Let me just first start out by saying that I KNEW to expect high quality from this Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit, because let's face it-- Anastasia is known for her high-quality products. I own all of the major brow products she sells: Dip Brow Pomade, Brow Wiz, Perfect Brow Pencil, and the original Brow Pro Palette, which I don't think they make anymore; therefore, I can't link it for you. There's now a much more color color-expansive kit for artists since Anastasia has expanded her color range. I wouldn't mind to have that one, too, eventually.
But anyways, I love all of the brow products, and I've seen people rave about the new eyeshadows (and unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to purchase any yet), so I wanted this kit. Mainly for clients, but also for myself. I'm always looking for new contour shades that I might like better than my current favorites. Many contour powders seems to be red-tinted, and I am more of a fan of taupe brown shades for my contour. One of my cool-toned bronzers is "Bahama Mama" by The Balm Cosmetics.
The packaging is pretty standard of the pro palette products I've seen thus far from Anastasia. It's got the cardboard/paper feel with a sleeve on the outside, the palette with a magnetic closure and with her signature gold text.
All of the ingredients are inscribed on the back of this, plus some basic info letting you know what the palette is for: basically, sculpting (contouring) and highlighting.
With Flash
 |
| Left to Right: Vanilla, Banana, Sand Java, Fawn, Havana |
Without Flash
 |
| Left to Right: Vanilla, Banana, Sand Java, Fawn, Havana |
Another really great feature of having this pro palette is those little indented holes near the product pans. You can remove those colors and buy a refill pan of the product if you run out of a color. Anastasia has created an array of shades to fit any and every skin tone, so if you don't want to use a particular shade in this palette, you could also take one out and put a refill shade of another contour powder in it's place. I especially like this because I love cool-toned/taupe browns for contouring, so I am going to eventually trade "Java" and "Havana" out for two ashy ones that are more similar to "Fawn."
With Flash
 |
| Left to Right: Vanilla, Banana, Sand Java, Fawn, Havana |
Without Flash
 |
| Left to Right: Vanilla, Banana, Sand Java, Fawn, Havana |
The price is also a selling point for me, and I am sure a selling point for most MUA's. Any makeup addict, MUA, or collector knows that quality makeup is an investment like any other major hobby or interest or art. This palette is very reasonably priced at $40. As valuable as it is with the interchangeable pans and variety of shades, it's a wonder it retails this cheap.
Overall, the formula for the powders is very build-able and easily blended. I found that the contour shades really looked exemplary when applied to the skin with a brush. I have not yet used the banana powder shade, but did use the shimmer shade, "Sand," as a highlight.
You all know I mention Jaclyn Hill A LOT because she's one of my all time favorite YouTube Beauty Gurus, so I am bringing her up again to point out that she uses the banana powder a ton for setting her under eye area. My skin isn't as yellow-toned as hers, so I can see myself more so using "Vanilla." Either way, the formula is really great!
I'd love to hear what you all think about this kit. I haven't had it but for about three weeks or so, but so far I am giving it an "A" in grade because it's so universal and the formula is so spot on.. There are enough shades to meet everyone's needs, and the palette's interchangeable system make its very versatile--and really, a timeless piece for any makeup lover's collection.
Feel free to comment and let me know your thoughts on this palette.
xx
No comments:
Post a Comment