Palettes like this Smashbox Photo Op Smokebox II Palette are so versatile and perfect for both traveling and everyday use. There are enough shades in this palette to create either a subtle look or a dramatic look, and each color is pigmented enough to be applied lightly or in layers for a smokey effect. You can never go wrong with a palette full of neutral shades that go with any skin tone, as well. Not only was highly impressed by the pigmentation of the eyeshadow in this palette, but the shades are absolutely stunning once they are applied. Check out the swatches inside.
[This review features press sample(s) sent for consideration.]
This is the Smokebox II Palette, so it is the second Smokebox Palette to be released by Smashbox. There are six eyeshadow shades in total, as well as a double-sided eye shading brush.
The back of the palette has an eye chart that shows what looks you can create, step-by-step, with the palette. This is great for people who are new to makeup or just want to get some idea of how you can use the shades in this palette.
There are six shades in this palette: Alabaster, Thunder, Blackout, Roast, Black Currant, and Seafoam.
I love the mix of light and dark shades, as well as the different finishes in the palette. You can see matte shades like the black and burgundy-purple shade, but you also see shimmering shades like the gorgeous brown in the lower left-hand corner.
Alabaster, Thunder, Blackout: These three shades are basically all you need for a typical, classic smokey eye. This trio had fantastic pigmentation and only needed one swipe to put down great color. The grey has a great subtle shimmer to it, and the black is a pure matte shade. The eyeshadow was velvety soft and smooth.
Roast, Black Currant, and Seafoam: This trio of shades is amazing. I am basically obsessed with these three shades, and I especially love Roast and Black Currant. They are so saturated with color and even more beautiful in person.
I had to take an up-close shot of “Roast” because it’s just so complex. It’s a chocolate brown with gold sparkle to it and it had absolutely no fallout of the glitter in it whatsoever.
Overall: The Smashbox Smokebox II Palette is a winner all-around. Every single one of the six eyeshadow shades were soft, smooth, and pigmented. You get a wonderful mix of matte, satin, and shimmer shades in the palette, as well as a dual-sided eye shading brush. It’s a wonderful multi-tasking eyeshadow palette that can create both subtle and dramatic looks.
The Smashbox Photo Op Eyeshadow Palette in Smokebox II is available at Smashbox counters nationwide, as well as online at the Smashbox website. Each palette retails for $39.00 USD. I highly recommend this palette if you want a group of eyeshadow shades that can work to create both a subtle and a dramatic makeup look.
[ALL PHOTOGRAPHY ON THIS SITE IS TAKEN BY REBECCA KAZIMIR. NO PHOTOGRAPHS ARE TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION.]
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Keeley says
Great review! I have been using roast for quite some time, I am a huge fan of the Smashbox products and was before they came to the UK… glad I no longer have to rely on friends and family going to the States to pick up stuff for me! x
BeautyGala says
Thanks Keeley! Yes, “Roast” is amazing and definitely my favorite of the palette…so sparkly and pigmented!