Laura Mercier Hidden Gems Eye Colour Palette Review & Swatches
Hidden Gems
Laura Mercier Hidden Gems Artist Eye Colour Palette ($55.00 for 0.36 oz.) is a new, limited edition 12-pan palette for the holidays with an array of jewel-toned hues. There were only two mattes in the palette, which was a surprise as usually the brand’s pre-made palettes are more of a mix. The pigmentation was typically semi-opaque to opaque, while the eyeshadows had a slightly drier, dustier consistency across the board that. That texture made them better suited for someone who likes to use their eyeshadows with a dampened brush as that will help them apply more smoothly and have less fallout during application. I’m happy to see the brand playing with texture and color, but I wish the formula was better.
Look Using this Product
Hidden Gems
LELimited Edition. $55.00.
Rose Quartz
Rose Quartz is a soft, peachy gold with warm undertones and a frosted finish. It had a drier consistency that had some fallout during application, and the eyeshadow itself didn’t lay as smoothly on my lid as it could have. It had semi-opaque pigmentation that stayed on well for seven hours before fading noticeably.
Top Dupes
- Laura Mercier Rosegold (PiP, $29.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Dior Poncho #1 (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- NARS Endless (DC, $25.00) is more shimmery, brighter (95% similar).
- Surratt Beauty Dore Rose (P, $20.00) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Sunset Chaser (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Happy Glow (Prime) (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- ColourPop Illusion (PiP, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Lisa Eldridge Ritual (P, $16.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Viseart Fizz (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Copper Charge #1 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
Look Using this Product
Rose Quartz
LELimited Edition.
Amber Spark
Amber Spark is a bright, medium gold with warm, orange undertones and a frosted finish. It had good pigmentation that was buildable to full coverage with a second layer. The consistency was slightly drier and more loosely-pressed in the pan, so there was some fallout when I worked with it, and it did apply more smoothly if I used it wet. It wore well for seven and a half hours on me.
Top Dupes
- Anastasia Fairy (PiP, $12.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Anastasia Inheritance (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Bask (Deep) (PiP, $6.25) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (95% similar).
- UOMA Beauty Bahia (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Ice Cream (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Moonlight (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- LORAC Black Tie Attire #7 (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Treasure Hunter (P, $6.25) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Struck Gold (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Early Birdie (LE, $9.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
Amber Spark
LELimited Edition.
Tiger's Eye
Tiger’s Eye is a medium, golden copper with warm undertones and a pearly sheen. The consistency was smooth, soft, and blendable without being too powdery nor too firmly-pressed in the pan. It had rich color coverage that lasted nicely for seven and a half hours on me before fading noticeably.
Top Dupes
- Anastasia Bellini (LE, $12.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever D712 Creme Brulee (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- NARS Isolde I (PiP, $19.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Milani Just Bronzing Around (PiP, $5.99) is darker (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Honeymoon #1 (PiP, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever D712 Crème Brûlée (P, $17.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- MAC A Glimmer of Gold #2 (PiP, $21.00) is more shimmery, brighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Disney by Sephora Cosmic (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Dominique Cosmetics Drizzle (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Too Faced Glitter Donut (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
Look Using this Product
Tiger's Eye
LELimited Edition.
Star Ruby
Star Ruby is a medium copper with warm, red undertones and flecks of gold and red sparkle. It had a chunky texture with a lot of larger sparkles throughout; it seemed to have a more transparent base and was just full of sparkles. As a result, there was a noticeable amount of fallout when I used it with a dry brush. I was able to press and push the powder onto my lid to get semi-opaque coverage out of it, but again, I’d recommend using it with a dampened brush to get better adhesion, smoother application, and reduced fallout. On its own, it stayed on well for seven hours but had some fallout.
Top Dupes
- Charlotte Tilbury Icon Day Eyes #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Natasha Denona Azalea (PiP, $29.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Moira Fantasy (P, $7.50) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- KKW Beauty Samurai (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Lust in Time (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Dreams #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Amarcord (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Coloured Raine Revenge (LE, $6.99) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Arabesque #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, less pigmented, cooler (95% similar).
- Dose of Colors Try Me (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
Look Using this Product
Star Ruby
LELimited Edition.
Plum Frost
Plum Frost is a deep plum with warm undertones and a sparkly sheen. The texture was moderately dry, and I could feel the grit of the sparkles by touch. It had good pigmentation but had moderate fallout when I worked with it dry, and this was a shade that was most usable with a dampened brush. It wore well for seven hours on me and had a bit more fallout over time, too.
Top Dupes
- Fenty Beauty Nuts N Dates (PiP, ) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Metropolis (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Chanel Signe Particulier #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Hung Up (P, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Debauched (Left) (DC, $25.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Viseart Mahogany (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Magic Carpet (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever I834 Grape (P, $17.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Smashbox Rock Stars (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- NARS Real Surreal (LE, $28.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
Look Using this Product
Plum Frost
LELimited Edition.
Matte Black
Matte Black is a soft black with a matte finish and neutral undertones. It had medium color payoff that was buildable to semi-opaque coverage, though the drier, more powdery consistency made it troublesome to apply as there was quite a bit of fallout. The eyeshadow lasted for just over seven hours on me.
Top Dupes
- Divergent Dauntless Ink (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- NARS Fauna (DC, $25.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- KVD Beauty Hard Magic (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Nocturne (P, $8.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Buxom LBD (P, $12.00) is more pigmented (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Anger (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Tarte Sublime (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Sephora Black Lace (304) (P, $9.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Carbon (LE, $17.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Inglot J325 Pitch Black (LE, $10.00) is more shimmery, more pigmented (90% similar).
Look Using this Product
Matte Black
PiPPermanent in Palette. $23.00.
Bone
Bone is a light-medium beige with warm, yellow undertones and a matte finish. It had good pigmentation with a smooth, velvety texture that was slightly powdery in the pan but applied well and blended out with ease. It stayed on well for seven and a half hours on me.
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay Nudie (PiP, $19.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Too Faced Tufted Suede (LE, $16.00) is darker (95% similar).
- bareMinerals Daydream (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Too Faced Good Girl (LE, $16.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Too Faced Peach Meringue (PiP, $16.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Real Fantasy (LE, $17.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- MAC Tabby (LE, $22.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Tarte Nudes (LE, ) is less pigmented (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M518 Nude (P, $17.00) is brighter (95% similar).
- Sephora Whitewashed (DC, $10.00) is lighter (95% similar).
Bone
PiPPermanent in Palette. $23.00.
Spirit
Spirit is a light beige with warm undertones and a sparkling finish. It had chunkier, larger sparkles in it and a very loosely-pressed texture, which resulted in a lot of fallout when I used it with a dry brush. I found that this had to be used with a dampened brush (and better yet, adhesive base!) in order to adhere evenly to my lid area without most of disappearing. It wore well for six hours with a lot of fallout when I used to dry; I did test it with a wet application, and it lasted closer to seven hours and had slight fallout.
Top Dupes
- MAC Vanilla Diamond (LE, $21.00) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Givenchy Tentation #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Buxom Silk Sheets (P, $12.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Sephora Satin Corset (281) (P, $9.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Meteoric #1 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Harsh Stone White (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Viseart Bijoux Royal #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery, brighter (90% similar).
- Viseart Cashmere #4 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Sephora No Place Like Home (257) (P, $9.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Dose of Colors New in Town (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar).
Spirit
LELimited Edition.
Polished Brass
Polished Brass is a bright, peachy-brown base with green-to-gold shifting pearl. The color payoff was opaque in a single layer, while the eyesahdow was soft, slightly dusty, but blendable and easy to work with on my lid. It lasted nicely for seven and a half hours on me before fading noticeably.
Top Dupes
- ColourPop No Doubt (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Sephora Lou (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Like a Moss (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Buxom Rose Gold (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Cyberspace (LE, $19.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- Natasha Denona Yama (387DC) (PiP, $29.00) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- Makeup Geek Hologram (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Sideline (DC, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Pat McGrath VR Fire Opal (PiP, $25.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
Look Using this Product
Polished Brass
LELimited Edition.
Golden Topaz
Golden Topaz is a deep gold with warm, bronzy undertones and a pearly sheen. It had semi-opaque, buildable color coverage that adhered to my lid fairly evenly. The texture was slightly drier in the pan, which resulted in some fallout during application. It stayed on well for seven and a half hours on me before fading noticeably.
Top Dupes
- Bad Habit Sol (PiP, ) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- YSL Avant Garde #4 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- LORAC Navy #4 (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Dior Golden Reflections #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Unwind (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Too Faced Instigator (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Fyrinnae Lucky Charmed (P, $6.75) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Tryst (DC, $25.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Maybelline Bold Gold (P, $6.99) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Arabesque #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, more muted (90% similar).
Look Using this Product
Golden Topaz
LELimited Edition.
Turquoise Blaze
Turquoise Blaze is a blackened plum base with blue-to-teal shifting pearl. It had good pigmentation but appeared a little faded compared to the shade in the pan (as well as compared to similar-hued shades by other brands). The texture was drier, slightly dusty in the pan, and I felt like it looked drier on my lid as well. It wore well for seven hours on me before fading.
Top Dupes
- Sephora Mermaid Tail (112) (LE, $13.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Linda Hallberg Cosmetics Orphic (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Too Faced Storm Cloud (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Secret Garden (DC, $6.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Tarte Trendy (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Buxom Twilight Tryst (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, darker, more pigmented (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Kelly (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Tarte Downtown (P, $14.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Patchwork (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Mermaid Boy (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, more muted (85% similar).
Look Using this Product
Turquoise Blaze
LELimited Edition.
Black Frost
Black Frost is a soft black with flecks of sparkle over a matte finish. It had good pigmentation but was firmer and stiffer in the pan, which made it difficult to apply evenly and to blend out. There was some fallout from the sparkles, too, as they did not bind as well with the base powder. It lasted for seven hours on me before fading noticeably.
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay Lovesick (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Milani Black Tie Affair (PiP, $5.99) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Chanel Tisse Riviera #4 (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Smoked Out (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Lancome Midnight Purple (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Chanel Affresco #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Spy Glass (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- MAC Smoked Cocoa #3 (LE, $17.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Anna Sui Diamond Blue (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- NARS White Horse (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
Meh. Not sure of the point of this — seems like there are a handful of similar palettes already that are ultimately better; but … they’ve been pretty recent too. I wonder how many of these brands end up accidentally working on very similar projects … because trends … and by the time they release they’re not the first (or even second or third) and there’s no longer any point to the product, but they’ve invested the time and money so there’s no going back. That doesn’t address all the deliberately “beaten to death” themes like all the Modern Renaissance clones, of course. I’m not saying that’s what happened here, just a line of thought.
Sorry, Laura, one of the things pointed out by the review is just how good ColourPop is. This isn’t shameful, but it would not be money well spent, either.
Disappointing to hear that the quality is not great – I -love- this colour scheme, probably the most appealing new palette I’ve seen in the past year.
I agree. I have never been attracted to Laura Mercier products previously but this color story tempted me…but not at this rating. :-\
This looks pretty nice and also wearable which isn’t something I can say about a lot of the jewel toned palettes that have come out lately. But knowing how “iffy” LM eyeshadows and shadow palettes can be and bearing in mind that this is $65 here, I’ll probably pass on this one — all those C’s and an F. I’ll just try duping the colours I like the best.
Thank you for reviewing this! I was curious about it but couldn’t find any reviews and wasn’t able to find it on stores for swatching. It’s too bad the colors aren’t richer because the colors they chose are nice.
Well, that’s disappointing. I like to encourage brands doing more colorful palettes, but the dry texture is a no-go for me.
Brands often get themselves into trouble when they add glitter to the mix in an eyeshadow palette – so often it turns out to be chunky, with poor pigmentation and that is what has happened here.
The overall standard of the palette is pretty average, however pretty and workable the shades are.
Gorgeous eye look Christine, but this palette is an easy pass.
I love my Laura Mercier Black Karat single eyeshadow, so I’m sad that this palette was so heavy on the misses. But at the same time, I’m relieved to have one less thing on my Q4 interest list!
Aw, sad to see poor performance in a palette with sleek packaging and nice color combos. Part of me is still lusting after the original Laura Mercier Eye Art Artist’s Palette (which was a 2013 holiday palette that became permanent!) … but the price at $55 has always made me hesitate. Is it worth the hype?
I won’t lie. I was seriously hoping for way better performance out of this palette. It looked to have potential with the color scheme. Oh well, money saved for something better!
I was SUPER intrigued by this palette because I love her formula but am always slightly disappointed in the colour selection (aka, no colours!). I’m sad the quality isn’t there and even more shocked that there’s so much few mattes!