Too Faced Spoiled (Clover) (LE, $16.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Big Sky (PiP, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Kevyn Aucoin Amp (LE, ) is lighter, brighter (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Shoshanna (414) (P, $28.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Too Faced Ice Queen (P, $22.00) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- Makeup Geek Constellation (P, $12.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Sugarpill Hug Life (P, $13.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Earthbound (P, $6.25) is warmer (85% similar).
Look Using this Product
Gemstone #3
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Gemstone #4
Gemstone #4 is a light, pinky-plum with warm undertones and sparkling, metallic sheen. It had larger sparkle particles compared to most shades in the palette, but the base color was stronger than the teal in the palette, so it was more workable as a standalone shade without absolutely requiring primer or a wet brush. The texture was looser, though, so there was slight fallout during application when used dry but the slip helped it adhere better than most glitter-packed formulas. It wore well for eight hours with slight fallout over time.
Top Dupes
- NARS In Heat (LE, $22.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Meditate (LE, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Cool (Winter 2016) Eyeshadow #2 (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Go for It (P, $6.25) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Calling Your Bluff (LE, $22.00) is darker (90% similar).
- MAC Care 4 You (LE, $17.00) is darker (90% similar).
- MAC Babe in Charms (P, $23.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- MAC Serenade (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Collective (P, $6.25) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC A Medley of Mauves #2 (PiP, $21.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
Look Using this Product
Gemstone #4
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Gemstone #5
Gemstone #5 is a rich, medium purple with subtle, warm undertones and a metallic sheen. It was intensely pigmented with a smooth, lightly creamy texture that applied beautifully to bare skin and blended out effortlessly. It was a stellar formula–the type of eyeshadow that just makes you doubt all other formulas because it’s just that good (and it’s a purple shade!!). It lasted for eight and a half hours on me before creasing faintly.
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Deliverer (P, $6.25) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Plum Power (LE, $6.25) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Refuge (LE, $6.25) is darker, more muted (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace I Need a Vacation (DC, $8.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Electric #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Pandora (P, $5.00) is more muted (90% similar).
- Anastasia DDG (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Sugarpill Hysteric (P, $13.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Too Faced Wham Bam (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Toad (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
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Gemstone #5
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Gemstone #6
Gemstone #6 is a deep, reddish-copper with subtle, warm undertones and a frosted sheen. The finish wasn’t as metallic as other shades in the palette, though it used wet, it looked more metallic. The texture was smooth, more silicone-heavy and had some slip, which helped with blending, but for application on the lid, I recommend pressing and patting it on rather than trying to sweep it on. The eyeshadow stayed on well for eight hours on me.
Top Dupes
- Natasha Denona Lola (248M) (PiP, $29.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Ambitious (PiP, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Warning (PiP, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Lisa Eldridge Tomorrow's Party (P, $16.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Lovers Diamond (LE, $34.00) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Pretty Penny (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- NARS Hammered (LE, $28.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Icon Date Eyes #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Apollo (PiP, $29.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Crush (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
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Gemstone #6
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Gemstone #7
Gemstone #7 is a medium copper with warm, orange undertones and a sparkling sheen. It had medium coverage, which was buildable if applied over primer or used with a dampened brush, but the chunkier texture from the added sparkle made it harder to use dry with a brush if more payoff was desired. It was nearly opaque when patted onto the lid with a fingertip. The texture felt smooth and had noticeable slip, which helped the glittery bits actually adhere to the lid and not drop everywhere (during application as well as later on during wear). It wore well for eight hours with minimal fallout.
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Pitter Patter (LE, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Strut 'n Slay (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Natasha Denona Atmosphere (120M) (PiP, $29.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Sugarpill Pumpkin Spice (LE, $13.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Too Faced Sweet Toffee (LE, $16.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Blood Moon (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Tarte Scandal (LE, $14.00) is less shimmery, more muted (90% similar).
- Viseart Burnished Copper (Siren #6) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- LORAC Rust (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Anastasia Rose Gold (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
Look Using this Product
Gemstone #7
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Gemstone #8
Gemstone #8 is a soft, slightly warmed-up pink with flecks of copper sparkle and a metallic sheen. It had nearly opaque color coverage that applied fairly evenly to bare skin but needed to be pressed and patted onto the lid with a synthetic brush for maximum coverage and adherence. The texture was smooth, moderately dense, and blendable. It stayed on well for eight hours on me without noticeable fallout.
Top Dupes
- MAC Violet Blend #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Amethyst #8 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Tokens (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- MAC Plumluxe #2 (PiP, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Shiseido Mist (WT 901) (P, $25.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Too Faced Sugar Coated (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Daytrippin' (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Too Faced Pink Frosting (LE, $16.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Faithfully (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- MAC Harpooned Heart (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
Look Using this Product
Gemstone #8
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Gemstone #9
Gemstone #9 is a rich, medium-dark purple with subtle, cool undertones and a metallic sheen. The eyeshadow was opaque with a smooth, moderately dense texture that was still easy to blend out along the edges. I found that the more I blended it out (use less than you think you’ll need!), it looked slightly less metallic, which helped it work to add depth to the palette (which is all shimmer). This shade wore well for eight and a half hours on me.
Top Dupes
- Terra Moons Moon Tide (P, $15.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Fyrinnae Snowboarding (P, $6.75) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Danessa Myricks Rebirth (P, $18.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Viseart Zeus (GPV2 #20) (P, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Clionadh Crucible (P, $5.25) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Below Zero (P, $6.25) is less shimmery, more muted, warmer (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Aurora (PiP, $6.25) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Anemone (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Masquerade Ball (LE, $6.25) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Lisa Eldridge Iris (P, $27.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
This was my favorite of the two most recently released palettes. I am always attracted to these shades and have many in my collection. I am unsure about purchasing this. I don’t mind using my shadows wet and I am always down for a really foiled, shimmery shadow so I am not hesitating on that score. Not sure why I am hesitating. I will try and see it in person and make a decision then. I guess, although the price is okay, I hoped the shadows would be amazing!!
I just received mine yesterday! I haven’t tried it yet, but seeing that the purples are the best in the palette makes me really happy!
I was salivating over this when it was first announced, but seeing the swatches killed my want for it for some reason. Idk. Also, I don’t see the need for that many pinks in 1 palette, especially when it’s the same finish for the most part.
I had to get this one. I think it’s stunning, and I really love it. I agree, it’s not a stand-alone palette. I used it with some Igneous Cosmetics and ColourPop matte singles. I think it will work great with the Electric Obsessions Palette, too, but I haven’t tried them together yet.
Pure love is what I feel for this sparkling “gem” of a palette! But I’m questioning, at least a little bit, whether I truly need it. I do have MAC Selena and CP Goodish. Now tempted to use them together!
Yep
Ok
I give in
I need and want this!
It will be mine!!! Thanks for the reviews!!
Very pretty and colourful palette, but it is not for me – too sparkly and the shades don’t work on me. If it were a tad less sparkly and say more shimmery, I think it would be easier to use.
Lovely eye look Christine.
I’m heartbroken. Mine arrived today and I dropped it on a ceramic tile floor. Of course it shattered. I could tell from swatching it that many of the colors were loose as in you can’t dig too hard in them. I think they are stunning though. I’m going to take it to one of the stores near me and say that it came broken. They are really delicate so it’s not out of the realm of possibility that they could arrive broken. My Kat Von D anniversary edition highlighter hit the floor at the same time and it survived the fall.
Oh no!! 🙁
I ordered the gemstone and it arrived broken?then Sephora sent me a replacement and it arrived in worst shape. They just refunded me after that. I may just have to wait when it hit the stores. But I only have a tiny SiJcpenney near me
Yes, they are very delicate. Mine arrived fine but I broke it. Makeup and ceramic tile floors don’t go together. lol! I’m returning it to the store and re-ordering it. I’m hoping it arrives in good condition. 10 days before it hits the stores
Omg- mine arrived broken as well! They’re sending me a new one.
This is very tempting for me!
I have CP golden state of mind palette and BH club tropica palette for all colors and shimmers/glitters palette. I think I will pass this one. Waiting for your huda coral palette review next. 🙂
I love a good purple and here there are two, so I should be ordering it now, instead of commenting, but, there are three pinks. I like pink eye shadow, but not when two of them look so much alike. Then there are two coppery ones, and I feel I have so many copper toned e/s’s now I’ll never need a new one, and the teal one doesn’t look good.
This palette is a weak maybe for me.
Love the look, Christine!
I’m okay with a B+ rating from you Christine! I may have to pick this one up, along with the Electric Obsessions palette.
I wish Gemstone #3 had done better as it’s a really nice color.
I do like Gemstone #5, #6, and #9 a lot, so I think I’ll pick up any dupes for it.
OMG I live for your macros! The green and that darker, cool, muted purple both look 100% like gemstones in your close ups. Love. I also love this palette. I knew I wasn’t going to love all 9 shades but I love almost all of them & $27 is a decent price. That’s like $3/shadow and man that moonstone-like one (1st one on the top left) comes out mega foiled over the top of that dark almost teal-ish emerald shade. They work so much better w/fingers tho… oh well, love! ?????