I was going to start out that Smashbox Full Exposure palette is a great summer essential. Forget that. It’s a fabulous year-round essential! While a lot of you have gone crazy for the Urban Decay Naked palettes, I never caved and got one. Something about the 3 various palettes never grabbed me. The Smashbox Full Exposure is different, it got me. It comes with 14 shadows (not 12 like UD) a brush that is double ended; one side for the bottom row of matte shades and the the other end for the top row of shimmer shades. There is also a mini Full Exposure Mascara for super-full lashes. The brush rivals the Dior Show mascara brush in it’s big, lush brush, but it doesn’t have the dry texture that DiorShow mascara does which so many of you don’t like. The set is value priced at $49.00
The choice of shades gives you endless options for looks with shades ranging from nude to browns and greys. Inside you will find a chart that gives 6 different eye shapes and how to apply Day, Night and Defined eye looks for each eye shape. And yes, there are shimmer shadows. Let’s get away from the “I’m over 40 I can’t wear anything but matte shadows” bunk, OK! If worn properly, shimmer shadows look lovely. Glitter – not so much, but a nice shimmer adds dimension and softness.
Best way to start out the application? Use an eye shadow primer like the Smashbox Photo Finish 24 Hour Shadow Primer. It’s crease and smudge resistant for up to 24 hours and it does make the shadow colors more intense. Not deeply intense, but more intense for sure.
Here are some images of the palette and the BIG mascara wand.
Product received for consideration of review. All opinions and views are my own and yours may vary.