Article by BR Natalie
When a product is released with huge hype, the cynic in us creeps out right? Which is why when the must-have cosmetic product of the year landed at BRHQ we knew we had to put it through it's paces. And who is better qualified to thoroughly test a product than our top 0.01% of reviewers?
Here's what happened when we sent our three Review Superheroes Maybelline The Nudes.
Farmers-Wife - 4.7/5
So the packaging I really like. It's compact, sturdy and looks classy. It closes with a click and is quite stiff to release. Great for travel. I love how you can see the colours through the clear peak lid and the logo is simple yet classy.
As soon as I got it I swatched on my arm. I won't lie I was really disappointed at first. It annoyed me the colours didn't seem very pigmented. I kept playing on my arm and figured out keep building the colour up to make deeper. Sweet I like this now.
The shadows have different textures I quickly found. A couple seem to be a bit more crumbly, there are a couple that are creamy and others a normal pressed texture. I like how they are different. I love how there are shimmer and flat and matte colours.
So to apply I didn't use the applicator that came with it as I prefer brushes. Now I found with other palettes you swipe the brush once or twice and you have ample colour. These you really need to build up as you go which is fantastic for people learning about applying eye shadow.
I've been really happy with the looks I have managed to create. I've used the colours as eye shadow (obviously), highlighter for strobing, contour, brow filler and eyeliner. I struggled using it as a contour as you can only use a fine brush to pick up the colour and apply to your face, then you need to blend blend blend to hide the stripe lines. Be great if the contour and highlight colours were 2 times the size pans.
If I had seen this in a store and I had swatched in store I absolutely wouldn't have brought it. As I was dedicated to the challenge I kept playing at home and I actually really like it now. So for me it's a don't judge the book by the cover.
I'd totally recommend this for a teenagers first palette, to someone wanting to try a smokey eye but not into bold looks yet, to a business professional.
Tips: If you get this play, build up the colours and have fun with it. Read the BR article for tips as well
Kellyleanne - 4.3/5
Before getting this palette, eyeshadow was for the most part reserved for special events. So, eyeshadow was not generally part of my daily makeup routine. This palette has quickly changed that for me! The reason why I have steered away from eyeshadow in the past is a couple of reasons.. I thought it could be abit 'too much' for daytime wear. Secondly, I also felt application of eyeshadow can be quite tricky! This palette has proven me wrong in both of these. I've realised eyeshadow can look lovely and subtle for everyday wear (not just smokey eyes and going out). Also, with practice (and referring to instructions), application just gets easier as you gain confidence.
The palette looks modern with it's black case and silver writing, that is sleek and stylish. The palette is made of black sturdy plastic, with a clear plastic lid which reveals the lovely colours below it. I found the added instructions on the plastic sleeve casing of how to use the shadows useful (I definitely had to refer to these, and the more I experimented with the shadows the more confident I became). I think guided instructions are helpful for those of you that are just starting your eyeshadow journey.
The eyeshadows are a lovely range of colours, with some being block matte colour, while others have shimmer/sparkle. The pigmentation gets better the more you apply, and the formula is very buildable. For me, and someone starting out on the eyeshadow journey this palette is perfect and such a great product. The palette has different looks that you can create based on the colours, such as quads, trios and duos. I also love that it can be used for many other uses such as highlighter and filling in your brows. It definitely is a multi-use product.
Overall, this nude palette is lovely and it has quickly ignited my passion for eyeshadow - it's now a staple in my makeup bag.
Tips: - If you haven't got a nude palette you should really give this a go. It's now a must in my makeup bag. - Use a primer for best results
trudijoy - 4.3/5
For me, the term 'nude' conjured up the image of wearing nothing at all, and that may be why I have avoided nudes until now...boooooo-ring!
The Maybelline The Nudes Palette comes packaged in a sleek black case with a clear window through which you can easily see the 12 shades. There is a plastic sleeve around this when you first pick it up, which has info on Quads, Trios and Duos from the product which go together. Interestingly this same information is on the back of the actual case - but it's different there, and the one on the plastic sleeve makes more sense. Typo? Confused packager? Not sure, but don't throw out the sleeve!
I used all three quads, then went back to a couple of the colours that suited me better to trial this for brows, lips, and as an under-cheekbone contour. I found that using the guides helped, but instinct also helps, and if you like two colours together then they are worth a go! There is a golden shimmery shade 3 in on the bottom row that I love for inner eye and upper central lid as it really pops the gold flecks in my hazel eyes.
This is a multi-use palette, but it can't do everything – I still used base, liner, mascara etc as normal.
When I applied the shadows as lip colour (over a clear gloss) they adhered exceptionally well and I was really impressed. When applied as a contour you need to blend them out with your face powder to avoid a line. On the eyes, they blend nicely. I've heard people complain about the pigmentation but I feel it's adequate for a nude palette, especially as the colour is buildable and easy to work with.
In short, I'm really impressed with this palette. I'm a 'brights and darks' girl and this was my first real foray into nudes, and I like that you can go softer or more dramatic with this palette depending on your mood. I think the shades are really well thought out and complement each other (and me!) well. I would recommend this to most people but feel that it might be too much of a range for a beginner.
Tips: Use the right brushes. I used a blending brush for the 'entire eye area' and 'lid' shades, then a thinner, stiffer brush for the crease and edge of lid, and an angled brush for eyeliner and brows. It makes a huge difference.
Have you given into the inevitable and purchased Maybelline The Nudes yet? Do you agree with the rave reviews of our Superheroes? What about our other 40 trialists? This versatile palette is currently sitting at an average rating of 4.5/5!
Read all of the reviews (including the full Superhero reviews here
Bought me one for $12 while in the states, what a bargain :)