Anastasia Beverly Hills, because they actually released a really high-quality, somewhat unique palette (Modern Renaissance) and made it permanent – but they also made plenty of stock to keep it on the shelves even during the initial release.
We're here to help you make better beauty purchases that you'll enjoy and love! We recommend signing up to take advantage of personalized features like tracking products you own, viewing dupes that you already have, and more!
Here are some useful resources for you:
Curious how two shades compare to each other? Type in the shades below to get instant side-by-side swatches!
Comments that do not adhere to our comment policy may be removed. Discussion and debate are highly encouraged but we expect community members to participate respectfully. Please keep discussion on-topic, and if you have general feedback, a product review request, an off-topic question, or need technical support, please contact us!
Please help us streamline the comments' section and be more efficient: double-check the post above for more basic information like pricing, availability, and so on to make sure your question wasn't answered already. Comments alerting us to typos or small errors in the post are appreciated (!) but will typically be removed after errors are fixed (unless a response is needed).
We appreciate enthusiasm for new releases but ask readers to please hold questions regarding if/when a review will be posted as we can't commit to or guarantee product reviews. We don't want to set expectations and then disappoint readers as even products that are swatched don't always end up being reviewed due to time constraints and changes in priorities! Thank you for understanding!
We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!
Urban Decay! 120 lipsticks is quite the impressive and crazy feat to pull off! And not with a whole lot of concrete warning. Well, except for them putting all their Revolution lipsticks on sale, no other sign until they made it official. Plus the Spectrum Palette, Moondust Palette, and enlarging their face products shade range. Although the shade range still needs at least several more additions, they’re getting there.
I agree with the lipsticks. That’s a lot of shades to pull out of the hat with no real warning or early on marketing.
Make Up For Ever. Their brushes are so pricey but really top of the line – eye brushes soooo soft and I just picked up the paddle powder brush and it’s unlike any other.
I have also been super impressed by the pressed HD setting powder, it really makes my foundation look soooo much better. I’ve never really been into setting my face but now I never forget to! I miss the old HD foundation formula but the new one is not so bad right now in the summer when my skin’s a bit less dry.
I haven’t really experimented with the rest of the line but definitely want to. My deluxe PlexiGloss sample is awesome. But the brand doesn’t put out the hyped up products like UD and Kat Von D etc so probably why I keep forgetting MUFE even exists…
Zoeva. Those brushes are excellent.
hey Monika,
I am not sure if I agree: I have the 220, the luxe grand shader brush because I thought it would be handy for shading the lower lid more easily. But while the brush seems to pick up a lot of powder, it doesn’t seem to ‘release’ it on the lid. Do you have this brush? Do you recognize this problem? If so what to do? If not: maybe I just picked the wrong brush. (Also not a fan of the 240, the luxe petit pencil, the bristles seem too hard. Thanks!
Dear ouineque,
I have the Zoeva 231 petit crease and 121 kabuki, both Bamboo Edition. They are well made, light, soft and easy to use. I experienced quite the opposite than you with my 231 petit crease brush. For eye shader brush, I have the Mac 239 and I’m satisfied with it. The Zoeva 220 seems too big and far too thick for me, perhaps that thickness causes the problem? I can only guess.
hey Monika, thanks! Yeah, I do have the Mac 239 as well (it is just great!). I just thought that a super large brush would make it easier for me to shade my lids. I have quite big eyes. 🙂 Now I just use it clean to blend out edges. So I do get use out of it, just not the use that I thought I would have.
And the luxe petit pencil is mayby just too tiny. Ah well, perhaps I’ll buy another Zoeva brush, since you are not the only one enthousiastic about it! Thanks again!
Naturlich! The brushes have upped my game. They’re not Wayne Goss, but seem as good as/better than IT for Ulta. The price plus shipping still is an excellent deal. Liking the liners and palettes, too. If that is German drugstore, I need to know about German high end.
Hahahaha! Not so drugstore… But better then a lot of drugstore here in Europe for sure.
*I agree! The ABH Modern Renaissance palette was a gutsy one. It had unique colors ( reds, oranges, yellows) and a lot of mattes that are tough to get right, and they knocked it out of the ballpark. Then came the Moonchild palette, which I’m sure will launch a thousand purple, green, and blue highlighters from other brands.
*Buxom impressed me greatly with their 6 new shades, which all got A’s. They made them permanent and didn’t jack up the $40 price for putting them in a customizable palette.
*City Color Shimmer Shadows -all 8 of the new shades scored A’s
*Oh, and Tarte with their new single shadows – I bought 5 of them, and they are just as good as UD, pigmented and buttery smooth. Sure hope they make them permanent or put them into a kit.
And that is a bloody rarity!
Meaning how ABH handled their recent offerings. Put this comment in when no others were posted. Looks like a non-sequitur here.
I’ll say ABH as well – I made myself a little eyeshadow quad after reading your reviews about a month ago and I really like it. The pigmentation and texture is great and I love the little quad case (which is important to me!). I’m interested in the MR palette but a lot of the colors seems similar to things I already have, so I’m holding off for the moment. I’m so pleased it’s permanent.
Makeup Revolution. They are delivering highly pigmented affordable makeup. I feel most mid to high end brands get a lot of attention and love so it’s nice to find great drugstore brands too.
You are so right. Drug store brands are amazing. I love me some Black Radiance and Black Opal, Maybelline and Makeup Revolution and Essence. Affordable makeup is definitely kicking toosh!
Until yesterday when I bought two palettes at Ulta, I owned no Makeup Revolution products. Now I regret waiting so long to try them! I even recommended the brand to a co-worker who is more of a budget shopper when it comes to makeup.
pixi makeup, mainly because I had only ever tried their skincare and it is rare that I like both from a brand.
Ok, first I need to say that I am a UD girl. The brand style and philosophy resonates with me. Beyond that, the skin care line that has impressed me is REN. I switched all of my skin care to their line and while I thought, for my age, my skin looked pretty good, now it looks even better. For hair products, the salon I was buying my Kevin Murphy from stopped carrying it so I was forced to browse around. I’ve been using a combo of Christophe Robin for the days I style my hair, Ouai for days I’m home, and specialty products from Oribe. As each does something different, I am equally impressed with all. Finally, with respect to makeup, this one’s easy….Marc Jacobs blew me out of the water with their new Air Blush. It is heads and shoulders above any blush at any price point I have ever used. I also feel that the shades offer something for everyone; and am hoping they add more shades to the lineup.
The last brand was Becca. Some of you may have read some previous posts about my love/hate story with this brand. Long story short, it stems from a great concealer they put out a few years ago. The click pen had so little product in it, it was astonishing. Stupidly, I went through three buys of the product and total resentment of the experience. Then there was the rouge eye shadow palette that I hit pan in faster than any other shadow product I had ever owned before. I swore off Becca for life feeling that the brand was stingy and gouged.
Then I tried her Mineral Powder Foundation and Souffle Blush and I was won over. These products are wonderful, and work really well on me. I still look at Becca with one beady eye of suspicion, but I am impressed at the moment.
It was a toss up to answer this question because Anastasia and Laura Mercier are also on my list of brands that impress.
The brand that last impressed me was ColourPop!
I purchased the ultra satin in the shade #TooLips and the ultra matte in the shade #Tulle and I have fallen in love with them. Amazing quality for a great price!
Sofia | theglamchapter.blogspot.com
I agree completely with you, Christine. ABH’s Modern Renaissance palette is amazing for many reasons, the ones you mentioned plus the fact that there are actually some colors in it besides the same ones I’ve seen a hundred times this year already.
I’d agree with you on all counts Christine. This palette was my first purchase of ABH, and based on such a positive experience I’m already buying more of its products now.
ABH, UD, and Makeup Revolution.
ABH… obviously because Modern Renaissance. The colors, the pigmentation, the blendability…I don’t have a single complaint with this palette.
UD… I’m loving their lipsticks, and there are so many!
As for Makeup Revolution, I got two of their palettes (Girls on Film and Run Boy Run Salvation Palettes) yesterday at Ulta… the quality is much better than I expected and great for the price. I’m using Run Boy Run right now and I love the orangy red shade!
No doubt, Anastasia Beverly Hills! What I like about this company is that their releases are planned well, drama free, and thoughtful in regards to colors which are not always catered to one skin tone. Overall, I am impressed with the integrity and work ethic of this company. I am excited about the new foundation that she is coming out with as well. The color range is fantastic, the price point ($25) is great, and was it developed for oily skin.
Anastasia! Those lip glosses were really spectacular!
Lunatick Cosmetics Labs. First of all, the products are talc-free, which is extremely important to me, while keeping prices in-line (overall) with even the least expensive DS brands. Second, the colors are unique, and are sought after by many, especially those with a more “alternative” aesthetic. Finally, the shipping time was *phenomenal*! I ordered late-Friday (11 pm PST), and had it by Tuesday morning, shipped from WI to SoCal! Shipping is $6, but I would pay that (or more!) in transportation to a B&M store, plus there was no sales tax (which is nearly 10% in SoCal).
I’ve been “boycotting” CoverGirl ever since they pulled Max Factor out of North America, but since I saw promos featuring Gabourey Sidibe, my resolve softened. Given their overall diversity, I gave them another go. While it was easy for me to walk away all those years ago, I find there has been a *huge* improvement over that time.
MAC has impressed me recently, but not for the reasons one might expect. Many can probably recall when they were the be all, end all on SM, but have been steadily replaced… Instead of continuing to just manufacture hype, they took a step back, lowered prices, and added unique products to the permanent range. The fact someone took the time to rethink the marketing strategy is not something we see every day. Plus, they didn’t reformulate what has worked all this time…
Finally, Kat von D. While I have always loved the brand, I have been patiently waiting for the perfect red eyeshadow which was acheived in the Serpentina palette. Plus, it’s CF, and apparently vegan, which is no easy feat. Unfortunately, I can’t justify the entire palette for just this shade, as it has too many “gold” shades… However, there seems to be a lot of demand for Bloodmilk to become a single, so fingers crossed! The brand also has a shade expansion in the works for the foundation & concealers, so I’m looking forward to see what rolls out!
I so crave L supernatural palette and a few of the l/s, as grayed is my new black, and calabaza looks amazing. Agree that Mac is rethinking their strats. Little Mac is a good example. We CAN have 100 blushes, if they’re smaller. Assume you mean carmine free, by CF. red without carmine IS difficult. Neither talc nor carmine are probs for me, but many ingredients are, and using PC ingredients dictionary, PC Beautypedia, and cosdna on every bf product is a major pia. Like writing a term paper pia, worth it, good info, but tedious as well.
xamyx, just saw an online post where Max Factor might be coming back into the USA quietly, as people have spotted a limited display in store at some local Walgreens and also online at walgreens.com Think they are testing the waters to see if there’s consumer demand.
I’d say ABH even though I do not like the modern renaissance palette. It’s too “UGH” on me. Some of the colors show then some don’t and it’s too dull but I have and love their last palette. HOWEVER they’ve become my favorite brand in the last two years really. The eyebrow items are nice. The palette I have is nice. The lip glosses and liquid lipsticks are nice. Their customer service, marketing, publicity, and everything with their business is nice. Even the price points are nice. I own more of ABH than any other brand aside from my UD palettes and lipsticks. I haven’t tried ABH single shadows YET but will be heading to make my quad soon.
Tarte is another one. I am not a fan of tartes products for my skin BUT they have been consistent with great releases and good marketing and price points.
I have to say that I always keep my eye on Dior now. My favorite packaging is their silver compacts. Their LE powders are so pretty. I want the Asian exclusives sold here. Their nail polish wears on me for a full week. I have a couple of their beautiful blushes. I continue to be blown away by Decleor skin care. Their mask gives me new skin. My latest drug store ‘blue chipper’ is the new Master Precise Skinny gel/pencil eyeliner by Maybelline. It’s a home run!
Violet Voss Laura Lee palette.. I have never used their shadows before and I just looove them
this is a tough one because every brand has some real clunkers in among the stars but I also am really pleased with the shadows I’ve purchased as singles (to put in quad palettes) from ABH. But I also have to give a shout out to SEPHORA’s own brand. They have some amazing brushes (the pricier ones but also some of the cheaper line) and I think many of their shadows, blushes, highlight and other powders, to say nothing of their eye pencils (the skinnier liners and the jumbo ones) are amazing quality, easily matching products costing 2 or 3 times as much. And there is SO MUCH to choose from!
Have to agree with ABH, partially bec brow products are not on my radar, and that was their core competency for years. But, they have been innovative and honest. And who makes a blockbuster like mod ren permanent? Nobody. Most cos prefer to whip up the LE frenzy and watch the blow up on SM. LE frenzy/FOMO is pretty off putting. The new highlighters, nice. Think I should measure this question by how hard I am trying to resist something. No ABH yet, kind of afraid to start.
I continue to be impressed by the Armani releases frankly. While I don’t love the new matte cream shadows for my coloring, I can see how they would work well for those with darker skin tones and for those who don’t like shimmer products. These cream shadows, the brow maestro (one of which is my favorite shadow color) and their foundation formulas continue to wow me. I know not many reviewers tried the Crema Nuda tinted moisturizer because of the price, but I did buy it and I love, love the texture and the way it makes my skin look luminous and perfect. The jar is enormous, so I certainly get my money’s worth with it, but I know people can’t get pas the price tag.
For brands that were brand new to me when I tried it – that would go to Inglot. I think I was vaguely familiar from beauty blogs/vlogs, but didn’t really know anything about it or had ever seen in person. I don’t tend to venture into unknown brands without seeing them in person to test since you never know what kind of reaction your skin might have, but when I went into the store in Vegas, I was hooked. I’ve only used the eye shadows and a lipstick and lip crayon so far, but the shadows are more than enough to keep me happy. I wanted to put more mattes into my wardrobe and I don’t usually like pre-made palettes. Inglot was perfect and so affordable (which is not my top priority, but I won’t complain). The quality of the shadows is amazing and I would recommend to anyone – even luxe beauty snobs like myself.
Yes, Inglot certainly has some gems! Too bad they don’t have more stores and counters, as it can be hard to choose colors online. My local Macy’s has a small display, and I have a few shadows from them, will need to stop by their store next time I’m in Vegas. Their color range is ginormous, there’s something for everyone, and prices are very affordable.
I agree wholeheartedly. I am lucky that my new job’s HQ is near the store on Broadway in NYC, so I picked out a second palette there. You’re right about buying online – it’s hard enough with blog swatches, different store descriptions etc, but Inglot isn’t covered nearly enough to get a good assessment on colors and with the number of shades and finishes, in store is much much better. I’ve lucked out with the ones that I’ve picked online so far, but it’s not something I’ll do often unless it’s a rebuy.
I agree with ABH, particularly the Modern Renaissance Palette and the recent Moonchild Palette. It’s nice to see some less “safe” colors become more mainstream. Also Urban Decay, with the huge lipstick release, and now more foundations, and the Moondust Palette. UD has really been kicking it back into high gear this last year. On the drug store front, I think Nyx and Wet n Wild have had some awesome releases lately, as well.
Suva Beauty. I saw their hydra liners on Jeffree Star’s June Favorites video so I ordered a couple. The pigment is insane and I’ve never seen brighter colors. in. my. life.
Loving Makeup Geek! Eye shadows are amazing
NYX, I gradually keep finding products that impress me.The latest find is the skinny mascara. I use it at the base of my lashes for a tight lining effect, then what ever other mascara I feel like that day. I also like the waterproof mascara that you can put over any mascara to make it waterproof.
ArtÃs with their unbelievable brushes. I have three of them and I just love them!! Total game changers for me
bhcosmetics. They came out with their Luxe Lacquer lip line. Perfect: non-drying & long-lasting….even through a greasy meal. Makeup Revolution also came up with a pigmented contour all-in-one kit. It’s fantastic! Very natural-looking. We’re not all Kardashians after all. LOL!
The latest brand to impress me is named JUVIA’S PLACE. They sell eyeshadow palettes,singles,eyelashes and the best brushes,in my opinion, in the entire industry. The amazing quality at suchurch fair prices makes me question the actual cost vs mark up of other high end brushes, except the hand made Japanese brushes. I get how pain staking it is to make those hand made brushes by an artisan. What I’m referring to are mass produced brushes. The bristles of the Juvias brushes are soft but not flimsy. Each brush is tweaked to perfect it’s intended use. The blending brushes are absolutely amazing, making even difficult makeup blend beautifully. And then of course there’s the esthetics of the brushes, absolutely stunningly gorgeous!!! Every set they have produced is gorgeous and I love how they look on display. Fluffy with gorgeous colored handles. The shape of the handle is ergonomic and feels balanced in your hands. The ferrules are secure and sturdy. Even when I rigorously scrub themy against my Sigma mat, they don’t even wobble like some others I’ve had…won’t mention any brands here????…but I’ve paid a lot for brushe’s that have fallen apart and with Juvia”s brushes running less than $8 a piece I haven’t had one even wiggle under use or cleaning.
As for the eyeshadows? OMG …a few words come to mund…buttery, silky,pigmented, long lasting, blendable, great payoff, stunning, bright,colorful and just down right AWESOME. the NUBIAM 1 &2 are amazing companions because you can have every neutral imaginable AND your pops of vivid color with the 2, and now she sells then as a bundle fo,r I believe, $55 for BOTH. ..that’s almost the cost of some single palettes by other brands that don’t even compare. Some companies are just coasting on their brand name and churning out some disappointing products. All I can say is I’m anxiously awaiting the release of the new MASQUERADE palette. It is the perfect marriage of neutrals and brights. .August 5th can’t come soon enough ?
I’d highly recommend this company to anyone looking for top quality product
I just googled this brand and went on their site – wow!! Great deals. Thanks for giving this a shout out!
Wayne Goss brushes. Wow I have Japanese brushes but Wayne’s brushes are even better. Pure silk that blend and lay down colour as if I had my own make up artist..
oooh this summer iam so impressed by what i have buy!
The both Sun designer palette from By Terry!
Sepia contouring palette from Armani
Duo contouring powder from Yves Saint Laurent!
Its really weird,because even if i have lot of make up and iam a make addict, with this 3 products its like i have just discovered make up today! It’s really difficult to explain,but i hope you can understand me Christine…Its so beautiful and so good quality that iam impressed after every using
It’s no secret ABH has been a big winner for me this year too. Now I’m super stoked for the new foundation… purportedly to include *gasp a range of Olive shades… I die
I think the City Colour Shadows that you reviewed a little while ago. I was really impressed with those – lovely colours, great price and fantastic rating.
It Cosmetics. Almost every single product I’ve tried from that line is a hit. The powders, the concealers, the BB/CC creams, the lip glosses, the eye liners.
I’m going to have to go with Anastasia, too. The Modern Renaissance palette is perfection and their decision to make it permanent was an unexpected surprise, but the fact that they try to create products for people of all colors is what really impresses me. They did it with the cream contour palette, releasing a Fair palette when the Light palette was too dark for many of us. They’ve done it again with their recent release of highlighters. I’d pretty much resigned myself to believing there would never be a highlight kit right for me — then ABH revealed the Moon Child Glow Kit! 😀
As far as I know, and I’ve done a little research, WOC have also found products that work with their skintone. I haven’t come across a WOC who has complained about the right shades not being available from ABH, not that one doesn’t exist. But, for the most part, I really see ABH trying to create products that work for everyone… and I HOPE they eventually come out with a foundation line because that would be amazing!
Definitely ABH and the Modern Renaissance palette!! As soon as I saw it, I felt like it was made for me. Even though I promised myself no more eyeshadow for the rest of the year, I caved. I love mattes/neurals/warm berry/reds. So this is everything I love in one palette! The quality is amazing and I felt confident about buying after reading the review here.
LORAC is also a brand that continously impresses me. I have loved every product I tried, with the most recent being the tantalizer bronzer. I am on the fair size so I don’t wear too much bronzer but this looks beautiful!! It makes me look healthy, vibrant and glowing. The formula is also very buildable. Reminds me of my beloved Nars Orgasm blush but without the pink/peach.
I have to say I just love my Wayne Goss eye brushes, they make doing my eyes so easy and a joy. The fat pointed brush is so precise and the right stiffness that it’s easy to make a line. I did a cut crease for the first time ever today and it was easy with the pointed brush, although I need to practice doing it on my left eye!
Guerlain
Another vote for ABH, mainly due to the Modern Renaissance pallette. I have a reaction to talc, but I also have an addiction to eyeshadow. I was amazed when this pallette didn’t make my eyes water! No talc! Plus the beautiful colors that blend perfectly. It’s going to take time for me to condor another pallette after this one. It sets the bar very high!
• Makeup: Jeffree Star
Loving his palette and the Rich Blood Velour Liquid Lipstick. I’m still a UD girl, but if JS expands his line, that might change!
• Skincare: SK-II
Tried 3 products this year for the first time. Soooooo impressed! Sadly, I won’t be able to switch to a SK-II regimen…. too expensive for my budget.
• Self tanner: No more white bits
I hate the fuss of a tanner if it’s to be only a shade darker than my usual skin tone. I used to buy St.Tropez dark, but this tanner gives me better results. A total makeover overnight for $7? Yes, please!
• Hair: Phyto
Just discovered Phytocyane and totally fell in love with the whole line.
Sigma. I recently got the express cleaning mat, and it’s amazing! What used to take 2 hrs to clean my life 25+ brushes, it only took 30 mins!
I’m on a low buy recently and have an insane number of palettes. As a complete ID junkie, I will probably by the new Moondust(?)palette. There are a couple of individual items I’ve purchased recently that I love. The first is the new formulation of Benefit Gimme Brow in Medium, the second is Tarte Rainforest of the Sea in light medium or light neutral, something like that. I know I’m late to the table on that one. I love them go the for their ease of application, durability, natural appearance, and color match to my complexion.
Everything I got from theBalm I enjoy using. It’s fairly priced and performs very well IMHO. So I guess theBalm it is.
Urban Decay. From the new lipstick range to concealer to eye shadow shades, it’s all good.
NYX ‘s Matte Lipstick. They are very pigmentated ann long lasting
Tom Ford and Anastasia are two brands that have impressed me recently. They both produce original colors and products. Love them both
Bobbi Brown for the most recent collection, Sunset Glow and for the Luxe lipstick line that easily competes with higher end brands in the lipstick category.
I’m not a fan of BB eyeshadow palettes but love this new set of highlighters, much to my surprise. I just bought Telluride and love it, so it’s the most recent brand that’s impressed me. I’ll also mention Tom Ford, whose products I knew nothing about a year ago. and whose Soleil Collection is my collection of the summer. Love it!!
Maybelline, with their Tattoo cream eye shadows. Lovely colors, long lasting and inexpensive. I know they’ve been out forever, I just don’t buy often.
I’ve been very impressed by the drugstore selections actually. They really have come a long way in terms of just as good as high end make-up. Many of the high end make-up owns many drugstore brand’s. The only difference is price now. I’ve tried them all, and I am just as happy with drugstore brand’s as I was with high end, and have money to buy more. If the quality is there, so is my loyalty. ?
Tarte, their new Shape Tape Concealer is amazing! Actually covers my dark circles! I also have been impressed with Urban Decay. Their Naked Skin Powder is talc free and so are their blushes and new highlighters. Talc free is hard to find.
Oh and the Urban Decay Vice lipsticks are so good as well.