Anastasia Beverly Hills has really been pulling out all the stops lately! There’s no denying, the brand has officially earned iconic status in the beauty world. Yet I have a love hate relationship with their products, mainly their eyeshadows. While I love the vibrancy of the colors and the intense pigment, I find the formula too powdery for my taste and difficult to blend. Have I mentioned I’m highly inpatient? So, when Anastasia Beverly Hills launched Sultry in the late Fall, I remained unimpressed. But you certainly know the saying, don’t knock it ‘til you try it, right? Fast forward a few weeks, I received the Sultry Palette as a Christmas gift. And I was soon to discover just how great this palette really is, how much the formula has improved and just much I enjoy using this palette on a daily basis. Read on for a detailed review and swatches of the Anastasia Beverly Hills Sultry Eyeshadow Palette …
Shade Selection
Some eyeshadow palettes are designed with pros in mind or those seeking to create a high-fashion ‘Instagrammable’ look. These palettes are usually not that wearable on a daily basis. But there are a select few that manage to bridge the gap successfully. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Sultry Eyeshadow Palette is one of those rare gems. The color story reminds me of the original Urban Decay Naked palettes. It features 14 shades in a versatile array of impressive neutrals that really pack a punch, joining forces with a show-stopping shade of rose terracotta called Bloom! There are warm-toned colors, cool-toned shades, there are mattes, shimmers and metallics. In short, something for everyone and every occasion!
The shade that immediately captivated me and that makes this palette unforgettable is Bloom! It’s quite an interesting hue. It looks bright, but swatches on the neutral side and is surprisingly flattering! I typically stay away from any shadows within this range as those colors tend to make me look tired and unwell. But Bloom is more of a neutral, slightly cool-toned and perfect to pop into the crease!
Here is a close-up of the shades complete with a makeup look:
Formula and Pigmentation
All the shades swatched beautifully and effortlessly. The pigmentation is top notch and consistent across the entire shade range. The formula is finely milled, feeling soft and buttery on the skin. The shades don’t crease and last on the eyes all day (or 11 hours in my case). As with all ‘slightly more natural’ makeup formulas, the shades kick a little powder when the brush picks up color from the pan (this is typically due to a lack of silicones in the formula), but not nearly as much as my previous Anastasia Beverly Hills x Mario Master Palette reviewed here.
Packaging
My only gripe is the packaging. I love the glitzy, sparkly cover but why does it have to be cardboard? I will say though, compared to the Anastasia x Mario Palette, the Sultry packaging seems sturdier and the magnetic closure seems to stay in place. I’ve not had any issues with the palette not closing properly or not staying shut. Included with the palette are a good-size mirror and dual-end brush. The brush features a shader end for packing on the shadows and a blending end for working the shades. Although I typically prefer to use my own brushes to apply makeup, I will say this brush works well.
So in conclusion, I am now drinking the Anastasia Beverly Hills kool-aid! The Sultry Palette is simply striking! There are countless ways to wear this beautiful palette and I find that my heart skips a beat every time I open it. There is a luxurious feel to the shade selection and no shade is a dud. If you’re stuck in a makeup rut or simply just looking for a creative way to enhance your look whether you’re spending the day at home or attending a fancy party, look no further: this is it…the Anastasia Beverly Hills Sultry Palette!
Have you seen this palette around? Will you be trying it?
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Sam | Violet Hollow says
Still need to try Anastasia eyeshadows, I hear such great things. Sultry looks really beautiful, a perfect mix of neutrals and bloom is such a unique shade, its bold but not intimidating. So glad you are loving this palette Cat xx
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Cat says
Thank you for stopping by, Sam. Agreed, surprisingly Bloom can be quite wearable. Hope you get a chance to try Anastasia shadows soon. ~ Cat L.
Siobhán says
I have this too and really love it! It was great for the festive season! xx
Cat says
I was so impressed with this palette. It’s definitely the kind of palette that works for every occasion! ~ Cat L.
Laura says
Cat, you’ve really convinced me I need this palette ASAP! The swatches look beautiful and the glitzy packaging is gorgeous. Thank you for your review!
Cat says
It’s such an elegant and beautiful palette. I was surprised by how wearable the shade range is. Even Bloom. I usually apply it in the crease, over Birch or Twig, to warm up the crease. So happy you enjoyed the review. Thank you for stopping by. ~ Cat L.