ootdfashion
I’m not sure if “pizazz on your face” is a phrase to use in polite company, but there it is. Another intriguing title from me, and yet another eyeshadow palette! They seem to come in batches – none for a while, and then suddenly, several you like all at once. First, there’s Becca’s Ombre Nudes, and now we have this gorgeous option from NARS, the Skin Deep Palette.
I mentioned I had several palettes, but only named two for now; not to worry, more are on the way. The world doesn’t really need more eyeshadow palettes, but if you’re like me, you probably still have one from 2003 sitting at the back of your drawer, proving that one mega-palette can last a lifetime. But hey, variety is the spice of life, right?
You might recall me raving about the Becca Ombre Nudes palette – a slim case with five neutral shadows in greige tones and a completely matte finish. It’s perfect for subtle eye contouring or smokiness. It’s like wearing no eyeshadow at all, similar to a complexion enhancer, allowing you to define lash lines or create illusions with eye creases and lifted corners.
But sometimes, I desire more than flat mattes. Although they’re classy, sometimes we need more excitement on our faces. Especially with summer coming, I crave more depth and richness in my makeup that mattes can’t provide. I want a touch of sparkle and a gentle shimmer that brightens my face and makes my eyes look more awake.
While I’m not getting into glittery territory here, I found a palette that seems neutral – my safe zone – yet offers richly pigmented mattes and shimmer-infused metals. The NARS Skin Deep Palette is quite different from the Ombre Nudes. Some shades are matte, but there’s a wider selection in terms of depth and undertones. Like Ombre Nudes, it’s not intimidating and fits well into a daily makeup routine.
It’s easy to integrate into any makeup routine – whether you’re going for a natural look or an all-out glam smokey eye, this palette has you covered, except for a rainbow of colors, which suits me just fine. When do I ever use electric blue or magenta?
There are countless neutral palettes available, but I love how this NARS option adds some fun too, beyond just contouring and subtle looks. You can create that natural effect, but the metallic and shimmer shadows also let you experiment with festive looks. For me, that means doing makeup for an hour and then maybe just watching Netflix.
What really excites me about this palette, enough to write about it, is the fabulous pigmentation of the shadows. It’s impressive. I haven’t used NARS shadows in some time, but the quality seems extraordinary now – so vivid, so intense, it’s like painting rather than applying makeup.
In researching these pigments, I found NARS uses something called Pigment Powder Suspension Technology. This means the pigment is in a “liquid binding system” making shadows long-lasting and vibrant.
The palette includes ten shadows with cool, warm, and neutral undertones in three finishes – six mattes, three shimmers, and one striking metallic. The lighter shimmers are great for highlights, and some cool-toned mattes can act as brow fillers. Although I think only one shade realistically works for brows, you might find differently!
Let me know if you’re interested in a video showcasing this palette or the Becca one. If you want more details on the shades, you can check it out at Space NK – it’s £56 and limited edition.
(As a quick update, Space NK currently has a gift with purchase promotion if you’re planning to spend on beauty products. Spend over £185 and get a GWP worth over £400, including skincare items and a personalized pouch by Coach.)
