Laura Mercier Spring 2014 Artist Eyeshadow Palette Review, Photos, Swatches
Laura Mercier Spring 2014 Artist Eyeshadow Palette
Laura Mercier Spring 2014 Artist Eyeshadow Palette ($80.00 for 0.41 oz.) includes twelve eyeshadows (0.03 oz. each), miniature-sized Caviar Stick in Cocoa, (0.03 oz.) and miniature-sized Full Blown Volume Mascara in Black (0.20 oz.). It’s a nice palette overall, and if you’re a fan of more neutral, muted colors with matte and satin finishes, you’ll probably get a lot of use out of this one. The downside is that if you don’t love or use the included minis, then this palette is significantly less value-packed than the last two editions of it. The only overlap with holiday’s palette is with Guava and African Violet. Generally, the eyeshadows had good color payoff, soft, smooth textures, and wore eight and a half hours before fading or creasing.
During the holidays, when Laura Mercier released the holiday Artist Eyeshadow Palette, it sold out quickly and was difficult to track down. It’s not at all a surprise that this is still around over a month later, because the $80 price tag of spring’s palette, compared to the holiday palette’s price of $48, makes it difficult to justify–even if Laura Mercier wants us to feel like we’re getting our value because they’ve included a miniature-sized Caviar Stick and Mascara. Laura Mercier says that the palette has a value of $120. Based on what’s included, the set includes $92.00 worth of eyeshadow, $10.40 worth of Caviar Stick, $12.00 worth of mascara, which is $114.40–shy of $120. I think it was a very shortsighted move to significantly increase the price of the palette and tossing in two minis, because the palette is the star attraction–the other two items are just bonuses, and at the end of the day, I don’t think they justify the $32 price hike, because you’re really not getting more value, you’re just buying more products and paying that price for them. If they had made the palette closer to $60 and included both minis, I think it would have sold better. Make no mistake: you are paying real money to get those minis, they’re not just toss-ins; it ends up looking like a way of justifying that $80 price tag to customers.
Noir is described as a “deepest black [with a Matte finish].” It’s a medium-dark black with neutral-to-warm undertones and a matte finish. It had fairly good color payoff, but it could have been a bit more pigmented. The texture was soft and blendable, and the color lasted well for eight and a half hours. There are many black eyeshadows just like it — see comparison swatches.
Deep Night is described as a “deep black navy [with a Matte finish].” It’s a blackened navy that leans almost purple with a matte finish. It had decent pigmentation, though it could have been more intense. It was more buildable, though, so you could achieve truer-to-pan color with a few layers. The color wore well for just over eight and a half hours. Wet ‘n’ Wild I’m His Breezey #3 (P, $2.29) is less pigmented. bareMinerals Maven (LE) is slightly bluer. NARS Kamchatka (P, $24.00) is lighter. MAC Naval (LE, $15.00) is lighter. See comparison swatches.
Coffee Ground is described as a “cool charcoal brown [with a Matte finish].” It’s a medium-dark, cool-toned brown with a matte finish. It had good color payoff, and the texture was soft and smooth without being powdery. It wore well for eight and a half hours. Too Faced Triple Fudge (P, $16.00) is darker. Laura Mercier Espresso (LE, $23.00) is darker. bareMinerals Boardroom (LE) is darker. MAC Brun (P, $15.00) is similar. Inglot #363 (P, $6.00) is very similar. Bobbi Brown Hot Stone (LE, $22.00) is slightly cooler-toned. See comparison swatches.
Cafe au Lait is described as a “neutral caramel beige [with a Matte finish].” It’s a medium brown with subtle, warm yellow undertones and a matte finish. It had excellent pigmentation, and the texture was soft and silky. It wore well for nine hours. Sleek MakeUP Entwined (P, $9.99) is more shimmery, darker. Makeup Geek Latte (P, $5.99) is warmer. Chanel Charming #2 (LE) is very similar. Too Faced Chocolate Milk (LE, $16.00) is lighter. Bobbi Brown Frappe (LE, $22.00) is lighter. LORAC Taupe (P) is very similar. Burberry Pale Nude #1 (P) is more shimmery. Inglot #357 (P, $6.00) is warmer. See comparison swatches.
Ginger is described as a “light neutral peach [with a Matte finish].” It’s a soft, light-medium orange with a matte finish. It had really nice color payoff, and the consistency of the powder was soft, smooth, and easy to blend. The color wore well for almost eight and a half hours. Anastasia Orange Soda (LE) is more orange. Kat Von D Geek (LE) is more shimmery. Bobbi Brown Terracotta (LE, $22.00) is darker. See comparison swatches.
Buttercream is described as a “light neutral yellow [with a Matte finish].” It’s a pale, neutral-to-warm beige with a matte finish. It had fairly good pigmentation, and the texture was very soft and silky, though it almost looked chalky on my medium complexion (should be fine on fairer skin tones). It wore well for eight hours. It’s another basic shade, so there are plenty of similar shades out there — see comparison swatches.
Diamond Pink is a brightened, pinky-white with a metallic finish. This is a limited edition shade (exclusive to the palette) and has a Luster finish, officially. It had good color payoff, and the texture was soft but not quite as smooth as other shades in the palette. I noticed a smidgen of fall out over time with this color but not too much, otherwise the wear was eight and a half hours. This shade is surprisingly common to see, so there are quite a few that are very close (with minor differences, like a fraction lighter/darker/more metallic) — see comparison swatches.
Guava is described as a “peach stucco [with a Sateen finish].” It’s a light-medium, peachy-pink with warm undertones and a soft, golden sheen. The texture was incredibly soft and smooth, while the color payoff was good. It wore well for eight and a half hours on me. theBalm #14 (P, $6.50) is lighter. Too Faced Ringleader (LE, $16.00) is similar. Wet ‘n’ Wild Newport Nights #2 (LE) is less shimmery. MAC Dynamic Duo 1 #1 (LE, $15.00) is similar. Le Metier de Beaute Nouvelle (LE, $30.00) is lighter. bareMinerals Custom Made (LE) is less golden. See comparison swatches.
Sable is described as a “cool grey taupe [with a Sateen finish].” It’s a medium-dark, cool-toned taupe with a soft, pearly finish. It had decent color payoff, but it was a little stiffer than the other shades in the palette, though it lasted for almost nine hours applied to the lid. Bobbi Brown Smokey Grey (LE, $21.00) is darker. NARS Lhasa (P, $24.00) is similar. MAC Shale (P, $15.00) is darker. MAC Stolen Moment (LE, $19.50) is darker. Giorgio Armani Shimmer Greige (LE) is lighter. See comparison swatches.
African Violet is described as a “violet copper shimmer [with a Luster finish].” It’s a cool-toned, medium-dark plum with a golden shimmer-sheen. The texture was a little drier with larger shimmer particles, so it didn’t apply as smoothly. This shade wore well for eight and a half hours. theBalm #2 (P, $6.50) is darker. Fyrinnae Meerkat (Pressed) (P, $8.25) is darker. MAC Pinkluxe #3 (P) is darker, cooler-toned. MAC Neo Nebula (LE, $21.00) is less golden. See comparison swatches.
Violet Steel is a cool-toned, purplish-taupe with a frosted sheen. It has a Luster finish, officially, and is limited edition/exclusive to this palette. It had good pigmentation, and the texture was soft and smooth. This shade wore well for nine hours. Urban Decay Darkside (P, $18.00) is less shimmery. MAC Graphic Style (LE, $15.00) is similar. Urban Decay Armor (LE, $18.00) is grayer. MAC Moth Brown (LE, $15.00) is less shimmery, grayer. MAC Stolen Moment (LE, $19.50) is darker. See comparison swatches.
Rich Cocoa is a dark, warm-toned brown with bronze shimmer and a satin finish . It has a Sateen finish, officially. It had so-so color payoff, but the consistency was dry and powdery, so it wasn’t as easy to apply as the other shades. Urban Decay Twice Baked (P, $18.00) is lighter. MAC Carbonized (LE, $15.00) is darker. Dior Fairy Golds #5 (LE) is more shimmery. Burberry Dark Spice #2 (P) is darker. Bobbi Brown Cocoa (P, $22.00) is darker, less shimmery. See comparison swatches.
Cocoa (Caviar Stick) is a medium-dark, chocolate brown with warm, yellowy undertones and a satin-matte finish. It had excellent color payoff, applied smoothly, and wore well for nine hours without creasing or fading. Bobbi Brown Cocoa (P, $22.00) is darker, powder. LORAC Sable (P) is slightly darker, powder. Bobbi Brown Bittersweet (LE, $28.00) is very similar. MAC Dark Brew (P, $15.00) is more shimmery, powder. See comparison swatches.
Full Blown Volume Lash Building Mascara is supposed to thicken, lengthen, curl, and sculpt lashes. For me, it did all those things about average or a little better–a good mascara but not life-changing. I would say it does more to thicken than it does to lengthen. I didn’t have any smudging or flaking, and it was easy enough to remove.
Spring 2014
LELimited Edition. $80.00.
Noir
PiPPermanent in Palette. $23.00.
African Violet
PiPPermanent in Palette. $23.00.
Violet Steel
LELimited Edition. $23.00.
Rich Cocoa
PiPPermanent in Palette. $22.00.
Cocoa
PiPPermanent in Palette. $29.00.
Deep Night
PiPPermanent in Palette. $23.00.
Coffee Ground
PiPPermanent in Palette. $23.00.
Café au Lait
PiPPermanent in Palette. $23.00.
Ginger
PiPPermanent in Palette. $23.00.
Buttercream
PiPPermanent in Palette. $23.00.
Diamond Pink
LELimited Edition. $23.00.
Guava
PiPPermanent in Palette. $22.00.
Sable
PiPPermanent in Palette. $22.00.
Laura Mercier Spring 2014 Artist Eyeshadow Palette
Laura Mercier Spring 2014 Artist Eyeshadow Palette
Laura Mercier Spring 2014 Artist Eyeshadow Palette
Laura Mercier Spring 2014 Artist Eyeshadow Palette
Laura Mercier Spring 2014 Artist Eyeshadow Palette
Laura Mercier Spring 2014 Artist Eyeshadow Palette
Laura Mercier Cocoa Caviar Stick
Laura Mercier Cocoa Caviar Stick
Laura Mercier Cocoa Caviar Stick
Laura Mercier Noir Eyeshadow
Laura Mercier Noir Eyeshadow
Laura Mercier Deep Night Eyeshadow
Laura Mercier Deep Night Eyeshadow
Laura Mercier Coffee Ground Eyeshadow
Laura Mercier Coffee Ground Eyeshadow
Laura Mercier Cafe au Lait Eyeshadow
Laura Mercier Cafe au Lait Eyeshadow
Laura Mercier Ginger Eyeshadow
Laura Mercier Ginger Eyeshadow
Laura Mercier Buttercream Eyeshadow
Laura Mercier Buttercream Eyeshadow
Laura Mercier Diamond Pink Eyeshadow
Laura Mercier Diamond Pink Eyeshadow
Laura Mercier Guava Eyeshadow
Laura Mercier Guava Eyeshadow
Laura Mercier Sable Eyeshadow
Laura Mercier Sable Eyeshadow
Laura Mercier African Violet Eyeshadow
Laura Mercier African Violet Eyeshadow
Laura Mercier Violet Steel Eyeshadow
Laura Mercier Violet Steel Eyeshadow
Laura Mercier Rich Cocoa Eyeshadow
Laura Mercier Rich Cocoa Eyeshadow
Laura Mercier Eyeshadow: Guava, Ginger, Cafe au Lait, Buttercream
Laura Mercier Eyeshadow: Guava, Ginger, Cafe au Lait, Buttercream
Laura Mercier Eyeshadow: Diamond Pink, Sable, Violet Steel, Deep Night, Buttercream
Laura Mercier Eyeshadow: Diamond Pink, Sable, Violet Steel, Deep Night, Buttercream
Beautiful colours in the palette and so versatile ! I am loving all the neutrals and purples, I think I may get it but I am wondering about the packaging, it looks so cheap and ugly, is it like a plastic, soft material ?
It’s similar to last year’s — it’s like a cushion-y pleather/vinyl.
Love Laura Mercier, was lucky enough to score the holiday palette, and would like this one even withe the dupes. I am. It paying $80 for it though – and neither are a lot of people!
Yeah, I think it’s a nice palette, and if it was $48 (or even $50), it would be a nice score!
The last 3 or so palettes have been so similar that there doesn’t seem to be much point in having them all. I do find the price to be quite steep too. I got the Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette a month or so back and I am so happy with it that I don’t even crave this one from Laura Mercier (assuming it’s even available; I tried to purchase her last one and it was sold out almost immediately).
Most palettes seem to be around $50 – and that also seems to be the majority’s threshold for palette pain so-to-speak. Anything more, and then it’s like, “Well, it needs to be PERFECT. And it should have A TON OF STUFF IN IT.”
In Canada, it’s probably going to be closer to $95 and that’s a real turn off point for me, especially since African Violet and, I think, several other shades in this one are “repeats”. I know some people have commented that the quality of the same shadow from one palette to the next varies a fair bit (and not for the better, much like Nars and Mac!). Biggie bigerton surprise – I LOVE Sable but I already have Lhasa and Shale and if I really want it, I’ll buy it as a single shadow, if it’s available (ditto Deep Night).
Sable and Deep Night are permanent! 🙂
That cheers me up! I think this palette is GORGEOUS, and I would get it in a heartbeat if LM were available here. The price is totally reasonable for me – in NZ Chanel quads are >$120, so $80 for a whole palette with extras seems like a steal (sadly?).
However, if I can maybe just find a way to get my hands on African Violet and Deep Night separately…
(Also, the packaging on this palette… ?? :-D)
I couldn´t agree more.
I enjoyed the holiday version colour range a lot more and I’m slightly miffed at myself for not picking it up when I could. This one doesn’t tempt me and the price increase irks so thanks for pointing that out. I’m not surprised, the holiday version was fetching big on eBay.
It’s interesting, because it almost feels like it is in response to the success of the holiday palette they thought they could grab a lot more money out of each customer. I have no idea why they chose to go this route, but I don’t think it was a good idea.
I feel they deliberately released a smaller amount of product for the Holidays, got the hype (especially due to the price), knowing they would release this next for those who “missed” it. I think part of the reason this is still around is the price, but more so because additional product was released, and less people are buying gifts/creating “wishlists”. I’ve never tried the brand, but have been considering it. However, the disingenuous hype-building is the quickest way to make me lose interest…
I don’t know if it was really a smaller amount, because while it was selling well, it didn’t actually sell out until Sephora did their holiday sale, you know? It definitely wasn’t an instant sell out during the holidays, but it built momentum (kind of like the Ambient Lighting Palette). One of the reasons it probably didn’t sell out like lightning was the fact that a lot of people were holding out for the sale.
I’m loving the neutral palettes the brands have been coming up with. Its great to see that the pigmentation is great. African Violet stole my heart <3
It’s a pretty shade!
I have the very first version of this palette. Now I need to go dig it out and compare them! I know African Violet is in all three.
I have SIX of those colors in mine- Deep Night, Coffee Ground, Cafe Au Lait, African Violet, Sable, and Guava. And a few of the remaining six look pretty darn close (like Buttercream vs. Vanilla Nuts). $80 is ridiculous!
Good to know! I don’t have the first version! All permanent shades, so it’s not a surprise. LM seems to be a bit like Bobbi Brown in regards to regular repeats in palettes.
Lovely as this may be, there is no way I can justify that $80 price tag right now. Jeez! I hope this won’t be a trend for future LM Artist Palettes!
I hope they’ll re-think it!
I agree with you about the price. Although the pallet looks lovely the price point seems a bit high. This seems to be a trend with many companies though. I used to buy new makeup every season and fill in with pieces that caught my eye when I passed counters. It seems lately I have been only replacing things I run out of. This may be good as I can finally make a dent in the collection I already own. Who really needs 10 blushes any way and 30+ eyeshadow shades. I will still need to buy foundation as my color changes in the winter and summer, and I will still replace mascaras as they dry out, but the days of just buying something because it looks pretty are over for me. The last time I bought a blush and lipstick (Chanel) I was in shock over their price increases. I think that most companies should rethink their policies. Now I will just read your blog and look at your beautiful pix instead of purchasing.
Hopefully, they’ll see the sales numbers for the palette, and I hope that it’ll reflect what happens when a brand makes such drastic price increases.
I agree with your assessment on this palette’s price hike within the brand. It’s one thing if I were paying $80 for Chanel or Armani because I am also buying into the image and connotations (and hopefully the quality, too!) the brand name entails, but Laura Mercier isn’t at that level.
Nevertheless, this looks like a great and versatile nude palette. If the palette looked and felt luxe in person (in addition to the quality of the product), maybe the price tag wouldn’t seem so startling at first glance.
If they hadn’t released the previous two palettes at a $48 price tag, and just say they’d always been $80 – not so shocking. Or even if they were normally $70, then the $10 jump to get the two extras would be more palatable, but $70+ you’ll still cut down on who you’re enticing.
Pretty. I won’t buy this on principle. Too big a price hike. So many people wanted the holiday palette this would have been a good way to make those who couldn’t get it a little happier. But such a price hike! I do have the holiday one…and even 2 dupes is way too many. If I could have justified the cost…given I was getting 2 toss ins that I don’t want…that would have been the final nail.
Glad to see the review however, since I won’t be getting the palette. So many great choices available…why do such an obvious price jump?
Yeah, the problem with little add-ins like the Caviar Stick and Mascara is that if people don’t WANT them, they’re still paying for them anyway. I think including a mascara and pretty much charging for it is a horrible move.
Seems to me that Laura Mercier is trying to take advantage of people who missed out on the previous palette and really want one. That’s just wrong.
It’s unfortunately what it’s coming off as, whether or not it was a conscious choice to do so. You have to REALLY want those extras to justify the cost of $32 extra!
Haha, except it’s like you pointed out, most people think of deluxe samples with palettes as “freebies”, not stuff that you’re actually paying for.
Exactly! And you’re REALLY paying for them here, dollar for dollar 🙁
I know that I’m that way with eyeliners, brushes, etc. They are all toss-ins as far as I’m concerned.
This palette is more or less spot on regarding my eyeshadow needs. I don’t need or even want the extras, though, and the price tag is just appalling. Such a shame.
I think the palette is very versatile and would be a workhorse palette for some, so I agree – sad about the price! Will keep it out of a lot of people’s hands who would have probably had no issues paying ~$50!
Since I missed out on the holiday Artist’s palette (although I’m still trying to hunt one down via EvilBay although OMG the prices are ridiculous so nothing yet) I was thrilled when I heard about this — until I saw the price tag. I absolutely, positively would have purchased it at the same price (or even a few dollars more) for the holiday palette. But when I saw $80, I said see ya.
Yup – if they had jacked up the price a few bucks, we would have rolled our eyes and blamed it on “inflation” or “increased prices on ingredients” whether or not the increase was justified… but $32 more, not so much.
Cafe au Lait just reminds me of Cafe au lait spots..
Also, I think Too Faced Salted Caramel may be a slightly darker, but still a good dupe, for Ginger.
Thank you!!
Wow, as pretty as this is, that price hike IMHO is crazy! I mean, spending around $50 for 12 eyeshadows is nothing new to many of us (hello Naked palettes), but adding two minis and increasing the price $32?! Full sizes of those products would almost be $32. I don’t think this palette is going to go over as well as the last two. Sad. I really have been using and loving my holiday Artist Eyeshadow Palette. I guess I’m glad I snagged one of these while they were still in my price range.
I’m glad you got the holiday palette, Andie!
ZZzzzzzzzzz…..
It’s definitely not a palette full of really unique or “exciting” shades!
Is there a chance that this will go on sale? I’m not versed in the ways of Nordstrom beauty but I’m crossing my fingers!
Occasionally, things go on sale on Nordstrom, but it’s fairly rare. I don’t see a LOT of mainstream brands going on sale from what I recall!
If you have a Nordstrom Rack nearby, you can always stalk there! My local Rack gets in quite a gew gems, but they go quickly. I’ve found NARS, Stila, LORAC, UD, and many others. HTH
Not exactly unique, especially considering the price tag.
It’s definitely filled with more dupable colors!
Pretty colors, but none are screaming at me to purchase the palette. I agree a $60 price tag would’ve been better.
If they had kept it the same as the holiday palette, or even just tacked on $2 more (and cut the extras), I think this would have sold out!
I was pretty bummed out when I read that this palette is retailing for USD$80 – it’s probably going to be much closer to CAD$100 for Canadians =/ Again, what’s with the price hike for the 2 mini’s? I’m sure most of us could live without the mascara or caviar stick. It’s so disappointing!
You could argue the Caviar Stick is interesting – Caviar Stick is a formula I hear raved about a lot, could be used as an eyeliner or base, etc. but mascara? Feel like people have their own ideas as to what kind of mascara they love/like/want. A lot of people prefer drugstore mascara, too, as one way to save money.
Major pass from me. I love neutral palettes, but I find this palette boring. If I didn’t have a bunch of other eyeshadows (and it wasn’t $80) then this would be a great staple if I was starting out. The quality looks quite nice, though.
It’s a pretty nice palette overall – especially with mattes as it’s hard to get 10/10s across the board on mattes! – and very much a staple palette (assuming, like you said, one didn’t already have a bunch!).
I wish it had a better price point!! This looks like it could be a great neutral-ish palette for my fair, cool-toned complexion! Maybe it will go on sale!!
Me too! I think it would sell better without the extras (and a lower price).
This is an absolutely beautiful neutrals palette, but I still don’t think it’s quite worth the price. I feel like $65 seems more reasonable than $80.
I think that’s why last year’s sold out so quickly – $48!
For me, I think that I like this better than the Naked Palettes as they are more warm neutral and there seem to be a lot of mattes. Of course I need another eye shadow Palette like a diabetic needs cake… However, that African Violet shade is gorgeous and I can kind of justify by saying it is similar to the radiant orchid trend LOL
If it’s in your budget, and it’s a palette you’d use often and love, it’s still a nice palette. It’s just hard to get excited/highly recommend when that price hike is killing me, lol!
Thanks for the full honest review! I was really looking forward to this palette after missing out on the Holiday one. I’m afraid I’m going to have to pass! Too bad Laura Mercier really seems to be taking advantage of customers…
No problem, Meghan! It’s a real shame – palette is pretty good (not perfect of course), but that price is painful. I cringed paying over $90 with tax.
That ridiculous! I wonder what the Canadian price will be… Definitely a deterrent!
you did such nice looks with these shadows. the palette as a whole just looks blah to to me (so did the previous one, which is why i skipped it). i can see this being a really useful palette though. when swatched, i like it, but for $80, i don’t think its unique or exciting enough.
It’s a gorgeous palette if you wear a lot of neutrals and more muted shades! It’s not particularly unique in general, though the amount of mattes obviously makes it less dupable compared to many others. The one that comes to mind is LORAC PRO, which has a higher matte to frost ratio than the average palette.
This is a perfect example of why I read your blog, religiously. Anyone can run the numbers, but your analysis of this product’s pricing, your comparisons with past launches, and your suggestions for alternatives are so insightful. You go above and beyond! Thank you!
Aww <3 Thank you so much, Dana!!
Drooling over this palette. I wish some of the shimmery ones had a bit less frost, but overall this is a very “me” selection of shades
What’s nice is that the textures of the frosts is still very workable with the mattes, so you can soften almost every frost by layering a matte eyeshadow over it!
I love this this palette, all the colors are perfect!
They’re very nice together!
Thanks for the great review, Christine–and your very honest opinion on the “value” of the set.
I had a chance to see this in person and decided to pass because it is essentially a neutral palette. Plus, if you own the Artist Palette from last year and the year before (which I do), you have all the colors save for four. So I agree with you: unless you really love these shades and love the caviar stick, you’re not getting a good value at all. 🙂 My wallet will thank me. 🙂
The ONLY way I could justify reviewing this was because I don’t already have a bunch of Laura Mercier eyeshadows. If this had been all LE shades, I don’t know if I would have purchased it. Since it was primarily permanent shades, I figured it would be useful to have those swatched and photographed for the Swatch Gallery/Dupe List going forward. And for me, cheaper than if I had to purchase each shade individually.
This is so much more expensive compared to the Holiday palette. Not worth it for me! I like to keep my palettes in the $50 range or less.
You’re not alone, Jenny! $50 seems to be the happy medium. Anything that goes much higher requires a totally different justification!
It may have only two colors that are exactly the same as the holiday palette, but it still seems way to similar to justify the purchase.
At this price, definitely!
This is a really pretty palette, I was waiting to see if you reviewed it so I could pick it up during Nordstrom’s triple points but the price is still a bit of a drawback (though I personally would use the mascara, it’s great!).
If you love the mascara, then it’s not quite as bad 🙂
The price of this is breaking my heart! I do own many similar shades, I just can’t justify that price. For 80$ I can custom make a palette at inglot or MAC and only choose shades that I really want!
Very true!
Thank you for reviewing this! I actually bought this palette because I couldn’t wait. I know the price hike is ridiculous but I’m late on the LM bandwagon and don’t have any of the previous Artist palette. I got the Lorac PRO palette for Valentines Day for my husband and then this came out so I figured why not, a V day present to myself. I love it and have been using both palettes a lot! I have a lot of other vibrant frosty eyeshadows that these two matte neutral palette are a welcome addition to help me round out my collection! Thank you again Christine for all that you do!!
No problem, Laura! 🙂 I’m so happy you’re loving your palette!
If it were around $60 I would consider buying it.
That said, the quality seems to be there, but it doesn’t justify the price.
Not when the only justification for the increase are the two minis 🙁
I would love to buy this, maybe even at $80 except so many of the colors are repeats from previous palettes! Do more new colors Laura Mercier!
It worked out for me that they were permanent (needed them for the Swatch Gallery), but I agree – you can’t keep repeating!
I really should have gotten the last one 🙁
Awww!
Violet Steel is the only shade that caught my eye. 🙁
Aww!
It IS a nice palette, but it just can’t be worth the price tag. I would never be able to justify spending $80 on a palette, even if it does come with one or two little extra goodies.
I could totally justify an $80 palette, but less so when the brand has increased the price without a good enough reason 🙁
Well, to me this looks like your nice and average nude palette. Nothing less, nothing more. The price tag is just way out of line and to think that this will probably be more expensive in Europe is making me angry. I could imagine it going up to around 100 €… Thanks, but I´ll stay with my single eyeshadows and palettes under 50 €/$
Ouch!
This would have been great if it had only one or 2 repeats. I can’t believe that this palette has 6 repeats from the 2012 Artist Palette (African Violet, Deep Night, Sable, Guava, Coffee Ground, and Cafe Au Lait)! I wish they released new colors or had a more range of color in this one. It’s still a beautiful palette but if you have 2012’s release, then it is not worth it. Maybe if it was $48….then maybe….lol.
Wow! 6!
I would’ve been really interested in this if it were around $50, but over $80? No way. And charging for minis is absurd, usually those are considered freebies that allow consumers to try out the brand’s other products when they’re included in palettes. There are lots of people who will probably still buy this palette, but it’s really disappointing to see Laura Mercier taking advantage of consumers and raising the price by such a large amount.
Right on point, Chloe!
I’ll never complain about the naked palettes being 52 dollars ever again! 😉
Haha!
im skipping this one, only because its oh so close to the one from last year. As pretty as it is i have not really touched my current one. beautiful pallet though. If you missed out on last years don’t miss out on this one.
I can’t believe you haven’t touched your current one!
Very pretty set. I believe that I’ll wait for it to go in HauteLook.
Fingers crossed it does!
I completely agree with you about the price. I didn’t really pay the holiday palette much attention until it was sold out everywhere. Of course, I wanted it then. Never fails lol. I would have been all over this palette if it wasn’t for the price tag. I wouldn’t really use the extras so it would be a waste for me. It’s too bad though because the colors are nice and the quality seems to be lovely.
I hear ya, Fancie! I was like, “Eh, another neutral palette! I don’t need to review it! I have too many palettes to review…” and then I had to.
The Holiday Palette was ridiculously overpriced in Mexico; it was sold for about $130. I never understood how a $48 product could be sold for more than double the price, so I passed. I guess this new one will be overpriced too and with other interesting options out there, I think I’ll pass!
Your analysis and points of view are so helpful – thank you for all the work you do!
WOW! Talk about highway robbery!
The rules at my job recently changes (I am still recovering from the shock…) and I can’t wear colorful eyeshadow anymore (boooo). So I guess I’d better start looking at neutral palettes, sigh…
Awww! That really sucks 🙁
This looked really pretty from a distance, but when I read how much it cost and saw the shadows up close, all my lust for it evaporated. *^_^*
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news! 🙁
Pretty Palette though I dont really feel it at this price tag. They should have just skipped the minis and sold the palette a is at $48-$50 🙁
Agreed!
Instantly on my wishlist! Looks like such an incredible, versatile palette. LM has been releasing some fantastic palettes lately! xo
Enjoy!
I didn’t get the last one, and I’m really tempted, but $80! And the new UD Palette is coming out, too, so I’m not sure what to do.
LOL! Two very opposite palettes 😉
Gee, it’s a very pretty palette, the kind of shades I usually like. I guess the fancy case must be why it’s so expensive, LOL. It’s similar to my IT Cosmetics naturally Pretty palette in terms of the shades included, and also to the shades in the smaller matte Tarte palette that came out about 6 weeks ago. I just don’t get why the price is so high for something rather similar to a number of other palettes.
They’re justifying it because of those two minis, but I don’t think they realize how many customers don’t agree!
This is such a beautiful palette but the price is definitely too high! Christine do you know where we can get this palette in Canada?
Maybe The Bay or Holt Renfrew?
I was so upset I missed out on the holiday palette because this would be the perfect cool toned neutral palette for me. I got excited when I heard she was releasing one for spring. Then I saw the price… There is no way to justify the $32 price jump when the past palettes have been so affordable. It’s too bad because I’m a brights lover at heart and this would fill a huge hole in my collection.
I know – the other palettes were great ways to try Laura Mercier without paying quite so much!
LOL, $80?! Laura Mercier, you’re TRIPPING!!!
Right? For two minis?
Totally turned off by the price hike. :/
I really liked their holiday palette, but missed out on it.
The price is tough to justify now 🙁
I’m just going to agree with everyone’s comment that this palette is over priced. All the shades are dupable. Looks similar to my Lorac Pro palette.
The LORAC Pro is a good alternative to this if you’re looking for a mix of mattes and shimmers!
I did buy the holiday palette, but I do have to say that despite the hype of it I was not a big fan of it. For it being $50 I feel like the pigmentation should’ve packed a good punch and for me it didn’t. I returned it. When I saw the announcement of this new palette coming out, then saw the $80 tag (even with the minis) it seemed like a huge ripoff. For NARS to charge $79 for the palette they just released, I could see the justification. For this one, I can’t justify it.
Sorry to hear you didn’t like the holiday palette!
Pretty palette, but ‘m saving my money this time. I’ve never tried a LM eye shadow, I loved the tinted moisturiser thet I used before I got more to cover 🙂
Will try to get the Chocolate box, or one of the Tilbury palettes instead, I think.
Would have bought it if it had been at the price of the holiday one, or slightly higher. Then when makeup comes to Europe it’s even more expensive, so, sorry LM, not for me at this time.
Excellent review and swatching, as always!
I think the Too Faced palette is a nice alternative!
I would so have brought this palette if it wasn’t priced so ridiculously the shades remind me of UD Naked palette which I cant buy anywhere.
Aww 🙁
A nice palette, however — considering the popularity of nude palettes — I feel like you can find a similar palette for cheaper, without sacrificing quality.
I think you can!
I got the holiday palette and while the colors look similiar, I still prefer that over this, price hike aside. Somehow the texture feel drier & staying power is couple hours apart despite I use same Nars primer. I like the more sturdy stingray case of the holiday palette as well. I also think it sold out so quickly because the release week landed on Sephora VIB 20% sale which I was fortunated to learn a trick to throw everything I want in the cart early on the day before that and at midnight, hit submit 🙂
Glad you were able to get your holiday palette, Elle! 🙂
While I was one of the lucky ones to score the holiday pallet, I was highly disappointed with the price point as many have stated. My local store had some on hand, which was not the case with the holiday edition. I sure hope she and her marketing rep have a sit down before the next pallet drops.
I hope they rethink the pricing next time!