Facets of Marsala

Sephora + Pantone Universe Facets of Marsala Eye Palette ($39.00 for 0.41 oz.) is a set of 24 eyeshadows to celebrate the color of the year: Marsala. Last year's palette was larger in size and in amount ($48.00 for 1.53 oz.) with 24 eyeshadows and one blush. This year, there are still 24 eyeshadows (but no blush), and each eyeshadow is 0.017 oz. (compared to 0.059 oz. each). I liked the palette, and it was easier to use without a primer than many other palettes I've tried over the past few months--even the mattes--which is always a happy find, but a lot of the satin/matte shades seemed prone to fading. I think that it does get repetitive, there's an overabundance of warmer tones, and in general, the composition could use improvement (greater diversity in tone, color selection, and for such a large palette, it could use a couple of lighter shades that could work as brow bone highlighters or transitioning shades). This palette actually seems like it will suit deeper skin tones more readily (which is often not the case), so that is a plus--I still think some cooler plums, a richer copper (rather than two gold-ish hues), and a couple of apricot/peach shades would have helped make this palette more versatile. The texture of the eyeshadows are slightly drier and more powdery--almost like there's a bit too much filler, though color payoff is decent to good with a couple of exceptions.

• Brand Description