Sultry, smokey eye looks have been dominating catwalks for the past two years. Makeup lovers have been craving a palette that replicates the sexy, smudged aesthetic. But, until now, they have been left wanting. Enter the Beauty Bay Smoky palette and everything has changed. But it’s not the blow-out greys and black that has got their attention.
Smoky has delivered what trendsetters have demanded - and more.
Behind bland packaging lies something extra; something, actually, unmissable.
The best bit about the Smoky palette
I didn’t get the palette until a week after its release. Not that I didn’t want it from Day 1. Already committed to a Beauty Bay mystery box and another dropper bottle of The Ordinary caffeine eye solution, I was forced to hang fire until my finances allowed a further purchase. Oh boy, was I in for a treat.
Aside from containing the coolest light grey I’ve ever encountered, this palette boasts ground-breaking (in terms of quality) silver shimmers. They are, quite literally, to die for. Even if you aren’t a fan of the smokey eye look, you need this palette for the sparkle that it can add to any shade, from any palette.
Pretty, intense and long-wearing, they make stars in the sky look dull in comparison.
From moondust-type sprinkles to solid blocks of metallic, they can be anything from subtle to dense swipes of vibrant shine. I love them.
Before I take a closer look at the shades that have really grabbed my attention, here’s some information about what makes silver eyeshadow a versatile must-have.
The benefits of silver eyeshadow
Sparkly silver eyeshadow transcends mere makeup; it's a gateway to a world of captivating eye looks. This shade offers a unique blend of versatility and drama, making it an essential content in any beauty bag. Why?
Quite simply, silver pigments amplify your eyes. Silver's reflective quality acts like a highlighter for your peepers. A light dusting on the centre of your lid instantly brightens and widens your eyes, making them appear more awake and youthful.
This is where versatility reigns supreme. Don't be fooled by its boldness. Sparkly silver can be surprisingly adaptable. Sheer it out for a subtle daytime shimmer or layer it on for a dramatic, show-stopping evening look. Pair it with smokey blacks for a classic, glamorous vibe, or blend it with softer browns for a daytime smokey eye with an edge.
Silver is a complexion chameleon. That’s right, unlike some colours that favour specific skin tones, silver flatters a wide range. For fair complexions, it adds a touch of cool radiance. On medium skin tones, it creates a captivating, dimensional effect. For deeper complexions, it highlights the natural warmth and richness of your skin.
Use a bit of sparkle to embrace your inner spotlight. Silver eyeshadow isn't just about aesthetics; it's about confidence. The touch of shimmer adds a playful touch, letting your personality shine through. Wearing it allows you to express yourself creatively and embrace your inner light, both literally and figuratively.
Benefit from effortless edginess. A touch of sparkle can instantly elevate a simple makeup look. It adds a touch of unexpected edge, transforming your everyday makeup into something a little more daring and unforgettable.
So, next time you're reaching for your eyeshadow palette, consider the captivating potential of sparkly silver. It's a shade that empowers you to experiment, amplifies your natural beauty and helps you embrace your inner starlet.
Smoky palette is the tops for quality
The shade collection is available in three pan sizes. I bought the 16 pan, which set me back a mere £14. It arrived boxed and bubble wrapped, and the palette contains a good-sized mirror.
Part of Beauty Bay’s staple of own-brand eyeshadows, Smoky is not a limited edition - it’s here to stay. That’s good to know, because those silver shimmers are going to get an awful lot of use. It’s rare for me to repurchase an eyeshadow palette, partly because I’ve got so many and partly because they last so long. However, I have a feeling this will be an exception.
The quality is the palette’s biggest selling point. It excels on every front, from pigmentation to texture and from blendability to long-wear.
High-quality eyeshadow goes beyond just colour. Rich pigments ensure a vibrant pop with minimal product, saving you time and money in the long run. These shades blend like a dream, creating seamless transitions and flawless finishes. But the benefits extend beyond aesthetics.
Top-notch formulas often boast long-wearing properties, keeping your look fresh throughout the day without creasing or fading. They can even be gentler on your delicate eyelids, minimising irritation and potential for allergic reactions. That’s why I invest in quality eyeshadow from Beauty Bay. My eyes (and my makeup routine) have thanked me for it.
Best shades in the palette
So, I’ve already mentioned a cool matte grey. It’s called Clouds. Suitable for use as a light mono shade, it’s also ideal for gradients and transitions. I’ve worn it (to work) on the outer to middle section of the eye and finished it off with a light dusting of a fabulous silver shimmer called Frost.
Other stand-out shimmers in this palette include Fairy, Sword and Seltzer.
Moving beyond silver, this palette also delivers gold and copper shimmers as well as an appreciated white matte, aptly called Snow.
When it comes to greys and blacks in the palette, expect light, medium and deep variants. The deepest black is called Tattoo and the intensity of colour is mind-blowing.
Of course, the shades I’m referring to are in the 16-pan version of the palette. If you want even more, Beauty Bay has released a 42-pan version. It could be on my shopping list very soon!
I’ve written a lot about the smokey eye look, in recognition of its alignment with fashion. Now that I have got my hands on the palette that faithfully - and flawlessly - reflects catwalk trends, I can, probably, draw a line under my ramblings and just get on with creating new looks.
But, those shimmers…
Shimmering eyeshadow isn't just about glitz. To me, it's a textural magician. The light-reflecting particles add dimension to your lids, sculpting and defining the eye shape. This never fails to create the illusion of larger, brighter eyes - perfect for those seeking a youthful effect. The subtle sparkle breathes life into a look, transforming flat colour into something captivating.
These shimmers add a touch of whimsy and a hint of glamour, depending on the application. So, don't underestimate the power of the shimmers in Smoky – it's the secret weapon to take your eye makeup from ordinary to extraordinary.
This is one of those purchases that I’m going to be reminded of on a daily basis because, right now, it’s the only palette I’m using. Like many, I’ve waited a long time for the smokey look to be delivered in one hit. It’s arrived, and I couldn’t be happier.
Whether you crave the smokey eye look or not, you definitely won’t want to miss out on the shimmers. They are simply the best of the best.
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